Forestry Notes

In California, the Resource Conservation District of Tehama County (RCDTC) continues to grow its reach through hands-on conservation and wildfire preparedness efforts. This spring, RCDTC’s Arbor Day activities in Red Bluff offered a glimpse into the district’s year-round work. From planting native oak and conifer saplings to leading educational activities on forest health, the outreach…… Continue reading →

 When Hurricane Helene swept across western North Carolina, it left a lasting mark on the region’s forests, watersheds, and communities. According to preliminary data released by the U.S. Forest Service, the storm caused moderate to catastrophic damage to more than 187,000 acres across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, including the loss of vegetation on…… Continue reading →

Landowners in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are facing increased fire risks as dense stands of balsam fir, weakened by decades of fire suppression and recent spruce budworm outbreaks continue to die off at an alarming rate. The scale of the problem is unprecedented with approximately 665,000 acres of balsam fir affected in 2023 alone, making it…… Continue reading →

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) recently held a session at its Annual Meeting that focused on the importance of agroforestry practices in conservation and the critical role conservation districts play in supporting landowners. This session, featuring case studies from Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and Snohomish Conservation District, highlighted the practical applications of…… Continue reading →

The Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD), based in Oregon, serves the diverse and ecologically rich landscapes of Jackson County. Situated within the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion, the county is home to a variety of ecosystems, including oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests, and riparian areas. These landscapes play an essential role in supporting the region’s communities…… Continue reading →

  New Jersey maintains a diversity of plant and animal species by ensuring habitat for native species and actively managing invasive species. Atlantic white-cedar stands, which are currently being restored, play a critical role in the state's biodiversity, benefiting various plant and animal species, including several that are threatened and endangered. Despite forests being the…… Continue reading →

Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) in Colorado, in collaboration with partners, has secured federal grants totaling over $19 million to address forest restoration, wildlife habitat preservation, and wildfire mitigation across the Northern Front Range. This initiative, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) aims to thin out dense forests on private lands,…… Continue reading →

In the lush landscapes of Georgia, a relentless battle wages against the invasive, highly damaging feral swine. These descendants of domestic pigs, now wide-spread and invasive, pose a significant threat to agriculture, natural habitats, and local economies. Amid the challenges posed by these destructive creatures, a coalition of conservation districts, governmental bodies, and research institutions…… Continue reading →

Building upon the foundation of innovative conservation practices, Knox-Lincoln SWCD and Waldo County SWCD in Maine introduced a Conservation Landscape Certification Program designed to empower landowners in being the best land stewards possible. This initiative aligns with the broader efforts of conservation districts in promoting best management practices and fostering sustainable landscapes. The certification program…… Continue reading →

In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through California's North Bay Counties in October 2017, local partners including the Napa Resource Conservation District (RCD) created the North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP). The NBFIP is a collaboration between Napa RCD, Mendocino RCD, and Sonoma RCD, along with the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC)…… Continue reading →