May 17, 2013
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E-Forester Archives? More than a few folks have asked if The E-Forester is archived on the SAF website. It is not, primarily because links to news articles change quickly. However, if you're looking for something from a past issue, contact me and I'll do my best to get you what you need.
I. Featured News
1. Greenville Logger Transforms Biomass into Bundles of Firewood
2. Wildfire Fighting Capacity Curbed by Funding Cuts, Officials Say
3. Deforestation Will Impact Kansans for Many Years to Come
4. Tree Pests in the News
5. Federal and State Officials Preparing for "Challenging" Fire Season
Forest Products Industry
6. Forest Industry Brings Green to Ohio's Economy; Details in New Fact Sheet Series
7. US Housing Upswing Good News for Maritime Forest Industry
8. Biomass News
Federal Lands Management
9. USFS to Add Uncertified Military Planes to Firefighting Fleet
10. Environmental Groups Challenge Forest Management Plans
11. Federal Government Fights Utah over Measure to Curb Law Enforcement Authority
12. North Carolina House Passes Anti-LEED Bill in Support of Timber Industry
13. Bill to Arm Forest Rangers Cut Down by Department, Lobbyist Opposition
II. Publications, Resources, and Items of Interest
1. Scientists Aim to Pinpoint Role of Forests in Battle against "Hidden Hunger"
2. Oenophiles at Loggerheads
3. Milwaukee's Trees Keep Giving
III. Science and Technology
1. Guidelines for Producing Quality Longleaf Pine Seeds
2. Bent Creek Researchers Study the Effects of Fire on Upland Hardwood Forests and Wildlife
3. Research Shows Kestrels Enjoy Life Far from the Madding Crowd
IV. SAF News
1. Call for Nominations for Vice President and Council
2. Save Up to 55 Percent with the New SAF Prescription Discount Card
3. Receive a $20 Discount and Help New Members Save 30 Percent on Membership for the Next Five Years
4. All New Benefit for SAF Members—AchieveLinks!
5. Upcoming SAF Meetings
I. Featured News
All of these items and more appear in the "Featured News" section on the SAF home page
1. Greenville Logger Transforms Biomass into Bundles of Firewood
Plumas County News.com (May 16) - Greenville logger Randy Pew wants to remove biomass from the forest, build a profitable business, and provide a valuable commodity.
Pew's logging company faced bankruptcy after he went toe-to-toe with the Forest Service and lost. However, as far as Pew is concerned, what happened is in the past and he is focused on the future.
2. Wildfire Fighting Capacity Curbed by Funding Cuts, Officials Say
Salt Lake Tribune.com (May 14) - According to USDA officials, the federal government is facing the possibility of yet another historic wildfire season with significantly fewer funds to pay for firefighters, equipment, fire prevention, and recovery as a result of budget cuts from the sequester.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said his agency, which is largely responsible for fighting monster fires along with the Interior Department, will try to manage burns with 500 fewer firefighters and 50 fewer engines and by shifting money earmarked for prevention to pay for fire suppression.
For more on the federal government's wildfire preparedness, see #9 in the Federal Lands Management and Forest Policy section.
3. Deforestation Will Impact Kansans for Many Years to Come
InfoZine.com (May 13) - High crop prices are great for the Kansas economy, but the conversion of trees along streams and rivers into cropland will cost the state's citizens in the long run. According to state officials, removing riparian forests—forestland adjacent to streams and rivers—negatively affects water quality and quantity.
Deadly Tree Disease Spotted in New Hanover, North Carolina
WECT.com (May 14) - The redbay ambrosia beetle, a pest that that can kill red bay trees in a matter of months, has been spotted in New Hanover County for the first time.
Members of the North Carolina Forest Service say the beetles are responsible for spreading the fungus that causes laurel wilt disease. Further, agency officials say that once a tree is infected, there really isn't anything they can do to stop it from dying.
A Destructive Beetle Threatens Trees-and People Who Live Near Them
Washington Post.com (May 13) - A metallic-green beetle has arrived, posing a threat to ash trees-and the people who live near them.
