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ISSUE 110: WEEK OF July 19th, 2021
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Regional News (these big titles are Arial 16, bolded, and green)
- NCSU Launches Hybrid Disaster Preparedness and Forest Resiliency Workshops
- VT & VADOF Collaborate on Statewide Study of Household Firewood Use
- SOFOR GIS 2021 Registration Now Open
- NCSU Seeks Out Poolside Pests
National News
- USDA USFS Welcomes New Chief
- Bipartisan Bill Would Expand Development of Sustainable Wood Products from Federal Forests
- USFS Researchers Propose Rapid Tree Damage Assessment Framework
- Engaging Women in Land Management: A StoryMap
- Registration Now Open for International Wildfire Prevention Workshop
- USFS Releases Interactive Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Map
- UMass Amherst Considers Reactive & and Inconsistent Practices Hold Back Efforts to Manage Invasive Plants in U.S.
- AFF President Advocates for Family Forest Landowners as Part of Climate Solution
- NOAA Unveils New U.S. Climate Normals
- Calculations for the Cooling Effect of Trees in Cities
- USDA Can Offer Big Tools to Stem Climate Change
- Call For Applications: International Junior Foresters’ Competition
- AFF & TNC Creating Methodology for Measuring Baseline Forest Carbon
- U.S. Reps Introduce Disaster Reforestation Act of 2021
Webinars
- Southeast CASC Webinar: Case Studies of Ecosystem Services Mapping in the Southeast
- Webinar: NRCS Pollinator Response to NRCS Pollinator Practices
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Webinar Recording: IAWF Wildland Firefighters Mental Health and Well-being
Funding Opportunities
- There are no funding opportunities this week. If you aware of any, please share them with us at SREFnewsletter@sref.info
Job Opportunities
- TDF Area Forester (Cumberland)
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NCSU Launches Hybrid Disaster Preparedness and Forest Resiliency Workshops
North Carolina State University (NCSU) recently announced the launch of a hybrid disaster preparedness and forestry resilience workshop. This workshop is targeted to forest landowners interested in natural disaster response and preparedness. Topics will include post-disaster reclamation activities, incentive programs, and climate-smart forestry. Two workshops will be hosted. Registration is free. In-person attendance is limited, but the workshops will be broadcast real-time via Zoom. The first workshop will be hosted on July 20th, 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM EST, in Duplin County NC. The second workshop will be hosted on July 22nd, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST, in Bertie County, NC. Click here for additional information and to register.
NIPF Landowner Perspectives on Forest Certification: A Look at Awareness and Barriers
Drs. Tian and Pelkki of the University of Arkansas (UARK) recently published a paper, titled “Nonindustrial Private Forest (NIPF) Landowner Perspectives on Forest Certification: A Look at Awareness and Barriers” in the journal of Forest Policy and Economics. The forest certification programs in question are market-based mechanisms used to achieve voluntary, sustainable use and management of forest resources. Tian and Pelkki surveyed forest landowners across Arkansas to learn about their views and experiences with such programs. Nonindustrial private forest landowners, own 58% of forestland in Arkansas. The resulting findings will be useful for developing landowner-centric outreach and educational programs about forest certification, especially for older generations, whose views were found to be negative in regards to forest certification. To learn more, click here to access this article.
SOFOR GIS 2021 Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the 13th Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management (SOFOR) Geographic Information System (GIS) Conference. This conference is appropriate for any professionals who use, or are interested in using, GIS technologies in their work. Conference topics will include forest health, wildlife, and forest inventory. Opportunities for continuing education credits will be available. These include 12.5 Society of American Foresters (SAF) CFE credits and 12.0 Continuing Logger Education credits. The conference will be held in a hybrid format with both in-person and remote options available. It will take place in Athens, Georgia, on December 6th & 7th. Click here to learn more or register.
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VT & VADOF Collaborate on Statewide Study of Household Firewood Use
Recently, Virginia Tech (VT) and the Virginia Department of Forestry (VADOF) partnered to conduct a statewide study of household firewood use and views. The aim of the research is to generate data that VDOF can use to create assistance programs for landowners, managers, and firewood sellers. Firewood harvesting can be used as a forest stewardship tool to improve stand health, eliminate invasive plants, and reduce wildfire hazards. This spring, Drs. Wiseman (Virginia Tech), Munsell (Virginia Tech), and Schmitt-Harsh (James Madison University) surveyed firewood use and views across Virginia and North Carolina households. In their preliminary findings, over half of respondents stated that they had burned firewood in the past three years and that they felt that firewood was a sustainable energy choice. More information about this study can be found here. More information will be released later this year.
