This electronic newsletter is published bi-monthly for state and federal urban forestry program coordinators and other interested individuals. Please print or copy this newsletter and distribute it to volunteer coordinators, state council chairs, and other interested individuals within your state or region, or forward it electronically to them. You can always find it on-line and archived at www.treelink.org

Submissions to this newsletter are welcomed and requested. Items suitable for inclusion are state and national urban forestry information, products or innovations, grant opportunities, and notices of regional and national urban forestry events. Please submit a maximum of two paragraphs to the editorial committee listed below by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month's edition.

Compiled and Edited by:

Ed Macie, USDA Forest Service - Southern Region
(emacie@fs.fed.us) phone (404) 347-1647

Dick Rideout, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(richard.rideout@dnr.state.wi.us) phone (608) 267-0843

Paul D. Ries, Oregon Department of Forestry
(pries@odf.state.or.us) phone 503-945-7391

Phillip D. Rodbell, USDA Forest Service - Northeastern Area
(prodbell@fs.fed.us) phone (610) 557-4133

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

NEXT DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION: April 20, 2003

Urban Forestry Coordinators Newsletter

Words for thought

-- Michael Drennan, the director of watershed management for the
[Los Angeles] Metropolitan Water District commenting on the
District's decision to invest in natural systems for water
retention on the recommendation of TreePeople's
Andy Lipkis, rather than traditional methods.

-- New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, announcing goals of $100 million for
open space protection, upgrading 200 local parks, and planting 100,000 trees

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AROUND THE STATES  [back to top]

Washington Judge Settles Tree Case
The City of Seattle Parks Department settled for $500,000 for the illegal removal of 120 trees by a retired federal judge. The initial value of $114,000 was set by the use of the Guide for Plant Appraisal. The settlement of the case was based upon the restoration costs and the potential for triple damages. Seattle Parks Urban Forester Mark Mead used some of the latest GIS related information, including LIDAR, and enhanced digital photographs to develop images that sold the case. Parks' intention beyond the restoration of the site was to create a disincentive to the cutting of trees for views (a hot commodity in Seattle area). Although the city did not get criminal charges or a trial, this additional cost would likely be too high for most property owners. For more information, contact Mark Mead, 206 684-4113. For the whole story, visit: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/134625367_trees31m.html

New Massachusetts Carbon Dioxide Mitigation Partnership
Commissioner Peter C. Webber of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and representatives from the Calpine Corporation have announced a new partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership will plant trees in communities across the state with a focus on the towns of Taunton and Dighton. The Calpine Corporation, one of the nation's leading power producers, presented DEM's Mass ReLeaf program with a check for $171,000 to develop a three-year, tree-planting program as a major part of the company's carbon dioxide mitigation efforts. Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is the main gas responsible for global warming. Commissioner Webber said, "Carbon dioxide mitigation is a major issue for the state and for private companies regulated by the state. Tree planting and stewardship are well-recognized and effective means of offsetting carbon dioxide emissions." According to Michael Joyce, Plant Manager at Calpine's Dighton Power facility, "Calpine has a strong corporate commitment to being an environmentally responsible power producer and we are pleased to be a corporate sponsor of the Mass ReLeaf program." For more information, contact acting State Coordinator Eric Seaborn, (Eric.Seaborn@state.ma.us)

Ohio Deals With Ash Borer
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and federal officials announced on Feb 28 the confirmation of Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), an exotic pest from Asia, in ash trees in Lucas County. The department has established a Task Force - made up of experts and officials from ODA, USDA, U.S. Forest Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio State University Extension - to evaluate the problem and determine a course of action to control the spread of the pest in Ohio. "A typical ash tree will die from infestation by this pest in two to three years," Ohio Agriculture Director Fred Dailey said. "We are working with homeowners and other experts at the state, federal, and local levels to identify the best ways to prevent the spread of this pest and minimize the impact on the state's timber and nursery and landscape industries." The Ohio Department of Natural Resources estimates that there are 3.8 billion ash trees in Ohio which exist on 850,000 acres of the state's nearly 8 million acres of woodlands. Ash wood is commonly used to make tool handles and baseball bats. For more information, visit www.state.oh.us/agr or call Drew Todd at 614-265-6707.

