USFS Study Shows Critical Slowing Down in Cone Production of Longleaf Pine Over Time

Longleaf pine forests were historically distributed throughout the Southeastern United States with significant ecologic, social, and economic roles. Now, longleaf pine-dominated Savannas have become an endangered ecosystem due to over-harvesting, land-use change, and fire suppression according to the United States Forest Service’s (USFS) recent research. One major factor that has challenged restoration efforts is the sporadic seed production of longleaf pines. To learn more about the USFS research on longleaf pine, click here.

FL Forest Service & USFS Offer 2023 Assistance with Treatments to Prevent & Treat SPB

The Florida Forest Service (FLFS) is accepting applications for its U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service funded 2023 Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Assistance and Prevention Program. The program provides incentive payments to eligible non-industrial forest landowners who have overstocked pine stands and need to conduct a first thinning. The program also offers partial cost reimbursement for activities that can mitigate southern pine beetle activity, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and planting longleaf or slash pine rather than loblolly pine — the beetle’s preferred species. The FLFS SPB Prevention Program includes 44 northern Florida counties in the known range of the southern pine beetle. Applications are due June 9, 2023. For details and to submit an application, click here.

Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic Policies on Timber Markets in the Southern United States

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global commodity markets and individual consumption patterns. Various COVID-19-related policies were put in place by state and local governments to limit the virus outbreak, which disrupted the production and supply chains of manufacturing industries. The United States forest sector was not an exception. A study on the United States (US) Southern forestry found a significant decrease in prices across all timber products (7%-30%) soon after COVID-19 lockdowns were implemented in early 2020. Findings from the fixed effects (FE) estimators suggest mandatory lockdowns for all individuals in certain areas of the jurisdiction had a decreasing price effect on pine pulpwood but an increasing effect on hardwood sawtimber. The findings from this study may help to set expectations for future market shocks if policies that impact the timber supply chain and consumer behavioral changes are implemented. To learn more about the COVID-19 policies’ impact on the timber market, click here.

Enroll in Online UF Forest Landowner Academy                    

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF IFAS) Extension launched a self-paced, online, seven-module foundation course titled ‘Forest Resources and Management’ for landowners and others interested in forestry. Course participants will be able to access high-quality educational content on forestry and multiple-use forest stewardship concepts and can connect with forest management experts. The course topics include tree identification, pine, hardwood, land use management for both solid wood and pulp products as well as non-timber forest products. Forest landowners will gain comprehensive knowledge and skills related to forest resource management that they can use in their land planning and management. The course also provides information on conservation easements, wildlife habitat, and succession planning. Questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers. To learn more forest management and land stewardship, click here.

USFS Study Finds an Increase in Southern Pulpwood Production

According to a recent United States Forest Service (USFS) study, the United States (US) South’s pulpwood production increased from 57 million cords in 2020 to 59 million cords in 2021. Roundwood production increased by 1.8 million to 44.2 million cords and accounted for 75 percent of the South’s total pulpwood production. The use of wood residue increased 1 percent to 14.7 million cords in 2021. Alabama and Georgia led the South in total production, with 9.6 and 9.3 million cords, respectively. In 2021, 73 mills were operating and drawing wood from the 13 Southern States. It looks like Southern forestry is still expanding. To learn more, click here.

Longleaf Alliance Hosts Groundcover Restoration Academy

The Longleaf Alliance is hosting the ‘Groundcover Restoration Academy’ for conservationists, natural resource managers, and others interested in land management on June 6-8 in Lake City, FL. The course will guide the participants to the principles and practices of restoring native plant species in the ground cover of longleaf pine-dominated systems. Native groundcover in longleaf pine systems provides numerous benefits such as food and habitat to wildlife, fuel for prescribed fires, host plants for pollinator species, nutrient cycling, and aesthetic values. During the 2.5-day course, the participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to plan and implement their own groundcover projects. The academy will develop participants’ capacity through expert instruction by restoration practitioners and producers, firsthand exercises, equipment demonstrations, and a field tour. To learn more about the ‘Groundcover Restoration Academy’, click here.

