Morrisville
State College will have a strong presence again this year at the Great
New York State Fair, featuring a handcrafted scale-model canoe, a
student-built hot rod,
horses and renewable energy and hemp displays.
The fair runs Aug. 23-Sept. 4.
Fairgoers can learn about renewable energy, horses and horsepower inside the Morrisville State College Bartlett Barn near Gate 4 by the Coliseum. Horses from various equine programs will be housed in the building throughout the fair.
The college also will showcase its Mustang car. Students in the college's automotive programs transformed the 1988 Mustang into a 550 horsepower dragster that accelerates to 130 mph in 10 seconds.
New this year in the Morrisville State College building is a handcrafted canoe, a scale model of those being constructed in a new Introduction to Boat Building course at the college.
Visitors to the building also can obtain an array of information about the college and can speak to faculty and staff about the college's program offerings. Morrisville State alumni are encouraged to stop by and access materials to find fellow classmates, enjoy history about the college and catch up on the college's growth and progress.
Morrisville State College Alumni Day at the fair is Aug. 30.
Visitors also can learn more about the hemp industry at the college's display in the SUNY section of the Horticulture Building. Morrisville is leading research in the experimentation of growing hemp as a commercial crop.
The college also will have informational materials in the World of Horses tent, which features a center ring where fairgoers can see horses up close and talk with their owners and handlers.
Nelson Farms, run by the auxiliary corporation of the college, will once again head the Taste NY Marketplace, a retail store offering food products grown and produced in New York state. The marketplace's new location is in the Horticulture Building.
The college's School of Agriculture and Natural Resources will have an exhibit in the FFA Building.
Morrisville State students also will be competing throughout the fair. They will participate in Forestry Day competitions Sept. 2 in the New York Experience Area. They also will show lambs in the beef Cattle Barn on Sept. 2 and will compete in various equine competitions.
Morrisville State College is the only college in North America to compete with a six-horse hitch, which will also be part of the fair parade on opening day, Aug. 23.
Showing posts with label forestry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forestry. Show all posts
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Monday, July 31, 2017
Farm Credit East Provides Updates on Agriculture Economic Conditions
Farm Credit East recently launched a section on its website containing snapshots for nine Northeast agriculture industries.
These snapshots provide industry-specific year-to-date updates on economic conditions in various sectors of agriculture.
Snapshots are available for the Northeast’s dairy, fruit, vegetable, nursery and greenhouse, cash field, timber, aquatic/fishing, and livestock industries, as well as an update and outlook on input costs for the region’s producers.
These snapshots will be updated on a quarterly basis and also contain links to other resources and recent articles relating to each industry.
The most recent update reports that overall, U.S. agriculture, as well as that of the Northeast, continues to face some challenging market conditions, but there are also a number of bright spots and some improvements are in the forecast.
Cash field crops in particular are dealing with adverse pricing and while dairy prices are improving, there continue to be marketing challenges in some areas. Nursery and greenhouse, which have had improving economic conditions for the past few years, are reporting relatively good spring results.
To dive deeper into industry-specific snapshots, visit FarmCreditEast.com.
These snapshots provide industry-specific year-to-date updates on economic conditions in various sectors of agriculture.
Snapshots are available for the Northeast’s dairy, fruit, vegetable, nursery and greenhouse, cash field, timber, aquatic/fishing, and livestock industries, as well as an update and outlook on input costs for the region’s producers.
These snapshots will be updated on a quarterly basis and also contain links to other resources and recent articles relating to each industry.
The most recent update reports that overall, U.S. agriculture, as well as that of the Northeast, continues to face some challenging market conditions, but there are also a number of bright spots and some improvements are in the forecast.
Cash field crops in particular are dealing with adverse pricing and while dairy prices are improving, there continue to be marketing challenges in some areas. Nursery and greenhouse, which have had improving economic conditions for the past few years, are reporting relatively good spring results.
To dive deeper into industry-specific snapshots, visit FarmCreditEast.com.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
New York Farm Show Opens Feb. 23 st State Fairgrounds
The 32nd edition of the show runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and 25 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, west of Syracuse.
The annual show hosts more than 400 exhibitors in six heated buildings, including the Arts and Home Center, Center of Progress, Dairy, Horticulture, and Science Buildings, and International Pavilion.
“It’s a spring planning show,” New York Farm Show manager Scott Grigor said. “It gets people out of the house. The economy is off a little, and it helps people enjoy life a little bit.”
The show had 406 confirmed exhibitors as of Jan. 11 with more expected, Grigor said. There are 13 new exhibitors this year, including Yanmar Tractor of Georgia
Exhibit area covers more than 222,000 square feet of space.
Topics covered by seminars includes: beef, forestry, and health and safety. There also will be the popular FFA toy auction and 4-H members will again be selling hitch pins as a county fundraiser.
They are offering Tisco 6-by-¾-inch hitch pins at $5 each or five for $20. They will be located at the main entrance doors of the Center of Progress, Dairy and Horticulture buildings.
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health will offer information on ROPS (rollover protective structures), safe skid steer operation, blood pressure screenings and youth safety activities.
The center also will again have its farm hazards display board set up to help people identify hazardous situations on the farm. It will supply information on PPE (personal protective equipment) selection and catalogs and applications for the John May Farm Safety Fund, and roadway safety tips in conjunction with the state troopers.
BEEF SEMINARS
Here are some of the beef seminars from the New York Beef Council to be held in the beef area of the Toyota Building:
Daily presentations beginning at 10 a.m. will feature:10 a.m.: ABCs of EPDs - Phil Trowbridge, Trowbridge Angus11 a.m.: Trace Minerals - Its role on the Cattle Immune System, Dr. Bob Gentry, MultiminNoon: Quality - The Consumer Expectations, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - ThursdayNoon: Beef Up Your Marketing, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - Friday1 p.m.: Johne’s - What it is and Programs Available, Dr. Melanie Hemenway, NYSCHAP 2 p.m.: Unraveling Official Identification, Dr Jane Lewis, USDA Ag. And Markets3 p.m.: Beef showmanship clinic, Robert Groom/ Jeanne White- Thursday3 p.m.: Fitting clinic, Robert Groom - Friday
Saturday will be dedicated to youth doing the presentations on different related beef topics. Grab a seat on the bleachers as these young individuals demonstrate their experiences and knowledge of the beef industry. Jean O’Toole, the new executive director of the New York Beef Council, and Katherine Bronson will open the presentations.