New South Dakota State Coordinator
South Dakota State Forester Ray Sowers announced filling the forestry division's vacant Urban Forestry Specialist position with Aaron Kiesz. He will be located in Pierre and begin his new duties on February 17, 2003. An Aberdeen native, Aaron received his Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University in 1998. Along with being a South Dakota certified arborist, he is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. Aaron has been a service forester for the Department of agriculture, Resource Conservation & Forestry Division in Aberdeen for the past 2 years. You can contact him at Aaron.Kiesz@state.sd.us

News from California
Our City Forest - a nonprofit based in San José/Silicon Valley, California - is just about to complete the planting of 3,032+ 15-gallon shade trees throughout the San José area - streets and schools - one tree for each victim of the terrorist attack on America. On each tree, volunteers hung a laminated strip tag with the photo, name and hometown of a victim. The plantings started right after 9/11 and will continue up until next month. Each tree has a steward that has signed a 3-year agreement with to take care of it and report back to us over that 3-year period (respond to tree health survey forms). Our City Forest plans to have a special celebration for the final tree being planted in association with this effort. The organization's president, Rhonda Berry that this special effort has been a wonderful healing experience for community. For more information, contact Rhonda at rberry@ourcityforest.org.

Kentucky State Forestry Employees Assist with Ice Damage
On February 20, the Kentucky Division of Forestry sent 75 full-time employees to Lexington to assist with debris clearing and tree removal needs created by recent winter storms. The employees are working under the direction of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. The employees are primarily operating as chainsaw crews clearing debris from streets and rights-of-way and may assist with debris removal from city park areas. The division routinely uses chainsaws to battle wildland fires but often assists with emergency situations such as tornadoes and other natural disasters. The crews were expected to remain in Lexington for up to 14 days or until they are no longer needed.

Trees of Indiana CD Now Available!
Trees of Indiana: Their Identification and Uses is an informative CD that provides photographs and detailed descriptions of all native trees in Indiana and some information on 16 introduced species. The authors are Sally S. Weeks and George Parker, Purdue University. Purdue offers it for $25.00. Check out a preview at www.agriculture.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/SallyCD.htm.

Indiana Produces Tree Care Posters
All state and volunteer coordinators will be receiving from CUF tree care posters on CD. The posters are the result of a grant project with Purdue University and are in English and Spanish. Look for yours in the mail! Contact: Pam Louks at Plouks@dnr.state.in.us

Oregon Receives FEMA Money for Hazard Mitigation
The Oregon Department of Forestry has received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund a hazard tree mitigation grant program in six western Oregon counties that were struck by a February, 2002 severe windstorm. The grants will be used for educational projects and hazard tree replacement projects, not for storm damage clean-up. Contact: Paul Ries at pries@odf.state.or.us

New Northeast States Logo
The NAUFCO (Northeast Area Urban Forestry Coordinators Organization) has a logo. Chair Pam Louks had some logos designed and NAUFCO members voted. The winner is:

Wisconsin Expands Urban Forestry Education
Congressman Dave Obey has secured $500,000 in US Department of Education funds to double enrollment in urban forestry education at Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) campuses in central Wisconsin. Obey included the funds for MSTC's Urban Forestry Technician program in the new federal budget for FY 2003, recently adopted by Congress. The new federal funds will enable MSTC to expand enrollment in this two-year associate degree program by 100 percent from nearly 40 full-time students to 80 students over the next two years. Funds will be used for faculty salaries, instructional supplies, and capital equipment. It is the only program of its kind in Wisconsin as well as the only career program in urban tree care with a formal transfer agreement to the Forestry program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The program-to-program transfer allows Urban Forestry students to continue their studies toward a completion of a bachelor's degree from UWSP following graduation from MSTC.

