FORESTS FORWARD. State and Private Forestry (S&PF) Annual Report April 2012

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1 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FORESTERS FORESTS FORWARD FOUNDED 1920 State and Private Forestry (S&PF) Annual Report April 2012 Published by the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service

2 CONTENTS LETTERS FROM THE LEADERSHIP 5 FORESTS FORWARD INTRODUCTION 7 SUSTAINABILITY, STEWARDSHIP AND LANDOWNER ENGAGEMENT 8 FOREST HEALTH, RESILIENCY AND FIRE-ADAPTED COMMUNITIES 10 MONITORING OUTCOMES PERFORMANCE MEASURES 12 FOREST BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE AND ECONOMIES 16 APPENDIX OF FY2011 STATE FACT SHEETS printed separately An electronic version of this report and the complete appendix of fact sheets is available at all 59 individual fact sheets are also available via 2 FORESTS FORWARD Photo: PETER MAUTSCH STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

3 LETTERS FROM THE LEADERSHIP FOREST SERVICE STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY DEPUTY CHIEF JAMES HUBBARD NASF PRESIDENT & WEST VIRGINIA STATE FORESTER RANDY DYE As I look back at the remarkable accomplishments highlighted in this annual report, one thing is abundantly clear we would not be where we are today without the commitment, perseverance and creativity of our collective workforce and of our partners. Last year (2011), marked the fourth year of implementing a progressive strategy (known as Redesign ) to focus and prioritize competitive funds to better shape and influence forest land use on a scale, and in a way, that optimizes public benefits from trees and forests. In addition to the competitive projects, each State and Private Forestry program area contributes to conserving working lands, protecting forests from threats, and enhancing public benefits. The work accomplished by state forestry agencies in developing the Statewide Forest Resource Assessments (Forest Action Plans) to identify and prioritize national, regional and state forest management goals across all ownerships, has become the foundation for agencies and partners to work together. The success of these efforts has culminated in the proposed Landscape Scale Restoration Budget Line Item (BLI) delivered in the FY2013 President s budget. If approved by Congress, this new BLI will formalize the S&PF Redesign process, and would continue to identify threats to forest sustainability and accomplish meaningful change in priority landscapes consistent with the needs identified in Forest Action Plans. We have accomplished much these past few years, but much remains to be done. I am confident that the Forest Service, state forestry organizations, and our partners will continue to pioneer innovative ways of doing business together that surpasses what any of us could achieve alone. Together, we continue to make a difference on-the-ground benefiting the resources and communities we care about. The rate of human progress sometimes moves at breakneck speed. Forests, on the other hand, are slow to change. How then, as natural resource professionals, do we measure our progress, when restoration projects can take years to be fully realized and success like preventing an insect outbreak can sometimes mean no change at all? The answer lies in the connection between people and forests, and this annual report attempts to capture how the work of state agencies, the federal government and countless individuals and partner organizations have made a positive impact on the land. State forestry agencies have a long history of working with landowners, conservation groups, industry and federal partners to deliver technical and financial assistance, along with forest health, water and wildfire protection for more than two-thirds of America s forests. The State and Private Forestry mission area provides vital support for delivering these services alongside other socioeconomic and environmental health benefits in both rural and urban areas. In 2011, state and federal governments continued to face extremely tight fiscal conditions. S&PF programs provide a significant return on the federal investment by leveraging the boots-on-the-ground and financial resources of state agencies to deliver assistance to forest landowners, tribes and communities. Working with the Forest Service and hundreds of other federal, state and local partners, state forestry agencies use Forest Action Plans to maximize the effectiveness of the limited resources available to respond to priority forest issues and focus efforts in those areas where they are needed most. Forest Action Plans target resources efficiently, especially in these tough economic times. As they adapt and evolve with regular updates, the plans will continue to guide smart decision planning for decades to come so that our forest lands are managed, conserved and enjoyed now and into the future. About the USDA Forest Service Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. About the National Association of State Foresters Established in 1920, NASF is a non-profit organization comprised of the directors of forestry agencies in the states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. NASF promotes programs and partnerships that advance the practice of sustainable forestry, the conservation and protection of forest lands and associated resources and the establishment and protection of forests in the urban environment. Photo: Ohio Department of Natural Resources STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

