April, 2001 Vol.6 No.4 ARCHIVE
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: April 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)
"Every acre of our county is under threat of development, and this [$125 million] bond referendum will go a long way toward saving our trees, giving young people more places to play, and improving the quality of life for all our residents."
Metro Altanta's DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, announcing approval of a new referendum to fund land acquisition and maintenance, March 23
State Coordinators News
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATE OF THE STATES
TREE ORDINANCE TAKES ROOT IN ARKANSAS [back to top]
It all began with the controversy over a grove of 100-year-old post oaks growing in Arkansas. A large department store decided they wanted to set-up shop on the site where the oaks grew. The tree protection ordinance required that 15% of the canopy be saved. Originally the department store only wanted to save 2% but eventually came back with a plan to save 11%. The mayor approved the plan with a tie-breaking vote. A grandmother climbed one of the oaks and stayed for three full weeks, bringing the trees a lot of attention. The League of Women voters filed a lawsuit against city officials for not enforcing the ordinance. A group of citizens called "We've had Enough"e; petitioned as well. In the end, voters elected a new mayor. The ordinance now has the support of city officials, and the tree lawsuit was settled, requiring the city to spend $450,000 over the next two years to purchase conservation easements. For more information, contact Perwin@arkansasusa.com
WEST VIRGINIA U&CF WELCOMES PARTNERSHIP COORDINATOR [back to top]
The West Virginia Division of Forestry has recently hired Andrew Sheets to serve with the Urban and Community Forestry Program as the partnership and outreach coordinator. Andrew will be working with communities to increase partnership opportunities. He will join Charlie Spencer, U&CF technical specialist; and Bob Hannah, U&CF coordinator.
WHITMAN PASSES NJ COMMUNITY FORESTRY LAWS BEFORE JOINING EPA [back to top]
Christine Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey and current head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, signed into law two community forestry bills before resigning as governor. First, the No-Net Loss bill will require all state agencies that deforest a half-acre or more during construction of roads and building additions to reforest a half acre either on-site or with plantings within the municipality where the construction occurred. The Community Forestry Council will assist the state to develop standards. Second, the Oak Disease bill, a first in New Jersey, allocates $95,000 to be used to survey for Bacterial Leaf Scorch throughout the state.
MARYLAND TREE EXPERTS SUSPENDED [back to top]
During February, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reached a settlement with two licensed tree experts. Both have been suspended for violating acceptable tree-care practices. The first case involved a dogwood tree that was damaged during work on an adjacent tree. Ropes were not used to lower a limb removed from the working tree. In the second case, trespassing and removal of a tree without the owner's permission resulted in a complaint to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Both tree-care workers' licenses were suspended for 10 days.
INDIANA'S FIRST LADY JOINS MILLENNIUM PLANTINGS [back to top]
Indiana's First Lady Judy O'Bannon, in an effort to further promote Indiana's Millennium Communities program, has been visiting Tree Cities. The state's first lady and staff, along with State Urban Forestry Coordinator Pam Louks and State Forester Burney Fischer, are honoring these communities with ceremonies that include the presentation of the Tree City award and a Millennium Grove historic tree. The trees are from American Forests Historic Tree Program. Out of 100 total trees, 60 will be planted in a grove at Ft. Harrison State Park in Marion County, northeast of downtown Indianapolis, by Indiana Community Tree Stewards and Teen Tree Stewards. The grove will be dedicated to Mrs. O'Bannon.
Indiana now boasts 300 Tree Stewards. Currently, there are three Tree Steward classes running throughout the state. For more information, email Pam Louks at plouks@dnr.state.in.us.
ON THE NATIONAL FRONT
NUCFAC GETTING THE WORD OUT [back to top]
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council has created a national awareness campaign that we can all take advantage of. The National Urban Forestry Awareness Campaign will begin hitting print and voice media in mid April in the following markets:
- Radio - National Public Radio will have 29 ad spots: 12 on All Things Considered; 7 on Car Talk; and 10 on Morning Edition. Ads run starting the week of April 15 through May 13. The first spot will run on Car Talk.
