Private Forest Development Can Affect Thousands of At-Risk Species

February 2, 2011–A US Forest Service report indicates 4,600+ threatened species live in more than 90% of the country’s watersheds, discusses problems as well as a number of plausible solutions, and includes several maps that allow you to quickly determine if at-risk species are in your audience area.

Small, Sometimes Invisible Invaders Draw Increasing Attention

December 22, 2010–Two recent studies — one examining problems in urban and natural forests, and the other on microbial pests in various settings — reveal the latest knowledge on insect and microscopic invasive species.

USFS Releases Report on Threats to Private Forests

September 1, 2010–The report includes many lists and maps that allow you to zoom in on specific topical and geographic areas of interest to your audience. Here are some angles to explore, evaluated by watershed.

Forest Service Gags Employees, Belies Obama Openness Vow

May 19, 2010–Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility obtained and disclosed a USFS memo ordering its law enforcement personnel not to talk to reporters about anything without first getting clearance from its Washington director and press office.

Feds Have Sent Nearly $650 Million to Private Forest Owners

May 12, 2010–The USFS Forest Legacy Program has awarded a total of $72 million to 36 property owners in 33 states and territories to apply conservation easements to their land, with the goal of preventing development or other uses of the land that would reduce its forest value.

Russian Olives and Tamarisk Get A Little Federal Love

May 12, 2010–A new report by the US Geological Survey, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, other federal agencies, and university experts says the water-hogging reputation of the two species has little merit, but found that effects on wildlife are mixed.

Forest Service Issues Gag Order to Employees on Talking to Reporters

February 24, 2010–Monongahela National Forest's public affairs officer recently directed employees there that, if contacted by national reporters on any issue or local reporters regarding national issues, they "cannot talk to the reporter"and suggested that the instructions came from "our Washington office."

Study: Many Forests Vulnerable to Climate Change

November 11, 2009–An international team has pulled together what it says is the first global assessment of tree deaths linked with drought and heat stress. They cite 88 cases since 1970 on six continents.

'Thousand Cankers' Rapidly Kills Walnuts

August 19, 2009–Yet another deadly tree disease is spreading in North America. This one, documented in 8 states so far, affects black walnuts. Early hints indicate it could also affect other, agriculturally significant walnut tree species.

Projects in 12 States Share Wildfire Funding

June 10, 2009–$15 million of Stimulus funding for 55 projects, designed to help reduce wildfire hazards and reclaim burned lands, could be of substantial interest in the receiving communities.