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.

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