- Newspaper - The New York Times will have two Sunday inserts. Inserts run on April 15 and 22. The New York Times
All ads are national and will cover every major U.S. market. Ad placement was chosen based on the ability to reach the identified target market (audience demographics and audience share), and placement costs. For more information contact lparris@fs.fed.us
In addition, the NUCFAC "Bring Life To Your Community: Plant Trees" logo will be available for download by April 27, 2001. The downloads can be used for high quality posters, stationery, brochures etc. Check it out! http://www.usda.gov/agency/oc/design/client/
NATIONAL STATE COORDINATOR MEETING TAKES SHAPE [back to top]
Paul Revell of Virginia has taken on the planning for the next meeting of all state coordinators to be held on September 4 prior to the National Urban Forest Conference in Washington, D.C. A team has come together to draft a preliminary agenda, including facilitated sessions and panel discussions highlighting regional issues and approaches. The team includes Paul, past chair Kevin LeClair (WA), Chris Donnelly (CT), and Phil Rodbell (USDA Forest Service). The preliminary agenda will be shared shortly for comment. Send your ideas to Paul, revellp@dof.state.va.us.
BUSH U&CF BUDGET ANNOUNCED, HOUSE SCHEDULES MARK-UP [back to top]
President Bush released his budget blueprint including $31.804 million for the Urban and Community Forestry program within USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry; a slight increase over last year's $31.7 million. Title VIII funding was not included. The National Association of State Foresters continues to recommend $57 million for U&CF. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies will hold it's hearing April 26; the Senate hearing is scheduled for May 1. Neither committee will accept public testimony. See instructions below for submitting written testimony by April 16.
FINAL SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 107TH CONGRESS [back to top]
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies:
| Joe Skeen, NM, Chair |
Norm Dicks, WA, Ranking |
| Ralph Regula, OH |
John Murtha, PA |
| Jim Kolbe, AZ |
James Moran, VA |
| Charles Taylor, NC |
Maurice Hinchey, NY |
| George Nethercutt, WA |
Martin Olav Sabo, MN |
| Zach Wamp, TN |
Jack Kingston, GA |
| John Peterson, PA |
|
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior
| Conrad Burns, MT, Chair |
Robert Byrd, WV, Ranking |
| Ted Stevens, AK |
Patrick Leahy, VT |
| Thad Cochran, MS |
Ernest Hollings, SC |
| Pete Domenici, NM |
Harry Reid, NV |
| Robert Bennett, UT |
Byron Dorgan, ND |
| Judd Gregg, NH |
Patty Murray, WA |
| Ben Nighthorse Campbell, CO |
Dianne Feinstein, CA |
Jurisdiction: 1) Department of the Interior (except: Bureau of Reclamation); 2) Department of Energy (Economic Regulatory Administration; Energy Information Administration; Strategic Petroleum Reserve; Naval petroleum and oil shale reserves; Fossil energy research, development, and construction; Energy conservation; Alternative fuels production and related matters); 3) Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; 4) Commission of Fine Arts; 5) Compact of Free Association; 6) Energy Security Reserve (Treasury); 7) Federal Inspector for the Alaska Gas Pipeline; 8) Forest Service (USDA); 9) Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission; 10) Indian Health Services and Facilities (HHS); 11) Institute of Museum Services; 12) Holocaust Memorial Council; 13) National Capital Planning Commission; 14) National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; 15) National Gallery of Art; 16) Navajo and Hopi Relocation Commission; 17) Office of Indian Education (DoEd); 18) Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; 19) Smithsonian Institution; 20) Synthetic Fuels Corporation; 21) Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC WITNESS TESTIMONY [back to top]
The Federal Fiscal Year 2002 budget cycle is considerably shortened during this transition year. Taking into account the need to move appropriations bills swiftly, the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee will not hold hearings for public witnesses. However, interested parties may submit written testimony to be included in the official record. The subcommittee must receive the written testimony no later than 5:00 pm on April 16, 2001 for it to be included in the printed hearing volume.
