Blog
NY Division of Plant Industry seeks director
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009The NY Division of Plant Industry seeks a director to oversee a variety of statewide activities relating to the plant pests and diseases, plant growers and distributors, and inspection/labeling/sale/distribution of plant materials. Forward letter of interest and resume by September 1, 2009. Visit the Employment section of the NASF website for full job description.
Deadline extended for removal of dead trees in Galveston
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009An extension of the federal deadline for clearing an estimated 40,000 trees killed by salt water from Hurricane Ike will give Galveston, TX, officials time to deal with a groundswell of discontent over the removal program's rapid pace.
Intense fire season predicted for the West
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009Forest Service researchers are predicting a hot, dry and a bad fire year for much of the West. Higher-than-normal fire levels are expected in most of Texas, the Southwest, California and the Pacific Northwest this year, with huge fires projected for much of Northern California and the Sierra Nevada range.
World’s largest firefighting aircraft demonstrated in Alaska
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009As part of a pitch to Alaska forestry officials, Evergreen International Aviation brought a converted Boeing 747-100, dubbed the Evergreen Supertanker,to Fairbanks for a test drop on an unspecified Railbelt Complex fire this week. Evergreen said the beefy jet can drop more than 20,000 gallons of retardant while skimming just 300 feet above the ground.
Gypsy moth populations down in parts of the northeast
Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009Gypsy moth populations in states like Maryland and Pennsylvania are down, thanks to the spread of a virus that kills the tree-eating catepillars as well as several wet springs that promoted a fungus that also leads to the demise of the larvae. The decline in the pest is not stopping state forestry agencies from preparing for a spray-control programs next spring, if needed.
Cities feel ignored in climate debate
Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2009There is a growing effort among major U.S. cities to have a louder voice in the climate debate as the Senate prepares to unveil its version of the bill in September. Cities together produce about 75 percent of the world's carbon and are home to half the planet's people, according to the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
In New England, uncertainty about biomass remains
Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009Supporters say biomass is an important renewable energy source because it can easily be replenished by planting new trees, which will, over time, absorb the greenhouse gases that power plants emit. But some critics in New England are ratcheting up the public scrutiny over a lack of definitions and rules on what can truly be called "sustainable" biomass.
Climate hearing addresses benefits of cap and trade to farmers and foresters
Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009In a hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and other Obama administration officials argued that the economic opportunities of cap and trade for farmers and foresters could outpace the costs. Among the witnesses was Jo Pierce, a family tree farmer representing the Forest Climate Working Group.
SFI ecosystem services webinar with ForestTrends - August 27
Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009SFI will co-host a webinar with ForestTrends covering the latest in the development of ecosystem services markets Thursday, August 27, 2009, 1-2:00 pm (EDT). Visit www.sfiprogram.org/webinars for more information about all sessions in SFI's webinar series. To RSVP, email Lisa Fox, SFI Marketing Coordinator (lisa.fox@sfiprogram.org).
NASF fall forest policy internship opportunity
Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009The National Association of State Foresters is seeking qualified candidates for an internship opportunity in Washington, DC. Advanced undergraduate or graduate students at SAF-accredited forestry schools with strong interest in forest policy. Applications must be received by August 14, 2009.
LA Times feature on Smokey Bear at 65
Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009As Smokey Bear turns 65, the Los Angeles Times takes a front-page look at the national icon's message, history and management.
RFP: Kentucky state assessment & strategy writing project
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009NASF is requesting proposals from qualified firms/consultants to write the Kentucky Statewide Assessment of Forest Resources and Strategy based on issues, an outline, template and GIS data provided by the state. Deadline for proposals is August 17, 2009. Click here to read the full RFP.
Researchers investigate wood's strength and flexibility in earthquakes
Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009Researchers and engineers in Japan recently used the world's largest shake table to investigate how to make buildings made out of wood -- a cheap, sustainable building material -- earthquake-proof.
Forest Service conducts forest inventory of U.S. Virgin Islands
Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009This month the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) will initiates the second-ever inventory of the forests of U.S. Virgin Islands. The survey begins on the island of St. John and continues an effort to measure and monitor the public and private forest lands of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. "Our goal is to help residents, legislators and agencies understand the uniqueness of island ecosystems and the significant ecological changes that they have been experiencing recently," said Tom Brandeis, forest researcher with the SRS Forest Inventory and Analysis program. "With better information, resource managers can take steps to reinforce desirable trends and mitigate undesirable trends."
Scientists moving tree species in response to climate change
Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009In a process known as "assisted migration," biologists in British Columbia are planting tree species in regions where they have never resided before in an effort to provide the species a home in the climate of the future.
NASF president testifies on the FLAME Act
Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009NASF president and Kentucky State Forester Leah W. MacSwords testified at a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today on behalf of the Partner Caucus on Fire Suppression Funding Solutions. The members of the Partner Caucus urge passage of the FLAME Act (S. 561) that would create a partitioned wildfire suppression account to fund emergency fires. The FLAME Fund would eliminate the depletion of other Forest Service and Interior programs that occurs in the face of escalating emergency suppression costs.
Urban and community forestry funding survey results
Posted on Friday, July 17, 2009The Alliance for Community Trees (ACT) reports on the results of the California ReLeaf project that surveyed all fifty states to identify and explore potential stable funding sources for urban and community forestry. The report reflects the state of funding perceived by Urban and Community Forestry Coordinators from 2007 through 2008. The majority (76%) of those surveyed were pursuing alternatives to federal funding such as increased or diversified state funding and private and nonprofit partnerships.
