Smoke from fire can sharply reduce air quality by releasing particulate matter--one of the most dangerous types of air pollution for human health. A science update from the Forest Service examines prescribed fire as a tool for minimizing the impact of smoke on communities.

Public green spaces are often less available in neighborhoods that are low-income or that have a high proportion of African American or Hispanic residents, according to a review article by Forest Service researchers. This unequal access to green space may be related to disparities in cardiovascular health, heat-related illness, obesity, and psychological well-being.

A study by Forest Service researchers identified factors that contribute to decision-making by homeowners when wildfire approaches homes. These factors include their understanding of how quickly fire spreads, their tolerance for risk, and whether they believe evacuation is an effective strategy. This research underscores the need to understand the varied reasons and values that inform evacuation decisions to promote safe decision-making by homeowners.

A study by Forest Service scientists looked at how various ways children are exposed to nature can shape their future engagement in environmental activities. Study results suggest that voluntary, unstructured time outdoors builds the strongest ties to nature.

Expanding an Atlas of Aquatic Resources

Environmental DNA , or eDNA, is a sensitive new technology that can detect the presence of threatened and endangered species in ecosystems as well as individuals at the leading edges of invasive species takeovers.

In 2017, Forest Service scientists began developing an online database of aquatic species detected using eDNA in rivers and streams in 12 Western states. Known as the Aquatic eDNAtlas , that project was funded by the Bring Back the Natives program of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The Aquartic eDNAtlas recently received more than $73,000 of additional funding from NFWF and $300,000 in matching funds from the Forest Service and partners to expand coverage to the eastern U.S. The eDNAtlas will enable the cost effective use of eDNA data for designing strategies to detect and suppress the spread of invasive species, developing conservation plans for native species, and assessing the effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts.

The Forest Service recently completed an updated national fish and aquatic strategy, which built on lessons learned from the original 1987 version. The updated strategy will use the latest data on fish conservation to sustainably manage watersheds used for fishing, boating, and other aquatic activities that communities need.

Long-term studies at the San Dimas Experimental Forest have helped scientists address important issues involving landslides, floods, and wildfires in the chaparral (shrubland) of California watersheds. Established in 1933, the San Dimas Experimental Forest has served as a testing ground for how humans can squeeze more water from the mountain ecosystem to serve the rapidly developing Los Angeles basin.

The Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station and its partners issued a joint science-based framework for guiding restoration practices and removing hazardous fuels to improve the health of Colorado's Front Range forests. Researchers hope this framework will help forest managers cultivate fire-resilient forests similar to those of the past.

Southern Research Station scientist Qinfeng Guo recently received an “Award for Excellence in Academic Activities” from the Northeast Normal University in China. The award recognizes Guo’s role in a long-term international collaboration on experimental research in regional grassland ecosystems, focusing on plant-animal interactions.

Michael Schwartz, Director of the National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, was awarded the title of "highly cited researcher" by Clarivate Analytics. Schwartz conducts research in conservation genetics/genomics, genetic monitoring, landscape genetics, and the ecology of threatened and endangered species.

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Research and Development Deputy Chief Carlos Rodriguez-Franco recognized four Forest Service scientists in a ceremony on February 7th in Washington, D.C. Research ecologist Sean Parks received the Early Career Scientist award; research landscape ecologist Paul Hessburg and research hydrologist Ge Sun both received Distinguished Science awards; and research entomologist Christopher Fettig received the Science Delivery award.

More than 80 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, and natural resources are crucial to the health and livability of cities and suburbs.

The i-Tree Software Suite is a set of free urban forestry analysis tools from the Forest Service; these tools improve understanding of the benefits and value of urban forest resources--from entire states to individual trees. Analyses from i-Tree help inform green infrastructure management and planning. Scroll down to the infographic below for a sample i-Tree application.