Oak trees can be found all over the world, but they save their full display for the United States. More than 50 species of oak grow from coast to coast, and in a few unique places like Michigan, still form the basis for a rare and valuable ecosystem known as oak savannas. For wildlife as [read more]
As everyone reads this article on their respective computer screens, it’s hard to escape the sense that Americans are less connected to the outdoors. Not only does this have negative consequences for our personal health, it can have impacts on our local environment if we aren’t careful. For instance, water quality suffers from issues like [read more]
Under section 8204 of the Farm Bill, states are given the opportunity to request desgination of landscape-scale insect & disease infestation areas on National Forest System lands managed by the USDA Forest Service. To date, 36 states have submitted requests to the Forest Service for such designations under the Farm Bill authority. NASF is encouraged [read more]
The Senate Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing on Feb. 27th to examine the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Committee expressed concern that the act was being used to further other policy goals, was subject to excessive litigation, was not being successful in recovering species, that settlement negotiations were secret, and that data [read more]
North Dakota State Forester Larry Kotchman received the “2013 Professional Award” from the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts at their 75th annual meeting held this month in Fargo. The Professional Award is given to an individual who has for many years contributed significantly to soil and water conservation accomplishments that have resulted in [read more]
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) very own, State Forester Steve Koehn, was honored with an environmental award, the Special Recognition Watershed Campion award, for his leadership in the wise and sustainable use of Maryland’s forest resources. Working with DNR’s Forest Service for the past two decades, Koehn has pioneered initiatives that made strong [read more]
In response to this week's address on climate change by President Obama, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) issued the press release urging the Administration to maintain a key role for forests in mitigating and adapting to the effects of a changing climate. NASF also took the opportunity to share important information regarding the [read more]
With support from the NASF Foundation and NASF have chosen the 2013 Photography Fellow. This year's fellow, Joel Prince of Ohio, was chosen from a pool of candidates who submitted their applications and portfolios earlier this month. The theme for this year's photo fellowship is "Embrace the Possibilities." "The phrase, “Embrace the Possibilities,” immediately stirs [read more]
Last week the Maryland General Assembly passed HB 706, more commonly referred to as the Forest Preservation Act of 2013. State Forester Steve Koehn was integral facilitating the process that provided the General Assembly with the background and information to support the passage of the Forest Preservation Act of 2013. The bill recognizes that the [read more]
NASF has been giving our Smokey Bear and other fire prevention educational materials a makeover! Our online Educational Materials Store has the perfect items to complement your outreach efforts. You'll find new items like Smokey temporary tattoos, pencils and zipper pulls, and don't miss our new bookmark and postcards with classic Smokey artwork. Don't forget [read more]
