Articles tagged with Forestry
The publication brings together the latest knowledge on eastern big-eared bats, a group of species at risk due to habitat loss and environmental contaminants. The research provides guidance on securing or improving habitat for these bats, including discussions of conservation and management strategies.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that tree cover in US cities is declining at a rate of 4 million trees per year, mainly due to impervious cover and natural disasters. The greatest losses were seen in New Orleans, Houston, and Albuquerque, highlighting the need for comprehensive tree planting programs.
The article provides IPM program recommendations for managing the southern pine beetle, a chronic insect pest in southeastern US pine forests. The beetle has three population phases, and an IPM program should be tailored to each phase, with prevention and restoration being primary concerns during the latent phase.
A team of international experts has described the detailed structure of cellulose fibres in wood, crucial for developing strong, sustainable composite materials and second generation biofuels. The research reveals that enzymes can bind to specific surface areas on the cellulose fibres, making it easier to break down into glucose.
A study published in Nature found that forests are warmer than open areas north of 45 degrees latitude due to higher nighttime temperatures and sunlight absorption, but cooler south of 35 degrees latitude. Forests also have climatic benefits for maintaining or increasing forest cover in southern latitudes.
A recent report provides new ideas on the carbon and energy benefits of forests and forest products. Sustainably managed forests can store and substitute carbon, while forest biomass-based energy uses less stored carbon, reducing fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers found a 60% decrease in marten detections since the 1980s due to habitat degradation. Suitable habitat for martens has decreased by 25% since the 1980s.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been chosen to lead a consortium of seven universities in hosting the Northeast Climate Science Center, a five-year, $7.5 million grant. The center will study climate change effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and resources in the region.
Researchers used long-term data from Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory to examine the feasibility of managing forests for water supply. The analysis revealed significant increases in temperature and extreme wet and dry years, with conversion from hardwoods to pines decreasing streamflow.
A recent study published in the Journal of Forestry reveals that US national forests can help Americans meet guidelines for regular physical activity. The study found that activities such as hiking, walking, and fishing account for about two-thirds of all visits to national forests, resulting in annual energy expenditures equivalent to...
Researchers propose combining modern engineering with traditional social principles to manage rainwater as a common pool resource. Effective monitoring and management can help reduce pressure on ground and surface water supplies, as well as mitigate flash flooding in urban areas.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that oil palm plantations are driving forest fragmentation, leading to a decline in bat species and genetic diversity. Larger forest patches, over 10,000 hectares, are necessary to retain comparable levels of biodiversity and prevent local extinction.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offer new insights on reforestation in Latin America, highlighting the importance of native species, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. The research provides a framework for land managers to weigh environmental and economic factors in their decision-making.
The Eucalyptus grandis genome sequence provides a blueprint for efficient breeding programs, disease resistance, and wood quality improvement. Researchers aim to replace fossil fuels with biofuels and other alternative energy sources using cellulose-rich plants like eucalyptus trees.
The National Biomass and Carbon Dataset (NBCD) provides unprecedented spatial resolution of 30m, offering comprehensive assessment of forest structure and carbon stock within the lower 48 States. This dataset will advance understanding of US natural resources, biodiversity conservation, wildfire risk assessment, and timber production.
A new study finds that biodiversity can be conserved while resources are used to support local household livelihoods, especially when managed under systems that involve local forest users. The research suggests formalizing the rights of local people to contribute to forest management and governance can promote dual success.
Researchers found that forests managed by local users are more likely to have higher biodiversity and provide greater economic benefits. The study analyzed over 80 forest sites in six tropical countries and found that formal recognition of local user rights is crucial for sustainable management.
The US Play Coalition has awarded grants to three researchers to study the value of play for children's health and well-being. The projects will explore topics such as recess, unstructured play, and playground design to understand their impact on children's physical activity and cognitive development.
San Diego Zoo Global takes management responsibility for Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Peru's Manu Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The station is home to over 1,000 bird species, rare mammals, and indigenous communities.
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.
The William T. Pecora Award recognizes Prof. Marvin Bauer's outstanding contributions to remote sensing education, science, and applications. The award highlights his research in agriculture, forestry, and lake water quality monitoring.
New study maps koala habitats using taste preferences, while ancient insects migrated to warmer climates in response to rising temperatures. Koalas prefer large trees with palatable leaves and avoid smaller unpalatable trees, highlighting the importance of habitat quality.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers reveals that the lack of FSC-certified sawmills and wood in New York state is causing a bottleneck for green construction. As a result, builders are forced to purchase FSC-certified wood outside of the state at a premium price.
Research found that forestry access roads can negatively affect walleye populations in remote lakes, with lakes containing the species needing more protection. The presence and location of roads also impact lake fishing quality and accessibility.
Researchers at NC State University developed a set of guidelines to improve pest-risk mapping, including increasing international collaboration and incorporating climate change. The recommendations aim to increase the accuracy and consistency of pest-risk maps, which inform strategic and tactical management decisions. By addressing unc...
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that the Swiss needle cast epidemic in Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest is intensifying, affecting hundreds of thousands of acres, and causing significant growth reduction, with older trees also being susceptible.
The alpine marmot's expansion into the Catalan Pyrenees is a result of its adaptability to warmer temperatures. The species can occupy abandoned fields at lower altitudes, influencing local biodiversity and potentially threatening native species such as ptarmigan.
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.
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 study by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists found that housing development around national parks and protected areas poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats. The research used data from the US Census and local sources to track changes in housing units near conserved lands since 1940, projecting growth rates until 2030.
