National Association of State Foresters Weekly Newsletter March 12 2021
Original Source
In Your State
In Missouri: Get updated on emerald ash borer’s advance
The emerald ash borer continues to advance across Missouri, devastating ash trees as it goes. An online Zoom class will be held to learn about where it is located, how to identify it, how to control it and when to start controls to help prevent its infestation.
Iowa DNR to start annual spring burning
[Explore Okoboji]
The Iowa DNR plans to conduct prescribed burns within Dickinson, Cherokee, and O’Brien counties between April 1 and May 20 to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, and maintain native plant communities.
In Minnesota: Perform burn-free brush cleanup to prevent spring wildfires
[Bemidji Pioneer]
Drought conditions across Minnesota have created the potential for an active and damaging spring wildfire season. The Minnesota DNR urges woodland landowners and homeowners to help prevent wildfires by using burn-free options for spring brush and yard cleanup.
More from Minnesota:
U of M scientists discover fungi that ‘attack’ emerald ash borer[CBS Minnesota]
Spring wildfire risk remains across Wisconsin's storm damage areas
[Sun Prairie Star]
This is the safest time of the year to burn as fires are less likely to escape and cause a wildfire. Property owners should always consider alternatives to burning, such as composting, chipping or hauling vegetative waste to approved disposal sites.
More from Wisconsin:
(Video) Springtime brings an increased risk of wildfires[WAOW]
(Blog post) Wausau’s new partners in urban wood utilization[Wisconsin DNR]
(Blog post) Look for gypsy moth egg masses and prepare for hatch; Slow-the-Spread treatments announced[Wisconsin DNR]
(Blog post) First-ever virtual WAA and WDNR Urban Forestry Conference a success![Wisconsin DNR]
In Illinois: Firefighters still battling Fountain Bluff wildfire; additional resources deployed
[The Southern Illinoisan]
The USDA Forest Service is overseeing incident operations, which included the deployment of 17 firefighters from Forest Service units in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Oregon to work alongside Shawnee National Forest firefighters.
Michigan residents asked to avoid outside burning amid high wildfire risk
[ClickOnDetroit]
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has identified Sumpter Township as being at very high risk of wildfires due to dry ground conditions. Residents are being asked to avoid any outdoor burning activities to prevent a wildland fire.
From New York: Tree identification in winter is vital to forest management
[Lancaster Farming]
If you know what trees populate your forest, you can better manage them for money-making opportunities, such as logging and maple syrup production, and to prevent pests and diseases from causing damage.
More from New York:
Outdoor burn ban aimed at the approaching wildfire season in New York[Auburn Pub]
Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Forestry encourages residents to take caution during wildfire season
[WTAJ]
According to the Bureau of Forestry’s Wildfire Protection Chief Mike Kern, last year 1,500 wildfires were reported. And with the weather warming up they’re prepared for another busy season.
More from Pennsylvania:
Pittsburgh applies equity lens amid push to plant 100K trees[Smart Cities Dive]
‘Maine’s Big Trees’ topic of Kennebec Historical Society’s March 17 virtual talk
[Sun Journal]
State champion big trees capture people’s imagination for their size and strength; however, there is more to a champion than just its size — they are symbols of all the good work trees do for the quality of the environment and our quality of life.
More from Maine:
(Blog post) ‘The Maine Question’ asks what’s Mainers relationship with the forest[University of Maine]
Massachusetts fire officials ask for public’s help preventing brush fires-conduct open burning carefully and watch the wind
[CapeCod.com]
“Early spring is often when firefighters in New England are busy fighting brush fires. As the season changes, the winds can be strong and unpredictable. Please conduct open burning safely and watch the wind. Have a permit and to be ready to shut it down quickly if the weather changes.”
Forest fire mitigation measures under way across New Jersey
[New Jersey DEP]
(Press release) As New Jersey’s climate continues to change, forest maintenance, including prescribed burning, takes on even greater importance.
More from New Jersey:
(Blog post) Firefighters in New Jersey are taking advantage of good weather to conduct prescribed burns[Wildfire Today]
From Maryland: Forest management a key to managing wildland fires
[Frederick News-Post]
(Opinion) Naturally occurring fires are rare and create opportunities for growth, renewal and biodiversity. However, in Maryland today, 97 percent of all wildfires are caused by humans.
More from Maryland:
(Press release) Maryland wildfire danger increases in spring[Outdoor Wire]
Time to put West Virginia's forests to work for us
[Charleston Gazette-Mail]
(Opinion) With more than 12 million acres of forested land, West Virginia is the third most forested state in the country. The benefits of our forests are many — starting first with our economy.
In Virginia: After 80 years, burn law remains a powerful tool in fight against wildfires
[Richmond Times-Dispatch]
Virginia’s 4 p.m. burn law, adopted during the 1940s to help reduce the number of spring wildfires in the state, is currently in effect.
More from Virginia:
Hundreds of acres of brush catch fire at Sussex and Prince George county line[WRIC]
Fire crews continue to battle “major fire” in Franklin County, roughly 80% contained[WFXR]
Harrisonburg Public Works Urban Forestry Team wants to hear from you[Augusta Free Press]
A tree grows in Richmond: Southside moves from redlining to greening[The Progressive]
Kentucky Division of Forestry asks people to avoid outdoor burning
[WKYT]
The Division of Forestry said a large number of the fires they’ve seen lately have been careless burning of debris. They asked people to stop burning outside until the region gets “significant precipitation.”
In Tennessee: Burn permits required through May 15
[The Courier]
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is reminding residents that if they plan to burn outdoors, a burn permit is required through May 15 in most counties.
