http://www.fs.fed.us/ National news from the U.S. Forest Service en-us BOISE, Idaho, May 13, 2013 – During a visit to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell outlined the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure collaboration in protecting Americans from wildfire, and urged homeowners and local communities to take steps to reduce their risks during the 2013 fire season. Press Office 2013-05-13 WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 –U.S. Forest Service researchers recently found that about 90 percent of fuel reduction treatments on national forests were effective in reducing the intensity of wildfire while also allowing for better wildfire control. Press Office 2013-05-09 WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 –U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced awarding $772,820 to help national forests enhance or establish More Kids in the Woods and Children’s Forests programs in 16 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Including more than $1.49 million in partner contributions, this award is part of the more than $2.26 million dedicated toward connecting American children to the great outdoors. Press Office 2013-05-09 WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 — From New York City’s Central Park to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, America’s urban forests store an estimated 708 million tons of carbon, an environmental service with an estimated value of $50 billion, according to a recent U.S. Forest Service study. Press Office 2013-05-07 WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 -- U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today that the Forest Service has issued a notice of intent to award contracts to five companies to provide a total of seven Next Generation airtankers for wildfire suppression. Press Office 2013-05-6 WASHINGTON, April 24, 2013 – The U.S. Forest Service and the Potomac Nationals are scheduled to plant 187 trees in a ceremony at an urban forest in Fairfax, Va., through a partnership with Fairfax ReLeaf on Arbor Day, April 26.Under the “Break a Bat, Plant a Tree” program, for every bat they break, the Potomac Nationals, a Minor League Baseball team from Woodbridge, Va., pledge to plant a tree. Last year, the baseball players broke 187 bats. Press Office 2013-04-24 WASHINGTON, April 23, 2013 – U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced national accomplishment awards recognizing extraordinary efforts to integrate accessibility into national forests and grasslands facilities to better serve all visitors. Press Office 2013-04-23 WASHINGTON, April 16, 2013 – U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell highlighted the exceptional value that the Forest Service provides the American public in testimony today before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Press Office 2013-04-16 WASHINGTON, April 12, 2013 - A U.S. Forest Service scientist was recently honored by the United Nations at the Forest Hero Awards in Istanbul, Turkey. Ariel E. Lugo, director of the Forest Service’s International Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico, received a U.N. Forest Hero Award for his substantial contributions to forest conservation in the Caribbean and the ability to communicate the importance of conservation to diverse groups of people at all levels. Press Office 2013-04-12 WASHINGTON, April 11, 2013 – U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced a series of meetings in Colorado, Utah and California that will focus on the development of a ski area water rights clause impacting ski facility operations on national forests. Press Office 2013-04-11 WASHINGTON, March 28, 2013 -- U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced Wednesday that the U.S. Forest Service has awarded legacy large airtanker exclusive-use contracts to two companies to provide a total of eight large airtankers to support wildland fire suppression through the 2013 fire season. Press Office 2013-03-28 The U.S. Forest Service today announced the final rule governing the objection process for projects and activities implementing land-management plans. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on March 27. Press Office 2013-03-26 Today marks the U.N.'s first International Day of Forests, recognizing the important role forests play in the health of ecosystems, economy and society. Press Office 2013-03-21 U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell testified before a House subcommittee today on the economic value generated by the nation’s forests during a time of increased fire activity, encroaching development, pests and disease. Press Office 2013-03-13 The U.S. Forest Service has released and is seeking public comment on the proposed 2012 Planning Rule Directives, the key set of agency guidance documents that will direct implementation of the 2012 Planning Rule. Press Office 2013-02-15 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released two comprehensive reports today that synthesize the scientific literature on climate change effects and adaptation strategies for U.S. agriculture and forests. The reports, entitled Climate Change and Agriculture: Effects and Adaptation and the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Forest Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the U.S. Forest Sector, were created as inputs to the National Climate Assessment. Scientists from the federal service, universities, non-governmental organizations, industry, tribal lands and the private sector contributed to the peer-reviewed studies Press Office 2013-02-05 The federal grazing fee for 2013 will be $1.35 per head month (HM) for lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and $1.35 per animal unit month (AUM) for public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The grazing fee for 2013 is the same as it was in 2012. Press Office 2013-01-31 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently appointed eight new members to the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee, which provides advice on private forestry and USDA’s programs that assist landowners in managing their forests to protect, conserve and enhance the values they produce. Press Office 2013-01-22 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that over $323 million will be paid to 41 states and Puerto Rico in two distributions to support local schools and roads as part of the Congressional one-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Press Office 2013-01-15 The U.S. Forest Service joins other federal agencies in offering fee-free days on public lands in 2013, beginning Jan. 21 in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Press Office 2013-01-08 A Forest Service restoration program created and maintained more than 4,500 jobs in Fiscal Year 2012 and improved the fire-resiliency of 380,000 acres of forestland near communities from 2010-2012, according to a new report. Press Office 2012-12-19 A comprehensive U.S. Forest Service report released today examines the ways expanding populations, increased urbanization, and changing land-use patterns could profoundly impact natural resources, including water supplies, nationwide during the next 50 years. Press Office 2012-12-18 Watch as the Snyder family of Sandy, Utah, use their Forest Service permit to find just the right Christmas tree from the Unitah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Press Office 2012-12-06 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a report calling for USDA and the U.S. Forest Service to work more closely with tribal governments in the protection, respectful interpretation and appropriate access to Indian sacred sites. Press Office 2012-12-06 http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5400367 http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5400367 Bolstering a long-term strategy to address fuel reduction and overall forest health, USDA Under Secretary Harris Sherman today announced two Forest Service 10-year stewardship contracts totaling $13.4 million. Press Office 2012-11-26 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/11/holiday-tree.