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
White Mountain National Forest Featured on Newest U.S. Quarter
1/28/13
WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Forest Service announced the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is honored on an America the Beautiful Quarter released recently by the U.S. Mint. more »
Forest Service announces participation in 2013 fee-free days
1/8/13
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Forest Service joins other federal agencies in offering fee-free days on public lands in 2013, beginning Jan. 21 in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. more »
Restoration creates thousands of jobs, protects communities from wildfire
12/19/12
WASHINGTON—A Forest Service restoration program created and maintained more than 4,500 jobs in Fiscal Year 2012 and improved the fire-resiliency of 380,000 acres of forestland near communities from 2010-2012, according to a new report.
more »
Chesapeake Bay forest restoration strategy signing ceremony held
12/13/12
ANNAPOLIS, MD—State Foresters from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia joined EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Director Nick DiPasquale and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell in Washington, DC, on December 5 to sign the Chesapeake Bay Forest Restoration Strategy.
more »
Oak decline on the rise in the Midwest
10/31/12
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Forest health managers are predicting oak decline will pose a bigger problem across several Midwest states in the coming years.
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Bur oak blight spreading concern in the Midwest
10/17/12
Signs of disease are showing up on more bur oaks in the Midwest. Bur oak blight, or BOB for short, is a newly identified native disease that causes late season leaf browning. Symptoms of BOB include darkened veins and large wedge-shaped brown areas. Some leaves can turn totally brown.
more »
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.
more »
News from the States
TREE-MENDOUS Now Accepting Orders for Spring 2013
1/24/13
ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Schools, churches, organizations and businesses looking to green their community this spring are encouraged to check out the recently released TREE-MENDOUS 2013 order form, which features high-quality, native trees and shrubs available at discounted prices for plantings on public lands. more »
3rd Annual Delaware Arborist & Tree Care Seminar, Feb. 19-20
1/24/13
South Dakota State University Professor John Ball and others will be at Hagley Museum on Feb. 19-20 for the Third Annual Delaware Arborist and Tree Care Seminar. more »
Fifth-Graders Encouraged to Submit Arbor Day Artwork
1/23/13
ANNAPOLIS, Md.—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service, in partnership with the Maryland Forest Conservancy District Boards, is sponsoring an Arbor Day poster contest, Trees Are Terrific….and Maryland Forests are too! more »
DNR Welcomes Public Input on State Forest Annual Work Plans
1/23/13
ANNAPOLIS, Md.—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is calling on the public to help establish the best, most efficient management plan for Potomac Garrett, Green Ridge, Savage River, Chesapeake and Pocomoke State forests for 2014. more »
2013 Southeast Wisconsin Woodland Owners Conference scheduled for Feb. 2
1/22/13
OCONOMOWOC, Wisc.—The 24th annual Southeast Wisconsin Woodland Owners Conference will be held Feb. 2 at the Olympia Resort & Conference Center in Oconomowoc. The all-day event begins at 7:30 a.m. and is designed to help woodland owners learn more about effective land stewardship. more »
Independent Review Hails Management of Pennsylvania’s State Forests
1/22/13
HARRISBURG, Pa.—Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today released results of an independent review team’s annual study of state forestlands, noting its findings again affirm Bureau of Forestry efforts to conserve these resources through sound management. more »
Seasonal Jobs Announced at State Department of Agriculture
1/17/13
CHARLESTON, W.Va.—The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is seeking a number of individuals for seasonal job openings throughout the state this summer. more »
DCNR Acquires 207 Acres for Addition to Lackawanna State Forest
1/11/13
HARRISBURG, Pa.—The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources today announced acquisition of 207 acres in Luzerne County that serve as an important buffer to Lackawanna State Forest and have long been popular with hunters, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts. more »
DEEP Announces Applications Now Available for Annual Firewood Lottery
1/11/13
HARTFORD, Conn.—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is accepting applications for the annual state forest firewood lottery. Applications will be accepted until February 1, with the results of the lottery determined by March 15. more »
Groups urged to apply for Mountaineer Treeways program
1/10/13
FARMINGTON, W.Va.—Volunteer organizations and municipalities with plans to plant trees on public property in 2013 are encouraged to apply with the Mountaineer Treeways program. Officials will accept applications through March 15, 2013. more »
The Maine Data Checker is Up and Running!
1/9/13
AUGUSTA, Maine—You can now use a self-serve, web-based mapping tool to determine if there are any Maine Natural Area Program or Maine Department of Inland Fish & Wildlife features within the vicinity of your forest management area. more »
ODNR Seeks Public Comment on Voluntary Woodland Plan for Hocking Hills Area
1/2/13
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry invites public review and comments on a draft plan to assist woodland owners in the Hocking Hills area. more »
Sycamore seedlings great for spring landscaping projects
12/20/12
CHARLESTON, W.Va.—Planning a spring landscaping project is the perfect way to spend a cold winter’s day. Start your shopping at www.wvcommerce.org/resources/forestry/treenursery.aspx, where you will find an assortment of native tree seedlings grown especially for planting in West Virginia. more »
DNR extends public review period of draft Regional State Forest Management Plans
12/20/12
LANSING, Mich.—The Department of Natural Resources today announced that due to the complexity and importance of its draft Regional State Forest Management Plans - designed to help the DNR sustainably manage Michigan's nearly 4 million acres of state forest land - it is extending the public review and comment period. The plans will remain posted on the DNR website, www.michigan.gov/regionalforestplans, through March 8. more »
State’s Online Tree Nursery Now Open
10/10/12
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting tree seedling orders through the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery. There are more than 40 tree species available to meet a variety of aesthetic and environmental needs. 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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