A bipartisan boost for the parks Nov 3, 2009
Among the agencies receiving major boosts are the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Wildlife Refuge System. The measure also included a 35 percent increase for the Environmental Protection Agency and a 67 increase for programs to study climate change. (Boston Globe)
Volcano traffic a mixed bag Nov 3, 2009
No agency, not even the U.S. Forest Service or the county tourism bureau, tracked overall Mount St. Helens visitors this year ... With no cohesive counting system a computer capability problem kept the Forest Service from conducting its usual car counts this year it s difficult to track and plan for tourists, he said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Guest Comment: Sending a message to the USDA Nov 3, 2009
Rosemont may convince the Forest Service and some of us that they can mitigate the negative impact a copper pit mine will have on some of these values we hold but they will never insure mitigation of the impact on the resource absolutely necessary to our survival WATER. ... Gifford Pinchot, Bull Moose Progressive, friend and colleague of Teddy Roosevelt and the first chief of the Forest Service, had this motto to guide his management of the national forests; the greatest good for the greatest... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
'Tongass Wars' flare over Southeastern timber sale Nov 2, 2009
LOGJAM: Compromise fails when Forest Service announces quantity ... Conservation groups and the U.S. Forest Service have fought for decades over management of the country's largest national forest ... In the end, the Forest Service didn't give conservation groups what they wanted and they were bitterly disappointed. (Anchorage Daily News)
Running Y lodge to close for winter Nov 2, 2009
es wrote on Nov 1, 2009 9:44 PM:" what willl happen when forest service closes down more roads and 140 to crater lake wilderness areas. where will people go to hunt? and just have fun? ". The Llama wrote on Nov 1, 2009 9:13 PM:" You all lose if you live in Klamath Falls. ". (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Propositions needed for park funds Nov 2, 2009
The area lends nicely to an animal park, said Paul Bennett, district recreation officer with the U.S. Forest Service on the San Bernardino National Forest ... The Forest Service saw an opportunity to share resources and programs between the Discovery Center and animal park, Bennett said. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Many factors combined to produce this autumn's heavy acorn crop Nov 1, 2009
Joanne Rebbeck, a research plant physiologist at the U. S. Forest Service Northern Research Station in Delaware, Ohio, says heavy acorn production occurs at roughly three to five-year intervals, and that she recalls similar abundance in 2001. "I was involved with research on the Moshannon State Forest in Pennsylvania that year," Rebbeck said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
• Local moms help with St. Vincent de Paul's food baskets Nov 1, 2009
"We only had two bags of potatoes, two cases of corn, string beans, celery and a pie given to us from the Forest Service," Sims said of last year's drive. "Again, like this year, I was somewhere doing a medical crisis with a foster child and wasn't here. ... And let me tell you what happened. This community pulled together.". (Juneau Empire)
Landowners increasingly shut down popular spots Nov 1, 2009
Peters cited a disagreement with FWP over its recommendation to the U.S. Forest Service that it quit flood irrigation along Selway Creek ... " In his case, Peters said he was potentially going to lose grazing access to a piece of land along Selway Creek that he sold to the Forest Service a few years ago. The 1,400 acres have been flood irrigated for decades and Peters said that's why it's excellent wildlife habitat where elk have their calves.But this spring, an FWP fisheries biologist in a... (Montana Standard, MT)
Joseph Hydock Jr. Nov 1, 2009
He also retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 19 years. During his 30 years of residence in Albuquerque, Joe was best known for his volunteer work with local senior centers and food pantries. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Women hear about current livestock, crop issues at conference (5) Nov 1, 2009
Montana's forests were discussed by Nancy Sturdevent with the U.S. Forest Service. The horse processing issue was also part of the conference. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
William James Mieras Nov 1, 2009
In that 30-plus years, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service and in federal law enforcement. William loved his family, friends and outdoor activities. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Changing climate blamed for massive decline of aspens Nov 1, 2009
If the aspen were vigorous, these things would just be taking a minor role, said Jim Worrall, a plant pathologist for the US Forest Service. Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
10/30/2009, 7:34pm Positive future Oct 31, 2009
