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News and Media

newsletterThe NASF Washington Weekly Report is an e-newsletter that is distributed via email every Friday afternoon. The newsletter is a digest of the NASF Blog and contains brief items of interest to NASF constituents, including media coverage of congressional activities, forestry-related science and technology, and upcoming events. If you would like to subscribe to the NASF Washington Weekly Report, submit your email via our website, or contact NASF directly.

Subject: 'NASF Washington Weekly Report 07-09-10'


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Number Sent: 1207

The NASF Washington Weekly Report

Wildfire

NASF issues briefing paper on identifying communities at risk

Identifying communities at risk and prioritizing projects to reduce wildfire risk is a national effort. The NASF Forest Fire Protection Committee has prepared a briefing paper, "Identifying Communities at Risk and Prioritizing Risk-Reduction Projects," intended to provide national guidance for identifying communities at risk, conducting planning efforts that are consistent with national initiatives, and to reinforce the role of NASF in setting priorities, effecting progress, and measuring success toward reduction of wildfire risk for America's communities.

Florida 'recycles' old fire lookout towers

Florida has found a diminishing need for fire towers, with ongoing urban growth and technology including aircraft, cell phones, radar and satellites to scout for brush fires. State officials say selling some old towers is a way for the state to cut costs and make a few dollars, considering that an increasing number of towers are sitting idle.

Pests and Disease

APHIS releases risk assessment of firewood movement

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has just released a "Risk Assessment of the Movement of Firewood within the United States" (PDF) The Risk Assessment concludes that "Movement of firewood is a high-risk pathway for spreading non-native and native forest pests in the United States.

Inchworms eating their way through Alaskan forests

An infestation of inchworms in Alaska has devastated native trees and shrubs, with some of the worst areas experiencing complete defoliation.

Asian longhorned beetle found in Boston

The Asian longhorned beetle that is threatening many of New England's forests has been discovered in Boston, across the street from the country's oldest public arboretum. Teams of tree climbers and spotters, sent in by federal officials, have begun examining every tree vulnerable to the beetle within 1.5 miles.

Biomass Energy

Forest Service and U.S. Endowment launch biomass partnership

The USDA Forest Service and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities have developed a joint-venture designed to advance sustainable uses of woody biomass. Each organization has committed a minimum of $2 million in the initial phase of the partnership. Funded projects will provide at least a 50% local match extending the reach of the initiative to more than $6 million. Several projects are already in the pipeline and will be announced soon.

Biomass battle heats up in Massachusetts

Biomass-plant developers have blasted the Massachusetts governor's move to curtail use of wood-burning power plants in the state, saying the decision was based on a "mischaracterized" environmental study. Even some of the authors of the “Manomet” report blamed the media for distorting what the report found.

Meanwhile, Stop Spewing Carbon, a group working to get a ballot question before voters to stop state financial incentives for wood-burning power plants, pulled the question after the state signaled it would fundamentally alter how it calculates the plants' greenhouse gas emission benefits.

Sustainable Forestry

Suit filed to halt GM tree planting

In May, USDA issued a permit for ArborGen to plant field tests of genetically modified Eucalyptus trees on 28 sites in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. The goal is to use the fast-growing trees for pulp and biomass. A coalition of environmental groups have filed suit to stop the planting, charging that USDA granted ArborGen the permit with minimal environmental review.

European parliament approves illegal timber ban

The European Parliament voted this week to pass legislation banning the import and sale of timber obtained through illegal logging. The new rules will close a loophole that has made it possible for European firms to import and sell timber that has been logged illegally in countries such as Brazil and Indonesia.

Understories

Bask in the forest for better health

In a series of studies, scientists found that when people swap their concrete confines for a few hours in more natural surroundings — forests, parks and other places with plenty of trees — they experience increased immune function.

If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to this message with REMOVE in the subject line. To subscribe, visit www.stateforesters.org. Any links to external content are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as an endorsement by NASF of the content or views of the linked materials; NASF reserves the right to refuse to publish any content. For story ideas or feedback, please contact the editor at smccreary@stateforesters.org.

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National Association of State Foresters Hall of the States 444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 540 Washington DC 20001 map

 
1:46 pm July 9, 2010 | | RSS 2.0
July 9, 2010

Subject: 'NASF Washington Weekly Report 07-02-10'


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Number Sent: 1192

The NASF Washington Weekly Report

NASF News

New Smokey Bear PSAs arrive in time for July 4th

The Advertising Council has joined with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) and an educational DVD for elementary school students designed to provide critical information to Americans about wildfire prevention. The PSAs and DVD are being distributed prior to the July 4th holiday, a time when many people go camping, have outdoor BBQs and light fireworks. NASF wishes all its members and friends a safe and happy Independence Day!

NASF participates in America's Great Outdoors listening sessions

NASF representatives joined hundreds of participants at a "listening and learning session" recently in Annapolis, MD, and Charleston, SC, as part of President Obama's "America's Great Outdoors" initiative, which aims to reconnect people to the environment and bring science-based techniques to restoring land and water.