10 a.m.: How to Master “Agvocacy,” Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC11 a.m.: Our National Livestock Judging Experience in Louisville, KY- By Melissa Keller, NY Junior Beef Producer11 a.m.: Three Ways to get Involved with the Beef Industry, Megan Cranwell, NY Junior Beef ProducerNoon: What I Learned about NYBC (NY Beef Council) through C2C (Cattlemen to Consumers) Program, Jala Murphy, NY Junior Beef Producer12:30 p.m.: What Telling our Story Means and Why We Should, By Sam and Sarah Birdsall, NY Junior Beef Producers1 p.m.: Small Steps to Becoming Socially Savvy in our Beef Industry, By Anna King, NY Junior Beef Producer1:30 p.m.: Important Factors When Doing a Project Beef Animal for Sales at County Fairs - Feed, Nutrition, Record-keeping, Animal Care, Marketing, etc., By Daisy Trowbridge and Jordin Radley, NY Junior Beef Producers2 p.m.: Primal and Retail Beef Cuts, By Loretta and Suzie Lippert, NY Junior Beef Producers
As you attend the presentations enjoy a hot beef sundae served up daily by the New York Beef Producers, starting at 11 a.m.
The New York Beef Council will have a face-to-face presence at this year’s NY Farm Show! Stop by to “Beef Together” with the NYBC’s innovative marketing initiatives to promote YOU, our farmers, and the quality beef you produce.
A live beef cattle display representing numerous beef breeds will enhance our Beef Area, including breed information to take home.
Engage with the “Face of Our Farmers.” Beef Farmers have filled out questioners to help you get to know them better. Engage in a conversation with beef producers, see their likes, dislikes and ask them beef related questions.
Pick up a Scavenger Hunt paper at the Beef Gazebo and then read our “Face of our Farmers” posters to get your answers and win a prize.
Beef recipes and beef related information also will be available in the beef area for attendees to take home and enjoy.
FOREST SEMINARS
Free programs to help landowners get more benefits from their woodlots will be presented by the New York Forest Owners Association each day of the New York Farm Show.
Visitors to the show can meet with a forester from the State Department of Environmental Conservation or speak with a Cornell trained volunteer.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their questions and pause at the booth area before or after attending a seminar program. The DEC foresters and trained volunteers are there to help with resource materials, displays and expert advice.
“Learn More, Earn More” seminars are free and open to all. Topics include federal cost sharing for woodlot improvements, working with foresters, improving bird habitat, heating with wood, and forest farming. Programs start on the hour and allow time for questions and discussion.
The booth is on the main corridor of the Arts and Home Center, and the seminars are held in the Somerset Room just steps away on the lower level of the building.
These programs are presented by the New York Forest Owners Association in cooperation with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Seminar topics and speakers for each day include:
Thursday, Feb. 23
11 a.m.: DEC Can Help Family Forest Owners, by Matt Swayze, state Department of Environmental Conservation
1 p.m.: Assessing Impacts from Deer, by Kristie Sullivan, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: Legacy Planning for Your Property, by Shorna Allred, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
Friday, Feb. 24
10 a.m.: Unwanted Vegetation in Your Woods, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
11 a.m.: Woodlot Inventory: How Many Trees Do You Have?, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
1 p.m.: Insects and Diseases that Threaten Your Woods, by Mark Whitmore, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: The Law: Rights and Responsibilities of Woodlot Owners, by Timothy Fratesch, Fratesch Law Firm, Syracuse
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
Saturday, Feb. 25
10 a.m.: Heat with Wood While Growing Timber, Michael Kelleher, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
11 a.m.: Improve Bird Habitat with Smart Timber Management, by Suzanne Treyger, Forest Program Manager, Audubon New York
1 p.m.: Working with Consulting Foresters, by Rene Germain, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
2 p.m.: Wilhelm Farm: A Case Study in Agroforestry, by Ann Wilhelm & Bill Bentley, woodlot owners
3 p.m.: Woodlots and Income Taxes, by Hugh Canham, Emeritus Professor, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Visit the New York Forest Owners Association website (www.nyfoa.org for more information.
Monday, January 23, 2017
New York Farm Show Set for Feb. 23-25 at NYS Fairgrounds
From Empire Farm & Dairy magazine
The 2017 New York Farm Show is the place to visit this winter for information on new innovative farm and woodlot products and equipment.
The 32nd edition of the show runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and 25 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, west of Syracuse.
The annual show hosts more than 400 exhibitors in six heated buildings, including the Arts and Home Center, Center of Progress, Dairy, Horticulture, and Science Buildings, and International Pavilion.
“It’s a spring planning show,” New York Farm Show manager Scott Grigor said. “It gets people out of the house. The economy is off a little, and it helps people enjoy life a little bit.”
The show had 406 confirmed exhibitors as of Jan. 11 with more expected, Grigor said. There are 13 new exhibitors this year, including Yanmar Tractor of Georgia
Exhibit area covers more than 222,000 square feet of space.
Topics covered by seminars includes: beef, forestry, and health and safety. There also will be the popular FFA toy auction and 4-H members will again be selling hitch pins as a county fundraiser. They are offering Tisco 6-by-¾-inch hitch pins at $5 each or five for $20. They will be located at the main entrance doors of the Center of Progress, Dairy and Horticulture buildings.
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health will offer information on ROPS (rollover protective structures), safe skid steer operation, blood pressure screenings and youth safety activities.
