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U.S. Forest Service R&D Newsletter - July 2017
News from the Washington Office and Research Stations
FEATURE NEWS


More than 100 million Americans live in or near forests and grasslands that may erupt in flames. This 60 Minutes segment explains why wildland fires are increasing and features Forest Service research that may help homeowners protect their homes from wildfires.
INVASIVE SPECIES

The Laurel wilt disease epidemic spans nine states and has killed as many as 300 million redbay trees. Researchers found that this epidemic most likely started with a single introduction of red ambrosia beetles. 
A new report describes the role forest and grassland ecosystems play in the global carbon cycle. The report also provides information for considering carbon as one of many land management objectives.
A new research collaboration has drawn attention to the risks of deforestation, providing conservationists with the tools to predict and plan for future forest loss. The work focuses on predicting future deforestation in Borneo, an island that has lost a staggering 30 percent of its forests since the 1970s and is among the most biologically diverse and threatened on the planet.
A new book,  People, Forests, and Change, brings together ideas grounded in science for policy makers, forest and natural resource managers, students, and ecologists who wish to develop management practices aimed at supporting the long-term viability of forests and the human communities that depend on them. 
The Yosemite toad is a rare species found exclusively in California's Sierra Nevada. Researchers work to develop an understanding of habitat suitability to provide land managers with valuable insights on how they can foster the species' future survival.

National Forests provide many types of jobs and income opportunities. This story map displays the different opportunities across the nation.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

Ancient architecture is an important piece of the cultural heritage of China.  Forest Service scientists worked with Chinese scientists and engineers to develop inspection procedures to aid in the preservation and restoration of historically significant wood structures.
Wildlife biologist Bruce Marcot received the award, which honors individuals who raise awareness of climate variability and prepare for its impacts. Last week, he was honored for his work, which examined impacts on a wide array of species from the Pacific walrus to caribou and helped secure Endangered Species Act protections for the polar bear.

The Forest Service historian recently presented a talk titled, "The Eastern National Forests: Working to Improve Lives" to the National Forests in Mississippi. The talk used lessons from the agency's past to inform the continuing work toward a sustainable future for our forests.

FOREST THREAT ASSESSMENT

Forest ThreatNet is the newsletter of the interdisciplinary Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center, which develops technologies and tools addressing emerging eastern forest threats. The Center is a joint effort of the USDA Forest Service's Research and Development, National Forest System, and State and Private Forestry. 
Plants evolved differing flowering times that occur throughout the growing season to decrease competition for pollinators. As plants bloom throughout the season they provide pollen for pollinators from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. 
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