National Committee on Universal Service
This committee, formed at the national urban forest conference in Washington, DC has completed a first draft of a document entitled: "Urban and Community Forestry - Outreach Services Strategies for All Communities". The committee, chaired by Connecticut coordinator Chris Donnelly encourages state program leaders to take a good look at the product and provide comments to the committee. In corresponding with coordinators, Chris requested that States consider opportunities in which this Guide might be put to use. It will be formally presented to NASF Urban Committee at its May meeting in Washington. To get a copy, please contact Chris Donnelly at chris.donnelly@po.state.ct.us

ON THE NATIONAL FRONT

Congress Passes Omnibus Spending Bill February 13  [back to top]
After more than a dozen continuing resolutions since October 1, 2002, the 2003 Appropriations Bill passed both chambers on February 13. The conference agreement includes $36,235,000 for the urban and community forestry program as proposed by the House instead of $37,750,000 proposed by the Senate. Language at the end of the bill further reduces all line-items by 0.65%, resulting in level funding (reduction due to inflation) for U&CF from FY 2002, $36 million. The earmarks from the House and Senate versions were combined, resulting in the following directives: $400,000 to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Forestry Program, $500,000 to Chicago Greenstreets, $350,000 to Cook County Forest Preserve, IL, $200,000 for Milwaukee, WI, and $250,000 for Baltimore, MD, urban watershed activities. This language can be found at the bottom of Division F, http://www.house.gov/rules/108_hjres2cr_text.htm.

The House version also contained the following language that is presumed to be funded in 2003: "Last year the Committee encouraged the Forest Service to use urban and community forestry funds to develop special living memorials, using trees, to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Forest Service targeted $1,500,000 of available funds for this special emphasis program. The results have been tremendous but the work of creating lasting memorials for individuals and communities has not been completed. Accordingly, the Committee directs the Forest Service, working in close harmony with the involved States and local participants, to focus the same level of funding in fiscal year 2003 for planning, development, and implementation of the living memorial projects in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and critical surrounding areas." This language can be found at http://Thomas.loc.gov search for House Report 107-564.

Congress Returns Borrowed Funds to State and Private Forestry  [back to top]
The voices of State Foresters and nonprofit groups were heard by Congress and the White House in preparing the 2003 spending bill, resulting in a 100% repayment of the 2002 funds borrowed from State and Private Forestry to fight Western wildfires last summer. $77 million was included in the Forest Service budget to accomplish the reimbursement. It should be noted that the National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management were not fully reimbursed, and another deadly fire season is predicted for 2003. Funds remaining unobligated by July 1, 2003 are eligible for transfer to fire operations.

President Bush releases FY 2004 Budget Plan  [back to top]
The President's proposed budget for FY 2004 was released on February 3. The whole budget can be viewed at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2004/. For the USDA Forest Service budget, State and Private Forestry has been increased to $316 million, only $6 million above the FY 2002 level. Forest Legacy has been increased to $91 million while FIA funding is only at $4 million. Urban and Community Forestry was given a relatively strong mark at $37,893,000; its highest level since program establishment. Under Wildland Fire Management, Fire Operations funding has been increased to the 10-year average ($604 million, an increase of $184 million above the FY 2003 request). However, Rehabilitation and Restoration is at $0 and most other programs are at the President's FY 2003 Budget proposal or a slight decrease from FY 2002 (except U&CF). Economic Action and Rural Development programs were zeroed out as they were in 2002. Additional Website - http://www.usda.gov/budget/

Secretary Ann Venemen Announces new NUCFAC Members  [back to top]
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman on announced on Feb 13 the selection of three members to USDA's National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC). There are two new members and one reappointed member. Their terms begin immediately and will continue until Dec. 31, 2005. The two new appointments to the 15-member council are Brenda Allen, assistant professor/extension specialist of urban forestry, Auburn University, Tuskegee, Ala., and Joseph A. Wilson, executive director, Greening Milwaukee, Franklin, Wis. One member has been reappointed to serve a second term: Ann Bates, executive director, Idaho Nursery Association, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The council advises the Secretary on the care and management of trees, forests and related natural resources in urban and community settings. The council also works with federal and state agencies and other partners to share information and technical assistance. In addition, the council makes recommendations to USDA's Forest Service on competitive cost-share grants that advance the science and practice of urban forestry. Additional information can be found at http://treelink.org/nucfac/.