The center also will again have its farm hazards display board set up to help people identify hazardous situations on the farm. It will supply information on PPE (personal protective equipment) selection and catalogs and applications for the John May Farm Safety Fund, and roadway safety tips in conjunction with the state troopers.
BEEF SEMINARS
Here are some of the beef seminars from the New York Beef Council to be held in the beef area of the Toyota Building:
Daily presentations beginning at 10 a.m. will feature:
10 a.m.: ABCs of EPDs - Phil Trowbridge, Trowbridge Angus
11 a.m.: Trace Minerals - Its role on the Cattle Immune System, Dr. Bob Gentry, Multimin
Noon: Quality - The Consumer Expectations, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - Thursday
Noon: Beef Up Your Marketing, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - Friday
1 p.m.: Johne’s - What it is and Programs Available, Dr. Melanie Hemenway, NYSCHAP
2 p.m.: Unraveling Official Identification, Dr Jane Lewis, USDA Ag. And Markets
3 p.m.: Beef showmanship clinic, Robert Groom/ Jeanne White- Thursday
3 p.m.: Fitting clinic, Robert Groom - Friday
Saturday will be dedicated to youth doing the presentations on different related beef topics. Grab a seat on the bleachers as these young individuals demonstrate their experiences and knowledge of the beef industry. Jean O’Toole, the new executive director of the New York Beef Council, and Katherine Bronson will open the presentations.
10 a.m.: How to Master “Agvocacy,” Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC
11 a.m.: Our National Livestock Judging Experience in Louisville, KY- By Melissa Keller, NY Junior Beef Producer
11 a.m.: Three Ways to get Involved with the Beef Industry, Megan Cranwell, NY Junior Beef Producer
Noon: What I Learned about NYBC (NY Beef Council) through C2C (Cattlemen to Consumers) Program, Jala Murphy, NY Junior Beef Producer
12:30 p.m.: What Telling our Story Means and Why We Should, By Sam and Sarah Birdsall, NY Junior Beef Producers
1 p.m.: Small Steps to Becoming Socially Savvy in our Beef Industry, By Anna King, NY Junior Beef Producer
1:30 p.m.: Important Factors When Doing a Project Beef Animal for Sales at County Fairs - Feed, Nutrition, Record-keeping, Animal Care, Marketing, etc., By Daisy Trowbridge and Jordin Radley, NY Junior Beef Producers
2 p.m.: Primal and Retail Beef Cuts, By Loretta and Suzie Lippert, NY Junior Beef Producers
As you attend the presentations enjoy a hot beef sundae served up daily by the New York Beef Producers, starting at 11:00 a.m.
The New York Beef Council will have a face-to-face presence at this year’s NY Farm Show! Stop by to “Beef Together” with the NYBC’s innovative marketing initiatives to promote YOU, our farmers, and the quality beef you produce.
A live beef cattle display representing numerous beef breeds will enhance our Beef Area, including breed information to take home.
Engage with the “Face of Our Farmers.” Beef Farmers have filled out questioners to help you get to know them better. Engage in a conversation with beef producers, see their likes, dislikes and ask them beef related questions.
Pick up a Scavenger Hunt paper at the Beef Gazebo and then read our “Face of our Farmers” posters to get your answers and win a prize.
Beef recipes and beef related information also will be available in the beef area for attendees to take home and enjoy.
FOREST SEMINARS
Free programs to help landowners get more benefits from their woodlots will be presented by the New York Forest Owners Association each day of the New York Farm Show.
Visitors to the show can meet with a forester from the State Department of Environmental Conservation or speak with a Cornell trained volunteer.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their questions and pause at the booth area before or after attending a seminar program. The DEC foresters and trained volunteers are there to help with resource materials, displays and expert advice.
“Learn More, Earn More” seminars are free and open to all. Topics include federal cost sharing for woodlot improvements, working with foresters, improving bird habitat, heating with wood, and forest farming. Programs start on the hour and allow time for questions and discussion.
The booth is on the main corridor of the Arts and Home Center, and the seminars are held in the Somerset Room just steps away on the lower level of the building.
These programs are presented by the New York Forest Owners Association in cooperation with the NY Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and with special thanks to each of the expert speakers.
Seminar topics and speakers for each day include:
Thursday, Feb. 23
11 a.m.: DEC Can Help Family Forest Owners, by Matt Swayze, state Department of Environmental Conservation
1 p.m.: Assessing Impacts from Deer, by Kristie Sullivan, Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: Legacy Planning for Your Property, by Shorna Allred, Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
Friday, Feb. 24
10 a.m.: Unwanted Vegetation in Your Woods, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
11 a.m.: Woodlot Inventory: How Many Trees Do You Have?, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
1 p.m.: Insects and Diseases that Threaten Your Woods, by Mark Whitmore, Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: The Law: Rights and Responsibilities of Woodlot Owners, by Timothy Fratesch Esq. Fratesch Law Firm, Syracuse
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
Saturday, Feb. 25
10 a.m.: Heat with Wood While Growing Timber, Michael Kelleher, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
11 a.m.: Improve Bird Habitat with Smart Timber Management, by Suzanne Treyger, Forest Program Manager, Audubon New York
1 p.m.: Working with Consulting Foresters, by Rene Germain, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
2 p.m.: Wilhelm Farm: A Case Study in Agroforestry, by Ann Wilhelm & Bill Bentley, woodlot owners
3 p.m.: Woodlots and Income Taxes, by Hugh Canham, Emeritus Professor, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Visit the New York Forest Owners Association website (www.nyfoa.org for more information.
The 2017 New York Farm Show is the place to visit this winter for information on new innovative farm and woodlot products and equipment.
The 32nd edition of the show runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and 25 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, west of Syracuse.
The annual show hosts more than 400 exhibitors in six heated buildings, including the Arts and Home Center, Center of Progress, Dairy, Horticulture, and Science Buildings, and International Pavilion.
