Pennsylvania Forestry Association
News You Can Use
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Join us for our 134th Annual Symposium! |
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The Pennsylvania Forestry Association is excited to roll-out its 134th Annual Symposium in Virtual Form during the last week of October 2020. We look forward to connecting with our members and friends in a new, safe, and easily accessible way!
Fix your lunch, pull up a chair, and join in! Each day from 12pm-1pm, we will offer a presentation expanding on the topic, "Exploring Change in Penn's Woods."
Don't know how to login to Zoom? No problem! We have resources to help! Rather just call in and listen? We'll offer a number for just that!
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Dr. Richard Alley is the speaker of the day and explores how human actions have dominated the complex history of forests over recent centuries and even earlier, and will continue to dominate in the future. Decisions about energy have been especially important for trees—the deforestation that led to Joseph Rothrock’s “Pennsylvania desert” was often for fuel, including charcoal making for iron furnaces. The widespread switch to fossil fuels allowed forest regrowth, but now threatens major changes to those forests because of climate impacts. Paths exist to a sustainable energy future with a healthy forested landscape. |
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This presentation by Greg Czarnecki III will look at the current and projected impacts of climate change on our native species and forests, the challenges and opportunities conservationists face in helping to ensure their survival, and how Pennsylvania’s State Parks and State Forests are adapting to climate change. |
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Presented by Dr. Ben Jones,The Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society strives to preserve our sporting traditions by creating healthy forests for ruffed grouse and American woodcock. RGS biologists work with private landowners and state and federal agencies to improve lands for grouse, woodcock, and other wildlife. |
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Speakers Jonathan Geyer and Kevin Yoder will discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the Forest Products Industry and also how forests can mitigate climate change. |
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PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger will discuss the importance of adaptations in managing, conserving and recreating in Pennsylvania’s forests. Today, there are many changes and challenges facing the forests and DCNR’s work. The link between land management, conservation, clean water, and connecting young people to the outdoors is critical to solving today’s environmental issues. |
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A Message from PFA President Mark Ott |
September was a welcome relief to the hot dry months before it. It rained several times early and late in the month with a dry spell in the middle. Our tree plantings still needed supplemental water, but not as much and as often as earlier. We had several nights of 39F lows – the hummingbirds left rather abruptly. We continue to maintain the feeders for late migrators and the off chance that a few might stick around. That has reportedly been happening in various areas of the state over the past several years. Some of the lingerers are western varieties rarely seen in the east. The barred owls are still vocal each evening. The juvenile towhees have begun showing their adult colors; a bit more each day. However their heads remain a dull gray brown. They have also learned their parents loud “threep” call.
We had our first paying campers. They stayed at what we named the Charcoal Flat site. There are several of these flats located throughout the property. They are remnants from the making of charcoal for the local Roland Curtin iron furnace in the late 1800’s. The forest we have today was not there after the charcoal makers were through. Our forest is generally 130-150 years old after the devastation of the past. The trees we have are even aged. One of our forest plan goals is to diversify the age class of the forest to provide a range of tree sizes and forest types. In the 2-year-old golden winged warbler cut we have young forest regenerating. In a 15-year-old crop tree release site we have a thickly vegetated young pole stage forest. In a 25-year-old timber harvest site we have larger pole stage trees and thinner understory vegetation. Each of these stages meet the specific habitat needs of various wildlife and plants. The age diversity we are establishing rewards us with a greater diversity of flora and fauna.
We see the camping venture as a dual opportunity. We can increase awareness of sustainable forest management – a working forest. We can also reap some income from the forest to use in our efforts to improve it. We have signage up to explain what the warbler cut was done for and the benefits that it gives us and the forest. We plan to post other informational signage at the other cuts, charcoal flats, stone piles (from cultivated pasture plots that are no longer there), vernal pools and points of interest. As campers explore the area, they can learn what we are doing and why. They will come to understand why there is a flat area with black soil carved out of the hillside. Why the swampy area in the middle of the forest is important to amphibians. Why we have not cut down the cavity filled snags for firewood and why we are leaving fallen trees where they fell.