NUCFAC Proposals Received  [back to top]
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council received 118 pre-proposals in the 2003 Challenge Cost-Share program. The total amount of Federal Funding requested is $10,297,993!! Proposals were received from a record 43 States. The Council may recommend a total of $1,000,000 in projects to the U.S. Forest Service. The number of requests was fairly even across 4 categories:

Category 1: Urban and Community Forestry for and with Minority and Underserved Populations. Pre-proposals received: 30    Federal Dollars requested: $3,190,946

Category 2: Urban and Community Forestry Projects that Promote Liveable Communities: Pre-proposals received: 22    Federal Dollars requested: $1,815,135

Category 3: Communicating the Value of Urban Forestry Pre-proposals received: 32    Federal Dollars requested: $2,340,583

Category 4: Creative and Innovative U&CF Research and Technology Development Pre-proposals received: 34    Federal Dollars requested: $2,951,329

The State breakdown is as follows:

New Forest Service Technology Transfer Staff  [back to top]
The Southern Center for Urban Forestry Research and Information (Forest Service - Southern Region & Southern Research Station) has announced the hiring of Dudley Hartel as a technology transfer specialist. Dudley has his BS in Forestry (Michigan State), MS in Forestry (Clemson University), and he is an ISA Certified Arborist. He has over 10 years experience providing urban forestry consulting services in the southern US to individuals, municipalities and corporations. Dudley started his job on January 6, 2003 and his office will be at the Forestry Sciences Lab, Athens, GA. He can be contacted by phone 706-559-4236 or email dhartel@fs.fed.us

The Northeastern Area announced the hiring of Jill Mahon to lead the Midwest Center for Urban and Community Forestry, based in St. Paul, MN. Jill has both a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Urban Forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. As Community Involvement Coordinator in Vermont, Jill provided statewide urban and community forestry technical assistance to community volunteers, green industry professionals, and regional urban foresters. She has worked as an urban forester with American Forests, a national nonprofit forestry organization. She gained municipal forestry experience while working for the Wisconsin cities of Wautoma and Milwaukee. Jill is also skilled in GIS, and its applications to urban forestry. She can be reached at 651-649-5253 or jmahon@fs.fed.us.

Tree Fund Appoints First Executive Director  [back to top]
Cindy M. Stachowski has been appointed Executive Director of the TREE Fund, a nonprofit organization based in Champaign, IL. Stachowski, most recently Chief Operating Officer of the National Tree Trust in Washington, DC, brings to the TREE Fund over eighteen years of experience in nonprofit management and arboriculture. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resource Management from Syracuse University, and a Business Degree from Hilbert College in NY. She joins John Geissal, development director and Leroy Candler, administrative assistant. The TREE Fund currently is led by a 21-member board. Its mission is to identify and fund projects and programs that advance knowledge in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry to benefit people, trees and the environment. The Fund has awarded over 2 million dollars for research and education to improve the quality of urban tree care. In February 2002, the International Society of Arboriculture Research Trust (ISART) and the National Arborist Foundation (NAF) merged to create the Tree Research & Education Endowment (TREE) Fund. Cindy can be reached at 217-239-7070 or cstachowski@treefund.org.

National Tree Trust Announces Major Changes in its Grant Programs  [back to top]
After evaluating and revising its strategic plan, the National Tree Trust (NTT) has redefined and simplified its mission: To promote healthy communities by providing resources that educate and empower people to grow and care for urban and community forests. Along with its new mission, the 10-year-old organization has narrowed its audience to focus primarily on non-profit conservation, urban forestry and tree groups to help local communities succeed in urban forestry projects. Accordingly, NTT will expand its popular Partnership Enhancement program, educational materials and training. NTT will no longer provide seedlings through it Community Tree Planting program, and will no longer provide grow boxes or monetary subsidies through its Growing Together program. By focusing resources on local nonprofit groups, NTT intends to strengthen citizen support for urban forestry programs in schools, municipalities, and state and federal agencies. NTT will have its new grant program application available before the end of the summer. You can find more information about NTT's progress at its website at www.nationaltreetrust.org