Your written statements must:
- Not exceed four pages;
- Be singled-spaced on 8.5 by 11 inch letter size paper;
- Be at least 12 point font and one inch margins;
- Clearly state in the first paragraph the agency, program, and amount of money involved in the request;
- Clearly indicate your name, title, and institutional affiliation at the top of the first page; and
- Not include color and detailed photos since the hearing volume will be photographically reproduced. However, use of charts and tables and the use of appropriate bold type and bullets are acceptable.
Do not send material via fax. Additional or late material will not be included. You should send four individually stapled, unfolded copies, and an original for the printer secured only with a paper clip to:
Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations
B-308 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
If you have any questions please contact the Interior subcommittee detailee, Casey Stemler, @ 202-225-3081, or AppropDetailee.IN@mail.house.gov.
ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR U&CF [back to top]
Michael D. Nedd is on assignment to the Forest Service as the acting assistant director for Urban and Community Forestry (U&FC) for the next 120 days. He is the associate state director for the Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Eastern States. As the associate state director, Mike provides the day-to-day leadership for sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands and resources in the 31 states east of and bordering the Mississippi River. Mike holds a Master's Degree in Information and Systems Management from Strayer University. He also holds undergraduate degrees in Information and Systems Management and Business Administration. Mike is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Theology from Andersonville Baptist Seminary. MIKE_NEDD@BLM.GOV or 202-358-3551
BROWNFIELDS LEGISLATION PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE [back to top]
On a 15-3 vote, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed bipartisan brownfields legislation on March 9, the "Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001." The bill would provide funds to assess and clean up abandoned urban industrial sites. By reusing these sites, communities can revitalize urban areas and preserve open space in suburbs. The legislation would provide legal protections for innocent parties, such as contiguous property owners, prospective purchasers and innocent landowners. State cleanup programs would get new funding, and the bill would limit federal involvement in sites handled by the states.
"Communities will be better off, the environment will be cleaner," as a result of the bill, said Senator Bob Smith, the New Hampshire Republican who chairs the committee. "Our industrial heritage left us with numerous contaminated, abandoned or underutilized 'brownfield' sites, hundreds in my own state of New Hampshire, and this important legislation will go a long way to preserve the environment, as well as local communities," Smith added. "By reducing the many legal and regulatory barriers that presently stand in the way of brownfields development, this bill will alleviate some of the pressure to consume existing green space, while strengthening local economies."
For more job opportunities please visit the Tree Talk Bulletin Board.
Landscape Architect/Forester
USDA-Forest Service, Northeastern Area (GS-12, $53,000-69,000) Closing Date: April 17. This is a 4-year term position located in Chicago. The purpose of this position is to provide a liaison person for the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area's programs that are in Chicago, Illinois and vicinity. This position will be co-located with the North Central Research Station in Evanston, IL and reports to the Forest Resources Group Leader in St. Paul, MN. Provides technical assistance and coordination for such projects as Greenstreets, Chicago Wilderness restoration efforts, and De Paul University urban forestry projects. Serves as liaison for the Asian longhorned beetle activities in the Chicago Area. Provides coordination and monitoring of the State and Private Forestry grants. Represents the Forest Service on various natural resource committees, strengthening existing partnerships and fostering new ones. Shares information regarding Federal resources with a variety of clients using various technology transfer techniques. Eligible candidates have a degree in Landscape Architecture or any of the Biological Sciences. Send resume by April 17 to Ivalee Church (610-557-4245) 11 Campus Blvd., Newtown Square, PA 19073.
Municipal Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program
The National Park Service has announced the availability of $28.9 million in FY-01 funds to rehabilitate existing neighborhood recreation areas and facilities through the UPARR Program. Funding this year is limited to rehabilitation projects that have deteriorated to the point that either the community's recreational services are impaired, or the health and safety of residents is endangered. Urban jurisdictions with an approved Recovery Action Program (RAP) on file with NPS are eligible (applicants that do not have a RAP on file may submit one). NPS will make grants of up to $500,000 each with a 30% match required for each project. Fund can be used to remodel, rebuild or develop exhibiting outdoor, or indoor recreation areas and facilities. The deadline is June 18, 2001. For general information contact Wayne Strum 202-565-1200.
