The USDA Forest Service and University of Florida have published a new book detailing the viability of using wood as an energy source in southern wildland-urban interface areas. The book provides recent research on woody biomass production, conversion to energy, and economic analysis of bioenergy development.
Indonesia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but contradictions in laws, regulations, and customary norms hinder progress. The country's forest management policies create hotspots of confusion over what constitutes 'peat' and 'natural forest', leading to ongoing conflicts between industry, government, and local communities.
The discovery of Mentocrex beankaensis, a new rail species in western Madagascar's dry forests, emphasizes the critical need for conservation. The Beanka Forest, a largely intact area, has been the site of numerous discoveries of plant and animal species, with 97% of its original forest cover having disappeared since human arrival.
Researchers discover that bacteria associated with mosses on tree branches are essential for nutrient dynamics, enabling the long-term productivity of coastal temperate rainforests. The study highlights the importance of preserving large old-growth trees to maintain these forests' health.
A new study reveals a shift in biomes in Alaska caused by a warming climate, with patterns supporting current hypotheses of increased evergreen forest growth at tundra margins and declining productivity at temperate forest edges. The findings provide a regional picture of forest productivity that did not previously exist.
A unique orangutan rescue project in Bukit Tigapuluh is at risk due to selective logging concessions by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group. The project has been deemed critical for tiger conservation, with over 30 tigers and 150 elephants calling the forest home.
A study by the US Forest Service and University of California, Santa Barbara found that warmer temperatures and reduced precipitation lead to lower tree fitness in southwestern US forests. This weakening of forest health has resulted in higher mortality rates from wildfires and bark beetle attacks.
Researchers used Landsat data to map areas hardest hit by mountain pine beetles and found that large fires do not appear to occur more often or with greater severity. Beetle-killed forest swaths may actually be less likely to burn due to the breakdown of flammable volatile oils, and standing dead tree trunks can act as natural fire logs.
A study found that fuel treatments can reduce fire severity and protect older trees desirable for their timber, wildlife, and carbon-storage value. The results showed nearly 60% of trees survived in stands with thinning plus fuel treatment, and three-quarters of larger trees survived.
Certain tree species have developed strategies to select bacterial communities that can break down inorganic minerals into usable nutrients. This process, known as mineral weathering, is essential for tree growth in acidic forest soils.
A three-year project exploring the nature of character will investigate existence, development and relationship between character traits and beliefs, desires, identities and behaviors. The Character Project will bring together psychology, philosophy and theology perspectives.
Researchers found that ferns in the northern end of the redwood forest ecosystem are better equipped to absorb fog water than those in the southern region. This has important implications for the structure of plant communities and how ecosystems function during drought periods. The study suggests that native ferns may be able to acclim...
The USDA Forest Service's More Kids in the Woods program provides week-long summer day camps focused on natural resources themes. The camps, supported by local partners, promote environmental awareness and stewardship among young people.
Researchers explore using forest biomass to develop green energy and chemicals, offering a carbon-neutral alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The potential for tree-based green chemicals to replace traditional bioplastics is significant, with eco-friendly benefits and reduced ecological impacts.
Researchers at University of California - Berkeley have identified four distinct species of the secretive Hemidactylus fasciatus gecko in West African rain forests. The discovery was made using new DNA analysis techniques that distinguish different species even when they appear similar.
A Purdue University researcher used NASA satellite data and Google Earth to detect changes in North Korea's Mount Paekdu Biosphere Reserve, finding that up to 75% of the forest had been removed through extensive logging. This has raised concerns over biodiversity loss and habitat destruction in the region.
A University of Illinois study monitored rat snakes and bird nests in fragmented forest areas, finding that rats spend more time on edges than thought, making interior nests safer. The study suggests preserving unfragmented forest habitats to conserve birds.
A recent analysis found a substantial and sustained net loss of forest cover in the eastern United States, with a 4.1 percent decline over three decades. The study attributed the decline mainly to mechanical disturbance for timber production and urban expansion.
Scott Russell Sanders' essay 'Mind in the Forest' has won the John Burroughs Award for its thought-provoking exploration of human connection with nature. The essay, written during a USDA Forest Service writers' residence, was recognized for its exceptional literary value and ability to reveal qualities of the forest previously invisibl...
Researchers discovered that odorous house ant colonies grow exponentially in urban environments, forming complex networks with millions of workers. This phenomenon raises questions about the impact on native species and potentially informs better pest control strategies.