That is the conclusion drawn by scientists studying the devastating effects of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in the United States. The exotic invasive beetle, first detected in Michigan in 2002, has laid waste to more than 100 million ash trees in at least 15 states.
The rapid disappearance of such an abundant tree has provided a unique opportunity for foresters, statisticians, and epidemiologists to see how tree loss affects humans by comparing changes in human mortality rates before and after the demise of the ash in almost 1,300 counties.
Tree-Killing Beetle Gone from Manhattan, Staten Island
MyFoxNY.com (May 14) - The tree-killing Asian long-horned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island, according to state agriculture officials.
More:
Staten Islanders Rejoice! The Tree-Killing Asian Long-Horned Beetle Has Been Eradicated
SI Live.com (May 14)
5. Federal and State Officials Preparing for "Challenging" Fire Season
New 'Average': Officials Say Wildfire Seasons Growing Worse
Payson Roundup.com (May 15) - Coconino National Forest fire information officer Dick Fleishman said he anticipates an average fire season.
But average means something far different than when he started with the US Forest Service 33 years ago. Persistent drought and denser forests make even a routine fire season more severe.
Agencies Prepare for Intense Oregon Wildfire Season
Statesman Journal.com (May 14) - The Oregon Department of Forestry is prepared for an intense fire season brought on by low levels of precipitation and warm temperatures.
Fierce Fire Season Predicted for West
USA Today.com (May 13) - Despite an unusually slow start to the wildfire season across much of the country, all signs are pointing to a "dangerous," "difficult," and "challenging" year, federal officials warn, with the worst conditions expected in the parched western United States.
Forest Products Industry
6. Forest Industry Brings Green to Ohio's Economy; Details in New Fact Sheet Series
Lima Ohio.com (May 10) - When a tree falls (or is felled) in a forest in Ohio, it supports a $22-billion-a-year industry and more than 100,000 jobs—and is replaced by more than two trees worth of new growth.
7. US Housing Upswing Good News for Maritime Forest Industry
CTV News.ca (May 13) - With the US housing market on an upswing, business is picking up for the struggling Maritime forestry industry.
Housing statistics in the US show a five-year high, with more than a million homes expected to be built in 2013.
The price of lumber being delivered to the northeastern US is going up too, running between $400 and $500 for a 1,000 board feet.
More:
Growing Demand for Lumber Means Profits and Problems for BC Mills
Vancouver Sun.com (May 10)
State Develops Guidelines for Woody Biomass Harvest
The Times and Democrat.com (South Carolina, May 13) - Foresters with the South Carolina Forestry Commission have developed guidelines that address the emerging practice of harvesting woody biomass for energy.
The new biomass harvesting guidelines are aimed at protecting water quality, plant and animal diversity, soil nutrition/quality, and site productivity in and around harvesting operations.
The recommendations build upon existing and successful best-management practices used by landowners and timber harvesters to minimize environmental impacts and stay within compliance of regulations.
Senator: Is Federal Bioenergy Program Undercutting Foresters?
Mississippi Business Journal.com (May 13) - US Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) is questioning whether a US Department of Agriculture biobased marketing program-the USDA BioPreferred product labeling program-amounts to a bias against traditional forest products and whether such policies are fair.
Georgia Power Adds 53 MW of Biomass Capacity from Piedmont Green Power
Power-Eng.com (May 14) - Georgia Power added 53.5 MW of new biomass capacity through a 20-year power purchase agreement with Rollcast Energy Inc., according to Electric Light & Power magazine. Georgia Power will receive all generation output from the newly completed Piedmont Green Power plant, located in Barnesville, Georgia.
The biomass power plant, which began commercial operation on April 19 after two years of construction, will provide enough electricity to power more than 35,000 homes.
BIO, Ag Energy Coalition Applaud Farm Bill Draft
Biomass magazine.com (May 13) - The Biotechnology Industry Organization and Agriculture Energy Coalition have issued statements thanking Sens. Debbie Stabenow, (D-MI), and Thad Cochran (R-MS), and other members of the Senate Agriculture Committee for authoring legislation to reauthorize Farm Bill Energy Title Programs.