The secretaries of agriculture and the interior, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the chair of the Council on Environmental Quality are attending meetings around the country to solicit input. A report will be submitted to the president by November 15. For more information about upcoming listening sessions, visit http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors

Congress in Context

Ag appropriations bill passes with conservation funding intact

The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously approved a $23 billion Agriculture appropriations bill this week. It keeps intact major spending boosts for energy and conservation that lawmakers set two years ago, and rejects significant cuts that threatened the Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Grasslands Reserve Program, Farmland Protection Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

Biomass Energy

USDA announces woody biomass utilization grant projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week the award of more than $4.2 million in grants to 13 small businesses and community groups developing innovative renewable energy projects and new product development using woody biomass from hazardous fuel reduction projects on National Forest land.

Understories

'Working Forest' film explores landowner perspectives

A Working Forest: Its Future with Fire, People, and Wildlife, is a new documentary film produced by forester Bob Williams and hosted by Rolling Stones keyboardist and tree farmer Chuck Leavell. The film explores issues from wildlife habitat to conservation from the land owner perspective. Visit the film's website for more information.

Personnel

MillionTreesNYC Manager, New York Restoration Project

New York Restoration Project is seeking a MillionTreesNYC Manager, who will provide project management assistance in all aspects of implementing NYRP's MillionTreesNYC campaign to plant one million new trees throughout the city's five boroughs over the next decade.

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Educator, Forest Resources

The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is seeking a Coös County Extension Educator, Forest Resources. All applications must be submitted on-line with cover letter and resume attached to the UNH Human Resources website by July 23 (click on "Search Postings" and search for Operating Title "Extension Educator").

North Carolina Division of Forest Resources seeks Utilization Forester

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Forest Resources, is seeking a Utilization Forester position in Raleigh, NC, to deliver statewide program in forest products utilization & marketing.

 

If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to this message with REMOVE in the subject line. To subscribe, visit www.stateforesters.org. Any links to external content are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as an endorsement by NASF of the content or views of the linked materials; NASF reserves the right to refuse to publish any content. For story ideas or feedback, please contact the editor at smccreary@stateforesters.org.

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National Association of State Foresters Hall of the States 444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 540 Washington DC 20001 map

 
4:10 pm July 1, 2010 | | RSS 2.0
July 1, 2010

Subject: 'NASF Washington Weekly Report 07-16-10'


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Number Sent: 1215

The NASF Washington Weekly Report

Sustainable Forestry

USDA projects to improve natural resources on private agricultural and forest lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced 26 projects in 15 states that will help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI). USDA will provide nearly $7 million in financial assistance in fiscal year 2010 through CCPI, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). CCPI works through three existing programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)—to leverage additional services and resources from non-federal partners. 

FSC harmonizes regional forest standards

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has revised its Forest Management Standard for forest operations in the contiguous U.S. by integrating nine regional standards into a single, national standard. Regional variation is maintained in key areas of forest management and conservation where local conditions, including forest types and ecological processes, warrant different management techniques, according to the organization.

WFLC releases 'Threats to Western Forests' report

The Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) recently released "Threats to Western Private Forests: A Framework for Conserving and Enhancing the Benefits from Private Working Forests in the Western U.S." The report offers recommendations focused on climate change, markets for forest products and ecosystem services, and improved social appreciation for forests and sustainable forest management. For more information, visit http://wflccenter.org/forestthreats.

Forests and Finance

NGA survey shows state budgets still in decline

Findings from the biannual report, "The Fiscal Survey of States," released by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) last month, show fiscal year 2010 presented the most difficult challenge for states' financial management since the Great Depression. To address falling revenues and meet balanced budget requirements, states have dramatically reduced spending from $687.3 billion in fiscal 2008 to $612.9 billion in fiscal 2010. States will have to make additional spending cuts or increase taxes to close their budget gaps, according to the report.

Diversifying a portfolio with timber

Some investment strategists call timber “a perfect investment” for someone with a time horizon of, say, 20 years or more. Over the last few years, exchange-traded funds have been introduced that provide easier access to the diversification benefits of timber.

Personnel

Pacific Forest Trust job opportunities

The Pacific Forest Trust has two current job opportunities: Vice President - Policy and Incentives, and Vice President - Conservation. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.pacificforest.org/about/jobs.html.

Washington DNR seeks Southeast Region Manager

The Washington Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Southeast Region Manager, responsible for field implementation of most DNR programs within 15 southeast Washington counties. The position also participates in the development of natural resource policies. Download the full job announcement here

If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to this message with REMOVE in the subject line. To subscribe, visit www.stateforesters.org. Any links to external content are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as an endorsement by NASF of the content or views of the linked materials; NASF reserves the right to refuse to publish any content. For story ideas or feedback, please contact the editor at smccreary@stateforesters.org.

