I. Announcements

• Fire Season Heats Up in the West
• Trees to Save San Diego Millions
• Register for the National Urban Forest Conference by July 31
• American Forests and People to People Go to South Africa
• National Big Tree Register Nominations Due July 15

II. What's Happening?

• US Forests Challenged by Climate Change
• Paper Company Backs Out, Leaves Ancient Trees Alone
• Tree Sitter Update
• Logging Leftovers Provide New Energy Source

III. Activities and Links

• American Forests' Feature Creature: The Gopher Tortoise
• Tree Trivia
• Environmental News from ENS-news.com

Fire Season Heats Up in the West

As drought conditions persist in the West, many areas are experiencing an early start to the wildfire season. At the end of June, parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Arkansas, and California had already lost thousands of acres to wildfire. With the help of individuals, corporations, and many others, American Forests is raising funds through Wildfire ReLeaf to plant native trees in areas scorched by wildfire.

Wildfire ReLeaf, an education and action program, helps people understand the role that wildfire plays in some forest ecosystems, how they can reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire, and how they can help restore and regenerate areas that have been severely burned.

Every donation to Wildfire ReLeaf plants two trees because the USDA Forest Service, a partner in the effort, is matching every tree planted, tree-for-tree.

Go to www.wildfirereleaf.org for more information. Don't forget to tell a friend about the program! Send a postcard.

Here's the latest wildfire information:

New Mexico Wildfire Update

As of June 30, nearly 300 firefighters remained on the job battling the remnants of two wildfires that menace parts of Albuquerque. Three teenagers have been arrested and accused of setting the first of the two fires that burned along the Rio Grande.

Investigators said that the fire, estimated at 75 percent contained as of June 30, was started by a firecracker tossed into a pile of the cottony seed fibers from cottonwood trees. It burned 352 acres in one day and forced the evacuation of hundreds of people as it raced through the heavily wooded area.

No arrests have been made in the second fire, which was started about a mile from the first blaze, authorities said. It burned 165 acres and forced some 200 people from their homes.

Arizona Wildfire Update

By June 30, officials in southern Arizona estimated that the human-caused fire that burned through a vacation community outside Tucson during the last week of June cost $7.2 million to fight. Investigators said they still had no suspects in the blaze.

The wildfire was 60 percent contained after burning across 35,600 acres and destroying 317 homes and seven businesses in the community of Summerhaven, officials said on June 30. It began June 17.

Southern California Wildfire Update

After firefighters worked to contain a fire that broke out in Southern California and destroyed over 500 acres of land, another fire in Southern California continues to threaten land and hundreds of homes near Lebec, about 40 miles southeast of Bakersfield.

The Lebec fire began at the Golden State Freeway near Fort Tejon State Historic Park. A total of 350 state and federal firefighters worked to contain the fire amid dry and windy conditions. About 500 acres of land have burned in the park and hundreds of people have been evacuated. Some 200 homes along the canyons near the freeway are also threatened.

To help American Forests rebuild ecosystems destroyed by wildfire and to learn more about the Wildfire ReLeaf program visit www.americanforests.org.

Trees to Save San Diego Millions

According to a new study by American Forests, San Diego, California lost 27 percent of its tree cover between 1985 and 2002. Losing more trees to development could mean costly and unhealthy environmental consequences. This loss of valuable urban forest negatively affects air and water quality. American Forests officials say increased tree cover will not only reverse this problem, it will save the city nearly $23 million a year in stormwater management and air quality alone.

Using high-resolution imagery, American Forests found that San Diego currently has 13 percent tree cover, much less than American Forests’ recommended 25 percent for this type of ecosystem. San Diego's dry climate, varied vegetation, and geography distinguish this city from many other more lush urban areas across the United States.

Primarily native coastal sage scrub, chaparral, live oaks, and sycamore dominate the natural landscape, along with introduced eucalyptus and pepper trees. As natural areas of San Diego have been increasingly urbanized in the past 25 years, it is important to make increased tree cover a priority.

"Planting trees cleans and cools the air, reduces runoff to our beaches and bays, and can unify a community," said City of San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy. "The simple act of planting a tree will help to make San Diego a city worthy of our affection." San Diego's Community Forest Initiative will plant 100,000 trees on public property in the City by the year 2020.

American Forests' CITYgreen computer software was used to analyze the environmental benefits of trees in San Diego. The Urban Ecosystem Analysis technique uses satellite and aerial imagery, Geographic Information System technology, and scientific research to calculate the benefits trees provide to the urban environment. The analysis also serves as an introduction for local leaders to learn about ways to use tree cover as an asset--building a "green infrastructure" for future city management decisions.

The 2003 National Urban Forest Conference, Engineering Green, will be held in San Antonio, Texas, September 17-20. Register online by July 31st and save $50, http://www.americanforests.org/conference/.

To read the entire San Diego study, please visit www.americanforests.org and click on Urban Ecosystem Analysis.

Gearing Up For The National Urban Forest Conference

Green Infrastructure--our trees, soils, water, air, and other natural resources-- provide valuable ecological, social, and economic benefits to our cities. How do we better balance our gray infrastructure—buildings, roads, utilities—with the green?

These topics are featured at American Forests' Engineering Green conference, September 17-20 in San Antonio, Texas. Attendees will learn how public perceptions, economic incentives and federal regulations for clean air and water can all drive communities to build more green into their cities.

Here are some highlights:

Designing Green Infrastructure

Creative and effective urban forest design can cool urban heat islands, restore river ecosystems, and boost human capability and comfort. Hear how a civil engineer, a biology professor, a social science researcher, and a community forestry coordinator have made this a reality.

Economic Incentives that Drive Green Infrastructure

Tying urban trees to direct economic markets that show trees as municipal assets may be one of the best strategies for conserving our green infrastructure.

Regulations that Drive Green Infrastructure

Learn how to implement or strengthen existing ordinances, regulations, and codes to improve water quality.

Institutionalizing Green Infrastructure

How do we change community mindset to integrate green into our city's urban infrastructure? One step at a time! See how communities are turning the tide with examples from around the country.

To learn more about American Forests' National Urban Forest Conference, please visit our website www.americanforests.org The website has been designed as a one-stop shop for all your conference needs. You can peruse the program sessions (Schedule at a Glance); read detailed descriptions of the program, tours, and workshops; register on-line; and revisit your "account" to make changes if needed. Sign up to exhibit and receive a complimentary registration. Learn about hotel, travel to the conference, and sightseeing logistics. There are also sections especially for speakers and moderators, and information on scholarships. Click on the tabs above for more details on a topic area. Visit this website often for program and logistic updates.

For other program and registration details or contact Donna Tschiffely, registration coordinator, donna@amfor.org or call: 703-904-7508. See you in September!

American Forests and People to People Go to South Africa

American Forests is teaming up with People to People Ambassador Programs to develop and lead annual forestry delegations to key areas around the world. After a successful excursion to China in 2001, the two organizations are coordinating a delegation to South Africa, traveling from November 8 through 20, 2003.

The exchange is intended to allow individuals in forestry-related disciplines and others interested in forests to exchange views with professional counterparts and to observe and discuss physical, biological, and social/economic factors affecting forestry in both countries. American Forests is working with People to People staff in the U.S. and South Africa to develop the itinerary and professional exchange in a way that builds upon both organizations’ experience in educational travel.

American Forests’ tradition of organizing educational travel for people with an interest in forestry began with the popular Trail Riders backcountry pack trips that ran from the 1930s to the 1980s. In the 1990s American Forests continued offering programs to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. People to People Ambassador Programs has coordinated educational travel since 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the organization to further his vision of promoting world peace and understanding through private citizens. American Forests proudly joins this venture to advance friendly relations among countries through scientific, professional, and technical exchange.

The forestry delegation participants will learn about South Africa's forestry and natural resource issues and demands. Topics being considered include sustainable forestry, reforestation, timber harvest, ecosystem protection, urban or "social" forestry, forestry-wildlife relationships, protected areas, and subsistence use of forests by local people.

People to People Ambassador Programs will provide in-country travel arrangements for the program, which includes roundtrip airfare from New York City and all air and ground transportation within the country. First-class accommodations and most meals are provided.

For more information about the trip to South Africa, please contact Nichole Bosgarosh at nicholeb@ambassadorprograms.org or Zane Smith at zanegreysmith@msn.com.

Watch for more details in future ForestBytes issues!

National Big Tree Register Nominations Due July 15

Do you know of a super-sized tree in your area? If so, American Forests www.americanforests.org wants to know about it before July 15, 2003, the deadline for nominations to American Forests’ 2004/2005 National Register of Big Trees.

Taking part in the hunt for big trees is easy. Once you find a big tree, identify its species and measure it. National Champion trees are ranked based on a point system, calculated by adding the trunk circumference at 41/2 (in inches), the height (in feet), plus 1/4 of its average crown spread (in feet).

The National Register, sponsored by The Davey Tree Expert Company, has 826 species eligible for listing, 99 of which do not currently have a champ. Six states--Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Wyoming--and the District of Columbia do not have any champion trees listed on the Register.

In this year's big tree search, newspapers in Arizona reported that a man and his grandson recently found a new National Champion saguaro cactus. The huge cactus is claimed to be 46 feet high and 7 feet, 10 inches around at its base, with about 15 arms reaching skyward. Ken Morrow, the register's Arizona coordinator, estimates that the new colossal giant find may be more than 180 years old. The former record giant was a 41-footer in Pinal County, Arizona. If the new cactus near Phoenix is the biggest in the nation, it will be officially announced in 2004.

Since 1940, American Forests has kept the National Register of Big Trees--a listing of the largest-known trees in the United States. The Register is available on the web at www.americanforests.org. Visit the site to view Big Tree Trivia, which highlights facts such as the most notable trees, and states and regions with the most champs, or to download nomination forms.

Check out the website for the complete list of 99 species without champs, where they’re from, and start hunting! We've extended our nomination deadline from July 1 to July 15. You still have time.

View the new nomination form online at http://www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/nominate.php.

US Forests Challenged by Climate Change

According to the Pew Center for Global Climate Change, the United States forestry sector will face a number of challenges in the next century due to the impacts of climate change. In a February report, Forests and Global Climate Change: Potential Impacts on the US Forest Resources, the Pew Center explains that changes in the Earth’s climate will affect both forest ecosystems and the forest industry.

The report suggests that climate change could alter forest location, composition, and productivity. The report goes on further to explain that climate change will force the migration of many tree species resulting in geographical changes of forest types and new combinations of species within forests.

"Changes in forest productivity, the migration of tree species, and potential increases in wildfires and disease could cause substantial change to U.S. forests," said Eileen Claussen, president of the Pew Center for Global Climate Change. "Moreover, these ecological impacts will have direct implications for our economy. The timber industry in the southern United States is particularly vulnerable."

"The implications of climate change for the forestry sector are largely dependent on actions taken to adapt to climate change,” says vice president of American Forests’ Forest Policy Center, Gerry Gray. “If we take proactive measures in the forestry sector, states the report, we may minimize the negative economic consequences of climate change. As part of a series addressing the “impacts” of climate change on the environment, this report did not address current policy issues regarding the potential of the U.S. forestry sector to sequester and store carbon.”

To obtain a copy of the report or to learn more about the Pew Center for Global Climate Change, visit www.pewclimate.org.

For more information about Climate Change, visit American Forests’ website, www.americanforests.org. Our climate change calculator will allow you to estimate carbon emissions from your own personal lifestyle and to take action to offset those emissions through tree planting.

Paper Company Backs Out, Leaves Ancient Trees Alone

A fragile area of Chile’s ancient coastal forests, the Olivillo region, are now closer to remaining untouched after the Chilean government and the Boise Cascade Corporation decided against building a road that would open the region to logging and plant development.

The coastal region of Chile, in addition to being home to many old growth trees, is also a place of rich nutrients. A single tree in Chile’s coastal forest can hold up to 30 pounds of moss and vines providing nutrients for the trees.

Envioronmental activists and the Chilean government persuaded the Boise Cascade Corporation to stop construction. Boise has since stopped all plans to construct a coastal road and plant development in the region, and claim that the corporation has no further business plans in Chile’s coastal region. “We have no other business activities- current or planned- in that country,” says Boise’s website. “In addition, we own no timberland in Chile.”

Tree Sitter Update

They’re at it again! The longstanding battle over logging in northern California flared up again recently when the Pacific Lumber Company removed several platforms and climbing gear that tree sitters have been using to protest the company's logging practices.

American Forests first reported this story in March, when Pacific Lumber Company was taking legal action against activists who had been protesting the company’s actions for years. Pacific Lumber Company owns some 220,000 acres of forestland in Humboldt County, California, where some have accused the company with illegal tactics.

Monday's removal action by the company included platforms near an area that activists call the Tree Village, where stands an old growth redwood known to activists as Aradia.

"We were not attempting to remove any tree sitters, even though they are breaking the law," Mary Bullwinkel, director of public relations for Pacific Lumber told the Environmental News Service.

"We removed a number of items, including numerous platforms, as well as some substandard climbing gear, like ropes and carabiners, which were not designed to carry the amount of weight they are using it for," she said.

Look for updates in future ForestBytes, or if you have an update, email us at info@amfor.org.

Logging Leftovers Provide New Energy Source

American Forests is applauding efforts to encourage the use of woody biomass byproducts as a source of renewable energy. The new initiative to use the leftovers was announced recently by Interior Secretary Gale Norton, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.

Woody biomass, the brush left over after logging and thinning, is considered a potential source of energy. In principle, whenever coal, gas, or oil are consumed to supply energy, wood could be used as a substitute to provide heat, electricity and transport fuels.

"American Forests has encouraged coordinated efforts by the federal agencies to address the use of woody biomass for renewable energy purposes," says vice president of American Forests' Forest Policy Center Gerry Gray. "We appreciate the effort to develop a consistent process by which local communities and entities can work collaboratively with the federal agencies to use the low-value byproducts of hazardous fuels reduction projects for innovative energy purposes that benefit communities."

The memorandum, which will become effective immediately, promotes the use of woody biomass byproducts from forest, woodland and rangeland restoration and hazardous fuels treatment projects, consistent with locally developed land management plans. This way, nothing goes to waste!

American Forests' Feature Creature: The Gopher Tortoise

American Forests' July Feature Creature: The Gopher Tortoise.

Burrowed deep in dry sandy soils of the southeastern coastal states, the gopher tortoise is perhaps one of the most important animals to these forested ecosystems. With its stout limbs and wide, flat claws, the tortoise can burrow holes up to 10 feet deep and 25-35 feet long, creating a co-habitat for hundreds of species including frogs, insects, and snakes.

Mainly found in the well-drained upland coastal soils surrounded by longleaf pines and turkey oaks, this herbivore feeds on grasses, herbs, and other plant material, such as berries, near the ground. The gopher tortoise weighs an average of nine pounds and can reach lengths of 10 inches long. Generally, the tortoise lives to be 40 to 60 years old.

The gopher tortoise is protected on all federal wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests and military reservations. In 1987 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the gopher tortoise as a threatened species in Louisiana, Mississippi and western Alabama. Today, Georgia and Alabama list the gopher tortoise as protected, and Mississippi and South Carolina list it as endangered.

The greatest threat to the tortoise is habitat destruction. The cutting of essential trees to create roads, buildings and parking lots break the land down into fewer sizeable areas of land, making it difficult for the tortoise to burrow and survive. With the help of American Forests’ Global ReLeaf program, Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest is planning to plant 67,500 native longleaf and slash pine trees to help improve the ecosystem and restore plants, which will help sustain the gopher tortoise’s habitat as well as many other animals in the Conecuh Forest.

To find out how to help restore forests or for more information on American Forests’ Global ReLeaf campaign, visit www.americanforests.org.

Question: Question: Which tree seed stays in flight the longest- carried by air from anywhere between a couple of minutes to a couple of days?
A) Redcedar tree seeds
B) Cottonwood tree seeds
C) Maple tree seeds
D) Douglas-fir tree seeds
(From www.treesatlanta.org)

If you answer correctly, you will be automatically included in the July drawing to win a tree! One lucky winner will receive an Historic Tree (species depends on your local climate) from American Forests' Historic Tree Nursery.

Fun Fact: One acre of trees eliminates as much carbon dioxide from the air as produced from driving a car 26,000 miles!

Answer to the June question:corkwood is the smallest Big Tree. June's drawing winner is Charles Gibson!

You can do your part to help the environment today by joining American Forests. Not only are 25 trees planted for you in a damaged ecosystem or forest restoration project, but you will also receive:

• A free subscription to our quarterly magazine
• A free Big Trees calendar
• A window decal

Join Today! Visit http://www.americanforests.org/

Don't forget to forward this information to friends or colleagues.

FEEDBACK OR OTHER ASSISTANCE:
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PLANT TREES WITH American Forests:
http://www.americanforests.org/global_releaf/

BECOME A MEMBER OF American Forests: http://www.americanforests.org/membership/

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American Forests: People Caring for Trees and Forests since 1875.