4 Healthy forests in America are critical to public health and well-being and are as integral to our national infrastructure as roads and bridges. Encompassing two-thirds of the vast landscape of America s forests, state and private lands filter our air and water, provide jobs and the bulk of the nation s wood supply, and are places where people seek out and enjoy wildlife and nature. America s state and private forests are served by a sophisticated, ecologically-responsive suite of programs that foster stewardship and sustainability through technical and financial assistance. The State and Private Forestry (S&PF) organization of the USDA Forest Service leverages the capacity and expertise of State Foresters and their partners to manage state and private lands and produce ecological, social and economic benefits for the American people. Through a coordinated effort in management, protection, conservation education, and resource use, S&PF programs help facilitate sound stewardship of lands across all ownerships on a landscape scale, while maintaining the flexibility for individual forest landowners to pursue their objectives. State & Private Forestry programs and projects have the ability to showcase benefits from forests and provide baseline information for measuring the long-term impacts of current planning decisions into the future. FORESTS FORWARD The nation s private forests are a key component of America s rural landscapes, stimulating healthy communities and rural economies, and supporting well-paying jobs. Today there are increasing pressures to do more with less, as budgets shrink and priorities narrow. Identifying these priorities and following a clear, science-based strategy is essential for meeting today s and future needs for forest management and conservation in America. Forest Action Plans collectively represent a strong look forward for the nation s forests. They grew out of landmark changes in the 2008 Farm Bill, when Congress tasked the states and territories to craft assessments of the forests within their boundaries and develop strategies to address threats and improve forest health. The resulting Statewide Forest Resource Assessments and Strategies, or Forest Action Plans, provide an analysis of forest conditions and trends and delineate priority forest landscape areas. They intelligently target S&PF program activities and offer practical, long-term plans for investing state, federal, and other resources where they can be most effective in achieving national goals. In concert with S&PF programs, Forest Action Plans target resources efficiently in these tough economic times. They feature state-specific strategies based on local expertise and extensive public input. By linking the Forest Action Plans with existing federal programs, guided by national conservation and economic goals, they help facilitate long-term decisions for investing state, federal, and other resources where there is the greatest need. According to the plans, the primary trends and threats facing the nation s forests include changing ownerships of private lands, increased urbanization and conversion of forestlands to other uses, water quality and quantity issues, and the effects of climate change, wildfire, and invasive species. Each of these issues is intertwined with the others, and are influenced by opportunities for enhancing public benefits, like clean air and water quality. Success depends on healthy partnerships between local landowners, state agencies, federal and tribal landowners and private organizations. The State and Private Forestry programs of the USDA Forest Service maximize our collective efforts by leveraging these partnerships in communities and rural areas across the country. 6 FORESTS FORWARD STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

5 CONSERVE WORKING FORESTS Forest Action Plans are invaluable at a time when tree mortality is on the rise due to disease and invasive pests; wildfires continue to increase in size and intensity; ecosystems struggle to adapt to climate change disturbances; and forests are being permanently converted to non-forest uses at a rate of one million acres per year. Forest Stewardship Families and individuals own the largest proportion of America s forests approximately 35% or 251 million acres. The expansion of urban areas into rural, forested areas creates multiple issues, including forest fragmentation and loss of productivity, introduction of exotic species, destruction of homes by wildfires, and biodiversity decline. The Forest Stewardship program serves as the primary tool for promoting sustainable forest management on family forestlands. State forestry agencies work directly with forest landowners to provide technical, educational, and financial assistance to help them achieve their objectives in an environmentally beneficial way. Through this unique program, forest owners are given the tools and expertise necessary to achieve their goals and protect the long-term health and vitality of America s forests. Engaging