Blog
New PSAs celebrate Smokey Bear's 65th birthday and promote wildfire prevention
Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Advertising Council joined today with the U.S. Forest Service and NASF to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to celebrate Smokey Bear's 65th birthday and provide critical information to Americans about wildfire prevention. The television, radio, print and online PSAs are being distributed prior to the July 4th holiday, a time when many people go camping, have outdoor BBQs and light fireworks.
House passes climate, energy bill with positive forestry provisions
Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009The U.S. House of Representatives passed the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009" (HR 2454) by a slim margin (219-212) on Friday. The bill contains a number of provisions important for state and private forestry.
Beetle kill adds complexity, danger to Western fire season
Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009Montana State Forester Bob Harrington and NASF Fire Director Dan Smith are quoted in a recent New York Times article about the millions of acres of dead trees in the West that could contribute to a more dangerous fire season. States' budgetary challenges this year could add to the danger. “There’s a potential for substantial reductions in capacity in many states,” said Smith.
Climate bill on the House floor today
Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009Renewable energy and climate legislation (HR 2998) as amended by Chairman Waxman is being considered on the House floor today. The bill contains a number of provisions important for state and private forestry in the U.S. In particular, the bill (among other things):
- Includes a broad definition of the types of renewable biomass which can contribute towards the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES).
- Corrects the definition of renewable biomass found in the Renewable Fuels Standard and makes it consistent with the RES.
- Guarantees carbon offset market opportunities will be available to forest landowners and agricultural producers.
- Gives primary oversight of forestry and agricultural carbon offset markets to USDA.
- Ensures that forest landowners who have previously participated in voluntary offset programs are eligible to participate in new offset markets while earning credits for prior carbon sequestration activities on their land.
- Includes adaptation funding on the national forests, national grasslands and state and private forest lands.
Scotland will use forests as 'green gyms' to combat health issues
Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009Scotland health officials are planning to use forests and woodland areas as "natural green gyms" to encourage people of all ages to get outdoors and help improve rates of heart disease, diabetes, depression, stress and obesity. The project will help landowners revitalise neglected woodland areas as part of a national £35m "Woods In and Around Towns" initiative.
Alabama seeks assistant state forester
Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009The Alabama Forestry Commission is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant State Forester. Information regarding the position and the application process can be found on the Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at http://www.forestry.alabama.gov/AFCEmployment.aspx
Boulder to remove hundreds of walnut trees infected by fungus
Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009Boulder, CO, forestry officials say the city will lose nearly the entire population of black walnut trees due to a fungus delivered via the black walnut twig beetle. The disease was first classified as a major tree-health issue in 2004 and is blamed for the death of nearly 700 walnut city trees since.
Major effort underway in New England to track transport of beetle-infested firewood
Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009Forestry officials in all six New England states, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as USDA, are tracking thousands of Worcester, Massachusetts, area residents to find Asian longhorned beetles they may have carried to campgrounds or vacation homes via firewood.
West Virginia Division of Forestry celebrates 100 years
Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 The WV Division of Forestry begins a yearlong celebration of its centennial starting July 1, 2009. "We not only want to remember the past as we celebrate our centennial this year, but we also want to have an eye to the future and explore new and innovative ways to better manage and protect West Virginia's forests," said State Forester Randy Dye. "The personnel of the Division of Forestry are committed to doing our best to ensure the continued health of our forests for another hundred years and beyond."
MT State Forester warns of fire risk from beetle damage
Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009Montana State Forester Bob Harrington warned state officials this week that the pine trees damaged and killed by beetles could provide fuel for major fires this year. Last fall the state was estimated to have 3 million acres of forests damaged by the pine beetles; that acreage of damaged pine trees could double this year.
New Mexico forestry employment opportunities
Posted on Monday, June 22, 2009The New Mexico Forest Industry Association (NMFIA) is seeking an Executive Director rto plan, develop, and implement policies and objectives of NMFIA in accordance with Board directives and is responsible for day-to-day operations ofNMFIA. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm MDT on July 15.
The Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute (FWRI) at New Mexico Highlands University is seeking a permanent Director for its operations. FWRI was established by Congress to develop, monitor, conduct research on, and transfer information about restoration-based fuel-reduction treatments in dry forests and woodlands of New Mexico.
Alaska researchers study the science of fire
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009Fire managers, forestry scientists and firefighter crews teamed near Fairbanks, AK, this week for the first leg of a project aimed at deciphering more about how fire behaves in Alaska’s boreal forests. The project’s conclusions will help managers recommend and follow policies aimed at guarding wildland from human activity and guarding cities and populated neighborhoods from wildfires.