A new literature review synthesizes information on climate change, pathogens, and forests to inform land managers. The study reveals that climate change generally leads to reductions in tree health and improves conditions for certain damaging pathogens, such as Phytophthora and Red Band Needle Blight.
The HSBC Climate Partnership has made significant progress in understanding the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and carbon storage. Researchers have found rapid increases in tree growth, proposed a novel biodiversity theory, and examined the impact of changing climate on white-tailed deer and mosquitoes.
Research suggests that frequent fires can promote forest composition and structure more consistent with historical conditions. This approach to land management may help save money and improve forest health.
A new study has found that monkey populations in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains are more susceptible to decline than previously thought, highlighting the importance of protecting larger forest areas. The research suggests intervening earlier to preserve habitats and promote corridors between forest fragments.
Researchers found that land gastropod fauna are a good indicator of forest recovery following fires, with some species surviving in closed refuges. The study's findings suggest that post-fire forestry operations must consider the impact on these sensitive species to ensure their survival and habitat diversity.
Dr. Constance Millar has been recognized with the USDA Forest Service Deputy Chief's Distinguished Science award for her groundbreaking research on forest ecosystems' response to climate change. Her work aims to inform land management planning and adaptation strategies for a changing climate.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that forests in the Eastern United States are growing at an accelerated rate of 2 tons per acre annually. This growth is attributed to rising CO2 levels, increased temperatures, and longer growing seasons. The findings suggest a significant response of ecosystems to climate change.
A recent Oregon State University study found that forest fires consume only 1-3% of living trees' mass during fires, contrary to previous estimates. This reduction has significant implications for climate change mitigation strategies, with fire being a relatively minor player in greenhouse gas emissions.
The USDA Forest Service has developed an early warning system to monitor forest health using satellite imagery and land surface phenology data. The system aims to provide near-real-time information on forest conditions impacted by insects, diseases, wildfires, or extreme weather events.
A new pan-tropical forest mapping initiative, launched at COP15, aims to provide accurate data on forest cover and carbon stocks. The project combines satellite and lidar data from NASA and JAXA, enabling countries to build robust national carbon accounting systems.
A new analysis by the ASB Partnership reveals that a porous definition of forest in the REDD plan could lead to large areas of deforested landscapes being overlooked. The researchers propose broadening the plan to include all alterations to land cover that release or retain greenhouse gases.
A new software package called CLASlite is revolutionizing forest monitoring by automatically identifying deforestation and forest degradation from satellite imagery. The technology has been adopted by 70 organizations in five countries and is being rapidly disseminated to support international policy discussions.
Researchers found that tropical forest fragments store significantly less biomass and carbon dioxide than continuous natural forests. The study used a simulation model to analyze the impact of habitat fragmentation on the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.
A new study published in Nature suggests that accurate monitoring of carbon stored in drier tropical forests requires data from local communities. The researchers propose that at least 50% of REDD payments should be made directly to forest dwellers, ensuring their property rights and means of subsistence are protected.
Researchers at Purdue University found that the recovery of understory plants from logging depends on a forest's history and climate. The study, published in Forest Ecology and Management, suggests that forests with similar climate conditions can recover differently from logging due to their past disturbances.
A new scientific organization is proposed to utilize satellite images to monitor the world's forests and track changes in deforestation rates. Currently, only half of tropical countries have conducted two recent forest surveys needed to construct a deforestation trend.
A new chameleon species has been discovered in Tanzania's Magombera Forest, with the specimen named Kinyongia magomberae. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting this area, which is home to endangered red colobus monkeys and under threat from habitat loss.
Research at the University of Leeds found that logged rainforests can recover biodiversity to pre-logging levels within 15 years through managed restoration. This approach can also support carbon offsetting, providing a stronger incentive for protecting vulnerable forests.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to increased productivity in high-elevation forests of the Pacific Northwest, with potential increases of up to 500% in Washington. However, lower-elevation forests are expected to decline in growth due to drought stress and limited moisture.
Camille Harris is studying the ecological impacts of forest disturbance on LaCrosse Virus dynamics using experimentally logged forest plots. Her research aims to understand how logging influences mosquito vector distributions and resulting disease dynamics.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have found evidence that ancient Maya people deliberately conserved forest resources. The team discovered that when they abandoned their forest conservation practices, it led to the downfall of the Maya culture due to soil erosion and loss of water retention.