Forests can't keep up with CO2 in Adirondacks
Posted on Friday, July 17, 2009One of the largest intact forests in the northeastern U.S. is unable to offset the greenhouse gases produced by its relatively sparse human population, according to the results of a first-ever energy and greenhouse gas audit for Adirondack Park.
Editorial: climate bill needs incentives for forest owners like me, says Rolling Stone musician
Posted on Friday, July 17, 2009An editorial in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Chuck Leavell, the keyboardist for the Rolling Stones and a board member of the American Forest Foundation, highlights the implication of climate legislation on the small forest landowner. "There are 10 million family forest owners like me who want to do their part to address climate change. Creating a modest revenue stream for carbon-enhancing forest activities is the key."
Congressmen form bipartisan Healthy Forests Caucus
Posted on Friday, July 17, 2009U.S. Representatives Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Greg Walden (R-OR) have formed the "Congressional Healthy Forests Caucus," a bipartisan group designed to promote forest-friendly policies and the role of the nation's forests in economic recovery and environmental sustainability.
"Too often [the] potential benefits [of forests] are overlooked when drafting forest policy; our caucus aims to educate our Congressional colleagues on the economic and environmental benefits of smart forest policy," said Schrader.
Oregon calls for public input in state assessment and resource strategy process
Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has begun work on its assessment of the state’s current forest resources and is seeking public involvement in the process during 2009. ODF issued a press release to get the word out and promote awareness of the project. Every state will produce a Forest Assessment and Resource Strategy as part of the 2008 Farm Bill requirements for federal cooperative programs. In Oregon, the document will also serve as a cornerstone for the Oregon Board of Forestry's 2011 update of the Forestry Program for Oregon and determine future priorities for ODF’s operating programs.
For more information about state assessments nationwide, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/redesign/resourcecenter.shtml.
Forest Guild seeks executive director
Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009The Forest Guild is seeking qualified candidates for an Executive Director. Headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Forest Guild is a national organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals dedicated to promoting environmentally and socially responsible forest management. Send resume and cover letter to search@forestguild.org; deadline to apply is August 31.
May storms caused $12M in damage to Missouri forests
Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009Storms that rampaged through Missouri last May with winds of up to 90 mph damaged hundreds of millions of board feet of timber on 113,000 acres, according to the Department of Conservation. Of this total, 68,102 acres are private land, 28,717 are on the Mark Twain National Forest, and 7,722 acres are on conservation areas. State Forester Lisa Allen called the damage "heartbreaking," but also noted that "catastrophes like this one have always played a role in shaping our forests. What we do in the wake of the storm ultimately will outweigh the damage done."
Senate won't tackle climate bill until after September recess
Posted on Thursday, July 9, 2009Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer told reporters Thursday that work on the climate bill has been put off until after Congress returns from the recess that ends in early September.
Ann Mills to serve as USDA deputy under secretary over NRCS
Posted on Thursday, July 9, 2009Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week the appointment of Ann Mills as USDA deputy under secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). The NRE mission area includes the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service. Under NRE, Mills will have responsibility for NRCS, while Jay Jensen provides oversight of the Forest Service. An under secretary for NRE has yet to be appointed.
Money quote: Vilsack on forests and climate change
Posted on Thursday, July 9, 2009"I believe it is crucial that we engage the participation of farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This issue is too important for agriculture and forestry to sit on the sidelines." USDA Secretary Vilsack at a July 7 hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on the role that rural America can play in addressing climate change. Click here to read more of Vilsacks testimony related to carbon offsets, cap and trade, and renewable energy.
DOT, HUD and EPA form Partnership for Sustainable Communities
Posted on Thursday, July 9, 2009Three federal agencies -- the U.S. Departments of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- have created the Partnership for Sustainable Communities to coordinate federal transportation, environmental protection and housing investments. The intiative is based on six "livability principles." Number six, "Value communities and neighborhoods," appears to create opportunities for urban and community forestry investments.
Wood pellets become trend for renewable energy source
Posted on Wednesday, July 8, 2009From the Wall Street Journal: A global marketplace is emerging to feed the growing appetite for wood pellets, and the Southeastern U.S. is becoming a major exporter, with pellet factories sprouting in Florida, Alabama and Arkansas.
NRCS seeks CA state forester
Posted on Wednesday, July 8, 2009The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking a state forester in California. This position provides statewide leadership, technical assistance and coordination for NRCS forestry activities and programs in California. For a full job description and application information, visit USA Jobs (http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=81840539).
NACD names Loudenslager as new CEO
Posted on Wednesday, July 8, 2009The National Association of Conservation Districts has announced that Doug Loudenslager will be the association's new chief executive officer, effective July 13, 2009. Loudenslager most recently served as the chief operating officer for the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation in Indianapolis, IN.
NASF wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July
Posted on Thursday, July 2, 2009Happy Fourth of July from NASF! Don't forget to practice and encourage safety with fireworks and all flammable materials this holiday. Be smart outdoors!
HFF grant application deadline: August 7, 2009
Posted on Wednesday, July 1, 2009The Hardwood Forestry Fund is seeking applications for 2010 hardwood tree planting and natural regeneration projects on public land that is managed for multiple-use including timber production. The next application deadline is August 7, 2009. Foresters who manage state forestland are encouraged to apply. Please visit the Hardwood Forestry Fund's new website http://www.hardwoodforestryfund.org for guidelines and application form. For more information, contact info@hardwoodforestryfund.org or call 703-503-1155.
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