TX A&M AgriLife Extension Summarizes Landowners’ Concerns, Challenges, & More From Survey Results

Texas A&M AgriLlife Extension surveys Texas landowners every five years regarding four topic areas: land management preferences, landowner concerns and challenges, land loss, and general landowner information. Results from these surveys provide input that informs how organizations that serve Texas landowners develop their programs. Results from the 2017 and 2022 surveys showed the top three reasons for owning land were wildlife, family, and hunting. Respondents mainly selected water ownership, increasing population, invasive species, water conservation, and habitat loss or land fragmentation as major concerns and challenges. Texas landownership is changing as landowners are less economically dependent on the land than in the past. To learn more about the survey results, click here. 

Biochar Emerging as the Strongest Method for CO2 Removal

Many scientists believe “biochar” is becoming the world’s best nature-based carbon removal solution which can be easily scaled up if public awareness could be raised. In March, the United States (US) representatives introduced the bipartisan Biochar Research Network Act 2023, which would create a national network to study biochar and its benefits. Biochar has multiple environmental benefits including soil fertility improvement, green energy production, and waste reduction. Considering the carbon sequestration potential of biochar, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change mentioned biochar production as a “negative emissions” technology in 2018. However, the carbon sequestration rate of biochar depends on the feedstock, expected use, the technology used to produce it, and the climate in which biochar is used. For instance, biochar is found to improve soil health the most in tropical climates where the soil is acidic. To learn more about the carbon sequestration potential of biochar, click here.

2023 FIA User Group Report Released by SAF and NCASI

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI) have recently released the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) User Group meeting report for the interested stakeholders. FIA is a program of the United States Forest Service that provides critical and data for assessing the nation’s forest resources. SAF and the NCASI have been holding the FIA National User Group Meeting for two decades. The goal of the meetings is for user groups to provide input on the FIA program budget, staffing and current FIA priorities, identify stakeholders’ priorities, brainstorm potential solutions to common issues and more. The meeting report linked below provides session descriptions, slide decks, and participant lists. In addition, the report ends with a list of ten recommendations to improve FIA from suggestions on urban FIA data to overall budget, technological needs and more. Click here to access the FIA User Group report. 

New Forest Carbon Calculator Based on Basal Area 

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation developed a new simple-to-use forest carbon calculator that can estimate the biomass carbon of standing live trees (above and below ground) in metric tons of carbon and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2) for trees 1" or greater in diameter. This tool was developed using data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis program. The ecoregion of the property and the basal area for the tree stand being measured are the only two variables needed to calculate the carbon content. Tool users first select an ecoregion subsection from a map that includes New England and New York. The basal area of the stand in square feet needs to be selected next, in addition to adding the acreage of the forest stand. This carbon estimator should be popular in the forestry community because of the available data and the simplicity of the procedure. The calculator is available at the Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program website and can be accessed here.

2023 DOD Climate Resilience Workshop

The United States Department of Defense (US DOD) is hosting the 2023 Climate Resilience Workshop on July 10-13 in St. Louis, Missouri. This workshop will provide a forum for DOD stakeholders and partners to explore the many facets of climate change. Climate change poses a national security threat to military readiness, for example, bases may be in danger from sea level rise, and military conflicts may arise over changing resources, etc. Military installations, environmental organizations, and climate change professionals will be present to help inform the DOD about data, tools, and resources for addressing and combatting climate change threats. To learn about the workshop and register, click here. 

Network for Landscape Conservation Shares Recent Climate Report Findings Through Webinar Series

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, in partnership with the Network for Landscape Conservation (NLC) and the University of Montana, recently published a report, titled “How Landscape Conservation Partnerships Are Working to Address Climate Change.” The group conducted an online survey of landscape conservation partnerships and reached respondents who represented 263 nationwide landscape conservation initiatives. About half of those respondents indicated that their initiative’s major focus was on climate adaptation or mitigation. Survey results and follow-up phone calls with respondents provided data that was distilled into effective practices and recommendations that can accelerate and broaden the benefits of landscape conservation and restoration in meeting climate goals. The report is a summary of this information as well as example case studies. The NLC is partnering with the Salazar Center to share the findings of the report through a four-part webinar series. The first webinar of this series, titled “Setting the Stage: Understanding the Conservation Partnerships Working Paper and its Implications for Climate Change Solutions,” was held on May 25. The second webinar titled “Data and Communications: Utilizing Innovative Tools to Communicate Climate Impacts” will be held on June 29. The information on how to register for these workshops is available on the Salazar Center website. To learn more about NLC’s land conservation and climate mitigation, click here.

