District-owned forest provides community with endless opportunities

The Iosco Conservation District (ICD) is proving a little forestland can have a large impact on the surrounding community. The Michigan district owns a 78-acre parcel that has become an attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. For ICD Forester Eric Brandon, it’s an effective tool to build relationships with private landowners in need of technical assistance.

When Leonard Ingalls died in 1991, he empowered his three good friends to decide what to do with the parcel. Two years later it was gifted to the conservation district on the condition it be used for public education and outreach. Iosco Conservation District has kept its end of the bargain. Read the full story on NACD's blog.

AFF releases report on farm bill forestry activity

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) has released a 38-page report on the farm bill’s support for family forest owners. The report provides insight on the impacts of the Environmental Quality and Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and several other programs. The report estimates that farm bill forestry and conservation programs have helped landowners improve more than 10 million acres of forestland since the release of the 2014 Farm Bill. Click here to view this report.

Forest Legacy mapping tool provides options for conservation professionals

The U.S. Forest Service has created an interactive map highlighting conserved lands throughout the United States. Initially developed to show the locations and features of projects conserved via the Forest Legacy program, the map content was expanded to include lands conserved by state, private, and other federal partners.

“This tool makes it easy to see how a project complements other conservation projects,” said Forest Legacy Program Manager Scott Stewart. “Land protection professionals can see the results of their work and plan proposed work in a larger environmental and strategic context.”

The map also includes a variety of base maps and data layers, such as important bird areas and wild and scenic rivers, which allows users to create their own maps. Click here to start your own map or search existing projects.

Forestry Briefs

Ohio - Belmont County SWCD offers EAB program

Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District organized a program to educate residents about emerald ash borer (EAB), including information about its life cycle and how to properly manage ash trees on their property. Instructors included Belmont County SWCD Wildlife and Forestry Specialist Liza Butler, Ohio State University Extension agriculture and natural resource educators Mark Landefeld and Dan Lima, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry Service Forester Jeremy Scherf. Butler told The Times Leader the program was designed to answer all landowner questions, including what the state is doing for the future of ash trees. Learn more>>>

Montana - District co-sponsors a six-week small-acreage landowner seminar

A six-week seminar series is designed to provide solutions for Montana small-acreage landowners. “The county is challenged with more and more new residents who have not previously owned acreage,” Montana State University Extension agent Pat McGlynn told the Daily Inter Lake. “Some have forests that are not managed for wildfire danger.” McGlynn has taught and facilitated classes on many topics, including pruning, beekeeping, poultry production, pasture management, weed control, agri-tourism, and landscape design. The Flathead Conservation District supplies materials for the series and assists with program planning. Learn more>>>

Illinois - District promotes ‘fascinating fall fungus’ tour

The McHenry County Conservation District, with help from the Wisconsin Mycological Society, organized a woods walk to teach residents about fungus. Attendees also were encouraged to observe the fall colors during the Sunday afternoon tour of the Marengo Ridge Conservation Area. The program was free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Read more>>>