Biomass Is Now Largest Market for Waste Wood
Let's Recycle.com (United Kingdom, May 13) - For the first time ever, figures from the Wood Recycler's Association show biomass overtaking panelboard as the main end user of recycled woodchip-something which had been anticipated by the sector for some time.
When exports are taken into account, approximately 1.25 million tons of waste wood was sent to biomass plants to generate energy last year, compared to 1.08 million tons to the panelboard industry.
Federal Lands Management
9. USFS to Add Uncertified Military Planes to Firefighting Fleet
Ravalli Republic.com (May 14) - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the agency will look to the US military to supplement its firefighting aircraft this year because six of the seven next-generation airplanes announced last week may not be ready for action.
More:
Aerial Firefighting Industry Disputes Near-Term Air Tanker Readiness
Herald Online.com (May 14) - The American Helicopter Services and Aerial Firefighting Association (AHSAFA) disputes the claims by several member of Congress that multiple, next-generation large air tankers could be deployed in wildland firefighting as early as this year, if recently announced contract awards by the US Forest Service (USFS) go unchallenged.10. Environmental Groups Challenge Forest Management Plans
Black Hills Forest Management Survives Latest Environmental Challenge
Rapid City Journal.com (May 15) - Black Hills National Forest management policies on fighting wildfires and mountain pine beetles have survived another court challenge by environmental groups whose members believe the policies hurt sensitive wildlife species.
Scott Jacobson, public information officer for the Black Hills National Forest in Custer, said the management plan was adjusted to deal with more expansive wildfires and the spread of pine beetles.
Environmental Groups Sue to Block Kootenai Forest Timber Sale
Missoulian.com (May 14) - A coalition of environmental groups have sued to block a US Forest Service timber sale in the Rexford Ranger District of northwest Montana, claiming the proposed clearcuts would hurt lynx and grizzly bear.
The Young Dodge project in the Cabinet-Yaak region of the Kootenai National Forest includes logging on 2,492 acres, prescribed burning on 3,986 acres, maintenance on 97.3 miles of existing road, and the construction of 8.85 miles of new roads. It includes several clearcuts of nearly 400 acres.
11. Federal Government Fights Utah over Measure to Curb Law Enforcement Authority
Deseret News.com (May 13) - Another showdown has erupted between Utah and the federal government, this time over the state's efforts to limit the police powers of federal agencies like the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management.
The US government sought an emergency order to prevent the new measure from becoming law, which was agreed to in a teleconference earlier this week.
12. North Carolina House Passes Anti-LEED Bill in Support of Timber Industry
BizJournals.com (May 13) - The North Carolina House of Representatives approved 70-43 a third and final reading of a bill that is expected to bar public projects from using the US Green Building Council's LEED program.
House Bill 628-titled Protect/Promote NC Lumber-says public projects may use "a nationally recognized high-performance environmental building rating system" if that green building program doesn't use a credit system "disadvantaging materials or products manufactured or produced" in North Carolina.
13. Bill to Arm Forest Rangers Cut Down by Department, Lobbyist Opposition
Online Sentinel.com (May 13) - Rep. Larry Dunphy (R), and Rep. Catherine Nadeau (D), have worked for months on the legislation, LD 297, which would require forest rangers to get training so they can carry firearms.
However, the state agency that oversees the forest rangers doesn't back the bill.
II. Publications, Resources, and Items of Interest
1. Scientists Aim to Pinpoint Role of Forests in Battle against "Hidden Hunger"
Trust.org (May 13) - The view that increased crop production is the strategy most likely to achieve global food security could, in reality, allow farmland to encroach on valuable ecosystems, have a disastrous impact on forests, and might not solve food security and nutrition problems, scientists say.
New York Times.com (May 10) - Few issues get wine lovers as worked up as the question of whether to ferment or age wine in wooden barrels, usually made of oak.
3. Milwaukee's Trees Keep Giving
On Milwaukee.com (May 12) - In the City of Milwaukee, the benefits of having a lot of trees are plentiful for residents and include protection from stormy weather, natural energy saving, better air quality, and increased property values.
