Forestry RPG learns about island forestry and post-storm recovery at summer meeting

FORESTRY RPG LEARNS ABOUT ISLAND FORESTRY AND POST-STORM RECOVERY AT SUMMER MEETING

June 26, 2019

Last week, the NACD Forestry Resource Policy Group (RPG) held its annual summer meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The group was joined by federal partners representing the U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Association of State Foresters, National Agroforestry Center and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as agency partners from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The RPG heard from Magaly Figueroa on how the Forest Service has implemented State and Private programs such as Forest Legacy, Urban and Community Forestry, Forest Stewardship and the Community Forest Program on the islands. The Forest Service is also helping to provide native plant materials for post-hurricane reforestation efforts.

Dr. Nora Álvarez-Berríos of the Caribbean Climate Hub touched on tools for sustainable agriculture and forestry. Resistant trees are part of the recovery, but species choices are limited because native tree stock is not readily available. Ivan Llerandi, Habitat Restoration Program Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office, described how his agency has worked with more than 70 landowners to help restore more than 4,000 acres and 60 miles of riparian buffers.

“Our group was thrilled with the partnership engagement at this meeting,” Forestry RPG Chairman Steve Hedstrom said. “I think they found value in the presentations and the opportunity to share ideas and network with one another.”

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GRANT HELPS CONSERVATION DISTRICT IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Pennsylvania’s Centre County Conservation District (CCCD) is using a Growing Greener grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to establish forest buffers and protect thousands of feet of streambank, which will improve water quality and agriculture practices throughout seven watersheds.

CCCD was awarded just under $1.7 million to conduct 10 projects in nine townships, including six agricultural best management practices (BMP) implementation plans and four streambank stabilization efforts.

“With the buffers and the practices we are putting in above these buffers, we’re anticipating reduction of 14,000 pounds of nitrogen a year and a reduction of about 1,500 pounds of phosphorus and 1,500 tons of sediment,” CCCD agricultural conservation technician John Wataha said. “It’s good for water quality, and it’s good for wildlife."

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CONSERVATION DISTRICT FORESTRY PROFESSIONALS: JOIN THE DISCUSSION ON LINKEDIN

NACD Forestry Notes and the Forestry Resource Policy Group (RPG) is interested in helping facilitate conservation district-relevant forestry discussion through our LinkedIn group.

The group will allow for conservation district forestry professionals in states and territories across the country to share ideas and solutions to common issues and forest resource concerns. Our Forestry RPG regional representatives will help facilitate the conversation.

On LinkedIn? Log in and join the group here

Washington

District educates farmers about agroforestry benefits

A few small Snohomish-area farms are installing agroforestry practices into their existing operations, Snohomish Conservation District Resource Planner Carrie Brausieck said. The district would like to see agroforestry spread to larger-scale operations . “It hits all those conservation aspects that we work toward as a conservation district in one land use,” she said .

Michigan

Workshop provides tips for private forest management

The Van Buren Conservation District organized a workshop to educate residents on how to manage their private forestlands. Kyle Mead discussed the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and how landowners can enroll their forest. Another speaker discussed the Qualified Forest Program, which can provide landowners with tax breaks. To close the workshop, attendees went into the woods to review what was discussed.

California

District among partners to assist in community fire drill

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, CAL Fire and the U.S. Forest Service hosted a community evacuation drill for the Golden Bear Residential Tract on May 18. The Tahoe Resource Conservation District was among several other partners to assist the event.

Residents who registered their landline and/or cell phones with the County's regional notification systems (Code Red) received an emergency alert notifying them of the drill. More than 400 residents were asked to participate in the voluntary fire drill. Residents in the neighborhood recently held a meeting at the fire station about fire safety in the Golden Bear area. One resident created a spreadsheet of each home, where pets live, elderly and immobile neighbors, phone numbers and other data.

FORESTRY NEWS

USDA proposes bold moves to improve forest, grassland management

Phipps named deputy chief of Forest Service’s State and Private Forestry

National Agroforestry Center launches new website

Pine woodland restoration creates haven for birds in Midwest

CALENDAR

July 8-10 – Small-Scale Forestry Conference | Duluth, Minn.

Aug. 2-6 – NACD Summer Conservation Forum and Tour | Santa Fe, N.M.

Sept. 23-26 – NASF Annual Meeting l Asheville, N.C.

Oct. 30-Nov. 3 – SAF National Convention l Louisville, Kent.

Nov. 20-21 – Partners in Community Forestry Conference l Cleveland, Ohio

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