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.

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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.

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