Urban/Rural Recreation Participation Trends--1994-95 to 2000-01  [back to top]
Growth of the country's urban population and urban sprawl are continuing as persistent trends in the United States. The table below shows the ten most popular recreational activities for both urban and rural residents and compares trends in most popular activities between 1994 and 2001. For both urban and rural residents, percentages participating in the most popular activities increased dramatically between periods, generally from low to mid-60s percentages in 1994-95 up to low 80s percentages in 2000-01. Comparison of urban and rural residents' most popular activities in 2000-01 shows more similarity than differences, except for level of popularity of visiting nature centers, viewing wildlife and playing yard games. In general visiting nature centers and museums is a much more popular activity among urban dwellers than among rural dwellers. Viewing wildlife, on the other hand, is more popular among rural than urban residents. Playing yard games (badminton, croquet, etc.), is among the top 10 for rural dwellers, but this activity is not on the list for urban dwellers.

Ten most popular activities and percentages participating for urban and rural residents, 1994-95 and 2000-01.

For complete report, contact Ken Cordell at kcordell@fs.fed.us

$$ GRANT OPPORTUNITIES $$  [back to top]

US Dept. Of Commerce Technology Grants
Deadline: TBA.
Goals are to provide under served communities with opportunities to explore emerging digital network technologies to solve critical challenges in such areas as lifelong learning, community and economic development, government and public services, safety, health, culture, and the arts. Grants Amounts: $200,000 to $750,000 and Total Funds Available: $15.5 million for FY03; Last year 11% of applications were funded. Targeted Area: under served communities. Priorities: 1) broadband technologies that bring very high-speed communications directly to end users; 2) mobile wireless communication technologies that offer end users greater flexibility in how, where, and when they access information; 3) empowering end users to move beyond passive information consumption to become valued contributors to the development, use, and expansion of shared information resources; and 4) emerging data sharing techniques that facilitate the seamless and secure exchange of information across organizational boundaries. For more information visit www.ntia.doc.gov/top.

The National 4-H Community Tree Planting Grant Program
Deadline: March 18, 2003
The National 4-H Council (www.fourhcouncil.edu/) offers grants for youth in local communities, counties, and on the state level. These grants provide opportunities for young people and adults to take action on issues critical to their lives, their families, and their communities. The National 4-H Community Tree Planting Grant Program will provide community action grants in the amounts of $200 to $1,000 to stimulate community tree planting and/or reforestation projects across the United States. Grants will be awarded to communities in support of ongoing community tree planting and/or reforestation projects or to stimulate new and creative youth-led projects. The role of adults is to provide guidance to young leaders heading up projects. In all cases, youth take the lead in the design of the project, the proposal writing process, implementation, and evaluation of the funded project. The program's "seed grant" funds must be matched by local resources. For complete program guidelines and application forms, see the National 4-H Council Web site: www.fourhcouncil.edu/programs/category.asp?scatid=11&catid=1&subid=6.

McKnight Foundation
Deadline: April 15, 2003
Funds are available to improve the Mississippi River corridor and their surrounding environment. Grants are available for projects located in the following states: MI, WS, IA, IL, MO, KY, TN, AR, LA, MS. The types of projects include controlling runoff, protecting wetlands and other sensitive areas, improving watershed mgmt. policies, riverside greenways, and environmental education. The Foundation encourages applicants to work with federal agencies. Funding levels depend on the scope of the project. Full proposals are invited after foundation officials have reviewed the letters four times a year. For more information contact the McKnight Foundation 612-333-4220 or online http://www.mcknight.org/environment/guidelines.asp.