Dovetail Partners Releases Report on Nature-based Climate Technologies for Carbon Capture 

Dovetails Partners, a non-profit organization working on sustainability and climate change, recently released a report on climate mitigation. The report included descriptions and reviews of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, current policy and regulatory contexts, and the role of the forest and wood products sector in mitigating climate change. Investing in natural climate solutions directly impacts the forest and wood sector as well as strategies to sequester carbon and reduce climate impact. The adoption of natural climate solutions is essential to address goals related to reducing the negative impacts of climate change. Natural climate solutions and carbon capture technologies are working together to make these changes. To learn more about natural solutions to climate change, read the full report here.

NCSU Extension Summarizes Prescribed Fire Liability & Insurance Options For Private Lands

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Forestry Extension summarizes liability concerns for prescribed fire use and insurance options for landowners and consultants in a post of the Southeast Prescribed Fire Update. Liability concerns are often cited as a primary reason that landowners are reluctant to use prescribed fire. However, this concern is not consistent with the actual facts of prescribed fire use, law, and liability. In 2022, a “Prescribed Fire Liability Report for the Southern United States: A Summary of Statutes and Cases” was released that summarized liability laws, regulations, and any known court cases related. In addition, there were reports created for individual states. This post also includes a collection of presentations and factsheets on Prescribed fire insurance, liability laws, and a prescribed fire insurance survey. The insurance section of this article includes information on insurance options for landowners and consultants; however, it is information that was derived from surveys conducted in 2015, so the information may be slightly out of date, but will offer some general information. To learn more about liability, insurance and prescribed fire, click here.

Forest-Climate Working Group Delivers Educational Series to Congressional Staffers

The Forest-Climate Working Group recently restarted its “Latte and Learn” educational series where forest sector experts are brought to Capitol Hill to educate staff on the power of forests and forest products to reduce carbon emissions and protect our nation from climate-change impacts. The first session of the new series was held May 12 at the United States Capitol Visitor Center and included the Society of American Foresters Director of Policy and Public Affairs covering "Forest Carbon 101" for the staffers in attendance. One of SAF’s missions is to educate the public and policymakers on the essential role that forests and forestry professionals play in ensuring a sustainable future for society. To learn more, click here.

New Podcast Focuses on Ways to Grow a Wood Business

The new Whiskey & Wood Podcast focuses on discovering what it takes to grow a wood business. The podcast’s host interviews successful wood business owners to discover how they built their business dreams. Each episode focuses on different industry leaders who share their failures, achievements, and insights into their success. While the “Whiskey & Wood” podcast is focused on wood businesses, it includes information on marketing, finances, leadership and insights on products. Whiskey & Wood can be found on several podcast platforms including Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Boomplay, and more. Access the Whiskey & Wood website here.

USDA Seeks Proposals to Strengthen Rural Community and Economic Development

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Community Development Initiative program is accepting proposals for grants that will improve rural housing, community facilities and economic development around the country. Grants may be used to train sub-grantees to conduct educational training on homeownership or minority-owned business entrepreneurship. They also may be used to provide technical assistance to sub-grantees on strategic plan development, accessing alternative funding sources and training and resources for board operations, management, financial systems and information technology. Deadline is June 28, 2023. To learn more, read the full Stakeholder Announcement here.

New $848M Funding from DOT for Nature Based Solutions

The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) is seeking proposals to fund projects addressing climate resilience of transportation systems, including improving highways, public transportation, ports, and intercity passenger rail under its Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program. Eligible entities include states, local governments, and Tribes. However, federal land management agencies can partner with a submitting entity. Selected projects will use innovative and collaborative approaches to climate risk reduction using nature-based solutions, including conservation, restoration, or construction of shade trees, native vegetation, bioswales, marshes, wetlands, breakwaters, reefs, and dunes. Applications are due on August 18, 2023. To learn more about this funding or submit your application, click here.