The plan, developed by the National Forest Service after the review of months of public input, will establish a designated off-road trail system in the national forest for off-highway vehicles - ATVs and dirt bikes ... In anticipation of the forest service plan, local groups are advocating the Legislature implement some new rules for ATV users ... A proposal in its early stages has the backing of at least two major off-road associations and dovetails nicely into the forest service plan to manage... (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Multi-echelon exercise signals end of FA_30 course Oct 30, 2009
and she will continue her full-time job as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Forest Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. Another part of the multi-echelon exercise involves a cultural engagement between students and an instructor playing the part of an Iraqi. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Halloween fun and more Oct 30, 2009
Berry spent two years with the CCC, from 1938 to 1940, first at a Park Service camp in Daingerfield, Texas, then a Forest Service camp in Linden, Texas, and finally a Department of Grazing camp in Duncan, Ariz. The CCC will be the second of a five-part American Experience series on The 1930s. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Hunting season opens; elk harvest up Oct 30, 2009
A new check station is in place this year in Livingston at the U.S. Forest Service district rangers office parking lot on Highway 89 to conduct disease surveillance for brucellosis and chronic wasting disease. Hunters in southwest Montana (Regions 3 and 5) are being asked to help with the disease surveillance. (Big Sky Lone Peak Lookout, MT)
Stimulus Jobs Overstated by Thousands Oct 30, 2009
Eight of the 18 CCC workers were hired by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the recently approved federal stimulus plan. (Chris Pizzello/AP Photo). (ABC News -- Business)
Cell phones become handheld tools for global development Oct 30, 2009
This fall the Jane Goodall Foundation in Tanzania and the Brazilian Forest Service signed up to use it to monitor deforestation. University of Washington computer scientists are turning cell phones into flexible tools for collecting data in the field. (EurekAlert!)
Public safety Oct 30, 2009
Forest Service Road 6020, hit and run reported Thursday afternoon. Highway 97 at milepost 182, motor vehicle accident with injuries reported Wednesday evening. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Things to Do: Scenic Drives Oct 30, 2009
my wife and I live down in Oakwood and we do quite a bit of traveling around NE GA. There are some fantastic roadtrips with lots to do and some great food along the way - we often wonder why more people don't take advantage of our area like this. " Kay wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:07 AM:" Reading the Things To Do has been a tremendous help in learning about the area. (Clayton Tribune, GA)
Guest opinion: Why not wooden guardrails? Oct 30, 2009
Here are some concrete examples: The U.S. Forest Service put out a bid for Hyalite Canyon, specifying all steel posts (approximately 1,700 posts); a Marysville project (approximately 7,000 posts); a Bureau of Indian Affairs project in Browning, all steel posts; Garrison bridge across the Little Blackfoot River all steel, etc. If you look at almost all new construction this summer, you see all steel. (Montana Standard, MT)
Congress approves money for Puget Sound, national forests Oct 30, 2009
The Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program of the U.S. Forest Service will receive 90 million, up from 50 million in 2009 ... Fixing or removing roads in the Skokomish River watershed has been a high priority for the Forest Service and other agencies working to restore the river and Hood Canal. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Fire District 8 sues U.S. Forest Service Oct 29, 2009
advertisement Access to the station isn t an issue in summer months but in the winter, the Forest Service closes USFS Road 54 beyond the 80-acre Crystal Springs Sno-Park, the busiest snow park in the state, to wheeled traffic ... The Forest Service has told the fire district it can plow as needed only in response to an alarm ... What we believe is they (the Forest Service) have had a multi-year ongoing battle with homeowners in the Sawmill Flats area. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Propositions needed for park funds Oct 29, 2009
The area lends nicely to an animal park, said Paul Bennett, district recreation officer with the U.S. Forest Service on the San Bernardino National Forest ... The Forest Service saw an opportunity to share resources and programs between the Discovery Center and animal park, Bennett said. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Wyoming briefs Oct 29, 2009
Forest Service officials have said proceeds from the sale of the property will fund construction of a new supervisor's office, employee housing and other facilities. The sale would take advantage of a law that allows for the sale of some Forest Service lands, including administrative property. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Meeting about forest road fees planned TuesdayCommercial use will be discussed in Bly Oct 29, 2009
New road use fees with commercial users of Forest Service roads will be discussed. The Fremont-Winema is required under the Forest Roads and Trails Act and agency policy to have commercial users of the National Forest Road System perform or pay for maintenance made necessary by their use to assure long-term management of the forest road system. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