Longleaf Restoration Initiative Releases Range-wide Accomplishment Report
America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative (ALRI) recently released their 2020 Range-wide Accomplishment Report, while also celebrating their tenth anniversary. ALRI is a collaborative effort of private and public agencies aiming to restore and conserve longleaf pine ecosystems. Their recent report highlights the achievements of ALRI partners across the southeast. It also serves as a vital tool for assessing on-the-ground work and progress towards conservation goals. In 2020, ALRI and partners established more than 130,000 acres of longleaf pine, conducted prescribed burns on 1.4 million acres, and more. Access the full report here.
NCSU Seeks Out Poolside Pests
North Carolina State University (NCSU) has asked that the public keep an eye out for, and report, certain poolside pests this summer. The Asian longhorned beetle and spotted lanternfly are two invasive species often seen near pools. These species have been spotted in the nearby states of South Carolina and Virginia, and are likely to make an appearance in North Carolina soon. Both pose a risk to forestry and agriculture due to their feeding habits. The Asian longhorned beetle can damage and kill hardwood trees. The spotted lanternfly feeds on crops such as grapes and hops. Click here to learn more about the NCSU’s efforts to locate and control these species. You can report sightings here.
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USDA USFS Welcomes New Chief
Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) named Randy Moore as the 20th Chief of the United States Forest Service (USFS). Moore is the first African American to hold this position. Moore has served as a regional forester in the Pacific Southwest Region since 2007. He has also overseen State and Private programs in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, served as a regional forester for the Eastern Region. Click here to read the official USDA announcement.
USFS Researchers Propose Rapid Tree Damage Assessment Framework
Recently, United States Forest Service (USFS) researchers released a publication titled “Rapid Assessment of Tree Damage Resulting from a 2020 Windstorm in Iowa, USA”. In it, the authors detail a framework for damage assessment that was applied to the 2020 Iowa windstorm. The researchers combined pre-disturbance inventory data with post-disturbance aerial survey data. This data was used to create design-based estimates of affected forest area, and the number and volume of damaged trees. The authors also suggest framework modifications for future use across the U.S. Click here to read more.
Registration Now Open for International Wildfire Prevention Workshop
Registration is now open for the International Wildfire Prevention Workshop. This is the first annual, and international, gathering of wildfire prevention professionals, and is well suited for fire professionals of any experience level. This workshop will take place virtually on September 8th-9th. It will be hosted by the National Association of State Foresters; the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Great Lakes Compact Prevention Committees; and USDA Forest Service Region 9. The theme of the workshop is “Blending Virtual and Field Strategies”. Topics covered will include optimizing outreach, utilizing social media, and using technology to reduce ignitions. Click here to learn more and register.
Reactive & Inconsistent Practices Hold Back Efforts to Manage Invasive Plants in U.S.
New research from the University of Massachusetts (UMass Amherst) suggests that reactive and inconsistent responses to invasive plant species have held back management efforts. Drs. Beaury, Fusco, Allen, and Bradley, all of UMass Amherst, suggest that the best answer is also the most simplistic: communication. Current invasive species regulations vary from state to state. States rarely communicate with one another about these regulations or other management efforts. Interstate conversations could help managers on the same page. Such conversations would also promote proactive management. Managers would be more aware of invasive species in adjacent states, what works for their management, and what does not. Consistent, proactive management, combined with communication, can help slow the spread of invasive plant species. Click here to read more.
NOAA Unveils New U.S. Climate Normals
Recently, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) revealed the new U.S. Climate Normals. These are 30-year averages that represent the current “normal” of the climate. These values were calculated using climate observations from weather stations across the country. These updated norms span the time period from 1991-2020 and show a drastic increase in temperature and precipitation from the previous 1971-2000 norms. NOAA has created visualizations of past and present climate normals for visualization. These visualizations, plus additional information, can be found here.