“It’s a spring planning show,” New York Farm Show manager Scott Grigor said. “It gets people out of the house. The economy is off a little, and it helps people enjoy life a little bit.”
The show had 406 confirmed exhibitors as of Jan. 11 with more expected, Grigor said. There are 13 new exhibitors this year, including Yanmar Tractor of Georgia
Exhibit area covers more than 222,000 square feet of space.
Topics covered by seminars includes: beef, forestry, and health and safety. There also will be the popular FFA toy auction and 4-H members will again be selling hitch pins as a county fundraiser. They are offering Tisco 6-by-¾-inch hitch pins at $5 each or five for $20. They will be located at the main entrance doors of the Center of Progress, Dairy and Horticulture buildings.
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health will offer information on ROPS (rollover protective structures), safe skid steer operation, blood pressure screenings and youth safety activities.
The center also will again have its farm hazards display board set up to help people identify hazardous situations on the farm. It will supply information on PPE (personal protective equipment) selection and catalogs and applications for the John May Farm Safety Fund, and roadway safety tips in conjunction with the state troopers.
BEEF SEMINARS
Here are some of the beef seminars from the New York Beef Council to be held in the beef area of the Toyota Building:
Daily presentations beginning at 10 a.m. will feature:
10 a.m.: ABCs of EPDs - Phil Trowbridge, Trowbridge Angus
11 a.m.: Trace Minerals - Its role on the Cattle Immune System, Dr. Bob Gentry, Multimin
Noon: Quality - The Consumer Expectations, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - Thursday
Noon: Beef Up Your Marketing, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - Friday
1 p.m.: Johne’s - What it is and Programs Available, Dr. Melanie Hemenway, NYSCHAP
2 p.m.: Unraveling Official Identification, Dr Jane Lewis, USDA Ag. And Markets
3 p.m.: Beef showmanship clinic, Robert Groom/ Jeanne White- Thursday
3 p.m.: Fitting clinic, Robert Groom - Friday
Saturday will be dedicated to youth doing the presentations on different related beef topics. Grab a seat on the bleachers as these young individuals demonstrate their experiences and knowledge of the beef industry. Jean O’Toole, the new executive director of the New York Beef Council, and Katherine Bronson will open the presentations.
10 a.m.: How to Master “Agvocacy,” Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC
11 a.m.: Our National Livestock Judging Experience in Louisville, KY- By Melissa Keller, NY Junior Beef Producer
11 a.m.: Three Ways to get Involved with the Beef Industry, Megan Cranwell, NY Junior Beef Producer
Noon: What I Learned about NYBC (NY Beef Council) through C2C (Cattlemen to Consumers) Program, Jala Murphy, NY Junior Beef Producer
12:30 p.m.: What Telling our Story Means and Why We Should, By Sam and Sarah Birdsall, NY Junior Beef Producers
1 p.m.: Small Steps to Becoming Socially Savvy in our Beef Industry, By Anna King, NY Junior Beef Producer
1:30 p.m.: Important Factors When Doing a Project Beef Animal for Sales at County Fairs - Feed, Nutrition, Record-keeping, Animal Care, Marketing, etc., By Daisy Trowbridge and Jordin Radley, NY Junior Beef Producers
2 p.m.: Primal and Retail Beef Cuts, By Loretta and Suzie Lippert, NY Junior Beef Producers
As you attend the presentations enjoy a hot beef sundae served up daily by the New York Beef Producers, starting at 11:00 a.m.
The New York Beef Council will have a face-to-face presence at this year’s NY Farm Show! Stop by to “Beef Together” with the NYBC’s innovative marketing initiatives to promote YOU, our farmers, and the quality beef you produce.
A live beef cattle display representing numerous beef breeds will enhance our Beef Area, including breed information to take home.
Engage with the “Face of Our Farmers.” Beef Farmers have filled out questioners to help you get to know them better. Engage in a conversation with beef producers, see their likes, dislikes and ask them beef related questions.
Pick up a Scavenger Hunt paper at the Beef Gazebo and then read our “Face of our Farmers” posters to get your answers and win a prize.
Beef recipes and beef related information also will be available in the beef area for attendees to take home and enjoy.
FOREST SEMINARS
Free programs to help landowners get more benefits from their woodlots will be presented by the New York Forest Owners Association each day of the New York Farm Show.
Visitors to the show can meet with a forester from the State Department of Environmental Conservation or speak with a Cornell trained volunteer.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their questions and pause at the booth area before or after attending a seminar program. The DEC foresters and trained volunteers are there to help with resource materials, displays and expert advice.
“Learn More, Earn More” seminars are free and open to all. Topics include federal cost sharing for woodlot improvements, working with foresters, improving bird habitat, heating with wood, and forest farming. Programs start on the hour and allow time for questions and discussion.
The booth is on the main corridor of the Arts and Home Center, and the seminars are held in the Somerset Room just steps away on the lower level of the building.
These programs are presented by the New York Forest Owners Association in cooperation with the NY Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and with special thanks to each of the expert speakers.
