Maryland Passes Landmark Forest Legislation
ANNAPOLIS, Md.--Last week, Maryland's General Assembly passed the Forest Preservation Act of 2013, which now awaits the Governor's signature.  | |
View from the front steps of the Maryland State Capitol, Annapolis (Photo: J. Stephen Conn)
|
As a result of former iterations of this bill, the Department of Natural Resources and Maryland's Sustainable Forestry Council recommended a "no net forest loss" definition of 40 percent state tree canopy land cover--a definition based on satellite imagery of existing tree canopy. This exciting new legislation establishes new and expands existing incentives and reforestation tools to help private landowners, local governments, and the state maintain its current tree canopy, improve water quality, and support community sustainability through forests and trees. Read more. Home |
|
"Foresters for the Birds" Project Earns National Recognition
 | |
(From left to right) Roger Monthey, U.S. Forest Service Durham Field Office; Michael Snyder, Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner; Kristen Sharpless, Audubon Vermont; Jim Shallow, Audubon Vermont; Mary Wagner, Associate Chief, U.S Forest Service. (Photo: Sean Kelley)
|
DURHAM, N.H.--An innovative project supported by the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (NA S&PF), "Foresters for the Birds: Helping Landowners Integrate Timber and Forest Birds," received a U.S. Forest Service Wings Across the Americas habitat conservation award recently. "It's the strong partnership between foresters, biologists, and woodland owners that makes this project unique," said NA S&PF Forest Stewardship Representative Roger Monthey at the March 27 award ceremony during the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, VA. Nearly 53,000 acres of forest land on 77 privately owned properties in Vermont received habitat assessments by Audubon conservation biologists through the program. Vermont is home to some of the highest diversities of breeding birds in the continental United States.
Home
|
|
New Book: Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?
 | |
The book was written by Roberta Burzynski and illustrated by Juliette Watts, two long-time NA S&PF employees who work out of Newtown Square.
|
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.--On April 26 the U.S. Forest Service, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (NA S&PF), will release a nonfiction children's picture book that discusses why trees are sometimes cut down. Some children and adults are unaware that it is necessary to cut some trees down. The book is intended to raise awareness of the issue, and it even features tips for planting a new tree.
"While trees are valuable in many ways, there are valid reasons why trees are sometimes cut down," said Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Director Tony Ferguson. "Trees are living things that grow old and die," he added. "Cutting down sick, damaged or dangerous trees can actually be good for the environment and public safety, and it can benefit remaining trees."
To find out more about the book, to read it on line, or to purchase a print copy, visit na.fs.fed.us/whycutatree.
|
April 26 is National Arbor Day
For a mini-celebration of trees, enjoy these photos of famous tree tunnels from around the world.
|
New Web Site for Private Forest Landowners
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.--Earlier this month the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry and the Northeastern Area Association of State Foresters jointly launched a Web site promoting landscape scale conservation for nonindustrial private forest landowners. LandscapeStewardship.org features a private forest landowner forum, inspirational profiles in conservation, a news section with the latest Twitter updates, and additional resources for landowners and others. The site promotes good private forest management practices to improve air and water quality, reduce wildfire risk, create living space for fish and wildlife, and improve recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. Home |
|
Increasing Awareness on How to Stop Invasive Pests
WASHINGTON--The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proclaimed April as "Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month." Invasive pests and diseases are nonnative species that cause--or are likely to cause--harm to the economy, the environment, or human health.
"At its core, APHIS' mission is protecting animal and plant health in the United States," said Acting APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea. "It's a huge job, and APHIS needs the help of the public to be successful."
Devastating invasive pests and diseases often hitch rides on things people move and pack: passenger baggage; plants and plant parts like fruit, vegetables, and wood; firewood; and outdoor gear, among many others.
Fortunately, once people are aware of these risks, they can easily prevent the spread of hungry pests. For more information visit www.HungryPests.com, which has information in English and Spanish. The Web site's "What You Can Do" section offers "Seven Ways to Leave Hungry Pests Behind." By using Facebook and Twitter links, you can engage with the issue on social media.
|
|
Distracted Driving Awareness
WASHINGTON--April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. You are 23 times more likely to crash when texting. Learn more about the dangers of distracted driving, and take the pledge to drive phone free at http://www.distraction.gov/.