More from Tennessee:
TN forestry officials warn of elevated fire danger due to dry conditions for East TN[WBIR]
(Press release) Ag crime unit steps up citations for off-road users in areas of state forests[TN.gov]
From North Carolina: A garden and the birth of American forestry
[Gainesville Sun]
Olmsted encouraged Vanderbilt to hire Gifford Pinchot, one of only 10 individuals in the nation with any forest-management training, to determine management for the remaining property.
More from North Carolina:
N.C. Forest Service provides tips for burning yard debris during spring wildfire season[Watauga Democrat]
Trees are a natural defense against rising floodwater threat across South Carolina
[Midlands Biz]
(Submission) “Trees, vegetation and soils are components of pervious surface cover that help absorb stormwater and reduce the harmful effects of flooding, erosion and runoff,” says Doug Wood, director of communications with the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Georgia Forestry Commission recognized for 100 years of service
[All On Georgia]
“Healthy forests provide so many benefits to us all,” said State Forester Tim Lowrimore. “On our 100th anniversary, our agency is proud to support the landowners and citizens who care deeply about trees and the many benefits they provide.”
More from Georgia:
Good fires: Prescribed fire in Georgia and throughout the South[All On Georgia]
Florida fire officials warn recent dry conditions not a good time to burn
[WKRG]
“We’re transitioning from winter to spring. Things are starting to green up and grow. The way Florida’s ecosystem works is that the sap and the oils inside those plants are kind of volatile. They’re more conducive to fires.”
More from Florida:
Voracious super termites are carving out a new existence in South Florida, leaving decades-old trees gutted and vulnerable[Sun Sentinel]
In Alabama: Hoover residents help plant fruit orchard for 2021 Arbor Day
[Hoover Sun]
Hundreds of people came out to Aldridge Gardens today for the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration. The city had 250 trees to give away for people to plant in their yards, and the community this year was invited to help plant 26 fruit trees.
More from Alabama:
Forestry: 24 wildfires burning across Alabama[WSFA]
Alabama Forestry Commission urges caution with all burning[WEIS]
Hurricanes Laura and Delta impact the forestry industry in SW
Louisiana
[KPLC]
“Calcasieu had the highest volume of forestry acreage damage at 180,000 acres with a timber value estimated to be $76.7 million... I think the biggest concern with a lot of these downed trees is the wildfire hazard that we might have.”
Wildfire danger area extended across northern tier of Arkansas
[KTLO]
Arkansans can check the status of wildfire dangers and burn bans throughout the state by going online to arkfireinfo.org.
The merits of prescribed burning: East Texas is a 'fire-dependent ecosystem'
[KNUE]
Apparently many experts both in the forest service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say the benefits of prescribed burning can't be overstated.
More from Texas:
Tyler Trees Committee gives out free tree seedlings to help local environment[Tyler Morning Telegraph]
Texas A&M Forest Service gives tips on protecting the environment this season[NBC DFW]
(Video) Texas A&M Forest Service nabs suspect in felony timber fraud[Yahoo]
Arlington Fire Department awarded for heroism during California wildfires[NBC DFW]
Texas governor warns of elevated risk of wildfires in several regions[Kiowa County Press]
Strike Team from Dallas assigned to West Texas to help with upcoming fire danger[KLTV]
From Oklahoma:
How can I keep from starting and protect my home from wildfires?
[News-Capital]
The National Weather Service and Oklahoma Forestry Services detail how to prepare for the threat of wildfires.
More from Oklahoma:
Oklahoma Blood Institute offers donors free Redbud seedling[KSWO]
Kansas taps regional compact for more equipment as fire danger remains high
[KVOE]
Kansas State Forester Jason Hartman says equipment from Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming will help to bolster fire departments already stretched thin over the past week as the grass fire season has gotten off to a fast start.
More from Kansas:
Kansas gov. issues a state of disaster emergency for wildland fires[FOX 4]
Rural Kan. grass fire burns 2 homes, 5,000 acres[JC Post]
Colorado forest report: ‘We must do more to protect them’
[KDVR]
“Our forests are not in good shape,” said State Forester Mike Lester. “We’ve got 20 years of significant insect issues. We’ve had drought issues the last couple years. Climate change has not been really good to our forests. It’s really kicked up the insect disease cycle.”
More from Colorado:
Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition completes its first mitigation project[Daily Sentinel]
Nearly 200,000 trees planted atop Wolf Creek Pass since 2019[Durango Herald]
CSU researchers want to expand warnings about wildfire smoke[CBS Denver]
Colorado competes with other states for wildfire-fighting aircraft. Climate change makes that a big problem.[Colorado Sun]
Wildfire preparedness in New Mexico is year-round: Don’t depend on luck – Be aware & prepared
[New Mexico Fire Information]
(Press release) March brings the first signs of spring to drought-stricken Northern New Mexico landscapes, including warmer temperatures, windy conditions and the potential onset of wildfires.
More from New Mexico:
Southwest's prolonged drought stressing New Mexico trees[Santa Fe New Mexican]
Santa Fe to begin planting more drought-resistant trees[Santa Fe New Mexican]
Arizona could be looking at a devastating wildfire season in 2021
[AZ Family]
Right now, Arizona as a whole is experiencing some form of drought with about 85 percent of the state categorized as exceptional or extreme.
More from Arizona:
Critical fire weather hits Arizona[Payson Roundup]
New program aims to rehabilitate Arizonans in prison and prevent wildfires[AZ Family]
Homes go up without fire-hardening code[Payson Roundup]