Seminar topics and speakers for each day include:
Thursday, Feb. 23
11 a.m.: DEC Can Help Family Forest Owners, by Matt Swayze, state Department of Environmental Conservation
1 p.m.: Assessing Impacts from Deer, by Kristie Sullivan, Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: Legacy Planning for Your Property, by Shorna Allred, Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
Friday, Feb. 24
10 a.m.: Unwanted Vegetation in Your Woods, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
11 a.m.: Woodlot Inventory: How Many Trees Do You Have?, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
1 p.m.: Insects and Diseases that Threaten Your Woods, by Mark Whitmore, Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: The Law: Rights and Responsibilities of Woodlot Owners, by Timothy Fratesch Esq. Fratesch Law Firm, Syracuse
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
Saturday, Feb. 25
10 a.m.: Heat with Wood While Growing Timber, Michael Kelleher, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
11 a.m.: Improve Bird Habitat with Smart Timber Management, by Suzanne Treyger, Forest Program Manager, Audubon New York
1 p.m.: Working with Consulting Foresters, by Rene Germain, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
2 p.m.: Wilhelm Farm: A Case Study in Agroforestry, by Ann Wilhelm & Bill Bentley, woodlot owners
3 p.m.: Woodlots and Income Taxes, by Hugh Canham, Emeritus Professor, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Visit the New York Forest Owners Association website (www.nyfoa.org for more information.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Forestry is Big Business in New York State
From EMPIRE FARM & DAIRY MAGAZINE
New York Land Area: 30.2 million acres. State Population: 19 million
New York Forest Area: 18.95 million acres, 63 percent of land area, about one acre per resident
Publicly-owned Forest Land: at least 3.7 million acres
Privately-owned Forest Land Area: 14.4 million acres; 76 percent of forest land; owned by 687,000 land owners
Northern hardwood forests, dominated by beech, birch and maple, make up over 53 percent of the forest cover.
Forest ownership – New York’s forests continue to be largely privately owned by individuals/families and business who together own over 76 percent of the forest
Number of tree species: more than 100 commercial and non-commercial
Most common forest type: maple/beech/birch (53 percent of forest land area)
Economic Importance of New York’s Forests and Harvest Information
$300 million in annual payments to private landowners
488 million board feet of logs
2.1 million green tons pulpwood and wood chips
25 percent of New York timber harvest is exported for processing
Economic contribution of forest products-related manufacturing and services: $14 billion (US Census)
Forest-related tourism: $1.9 billion products made from wood: bowling pins, snowshoe and baseball bat
With proper planning and management, forests provide renewable natural resources
By DEBRA J. GROOM
EMPIRE FARM & DAIRY
About 63 percent of New York state is covered with forests.
That’s a lot of trees. And students who graduate with forestry degrees from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Morrisville State College and Paul Smith’s College help keep these forests vital, sustainable and thriving for everyone in the state to enjoy.
That goes for the intrepid outdoorsman who likes to hike through the forests. The same for the farmer or private landowner who wants to sell some timber for a little extra income. Ditto the paper companies like Finch in Glens Falls, Warren County, or International Paper in Ticonderoga, Essex County.
“Foresters work on management issues, purchasing timber to feed a mill or working with regulatory issues,” said SUNY ESF Professor David Newman, who also chairs the forest and natural resources management program. “They have to help plan the timber harvest in such a way that you get value now, but also get good value in the future.”
HackCollege’s school directory states that each year in New York, about 85 students graduate with credentials in forestry. SUNY ESF is the state’s largest forestry school. Newman said about 15 to 20 students graduate with forestry degrees each year.
In addition to forestry, there are many other forest, tree and environmental programs offered at SUNY ESF.
Some of these are:
** Forest technician program
** Natural resources management
** Environmental natural resources technicians, who work primarily with wildlife
** Aquatics and fisheries, which deals with invasive species, ecosystems management and marine studies
** Conservation biology, which focuses on conserving the earth’s imperiled species and ecosystems
** Environmental health, which deals with analysis, prevention and mitigation of potential environmental hazards, and
** Landscape architecture, dealing with urban and regional planning and community and environmental design
Morrisville State College offers an associate degree in natural resources conservation. Within this degree, students who want to specialize in forestry and silviculture may complete the forest technology concentration minor, said spokeswoman Franci Valenzano.
The Society of American Foresters Accredited Forest Technology concentration minor is how it is listed in the college catalog. Along with this minor, students must complete an internship in natural resources at an approved forest industry internship site.
Paul Smith’s College in Franklin County offers bachelor’s degrees in forestry, ecological restoration, environmental science, fisheries and wildlife sciences, natural resource conservation and management and sustainable communities and working landscapes. Associate degrees are offered in forestry and arboriculture and landscape management. There also is a minor in forestry.
What do foresters do?
Newman said foresters are important for people like farmers who may have large acreage in forests on their land. He said some people think they can simply go into a woodlot and chop down some trees to manage the forest. Others want to do the management themselves to save money.
But it doesn’t work that way.
He said if there is no planning in how a forest is harvested, then “what you get back is not very healthy. With species like maple and other desirable species, you have to plan to get out what you want.”
He said some SUNY ESF students with forestry degrees go to work for consulting companies who “work with landowners to help manage their forest land.”
“Helping landowners is a big part of what a forester does,” Newman said. “And farmers often have forest land to help with erosion, wind damage and for alternative income.”
But if the farmers or landowners want to manage the forested land and ensure the forest continues to be sustainable in the future, they need the help of a forester, he said.
Employment for foresters in New York state does not look to be strong, according to statistics from the Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. But Newman said every one of the SUNY ESF grads finds a job in forestry upon graduation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the mean salary for a forester in New York state is $62,800 to $79,400.
Using marginal farmland
Timothy Volk, a senior research associate at SUNY ESF, works with farmers who have land they can’t use for crops. It might have poor soil quality or it might not drain well.
So instead of just letting that land sit barren, he teaches them how to use it to make some money.
Volk said land that won’t sustain vegetables or fruits often will grow crops such as shrub willow or other woody biomass plants that can be harvested, burned and used to create energy.
“The wood ships products are sold for heating and to power markets,” he said. “The woody biomass also can be used for making other biofuels or other products.”
The first thing farmers should think about, though, if they are considering growing shrub willow is whether they have a market. Right now, 1,200 acres of willow is grown on private land in Northern New York and is used at ReEnergy Holdings power plants at Fort Drum, Jefferson County and in Lyonsdale, Lewis County.
“Any time we get calls from farmers we ask if they have an outlet for sales,” Volk said. “You plant it once and harvest it every three years or so and it can be harvested seven times. It’s a long-term perennial crop.
And there is a costly upfront investment — $800 to $1,000 an acre to get started. So they should be sure to have a place to sell the willow.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in June kicked off a sign-up period for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Through this program, the USDA will provide half of the estimated cost of annual land rental payment in the years where there is no harvest for farmers and landowners who plant woody biomass.