3Com Urban Challenge Grants to Help Meet Community Technology Needs
Deadline: April 21, 2003
The 3Com Urban Challenge is designed to reward forward- thinking communities in the United States that are committed to using technology to transform education, improve public communication, and make municipal services faster and more convenient to use. 3Com, in cooperation with the United States Conference of Mayors (www.usmayors.org), provides cities/school districts across the nation with grants of $100,000 worth of 3Com products and services to incorporate new uses for information technology in their communities. With a 3Com grant, schools, departments, and organizations can tailor a networking solution that meets their community's needs. To participate, a city should meet at least one of the following criteria: have a principal policy agenda aimed at enhancing educational or community development; have a strong endorsement from the mayor's office; be able to demonstrate tangible benefits to students and residents in a specified timeframe; have multiple project constituencies, including schools, local community colleges, libraries, government agencies, healthcare institutions, etc.; and have specific ideas about how the grant will be used. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications can be requested online at the 3Com Web site. www.3com.com/solutions/en_US/scenario.jsp?solutiontype=1000004&groupid=11060&solutionid=5960

Conservation Fund Offers Kodak American Greenways Awards
Deadline: June 1, 2003
The Kodak American Greenways Awards, a partnership project of the Eastman Kodak Company, the Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society, provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout America. The awards are designed to develop new, action-oriented greenway projects; assist grassroots greenway organizations; leverage additional money for conservation and greenway development; and recognize and encourage greenway proponents and organizations. Grants may be used for activities such as mapping, ecological assessments, surveying, conferences, and design activities; developing brochures, interpretative displays, audio-visual productions, or public opinion surveys; hiring consultants; incorporating land trusts; and/or building foot bridges, planning bike paths, and other creative projects. In general, grants can be used for all appropriate expenses needed to complete a greenway project, including planning, technical assistance, legal, and other costs. Awards will primarily go to local, regional, or statewide nonprofit organizations. Although public agencies may also apply, community organizations will receive preference. The maximum grant is $2,500, though most grants will range from $500 to $1,000. Applications may be submitted online from March 1 to June 1 of each calendar year. For complete application instructions and to review descriptions of previously awarded projects, see the Conservation Fund Web site: www.conservationfund.org/?article=2106

PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITES  [back to top]

Chicago Wilderness Burn Communications Project
The Chicago Wilderness burn communication project group conducted research to learn about public attitudes toward and understanding of controlled burns. The group then developed a variety of sample burn communication tools using research-based language that appeals to people's values. The research reports and communication tools are now available on the member Web site at: http://www.chicagowilderness.org/members/resources/burn/

Urban Cover Type Analysis
The Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics consortium is developing a second generation National Land Cover Database. In addition to the land cover classification data layer, data layers will be developed for percent canopy cover and percent impervious surface cover for the 50 United States. The EROS Data Center (EDC) is directing the development and the Forest Service is collaborating in the effort. This project's focus is on the analysis of percent tree cover and impervious surface in urban areas. The information could be used to inventory and monitor the structure and health of urban vegetation, analyze urban sprawl, assess changes in urban tree cover, and assess the effects of urban vegetation on the local and regional environment. The Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC), in cooperation with EDC and the Northeast Research Station, developed procedures for deriving percent cover data layers. These procedures include easy-to-use models and programs designed primarily in ERDAS Imagine enabling people with various skills to easily produce percent cover data layers. The first prototypes of the percent cover classifications are complete. The project report has been drafted, and is awaiting the second round of classifications to complete. http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/im/fy02/summary02.shtml

Best Management Practices to City and County
Here are a few national organizations that specialize in promoting environmental best management practices to city and county government: The Center for Watershed Protection (www.cwp.org) specializes in training local governments to incorporate simple bmps for stormwater management. They have excellent manuals and materials. ICMA, the city and county management association, promotes best practices and innovation as well, www.icma.org. Another possible source of information may be the national association for local government environmental professionals (nalgep - http://www.nalgep.org/) Another resource is ICLEI, which operates a program for local government environmental initiatives dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ICLEI offers materials and toolkits targeted for local government http://www.iclei.org/projserv.htm. American Planning Association and Urban Land Institute are also good clearinghouses of information.

