Spotlight
The FY2013 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (S&PF) Competitive Allocation Request for Proposals
This competitive allocation process is a significant way that the Northeastern Area (NA) is helping State Forestry agencies achieve the priorities of their respective state forest action plans while meeting the regional and national priorities of the US Forest Service. more >>
Draft Forest Restoration Strategy for the Chesapeake Watershed
We are pleased to introduce the Draft Forest Restoration Strategy, developed as a key supporting action in the 2010 Executive Order (13508) Strategy for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. A broad array of partners contributed to the process of forming the Strategy, the purpose of which is to improve ecosystem function and provide community benefits in targeted areas of the landscape. The target areas are urban and community forests, mine lands, contaminated lands, agro-forestry, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Forests are a critical ecosystem component that supports major Chesapeake Bay goals—clean water, healthy watersheds, wildlife habitat, fisheries, land conservation, citizen stewardship, and climate change response. This document responds to new drivers for a restored Chesapeake Bay and provides an up-to-date look at programs that support tree planting efforts in these targeted areas. Public comments will be accepted through August 6, 2012. Please send them to Sally Claggett.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
This interagency program is directed by the Environmental Protection Agency and co-sponsored by many agencies, including the US Forest Service, for the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. EPA funds administered through the Northeastern Area will support projects that address near-shore health, nonpoint source pollution, and toxic substances that impact water quality in identified Areas of Concern. more >>
State Forest Action Plans
Every State forestry agency, with input from the public, has completed a Forest Action Plan. The Forest Action Plans contain assessments of the threats facing forests and outline strategies to ensure that forests continue to provide multiple benefits such as clean air and water, places for recreation, wildlife habitat, and forest products. more >>
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Information
Forest Service Overview
USDA ARRA page
Redesign Project Summaries, Fiscal Year 2008
In 2008, the Forest Service launched a “Redesigned” State and Private Forestry (S&PF) program based on a down-to-earth idea—targeting resources to areas of greatest need as the most effective and efficient way to make a difference with limited resources. more >>
Carbon Market Opportunities
Global climate change happens in part because human activity releases greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. Trees absorb CO2 and fix, or “sequester,” carbon in their structure and release oxygen into the air. A standing forest is a “bank” that accumulates carbon as it grows. In the United States, private forest owners may be able to fight global climate change and generate revenue by enrolling in the voluntary carbon market. more >>
Protect the Nation's Forests – Don’t Move Firewood
This camping and hunting season… purchase your firewood from a vendor close to your destination. Don’t pack your own firewood for use at your campsite or cabin. Unfortunately, our native trees and forests are being threatened by invasive insects and diseases that live in dead and dying wood. In many cases, these pests are being accidentally spread to new locations by homeowners and recreationists moving firewood from one location to another. more »
Northeastern Area Seminar Series
The Last Unfinished Business of Gifford Pinchot
 As the first Chief of the US Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot pioneered forest conservation in the U.S. Near the end of his life, Gifford celebrated his accomplishments creating the National Forest System and setting in motion strong State forestry agencies, but referred to private forestry as his 'last unfinished business.' This presentation looks at his efforts and how the issue has evolved since his time.
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Webcasts
Visit the USDA Channel on YouTube!
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Producing and Merchandising from Underutilized Waste Wood Resources
(presentation length 63:43)
Thom Labrie talks about ways to recover and add value to wood resources that might otherwise be wasted. Labrie is the president of Auburn Enterprises LLC, and an award-winning veteran of more than 30 years in the wood business. view »
Estate Planning Options
(presentation length 50:06)
 Attorney Roger L. Deffner presents an overview for woodland owners of wealth management, financial planning, and estate planning. He is only presenting an overview and not legal advice and viewers need to consult a personal attorney for any particular situation.
view »
Property Ownership and Distribution: Who Will Get Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?
(presentation length 79:07)
 Personal property transfer is an issue frequently ignored until a crisis occurs - that is not the time to make important decisions. As Dr. Karen Goebel of the University of Wisconsin explains, transferring non-titled property brings up many important issues. The presentation encourages people to make appropriate arrangements that are fair to all parties concerned and covers tools used to accomplish the transfer of property.
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Call Before You Cut
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Consulting a professional forester before a cut, and using a master logger if choosing to harvest trees, helps woodland owners protect both their woods and their financial interests. more »
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What You Can Do To Help - Get Involved
Landowners and homeowners can be helpful in the fight against invasive plants.
more »
Features
Wildfire Prevention
Many people believe that lightning starts most wildfires, but the fact is 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are started by humans and can be prevented! The main causes are unattended campfires, trash burning, carelessly discarded smoking materials, barbecue coals, and operating equipment without spark arresters. Click here to find out more about wildfire prevention, and here to learn about fire as a forest management tool.