The sign-up period is from June 15 through the end of August.
State foresters help farmers
There are many ways in which state foresters help farmers and other private landowners.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Stewardship Program provides free planning and technical assistance to all private forestland owners in the state, including farm owners, according to DEC forestry staffers.
They said it is estimated that about 10 percent of all privately owned forests in New York are associated with farm ownership, and 20 percent of total farm land area is forest, therefore many farmers take advantage of our assistance programs.
Farmers, like all forestland owners, face many of the same forest related issues, such as invasive species and overabundant deer. However, the state forestry staff say proper planning can go a long way to improving the health and resiliency of private forest land to meet both the goals of a landowner and the needs of the forest habitat.
DEC foresters help landowners plan for the future of their forest land by creating a customized forest management plan that provides information on the current status of the forest and what forestry practices will be useful in meeting a landowners short and long-term goals and objectives.
A key part of the plan’s development is to walk the forest with the landowner to describe the current forest conditions and develop specific recommendations of improvements.
Foresters also help farmers with wildlife problems they encounter. In fact, the forestry staffers say wildlife issues are one of the most common reasons forestland owners contact a DEC forester. They can help with issues such as the overabundance of deer or even invasive species that can harm crops.
DEC foresters work with forest owners to identify the presence or absence of a pest and recommend forest management strategies to offset the impacts and to prepare the forest to be healthier and more resilient to combat future pest attacks.
An overabundance of white-tailed deer browsing activity can affect both a farmer’s forest and food crops. In this case a farmer can apply for either a Deer Management Assistance Program Permit or Deer Damage Permit issued by the DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Many forestland owners, including farmers, are interested in improving forest habitat for certain game and non-game wildlife species. DEC foresters work directly with landowners to develop recommended methods of forest cutting to modify the structure and composition of the forest while at the same time allowing the forest to continue to grow for timber production and other benefits.
Forest owners wishing to undertake timber harvesting activities without necessarily considering planning for specific long-term goals and objectives can contact a DEC forester who can provide objective information and other assistance to assure that the best interest of the forest and the owner are met during and after harvest.
Go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5257.html for more information.
There are 25 DEC forestry staff available to provide services to private forest owners, including eligible farmers. Nearly all DEC offices around the state have a professional forester on staff that can provide private forestry assistance.
If a farmer needs help from a forester, he or she can call the area DEC office. Numbers can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html
New York Land Area: 30.2 million acres. State Population: 19 million
New York Forest Area: 18.95 million acres, 63 percent of land area, about one acre per resident
Publicly-owned Forest Land: at least 3.7 million acres
Privately-owned Forest Land Area: 14.4 million acres; 76 percent of forest land; owned by 687,000 land owners
Northern hardwood forests, dominated by beech, birch and maple, make up over 53 percent of the forest cover.
Forest ownership – New York’s forests continue to be largely privately owned by individuals/families and business who together own over 76 percent of the forest
Number of tree species: more than 100 commercial and non-commercial
Most common forest type: maple/beech/birch (53 percent of forest land area)
Economic Importance of New York’s Forests and Harvest Information
$300 million in annual payments to private landowners
488 million board feet of logs
2.1 million green tons pulpwood and wood chips
25 percent of New York timber harvest is exported for processing
Economic contribution of forest products-related manufacturing and services: $14 billion (US Census)
Forest-related tourism: $1.9 billion products made from wood: bowling pins, snowshoe and baseball bat
With proper planning and management, forests provide renewable natural resources
By DEBRA J. GROOM
EMPIRE FARM & DAIRY
About 63 percent of New York state is covered with forests.
That’s a lot of trees. And students who graduate with forestry degrees from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Morrisville State College and Paul Smith’s College help keep these forests vital, sustainable and thriving for everyone in the state to enjoy.
That goes for the intrepid outdoorsman who likes to hike through the forests. The same for the farmer or private landowner who wants to sell some timber for a little extra income. Ditto the paper companies like Finch in Glens Falls, Warren County, or International Paper in Ticonderoga, Essex County.
“Foresters work on management issues, purchasing timber to feed a mill or working with regulatory issues,” said SUNY ESF Professor David Newman, who also chairs the forest and natural resources management program. “They have to help plan the timber harvest in such a way that you get value now, but also get good value in the future.”
 |
| A SUNY ESF student learns to measure trees |
In addition to forestry, there are many other forest, tree and environmental programs offered at SUNY ESF.
Some of these are:
** Forest technician program
** Natural resources management
** Environmental natural resources technicians, who work primarily with wildlife
** Aquatics and fisheries, which deals with invasive species, ecosystems management and marine studies
** Conservation biology, which focuses on conserving the earth’s imperiled species and ecosystems
** Environmental health, which deals with analysis, prevention and mitigation of potential environmental hazards, and
** Landscape architecture, dealing with urban and regional planning and community and environmental design
Morrisville State College offers an associate degree in natural resources conservation. Within this degree, students who want to specialize in forestry and silviculture may complete the forest technology concentration minor, said spokeswoman Franci Valenzano.
The Society of American Foresters Accredited Forest Technology concentration minor is how it is listed in the college catalog. Along with this minor, students must complete an internship in natural resources at an approved forest industry internship site.
Paul Smith’s College in Franklin County offers bachelor’s degrees in forestry, ecological restoration, environmental science, fisheries and wildlife sciences, natural resource conservation and management and sustainable communities and working landscapes. Associate degrees are offered in forestry and arboriculture and landscape management. There also is a minor in forestry.
What do foresters do?
 |
| New York State Forester Mike Giocondo |
But it doesn’t work that way.
He said if there is no planning in how a forest is harvested, then “what you get back is not very healthy. With species like maple and other desirable species, you have to plan to get out what you want.”
He said some SUNY ESF students with forestry degrees go to work for consulting companies who “work with landowners to help manage their forest land.”
