Director Tony Ferguson Takes the Helm 
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.-August 15 was Tony Ferguson's first day as director of the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry. Tony's education and background in geology has already shown its relevancy-during his second week in Newtown Square, the Mineral, VA, earthquake rocked the building, sending employees into a quandary. He did apologize, however, for "shaking things up so much." You can reach Tony at the headquarters office, 11 Campus Blvd., Suite 200, Newtown Square, PA 19073, Phone 610-557-4103, FAX 610-557-4177, e-mail tferguson@fs.fed.us. Read more. |
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Power IT Down
 DURHAM, N.H.-One computer, monitor, printer, and empty cell phone charger waste a total of 4.3 kilowatt hours from Friday evening to Monday morning. This amount of energy could be used to burn a 100-watt light bulb for more than 40 hours. If every Federal government employee powered down every weekend, the energy savings would be about $40 million per year! Friday August 26 has been designated "Power IT Down Day" to save energy and to call attention to all of the electrical equipment that continues to draw power when left on or plugged in. The Sustainable Operations Team encourages you to participate. After August 26 continue to "Power IT Down" every day as is feasible, or at least every Friday and before long weekends and vacations.
There are ways to power down easily if you have multiple pieces of equipment. Some plug their computer and accessories into one power strip within easy reach, so they can shut down all equipment with a flick of one switch. Some offices have installed digital timers to automatically power down shared printers each night. Also available are "smart" strips that automatically shut down peripherals when the computer shuts down and occupancy-sensor models that power down when you have been away from the desk for a period of time. Power down at home too. Not only will you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint, you could see a drop in your energy bill. Read more. |
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Living Memorial Commemorates Victims of September 11, 2001
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.-The Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry provided funding through the Living Memorial Project in 2006 to plant 90 trees at the World Trade Center Site Memorial in Manhattan. These are among nearly 400 trees that have been carefully tended in New Jersey for the last 5 years and will complete the project for the 10-year anniversary. The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum recently decided to release 40 sweetgum trees to the Flight 93 National Memorial as part of the commemorative events in Shanksville, PA. These trees will represent the 40 passengers that gave up their lives in the fateful plane crash there. A ceremonial planting was held on July 30. Read more. |
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ReGreening Springfield, MA, after June Tornado
DURHAM, N.H.-At the request of the Massachusetts State Forester and the City Forester, the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry worked with the  Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association to bring more than 20 certified arborists to Springfield, MA. The team assessed the current condition of hundreds of standing trees, and identified the location of more than 2,000 new planting sites. A ReGreen Springfield Coalition has been formed. John Parry of the Durham, NH, Field Office and Phil Rodbell of the Newtown Square Office helped to lead the 3-week deployment. The Forest Service Southern Region provided digital data recorders, GPS tracking devices, safety gear, and other equipment. Volunteers came from neighboring state forestry agencies in New York and Connecticut, as well as cities, towns, and college campus staff across New England. |
Purple Prism Traps Noticed in Trees
Three-dimensional triangular traps were hung in ash trees this spring and summer in 48 states, to monitor emerald ash borer infestations and to locate new ones. This introduced insect pest uses all 16 native species of ash as hosts, killing the trees in the process. Both the purple color and chemical lures attract the flying adult beetles to the traps, if they are present in an area. The traps are being monitored throughout the summer and will be removed in fall. The survey is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and State or Tribal cooperators. Read more. |
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Officials Ask Residents to Watch for Asian Longhorned Beetle
WORCESTER, Mass.-In Worcester, where the beetle has caused the removal of thousands of trees, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray declared August Asian Longhorned Beetle Awareness Month. The beetle has also been found in Boston. The goal in Massachusetts is to keep the beetle from spreading. Residents are key in spotting new infestations. Read more.
HARRISBURG, Pa.-In Pennsylvania, where the Asian longhorned beetle has not been found, Agriculture Secretary George Greig asked the public to help keep it out by knowing how to recognize the beetle, not moving firewood and logs, and reporting suspected sightings promptly. The summer is when adult beetles are active, primarily on maple trees. Read more. |