Only by continuing to educate the public on the importance of our forests, our management goals and strategies and the benefits we all derive from the work will we be able to gain their understanding and support for that work. Without that understanding we begin to see local ordinances prohibiting harvests, regulating management activities and hampering our improvement efforts. The Pennsylvania Forestry Association mainly works to do the same educational work on a statewide basis. We are there to answer questions, direct people to those who can help them with their forestry concerns and inform the public about what is going on in the wonderful woodlands we have inherited and temporarily steward for future generations.
The PFA has been active during September in supporting efforts to have the US Dept. of Agriculture’s APHIS approve release of GMO blight resistant American Chestnuts into the forest so that recovery of this majestic and important species may commence. There will be a link in this newsletter to use for your own public comments on this milestone in restoration efforts. There will also be a link to information on the Forest Recovery Act. Please take the time to read that information and consider contacting your legislator with your opinion. The Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation has brought to our attention a bill in the PA House (HB 1706) which is described as providing “for the registration of off-road motorcycles.” However, the bill has language that could be interpreted to allow opening many existing trails and roads in State Forests to motorized recreation. This could occur without consideration of wildlife, hiking only trails, or species of concern. Instead of scientific management of DCNR forests, the decisions to open these roads would fall to local government. The bills language states that “If a local authority designates a roadway within its jurisdiction as open for snowmobile, ATV, or OHM use, or a combination, and the roadway is adjacent to or adjoining State forest land, the department shall make roads and trails in that forest available for the use of vehicles regulated under this chapter.” Please consider sharing your thoughts on this with your local House Representative.
The Forest Heritage committee has received the first of several Forest Heritage Museum videos being produced by the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art video team. After reviewing and submitting comments and suggestions back to the team, a final version will be released for web viewing. This first video is an introduction to the series that will be produced. A great deal of effort by the committee is making this possible. The committee is also working on the possibility of a feasibility study on establishing a new Forest Heritage Discovery Center in a possible new Micheaux State Forest office. The committee is very active doing great work and we should see the fruit shortly.
The Tree Farm committee is working through the inspections that need to be done this year. They are also seeking a new PA Tree Farm chair or co-chairs as our current co-chairs, Gay & Harold Thistle, prepare for their move from PA to NY. There are some prospective takers, however if you feel an inclination to volunteer, please contact the PFA office. More hands make the work lighter.
The Annual Symposium committee has finalized plans for the 5-day lunchtime online Symposium this year. Tune in to that event each day from October 26th – 30th. Information is on the PFA website.
The annual Log a Load for Kids sporting clays shoot was held on October 2nd at the Shenecoy Sportsmen’s Club near McConnellstown PA. There were 18 shooters in attendance and the event raised over $3,000 for PA Children’s Hospitals. Thank you to Matt Sampson for doing most of the leg work for this worthy event and Richard Lewis for spreading the word. The clay shoot is co-sponsored by the PFA and the PA Forest Products Association. Any skill level is welcome and encouraged to attend and enjoy the great venue where it is held. Terrific views and no pressure shooting opportunities. Plan to attend next year and hone your shooting skills while raising funds for a great cause.
The Conservation Dinner committee has set up an online drawing for the winning tickets next March. On March 6, 2021, you will be able to go online and watch the drawdown to the 10 winners. The last ticket drawn wins the holder $10,000. The drawing will be held live at the Howard Fire Co. in Howard, PA and we may, under current restrictions, have up to 25 people there including those doing the drawdown. The committee has plans to draw 10 tickets at a time in order to speed up the drawdown. If that works well, the same process will become the practice at the dinner when we are again able to hold the full event. In March we unfortunately will not be holding the dinner, the silent and live auctions, the chainsaw, 50/50 or mystery prize raffles. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the PFA. Please get your tickets and support the effort. The funds raised during this event go to supporting forest education efforts. Tickets are $100 each. You can split the ticket cost with as many people as you wish to share the $10,000 prize with. Without the auctions and raffles that are usually part of this event, it is most important that we again sell every ticket this year. Let people know that anyone can contact the PFA office at 800-835-8065 and purchase a ticket. Only 350 tickets will be available. The odds are great that you will win if you have a ticket in the drawing!