S.D. ferrets are surviving plague Oct 29, 2009
Since deadly sylvatic plague was discovered in the Conata Basin in May 2008, the disease has wiped out black-tailed prairie dogs, the ferrets' main prey, in about half their former range, said Randy Griebel, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in southwestern South Dakota ... The Forest Service has tried to balance the protection of prairie dogs and ferrets with the interests of ranchers who lease parts of the national grasslands... (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Report: LA homeless population drops 38% Oct 29, 2009
Authorities said he started a fire that charred an area about the size of a table top on Aug. 20 and was quickly extinguished by two U.S. Forest Service workers who happened to be passing and spotted smoke. LAPD chief: Cops shouldn't tag immigrants. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Strong winds held back birds' escapes from hunters Oct 29, 2009
Printed on waterproof paper, the new map is the finest available for the Sierra National Forest -- far superior to the official U.S. Forest Service map, last updated in 2003. One side includes Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Courtright and Wishon reservoirs, Dinkey Creek and the Kings River. (Fresno Bee)
Coast Guard turns to wood for heat Oct 29, 2009
The demand also could support restoration projects, said Scott Snelson, a Forest Service fish, watershed and soils staff officer for the Tongass. The agency could sell trees it thins to improve wildlife habitat in stands that were previously clear-cut. (Juneau Empire)
5-minute citizen engagement plan Oct 28, 2009
The Forest Service still has SmokeyBear. com, after all. (FCW.com)
Elizabeth McLean Oct 27, 2009
Jim Wiegand wrote on Nov 9, 2008 9:40 AM:" Rare Red kites disappearing from Italian Countryside after Wind Turbine Farm Construction Italian Bird of prey expert Stefano Allavena warns the world of the dangers of wind turbine farms. The once nearly extinct Red Kite, had made a comeback with conservation efforts in recent decades. Now Red Kites have disappeared from an area of hills and low mountains named "Appennino Dauno", in the province of Foggia, in Puglia Region, and in nearby areas in the... (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Colo. health chief Martin new head of DNR Oct 27, 2009
He will succeed Harris Sherman, who has been appointed as the U.S. Department of Agriculture s undersecretary for natural resources and environment, overseeing the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Jim has proven himself time and time again as a strong leader and innovative policy maker, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter said Monday in announcing the appointment. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Forest Service to move to a green facility Oct 27, 2009
The public can visit the Forest Service Web site or call the Park Falls and other district offices for service ... The U.S. Forest Service purchased the building, located within city limits, from the State Department of Transportation. (Forest Republican, WI)
POLICY ON SUBMISSIONS Oct 27, 2009
" Gusgus wrote on Aug 24, 2008 4:08 PM:" "Forest Service will close 95 road miles"Another fine mess our government has created. How can it be viewed that roads not maintained are somehow "unusable? How is that sensible? I wonder how long until McKinley Park will be deemed too dangerous because we can't afford body guards for the public? SHEESH! ". (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Injured Firefighter Rescued From River's Edge Oct 27, 2009
The Air-5 crew worked in conjunction with firefighters from the KCFD and the U.S. Forest Service, along with personnel from Care Ambulance to hoist Kevin Johnson, 31, an off-duty Bakersfield City firefighter, to the campground. Care Ambulance transported Johnson to Kern Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. (KERO 23, CA)
1,200 called to fight fire near Santa Cruz Oct 27, 2009
The U.S. Forest Service had considered the fire almost contained after the first day, Aug. 26, only to see it spread overnight. The forest service later launched an internal inquiry into its handling of the fire. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Study: Warm forests may yield less timber Oct 27, 2009
Researchers from Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service calculated an increase in forest growth rates in Oregon and Washington of between 2 percent and 12 percent by the end of the century, when climate models predict temperatures to be between 0 ... The study was published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management and was funded by the U.S. Forest Service ... The General Accounting Office this week reported that the U.S. Forest Service devotes 9 million to researching ways of... (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Wildlife center plans for a big future Oct 26, 2009
Along with the bear interpretive center, Miller has been putting effort into the wood bison project, for which the center has fenced in 40 acres of U.S. Forest Service land adjacent to its own 120 acres. Miller, who used to raise buffalo in the Four Corners area of the Matanuska Valley, between Palmer and Wasilla, said the center is currently "babysitting" 84 wood bison until they go into the wild. (Anchorage Daily News)