Home
|
|
Buccowich New Assistant Director, Forest Management
 | |
(Photo: Judith Antipin)
|
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.--Mark Buccowich has accepted the position of Assistant Director, Forest Management, with the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry in the Newtown Square office, effective Monday April 22, 2013. He was previously Assistant Director, Forest Health and Economics, there. Jim Steinman will serve as the interim Acting Assistant Director, Forest Health.
|
|
Two Presidential Management Fellows Working in St. Paul Office
ST. PAUL, Minn.--Jeremy Peichel and Garrett Peterson are spending part of their Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) internships with the Northeastern Area State and
 | |
Peichel: "Studying at the University of Maryland and having the Chesapeake Bay as an educational resource provided me with a solid background to work on large watershed projects." (Photo: Garrett Peterson)
|
Private Forestry. Peichel began his internship last year in the Forest Service Washington Office, State and Private Forestry, Cooperative Forestry Staff. From February through June 2013, in St. Paul, he is working with the Great Lakes Lakewide Management Plan Committee for Lake Huron, and reconnecting with partners on the Upper Mississippi Basin watershed. Peichel received his undergraduate degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA, and earned graduate degrees in Conservation Biology and Public Policy from the University of Maryland. Peichel is an avid reader and loves spending time with his 18-month-old son.
Garrett Peterson began his PMF internship in September
 | |
Peterson: "I like being involved in neighborhood associations working to develop the community." (Photo: Gina Jorgensen)
|
2011 with the Fish and Wildlife Service at the Midwest Regional Office in Bloomington, MN, in the External Affairs Office handling local Congressional inquiries. He came over to the St. Paul Field Office on April 8 and will work there through early August. His primary assignments are to develop a Legislative Affairs strategy and a Tribal Strategy for the Field Office. Peterson has worked with the California Department of Fish and Game, the Minnesota State Senate, and The Nature Conservancy. He earned his degrees at the University of Minnesota--a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, and a Master of Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Peterson volunteers in the election process for the city council. He enjoys bike riding in his spare time.
|
|
New Guides for the Forest Harvesting Community
PRINCETON, W.Va.--Using a grant from the Wood Education and Resource Center, Steve Bick of Northeast Forests, LLC, has developed two documents. Harvesting Woody Biomass: A Small Business Guide is a 254-page book you can buy at the Northeastern Loggers' Association Web site or trade shows to be held May 3-4 in Hamburg, NY, and May 17-18, 2013, in Bangor, ME. A Biomass Demonstration Guide for Northern Loggers is a compilation of videos, photos, and articles, that is available to view and download online. For more information contact Steve Bick, phone 315-369-8007.
|
|
Woody Biomass Technical Assistance Team Successes
PRINCETON, W.Va.--The Woody Biomass Technical Assistance Team of the Wood Education and Resource Center has been instrumental in converting two large historic buildings to heating systems fueled by renewable woody biomass. The 6,200-square-foot St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts in Berlin, NH, retrofitted its aging oil-based steam heat to a hot water system fueled by locally sourced wood pellets. The new system reduces annual energy costs by $10,600 and net carbon dioxide by 27 tons.
 | |
Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Bruderhof-owned building overlooking the Hudson River is now heated by wood chips. (Photo: The Church Communities Foundation)
|
A 175,000-square-foot building in the Catskill Mountains of New York replaced an antiquated steam system that cost up to $1,000 a day in winter. Now a wood chip-fired system is used for space heating and hot water. Owned by the Bruderhof international network of Christian communities, this building is planned as residential housing and a boarding high school. For additional information about either retrofit, contact Lew McCreery, phone 304-285-1538.
Home
|
|
Sustainable Operations Tip--Why You Should Purchase "Green"
How do I know I am purchasing green? Look at the label! If it says biobased, 100% recycled material, compostable, biodegradable, VOC-free (free of volatile organic compounds that evaporate at room temperature, like in some paints and solvents), nontoxic, Energy Star, Water-wise, or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), you are making a green purchase!
Each green purchase will help reduce our environmental footprint! Our use of sustainable products holds several promises. Read more.
Home
|
|
Upcoming Events
Northeast Community Forestry Workshop, May 21, Cloquet, MN, has a pragmatic emphasis on urban and community tree plantings that are (literally) sustainable. Learn more and register.
Certified Interpretive Trainer Course by the National Association for Interpretation, June 10-14, Harrisburg, IL. Learn more and register.
Home
|
|
