This newsletter is sent electronically (via email or fax)around the first of each month to state urban forestry program coordinators and Forest Service urban forestry staff. Please print or copy this newsletter and distribute it to volunteer coordinators, state council chairs, and other interested individuals within your state. You can always find it on-line at www.treelink.org

Submissions to this newsletter are welcomed, and in fact, requested. Items suitable for inclusion are regional and national urban forestry information, state events, products, or innovations that can be replicated by other states, personnel notes, and notices of regional and national urban forestry events. Please submit a maximum of two paragraphs by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month's edition.

NEXT DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION: March 20, 2001

Compiled and Edited by:

Pamela Louks, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
(plouks@dnr.state.in.us) phone (317) 915-9390

Phillip D. Rodbell, USDA Forest Service - Northeastern Area
(prodbell@fs.fed.us) phone (610) 975-4133

Pepper Provenzano, TreeLink.org
(pepper@treelink.org)

"Clearly the problem of man and nature is not one of providing a decorative background for the human play, or even ameliorating the grim city; it is the necessity of sustaining nature as a source of life, milieu, teacher, sanctum, challenge and, most of all, of rediscovering nature's corollary of the unknown in the self, the source of meaning"  Design With Nature, 1969

Ian McHarg
1921-2001

Welcome New Co-Editor  [top]

We are pleased to announce the addition of Pam Louks to our editorial staff. Pam served more than five years as partnership coordinator for Indiana's Community and Urban Forestry Program, and became state coordinator last year. She volunteered to be co-editor of the monthly News Network, replacing Paula Rosenthal of Montana, in part to put into practice all she has learned in her work towards a degree in journalism. Indiana has developed a thriving program under the leadership of State Forester Burney Fischer, who is currently Chair of the National Association of State Forester's Urban Forestry Committee. The program has three full-time staff and a grants coordinator who assists in managing state-funded grants called Hometown Indiana, as well as the federal grants to communities. In addition, the state's quarterly GreenStreets newsletter reaches more than 4,500 readers and budding activists. Please welcome Pam by sending her a neat accomplishment from you own state for publication in next month's newsletter: plouks@dnr.state.in.us

Act One for President Bush - Forest Service Budget Request  [top]

The following is a breakdown of the president's FY 2002 budget request for the USDA Forest Service. For comparison purposes, recall that FY 2001 funding came from three different sources: agency base program under Title II of the Interior Appropriations bill; Title IV, which provides emergency fire funding; and Title VIII, which established a conservation trust that funded the Forest Legacy and Urban and Community Forestry programs.

Under the president's FY 2002 request:

• Title IV and Title VIII funding is eliminated.
• Significant increase in base program for Forest Health. These increases are about equal to the loss of the Pest Contingency fund, so funds are nearly equal to FY 2001 but now contained fully within the base program. Total funding amounts to $76.144 million.
• Significant increase in base program for Fire. State Fire Assistance triples over FY 2001 Title II levels, from $24.9 million to $75.6 million. Volunteer Fire Assistance moves from about $5 million to $13.3 million, a level equal to FY01 Title II and Title IV combined. However, there is no funding requested for Firewise or for Community and Private Land Fire Assistance.
• With the exception of an approximately $11 million increase in Economic Action Programs, Coop Forestry programs remain essentially equal to FY01 Title II levels. Urban and Community Forestry was marked at $31.804 million (up from 31.721 in FY 2000).

Agencies Ordered to Establish Faith-Based Offices  [top]

Three departments (Justice, Education, and Labor) and two agencies (Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development) have been ordered by President Bush to establish their own, in-house Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. These centers will begin operations by mid-March, and will work with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to coordinate efforts to eliminate regulatory, contracting, and other obstacles that inhibit faith-based organizations from providing social services.

Each center must conduct a department- or agency-wide audit to identify regulations, orders, policies, and practices that discourage participation by faith-based organizations in federal programs. Centers are also responsible for coordinating a comprehensive departmental effort to incorporate faith-based organizations in department programs and initiatives, to the greatest extent possible; proposing initiatives to remove barriers for participation by faith-based groups; developing pilot and demonstration programs to increase participation by these groups; and developing and coordinating outreach efforts. See Executive Order 13198: "Agency Responsibilities With Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives," for more details. The Executive Order is printed in the January 31, 2000 Federal Register, Vol. 66, No. 21, pp. 8495-8498.

What Does Bush Mean for U&CF?  [top]

Bush's "Blueprint for New Beginnings" outlines the administration's priorities and suggested funding levels for 2002. Bush has signaled strong support for Brownfields projects and wants to make it easier for state and local government to access federal money for urban redevelopment. Bush supports greater tax credits for charitable giving and wants to increase the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Items of Note:
• T$8 billion to provide new tax incentives for charitable giving. Achieved by allowing all filers to deduct charitable gifts, by permitting no-penalty charitable gifts from IRAs, by increasing the cap on corporate charitable deductions, and by providing liability protection on in-kind corporate gifts
• $900 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, over $350 million more than last year.
• $3.7 billion continued funding for EPA regulatory, research and enforcement activities, consistent with last year.
• A record $1 billion in state grants to administer environmental programs and provide funding to clean up abandoned industrial sites known as Brownfields.
• $1.3 billion in wastewater grants to states, $500 million more than last year.
• Funding for wildland fire protection at a level 113% above 2000 levels.