Appropriations bill for Forest Service and Interior heads to the House floor
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009The House Appropriations Committee finished its markup of the fiscal 2010 spending bill for the Interior Department and Forest Service this week. The bill includes $2.77 billion for the U.S. Forest Service ($62 million above the President’s request and $154 million above 2009), including a $26.7 million increase over 2009 for the Forest Legacy Program. The spending bill also inclused $3.66 billion for wildland fire ($669 million above 2009 and $165 million above the President’s request). This includes $357 million for the new wildfire suppression contingency reserve accounts as requested by the President.
SD seeks service forester at Custer State Park
Posted on Thursday, June 18, 2009The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Parks and Recreation is seeking a Timber Management Forester to implement, coordinate, and administer forestry activities and programs within Custer State Park. Deadline for applications is July 7.
State Foresters congratulate new Forest Service chief Tom Tidwell
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009NASF praised the appointment of Tom Tidwell as Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, announced today by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "State Foresters look forward to working with Chief Tidwell on the pressing challenges facing all the nation's forests," said NASF President and Kentucky State Forester Leah W. MacSwords. "We are enthusiastic about new leadership in the Forest Service to further our joint efforts in tackling issues such as renewable biomass, insect and disease outbreaks, and the impacts of climate change."
Tom Tidwell appointed Chief of the Forest Service
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009USDA Press Release: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Tom Tidwell will serve as the new Chief for the U.S. Forest Service.
In an Associated Press interview, Tidwell says he will move quickly to ensure that his agency spends its $1.15 billion share of federal economic stimulus funding.
Four states ravaged by beetles ask for federal forest fire support
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009In a hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee this week, officials from Rocky Mountain states urged Congress to help them avert a potential catastrophe this summer, with millions of acres of beetle-ravaged pines prone to fire.
Regional differences often complicate progress in defining 'renewable biomass'
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009An article from E&E News analyzes differences among the West, Northeast and Southeast where lawmakers with substantial forest acreage in their home states are pushing to make more wood material available from both public and private lands in upcoming climate and energy legislation.
Canada readies $1B aid package for forestry industry
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009The U.S. is taking a "hard look" at a $1 billion dollar aid package the Canadian government is preparing to assist its forestry industry. The assistance is meant to offset $8 billion in subsidies given to U.S. as part of the 2006 Canada-U.S. softwood lumber agreement and will focus on ways to help forest companies become more environmentally efficient. This approach would take advantage of a so-called “safe harbour” clause within the agreement that permits government funding for environmental management, protection and conservation, as long as it does not affect timber prices.
Florida seeking champion trees
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009The Florida Division of Forestry is taking nominations for the Florida Champion Trees List, a collection of more than 260 trees deemed tops in their species. Nationwide, there are 733 champion trees, according to American Forests, which started keeping a national register in 1940. Champion criteria include diameter, height and spread of the crown.
Ag secretary Vilsack on offsets
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009A viable carbon offsets market — one that rewards farmers, ranchers and forest landowners for stewardship activities — has the potential to play a very important role in helping America address climate change while also providing a possible new source of revenue for landowners.
Study: hybrid American chestnut could help mitigate climate change
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009A Purdue University study shows that introducing a new hybrid of the American chestnut tree would not only bring back the all-but-extinct species, but also put a dent in the amount of carbon in the Earth's atmosphere. American chestnuts grow much faster and larger than other hardwood species, allowing them to sequester more carbon than other trees over the same period.
Dude, where's my cap and trade program?
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009Confused by cap-and-trade? Check out this humorous explanation of the carbon market and climate legislation from NPR's Morning Edition.
Texas to assess and remove thousands of trees damaged by Hurricane Ike
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009Texas forestry officials plan to launch a triage program in Galveston to determine how many of the 11,000 Hurricane Ike-damaged trees on city property can be salvaged. Removing the ravaged trees by the middle of September would allow the state to qualify for federal payments that could cover up to 75 percent of the city’s removal cost.
Comments sought on Forest Service proposal to merge Northeastern Area and Region 9
Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009A Federal Register notice has been issued for comments on the proposed Forest Service plan to merge the Northeastern Area with the Eastern Region (R9). The merger would place both units under one regional forester and integrate existing programs, to enable "a more cohesive forest management program to be developed and deployed." NASF is concerned with the implications for program delivery across a region of the country where the forests are 92% non-federally owned, and plans to submit comments. Deadline for comments is July 9, 2009.
Wilkes withdraws from nomination as Agriculture undersecretary
Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009Homer Lee Wilkes, President Obama's nominee to lead the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, withdrew his name from consideration this week, citing family and financial reasons. Wilkes was nominated in May as Agriculture undersecretary for natural resources and environment.