Woodsy Owl
 Woodsy has been America's environmental champion since 1970, and is most recognized for his wise request, "Lend a hand, care for the land." Join the US Forest Service in introducing children to this fanciful creature! »
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News Block
NA News
Gilmore nature and fitness trail ribbon-cutting, September 29
9/19/12
RIPLEY, W.Va.—A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the Gilmore Elementary School in Sandyville, W.Va. to dedicate the new nature and fitness trail.
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Forest Service to host profitable firewood processing workshop
9/6/12
PRINCETON, W.Va.—The Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center will host a workshop on Thursday, September 27. People in the firewood processing industry can learn about the latest in firewood processing, kiln drying, and marketing. The workshop can benefit firewood producers, buyers, and equipment makers; foresters; extension agents; urban arborists; loggers; and landowners.
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$4.5 million tree restoration grant completes in Worcester
7/24/12
WORCESTER, Mass.—The U.S. Forest Service American Reinvestment and Recovery Act grant for the replanting of Worcester’s urban tree canopy has completed. The project thrust the city and neighboring towns forward in their recovery from the Asian longhorned beetle eradication effort, and will lead to reduced energy costs for homeowners.
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Neighborhood Forest’ contest ends, public voting begins
7/23/12
The Forest Service’s photo contest seeking the best images of urban and community forests ended Sunday, but you can help select the “Popular Choice” winner. Which photo do you like the best? Tell us by voting at My Neighborhood Forest Photo Contest. Public voting ends 5 p.m. Aug. 6; contest winners will be announced Aug. 7
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Forest Service to host leadership conference for promoting locally made US wood products
7/17/12
PRINCETON, W.Va.—The Wood Education and Resource Center will host a conference on August 2 that will offer an opportunity to learn the latest thinking on how to increase the use of US hardwoods for value added wood products like cabinets, furniture and millwork as well as marketing wood for local energy production.
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FS, National Garden Clubs honor NJ student as 2012 winner of Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest
7/11/12
WASHINGTON—U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today officially honored a Westfield, N.J., fifth grader as this year’s grand prize winner in the 2012 Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest co-sponsored with the National Garden Clubs Inc.
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Chesapeake Bay Report: 650,000 Ag and Forest Acres Conserved in 16 Months
4/4/12
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.—A new report from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service shows that with NRCS assistance Chesapeake Bay region farmers, forestland owners, and other partners put conservation practices on 650,000 acres of working land between May 2010 and September 2011.
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Working Lands for Wildlife Introduced
3/8/12
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.—The Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced a new partnership to use innovative approaches with farmers and forest landowners to restore and protect the habitats for specific wildlife species.
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Asian Longhorned Beetle Spreads Through Forests Easier Than Previously Thought, Study Finds
8/29/11
DURHAM, N.H.—The first evaluation of Asian longhorned beetle behavior, conducted in woods near Worcester, Mass., found the insect to be more of a forest threat than previously believed.
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Technical Assistance Team helps businesses see benefits of using woody biomass systems
7/6/11
PRINCETON, W.Va.—The U.S. Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center is leading the way in rediscovering that woody biomass is an efficient, cost-effective energy source.