Stay Safe,
Mark Ott, President
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Golden Winged Warbler Cut |
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October PATF News You Can Use |
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Bipartisan Legislation to Help Private Forest Landowners
There is bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate that is of interest for private forest owners. Sens. Mike Braun (R-IN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) have introduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act and the Rural Forest Markets Act of 2020. This legislation recognizes the role of the agriculture and forestry sectors as critical to climate solutions. These bills create opportunities for U.S. producers and forest landowners to better access private markets for carbon and environmental credits. American Forest Foundation (American Tree Farm’s parent organization) has been working in support of this effort that could, potentially, provide the needed funding to assist with the management of forestland to private landowners.
Submitted by Gay and Harold Thistle
PATF Co-Chairs
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The “JOY” of Using a Battery-powered Pole Saw for Woodland Trimming
by Rebecca Trigger, Greene County Tree Farmer
I didn’t always feel joy with the chore of trimming branches hanging low over my woodland trails. I’d put it off until I could no longer duck the branches from smacking me in the face while on my tractor. I dreaded the prep time of getting out saws, mixing fuels, running them to warm up, then loading up all the saws, fuel, and safety equipment in my UTV and driving down the trails. And I’ve always had physical difficulty with the pull starts on any gas powered machinery (lawn mowers, weed-whackers or chain saws).
During a visit to drop off chains to be sharpened at my local John Deere dealer, I noticed the section of battery powered equipment made by Stihl. I thought how nice it would be to walk out to my garage, strap on a light weight battery powered pole-saw and hike along my woodland trails to cut low branches. No need to load up my ranger to carry smelly fuel, no need to wear heavy/hot chaps, no constant loud noise...only the sound of a gentle hum when the button is pressed.
Perhaps, dare I ponder, pruning can even be a pleasant endeavor.
I learned from the dealer that in my area these battery powered tools are used primarily in coal mines where using any type of fuel or plug in electric can cause a hazardous explosion. He said, “the workers really like these battery saws and say they work great. The lithium-ion batteries and high-torque motors have come along way.” I thought why not give them a try.” I bought a battery powered pole-pruner, hedge-trimmer and small chainsaw that are all powered by the same size battery requiring only one charger. Having equipment with an interchangeable battery is an important financial savings and convenience.
This purchase did not disappoint. In fact there were many more advantages and uses of the pole-saw than I had ever imagined. The no prep time and light-weight of this saw allows me to carry it around for hours on a shoulder strap. This has increased the amount of time I do actual pruning. The telescopic pole (up to 16 feet above ground) allows me to maintain a safe distance while cutting overhead AND vegetation near the ground. No more stepping into thorny multi-flora rose, gnarly clumping vines, eye-poking small trees, or thickets with hidden poison ivy or snakes to remove them. The chain stops running as soon as your finger is lifted off the throttle. And since it runs while only cutting, the battery charge lasts a long time. (A full battery charge lasts me a 6-8 hour day of pruning.)
This little gem has replaced all my other miscellaneous equipment, from hand held loppers to gas powered trimmers. It has allowed me to work smarter, not harder. I get more accomplished, with less wear and tear on my body, with fewer things to hassle over and in a more pleasant environment. All this motivates me to get out on the trail and do more pruning resulting in beautifully maintained trails, which brings me joy.
Suggestions when purchasing a battery powered pole-saw:
- Buy from a reputable dealer located near you for easy maintenance, such as chain sharpening.
- Buy a commercial grade quality saw with a high-torque electric motor.
- Check that the battery is interchangeable with other equipment you may purchase.
- Be sure the saw has a telescopic pole rather than a fixed pole (telescopic can reach up to 16 feet above ground).
- Decide on a fixed or multi-angled head adjustment (mine is fixed to keep it simple).
- A shoulder strap is a must.
- Read online reviews of the commercial brands available in your area.
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Walk in Penn's Woods Letter from Forest Stewardship Project Coordinator |
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Sara Banker, Forest Stewardship Project Coordinator - October is the beginning of a month long campaign of getting folks across the state to take a Walk in Penn’s Woods!
Below is a brief update on what we have listed on the website.
35 events in 23 counties being hosted by our partners. Many thanks to the DCNR, Wildlands Conservancy, PA Game Commission, and others for organizing so many safe opportunities to get folks in the woods. I wasn’t able to list ALL the DCNR events, the state parks have a LOT of events, so I included a link at the bottom of the Woodland Adventure Partner listing on the website. All the events listed require registration or have social distancing procedures clearly stated. The PGC events are all driving tours.
