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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