more »
News from the States
True Fall Color Season to be Extended
9/19/12
COLUMBUS, Ohio—As the calendar ushers in the autumn season on Saturday, Ohio’s woodlands and landscapes are still predominantly green. Following Ohio’s dry summer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) expects fall color season to peak during the month of October. more »
Restrictions on campfire and open burning in northwestern and north-central Minnesota take effect Sunday
9/19/12
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Because fire danger is high to very high across major portions of the state due to continued drought conditions, the Department of Natural Resources is initiating burning restrictions in northwestern and north-central Minnesota, beginning at 1 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23. more »
Plant Some Shade Tree Distribution Programs Planned for Fall
9/18/12
DES MOINES—Residential customers of MidAmerican Energy Company who live in Iowa can reduce future energy use, landscape their homes, and green up their communities this fall through Plant Some Shade®. more »
DNR invites public input on forest plans for Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft counties
9/17/12
LANSING, Mich.—The Department of Natural Resources will host an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 16, in Shingleton to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments for 2014 in the Shingleton management unit, which includes Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft counties. more »
ODNR Prepares for Fall Color Season
9/13/12
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Forecasting the vivid oranges, reds and yellows of changing leaves during the fall season is not always predictable, but beautiful fall color will surely be visible in Ohio this year. more »
Pilot Project Makes Yard Trees Available for Bethel Area Home Owners Impacted by the Asian Longhorned Beetle
9/13/12
BATAVIA, Ohio—A pilot project will make available a limited number of landscape trees to Clermont County property owners who had trees removed from their lawns as part of eradication efforts to keep the Asian Longhorned Beetle from spreading across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. more »
WVDA Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Pilot Project Expanding To Additional Counties
9/12/12
CHARLESTON, W.Va.—Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass has announced that a program launched last year to help private landowners combat an invasive pest that is slowly killing West Virginia’s hemlock trees will be expanded to include additional counties this year. more »
State Officials Confirm EAB Detected in Massachusetts for First Time
9/12/12
BOSTON—Officials with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Agricultural Resources today announced that the emerald ash borer has been detected in Massachusetts. more »
DNR invites public input on forest plans for Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties
9/10/12
LANSING, Mich.—The Department of Natural Resources will host open houses on Tuesday, Oct. 9, in Atlanta and Thursday, Oct. 11, in Grayling to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments for 2014 in the Atlanta management unit, which includes Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency and Presque Isle counties; and the Grayling management unit, which includes Alcona, Crawford, Iosco and Oscoda counties. more »
Applications for forest land restoration assistance now available to landowners affected by Duck Lake Fire
9/10/12
LANSING, Mich.—The Department of Natural Resources and the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency today announced that landowners affected by the Duck Lake Fire in Luce County can now sign up for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. more »
DNR invites public input on forest plans for Alger, Marquette counties
9/4/12
LANSING, Mich.—The Department of Natural Resources will host an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in Eben Junction to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments for 2014 in the Gwinn management unit, which includes Alger and Marquette counties. more »
Ginseng Season Opens Sept. 1
8/17/12
CHARLESTON, W.Va.—West Virginia’s ginseng digging season starts Sept. 1. Ginseng diggers, often called "sengers," will be out in full force searching for the native herb that sold last year for an average of $410 per pound. more »
State Tree Nursery holding annual seed purchase
8/15/12
WEST COLUMBIA, W.Va.—Clements State Tree Nursery in West Columbia is purchasing seed from West Virginia and Ohio seed collectors. Nursery personnel are specifically interested in seed from red oak, white oak, chestnut oak, shagbark hickory, Chinese chestnut and butternut. more »
DEC Has Checkpoint for Illegally Transported Firewood
8/15/12
EASTERN ADIRONDACKS/LAKE CHAMPLAIN, N.Y.—Three people were ticketed for transporting firewood more than 50 miles without certification of heat treatment during a checkpoint held by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Conservation Police in the Adirondacks. more »
Operation Releaf Order Forms for Eight Residential Tree Distributions are Now Online
8/7/12
DES MOINES, Iowa—Iowans looking for a cost-effective, yet eye-pleasing way to reduce home heating and cooling costs are encouraged to participate in Operation ReLeaf. Operation ReLeaf is a residential tree planting program that promotes long-term energy and natural resource conservation. more »
DCNR Announces Summit to Focus on Landscape Approach to Conservation and Tourism
7/13/12
HARRISBURG, Pa.—Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today announced that a conference to highlight the accomplishments of conservation, recreation and economic development at the landscape level and to advance best practices to other areas of the state will be held in Harrisburg in October. more »
RSS News
Success Stories
Vinton Furnace Partnership Protects Ohio's Largest Privately Owned Forest more »
Planning and Analysis in Timber Harvesting: Software Tool Helps Companies Expand, Contract, and Plan for the Future more »
Using Wood in the Aftermath of EAB: Opportunities in Southeastern Michigan more »
all success stories »
"Town Study Showed Threefold Savings" The last, vast forested area along the Interstate 95 corridor
between Boston and Washington, D.C. sits amid the
borderlands of Connecticut and southern Rhode Island.
Within this 200 square mile region lays West Greenwich,
RI, a small, rural town split roughly down its geographic
center by I-95. more »
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Estate Planning
Hot topic! Who will inherit your family's forests? Plan now to protect and conserve this vital natural resource. Learn more
Forests, Water and People Analysis
This analysis highlights the connection between the forests and faucets of the Northeast and Midwest - how forests protect surface drinking water quality.
Updated Web Site »
Landowner Resources
Do you own more than 10 acres of land? The US Forest Service Northeastern Area has a number of programs and publications that can help you manage your land. more »
Tax Tips
Homeowner Resources
Do you want to improve the beauty and value of your residential property? Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10% to a property’s value. Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20-50% of the energy used for heating your home. more »
Our 42 page, full-color guide with tip sheets was designed specifically for landowners with less than 10 acres. more »
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