What will happen in the Forest Service? We know that Bush is in favor of loosening restrictions on timber harvests and giving greater land management control to the states. Under the previous administration, ecosystem management took a front seat to resource extraction; this may reverse under Bush. National environmental organizations will push to hold on to recent victories including road decommissioning within national forests.

Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman has released a blueprint for the FY 2002 USDA budget, proposing a 5% increase over 2000 spending, and totaling $17.9 billion. This is actually a drop from the 2001 budget of $19.4 billion, a 13% increase over 2000 described as 'unsustainable' by the Secretary. The agency states that it will maintain funding for "priority activities in the Forest Service's wildland fire-management plan, including hazardous fuels reduction."

For more on the budget summary, see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2885-2001Feb28.html

New Publication Boosts Urban Forestry Technology Transfer  [top]

A new bulletin called Tech Transfer Highlights was released in February. Published by the Washington Office of the Forest Service Cooperative Forestry section, the goals of the monthly publication are to improve the Tech Transfer process by developing better tools, models, and products that are research based and scientifically proven to protect, restore, and enhance tree management, watersheds, and urban ecosystems; and to ensure that urban forestry efforts are technically sound, sustainable and meet the need of practitioners and end-users. For more information, contact Gracie Joy at gjoy@fs.fed.us.

NUCFAC Creates National Urban Forestry Awareness Campaign  [top]

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service Communications department, is funding the creation of a national urban forestry awareness campaign. The ads, to be in print as early as April 2001, will appear in national publications targeted at a general readership. NUCFAC is paying for national outreach and is seeking community partners to promote the series in local media markets. The ads may be customized with tag lines from local organizations. To learn more, contact Suzy del Villar at delvr@lodelink.com.

National Urban Forestry Stewardship Campaign  [top]

"Trees Are My Friends," a campaign to activate people of color and other city residents in stewarding the urban environment, was such a success in Massachusetts last spring that the Eagle Eye Institute, funded by the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, is taking it nationwide in 2001! Starting in March the "Trees Are My Friends" public service announcement will be aired on television stations in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. However, media materials and support are available to other cities too. Community-tree and environmental organizations from across the nation have joined in the campaign and will announced tree-related Earth Day and Arbor Day events on the campaign's website, www.treesaremyfriends.org. Check it out!

Wisconsin Urban Forestry Program Plans Upgrade  [top]

In April of 1998 the Department of Natural Resources established a team of internal staff and external partners to review the department's urban forestry assistance program. The intent of this study was to evaluate the program to-date and chart the program's future. After 2½ years of surveys, focus groups, interviews, aerial photographic work, and extensive data analysis (and 5 retirements!), the report is finally complete and approved. The 47 page report presents background on the urban forest in Wisconsin and the DNR urban forestry assistance program, explains the methodology used for the study, describes the current state of the urban forest, summarizes the accomplishments and results of the current program, and explores major issues that were found through the assessment process.

A new set of strategic goals is proposed and priority roles for DNR staff and partners are suggested. Forty-six specific recommendations are made to enhance the current program and position it for the future of urban forestry assistance in Wisconsin. Partly, as a result of this work, the DNR will hire an additional two field urban foresters (9 total) and an assistant for the state coordinator Dick Rideout. If you are interested in more information, visit their website at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/UF/resources/UFStudyRpt.pdf.

Indiana Steps Up Tree-Care Workshops and Stewardship Program  [top]

Due to some very vocal citizen protest at improper pruning practices viewed on a highly visible roadway, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has asked the State Community and Urban Forestry (CUF) program for tree-care workshops. So far, pruning workshops have been held in two districts with a total attendance of 65 INDOT employees. INDOT has also contributed to Indiana Community Tree Steward volunteer opportunities to include maintenance on newly planted trees on highly visible interstate interchanges and two rest stops. Tree Stewards are beginning work on a pilot project in Central Indiana near the CUF office. This will be a highly visible project for all involved. Contact Pam Louks for more information: plouks@dnr.state.in.us.

$50 Million Donation for D.C. Trees  [top]

Philanthropist Betty Brown Casey announced an unprecedented private gift in support of tree planting and care for the City of Washington, D.C. - $50 million to create a maintenance and planting endowment for the city trees. This is the largest single donation of this kind in U.S. history. See the complete article at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A71-2001Feb27.html

Of What Value is a Tree?  [top]

In August 1994, exercising lawful authority to promulgate rules and regulations, the New York City Parks Department required the number of compensatory trees be computed based on a "Basal Area Replacement Formula." The policy requires the number of compensatory trees be equal to the woody area of the destroyed tree(s) measured at breast height. The value of 16 four-inch replacement trees was to be assessed for each 12" dbh tree to be cut down. Thus, in some instances, the commissioner was demanding tens of thousands of dollars to remove a single tree. In Borough Park, New York City, a homeowner was told that it would cost $42,000 to remove a mature tree, which was in the way of his proposed driveway.