58 trails listed in 22 counties with links to information and maps on each trail plus a link to the DCNR’s Explores Pennsylvania’s Trails website at the end of the Woodland Adventure Trails listing.
11 virtual tours, story maps, and we even suggested a few Apps to use on the trails.
I realize there are many, many trails that should to be listed on the website. The DCNR alone has 650 trails. If you have a moment to review the listing and notice I am missing a particularly key trail or virtual tour, please let me know.
I will be posting fairly regularly on Facebook to highlight a trail, event or to promote the website. Please like or share the post if you are able. We are trying to use the hashtag #mywalkinpennswoods in all social media posts.
And finally, we had an incredible Crowd Funding Campaign! We are thrilled and humbled to have raised $6,000 given by many of you and countless other friends! THANK YOU!
I hope you will share moments with us as you get in Penn’s Woods this month.
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Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist Apprenticeship |
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With the help of Kelly-Victor Burke of Burke Architectural Millwork and others, The Dept. of Labor has approved a new woodworking apprenticeship. More info coming soon.
Looking for your next skilled employee? Contact Reed-Custer High School’s Industrial Technology program and begin building a mutually beneficial relationship. Contact: mark.smith@rc255.net
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Arborist Short Course Series |
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Registration Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2021
Designed to increase working tree knowledge and professional arborist skills, successful completion of the ten-day Arborist Short Course Series webinars will prepare participants for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, as well as improve their marketability.
When
Tue., Jan. 19, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Jan. 21, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Jan. 26, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Jan. 28, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Feb. 2, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Feb. 4, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Feb. 9, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Feb. 11, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Feb. 16, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Feb. 18, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Webinar Access
The link to access the webinar is provided immediately upon completion of registration in your registration confirmation email.
Today there is an increased awareness by homeowners and municipalities for the need of trained and knowledgeable tree care workers. The green industry has responded to this demand for trained professionals by creating certification programs, such as the Arborist Short Course. Presently there are thousands of arborists that are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, and horticulturalists certified by Landscape and Nurserymen Associations. These numbers continue to grow each year.
Webinar Topics
- Diagnosis of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests
- Nutrition and Fertilization
- Selection, Installation, and Establishment of Trees and Shrubs
- Soil and Water Interaction and Management
- Plant Identification
- Assessment and Management of Tree Risk
- Proper Pruning
- Construction Impacts and Management
- Safety and Climbing
Participants can register to receive a copy of the ISA Arborist Certification Study Guide (a $125 value) or register without a study guide if they already have one. The ISA Study Guide is required for the course. The ISA Study Guide can be included in your registration (additional $100 fee) or you can use a guide that you have already purchased or borrowed.
Along with the topics discussed, participants will have access to reference materials for each topic provided digitally in a Box Folder. Participants will also receive homework assignments and practice quizzes related to topics discussed each day.
Credits Available
ISA Certified Arborist Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded to participants who are taking the course for the first time. ISA will not award CEUs to those who have previously attended and received CEUs from the course. Certificates of Attendance can be provided for Landscape Architecture CEUs and others that request.
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A four-part webinar series offered by Penn State Extension will give green industry professionals the knowledge they need to provide natural area management services.
The “Natural Area Management Services Webinar Series” will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29, and Nov. 5 and 12. The program was created by the Woods in Your Backyard Partnership, which is comprised of Penn State Extension, University of Maryland Extension, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Course content is designed to provide green industry professionals with skills needed to provide additional services to clientele, noted Penn State Extension educator David Jackson, who specializes in forest resources management.
“The Woods in Your Backyard educational program has worked with small-acreage owners for many years and has learned a lot about the potential market for land-care services,” said Jackson, who explained that small-scale natural area management services include wildlife habitat enhancement, forestry practices such as chosen tree management, tree planting, and invasive pest control.
Webinar dates and topics are as follows:
--Oct. 22: “Expanding Your Business: Land Care Practices on Small-Acreage Properties.” This introductory webinar addresses issues around improving woodland health and the motivations and interests of clientele for natural area services. The program will provide an overview of land care practices, relevant certifications and the potential benefits this can provide a business. Communication with clientele also will be discussed.