The 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, Phone (651) 228-0935.
Cruise the net and get "The View from the Road: Public Perceptions of Freeway Roadsides and the Urban Forest"-A recent study, funded by NUCFAC and conducted by the University of Washington, evaluated what drivers prefer to see in the urban roadside. Transportation psychology studies indicate that views from the road influence stress response both while driving and walking. Yet most programs that address roadside visual and scenic resources focus on wildland or rural locations. Not surprisingly, the presence of trees is consistently associated with high visual quality. The results of the study offer evidence of public attitudes about trees, and suggest roadside management practices that can be used to meet both commercial and ecological goals. The results of the research are summarized in four fact sheets found on this web site: www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind/ For additional information, or hard copy versions of the fact sheets, contact the project director, Dr. Kathleen L. Wolf, available at: kwolf@u.washington.edu.
Spring WoodNotes Published Online at TreeLink
The spring edition of WoodNotes quarterly is published at www.treelink.org/woodnotes/index/html.
This quarterly e-zine includes:
- A profile and interview with Dr. Kathleen L. Wolf
- On the Job With TreesAtlanta
- An essay from Utne Reader entitled Asphalt Jungle: The City Is Ecology's Last Frontier
- Green Infrastructure: The Elemental Solution, and
- A visit with the extraordinary Australian National Botanic Gardens
OASIS Goes Live-In New York City urban stewardship objectives are being fulfilled through the "Open Accessible Space Information System" (OASIS), the City's first interactive mapping website dedicated to open space resources. The one-stop interactive mapping and data analysis application uses the Internet to enhance the stewardship of open space for the benefit of New York City residents. The site, www.oasisnyc.net, provides users with the opportunity to identify and evaluate open space resources in ways that were never before possible. Accessible to libraries, schools and tech centers, the web site is easily available for use by under-served communities that need it the most. It is capable of creating open space maps for communities, making calculations, identifying historic, natural or man-made resources using high-resolution imagery, and it can perform transformation scenarios for education and practical application. The OASIS Cooperative is supported by more than 30 partners including: the USDA Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, NY Department of Environmental Conservation, NYC Parks, ESRI (maker of ArcView), and numerous non-profit organizations.
Streetscape Design Video Now Available-The USDA Forest Service Northeast Center for Urban & Community Forestry, in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources Conservation, has completed an 18-minute video, which addresses the use of trees along streetscapes in urbanized areas. Titled "From Sketch to Streetscape," the video, which will also be available in CD-ROM format, is intended to provide designers, landscape architects and planners an introduction to the physiologic, aesthetic and functional use of trees as an element of the urban streetscape. Contact Dr. David Bloniarz for more information, dbloniarz@fs.fed.us.
The Afforestation Manual: Technology & Management, written by an officer of the Indian Forest Service, has just been published. The book could be of great use to every professional in the field of forestry, especially those interested in tropical reforestation/afforestation and tree-planting activities. For more information, see the website at www.afforestationmanual.com.
California ReLeaf, in its remarkable newsletter, California Trees, has published "Beyond Sprawl: An Ecological Approach to the Land Use Debate" by David Schrom. You can view it online at: http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cdl.cfm?content_item_id=1276&folder_id=926.
The second edition of Harrison Flints Landscape Plants for Eastern North America Exclusive of Florida and the Immediate Gulf Coast is the core reference on landscape design in eastern North America. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY (around $80.00).
Bronze Birch Borer
A new publication from the USDA Forest Service, Forest Insect and Disease Leaflet 111
is 8 pages, Revised in 2000. This publication covers in detail the bronze birch borer, the most serious pest of landscape birch in North America. Host information, evidence of infestation, identification of life stages, life history, and management techniques are all covered. Color pictures are provided. Hard copies can be obtained by contacting: USDA Forest Service State & Private Forestry, 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108. Phone (651) 649-5261.