Connecting People to Forests Request for MAP 2023 Proposals

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is soliciting proposals from nonprofit organizations, tribal governments and organizations, and universities seeking funds for projects that directly benefit America’s National Forests and Grasslands under its Matching Awards Program (MAP). MAP pairs federal funds 1:1 cash provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) with non-federal dollars raised by award recipients, multiplying the resources available to benefit the National Forest System. Nonfederal cash funds need to be directly received by the applicant organization. In-kind contributions are ineligible for use as a match. Award recipients must expend a match for the completion of the same project within the NFF grant performance period. An informational webinar was held on April 25. Application Deadline is June 7, 2023, at 11:59 pm MDT. To learn more about NFF MAP funding, click here.

USDA AFRI Sustainable Agricultural Systems Request for Applications

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems grant program is now accepting applications. Applications must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the US food and agriculture system. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking creative applications for projects that will significantly improve the supply of affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible agricultural products and foster the development of rural prosperity. This grant program closes Thursday, July 13, 2023. A Letter of Intent is a prerequisite for application submission. For more information or to apply, click here. 

NFWF Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program Requests for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals from qualified parties under its Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program to award grants to projects that restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and stream habitats for diverse native bird and aquatic species populations. Approximately $3.2 million in grant funding is available this year. The full proposal is due July 13, 2023 by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. To learn more about the scope and scale of the funding, as well as the criteria to qualify for proposal submission, click here.

USDA Offers $5.15 Million Grants in 2023 to Bring Innovative Wastewater Systems in Underserved Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering grants to regional consortiums for projects implementing innovative solutions to longstanding wastewater issues in underserved rural areas under the Technical Assistance and Construction for Innovative Regional Wastewater Treatment Solutions Grant Pilot Program. Priority will be given to regional consortiums that coordinate with universities, academic, health, and research institutes, or economic development entities to solve untreated raw sewage issues with innovative technologies. The grants may be used to study, design, or construct regional wastewater systems in underserved areas. Applications must be submitted electronically on grants.gov and received no later than 11:59 PM ET on July 31. For more information, read the full stakeholder announcement here.

DOD and DOI Launch Readiness & Recreation Conservation Initiative RFP Around Military Installations

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) have taken new initiatives to preserve land around military installations and improve access to outdoor recreation through a new Readiness and Recreation Initiative. The DOI’s National Park Service will provide $40 million in funding from unobligated Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) balances to safeguard natural areas, protect water resources, preserve cultural heritage sites, and provide recreation opportunities for the public. The Department of Defense's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) will provide a matching $40 million in funds to support these projects. The departments will work with states to identify and support REPI projects that fit the desired criteria that include abilities to provide recreational opportunities without compromising military operations. States can apply for funding, which could support projects on public, private, state, or local lands, through a competitive process. To learn more about this initiative, click here. The deadline to apply for this request for proposals is August 21, 2023. To go directly to the grant application details, click here.

Four Open Extension Faculty Positions at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Forestry has four open Extension faculty positions. Two are located on the Starkville campus, one is located near Starkville, and one is on the coast in Biloxi, MS. All four positions are full-time, 12-month, and tenure-track.

1. Assistant Professor (Forest Resource Economics) position is located in the Department of Forestry, College of Forest Resources, on Mississippi State University’s main campus in Starkville, Mississippi. 
2. Assistant/Associate Professor (Forest Ecosystem Productivity Extension) is open at the same location.
3. The position of Assistant Professor (Longleaf Pine Restoration Forestry) is based in Biloxi, MS
4. Assistant Professor (Forestry Extension) is based in Lee County, MS at the North Mississippi Research Center.

Individual job information can be accessed by clicking on the linked positions above. Detailed job descriptions, required qualifications, anticipated start dates, and application procedures are available on the university career website.

USDA Opens Full-Time, Entry-Level Soil Conservationist Positions across the United States

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to hire a new group of Entry-Level Soil Conservationists over the next few years with the funding support of $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for conservation programs. NRCS already opened job announcements for GS 5/7/9 soil conservationists. These jobs are part of a broader effort by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help producers develop conservation plans and implement conservation practices, including critical climate-smart practices. Learn more here.

USDA Recruiting Biological Scientists/Physical Scientists

USDA is recruiting Biological Scientists/Physical Scientists for its Washington DC location. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the Biological Scientist (GS-0401). For the Physical Scientist (GS-1301), successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. For detailed job descriptions, required qualifications and application deadlines, click here.