The University of Guam and the Guam Navy have partnered to conserve the endangered fadang cycad species on Tinian, which faces threats from alien insect invasions. The donation of over 200 plants aims to establish a safe haven for the species in case all plants on Guam are killed.
The researcher aims to understand the nesting ecology of bog turtles in southwestern Virginia and evaluate factors limiting nesting success. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to examine ovarian cycle and clutch characteristics.
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.
Sarah DuRant, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, has received two national awards for her research with wood ducks. Her work explores the effects of slight changes in incubation temperature on early growth and stress endocrinology in wood ducklings. This novel approach reveals profound impacts on the health of baby birds after hatching.
Christine Bergeron, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, receives an EPA fellowship to study the impact of mercury on American toads' reproductive success. The research reveals that female toads transfer mercury to their eggs, affecting offspring viability and potentially long-term population health.
Researchers have developed a new device to measure plant species' flammability, allowing for improved fire risk maps. The technique measures combustion speed and heat emitted during burning, providing more accurate data than existing methods.
A team of Tennessee foresters, led by Stacy Clark, is working to reintroduce the American chestnut to eastern US forests. The goal is to create a blight-resistant tree that can thrive in its natural habitat, offering benefits for humans and wildlife.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has successfully reintroduced critically endangered Chinese alligators into the wild, with the population now multiplying on their own. The reintroduction effort, which started in 1999, included captive-bred animals from North American zoos and partner agencies in China.
Scientists at Oregon State University found that Pacific Northwest forests have significant potential to increase carbon storage, with estimated increases of 15% if all forest stands were allowed to increase in age by 50 years. This region accounts for 14% of the live biomass in the entire US and has already sequestered 30-50% of emiss...
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 hybrid of the American chestnut tree has been developed that can sequester more carbon than other hardwood species. The trees grow faster and larger, allowing them to store more carbon in a shorter amount of time, which could help slow climate change.
The study found that vegetation cover has increased over the past 65 years, leading to a decrease in bare sandstone habitat critical for broad-headed snakes. Regular controlled burns could open up the forest canopy and prevent tree seedling establishment, benefiting the endangered species.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that aerial application of laminated flakes containing verbenone reduced mountain pine beetle attack rates by three-fold in California and Idaho. The technique could provide a large-scale solution to slow the spread of the beetles, which are devastating lodgepole pine stands across the West.
Research by Northern Arizona University ties tree mortality to climate change, with a significant increase in death rates across the western US. The study, led by Phillip J. van Mantgem and Nathan L. Stephenson, analyzed long-term data from over 6,000 trees and found that regional warming is a key factor contributing to this trend.
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.
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 book provides a comprehensive overview of air pollution research, focusing on wildland fires' impact on humans and the environment. The 686-page book includes 26 research papers by 85 experts, covering regional perspectives and current tools for managing forests affected by fire and climate change.
Low-budget, locally led mangrove replanting projects are more successful than high-cost government-led projects, achieving survival rates of up to 97%. Planting the correct species in suitable sites and community involvement are key to ecological benefits.
Yale Environment 360, a new online magazine, covers global environmental issues with reports, analysis, and Op-Ed-style pieces. The site features original articles by leading journalists, scientists, and experts, showcasing diverse perspectives on climate change, energy policy, and more.
A team of 23 scientists examined the effects of controlled burns and forest thinning on western Ponderosa pine ecosystems. They found that tree growth increased after thinning, but with a single canopy layer, while controlled burns had little impact on large trees but harmed smaller ones.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that workers with increased work flexibility reported fewer sickness absences and improved job commitment. This suggests that implementing flexible work arrangements can contribute to better health outcomes and productivity for employees.
A photograph taken by a wildlife biology student in 2008 may depict a California wolverine, sparking further analysis and investigation. The animal's presence has not been confirmed since the 1920s, but forest service scientists believe it is a rare sighting.
Elinor Ostrom proposes a flexible framework for resource management, considering factors such as governance systems, resource users, and innate productivity. The framework aims to improve conservation strategies by working with local people and adapting to unpredictable human behavior.
The National Ecological Observatory Network has selected candidate core wildland sites across the United States for deployment, with a focus on understanding climate change and its impacts on ecology. The selected sites will host distributed sensor networks and experiments to record and archive ecological data for at least 30 years.
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies has been recognized for its innovative deer management program, which balances forest health with deer populations. The program's success has informed deer management initiatives across the northeastern US and beyond.
The study, known as CLAMS, examines ecological, economic, and social consequences of forest policies in the Coast Range. The research found that maintaining current policies will lead to increased old-growth forests and habitat for old-forest species, but may result in declines in diverse early-successional and hardwood forests.
Scientists assess native plant diversity to evaluate invasion vulnerability and protect native plants, innovative field methods presented in a new book by USGS ecologist Tom Stohlgren. The book provides revised sampling approaches for measuring plant diversity at multiple scales, helping natural resource managers make informed decisions
A University of Wisconsin-Madison team developed a map that incorporates environmental and human factors to pinpoint areas most vulnerable to devastating wildfires. The map highlights the critical role humans play in causing fires, particularly near wildland-urban interfaces.
Stroke patients who receive constraint-induced movement therapy show significant improvement in arm and hand function, regaining 52% more time to complete tasks and performing 24% more tasks with the partially paralyzed arm. The study, led by Emory University researchers, found greater improvements than usual care over a year.