Controversial study suggests vast magma pool under Washington state Oct 26, 2009
Researchers from Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service calculated an increase in forest growth rates in Oregon and Washington of between 2 percent and 12 percent by the end of the century, when climate models predict temperatures to be between 0. 9 degrees and 6. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Meteorite-like object falls in Latvia Oct 26, 2009
A management plan for the monument was created four years ago, but a federal judge trashed it in 2006 after environmental groups and the California attorney general sued the U.S. Forest Service over alleged flaws in its scientific assessments and its provisions to allow some timber cutting. RIGA, Latvia -- Latvian emergency officials say a fiery object has fallen from the sky and created a large crater in a town close to the Estonian border. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
AP IMPACT: Immigration agents mishandle informants Oct 26, 2009
Forest Service homes in on pot gardens ... "Without a doubt, illegal drug trafficking is the No. 1 priority today in the U.S. Forest Service," U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey said Thursday during a visit to Fresno. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Related: Transient arrested in fire probe Oct 26, 2009
Authorities said he started a fire that charred an area about the size of a table top on Aug. 20 and was quickly extinguished by two U.S. Forest Service workers who happened to be passing and spotted smoke ... The two Forest Service workers who put out the small blaze saw Olukunle walking into the forest and away from the fire. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Related: Big LA-area wildfire officially contained Oct 26, 2009
The U.S. Forest Service says the 250-square-mile Station Fire was declared 100 percent contained at 7 p.m. Friday, 52 days after it began. Authorities had kept the containment figure at 98 percent since late September even though for weeks there were few signs of fire in the Angeles National Forest. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
They want government takeover of health care Oct 25, 2009
The Forest Service is increasing fees for people who own cabins on Forest Service lands by as much as 400 percent. An average $1,500 fee at Lake of the Woods would climb to more than $6,000. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Groups cheer Dept. of Ag appointment Oct 25, 2009
CHEYENNE -- Environmental and industry groups in Wyoming are both waiting to see how Harris Sherman, the new leader of the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will affect Wyoming. Sherman, a former Colorado Department of Natural Resources executive director, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's undersecretary for natural resources and the environment. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Joseph Hydock Jr. Oct 25, 2009
He also retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 19 years. During his 30 years of residence in Albuquerque, Joe was best known for his volunteer work with local senior centers and food pantries. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Ag official gets earful on Rosemont Oct 25, 2009
A high-level Department of Agriculture official capped a day of public meetings and a tour of the proposed Rosemont mine site on Saturday by saying the agency will look hard at whether the U.S. Forest Service has the authority to reject a mine ... The Forest Service, which falls under the Department of Agriculture, has never rejected a mine ... In his follow-up letter Oct. 23, Vilsack assured that the Forest Service is examining both the proposed mine and a no-action alternative in its... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Groups run ad urging stop to timber sales in Tongass Oct 25, 2009
An effort between conservation groups and the U.S. Forest Service to work cooperatively to shape this sale in the Tongass National Forest fell apart over how much wood to cut ... Alaska Forest Service officials, by advancing the sales, are out-of-step with the stated intentions of the new administration, Danowitz said ... Forest Service spokesman Ray Massey said the 2008 Tongass forest plan says that the agency will use low-value inventory in roadless areas to meet timber demands. (Juneau Empire)
Benefits of Stimulus: Been There, Done That?The stimulus isn't expected to do much more for the economy. Oct 25, 2009
Eight of the 18 CCC workers were hired by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the recently approved federal stimulus plan. The White House's top forecaster said the largest impact of the stimulus on economic growth has already happened. (ABC News -- Business)
Making time together Oct 24, 2009
For families looking for picturesque scenery, Kepple recommended the Oux-Kanee Overlook at the top of Spring Creek Hill, one mile down Forest Service Road 9732 ... Just north of Chemult is Miller Lake, 11 miles up Forest Service Road 9772 ... Nearby Forest Service Road 9774 boasts the small Corral Spring Campground. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Stirring up Big Bear Lake Oct 24, 2009