--Oct. 29: “Land Care Practices for Woodland Health.” This webinar starts with a woodland ecology overview and the principles of succession. Presenters will discuss land care practices such as converting lawn to natural area, managing riparian buffers, modifying and/or improving wildlife habitat, and chosen tree management.
--Nov. 5: “Land Care Practices for Woodland Health Continued.” This session features ways to improve privacy and aesthetics, create natural havens, improve recreational opportunities, and grow and harvest forest products. Experts will review the use of integrated vegetation management, including how to control undesirable plants, select and apply herbicides, and manage invasive plants.
--Nov. 12: “Introduction to Woodland Health Assessment and Incorporating Woodland Health Practices into Your Business.” This webinar introduces the Woodland Health Assessment Checklist. This new checklist enables the green industry professional to help clients address issues with their property and identify management actions available. Other topics include developing a land care plan, marketing, and deciding when to include a forestry professional for certain practices.
Continuing educations credits are available for the following: Society of American Foresters, International Society of Arboriculture, Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist, Pennsylvania Landscape Architect, professional development for engineers, and Landscape Contractors Association (Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia).
More information can be obtained by contacting Jackson at 814-359-7480 or drj11@psu.edu or Julianne Schieffer, extension urban forester, at 610-489-4315 or jxs51@psu.edu.
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Amy Duke
Penn State Ag Sciences News
814-865-6616 (office)
ajd217@psu.edu
http://agsci.psu.edu
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Help Test and App in Your Backyard While Learning about Pollinators! |
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Registration Deadline: 10/31/2020
Audience: Children, Youth, & Families
Project Dates: 09/01/2020 - 10/31/2020
Physical Location: Zoom, pollinator app
Fee: FREE; includes $20.00 Amazon GC
Is your family interested in outdoor learning about pollinators, such as bees and butterflies? The Augmented and Mobile Learning Lab, part of Penn State’s College of Education, is looking for study participants to help test an educational app for iPhones and iPads. All research activities can be conducted from your home and an outdoor area of choice, including your backyard. No face-to-face contact with the research team is necessary. The full study time is less than one hour. Using the app will take approximately 10-20 minutes. Participating families will also complete short Zoom interviews with researchers before and after testing the app. Once all research activities are completed, your family will receive a $20 electronic Amazon gift card by email.
To be eligible for the research, families must meet the following criteria:
- Participating adults are parents/legal guardians of all children participating
- At least one child participating is between 5-12 years old
- Family has access to an iPad and/or iPhone with working camera and microphone as well as Internet at home
- The participating family members are willing to participate in two short interviews
- An adult is comfortable downloading the test app from a secure website (training provided)
- An adult is comfortable using the iPhone/iPad screen recording feature while the app is being tested (training provided)
- An adult is comfortable uploading their families’ screen recording video into a secure Box at Penn State link (training provided)
If your family would like to participate, please contact, Katie Grills, Lab Manager at stempillars@gmail.com.
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2020 Campion Trees National Register |
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The champions entering the new decade have been crowned! American Forests is proud to present the 2020 Champion Trees National Register, showcasing the most spectacular trees in the United States. This year, half of the champs are located in Virginia, Florida, Texas and Arizona. Virginia came out on top again this year with 102 champs.
The reigning champion is the Giant Sequoia in California. The second largest -- and new to the register -- is the Del Norte Titan, a coast redwood tree.
The Champion Trees National Register is a compilation of America’s largest trees. Anyone from anyplace can go to it to see the vast diversity of tree species across the country. Our hope is that the register inspires the preservation of these living monuments. Old, large trees are essential to creating healthy forests that can help slow climate change. In fact, the amount of carbon that forests can sequester depends mostly on having an abundance of large trees. Conserving them also secures other great benefits that trees and forests provide to people and wildlife, such as clean air and water, jobs and habitat.
We hope viewing the champs will inspire you to share the national register with your friends and family. To see the details, measurements and pictures of the biggest trees found in America, visit the 2020 Champion Trees National Register.
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Pennsylvania Forest Seminar Series: Upcoming Events |
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Forest Tax and Financial Planning: The Key to a Successful Investment
Participants will learn the importance of tax, financial, and other economic factors in making wise forest management decisions.