USDA Can Offer Big Tools to Stem Climate Change
Recently, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) released a summary of different ways the agricultural sector can help to sequester carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change. Scientists say that agriculture and forestry are the only sectors capable of being net sequestration sinks for greenhouse gases, thanks to their ability to isolate carbon in soil and plants. The CAST summary also addresses several topics that have become prominent amongst policy makers. These include pest management, agricultural technology, and carbon markets. While scientists at CAST note that the USDA has not historically been at the center of federal climate policy, they believe that the agency will be critical to meeting new climate goals set by the Biden administration. The USDA has the financial resources and agency expertise needed to partner with agriculture producers, bolster the resilience of private and public lands, contribute to the scientific understanding of climate change, and more. Click here to read more.
AFF & TNC Creating Methodology for Measuring Baseline Forest Carbon
Recently, the American Forestry Foundation (AFF) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced their intention to create a methodology for finding a forest carbon baseline. This methodology will be used in their Family Forest Carbon Program. It is designed to create a “real time, observed baseline” versus the more traditional projected baseline. This will be done by measuring property enrolled in the Family Forest Carbon Program and comparing it to similar properties that are not enrolled in a carbon program. The methodology is set to be approved by Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard later this year. Once approved, it will be available for global use, offering forestry agencies a valuable tool for measuring the impacts of forest management and climate mitigation. Click here to read more.
U.S. Reps Introduce Disaster Reforestation Act of 2021
Recently, U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Buddy Carter (GA-01) introduced the Disaster Reforestation Act of 2021. Current tax codes provide no recourse for forest landowners affected by natural disasters. This piece of legislation focuses on enabling forest landowners to have more have their taxes assessed in similar ways as other agricultural producers after damage from natural disasters. The representatives proposing this legislation allege that this more equitable tax treatment will help landowners to reforest their lands after natural disasters. In turn, these replantings would foster stability and growth in rural areas that are dependent on forestry for income. Click here to learn more about this piece of legislation.
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Bipartisan Bill Would Expand Development of Sustainable Wood Products from Federal Forests
Recently, senators introduced the Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act. This bipartisan bill would make it easier for businesses and landowners to develop sustainable wood products and energy, using timber left over from thinning projects. It would also improve the United States Forest Service’s (USFS) Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovations Grant Program by increasing authorization to $50 million/year, increasing the federal cost-share to 50 percent, changing the program’s name to avoid confusion with a similarly named program, and more. Click here to learn more.
Engaging Women in Land Management: A StoryMap
Recently, a StoryMap was released that presents recent trends in programs targeted towards engaging women in land management. At the center of this is an organization called Women Owning Woodlands (WOW). WOW aims to provide women with a supportive professional network and community that can assist them in managing their woodlands. They frequently host events such as the Women in the Woods Retreat, and the Women and Wildfire Home Defense Workshop. Thanks to its resilient volunteer network, the organization has grown substantially over the last several years, allowing them to offer resources to more women across the country. The WOW network now covers more than 30 states in the contiguous U.S. As women become more involved in the forestry industry, it is important to engage and support them in managing their woodlands. Click here to read more and view the StoryMap.
USFS Releases Interactive Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Map
Recently, the United States Forest Service (USFS) released an interactive map that charts climate change vulnerability assessments. These assessments include information on sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity of each assessed system. This map is a unique way to showcase scientific research and observations from multiple disciplines. It shows where assessments are complete, the resources included in the assessment, and supporting documentation for each assessment. These assessments can also be viewed by fiscal year. Maps such as this are valuable tools for natural resource program managers and specialists. Click here to use and read more about this map.
AFF President Advocates for Family Forest Landowners as Part of Climate Solution
Recently, American Forest Foundation (AFF) president Tom Martin published an article in which he advocates for family forest landowners as part of the climate change solution. Families own the largest portion of forests across the U.S and want to improve the health of these forests, but most are not employing best management practices (BMPs) due to high financial costs. Martin believes that helping landowners access carbon markets would allow them to afford and implement these BMPs. While private sector programs such as the Family Forest Carbon Program (a joint partnership between the AFF and The Nature Conservancy) have become more prominent, smaller and more accessible programs are still needed. The current administration may be able to help make carbon programs accessible by providing loans and bond guarantees similar to traditional agriculture programs. Giving family forest landowners access to carbon markets may be a quick and easy step in the right direction as we pursue climate mitigation. Click here to read the full article.