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National Association of State Foresters Hall of the States 444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 540 Washington DC 20001 map

 
3:17 pm July 16, 2010 | | RSS 2.0
July 16, 2010

Subject: 'NASF Washington Weekly Report 07-23-10'


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Number Sent: 1215

The NASF Washington Weekly Report

1.) Dems pull the plug on climate bill
2.) Scientists urge use of renewable biomass to meet energy and climate goals
3.) Forest Service releases 'roadmap' for climate change action
4.) New tool available for assessing climate change impacts and management options
5.) Worms, fungi wreak havoc on pine trees in Oklahoma
6.) Continental Dialogue meets October 5-6; registration now open
7.) Illegal logging has declined internationally
8.) First-of-its-kind map from NASA depicts global forest heights
9.) Ethiopia triples its forest cover through reforestation
10.) New coalition focuses on wildfire threat in the wildland-urban interface
11.) Wildfire prevention pays dividends in Florida, says study
12.) Jan Davis selected as new USFS assistant director of urban & community forestry
13.) North Carolina seeks ARRA Longleaf Program Coordinator

Congress in Context

Dems pull the plug on climate bill

The effort to advance a major climate change bill through the Senate this summer collapsed this week. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) said the Senate would not take up legislation intended to reduce carbon emissions blamed as a cause of climate change, but would instead pursue a response to the oil spill in the Gulf and stronger energy efficiency standards.

Scientists urge use of renewable biomass to meet energy and climate goals

More than 100 scientists signed a letter to House (PDF) and Senate (PDF) leaders this week expressing their concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency's "Tailoring Rule" and other policies that equate emissions from biomass energy with fossil fuel emissions.

Climate

Forest Service releases 'roadmap' for climate change action

The USDA Forest Service has released a "National Roadmap for Responding to Climate Change" (PDF) that identifies agency priorities linked to USDA's Strategic Plan. The Roadmap lays out actions to incorporate adaptation, mitigation, sustainable consumption, and education objectives into existing programs and policies. The document acknowledges that climate issues are not limited to national forest boundaries and pledges to take an "all lands approach" to "devise and implement solutions that operate across jurisdictions at a landscape scale."

MORE: Read NASF's recommendations on advancing a shared vision for the nation's forests based on an all-lands approach to conservation. 

New tool available for assessing climate change impacts and management options

The USDA Forest Service Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center has announced that the Template for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Management Options (TACCIMO) is now ready to use. TACCIMO is an interactive, web-based tool that allows users to integrate current climate change science into land management planning decisions.

Pests and Disease

Worms, fungi wreak havoc on pine trees in Oklahoma

A disease called pine wilt is being blamed for an outbreak of dead and dying pine trees across Oklahoma. Nematodes, tiny worms, get to pine trees on the backs of beetles and kill trees. The trees most susceptible to pine wilt are aged and/or non-native species.

Continental Dialogue meets October 5-6; registration now open

Registration is now open for the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest Insects and Diseases, October 5-6, 2010 at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. The meeting will feature talks on curtailing pest introductions, various pathways of spread, the issue of firewood movement, citizen detection efforts, and more.

Forestry Around the World

Illegal logging has declined internationally

Illegal logging of tropical woodland has fallen sharply, providing welcome news for nearly billion of the world's poorest people who are dependent on forests, according to the London think tank Chatham House.

First-of-its-kind map from NASA depicts global forest heights

Using NASA satellite data, scientists have produced a first-of-its kind map that details the height of the world's forests. Although there are other local- and regional-scale forest canopy maps, the new map is the first that spans the entire globe based on one uniform method.

Ethiopia triples its forest cover through reforestation

The total forest cover of Ethiopia has tripled in size since 2000 as a result of large-scale reforestation campaigns. High demand for fuel wood and land for agriculture caused Ethiopia's forest cover to drop, but the country planted more than 700 million trees in 2007 alone, according to the United Nations.

Wildfire

New coalition focuses on wildfire threat in the wildland-urban interface

The International Code Council and the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils have formed the National Wildland Urban Interface Council (NWUIC) to address challenges associated with the growing threat from wildfires in urban neighborhoods that border wildland areas.

Wildfire prevention pays dividends in Florida, says study

A study by USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station scientists and research partners suggests that wildfire prevention education in Florida pays for itself several times over by saving millions of dollars in fire-fighting costs and reducing damages from human-caused fires. Researchers published their findings in a recent issue of the journal Forest Science.

Personnel

Jan Davis selected as new USFS assistant director of urban & community forestry

Jan Davis has been selected as the new USDA Forest Service Assistant Director for Urban & Community Forestry. Jan currently serves as the Planning and Forest Policy Coordinator and Stewardship Coordinatorfor the Texas Forest Service, and will begin her new role in early September.

North Carolina seeks ARRA Longleaf Program Coordinator

The NC Division of Forest Resources, Technical Development & Planning Branch is recruiting for an ARRA Longleaf Program Coordinator.  Opening closes on 7/30/10.

If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to this message with REMOVE in the subject line. To subscribe, visit www.stateforesters.org. Any links to external content are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as an endorsement by NASF of the content or views of the linked materials; NASF reserves the right to refuse to publish any content. For story ideas or feedback, please contact the editor at smccreary@stateforesters.org.

.

National Association of State Foresters Hall of the States 444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 540 Washington DC 20001 map

 
9:52 am July 23, 2010 | | RSS 2.0
July 23, 2010