When:
October 13, 2020
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
November and December Series Events:
Seeing Past the Green: Managing High-Graded Woodlots
Learn common characteristics of forests that have been high-graded in the past, and strategies to improve the quality of high-graded woodlots with this upcoming webinar.
When:
November 10, 2020
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
Assessing and Mitigating Deer Impacts on Woodlands
Property size and ownership objectives influence the options available to limit deer impact. Learn methods to assess and reduce deer impacts on woodlands.
When:
December 8, 2020
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
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Forestry News You Can Use |
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Fall Turkey Hunters We Need Your Help! |
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Dear PA NWTF Member
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and National Wild Turkey Federation are working with the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study to collect blood samples from Fall 2020 hunter-harvested wild turkeys throughout Pennsylvania.
This project is a continuation from 2019 to estimate West Nile Virus (WNV) infection rates in Pennsylvania wild turkeys to determine the potential for WNV to impact turkey populations. Last year’s results can be found at www.pgc.pa.gov.
If you plan to hunt turkeys this fall and would like to assist by submitting a turkey blood sample and a few feathers, please email the Game Commission at WildTurkey@pa.gov or call the PGC Bureau of Wildlife Management tollfree 1-855-PGC-TURK, by Oct. 9, 2020. A blood sampling kit with instructions will be mailed to you. The kit contains instructions, equipment for blood sampling and feather collection, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for submitting.
During the fall 2019 wild turkey season, turkey hunters submitted samples from 194 turkeys across Pennsylvania. Of these, 30% had antibodies to WNV or a closely related virus. This percentage is higher than highly susceptible species, such as the greater sage-grouse or the American crow, suggesting some turkeys are surviving infection. These findings represent only the first of a 3-year study and are therefore preliminary. For more information visit the disease section of the Game Commission wild turkey page: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/Turkey/Pages/default.aspx.
Thank you,
PA Chapter of the NWTF
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The American Chestnut Foundation asks for a call of support for the Transgenic Chestnut |
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You are probably at least vaguely aware of the expectation that American chestnut will be saved from virtual extinction by the work of The American Chestnut Foundation, a program of backcross breeding to introgress Chinese alleles for blight resistance into the genome of Castanea dentata. This work began in 1983 and followed 60 years of failed breeding efforts by USDA and others. TACF became the “little engine that could,” a small non-profit that has managed to leverage tens of millions of dollars in philanthropy, volunteer labor, scientific collaborations, and state and federal funding toward a goal that had been abandoned as impractical by the 1970s.
Saving American chestnut has always been a goal with wide public appeal – rescuing a cherished element of our natural and cultural history that went missing a century ago. This inspirational goal, combined with confidence that TACF’s science-based program of R&D will succeed, is the leverage that sustains support for the work of the organization. It’s a fragile arrangement, like many worthwhile things, and before success is achieved it will have to be sustained by 50+ years of confidence and enthusiasm from people who themselves may never see the goal realized.
Progress with the breeding program is slower than expected because there are more genes involved in Chinese resistance than originally believed. This work will continue, but attention has broadened to include a transgenic American chestnut created by Bill Powell and Chuck Maynard at SUNY-ESF, the culmination of 30 years of difficult work supported by the NY Chapter of TACF. With legal guidance provided by TACF, SUNY-ESF has applied to USDA-APHIS for permission to use the transgenic tree in restoring American chestnut.
The public comment period on the application to USDA-APHIS ends October 19, and I urge you to submit a comment. Commentary from both lay persons and scientists is an important consideration in the approval process. The attached FAQ document includes links to the USDA/APHIS petition, a link to the comment form, a link to messaging best practices, and links to other materials that make the case for approval.
This single-gene addition to American chestnut is an ecologically safe modification, and there is no commercial interest in obtaining USDA-APHIS approval for use. This is purely a conservation effort for the best of purposes, to restore a keystone species to its original habitat. If the application is approved, followed by approvals from EPA and FDA, then many more years will be required to move the gene into diverse, regionally adapted populations for restoration. While that is underway, the original breeding program will continue, and TACF will pursue efforts to identify Chinese resistance genes that could be used for cisgenic transformations. The rescue of American chestnut is a marathon, and SUNY’s transgenic is simply one more step and not necessarily a complete solution. But for reasons both technical and otherwise, I believe that approval of the transgenic is likely to be critical to the success of TACF’s mission. Moreover, if anti-science arguments can prevent this innocuous application of genetic engineering, then the future is grim not only for American chestnut but also for many other plant species under assault by introduced diseases and insects. When a plant has essentially no native resistance to an introduced pest, then genetic modification can well be the only means of saving it.
