http://www.fs.fed.us/ National news from the U.S. Forest Service en-us http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/12/help.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/12/help.shtml USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman last week brought together USDA Forest Service leaders and representatives from Colorado to help identify a path forward that allows Intermountain Resources LLC of Montrose, Colo., to operate while a court-appointed receiver continues to look for a buyer. Press Office 2010-12-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/trees.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/trees.shtml New research from the U.S. Forest Service demonstrates that among their many benefits, trees increase home prices, improve air quality, reduce household energy use and the effects of climate change. Press Office 2010-11-29 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/sacred-sites.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/sacred-sites.shtml The USDA Office of Tribal Relations and the US Forest Service are jointly leading an initiative to conduct formal Tribal consultations on the effectiveness of existing department and agency sacred sites laws, regulations, and procedures, beginning in late November. Press Office 2010-11-24 The USDA Forest Service recently reached a milestone of protecting more than 2 million acres of private forests threatened by development. Press Office 2010-11-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/betty-white.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/betty-white.shtml Betty White's lifelong dedication to protecting wilderness and wildlife was recognized today when the U.S. Forest Service proclaimed her an honorary forest ranger. Press Office 2010-11-09 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/veterans.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/veterans.shtml Upcoming Veterans Day, November 11, marks the fourth time this year that the U.S. Forest Service is offering national fee waivers on recreation sites. Press Office 2010-10-29 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a recreation visitor safety report by the USDA Forest Service on the circumstances surrounding the 500-year flash flood that took the lives of 20 people during the night this past June at a campground in Arkansas. Press Office 2010-10-22 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/bateman.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/bateman.shtml The USDA Forest Service will accept the original painting "Family Hike" by renowned Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Press Office 2010-10-21 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/jobs.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/jobs.shtml USDA Forest Service Officials announced today that the agency will build on job creation efforts through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments during the upcoming fiscal year by continuing to emphasize job creation and new partnerships with the private sector to create sustainable, green jobs. Press Office 2010-10-19 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/awards.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/awards.shtml The USDA Forest Service recently recognized the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of six individuals and four groups regarding their stewardship of National Forest System wilderness and wild and scenic rivers. Press Office 2010-10-18 The USDA Forest Service today released new estimates of the total carbon storage of U.S. forests, highlighting the important role America's forests play in the fight against climate change. Press Office 2010-10-15 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/maple-syrup.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/maple-syrup.shtml Research by the USDA Forest Service and a study released by Cornell University demonstrate changes in climate have already had an impact on the iconic sugar maple trees of the Northeastern US and could eventually affect maple syrup production. Press Office 2010-10-08 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/urban-forests.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/urban-forests.shtml A new report by the USDA Forest Service, Sustaining America's Urban Trees and Forests, provides an overview of the current status and benefits of America's urban forests that affect the lives of nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population. Press Office 2010-10-07 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/hotshot.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/hotshot.shtml Members of an elite U.S. Forest Service wildland fire crew are providing assistance to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation following the devastating wind storm that hit the city September 16. Press Office 2010-09-27 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/pollinator.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/pollinator.shtml The USDA Forest Service, Prince William County School District and other partners will host a live webcast from the Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum Wednesday, Sept. 29 to introduce school children and communities across the nation of the important role pollinators play in our natural world, officials have announced. Press Office 2010-09-27 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/station-fire.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/station-fire.shtml The USDA Forest Service has released transcripts of recorded telephone conversations made during the course of the arson-caused Station Fire. Press Office 2010-09-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/fall-colors.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/fall-colors.shtml USDA Forest Service officials have turned on the Fall Colors 2010 Hotline and will use Twitter, Facebook and blogging to provide users with the latest information about fall foliage color changes on Forest Service lands. Press Office 2010-09-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/public-lands.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/09/public-lands.shtml The USDA Forest Service will join the public at events across the country on Saturday, Sept. 25, to celebrate National Public Lands Day - the largest annual hands-on nationwide volunteer effort to improve America's public lands. Press Office 2010-09-23 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration projects in nine states that promote healthier, safer and more productive public lands. Press Office 2010-08-13 USDA Forest Service employee Tim Beaty was awarded the Boy Scouts' William T. Hornaday Gold Medal, at the recent 2010 Centennial Celebration of the Boy Scout National Jamboree, for his decades-long association with the Jamboree. Press Office 2010-08-10 Continuing to get folks to visit the great outdoors, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell is offering his agency's second fee waiver weekend this summer on August 14-15. Press Office 2010-08-10 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today announced joint scientific research projects that address the effects of climate change on freshwater systems and sensitive aquatic species in the northwestern and southeastern United States. Press Office 2010-07-27 The USDA Forest Service today announced the release of the National Roadmap for Responding to Climate Change and a new system for performance accountability in response to the USDA's 2010-2015 Strategic Plan that sets a goal of ensuring that our national forests are made more resilient to climate change. Press Office 2010-07-20 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of a USDA Forest Service report showing the economic importance of America’s National Forests and Grasslands to rural communities across the country. Press Office 2010-07-07 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 15 advisory committee members to evaluate Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration proposals. Press Office 2010-06-18 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/06/contest.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/06/contest.shtml USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today presented 9-year-old Matalynn Clark with a trophy during a special ceremony at the Forest Service Headquarters in Washington, D.C., naming her the 2010 National Grand Prize Winner of the Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Contest. Press Office 2010-06-18 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today outlined the federal government's readiness for the wildland fire season to ensure protection for communities and restoration of forests and grasslands across the country. Press Office 2010-06-17 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/06/waiver.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/06/waiver.shtml Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today that the Forest Service will offer two fee waiver weekends during the summer of 2010, in addition to other annual fee waiver events at standard amenity fee sites. Press Office 2010-06-02 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's Forest Service will contribute $500,000 in 2010 to the "More Kids in the Woods" program for projects that promote active lifestyles and connect kids to nature. Press Office 2010-04-27 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the award of grants to permanently protect private forestlands in 33 States and US territories through the Forest Legacy Program. Press Office 2010-04-14 A statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the state of Colorado's Roadless areas petition Press Office 2010-04-06 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/03/smokejumpers.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/03/smokejumpers.shtml The last three living original members of the nation’s first African-American smokejumpers crew have been honored at USDA Forest Service Headquarters. Press Office 2010-03-26 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/03/campgrounds.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/03/campgrounds.shtml USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today his decision not to implement proposed changes to fees charged to holders of passes at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses. Press Office 2010-03-17 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/03/upton.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/03/upton.shtml USDA Forest Service Statement on Death of Law Enforcement Officer. Press Office 2010-03-06 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/02/development.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/02/development.shtml USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced a series of events to provide opportunities for public discussion on the development of a new Forest Service Land and Resource Management Planning Rule. Press Office 2010-02-24 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/01/grazing.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/01/grazing.shtml The Federal grazing fee for 2010 will be $1.35 per animal unit month (AUM) for public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and $1.35 per head month (HM) for lands managed by the Forest Service. Press Office 2010-01-29 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/01/research.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/01/research.shtml USDA Forest Service scientists Connie Millar of Albany, Calif., and Linda Joyce of Ft. Collins, Colo., are winners of this year’s Forest Service Deputy Chief’s Distinguished Science Award. Press Office 2010-01-27