“Helping landowners is a big part of what a forester does,” Newman said. “And farmers often have forest land to help with erosion, wind damage and for alternative income.”
But if the farmers or landowners want to manage the forested land and ensure the forest continues to be sustainable in the future, they need the help of a forester, he said.
Employment for foresters in New York state does not look to be strong, according to statistics from the Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. But Newman said every one of the SUNY ESF grads finds a job in forestry upon graduation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the mean salary for a forester in New York state is $62,800 to $79,400.
Using marginal farmland
 |
| Willow growing in Canastota, Madison County |
So instead of just letting that land sit barren, he teaches them how to use it to make some money.
Volk said land that won’t sustain vegetables or fruits often will grow crops such as shrub willow or other woody biomass plants that can be harvested, burned and used to create energy.
“The wood ships products are sold for heating and to power markets,” he said. “The woody biomass also can be used for making other biofuels or other products.”
The first thing farmers should think about, though, if they are considering growing shrub willow is whether they have a market. Right now, 1,200 acres of willow is grown on private land in Northern New York and is used at ReEnergy Holdings power plants at Fort Drum, Jefferson County and in Lyonsdale, Lewis County.
“Any time we get calls from farmers we ask if they have an outlet for sales,” Volk said. “You plant it once and harvest it every three years or so and it can be harvested seven times. It’s a long-term perennial crop.
And there is a costly upfront investment — $800 to $1,000 an acre to get started. So they should be sure to have a place to sell the willow.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in June kicked off a sign-up period for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Through this program, the USDA will provide half of the estimated cost of annual land rental payment in the years where there is no harvest for farmers and landowners who plant woody biomass.
The sign-up period is from June 15 through the end of August.
State foresters help farmers
There are many ways in which state foresters help farmers and other private landowners.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Stewardship Program provides free planning and technical assistance to all private forestland owners in the state, including farm owners, according to DEC forestry staffers.
They said it is estimated that about 10 percent of all privately owned forests in New York are associated with farm ownership, and 20 percent of total farm land area is forest, therefore many farmers take advantage of our assistance programs.
Farmers, like all forestland owners, face many of the same forest related issues, such as invasive species and overabundant deer. However, the state forestry staff say proper planning can go a long way to improving the health and resiliency of private forest land to meet both the goals of a landowner and the needs of the forest habitat.
DEC foresters help landowners plan for the future of their forest land by creating a customized forest management plan that provides information on the current status of the forest and what forestry practices will be useful in meeting a landowners short and long-term goals and objectives.
A key part of the plan’s development is to walk the forest with the landowner to describe the current forest conditions and develop specific recommendations of improvements.
Foresters also help farmers with wildlife problems they encounter. In fact, the forestry staffers say wildlife issues are one of the most common reasons forestland owners contact a DEC forester. They can help with issues such as the overabundance of deer or even invasive species that can harm crops.
DEC foresters work with forest owners to identify the presence or absence of a pest and recommend forest management strategies to offset the impacts and to prepare the forest to be healthier and more resilient to combat future pest attacks.
An overabundance of white-tailed deer browsing activity can affect both a farmer’s forest and food crops. In this case a farmer can apply for either a Deer Management Assistance Program Permit or Deer Damage Permit issued by the DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Many forestland owners, including farmers, are interested in improving forest habitat for certain game and non-game wildlife species. DEC foresters work directly with landowners to develop recommended methods of forest cutting to modify the structure and composition of the forest while at the same time allowing the forest to continue to grow for timber production and other benefits.
Forest owners wishing to undertake timber harvesting activities without necessarily considering planning for specific long-term goals and objectives can contact a DEC forester who can provide objective information and other assistance to assure that the best interest of the forest and the owner are met during and after harvest.
Go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5257.html for more information.
There are 25 DEC forestry staff available to provide services to private forest owners, including eligible farmers. Nearly all DEC offices around the state have a professional forester on staff that can provide private forestry assistance.
If a farmer needs help from a forester, he or she can call the area DEC office. Numbers can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html
Thursday, July 17, 2014
New York State Wood Energy Team Receives Federal Money
Submitted by Kara Lynn Dunn:
On July 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the New York State Wood Energy Team, led by the Empire State Forestry Foundation with support from the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, as one of 11 teams receiving cooperative agreements from the USDA Forest Service.
In New York, the Forest Service funding of $250,000, which leverages additional state and private investment, will be used to develop and hold workshops to provide technical, financial and environmental information; offer preliminary engineering assessments; and conduct community outreach needed to support the development of wood energy projects.
Successful applications for projects will receive technical assistance to access additional financing for design and construction from the Forest Service, the USDA, and the New York State Green Bank, among other sources.
‘The investment from the Forest Service will allow for a substantial outreach and education campaign that will support the existing bioenergy industry and New York State programs, such as Renewable Heat NY, by raising awareness and understanding of this local, affordable, renewable source of energy,’ says Alice Brumbach, executive administrator of the New York Biomass Energy Alliance. ’
"The New York State Wood Energy Team of dedicated and talented individuals from across the state and region will be working very hard over the next three years to move bioenergy to a mainstream renewable energy option for New Yorkers," she said.
The New York State Wood Energy Team will begin its outreach and education campaign over the next few months in the Catskill Region, the North Country and the Southern Tier. Contact Alice Brumbach for more information on how you can become involved.
In addition to the Empire State Forestry Foundation and the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, the New York State Wood Energy Team consists of the Adirondack North Country Association, Catskill Forest Association, Clarkson University, Farm Credit East, Mesa Reduction Engineering & Processing, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Northern Forest Center, Richmond Energy Associates, Rick Handley & Associates, Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Yellow Wood Associates.
The advisory board to the New York State Wood Energy Team includes the New York Farm Viability Institute, NYS Department of Ag & Markets, NY Farm Bureau, New York State Wood Products Development Council, Finger Lakes National Forest, and USDA Forest Service.