The law passed this month by a Council committee starts with basal area. But, the condition of a tree is then factored in, lowering the value. Much like a work of fine art, the TRUE value of a tree is difficult to quantify. (It is the crown of the tree and not the trunk that provides much of its value.) Nonetheless, the arboriculture community has wrestled with this issue and provided guidelines that are generally accepted. The new law will move New York City closer to those accepted standards.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES  [top]

For more job opportunities please visit the Tree Talk Bulletin Board.

Texas A&M: Assistant or associate professor and Urban and Community Forestry extension specialist. Twelve-month non-tenure track joint appointment in the Department of Forest Science and Texas Forest Service Closing date: April 1, 2001 or until suitable candidate is found. Qualifications: Ph.D. or M.S. plus satisfactory progress towards the terminal degree required, with at least one degree in forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture, or related plant science or natural resource area preferred. Interested persons should submit a letter of application including a formal, one-page statement of philosophy on the future of urban and community forestry extension programs and the role of the specialist; vitae; official university transcripts; copies of recent major publications; and complete contact information for five references to: Dr. C.T. Smith, Head, Department of Forest Science, Phone: 979-845-5000 g-hyden@tamu.edu American Somoa Project Forester: Under the general direction of the research program coordinator, the project forester develops and implements forestry and natural resource programs and projects. MA/MS in Forestry, Botany, or related field. Five years of experience in research and/or extension. Must have good written and oral communication skills, proficiency in research and statistics, be computer literate, and have a valid driver's license. Contact Carol S, Whitaker, Ed.D., CFCS Director, Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources, whitakerc@rocketmail.com USDA Forest Service, Newtown Square, PA: One permanent, full-time, vacancy for a Pesticide Coordinator, Interdisciplinary to: Forester, GS-0460/Biologist, GS-0401/Ecologist, GS-0408/Plant Pathologist, GS-0434/Entomologist, GS-0414, Grade GS-13, with the Northeastern Area, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection Program, closes on March 21, 2001. The entire vacancy announcement may be read by pointing your web browser to the following address: www.usajobs.opm.gov

GRANTS  [top]

North American Fund for Environmental Cooperation (NAFEC)
will accept proposals for review during one grant cycle in 2001. A total of $400,000 is available this year. Proposals may be submitted until March 31, 2001. For details, visit their website. http://www.cec.org.

FY2001 Environmental Justice Through Pollution Prevention (EJP2) grant program
This program promotes pollution prevention approaches that address environmental justice concerns in affected communities. EPA anticipates that approximately $750,000 in grant funds will be available. All applications must be received by April 20, 2001. The EJP2 Federal Register Notice, and pertinent parts of the Assessment for FY'01 EJP2 Grants are now online. http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/ejp2/

Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation Sustainable Forests and Communities
Initiative offers grants ranging from $5,000- $30,000, now available to new and recently started projects in the Pacific Northwest, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the South working to enhance the ecology, economy, and community in forested landscapes. Submissions of cover sheets are due May 1 to Judith Healey at 332 Minnesota Street, Suite 2100, Saint Paul, MN 55101-1394, Tel (651) 228-0935.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking new partnerships under its Community-Based Restoration Program to utilize $8 million for habitat restoration in 2001. Every year since 1996, NOAA's NMFS has been working to maximize the impact of its Community-Based Restoration Program by seeking new partnerships with communities throughout the United States. Today's call for community participation seeks national and regional organizations interested in partnering with the NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center to restore marine, estuarine and anadromous fish habitat. Complete information, including a partnership application, is available online at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/community/feb9.

PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITES  [top]

New Website for the Wisconsin Urban Forest Council
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/uf/council/index.html

The full Economic Impact Study, Trees Mean Business, funded by a NUCFAC grant is now mounted on the Trees New York website with full color charts, graphics, etc...
http://www.treesny.com/eisreport.pdf

This from the US Department of Energy's Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development: The task of launching a sustainable community initiative, whether in a city or countryside, can seem daunting at the outset. William Becker, director of the DOE's Denver Regional Office, offers advice on launching a community sustainability endeavor by breaking it down into 10 individual steps. Each step is described, with links to related websites that provide further information, tools or examples useful in carrying out that step. If you have additional insights into launching successful sustainability programs, or know of additional resources, the site provides an immediate link to click on to write to a real person. http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/management/tensteps.

Websites on Sprawl:
http://www.smartgrowth.org/index_frameset.html --Smart Growth Network
http://www.21stcentury.state.pa.us/ --21st Century Environment Commission
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/ask_dep.html --Ask DEP
http://www.lgc.org/clc/ --Center for Livable Communities
http://www.dvrpc.org/ --Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
http://www.landstudies.com/ --LandStudies
http://www.cnie.org/ --National Institute for the Environment - CNIE
http://www.preservenet.com/index.html --Preservation Institute: PreserveNet
http://www.preservationpa.org/index.htm --Preservation Pennsylvania
http://www.pps.org/core.html --Project for Public Spaces

CONFERENCES - 2001 Calendar  [top]

March 2001

April

May

June

July

August

September

November