The publication is available online at www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/. Also available is a companion document titled: How to grow and maintain a healthy birch tree, published in 1997. Request publication number NA-FR-02-97.
The California Urban Forests Council will be presenting the 2001 California Urban Forest Conference on May 16 - 18, 2001, at the Marin Center in San Rafael, CA. Titled "Threats to the Urban Forest - Challenges and Strategies for the 21st Century." Speakers will discuss strategies to address: globalization; pathological threats including Sudden Oak Death, new Eucalyptus pests, and Pitch Canker; how to mitigate effects from poor funding, changing priorities, lack of regulation enforcement, and poor land-use planning; threats such as fire and construction damage from increased urbanization, and poor landscape planning; and the latest developments in Urban Forestry research. For further information visit the California Urban Forests Council website at www.cufc.org to download the registration form.
April
6 Communities and Hazard Tree Evaluation, Portsmouth, NH, 603-627-0582
7 Rhode Island Urban and Community Forestry Council Annual Conference, Providence, RI. Call 401-785-9450
May
1 - 3 Urban Wildlife Management Conference, Arbor Day Farm/ Lied Conference Center, Nebraska City, NE. This conference demonstrates management opportunities for urban habitats from small city parks in urban centers to large subdivisions with considerable open space. The roles of urban soils, vegetation, water quality, noise, open space, greenways, habitat, animal communities and human communities will be discussed. Contact the National Arbor Day Foundation at 402/474-5655.
2-4 Northeastern Area State Urban Forestry Coordinators Annual Meeting, Portland, ME. Contact Phillip Rodbell, 610-557-4133
6-8 Tree Structure and Mechanics: How Trees Hold Together and Fall Apart. Savannah, GA. Call for papers: Volunteer paper presentations are now being accepted for this important meeting. For more information: kcoder@arches.uga.edu.
8-11 Urban National Forest Forum, Atlanta, GA. Contact emacie@fs.fed.us
16 The 2001 Annual California Urban Forest Conference at the Marin Center in San Rafael, CA. "Mel Johnson" caufc@home.com.
17 Hazard Trees: How to Identify, Evaluate and Manage Defective Trees, Morgantown, WV. Presented by National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories. Contact the National Arbor Day Foundation at 402/474-5655.
June
3 - 5 Locally Led Conservation Efforts, Arbor Day Farm/ Lied Conference Center, Nebraska City, NE. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Association of Conservation Districts, the National Association of State Conservation Agencies and other partners have joined to organize this event. Contact the National Arbor Day Foundation at 402/474-5655.
July
12-14 New York ReLeaf Conference: Rochester. For more information, contact Nancy Wolf, executive director of the NYS Urban and Community Forestry Council at (718) 834-4589 or via e-mail at jlnwolfinc@aol.com.
August
11-15 2001-International Society of Arboriculture Annual Conference.
Midwest Express Convention Center & Hilton Hotel, Milwaukee WI. Contact ISA, 217-355-9411 or isa@isa-arbor.com.
September
5-8 The 2001 National Urban Forest Conference Sept. 5-8, Investing in Natural
Capital. View which sessions, workshops, and tours you want to attend. Conference registration rates and exhibitor rates are available. You can also make your hotel reservations at the Omni Shoreham, DC, online. You will be able to register online shortly. http://www.americanforests.org
American Forests seeks proposals for presentation for concurrent sessions and workshops. Deadline for submittals: Oct. 15, 2000. For more information and proposal forms, see: http://www.americanforests.org. Click on Trees, Cities, and Sprawl.
15-19 Mid Atlantic Governors Conference on Greenways, Blueways and Green Infrastructure, Arlington, VA. Contact Paul Revell at 804/977-6555
November
5-8 "The Wildland-Urban Interface: Sustaining Forests in a Changing Landscape" Nov. 5-8, 2001 University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Gainesville, FL This conference will highlight means of enhancing natural resource management, planning, and policy-making at the wildland-urban interface. For more information and interest forms, see: http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/~conferweb/urban.
What is YOUR state up to? Till next time!
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