Forestry Notes

  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 →

In November 2021, the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD) in Alaska was re-established with a renewed focus on addressing local environmental challenges. The district has swiftly expanded its team, with four experienced employees specializing in natural resource management. Current initiatives include the Invasive Species Program, Urban Agriculture Program, and Native Plants Program, along…… Continue reading →

Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) may be putting the town of Southport, Indiana back on the map through conservation efforts that include replanting acres of bottomland. “This is great for forest management and forest restoration education,” Owen County SWCD Executive Director Devin Brown said. “There are several different types of plantings to…… Continue reading →

With Nebraska Forest Service reporting an 18 percent average loss in tree canopy across communities in the state, the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (NRD) is reaching out to landowners and partnering with other agencies to replant its lost trees. “It’s hard to identify a single cause. I’d call it a chronic problem,” Upper…… Continue reading →

Beattra Wilson is Assistant Director for Cooperative Forestry within the U.S. Forest Service. As national lead for the agency’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, Wilson oversees program policy, budget, partnership development and strategic and equitable delivery of federal and state urban forestry programs. She has built a career administering conservation cooperative assistance programs at regional…… Continue reading →

The Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sharing the world of conservation and urban agriculture with at-risk students in Ohio through a $44,000 NACD Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) grant. Initially, the grant was secured with the plans to conduct monthly hands-on educational visits to seven Head Start classes this spring, as well as…… Continue reading →