The NASF Washington Weekly Report

NASF News

NASF and state water, wildlife and ag associations reach out to EPA on forest roads issue

State Foresters recently joined with state clean water, wildlife and ag associations to send a letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson urging the agency to defend current regulations that support the established success of the state-based BMP approach to effectively manage nonpoint source pollution from forestry activities.

Around the States

Southern state foresters release forest certification report

The Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) has released a new report about forest certification in the South. Forest Certification Programs: Status and Recommendations in the South provides detailed information regarding forest certification, a comparison of the major certification systems and recommended strategies for southern state forestry agencies to consider as the issue develops.

Checking in with a new state forester

Oregon State Forester Doug Decker was recently interviewed by the Capital Press about his first year as head of the Department of Forestry. One year on, Decker discusses improving landowner relationships, creating natural resource policies, active management on federal lands and future priorities of the agency.

Kentucky Division of Forestry celebrates 100 years

The Kentucky Division of Forestry is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and Gov. Steve Beshear signed a proclamation declaring 2012 as "The Year of Kentucky's Forests." KDF's yearlong celebration of its centennial will include salutations during the State Arbor Day Ceremony, informational displays at the capitol, participation in fairs and festivals and historical presentations to various groups throughout the year.

Alaska DNR chief looks to change agency mission statement

The commissioner of the Alaska's Department of Natural Resources wants to change the agency's mission statement, and has been met with opposition from some conservation groups who are worried about a pro-development bent. The new statement would remove "conserve" and "enhance" from the department's current mission to "develop, conserve and enhance natural resources for present and future Alaskans."

Sustainable Forestry

Two-thirds of westerners call themselves conservationists

Nearly two-thirds of voters in Western states label themselves as conservationists, according to results from a new poll released by Colorado College. The survey, completed in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming by Public Opinion Strategies and Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, found that swing voters across the west -- regardless of political affiliation -- view parks and public lands as essential to their state's economy, and support upholding and strengthening protections for clean air, clean water, natural areas and wildlife.

FIA symposium planned for October in Baltimore, MD

October 2012 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Report of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA). This report expanded the focus of the national forest inventory in the United States to include monitoring of the forest resource trends on a more frequent time interval. In recognition of this milestone, the theme of the 2012 FIA Science Symposium is "Moving from Status to Trends." For more information about the symposium and the call for papers, visit http://fia.fs.fed.us/symposium.

SFI call for applications for conservation partnerships grants related to water, climate

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative forest certification program has opened a Request for Proposals for its Conservation and Community Partnerships Grants program, inviting applications for projects that illustrate or inform the role of SFI in supporting water resources. Exploratory research proposals on projects relating to the role of SFI certification in mitigating or adapting to climate change are also welcome. The deadline for 2012 grant applications is Wednesday March 14, 2012.

Wildfire

2011 among the worst for wildfires

Personnel

Caitlyn Pollihan, Vicki Christiansen accept acting details

Caitlyn Pollihan, executive director for the Western Forestry Leadership Coalition and Council of Western State Foresters, has accepted a four-month detail position with the U.S. Forest Service in a special assignment to the Washington Office Fire and Aviation Management staff. There she will be focusing on critical work during the absence of Vicki Christiansen, the current Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation Management, as she steps in as the acting Regional Forester for Region 1.

Academic forestry job opportunities

NASF recently posted several job opportunities for prospective forestry faculty: University of Missouri Assistant Professor, SilvicultureNorthern Arizona University seeks Asst Professor of Forest Biostatistics Extension Assistant Professor in forestry -- University of Vermont

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