National Association of State Foresters Weekly Newsletter June 13, 2025
Out West
From Montana: Bridging partnerships for a thriving multi-use forest [Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network]
(Blog) The Brooklyn Bridge project utilized the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program, which allows foresters from the Forest Service and Montana Department of Natural Resources to come together to execute forest management, wildfire fuel reduction, and other restoration projects on federal lands.
More from Montana:
Emergency forest project aims to protect Butte's drinking water [Independent Record]
Northern Nevada at above normal wildfire risk [Nevada Appeal]
Dry fuels, carryover grasses from last year, and thunderstorms without significant rainfall are all contributing to wildfire potential. However, interagency cooperation will meet the challenge, officials said. "Just to remind ourselves that we have had five slow fire seasons," said Nevada State Forester and Firewarden Kacey KC.
Federal cuts threaten Oregon's disaster response ahead of wildfire season [OPB]
As Oregon faces what's supposed to be an intense wildfire season, counties are grappling with federal cuts and uncertainty that could hinder their ability to help Oregonians during fires, floods and other disasters. Many of Oregon's disaster programs rely heavily on federal grants that help fund everything from radio communications to professionals who push out evacuation alerts during wildfires.
'Tree equity' on the chopping block in Washington state [KUOW]
The Washington Department of Natural Resources aims to boost tree cover in disadvantaged communities so that all Washington residents have access to shade and other benefits trees provide, a concept known as "tree equity." But funding is uncertain as the Trump administration freezes and eliminates some of these programs.
More from Washington:
Over 200 Washington firefighters dispatched to aid Canadian wildfire efforts in Alberta and Saskatchewan [Hoodline]
Down South
190,000 acres of Forest Service land in North Carolina impacted by Helene: What's the plan for downed trees? [MSN]
According to Appalachian District Ranger Jennifer Barnhart, roughly 190,000 acres throughout North Carolina were impacted by Helene, 20% of U.S. Forest Service-managed land in the state, including a lot of vegetation loss. "This is going to take like 10-plus years of recovery on the National Forest," Barnhart said.
From Texas: 'Cool Down College Station' takes root to combat urban heat [KRHD]
To combat the rising temperatures, the City of College Station initiated a 5-year comprehensive plan called "Cool Down College Station", where they will plant trees in specific areas to help lower the temperature over time. The trees can help lower the temperature with shade, and a biological process called evapotranspiration.
More from Texas:
Texas A&M Forest Service awards landowners $155,000 for wildfire mitigation [The Gilmer Mirror]