III. Science and Technology
1. Guidelines for Producing Quality Longleaf Pine Seeds
US Forest Service (May 9) - In 2002, Jim Barnett, then project leader for the US Forest Service Southern Research Station longleaf pine unit in Pineville, Louisiana, and John McGilvray, retired biological technician from the same unit, published a general technical report that provides comprehensive and specific guidelines for producing quality longleaf pine seeds. The guidelines are intended to help seed dealers, orchard managers, and nursery operators produce high-quality longleaf pines seeds and improve the efficiency of nursery production.
2. Bent Creek Researchers Study the Effects of Fire on Upland Hardwood Forests and Wildlife
US Forest Service (May 14) - For centuries, landowners in the southern Appalachians have used fire as a tool to clear land, control insects, encourage forage, and eliminate unwanted vegetation. But little is known about how fire affects regeneration of oak or other hardwood trees, and how it can be used to meet specific management or restoration goals for upland hardwood forests and wildlife of the southern Appalachians.
3. Research Shows Kestrels Enjoy Life Far from the Madding Crowd
Boise State University (May 10) - A new study from Boise State scientists shows that even species considered "tolerant" of human activity may be adversely impacted by human disturbance. Kestrels nesting in close proximity to roads and developed areas had elevated stress hormones and high rates of nest abandonment.
IV. SAF News
1. Call for Nominations for Vice President and Council
Nominations are being accepted for Vice President and Council. Council representative openings are available in districts 2, 5, 8, and 11 for the coming year. Additional information, forms, and deadlines are available on the SAF website. Nominations are due June 1.
2. Save Up to 55 Percent with the New SAF Prescription Discount Card
Attention foresters: Whether you have employer insurance or you're a one-man forestry shop, SAF's new discount prescription card can help you save big money.
The card applies to the purchase of both name brand and generic prescriptions, and is accepted at 60,000 stores nationwide, including Walgreens, Target, CVS, Wal-Mart, and more.
For more information, visit the My Free Prescription Card website or request your prescription discount card at membership@safnet.org.
3. Receive a $20 Discount and Help New Members Save 30 Percent on Membership for the Next Five Years
When you recruit a member you can save money on membership dues. For every new or reinstating member recruited, you receive $20 off your national membership dues over the next 5 years of membership. And the person you recruit will receive a 30 percent discount.
To receive your discount, make sure those you recruit list you as the sponsor/member referral and help them sign up by downloading and submitting an application or calling (866) 897-8720 x110.
Also, don’t hesitate to request special recruitment cards to pass out to potential members!
Note: These discounts apply only if both the recruiting member and recruited member maintain their membership for 5 consecutive years.
Student memberships are not eligible for this program.
4. All New Benefit for SAF Members—AchieveLinks!
SAF members: Be sure to sign up at AchieveLinks to begin online shopping with more than 800 retailers including: Cabelas, BassPro, Gander Mountain, The North Face, REI, Timberland, Sportsman Guide, Caterpillar, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, and many more.
The more SAF members who use the service, the more benefits SAF and its members receive. As individuals shop, they can get discounts and build up rewards they can use to pay for items from retailers.
Have questions? See more details on the SAF website.
Register Now for the North American Forest Ecology Workshop
Please join fellow researchers and land managers to discuss basic and applied ecological research in forests throughout North America. The workshop will be held June 16-20, 2013, in Bloomington, Indiana. More than 120 plenary and concurrent presentations will be given in a variety of sessions including impacts of invasive plants on the eastern forest, natural and silvicultural effects on stand development, and restoring forest ecosystems using fire and fire surrogate approaches. The program is expected to qualify for 11.0-16.0 hours of Category 1 CF credits.
To register, or for more information, visit the NAFEW website.
2013 SAF National Convention
Charleston, South Carolina
October 23-27
Click here for information regarding the meeting program, travel, and more.
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Copyright 2013 Society of American Foresters
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P: 301.897.8720 - toll free: 866.897.8720 - Email: membership@safnet.org - Contact Us
5400 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-2198
P: 301.897.8720 - toll free: 866.897.8720 - Email: membership@safnet.org - Contact Us