and serving forest landowners is a critical element of strategies that operate in a fiscally challenged environment. In Kentucky, forests are being fragmented and landowners objectives are changing. SUSTAINABILITY, STEWARDSHIP AND LANDOWNER ENGAGEMENT There are 467,000 forest landowners in KY; 65% own less than ten acres and 35% are absentee landowners. The Kentucky Division of Forestry endeavors to involve woodland owners in sound management practices using such tools as an award-wining magazine aimed at forest landowners, forestry field days, woodland owner short courses, cedar management and timber harvesting workshops and other landowner training opportunities across the state. The division partners with other natural resource agencies, the University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry, as well as a number of forestryrelated organizations in order to expand its reach. In 2011, twenty-two service foresters developed 704 forest stewardship plans for 94,263 acres and developed 513 cost-share practice plans for 9,771 acres of activities including tree planting, timber stand improvement and many other forestland enhancement practices. Nearly all Forest Action Plans identify commercial and residential development pressures as a major threat to maintaining these important family forestlands and the benefits we rely on them to provide. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry works to minimize the breakup of former industrial forests into small parcels that are sold to nonindustrial owners and converted to non-timber uses. By cooperating across agencies and among landowners the agency is able to face the challenge of addressing forest management issues and wildfire suppression demands in the face of escalating costs and decreased budgets. The Division of Forestry works closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, securing up to $1 million for forestry practices under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal years 2012 and The agency is also promoting landscape stewardship in cooperation with the Minnesota Forest Resource Council and their six regional landscape committees. The state s financial commitment to private forest management has dropped by 75% due to budget shortfalls, making federal funding crucial to the program. Forest Legacy Family forest owners and timber companies face increasing pressure to sell, subdivide, and develop their land. The Forest Legacy program provides financial incentives to conserve forests and preserve important scenic or recreational values, fish and wildlife habitat, and other ecological benefits. The program supports state efforts to protect environmentally sensitive forest lands that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. It complements conservation efforts by directly supporting property acquisition as well as efforts to acquire donated conservation easements. Using conservation easements and fee-simple purchases, more than two million acres have been protected through this program for future generations. In Maine, the Forest Legacy program protected 7,910 acres, adding to working forests already protected across large expanses of land. The project protects key snowmobile trails, guarantees hunting opportunities, and safeguards views from Maine s iconic Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Two thousand miles away, the state of Idaho used approximately $2 million of federal funds to purchase its ninth, tenth and eleventh Forest Legacy Conservation Easements from three private landowners in Boundary County. These easements, covering approximately 720 acres of forestland, promote continued sustainable forest management and protect vital wildlife habitat for several big game and federally listed species, including the grizzly bear. 8 FORESTS FORWARD STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY 2011 Working with Tribal Forest Landowners The USDA Forest Service Office of Tribal Relations is committed to building long-term, collaborative working partnerships with Indian Tribes, and encouraging and supporting respectful, supportive government-togovernment relationships that strengthen coordination and communication about tribal concerns and the Forest Service mission. The Arizona State Forestry Division launched a threeyear outreach program targeted at Native American tribal organizations throughout the state. Tribal lands include over 30% of Arizona s forestlands, and over 75% of the non-federal forestland within the state a total of over six million forested acres. The project will identify synergistic opportunities for ongoing partnerships between state, federal and tribal partners, with collaboration on multiple statewide priorities as an end goal. Outreach will help to communicate information and enhance access to all applicable forestry assistance programs Fire Management, Forest Health, Urban & Community Forestry, Forest Stewardship, etc. with an emphasis on gaining an insight and appreciation for tribal programs and priorities and identifying ways to integrate these priorities into statewide efforts. There are 21 federally recognized Native American Indian tribes in Arizona, with lands accounting for 27% of the state s area more tribal land than any other state in the nation.