A Guide to Invasive Control of Buckthorn
Minnesota Tree Trust has put together a guidebook on the private and public steps to control common buckthorn. The buckthorn guidebook is at the following URL - www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/depts/parks/environment/buckthorn/buckthorn_index.htm.

Portable Wood-Powered Generator
There's an article in a recent FS Today about a portable wood-chip powered machine for generating electricity. This might be an option for urban wood waste. Check out: http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/pao/fs_today/2002/nov8/about_us.htm

No More New Environmental Curricula
EPA came to the conclusion several years ago to stop funding the development of new curriculum. Instead they established a program with the NAAEE called EETAP to catalog and critique all the many, many resources already available. You can find it at www.eelink.net

The Conservation Economy
On this website, fifty-seven patterns provide a framework for an ecologically restorative, socially just, and reliably prosperous society. The patterns are adaptable to local ecosystems and cultures, yet universal in their applicability. Together they form what is called a conservation economy. www.conservationeconomy.net

Understanding Urban Ecosystems
A new publication might be of interest to you and those with whom you work: Berkowitz, Alan R., Nilon, Charles, H., and Hollweg, Karen S. (Editors). 2002. Understanding Urban Ecosystems: A New Frontier for Science and Education. New York: Springer-Verlag.

The book includes 30 chapters from a diverse set of disciplines and perspectives. http://www.springer-ny.com/detail.tpl?cart=1046284451207766&ISBN=0387952373

Western Center for Urban Forest Research
While many scientists and policymakers have focused only on how heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide are altering our global climate, a new NASA-funded study points to the importance of also including human-caused land-use changes as a major factor contributing to climate change. See the complete article at http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/topstory/20020926landcover.html The Center has announced the following new initiatives: A redesigned website: Visit http://cufr.ucdavis.edu including a new fire hazard research study completed. See full report at http://cufr.ucdavis.edu/products/8/fire-1.pdf. See research summary at http://cufr.ucdavis.edu/products/8/cufr_150.pdf.
Tree canopy cover study completed. See article at http://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?journalid=1&articleid=62&type=2

Storm Damage Resources
Related to Storm Damage, here are three current items featured in the Resource Spotlight at TreeLink, with many more inside. Your suggestions for additions are welcome:

• Tree Emergency Manual for Public Officials - A practical and concise guide to managing disastrous tree damage, provided by the USDA Northeast Center for Urban & Community Forestry.
• Storm Recovery - Trees - This National Arbor Day Foundation website contains a wealth of information on repairing the damage done to trees by violent storms.
• Utilizing Municipal Trees: Ideas from Across the Country -This USDA publication highlights 16 successful projects from around the country showing how municipal tree removals can be utilized for traditional wood products.

Tree Planting Specifications
University of Florida has a web site done by Ed Gilman that gives pretty good specs. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting/

Hazard Tree Rating
The Northeast Center for Urban and Community Forestry has just completed the beta development of a Pocket PC application and PC desktop component that can be used to assist in rating hazard trees. It is a very simple to use program, and its development illustrates the type of program that can be created for Pocket PC hand-held computers. You can download the program files from the following site: ftp://ftp2.fs.fed.us/incoming/ne/bloniarz/hazard_pda/. Also, if you want to read about the Hazard assessment protocol, on which the application is based, please take a look at the last page of the article, "Prioritizing Risk Trees in a Community" which can be found at http://www.umass.edu/urbantree/publications/index.html

Tools for Working Cooperatively with the Public
EPA has produced "Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place," that explores the concepts of community and culture and provides tools for identifying, assessing, and working cooperatively within the social dynamics and local values connected to environmental protection. For more information, click on the following URL: http://www.lgean.org/html/whatsnew.cfm?id=536

Urban Forestry Laboratory Exercises
Here's a link to a resource for middle and high school students: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/uf/lab_exercises/cover.htm.

Social Research Findings on Urban Forestry
If you haven't visited the website developed by researchers Kuo and Sullivan at University of Illinois, Urbana, it is highly recommended. http://www.herl.uiuc.edu Studies funded by the U.S. Forest Service include: