Highlights below from our members and partners. These updates were featured in CWSF's October newsletter.
Western Governors’ Association National Forest and Rangeland Management Initiative Workshop
The second Western Governors’ Association (WGA) National Forest and Rangeland Management Initiative workshop was hosted on October 20-21, 2016, in Boise, Idaho. CWSF staff member, Kelsey Delaney, attended along with Idaho State Forester David Groeschl, Division Administrator of Forestry & Fire for the Idaho Department of Lands Craig Foss, and Montana State Forester Bob Harrington.
Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter opened the meeting by sharing examples of how Idaho is engaging in national forest and rangeland management. Collaboration was at the core of the Governor’s remarks along with Idaho’s Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) and engagement in the 2014 Farm Bill tools including the Good Neighbor Authority and the insect & disease priority treatment areas.
Over the two day workshop attendees learned of forest and rangeland management challenges in the State, the establishment of the Idaho RFPAs, successes of the Good Neighbor Authority, application of the 2014 Farm Bill forest management tools, impacts of forests and rangelands on local governments, and more. David, Craig and Kelsey carried out roles as moderators or panel speakers at the workshop.
The third WGA Initiative workshop will be held on December 1-2, 2016, in Deadwood, South Dakota.
To read more on the WGA Idaho Workshop, or to view archived livestream sessions, click here.
Guam Forestry Celebrates Arbor Day
The Guam Department of Agriculture's Forestry and Soil Resources Division held a tree-planting event on October 11 in celebration of Arbor Day - which has been celebrated in Guam since 1973. Guam celebrates Arbor Day in October so that the rainy weather can help to ensure the success and health of trees. Read more.
New Mexico State Forester Eddie Tudor to Retire
After 26 years with the New Mexico State Forestry Division (NMSF), State Forester Eddie Tudor will retire on November 1st. Eddie was named the Division’s ninth State Forester earlier this year. Among other accomplishments, Eddie enacted the state’s first implementation of the Great Plains Interstate Compact, and expanded the scope of watershed treatment projects and partnerships throughout the state.
Eddie has been the Chair of the Natural Lands Protection Committee, the Western representative for the cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Committee, and served on the Wildland Fire Committee. CWSF wishes Eddie well in his upcoming retirement.
NASF Welcomes New President Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser
The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) is pleased to welcome Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser as its new president. Read more.
Welcome Message from 13th Oregon State Forester
Scientists have discovered that Great Basin bristlecone pine, which has the longest lifespan of any non-clonal organism worldwide, is highly resistance to mountain pine beetle. Read more.
News from Western Cohesive Fire Strategy
The Western Region for the Cohesive Strategy and the State Foresters of Wyoming and South Dakota hosted a successful meeting last week in Casper, WY to discuss the Cohesive Strategy. Discussion centered around collaboration with partners, cross-boundary actions, and implementing goals on various wildfire and resilient landscape issues. Read more.
Western State Forestry Job Openings
View job openings in our Western state forestry agencies.