Understories

Utah's state-run nursery shutting down

smccreary — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:25:54 -0500

Lawmakers in Utah have cut funding for the Lone Peak Nursery in Draper, UT, which produces about a million young plants each year. It will stop operating June 30, 2009. There are private operations that sell native Utah plants but none that provide the quantities and types available at the state-run nursery.

USFS Assoc. Chief Sally Collins remarks at 2008 NASF Annual Meeting

smccreary — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:31:55 -0500

The U.S. Forest Service has posted remarks made by Associate Chief Sally Collins at the 2008 NASF Annual Meeting, where she reflected on "direct intervention" milestones that have been made in forestry in the last three years.

Trend: high fuel costs have people turning to firewood for heat this winter

smccreary — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:46:46 -0500

New York Times: Heating with Wood; Warm, Cozy and Cleaner
Christian Science Monitor: Wood heat rises again
Litchfield County Times: Wood Heat Is Getting Its Due
read more

Several efforts to create sustainability standard underway in agriculture industry

smccreary — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:19:45 -0500

A coalition of fresh produce buyers, grower-shippers, trade associations and consumer groups are launching a new project to define and measure sustainability. The effort comes on the heels of another draft standard already underway on sustainable agriculture led by the ANSI-accredited Leonardo Academy, which would be applied to all crops, whether fruits and vegetables, forestry, biofuels, or corn.

Pres. Bush declares October 16-25 National Forest Products Week

smccreary — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:41:52 -0400

From the White House: During National Forest Products Week, we highlight our country's commitment to protect and wisely use America's forests for our Nation's prosperity and well-being. Across our country, citizens rely on forest products to meet their daily needs. Our forests enable us to produce goods such as paper and furniture, provide raw materials such as lumber for homes and buildings, and offer job opportunities that bring economic security for many Americans.

Smokey Bear Awards -- Submit nominations by January 15, 2009

smccreary — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:48:52 -0400

The 2009 National Smokey Bear Awards nomination period is now open. This prestigious awards program annually recognizes organizations and/or individuals for outstanding service in wildfire prevention programs and helps highlight the important work being done to prevent human-caused wildfires. NASF is proud to partner once again with the U.S. Forest Service and The Advertising Council for this awards program. For more details on submitting a nomination, contact NASF.

Coalition established to reform truck weight limits related to ag and forest product hauling

smccreary — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:42:58 -0400

A coalition of agricultural and forest product hauling interests has formed a steering committee and work plan to try and reform truck weight limits on America's federal highway system. According to the group's website, the Agricultural Transportation Efficiency Coalition seeks to improve the efficiency of transporting raw agricultural and forest products from farms and forests to processing facilities.

NASF Office Closed September 29 - October 3

smccreary — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:50:01 -0400

The NASF Washington DC office will be closed next week while members and staff are attending the 86th Annual Meeting in Hyannis, MA. Regular business hours will resume Monday, October 6. There will be no NASF Washington Weekly Report next week; publication will resume Friday, October 10.

AFF seeking nominations for NRCS award for forest stewardship

smccreary — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:26:55 -0400

The American Forest Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2008 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Award for Forest Stewardship. This award recognizes NRCS State Conservationists for outstanding technical and financial assistance to private forestland owners on forest conservation activities. Any individual, organization, agency, and others may nominate an NRCS State Conservationist for this award.

2009 Arbor Day Awards: call for nominations

smccreary — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:20:50 -0400

The Arbor Day Foundation is now seeking nominations for the 2009 Arbor Day Awards Program, which recognizes individuals, organizations, projects and communities for their extraordinary efforts in tree planting, conservation, stewardship, education, and the celebration of Arbor Day. Email education@arborday.org or visit arborday.org/programs/awards/nominate.cfm to submit a nomination. Deadline is November 15, 2008.