Events & Announcements

State of Wateshed Payments

Spatial Interest — 2010-06-28T08:42:04-07:00

What is the current transaction activity of payments for watershed services? The authors use project level data to estimate the total size and scope of payments directed to watershed services. The report establishes baseline data to evaluate future market changes. The project level review provides an historical perspective to evaluate future challenges and potential for this emerging ecosystem market. Read more>>

Biomass Sustainability and Carbon Policy Study

Spatial Interest — 2010-06-23T17:08:17-07:00

Manomet's Study of Woody Biomass takes a life cycle approach to evaluate the greenhouse gas emission impact. Factors that influence the impact are the bio energy technology implemented, the technology displaced, and the forest stewardship practices of the landowners that supply the resource. In addition to the study, the Manomet Center published a Q&A from the New York Times to clarify recent media coverage that "oversimplified" the report findings. Read more>>

The Role of Communities in Stewardship Contracting

Spatial Interest — 2010-06-23T16:47:33-07:00

Subtitled A Programmatic Review of Forest Service Projects, the Pinchot Institute Report reviews the constraints that limit the potential of Stewardship Contracting. A review of the annual monitoring and evaluation documentation provides the authors with background to recommend actions to broaden the application of the Stewardship Contracting philosophy, and the benefits to Communities on the Edge. Read more>>

CFLRP Advisory Committee Announced

Spatial Interest — 2010-06-18T10:59:24-07:00

Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack announced the 15 member Advisory Committee for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. The 15 members anticipate completing the project proposal review by the end of August.

Map of Panel Member by Hometown Location

Announcement

Clean Energy Leadership in the Rockies

Spatial Interest — 2010-06-17T09:59:26-07:00

Overview: This report looks at the economic results of clean energy and energy efficiency in the five states we call the Rocky Mountain Energy Producers�Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Clean energy and energy efficiency are among the strongest segments of the overall green economy and often performed better than other areas of the broader economy during these challenging economic times. Read more>>

State of the Rockies Reportcard - 2010

Spatial Interest — 2010-05-21T08:15:29-07:00

The central issue addressed by the 2010 State of the Rockies Report is "maintaining the Rockies� key roles in the nation�s food supply and vibrant agriculture". The Editor's introduction highlights the importance of agriculture to the economic and environmental health of the region. Read more>>

A Synthesis of the Science on Forests and Carbon for U.S. Forests

Spatial Interest — 2010-05-18T14:10:41-07:00

Forests play an important role in the U.S. and global carbon cycle, and carbon sequestered by U.S. forest growth and harvested wood products currently offsets 12-19% of U.S. fossil fuel emissions. The cycle of forest growth, death, and regeneration and the use of wood removed from the forest complicate efforts to understand and measure forest carbon pools and flows. Our report explains these processes and examines the science behind mechanisms proposed for increasing the amount of carbon stored in forests and using wood to offset fossil fuel use. We also examine the tradeoffs, costs, and benefits associated with each mechanism and explain how forest carbon is measured. Read more (PDF)>>

Payette National Forest Landscape Restoration Project

Spatial Interest — 2010-05-12T10:34:58-07:00

Council District Ranger Greg Lesch announced two public meetings to be held later this month to introduce the Mill Creek-Council Mountain Landscape Restoration Project to the community. Both meetings will take place at the Council Ranger District office at 2092 Highway 95 in Council.

Two public meetings are scheduled:

Thursday May 20, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 22, 2010 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Both meetings will start with a short presentation followed by an open house. Project Inter-disciplinary Team members will be available to answer questions and maps will be on display during the open house segments.

Idaho Statewide Forest Resource Strategy - Comments Requested

Spatial Interest — 2010-05-04T08:49:53-07:00

Posted May 3, 2010 � A draft of the Idaho Statewide Forest Resource Strategy (9.18 MB PDF) is available for comments. Please read a letter by IDL Director George Bacon and use the comment form provided (WORD format). We encourage everyone with an interest in "all lands" forest management to review and provide input. Comments should be submitted no later than close of business, Friday, May 14, 2010. Instructions for submitting comments are in the Director's letter and comment form.

Woody Biomass: Report from a Session to Consider Near-term Investment Opportunities.

Spatial Interest — 2010-04-30T07:19:03-07:00

The USDA Forest Service State & Private Forestry (USFS S&PF) and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment) convened a small, non-traditional group of interests to
gather fresh perspectives, grounded in real world application. The discussion centered on
opportunities to advance sustainable use of woody biomass as a �green energy� source that would benefit forest health and provide additional management and revenue options for landowners.
Both organizations are seeking targeted and appropriate investment opportunities. For 2010 the USFS has $5 million to invest with an expected increase to $25 million in the next two years. The
Endowment has allocated $2 million for similar work in 2010-2011. This summary of the discussion is intended to be a high-level overview rather than a consensus draft that all organizations and/or individuals have ascribed to. Read more (PDF)>>