Forestry Notes

Terry Baker joined the Society of American Foresters (SAF) as chief executive officer in September of 2018. Hailing from Marianna, Fla., he has worked in seven states for the U.S. Forest Service. Baker earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Florida in 2004 and a master of forestry degree at Yale University…… Continue reading →

The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is working with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and the U.S. Forest Service to manage invasive species through Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). The district has five shovel-ready projects identified and hopes to begin prioritizing efforts in May, Madison County SWCD Director…… Continue reading →

Forester Nia Becker (pictured below) with the Clare Conservation District (CD) in Harrison, Mich., is using her expertise in cultivating mushrooms to increase landowner interest in land management and district programs in Michigan. Earlier this year, Becker presented “The Magic of Mushrooms: Engaging Landowners with Their Passions” at the American Forest Foundation (AFF) National Leadership…… Continue reading →

G. Michael Zupko is the executive director of the Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC), an intergovernmental committee of federal, state, tribal and local officials convened by the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, Defense and Homeland Security dedicated to consistent implementation of wildland fire policies, goals and management activities. Prior to this position, he advised the Southern…… Continue reading →

Maine’s Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is working with Universities of Maine in Presque Isle and Fort Kent to combat neonectria and repopulate forest beech trees. “Beech trees play such an important part in Maine's forest ecosystem,” Central Aroostook SWCD Executive Director Randy Martin said. “Aside from the fact that it is a…… Continue reading →

The Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in New Mexico is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) near wildfire-ravaged areas across the state through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. "It is a long, detailed process," District Manager Dierdre Tarr said. "But worth the time and effort." “It’s a learning curve where you…… Continue reading →

The Cascadia Conservation District (CD) in Wenatchee, Wash., partnered with the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and nearly a dozen other Washington State agencies to update the Chelan County Good Neighbor Handbook, a 36-page guide for property owners, newcomers and residents. “We all recognize the partnerships, collaboration and efficiency that is gained through a joint outreach effort…… Continue reading →

With varying weather extremes affecting the forestry landscape, the North Platte Natural Resources District (NRD) in Scottsbluff, Neb., is working diversity and restoration into its 17 communities through the Free Trees for Fall Planting program. The district, in partnership with the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Trees for Nebraska Towns, has successfully…… Continue reading →

Virginia's Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is working with teachers to expand conservation education opportunities within the Hanover County Public Schools district. Hanover-Caroline SWCD staff facilitated a Project Learning Tree (PLT) professional development program for teachers prior to the start of the school year to guide teachers on how to integrate environmental education…… Continue reading →

Minnesota’s Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is using federal and state programming and a partnership with the military to secure easements and establish and maintain buffers. The effort aims to protect and improve water quality and wildlife habitat around the National Guard’s Camp Ripley. “We know if we can protect 75 percent of…… Continue reading →