Forest Service, Ad Council launch new campaign to reconnect kids with nature
Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009The U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council are teaming up for a national public service advertising campaign to encourage children and their parents to re-connect with nature. Chief Gail Kimbell will unveil the campaign on June 13 at Denver City Park to coincide with National Get Outdoors Day. Children in the U.S. spend fifty percent less time outdoors than they did twenty years ago, according to the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.
[MORE: The Interior Department is also getting in on the effort to get kids outside. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed an order this week establishing the Office of Youth in Natural Resources to create more opportunities for children to get outdoors and inspire a new generation of conservation leaders.]CWSF/WFLC seeks executive director
Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009The Council of Western State Foresters/Western Forestry Leadership Coalition is seeking an Executive Director to provide leadership, coordination, strategic planning and public outreach on behalf of CWSF and WFLC. Please see http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/employment.html for complete position announcement and application details. Applications will be considered until the position is filled; however, applicants should submit application by July 17, 2009 for full consideration.
Sustainable forests key to Chesapeake's recovery
Posted on Tuesday, June 9, 2009"The cure for the ills plaguing our coveted Chesapeake Bay can be found in our trees." Gary G. Allen, chair of the Maryland-based Partnership for Sustainable Forestry.
NASF webinar on federal climate legislation available online
Posted on Thursday, June 4, 2009Audio and presentations from a recent NASF webinar on federal climate legislation is now available online. The webinar was hosted by NASF Forest Markets Committee Chair and Maine State Forester Alec Giffen; Ellen Hawes, Policy Analyst for Environment Northeast, and Jad Daley, Director of Northern New England Programs for The Trust for Public Land also helped lead the discussion.
Poll: those with green jobs have better sense of job security
Posted on Thursday, June 4, 2009More than two-thirds of workers with “green jobs” said attention on climate issues among governments and businesses had increased their sense of job security, according to the first Carbon Salary Survey by Reuters.
NASF vice president Steven Koehn testifies on future of nation's forests
Posted on Thursday, June 4, 2009Maryland State Forester and NASF Vice President Steven Koehn testified in Washington, DC, this week before the House Ag Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry. The object of the hearing was to discuss the future of forestry policy in the United States. "State Foresters believe it is important to reestablish effective programs that maintain and diversify markets even in difficult budget times," said Koehn. "Particularly when forests are being called upon to address national climate and renewable energy priorities." Statements from all witnesses can be viewed here.
Tokyo turns landfill into forest
Posted on Thursday, June 4, 2009With the help of renowned architect Tadao Ando, Tokyo officials have turned a man-made island of trash into a forest park that would host equestrian and mountain bike events as part of the city's bid to host the 2016 Olympics. Tens of thousands of fast-growing tree saplings have been planted since 2007.
Forest Service releases next wave of stimulus funding
Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2009A total of 106 projects in 31 states will be paid for with $228 million in economic stimulus funds as part of the $1.15 billion awarded to the Forest Service, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week.
WSJ reports building 'boom' in biomass power plants
Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2009As Congress works to set a renewable electricity standard, electric utilities in the Southeast and parts of the Midwest are beginning to build industrial-scale plants that burn biomass, and could receive significant federal tax credits for producing renewable energy. U.S. energy forecasters predict that by 2030, biomass will generate 4.5% of the kilowatts consumed in the U.S. [MORE: An editorial in the Oregonian urges Congress to include biomass from federal forests in current legislation]
California's growing carbon market -- a bright spot in a grim economy
Posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2009"California leads the world with regard to the role of forests in combating climate change," said Chris Kelly, California director for the Conservation Fund. In the next two years, CA is expected to roll out a statewide carbon market that may be expanded to other Western states. [MORE: Hundreds of state parks, reserves and beaches could face closure as part of Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposal to address the state's budget crisis.]
Yale study show polluted ecosystems can recover with public help
Posted on Tuesday, June 2, 2009A Yale University School of Forestry study suggests most polluted or damaged ecosystems can recover within a lifetime if there's a public commitment to the restoration. Researchers found that forest ecosystems recovered in 42 years on average, while ocean bottoms recovered in less than 10 years. Most ecosystems took longer to recover from human-induced disturbances than from natural events, such as hurricanes.
U.S. calls forests 'critical' to addressing climate
Posted on Tuesday, June 2, 2009Protecting tropical forests and using land in ways that absorb greenhouse-gas emissions are “critical” to fighting climate change, the U.S. said. Funding to reduce logging rates should come from government and private sources, as well as from international carbon markets, the U.S. proposed in a 5-page submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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