The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighted some of the agency’s accomplishments during 2017 to improve the productivity, uses, and sustainability of national forests and grasslands. “Our accomplishments this year demonstrate the Forest Service’s strong commitment to improving the economic health of rural communities; ensuring lands and watersheds are sustainable, healthy and productive; and mitigating …
Fox Squirrels – Denizens of the Longleaf Forest
Recently, I was touring a friend’s property in the Florida sandhills through beautiful older longleaf pines, with an open understory that is regularly burned. As we came around the corner, two fox squirrels bounded towards the nearest large pine. In a minute, both had found a tree they liked and were gone from sight. I don’t know about you, but …
Christmas Tree Buying Tips
Continuing with her series on Christmas trees, Cathy Isom has some helpful tips to remember before heading out to buy your Christmas tree. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Christmas Tree Buying Tips Bringing home that perfect Douglas Fir or Noble Christmas Tree and setting it up is a big tradition for many families this season. But before …
Expensive Christmas Trees
Cathy Isom checks out why that Christmas Tree is a lot more expensive this year. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Expensive Christmas Trees If you haven’t made it out to pick out your Christmas tree yet, you’ll be in for a bit of a shock. Sticker shock, that is. Prices for a fresh cut tree this year …
Financial Assistance Available to West Alabama Landowners Interested in Forestry Initiative
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Alabama State Conservationist Ben Malone announced a collaborative effort to reach forestry landowners will continue in West Alabama. NRCS Alabama will partner with the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Federation of Southern Cooperatives (FSC), the Limited Resource Landowners Educational and Assistance Network (LRLEAN), and the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) to provide assistance to …
Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives
A nearly 80-foot tall Christmas tree arrived Monday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service provides a tree each year from a different state for the Capitol. This year’s tree, an Engelmann Spruce, is 79 feet tall and comes from northwest Montana. The 15,000 lbs., the 76-year-old tree made a two-week, 3,400-mile journey to …
Putnam Provides Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Celebrations
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are providing tips to ensure a safe holiday weekend. The following tips can help prevent wildfire: Avoid burning yard debris on dry, windy days. Never leave a fire or outdoor heat source unattended. Set up turkey fryers and grills at least 10 feet away from the …
UF Researcher: Controlled Fires Don’t Eliminate Invasive Tree
Researchers have, in the past, reintroduced fire to restore a forest without considering its effect on exotic species that have become invasive. But a recent study by a University of Florida researcher shows that fire actually increases the proliferation of species that harm the environment, which could cause millions of dollars in damage. “Invasive species, be they plants, insects or …
Perdue Statement on House Passage of Resilient Federal Forests Act
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017 (H.R. 2936) as an important step toward better management of national forests. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), seeks to implement proactive management standards for forests and paves the way for a solution to the problem of U.S. …
Governor Ivey to Speak at ATFA Annual Meeting
The 2017 Alabama TREASURE Forest Association annual meeting will be held Oct. 26-27 in Florence, Alabama. This conference provides excellent opportunities for landowners to gather and learn from each other as well as industry and agency professionals on how to best manage their property. This year will be no exception, as they are pleased to announce the addition of the …