6 PROTECT FORESTS FROM THREATS FOREST HEALTH, RESILIENCY AND FIRE-ADAPTED COMMUNITIES Forest Action Plans are invaluable at a time when tree mortality is on the rise due to disease and invasive pests; ecosystems struggle to adapt to climate change disturbances; wildfires continue to increase in size and intensity; and urbanization and development patterns are placing more homes and communities near fire-prone landscapes. Effective wildland fire management requires partnerships between agencies and communities. Supported by S&PF programs, the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) has helped over 11,000 communities prioritize their preparedness and mitigation efforts. Cooperative Fire Assistance State Fire Assistance (SFA) and Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) provide crucial financial and technical assistance to support state fire management activities, including preparedness, planning, training, hazardous fuels treatments, and the purchase and maintenance of equipment. In many states, funding cuts have crippled wildfire emergency response capacity, particularly in the South. SFA helps to ensure preparedness of local resources, which function as both first responders for local incidents and as ready reserves for large destructive fires on federal land. In 2011, federal funding helped states provide assistance to nearly 25,000 communities and fire departments. This program also supports the national wildfire prevention campaign (Smokey Bear), Firewise Communities, and Ready, Set, Go! Recipients of State Fire Assistance provide a fifty percent cost-share match, leveraging the capacity of state and local partners. In South Carolina, SFA preparedness funds are used to supply personal protective equipment, water handling equipment and supplies, training, air operations support and upgraded communications equipment. The South Carolina Forestry Commission uses mitigation funds to increase wildfire awareness of community leaders and homeowners in the wildland urban interface (WUI) by utilizing Firewise concepts [see inset on p.14]. In 2011, eight Firewise workshops were presented to over 250 people, assessments were completed for 107 communities, and eight Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) were completed and delivered. Nationally, there are 9,389 communities at risk that are covered by a CWPP, an increase of 3,632 or 61% since State Fire Assistance funding in California assisted in training approximately 500 firefighters in 2011, funding fire prevention, education and detection programs, and both communications and safety equipment upgrades. The Volunteer Fire Assistance program serves approximately 168 rural departments and helps to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies. Funding is getting harder for small fire departments to come by and this program assists those rural departments in keeping pace with safety, training and equipment updates. Even in Northeastern states like Rhode Island or Connecticut where wildfire activity happens at a different scale and frequency, VFA and SFA provide vital assistance for local fire responders. In Connecticut, SFA funds helped train 2,500 state and local firefighters in basic wildfire skills, deliver fire prevention messages through Smokey Bear to more than 25,000 people at 120 events. Volunteer Fire Assistance grants helped 38 fire departments purchase equipment for water handling, foam, and communications. Fuels Management Several S&PF programs as well as other federal programs are vital to states and territories in assisting their fuels management programs. With the help of the Forest Action plans, these programs can be targeted to 10 FORESTS FORWARD STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

7 CORE PERFORMANCE MEASURES FY2011 [continued from page 11] priority areas where the greatest need has been identified. A landscape-level fuels reduction initiative in the Black Hills region of South Dakota is addressing serious forest health and fire hazard areas on federal, state and private lands. Efforts concentrate on thinning forest stands, reducing fuel loading, and conducting prescribed burns where they can be done safely. By re-introducing fire at a landscape scale that has had fire suppressed for more than one hundred years, the treated areas will become a place with a diversity of productive forests and wildlife habitats. The project will result in treating 4300 acres identified as high priority, leaving a forest of high quality trees that have adequate room to capture water, light, and nutrients. The long-term result will be a healthy forest that will not only be resistant to insect, disease, and fire, but will produce forest products for future generations. Fire Prevention Wildfires that occur in the rapidly growing wildlandurban interface zones pose a tremendous threat to lives, property, and natural resources. In Eastern Tennessee s rural and developing communities, over 40% of wildfires are caused by escaped outdoor debris burns, and changing public behavior has become a priority for the Division of Forestry. This requires a change in cultural behavior that takes many years to correct. With the involvement of multiple partnering agencies, groups, homeowners, and community action, the Division of Forestry aims to significantly reduce escaped debris burns in the area. The project provides information and education to the people of the State of Tennessee on safe outdoor fire-use principles and the importance of fire prevention, and incorporates new fire risk assessment data and targets those areas that stand to gain the most from a more focused approach. MEASURING OUTCOMES Since the effort to redesign State and Private Forestry was set into motion in 2007, there has been an emphasis on the importance of performance measures that capture the full suite of S&PF accomplishments, demonstrate outcomes and communicate the results of federal investments. Working in partnership, representatives from the Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters set out to develop a core set of measures that relate to the national priorities outlined in the Farm Bill: conserve working forest landscapes; protect forests from threats, and enhance public benefits from trees and forests. The resulting framework includes some current measures that were already drawing data through existing reporting mechanisms, as well as some new measures that were developed and tested against competitive projects underway throughout the nation. 1. Conserve Working Forest Landscapes Identify and conserve high priority forest ecosystems and landscapes. Actively and sustainably manage forests. 2. Protect Forests From Threats Restore fire-adapted lands and/or reduce risk of wildfire impacts. Identify, manage and reduce threats to forest and ecosystem health. 3. Enhance Public Benefits from Trees and Forests Protect and enhance water quality and quantity. Improve air quality and conserve energy. Assist communities in planning for and reducing forest health risks. Maintain and enhance the economic benefits and values of trees and forests. Protect, conserve, and enhance wildlife and fish habitat. 1.1 Acres of high priority forest ecosystems and landscapes protected from conversion (annual and cumulative). 150, Number of acres in forest areas being managed sustainably as defined by current Forest Stewardship Management Plan (cumulative) through a nationally consistent monitoring program. 2.1 Number of acres treated to restore fire-adapted ecosystems that are [1] moved toward desired conditions and [2] maintained in desired conditions (annual). 21.1M [1] 787,000 [2] 1M 2.2 Total # of acres treated to reduce hazardous fuels on state and private lands through State Fire Assistance (annual, direct federal grant only). 200, Percentage of at risk communities who report increased local suppression capacity as evidenced by: [1] The increasing number of trained and/or certified fire fighters and crews or [2] Upgraded or new fire suppression equipment obtained or [3] Formation of a new fire department or expansion of an existing department involved in wildland fire fighting. 17% 2.4 Number of forest acres restored and/or protected from (1) invasive and (2) native insects, diseases and plants (annual). 3.1 Acres and percent of priority watershed areas where S&PF activities are enhancing or protecting water quality and quantity. 3.2 Population of communities benefiting from S&PF activities designed to contribute to an improvement in air quality. 3.3 Population of communities benefiting from S&PF activities that result in energy conservation. 3.4 Number of communities-at-risk covered by a CWPP or equivalent that are reducing their risk of wildland fire (annual). Percent of communities-at-risk covered by a CWPP reducing their risk. Percent of communities-at-risk reducing their risk. 1.2M 4, % 5.85% 3.5 Percent of population living in communities developing or managing programs to plant, protect and maintain their urban and community trees and forests. 77% 3.6 Number of communities and percent of population served under an active urban forest management plan 3.8 Total value of resources leveraged through partnerships with states and other partners. 3.9 Acres and percent of priority habitat areas where S&PF activities are protecting, conserving, and enhancing wildlife and fish habitat. 4,500 52% methodology in development National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy A new roadmap for interagency wildland fire management across the country is being implemented with active involvement from government and non-governmental organizations, as well as the public. The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Cohesive Strategy) is a collaborative process that seeks national, all-lands solutions to wildland fire management issues. Yet another set of s were developed which will be phased in over time as data becomes available. Results (some preliminary) of these measures can be found in the chart below and in the descriptions of program and project work in the following pages. Connect people to trees and forests, and engage them in environmental stewardship activities. Manage trees and forests to mitigate and adapt to climate change Acres of connected forest resulting from S&PF investments Number of people who annually participate in FS and state forestry agency environmental literacy programs and activities. 5.1M 3.12 Number of people (measured in person days) engaged in environmental stewardship activities as part of an S&PF program Acres and percent of priority areas vulnerable to climate change where S&PF activities are contributing to resilient forests able to adapt to climate change Potential carbon sequestered through implementation of forest management practices on private forest lands. methodology in development 12 FORESTS FORWARD STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

8 [continued from page 12] State Foresters protect twothirds of the nation s forests, with jurisdiction over and response to 75 percent of all wildfires. The Cohesive Strategy is helping to improve efficiencies in the way state forestry agencies work with federal, state and local partners to maintain resilient landscapes, create fire-adapted communities, and respond to wildfires. The state Forest Action Plans and regional fire risk assessments will also play a major role in the success of the Cohesive Strategy to protect forest values, address wildfire threats and ensure public safety nationwide. The National Fire Protection Association s Firewise Communities program encourages local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from wildfire risks. The program is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the US Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. There are over 728 communities in 40 states recognized by Firewise. From monitoring thousands of acres aerially to analyzing tiny samples in a lab setting, efforts to fight the impact of pests and disease on trees and forests cross a spectrum of agencies, individuals and disciplines. Forest Health Management More and more often, foresters are dealing with dead and dying trees that have fallen victim to an invasive species, and the resulting destroyed habitat, economic loss of forest products and the void in cities, towns and natural areas once populated by thriving trees and forests. Healthier forests are better able to withstand the assault from invasive insects and pathogens and, it is hoped, will be better able to adapt to the effects of climate change. A number of strategic approaches by state forestry agencies and the Forest Health Program of the USDA Forest Service are helping to slow the spread of invasives, restore damaged habitats, and educate the public. Invasive insects and pathogens are a priority concern across all regions of the U.S. With funding from the Forest Service s Forest Health Management program, state and territorial forestry agencies use forest insect, disease and invasive plant survey and monitoring information, and technical and financial assistance to prevent, suppress and control outbreaks threatening forest resources. Forest Health Management uses science, active land management, and technology transfer expertise to restore and sustain forests across urban, private, state, tribal and federal lands. A national campaign is underway to curb the movement of firewood due to the potential for transporting nonnative invasive insects and diseases from one geographic area to another. States have aggressively instituted quarantines on trees and tree products and launched media campaigns to help slow the spread of invasive insects and diseases. The mountain states of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho used S&PF funding to establish regional media efforts that educate citizens about the dangers of transporting infested firewood. Control of invasive species is outlined in each state s Forest Action Plan, and their collaborative approach recognizes the different political climates as well as current and past activities aimed at firewood management between each of the four states. Through printed and oral communication, the project makes the threat of invasive species and firewood management relevant to citizens and industry and helps to protect forests from harm. Another multi-state project, the national Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread initiative, has Midwestern states treating thousands of acres to combat gypsy moth. Since Congress funded the Slow the Spread Program (STS) in the year 2000, eleven states located along the leading edge of gypsy moth populations, in cooperation with the Forest Service, have implemented a regionwide strategy to minimize the rate at which gypsy moth spreads into uninfested areas. As a direct result of this program, spread has been dramatically reduced by more than 70% from the historical level of 13 miles per year to 3 miles per year. In its first 6 years, this program prevented the impacts that would have occurred on more than 40 million newly infested acres. Bacterial leaf scorch is a serious threat to forest health in both urban and rural forests throughout the mid-atlantic region. In 2011, the DC Urban Forestry Administration, cooperating with the University of Maryland, conducted a District-wide survey of street trees to detect the disease. The agency also began a survey of American elm trees in 2011 in cooperation with the Forest Service to evaluate elms planted because of their purported resistance to Dutch elm disease. When completed, the survey will provide information about the survival of planted elms and their actual resistance to the disease. In addition to the forest influences already occurring within a state s borders, there are a number of nonnative invasive insect, disease, and plant species that threaten to move into the state and affect forests in the future. The Forest Service s Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program helps to detect, assess, and respond to invasive species infestations in their early stages of establishment. In Florida, an Asian ambrosia beetle previously undetected in North America, Xylosandrus amputatus, was detected in 2010 through this program in traps in Orlando, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. Work is underway to determine this insect s hosts, range, and potential pest status. Black walnut trees in many southern states are at risk of infection leading to eventual mortality from thousand cankers disease, previously known to be active only in western states. Both the fungus and the insect vector were found in walnut trees for the first time in the east in Knoxville, TN, in July 2010, and more recently in at least four surrounding counties. In 2011, the disease was found in six counties near Richmond, Virginia. In North Carolina, an external quarantine was implemented against importation of firewood and other walnut products from areas where the disease is known to be present. An early detection survey in ten mountain counties was conducted by the North Carolina Forest Service with state and federal partners and found no evidence to date that the beetle or the pathogen are present. FIA Timely and reliable data about America s forests are essential if we are to effectively manage forests and assist landowners. The Forest Inventory and Analysis program (FIA) part of Forest Service Research and Development serves as the nation s forest census providing unbiased information for monitoring trends in wildlife habitat, wildfire risk, insect and disease threats, and for solving many other resource questions. Land managers and forest owners rely on the consistent delivery of FIA data to make informed management decisions and sound business investments. 14 FORESTS FORWARD STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

9 Urban forests and trees are vital to creating and maintaining healthy, livable communities for the 84% of Americans who live in metropolitan areas. ENHANCE PUBLIC BENEFITS FOREST BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE AND ECONOMIES Forests play an important role in the health of our environment and economies in urban and rural areas across the country. By investing in green infrastructure, communities can enhance air quality, control stormwater runoff, reduce energy costs, and encourage more active, healthy citizens. Investing in ecosystem services markets and renewable energy development will enhance the significant role sustainably-managed forests can play in meeting the nation s renewable energy and job creation goals. Urban & Community Forestry The Forest Service s Urban and Community Forestry program fosters the creation of healthier, more livable urban environments, across the nation by promoting benefits of tree cover, encouraging maintenance of trees and community forests, and expanding research and education efforts that improve the understanding of trees economical, environmental, social, psychological, and energy conservation benefits. In close partnership with state forestry agencies, the U&CF program provides critical assistance to cities, suburbs, and towns helping communities build green infrastructure and maximize resulting ecological, economic, and social benefits. In FY2011, the program delivered technical and financial assistance to over 7,000 communities reaching nearly 195 million Americans in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. With the ongoing support of S&PF Urban and Community Forestry funds, more than half of New Jersey s communities either have or are working on a Community Forestry Management Plan. Despite the current economic stress, the program grew by more than 10 percent, while 98 percent of participating communities remained in the program. Growing participation in the program has helped the New Jersey Community Forestry Council market the program to the state legislature and to non-participating towns and cities. Federal urban forestry dollars in Oregon helped leverage over $10 million in local urban forestry investment. In 2011, the Oregon Department of Forestry provided assistance to nearly half of Oregon s cities, representing more than 90% of Oregon s urban population. Cities and non-profit partner organizations continue to rely on the agency to provide sound technical urban forestry advice to help improve their livability and public safety. Island territories depend on the U&CF program to support outreach to schools, church groups and other community organizations for education, tree planting and other coastal stabilization projects. On American Samoa, territorial foresters reached thousands of children and adults through various presentations and activities related to agroforestry, coastal stabilization, beautification and awareness. Federal funding is essential for program continuation, staff capacity building, protecting and sustaining urban forests, and preserving the forests for future island generations. Ecosystem Services The Idaho Treasure Valley, which includes Idaho s capital city of Boise and suburbs, is home to 600,000 people and a significant portion of the state s industry and business. Air quality is one of the valley s most serious issues; areas are currently rated non-attainment for particulate matter and on the brink of non-attainment for ozone. Trees can substantially lower ozone and the tree canopy can effectively intercept and filter particulate matter. The Treasure Valley Air Quality Canopy Assessment project emphasizes maximizing benefits of increased canopy to help meet federal requirements for ozone. The project will develop the data, model the impacts, establish methodologies for measuring change/success over time, and initiate action toward canopy goals. It will be the first time in Idaho that tree canopy is used as a quantifiable tool to help meet air quality standards. Initial project results show the 7% tree canopy contributes $4 million per year to reduction of ozone and particulates the two pollutants most problematic in this area. These urban trees store $7.5 million worth of carbon and have a replacement value of $3 billion. The state forestry agencies of New Mexico, Texas and Arizona are collaborating on a project that provides critical links to ecosystems services provided by community forests. The project focuses on four strategic communities located in regions at-risk of not meeting federal air quality standards and that have partnered in this effort to complete assessments, develop municipal and regional planning goals and implement strategies that contribute toward regional attainment of federal air quality standards. By focusing on air quality, this project aligns a diversity of committed partners that will effectively leverage existing Southwestern Green Infrastructure efforts (water quality and community livability) to produce measurable and sustained improve- 16 FORESTS FORWARD STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