Calculations for the Cooling Effect of Trees in Cities
A recent study, titled “Impacts of tree and building shades on the urban heat island” and published in the journal Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, is the first to calculate how shaded areas can negate urban heat islands and lower overall surface temperatures. It was conducted by Drs. Park (Clemson University), Guldmann (Ohio State University), and Liu (Ohio State University). Researchers found that buildings had a mixed effect on overall temperatures, as they made the surrounding area hotter but also created shade. Mature trees were found to have the most significant cooling effects. Models that assessed areas with a mature overstory suggested that those areas could be up to 5°F cooler than those without trees, or up to 3.5°F cooler than those with juvenile trees. Even areas with grass and no trees were cooler than those without. The data generated by this study will allow researchers to more precisely assess the effects of trees in urban areas. This will be especially useful for urban foresters aiming to cool down their cities. Read more here.
Call For Applications: International Junior Foresters’ Competition
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) International Programs office is soliciting applications from students who would like to represent the USA in the 18th Annual International Junior Foresters’ Competition. This event is sponsored by the Russian Federal Forestry Agency. The Russian Federal Forestry Agency and USFS have collaborated for over 50 years, with recent collaborations focusing on illegal logging and climate change. The goals of the competition are to: encourage cooperation among young people across the globe, develop an awareness of forest issues, and provide training and guidance in the field of forestry. Students aged 14 to 21 are encouraged to submit project papers by September 15th. These papers should be similar to a research paper in that they contain a hypothesis, methods, results/anticipated results, and conclusion. The competition will take place virtually November 16th-19th. Click here to learn more, and click here to apply.
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Southeast CASC Webinar: Case Studies of Ecosystem Services Mapping in the Southeast
The Southeast Climate Adaption Science Center (CASC) will be hosting a webinar, titled “Case studies of ecosystem services mapping in the Southeast”. Graduate students working with CASC will present developed case studies that utilize ecosystem services mapping to address issues of relevance to resource managers and stakeholders. Presentations will include “Impacts of Urban Development on Aquifer Ecosystem Services” and “Investigating Associations Between Social Vulnerability and Environmental Quality in the Southeastern United States”. This webinar is geared towards managers, stakeholders, and students interested in ecosystem services mapping. It will take place July 20th at 11:00 AM EST. Click here to learn more and register.
Webinar: NRCS Pollinator Response to NRCS Pollinator Practices
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a webinar titled “Pollinator Response to NRCS Pollinator Practices”. The webinar will be led by Anthony Abbate of the Auburn University Bee Lab. Abbate will discuss a recent assessment of pollinator response to established and experimental pollinator plantings. This assessment was supported by the NRCS’ Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). It was also used to determine which native plant species are most successful in promoting native pollinators. This webinar is geared towards natural resource professionals, and anyone interested in pollinator-friendly gardening. The webinar will take place July 22nd at 3:00 PM EST. Click here to learn more and register.
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Webinar: The Greatest Transfer of Land Since the King's Grants Is Underway: What Are Resource Professionals to Do?
Virginia Cooperative Extension recently announced plans for a new webinar. This webinar is titled “The Greatest Transfer of Land Since the King's Grants Is Underway: What Are Resource Professionals to Do?”. This land transfer refers to the ongoing loss of family-owned woodlands, in which they are sold out of the family and parceled into smaller pieces. Resource professionals are also impacted by such changes, as smaller parcels of land can be more difficult to manage than larger, continuous parcels. During this webinar, Virginia Cooperative Extension will educate resource professionals about Generation NEXT, a program that aims to slow this land transfer through landowner legacy planning. This webinar will take place August 4th at 12:00 PM EST. Click here for additional information.
Webinar Recording: IAWF Wildland Firefighters Mental Health and Well-being
The International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) recently released a recording of their Wildland Firefighters Mental Health and Well-being webinar. This webinar was part of their ongoing Workforce Resilience Ignite talk series. In it, mental health and wildland fire professionals discuss their personal experiences, offer resources for current wildland firefighters, and more. Click here to watch this recording, and others, from the IAWF Workforce Resilience Ignite series.