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/11/holiday-tree.shtml The U.S. Forest Service has some important safety tips for those Americans journeying into their national forests in search of the perfect holiday tree. Press Office 2012-11-28 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/11/butch-blazer-native-american.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/11/butch-blazer-native-american.shtml Arthur “Butch” Blazer, Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment, pulls from his roots growing up on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in New Mexico to help him make decisions managing the land from an ecological perspective. Press Office 2012-11-06 http://www.fs.fed.us/christmastree/2012/index.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/christmastree/2012/index.shtml The 73–foot Englemann spruce is loaded on a flatbed truck and making its way across the country to Washington, D.C., where it will be placed on the U.S. Capitol lawn through the New Year. Press Office 2012-11-05 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/10/veterens-day.html http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/10/veterens-day.html The U.S. Forest Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over the Veterans Day holiday weekend, Nov. 10-12. Press Office 2012-10-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/10/great-lakes.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/10/great-lakes.shtml The U.S. Forest Service announced today nearly $3 million in grants to improve tree canopy, forest cover and ultimately, water quality in six Great Lakes states, including Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Illinois and Indiana. Press Office 2012-10-11 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/10/valuesoft.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/10/valuesoft.shtml U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today the release of new mobile software that helps urban planners, homeowners and students quantify the value of their urban forests. Press Office 2012-10-03 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/09/fallcolors.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/09/fallcolors.shtml Fall colors are about to burst all over the country and the U.S. Forest Service wants you to get outdoors and enjoy one of nature's most spectacular seasons in your national forests. Press Office 2012-09-12 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/NPLDay.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/NPLDay.shtml The Forest Service is waiving standard amenity fees on Saturday, Sept. 29 in recognition of National Public Lands Day at hundreds of recreation sites nationwide. Press Office 2012-09-10 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/09/dying.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/09/dying.shtml The number of dead trees on 750 million acres of public and private forests across America is on the decline for the second straight year, with most of the reductions seen in western states where bark beetles have infested millions of trees, according to a report released today by the U.S. Forest Service. Press Office 2012-09-10 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/09/electronic.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/09/electronic.shtml The U.S. Forest Service is co-sponsoring a live educational webcast Sept. 18 from Bracken Cave near San Antonio, Texas, home of the world's largest bat colony, to help students across the country learn about one of the most misunderstood yet beneficial creatures in the world. Press Office 2012-09-05 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/community.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/community.shtml The U.S. Forest Service announced today $3.5 million in grants as part of a new program to support jobs and healthy forests in communities across the U.S Press Office 2012-08-28 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/school-funding.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/school-funding.shtml The U.S. Forest Service today announced that the Congressional one-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act will mean payments of $308 million to states in support of schools and roads in rural counties. Press Office 2012-08-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/night-flying.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/night-flying.shtml Beginning next year the U.S. Forest Service will contract a helicopter capable of fighting wildfire at night in a move to strengthen the agency’s capability to suppress fires and better protect firefighters and communities in Southern California. Press Office 2012-08-16 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/nonprofit.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/nonprofit.shtml U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced a new nonprofit-operated fund allowing people across the country to support environmental restoration work in areas damaged by wildfire. Press Office 2012-08-15 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/streamline.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/08/streamline.shtml The U.S. Forest Service today published in the Federal Register a proposed regulation that will improve the administrative review process for proposed projects and activities implementing land management plans. Press Office 2012-08-06 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/07/renewablewoods.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/07/renewablewoods.shtml The U.S. Forest Service today announced the award of nearly $4 million in grants for wood energy projects around the country to help expand regional economies and create new jobs. Press Office 2012-07-26 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/07/healthbenefits.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/07/healthbenefits.shtml Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released findings of a survey that show U.S. Forest Service lands continue to be a value that attracted 165.7 million visitors in 2011, and that visitor spending in nearby communities sustained more than 200,000 full- and part-time jobs. Press Office 2012-07-26 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/07/firedanger.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/07/firedanger.shtml The US Forest Service reduced fire threats on more than 123,000 acres of land nationwide in fiscal year 2011 as part of a larger effort to improve the health and resiliency of national forests. Press Office 2012-07-26 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/summit.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/summit.shtml U.S. Forest Service and Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada officials convened here for the first forest health summit between the two countries to discuss issues of common concern such as invasive species. Press Office 2012-06-28 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/support.