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Using Experimental Forests to Understand Old Growth
A rapidly changing climate, catastrophic wildfires, and insects and diseases all threaten the vitality of old-growth forests.
Pacific
Northwest Research Station scientists and partners study how to conserve, restore and manage these vulnerable forests through long-term studies on the
H.J.
Andrews and
Wind
River
Experimental Forests. This research examines various effects of management and natural disturbances, along with the fundamental structure and function of old growth Douglas-fir
forests.
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Biochar Basics
A new
resource
by Forest Service scientists, managers and other partners provides everything managers need to know about biochar use, production and benefits. Biochar is made from excess organic forest material, or biomass, like that created during forest management operations.
It has unique properties that help soils retain nutrients and water. Making biochar out of excess woody biomass also stores carbon on the landscape and
creates a beneficial resource out of material that might otherwise go to waste.
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Urban Areas Will Be Hotspots
for Invasive Insects
Forest Service scientists were co-authors on a
study
that projected future tree mortality in urban areas throughout the U.S. They predict that over the next 30 years
1.4 million street trees will be killed by invasive insects. Tree replacement costs could exceed $900 million. A few urban centers will likely experience the greatest impacts, which will mostly be due to the aggressive emerald ash borer. This
information will help managers and planners to know which trees in which communities will be at the greatest risk. Read the full story
here.
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A Global Leader in
Sustainable Forest Management
A recent
review
by a Forest Service scientist and partner found that the U.S. has remained a global leader in sustainable forest management practices for over a century. Key to achieving this status were stakeholder partnerships, state and local freedoms to implement
federal laws, a variety of government incentive programs offering technical and financial assistance, and tax relief for landowners who responsibly manage their forests.
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The Latest National Trends
in Forest Health
Annually, Forest Service scientists and partners compile broad-scale patterns of disturbances that threaten the health of forests across the country. The 2021
report
details national and regional patterns in tree mortality, insect and disease activity and other disturbances, such as drought and fire. The report uses a variety of data sources, including aerial forest insect and disease surveys, remote sensing and
forest inventories.
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Rising CO2
May Help Forests
More Than Grasslands
As atmospheric CO2
rises, this greater abundance of carbon may enhance plant growth rates. Forest Service scientists and partners used
data
from 14 long-term experiments to find that elevated CO2
enhanced forest growth more than grassland growth, particularly when precipitation was ample. This information will help future predictions of global plant productivity
under climate change.
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The Bee Frequency
How does lawn mowing affect bees? In this middle-school friendly free
publication,
Forest Service scientists and their partners weigh in on this critical question. They show how scientific evidence supports the “lazy lawnmower” approach
of mowing every two weeks or so. This promotes growth of flowers and consequently bee abundance.
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The
Forest Products Lab has a new publication
on how homeowners can better maintain their wood decks.
The
Northern Research Station is featuring
a scientist who studies how nature affects mental and physical health.
The
Pacific Northwest Research Station has a new Science
Findings on management decisions following severe wildfires.
The
Pacific Southwest Research Station has a handy 2-page factsheet
from their forest management handbook.
The
Rocky Mountain Research Station has a new Science
You Can Use
on how research and management reversed declines of Idaho westslope cutthroat trout.
The
Southern Research Station released its Spring 2022 edition of Research
Plots, a publication summarizing the newest research and resources
from the station.
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The
Urban
Forest Connections series brings together experts to discuss the latest science, practice and policy on urban forestry and the environment.
The
Rocky Mountain Research Station hosts
Science
You Can Use, which features the station's latest research, including wildland fire, forest restoration, rangeland management and wildlife conservation. Webinars
are held twice a month.
Reading
the Tea Leaves is a monthly recorded series on current rangeland fuel conditions across the west with Rocky Mountain Research Station scientist Matt Reeves.
The
Northern Research Station hosts Rooted
in Research, which features the station's latest research with direct land management applications. Webinars will resume in the fall.
The
Southern Research Station hosts
Science
in Practice, a series that summarizes recent research with a focus on practical takeaways for land managers and practitioners.
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The
Pacific Northwest Research Station hosts PNW
SciCast, a series that highlights timely station research
on topics of current interest to resource managers, ranging from wildfire science to climate change adaptation. Webinars are held on the last Thursday of the month.
The
SCIENCEx
series
explores the latest science and best practices for addressing large natural resource challenges. The series will resume this fall. Recorded webinars are also available
here.
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Message from the Forest Service R&D Acting Deputy Chief
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Acting Deputy Chief Cynthia (Cindi) West
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Stories this month describe how Forest Service researchers and partners strive for depth and breadth in their scientific pursuits. For example, they are utilizing
Experimental
Forests and Ranges as natural laboratories to explore the important services and functions that old-growth forests provide, creating resources that outline biochar
use, uncovering what contributes to the U.S. being a global leader in sustainable forest management and summarizing the annual health status of our Nation's forests. This research highlights the critical role that science plays in informing land management
planning and decision-making.
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