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There are no funding opportunities this week. If you aware of any, please share them with us at SREFnewsletter@sref.info
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TDF Area Forester (Cumberland)
The Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) is hiring a Cumberland Area Forester. The Area Forester is responsible for all division programs within the Cumberland area, and works under the direct supervisor of the District Forester. Applications close July 27th. To learn more about this position or apply, click here.
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Upcoming Events:
July 28th- August 2nd, 2021 | Virtual
North American Agroforestry Conference
The North American Agroforestry Conference will be hosted July 28th through August 2nd, 2021. The conference will be virtual, is hosted by the Savanna Institute and the Association for Temperate Agroforestry. It will center around the theme of scaling agroforestry up for carbon drawdown. Additional details and registration information can be found here.
August 5th, 2021 | Virtual
Pine Seedling Genetics and Nursery Update Workshop
Dr. David Dickens and Dr. David Clabo, of the University of Georgia, will be hosting a pine seedling genetics and nursey update workshop on August 5th, 2021. This workshop will be virtual. Continuing education credits will be available for Forestry Education and Logger Education. Additional details and registration information can be found here.
August 1-6, 2021 | Flagstaff, AZ
64th SWST International Convention
The 64th International Society of Wood Science and Technology Convention will be held August 1-6, at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona USA . The overall theme is “Value from Wood Resources through Innovation”. Preview the agenda and/or register here.
August 12-13, 2021 | Jekyll Island, GA
Georgia Climate Conference
The Georgia Climate Conference will be hosted on August 12-13, 2021, on Jekyll Island, GA. This conference is hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It will feature keynote speakers Roy Richards Jr., and Representative Lynn Smith. CEUs will be available for certified planners, floodplain managers, attorneys, and professional engineers. Additional details can be found here.
November 3-6 | Virtual
SAF 2021 Virtual Convention
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) will host their 2021 convention November 3rd-6th. This convention will be virtual. The theme is “Forests for All”. Click here for additional details and registration information.
October 4-6, 2021 | Dallas, TX
Advancing Mass Timber Construction Conference
The 2nd annual Advancing Mass Timer Construction conference will be taking place in Dallas, Texas, October 4-6. A wide variety of content will be available including two content tracks, six workshops, over fifty speakers, and dozens of hours of networking opportunities. This is an in-person event. Register before June 18th and save up to $500 on registration fees. Additional information can be found here.
October 4-6, 2021 | State College, PA
National Extension Energy Summit & National Sustainability Summit
The National Extension Energy Summit (NEES) and the National Sustainability Summit (NSS) will be hosting a joint conference this October, at Penn State University. The focus of this conference is Extension and research strategies used to strengthen the community of practice and collaborations, and to share experiences as sustainability and energy educators. Additional information can be found here.
October 4-8, 2021 | Asheville, NC
4th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop
The 4th National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop will be hosted on October 4-8, 2021 in Asheville, NC. The proposal deadline for those w. Click here for workshop details.
October 12-13th, 2021 | Gainesville, FL
SAF Florida Division and UF FFGS Symposium Announced
This fall, the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Florida Division and the University of Flordia’s (UF) School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatic Sciences (FFGS) will host a joint symposium October 12-13th in Gainesville, FL. The event will discuss a broad array of topics relating to Southern pines including genetics, health, management, and market status. Program and registration details will be available soon.
December 6-7, 2021 | Athens, GA
Southern Forestry & Natural Resource Management
GIS Conference
The University of Georgia and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources will be hosting the 13th Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management GIS Conference on December 6-7, 2021 at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens, Georgia. Click here to learn more.
December 7-9, 2021 | Virtual
ACES 2021 Conference
The 2021 A Community on Ecosystem Services conference has been rescheduled for December 7-9, and will be a virtual event. The focus of the conference is to link state-of-the-art science, practice, and decision making by bringing together the ecosystem services community and decision makers from around the United States and the globe. In partnership with Ecosystem Markets and the Ecosystem Partnership (ESP), the conference will engage leaders across all fields to advance the use of ecosystem services science and practice in resource management. This is a broad event geared towards individuals with interests such as resource management, policy, government, business, conservation, and urban and non-urban development. Click here for additional information.
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