Articles tagged with Forestry
A new study across 24 states found two-thirds of forest inventory plots contain at least one non-native plant species. Non-native, or introduced, plants can become invasive and displace native species, degrading habitats and altering ecosystem functions.
Researchers found that federal agencies are more effective at preserving archaeological sites in the Grand Canyon National Park than in the adjacent Kaibab National Forest. The study highlights the need for better protection and preservation efforts in vulnerable landscapes due to differing policies and limited resources.
Researchers analyzed decades-long data from 22 streams in 7 experimental forests across the US, highlighting regional patterns of change in stream nitrogen concentrations. The study's findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring in informing best management practices for protecting water resources.
A new study highlights the need for increased culls to control the UK's growing deer population. The research found that current management efforts are insufficient to stop populations from spreading out of control, threatening biodiversity and causing damage to crops and road traffic accidents.
Researchers from Basque Country describe two new species of Hydnum mushroom, Hydnum ovoideisporum and Hydnum vesterholtii, with distinct ovoid spores and ecological characteristics. The study confirms high genetic diversity among the genus, shedding light on their distribution and ecology.
Researchers have documented two new species of Hydnum, commonly known as ox tongue mushrooms, in the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery sheds light on the high genetic diversity of the Hydnum genus, which has been understudied due to its edible properties.
Climate change affects Alaskan forests with potential shifts to broadleaf forest or grasslands, but plastic greenhouse farming conserves water and binds carbon. Urban renewal and watershed restoration projects in Baltimore demonstrate social cohesion and improved storm-water management.
A new study by researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that mixed forests provide positive relationships to six different ecosystem services. The study suggests that promoting more varieties of trees may increase these services, including tree growth, carbon sequestration, and...
The completed genome sequencing of DBM provides insights into insect adaptation to host plants and opens new ways for more sustainable pest management. The study identified gene families involved in detoxification, including ABC transporters, P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases, and carboxylesterase.
The Landsat Data Continuity Mission will extend over 40 years of global land observations, critical in energy and water management, forest monitoring, and disaster recovery. The mission's instruments, including Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor, promise improved data quality and quantity.
Research published in Nature Climate Change finds that outdated UN climate negotiation structures hinder progress, particularly for poor countries. The study recommends capping delegation numbers to ensure broad representation and improve decision-making.
A new study suggests climate change is causing significant stress to western rangelands, leading to ecosystem degradation and loss of biodiversity. The researchers recommend reducing or eliminating livestock from public lands to mitigate these effects and restore affected ecosystems.
A new UGA study finds that national recession affects travel to national parks, with decreases in visitation since 1998. Despite this, some parks experience notable increases due to international recognition.
The study of the button mushroom's genome has revealed its ability to adapt to humus-rich environments, suggesting a higher capacity for metabolizing complex mixtures of lignin derivatives. This adaptation could have significant implications for forest carbon management and soil health.
Michigan State University is providing a $1.5 million grant to help India develop online tools for carbon monitoring and measurement. The project aims to enhance the country's forest management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study investigates the effects of Mikania micrantha on agriculture and human communities in Chitwan National Park. Researchers aim to understand the social and ecological forces that make communities more resistant or vulnerable to rapid environmental change.
A study found that natural regeneration accounts for two-thirds of urban trees, but newly established young trees are less likely to be planted, with rates ranging from 1 in 12 to 1 in 20. The proportion of naturally regenerated trees is higher in grassland or desert regions and decreases in forested areas.
Researchers trained detection dogs to locate northern spotted owl pellets and feces, achieving a 87% detection probability compared to 59% for vocalization surveys. The cost-effective approach has potential as a complementary method for spotting owls in forests invaded by barred owls.
The US Forest Service study found that New Hampshire has the highest percent tree cover (89%) and Connecticut has the highest urban tree cover (67%). Urban forestry is essential for sustaining urban forests, which provide environmental benefits such as air pollution reduction and heat island mitigation.
A study by the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station found that Georgia's forest land area remained stable over the past 50 years, while timber inventory more than doubled. The majority of commercial timberland is privately owned, with individual or family forests making up a significant portion.
Researchers found that acorns inside leaf litter or soil are protected from fire, while those on top of the litter are vulnerable to low-intensity surface fires. The study suggests optimal timing and conditions for prescribed burning to promote oak regeneration without harming acorns.
A recent study found that native plant restoration alone is not enough to prevent non-native species invasion in Hawaii's tropical dry forests. Instead, long-term sustainability measures are needed to manage non-native species and ensure ecosystem resilience.
Retention forestry is a management practice that deliberately leaves selected trees standing during harvesting, reducing ecological simplification and preserving natural forest complexity. It brings benefits such as maintaining ecosystem services, increasing public acceptance, and ensuring habitat continuity.
A new computer model developed at NC State University predicts the environmental impact of forest land-use decisions, considering factors such as plant growth and water cycles. The DRAINMOD-FOREST model will help policy makers and forest managers make informed decisions to minimize environmental harm while maintaining forest productivity.
A new study reveals that just a handful of heavyweight trees per acre are responsible for nearly half the biomass in a temperate forest, highlighting their crucial role in photosynthesis and carbon sequestration. The research found that these large trees can dominate even when dead, with snags accounting for 60% of total biomass.
The article suggests that preventative measures are most effective in managing bark beetles, which can be controlled naturally by environmental factors. Maintaining a diversity of healthy tree species and adequate spacing between host trees reduces the likelihood of beetle outbreaks.
The USDA Forest Service's Eastern Forest and Western Wildland Environmental Threat Assessment Centers have unveiled a new satellite-based monitoring and assessment tool called ForWarn. This web-based tool recognizes and tracks potential forest disturbances caused by various natural or human-caused events, providing near-real-time views...
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.