|
View videos and follow us on...
|    | |
|
|
 State & Private Forestry NewsSeptember 30, 2014
|
|
Training in SILVAH Enhances Assistance to Mid-Atlantic Landowners
 |
The expert system SILVAH or Silviculture of Allegheny Hardwoods also addresses Mixed Oak Forests in the Mid-Atlantic Region. (Photo: Patrick Brose. 2008. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NRS-33. p. 17, fig. 2.4)
|
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.--Entomologist Ivich Fraser recently attended the SILVAH workshop conducted by the U.S. Forest Service and Penn State Extension. The SILVAH computer program is an "expert" system that recommends a silvicultural prescription for a forest stand, based on a summary and analysis of field inventory data. The program also includes a simulator that can be used to project stand growth and development, estimating yields from either prescribed or user-defined treatments. "SILVAH" stands for Silviculture of Allegheny Hardwoods; however, the program has been updated to include guidelines for Mixed Oak Forests in the Mid-Atlantic region. Thus, SILVAH also incorporates current knowledge about silviculture of cherry-maple, beech-birch-maple, and mixed oak forests in the Alleghenies. The expert system packages research-based decisionmaking criteria into a form that is easily used by practicing foresters. Karen Sykes has also received SILVAH training. View the SILVAH Users Guide.
|
Preparedness Month-Are you ready for a disaster?
WASHINGTON--"I didn't think it was gonna be as bad as it was ..." said Chantel, a survivor of Hurricane Sandy. Chantel and other disaster survivors from across the country share their stories in the YouTube video "It Started Like Any Other Day." The video emphasizes that natural disasters are inevitable, they can and do happen to anyone, preparation is vital, and everyone needs to do their part. The ready.gov/september Web page asks individuals to (1) build an emergency supply kit, (2) make a family emergency plan and (3) be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur in their area and the appropriate responses. America's PrepareAthon! on September 30 is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to prepare for specific hazards through drills, group discussions, and exercises. Learn more and register at the PrepareAthon page on the FEMA Web site. |
Pool Owners Monitor Filters for Invasive Insects
ALBANY, N.Y.--Pool owners were invited to join in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) third annual Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) Swimming Pool Survey during August, to help watch for these invaders before they cause serious damage to forests and street trees. The Citizen Pool Survey takes place at the time of year when ALBs are expected to become adults, emerge from the trees they are infesting, and become active outside those trees. Read the news release on the DEC Web site.
|
Free Land Area Calculator Gives Accurate Results
SYLACAUGA, Ala.--
Google Maps Area Calculator Tool by Daft Logic ...
"It's free, simple to use, and I've found it to be very accurate. I've checked behind areas that were surveyed and gotten similar numbers, and I use it often to determine acreage for various projects
on the farm. There's no reason to guess at how many acres are in an opening or a tract of timber anymore; just measure it and find out." (Dyess, Steve. 2014. Google maps area calculator tool by Daft Logic. Capital Ideas newsletter, September, page 6. Alabama Forest Owners' Association, Birmingham, AL.)
|
New NA S&PF Ecosystem Services and Climate Change Team
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.--Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (NA S&PF) recently chartered a team to guide implementation of its ecosystem services and climate change strategies. The new team broadens the Area's technology transfer role with two main strategies: engaging staff and partners in dialogue and supporting incorporation of applicable science into management activities for increased forest resilience and adaptation; and encouraging and supporting tree and forest management approaches and the use of forest products, biomass, and ecosystem service markets that have the potential to mitigate greenhouse gases.
For more information contact any of the team members, shown left to right with the Pennsylvania champion American beech tree:
Amanda Egan, Cooperative Forestry
Sally Claggett,Watershed Forestry and the Chesapeake Bay Program
(Photo: Courtesy Philip DeSenze)
|
Tree Species for Planting in ALB and EAB Areas
This August the 2012 table of species that do well in urban environments and that are not hosts for Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) or emerald ash borer (EAB) was revised. Tree planting is critical in helping a community recover from a pest infestation or natural disaster. The table provides a starting point for identifying potential replacement trees. View the table on the NA S&PF Web site.
|
Giant Hogweed Poses Serious Health Concerns
 | |
The nonnative invasive giant hogweed plant, which can cause painful burns, scarring, and even blindness, is spreading in the Northeast United States. (Photo: Donna R. Ellis, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org)
|
ALBANY, N.Y.--"DEC is making great strides towards eradicating giant hogweed in New York," said Commissioner Martens. "Every property where giant hogweed
can be removed increases biodiversity and helps to make outdoor areas safe for people to enjoy. It is important to raise public awareness to make sure that people know how to identify this plant, know not to touch it, know
how to report it and
know how to eradicate it." Read the news release on the DEC Web site.
Home
|
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Another Iowa County
DES MOINES, Iowa--Two larvae collected by a homeowner from a residential tree in Story City have been positively identified as emerald ash borer (EAB) by a Federal identifier. Story County is the 13th confirmed infestation in the State.
"The Story City infestation is the ninth confirmed infestation in Iowa during 2014 and we will continue to monitor EAB closely," said state entomologist Robin Pruisner of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
|
Please Welcome Dennis Burmeister
 | |
Dennis Burmeister comes
to NA S&PF with over 9 years of experience working with grants
for the Federal Government.
(Photo: Juliette Watts)
|
Dennis Burmeister has joined the staff of the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry as a grant specialist, on the Business and Grants Management Staff in the headquarters office. He has worked with grants for the Federal Government for over 9 years.
Read the full article.
|
|
2014 Capitol Christmas Tree Selected
CASS LAKE, Minn.-This year's Capitol Christmas tree--and a backup tree in case something happens, such as a lighting strike--have been found on the Chippewa National Forest, MN. The cutting and ensuing ceremony will take place on October 29. The location and time for those activities will be made available as the date gets closer. Learn more about the tree and related activities including its upcoming journey to Washington at the Capitol Christmas Tree Web site.
|
|
Calculator Determines Whether Snacks Meet USDA Nutrition Standards
WASHINGTON--The Smart Snacks Product Calculator from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation will help you determine if a snack meets the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Answer a series of questions including facts from the nutrition label to see whether a snack is compliant, then save and print the result for your records. Results from this calculator have been determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be accurate in assessing product compliance with the Federal requirements for Smart Snacks in Schools. Access the calculator at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Web site.
Home
|
|
|
|
|