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/support.shtml Federal partners are continuing to work closely with first responders and firefighters from local, state, and tribal agencies to combat and monitor large wildfires throughout the West including those in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Press Office 2012-06-25 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/maffs.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/maffs.shtml The U.S. Forest Service is taking actions to continue to maintain adequate air tanker capability by mobilizing four Department of Defense C-130s equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems to assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Colorado and elsewhere in the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest. Press Office 2012-06-24 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/suppression.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/suppression.shtml U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced the agency is adding four heavy helicopters to the aviation firefighting fleet. Press Office 2012-06-19 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/grasslands.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/grasslands.shtml The U.S. Forest Service will celebrate National Grasslands Week from June 17-23, showcasing the beauty, history and economic value of these national treasures on the 75th anniversary of the legislation that established them. Press Office 2012-06-18 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/comments.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/comments.shtml The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a proposed rule to streamline and shorten categories of environmental review for certain restoration projects on National Forests. Press Office 2012-06-12 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/westernfires.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/westernfires.shtml Federal partners are working closely with first responders and firefighters from local, state, and tribal agencies to combat and monitor wildfires in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming as well as other states. Press Office 2012-06-12 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/talladega.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/06/talladega.shtml U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management officials today announced that they will allow time for additional engagement with key stakeholders, including local communities and residents, regarding pending oil and gas leases on the Talladega National Forest in Alabama. Press Office 2012-06-08 After a mild winter and low precipitation levels in many parts of the nation, the risk of wildland fire this season poses a challenge for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture which, together, respond to more than 20,000 wildfires per year. Wildland fires today are becoming more complex, particularly in areas where urban populations are situated near forested and rangeland areas. Press Office 2012-06-07 The U.S. Forest Service is waiving recreation fees and hosting outdoor events across the country to celebrate the 5th annual National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 9. Press Office 2012-06-05 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today named the members of an advisory committee charged with providing guidance and recommendations on the implementation of the new U.S. Forest Service Planning Rule. Press Office 2012-05-18 In response to President Obama's call to expand opportunities for summer employment for young people and connect them with the great outdoors, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Nancy Sutley today highlighted summer work opportunities for more than 20,000 young people, ages 15-25, in national forests, national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands. Press Office 2012-05-18 As part of the Joining Forces initiative to support our nation’s service members and their families, several U.S. government agencies will announce an annual pass to active duty service members and their dependents, granting free access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other public lands around the nation in the coming years. Press Office 2012-05-15 On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper announced the final Environmental Impact Statement for the final Colorado Roadless Rule, which provides conservation for 4.2 million acres of National Forest roadless area within Colorado. Press Office 2012-05-04 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/05/coroadless.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/05/coroadless.shtml Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper today announced the release of the final Environmental Impact Statement for the final Colorado Roadless Rule. Press Office 2012-05-02 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 public lands across the country. Press Office 2012-04-26 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/04/budget.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/04/budget.shtml In testimony today before the Senate Committee on Appropriations and Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said the proposed FY 2013 Forest Service budget reflects strategic investments to grow the economy, create jobs and fund programs that matter to Americans. Press Office 2012-04-18 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a cooperative partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Canada's Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food that will promote agroforestry to help landowners improve water quality, control soil erosion and boost their agriculture production. Press Office 2012-04-17 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/04/urban.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/04/urban.shtml The U.S. Forest Service today announced its My Neighborhood Forest photo contest, celebrating America’s urban and community forests. Press Office 2012-04-10 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/04/land-acquisition.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/04/land-acquisition.shtml Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Forest Service will dedicate $40.6 million for 27 exceptional land acquisition projects in 15 states that will help safeguard clean water, provide recreational access, preserve wildlife habitat, enhance scenic vistas and protect historic and wilderness areas. Press Office 2012-04-06 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/wildflowers.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/wildflowers.shtml The U.S. Forest Service has released an updated online wildflower map with hundreds of locations on national forests for prime wildflower viewing, making it easier than ever to enjoy America’s great outdoors. Press Office 2012-03-29 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/employment.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/employment.shtml Thousands of temporary seasonal jobs with the Forest Service and its partners are available this summer and officials say now is the time to begin the application process. Press Office 2012-03-29 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/connect-kids.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/connect-kids.shtml The U.S. Forest Service is offering its 193 million acres of forests and grasslands as a prescription for healthier kids through an initiative of the National Environmental Education Foundation that connects children to nature. Press Office 2012-03-28 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/collaboration.