To see the full list of states receiving Statewide Wood Energy Team cooperative agreements from the Forest Service, go to http://www.fs.fed.us/na/grants/index.shtml.
On July 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the New York State Wood Energy Team, led by the Empire State Forestry Foundation with support from the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, as one of 11 teams receiving cooperative agreements from the USDA Forest Service.
In New York, the Forest Service funding of $250,000, which leverages additional state and private investment, will be used to develop and hold workshops to provide technical, financial and environmental information; offer preliminary engineering assessments; and conduct community outreach needed to support the development of wood energy projects.
Successful applications for projects will receive technical assistance to access additional financing for design and construction from the Forest Service, the USDA, and the New York State Green Bank, among other sources.
‘The investment from the Forest Service will allow for a substantial outreach and education campaign that will support the existing bioenergy industry and New York State programs, such as Renewable Heat NY, by raising awareness and understanding of this local, affordable, renewable source of energy,’ says Alice Brumbach, executive administrator of the New York Biomass Energy Alliance. ’
"The New York State Wood Energy Team of dedicated and talented individuals from across the state and region will be working very hard over the next three years to move bioenergy to a mainstream renewable energy option for New Yorkers," she said.
The New York State Wood Energy Team will begin its outreach and education campaign over the next few months in the Catskill Region, the North Country and the Southern Tier. Contact Alice Brumbach for more information on how you can become involved.
In addition to the Empire State Forestry Foundation and the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, the New York State Wood Energy Team consists of the Adirondack North Country Association, Catskill Forest Association, Clarkson University, Farm Credit East, Mesa Reduction Engineering & Processing, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Northern Forest Center, Richmond Energy Associates, Rick Handley & Associates, Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Yellow Wood Associates.
The advisory board to the New York State Wood Energy Team includes the New York Farm Viability Institute, NYS Department of Ag & Markets, NY Farm Bureau, New York State Wood Products Development Council, Finger Lakes National Forest, and USDA Forest Service.
To see the full list of states receiving Statewide Wood Energy Team cooperative agreements from the Forest Service, go to http://www.fs.fed.us/na/grants/index.shtml.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
New York Farm Show Opens Thursday, Feb. 20
The New York Farm Show opens at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes.
This year's event, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 20, 21 and 22, will include more than 400 exhibitors in six buildings -- Arts and Home Center, Center of Progress, Dairy, Horticulture, International Pavilion and Science.
The Farm Show also includes many seminars on a wide range of agriculture topics. Included will be 30-minute briefings in the Bistro Room of the Arts and Home Center beginning at 12:30 p.m. each day concerning changes in the recently adopted Farm Bill that will affect crop and revenue insurance options. These briefings are important because farmers must make decisions on insurance programs by the March 15 signup deadline.
These briefings are being put on by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets. More details about the Farm Bill's impact also will be available at the Ag and Markets exhibit in the International Pavilion.
Some of the special displays this year include:
Robotics -- Daily Dairy Robotonomics mini-seminars put four robotic manufacturer experts on the platform.
New York Beef Producers -- Offers a pen-of-five beef improvement topics daily on cattle show fitting, fencing and handling, grazing and forage management and more.
Anaerobic Digesters -- There could be big money available for digesters this year, so the UEM Group (AD designer) and New York State Energy and Research Development Authority and the Antares Group (NYS digester ombudsman) are teaming up for a Dairy Anaerobic Digester Profits mini-seminar at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 (Friday) at the show.
New York Forest Owners Association -- Offers many workshops during the show on 14 topics ranging from forest/woodlot management, market outlook, low-impact harvesting, portable sawmills, wildlife habitat, feral pigs, timber pasturing and more.
For an exhibitor list by category, go http://newyorkfarmshow.com/customPage.aspx?p=273 to this link.
Admission is $ 5 at the door; children under 18 are free. Tickets are available for free from Northeast Equipment Dealers.
Parking is free, and shuttle buses run all day to the six farm show buildings.
New York Farm Show is co-sponsored by the Northeast Equipment Dealers Association and American Agriculturist magazine.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership to Restore Forest Lands, Protect Water
This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior announced a new effort – the Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership
– to enhance our forests and protect America’s water supply.
This is
important for anyone who pays a water bill, and it’s important for the
future of our environment.
Americans
in our cities depend on clean water at the tap, and our farmers and
ranchers rely on water to irrigate their crops and sustain livestock.
Our public lands are very important in this regard. In fact, our
National Forests and interior lands provide water for more than 60
million Americans.
When
forests are healthy, they filter rain and snowmelt, regulate runoff and
slow soil erosion – delivering clean water at lower cost. But a
changing climate threatens a greater risk for severe wildfires that
release sediment, debris and ash into streams and rivers.
Ultimately,
these impacts of wildfire make it tougher to clean the water at
treatment plants. Water companies are forced to make expensive repairs
to equipment and those costs are passed on to water consumers.
The
Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership will bring together the U.S.
Forest Service, the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation,
local partners and private water users to restore forest lands in a
proactive way.
By bringing together land and water managers from across
the west, we can increase forest resiliency, improve water quality, and
reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. This promises healthier
forests, and savings for water users.
The
new partnership was highlighted recently in President Obama’s Climate
Action Plan – which calls for such proactive measures to protect the
nation’s critical infrastructure and reduce the impacts of a changing
climate.
This week’s announcement also complements USDA’s many other efforts to conserve America’s natural resources. To
ensure strong natural resource conservation in the years to come, USDA
will continue to encourage Congressional passage of a comprehensive
Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. Farmers, landowners and forest owners
need a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill to make effective use of limited
conservation funds, while building on record conservation efforts
underway today.
USDA
is ready to combat the impacts of climate change, and put the
environment on track to a healthy future. We’ll keep working together
with our partners across the country to protect America’s natural
resources – and we will continue to encourage Congress to achieve
passage of a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill as soon as possible.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
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