Ski areas did not have a specific contract with the Forest Service granting them exclusive rights to rent skis. The Grizzly has not been able to obtain a copy of the contract Hafen cited. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
HNF welcomes new district ranger (2) Oct 24, 2009
Carey, originally from the St. Louis area, started her Forest Service career as a forester on the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. She will be stationed at the Tell City Ranger District office in Tell City. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Court rejects killer's claim Oct 24, 2009
SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) -- The Idaho Court of Appeals has rejected a request for post-conviction relief made by a man serving a life sentence for killing a U.S. Forest Service law officer in northern Idaho two decades ago ... Pratt is one of two brothers convicted of murdering U.S. Forest Service officer Brent Jacobson in 1989. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Rosemont letter sent by mistake, Ag official says Oct 24, 2009
The Oct. 14 letter was sent to Green Valley Community Coordinating Council president Stan Riddle in response to a June 17 letter Riddle sent to Vilsack sharing the organization s concern over the Forest Service s rejection of the no action alternative that could block the copper mine. Vilsack s Oct. 14 letter appeared to backed the contention of the Forest Service, which his department oversees, that it could not stop the process by issuing the no action ruling ... Therefore, the Forest Service... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Canyon Notes: Madera Canyon Oct 24, 2009
Called Interagency Passes, they cover entrance fees at sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation. The Annual Pass costs 80 and is good for one year from the date of purchase. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Chamber hosts water forum in Green Valley Oct 23, 2009
However, local members of Congress have asked the Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, to overrule that opinion. 547-9738. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Controlled burn began today at Lava BedsCrews will burn about 2,000 acres through Sunday Oct 23, 2009
More than a 100 firefighters, including park and Forest Service crews and contract fire staff, are involved with the burn. Reader Comments. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Things to Do: Scenic Drives Oct 23, 2009
my wife and I live down in Oakwood and we do quite a bit of traveling around NE GA. There are some fantastic roadtrips with lots to do and some great food along the way - we often wonder why more people don't take advantage of our area like this. " Kay wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:07 AM:" Reading the Things To Do has been a tremendous help in learning about the area. (Clayton Tribune, GA)
Chattooga decision draws appeals, lawsuit Oct 23, 2009
""The Forest Service hasn't listened to a thing we said so far, and now they are going to get in trouble with a federal judge, so they had better have made a fair decision, so that helps us," Williams said.The Conservancy appeal will be two-fold, Williams said. According to him, the plan is "unfair" to allow boating with some restrictions above the Burrell's Ford bridge, but not boating with those same restrictions between the bridge and Highway 28."That's what we call the sacred fishing... (Clayton Tribune, GA)
Public Can Get Behind Scenes Look At KCSD Oct 23, 2009
They will also have Officers from the California Highway Patrol, Rangers from the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Kern County Parks on hand to answer your questions and provide information on services they provide. This will be an opportunity for the public to get to meet Deputies, Officers and Rangers who serve here in the Kern River Valley. (KERO 23, CA)
Women hear about current livestock, crop issues at conference (174) Oct 23, 2009
Montana's forests were discussed by Nancy Sturdevent with the U.S. Forest Service. The horse processing issue was also part of the conference. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Road to trouble: Rich County ranchers under fire for cutting extra-wide fence swath on Cache National Forest Oct 23, 2009
The grazers were required to put up a fence as part of their agreement with the Forest Service to rotate grazing, and had permission to cut up to a 20-foot clearance ... As a penalty, the Forest Service cut in half the number of days the three operators can run cattle next summer, and the agency may also press charges ... Johnson said the group warned Forest Service officials that this was kind of a bad location. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Georgetown Fire Department gets wildfire grant Oct 23, 2009
Funding for the 2009 Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture s Forest Service and is administered by DCR s Bureau of Forest Fire Control. We are pleased to be able to work in partnership with these towns to increase their fire readiness and protection to both their firefighters and residents, said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. Making the VFA grants available once again to these rural fire departments goes a long way toward... (Georgetown Record, MA)