Kim - a member of The American Chestnut Foundation's Board of Directors
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CRP-912, Determining Re-Enrollment Eligibility of CRP Hardwood Tree Practices(FOR State and County Offices) DATE POSTED: 2020-09-28 DATE EFFECTIVE: 2020-09-28 STATUS: CURRENT |
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Better health and well-being correlated to two hours a week in Nature |
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Spending at least two hours a week in nature may be a crucial threshold for promoting health and well-being, according to a new large-scale study.
Research led by the University of Exeter, published in Scientific Reports and funded by NIHR, found that people who spend at least 120 minutes in nature a week are significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological well-being than those who don't visit nature at all during an average week. However, no such benefits were found for people who visited natural settings such as town parks, woodlands, country parks and beaches for less than 120 minutes a week.
The study used data from nearly 20,000 people in England and found that it didn't matter whether the 120 minutes was achieved in a single visit or over several shorter visits. It also found the 120 minute threshold applied to both men and women, to older and younger adults, across different occupational and ethnic groups, among those living in both rich and poor areas, and even among people with long term illnesses or disabilities.
Dr. Mat White, of the University of Exeter Medical School, who led the study, said: "It's well known that getting outdoors in nature can be good for people's health and well-being but until now we've not been able to say how much is enough. The majority of nature visits in this research took place within just two miles of home so even visiting local urban greenspaces seems to be a good thing. Two hours a week is hopefully a realistic target for many people, especially given that it can be spread over an entire week to get the benefit."
There is growing evidence that merely living in a greener neighborhood can be good for health, for instance by reducing air pollution. The data for the current research came from Natural England's Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment Survey, the world's largest study collecting data on people's weekly contact with the natural world.
Co-author of the research, Professor Terry Hartig of Uppsala University in Sweden said: "There are many reasons why spending time in nature may be good for health and well-being, including getting perspective on life circumstances, reducing stress, and enjoying quality time with friends and family. The current findings offer valuable support to health practitioners in making recommendations about spending time in nature to promote basic health and well-being, similar to guidelines for weekly physical."
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As we battle historic wildfires across the West and endure an active hurricane season in the East, we must ensure that family forest owners are financially secure in the case of disaster. The Forest Recovery Act, H.R. 1444 and S. 1687, would improve upon current tax code and allow landowners to deduct the full cost of their timber losses in disaster areas. You can learn more about the Forest Recovery Act here.
Under current law, forest owners are only allowed to deduct the “basis” of their stand, which is often only a fraction of its current market value. This discounts the time and work the landowner has invested, in many instances over decades, to bring the healthy stand to market.
After disaster strikes, many landowners cannot afford to replant their forests if they cannot recoup the full value of their woods. Damaged forests are then much more susceptible to disease and invasive species, exacerbating the costs and forest health issues that landowners already face. Protect the financial security of your community of family forest owners by urging your members of Congress to support the Forest Recovery Act.
Thanks for all you do,
The AFF Policy Team
--Rita Hite, Natalie Alex, and Mackenzie Scurka
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Joint Legislative Conservation Committee Public hearing on PA State Parks & Forest |
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THURSDAY - 10/22/20
10:00 a.m., Salus Univ., 8360 Old York Rd., Elkins Park
(PUBLIC HEARING)
For Virtual Access Information: please contact Sakura Ung at: sung@jcc.legis.state.pa.us Purpose of the Public Hearing: To examine the contributions and challenges of Friends Groups as they work towards conserving, protecting and improving Pennsylvania's state parks and forests. Testimony will be provided by representatives of various Friends Groups and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
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The Pennsylvania Forestry Association | 1(800) 835-8065 | thePFA@paforestry.org | www.paforestry.org |
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STAY CONNECTED | #ForestProud
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