Wake Forest University scientists have developed a new detection method for nitroxyl, which can strengthen canine heartbeats and has potential benefits for humans. The new tool will help answer questions about natural production of nitroxyl in the human body.
The USDA Forest Service has established a new 25,000-acre experimental forest in the Tongass National Forest to investigate how climate change affects various forest resources such as timber and salmon habitat. The research aims to understand the impact of climate change on temperate rain forest ecosystems nationwide.
A new study reveals that decades of fragmentation have taken a toll on the sustainability of Wisconsin's forests, reducing native plant abundance and diversity. The effects of urbanization and agricultural dominance are now determining which species can survive in isolated forest patches.
A new report finds that paying to conserve billions of tons of carbon stored in tropical forests could also protect endangered large mammals like orangutans and pygmy elephants. The study, published in Conservation Letters, demonstrates a link between forest protection and biodiversity conservation.
The study reveals that human activities are directly linked to the intensity of forest fires in Indonesia, with population density and land use being key factors. The research also highlights the impact of climate change and other meteorological phenomena on fire frequency and severity.
Oil palm expansion in the Brazilian Amazon is likely to occur at the expense of natural forest, according to William F. Laurance and Rhett A. Butler. The proposed revision to Brazil's forest code would allow up to 30% of reserved forests to consist of oil palm plantations.
The new protected area covers 187,800 acres of pristine tropical forest in Papua New Guinea's northern coast to interior mountains. The YUS Conservation Area preserves critical habitat for Matschie's tree kangaroos and stores huge amounts of carbon, preventing greenhouse gas emissions.
New research finds hemlock woolly adelgid is killing hemlock trees faster than expected, altering the carbon cycle of these forests. The study suggests that infrequent frigid winter temperatures may not be enough to suppress adelgid populations, leading to rapid decline and mortality.
Researchers at Wake Forest University have developed a new class of platinum-based anti-tumor drugs that demonstrate 10 times greater efficacy than current treatments against certain lung cancer types. The compounds work by rapidly binding with and disabling tumor cell DNA, potentially overcoming drug resistance issues.
Two federal scientists, Martin Raphael and Eric Forsman, have won national awards for their research on the habitat and ecology of the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl. Their work emphasizes a strong partnership between research and management to improve the status of these bird species.
Three Palauans, Uelbil Puanani Michael, Omekrael Sadang, and Sheldon Siksei, have been selected as interns in the US Forest Service's Professional Internships in Pacific Terrestrial Island Ecosystem Management program. They will work on forestry projects in their home islands and later implement focus projects with mentors.
Two Samoan students, Fa'afo'i Tony Maugalei and John Ah Sue, have been selected as part of the US Forest Service's Professional Internships in Pacific Terrestrial Island Ecosystem Management program. They will develop and evaluate an agroforestry project on private lands to demonstrate economically viable forest management methods.
The US Forest Service has selected two Pohnpeian students, Fa'afo'i Tony Maugalei and John Ah Sue, as part of its Professional Internships in Pacific Terrestrial Island Ecosystem Management program. The program aims to recruit and train the next generation of forestry professionals in the Pacific Islands.
Three Kosraeans, Maximilian Nithan, Jacob Sanney, and Rickson Johnithan, have been selected as interns in the US Forest Service's Professional Internships program. They will address watershed management issues and implement focus projects to improve forestry practices in their communities.
A new approach, High-fidelity Imaging Spectroscopy (HiFIS), can determine the chemical and structural properties of rain forests in unprecedented detail over broad swaths. The technology has received a $5.2-million grant to advance its development, enabling detailed chemical mapping of species.
Wake Forest University chemistry professors Mark Welker and Dilip Kondepudi were elected as 2008 AAAS Fellows for their significant contributions to the fields of non-equilibrium chemistry and organometallic chemistry. The recognition highlights their scientifically distinguished efforts to advance science.
The Tree Carbon Calculator provides quantifiable incentives for tree planting and stewardship projects. It calculates the dry weight of biomass that would be obtained if a tree were removed, offering a valuable resource for urban forestry efforts.
A comprehensive analysis by CIFOR offers options to address forest destruction and degradation's role in global greenhouse gas emissions. The report suggests integrating REDD with tighter emissions targets for a more ambitious climate strategy.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology has received a $1.6-million grant to improve and expand CLASLite, a user-friendly method for mapping tropical forests from desktops. The technology will help rainforest nations monitor their changing carbon budgets and advance deforestation and degradation mapping in Latin America.