10 ments in community and environmental health. Through collaboration with non-traditional partners, these states are creating a program that leverages partnerships and resources well beyond the life of this project while raising the relevance of S&PF programs beyond the traditional roles in communities and environmental health. Forests to Faucets The appreciation of clean water as a desirable and important product from forests is growing along with changing climate and forest health conditions across the country. The Forest Service Forests to Faucets project uses GIS to model and map the continental United States land areas most important to surface drinking water, the role forests play in protecting these areas, and the extent to which these forests are threatened by development, insects and disease, and wildland fire. The results of this assessment provide information that can identify areas of interest for protecting surface drinking water quality. The spatial dataset can be incorporated into broad-scale planning, such as the state Forest Action Plans, and can help identify areas for further local analysis. In addition it can be incorporated into existing decision support tools that currently lack spatial data on important areas for surface drinking water. Tech, VDOF is promoting biomass utilization through use of waste wood, harvesting residues and urban wood waste. To diversify forest-based economic development in the state, workshops and research are being conducted on specialty forest products and developing potential uses for Ailanthus and other invasive species to assist with control efforts. VDOF is promoting forest industry and products through membership in or partnering with groups such as VA Forest-Based Economic Development Council, VA Biomass Energy Group, VA Forest Products Association, Piedmont Sustainable Woods, Resource Conservation and Development Councils and state universities. Urban areas also have an important role to play in expanding markets for biomass. Insect infestations that lead to downed urban trees present an opportunity to turn waste wood into products that reduce the burden on local landfills, reduce the wood disposal costs for local communities, and create new markets for highquality, sustainable wood products. In Michigan, the Ash Utilization Options Project supported through the Forest Service s Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC) is accomplishing these goals across 13 counties. WERC also partnered with state and local partners on developing markets for tree removals infected with invasive insect species in Maryland, Ohio, New York and many other northeastern states. Conservation Education The Conservation Education program helps people of all ages understand and appreciate our country s natural resources and how to conserve those resources for future generations. Through structured educational experiences and activities targeted to varying age groups and populations, conservation education enables people to realize how natural resources and ecosystems affect each other and how resources can be used wisely. In island territories like the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that have limited funding, forestry managers and coordinators depend on Conservation Education tools to reach various communities through the use educational materials like posters and pamphlets. Outreach programs help to promote the health and productivity of CNMI s forest lands and rural economies. This project also sets the groundwork for identifying watersheds where a payment for watershed services (PWS) project may be an option for financing conservation and management on forest lands. On a macro scale, the Forests to Faucets data identifies areas that supply surface drinking water, have consumer demand for this water, and are facing significant development threats all important criteria for successful PWS initiatives. In perhaps its most important role, this work can serve as an education tool to illustrate the link between forests and the provision of surface drinking water a key watershed-based ecosystem service. Renewable Energy Biomass from the nation s public and private forests can and must be part of any solution to meeting the nation s renewable energy goals, particularly in regions where solar, wind, and other renewable resources are less prevalent. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is actively involved in local partnerships to look for new markets to utilize woody biomass. The agency maintains one of the most active traditional economic development programs in the southern region. Working with Virginia +5M people reached through federal and state environmental education activities 18 FORESTS FORWARD STATE & PRIVATE FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT FY

11 In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC or call (202) (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.