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/collaboration.shtml In testimony on Capitol Hill today, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing restoration projects on national forests and grasslands. Press Office 2012-03-27 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/support-planning-rule.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/support-planning-rule.shtml On Friday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's final Planning Rule for America's 193 million-acre National Forest System that includes stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of rural communities. Press Office 2012-03-26 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/planning-rule.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/planning-rule.shtml Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's final Planning Rule for America's 193-million acre National Forest System that includes stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of rural communities. Press Office 2012-03-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/minerals.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/minerals.shtml In testimony before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources today, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said the proposed FY 2013 Forest Service budget was below last year's level. Press Office 2012-03-20 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/forest-growth.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/forest-growth.shtml U.S. Forest Service scientists today released an assessment that shows forest land has expanded in northern states during the past century despite a 130-percent population jump and relentless environmental threats. At the same time, Forest Service researchers caution that threats to forests in the coming decades could undermine these gains. Press Office 2012-03-12 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/budget.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/budget.shtml In testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said the proposed FY 2013 Forest Service budget responds to the public's desire for the conservation and stewardship of the nation's forests and grasslands with efficient, cost-effective spending. Press Office 2012-03-06 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/kids.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/03/kids.shtml Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced USDA's continuing commitment to get kids outdoors and connected to the natural world around them through $1 million in cost-share funding from the U.S. Forest Service to enhance children's programs in 18 states. Press Office 2012-03-02 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/urban-forests.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/urban-forests.shtml National results indicate that tree cover in urban areas of the United States is declining at a rate of about 4 million trees per year, according to a U.S. Forest Service study published recently in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. Press Office 2012-02-23 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/invasive-software.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/invasive-software.shtml U.S. Forest Service research and funding have led to the development of a free software application that will help people identify and control destructive invasive plants in Southern forests and grasslands. Press Office 2012-02-22 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/budget.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/budget.shtml In testimony before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies today, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell prioritized the proposed FY 2013 Forest Service budget request in three themes: restoration, communities, and fire. Press Office 2012-02-17 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that more than $307 million is being distributed to 41 states and Puerto Rico for public schools and roads and specific county programs. Press Office 2012-02-17 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/airtankers.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/airtankers.shtml The U.S. Forest Service announced today a strategy, developed with input from the Department of the Interior, to replace the fleet of aging air tankers used to battle wildfires with a next generation of newer, faster, more cost-effective large airtankers. Press Office 2012-02-10 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/environmental-reviews.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/environmental-reviews.shtml The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today announced a new National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Pilot project under an initiative launched in March 2011 to increase the quality and efficiency of Federal environmental reviews and reduce costs. Press Office 2012-02-09 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/restoration.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/02/restoration.shtml Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new report, Increasing the Pace of Restoration and Job Creation on our National Forests, that outlines a strategy and series of actions for management on 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Press Office 2012-02-02 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/newplanningrule.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/newplanningrule.shtml The U.S. Forest Service today announced eight national forests that will be the first to revise their land management plans using a new National Forest System Planning Rule, after it is finalized in the months ahead. Press Office 2012-02-01 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/planning-rule.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/planning-rule.shtml Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signaled the U.S. Department of Agriculture's intent to issue a new planning rule for America's 193-million acre National Forest System. Press Office 2012-01-26 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today appointed eight members to the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee, which provides advice on private forestry and USDA's programs that assist landowners in managing their forests. Press Office 2012-01-19 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/working-forests.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/working-forests.shtml The U.S. Forest Service announced today that it is granting $52.2 million for 17 conservation and working lands projects across the U.S. in 2012. Press Office 2012-01-19 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/mlk.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/mlk.shtml The U.S. Forest Service announced today eight dates for the new year when national forests nationwide will waive fees that are usually collected to support forest maintenance and amenities. Press Office 2012-01-11 http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/wind.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2012/releases/01/wind.shtml The U.S. Forest Service has approved the construction of a 15-turbine wind energy facility on the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont today, which will provide enough electricity to power about 13,000 homes annually. Press Office 2012-01-04