Federated States of Micronesia
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Federated States of Micronesia |
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| Federated States of Micronesia Forest Resource Fact Sheet - 2003 | ||
Investment in State's Cooperative Programs (Out year Budget Figures are Estimates):
| Program | FY 02 Federal | FY 02 State | FY 03 Federal | FY 03 State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Health Protection | $20,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Forest Stewardship Program | $40,000 | $35,000 | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Urban and Community Forestry | $150,000 | $150,000 | $166,000 | $166,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation Education | $9,000 | $9,000 | $8,800 | $8,800 |
The cooperative programs are administered and implemented through a partnership between the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the USDA Forest Service (USDA FS) and many other private and government entities. These programs promote the health and productivity of the FSM's forest lands, rural economies and conservation partnership practices. The goal is to maintain and improve the health of FSM's urban and rural forests and related economies.
These programs:
Key Issues:
Key issues which the FSM and U.S. federal programs will address together in the next few years include:
Forest Facts and Accomplishments
| Selected Facts | Selected Results | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,000 | Forest Management Plans Prepared (current year, non-federal, non-industrial) | 3 |
| Acres of Forest Land | 127,500 | Acres Under Forest Management Plans (current year, non-federal, non-industrial) | 27,120 |
| Acres of Non-Industrial Private Forest Land | 69,500 | Acres Under Stewardship Plans (all years) | |
| Number of NIPF Landowners | Rural Acres Planted | 42 | |
| Acres of Federal Land Under FSM Fire Protection | 0 | Technical Assists to Private Landowners | 718 |
| Acres of Private Land Under FSM Fire Protection | Rural Fire Departments Assisted | ||
| Number of Rural Fire Departments | 4 | Rural Fire Department Volunteers Trained | |
| Number of Municipalities | 197 | Acres Surveyed for Forest Health | |
| Forest Based Employment | Acres Protected from Insect & Disease Damage | ||
| Forest Based Earnings | Cities and Urban Areas Assisted | 182 | |
| Economic Impact of Forestry (by rank) | Economic Action Grants to Rural Areas | ||
| FSM Forestry Budget | $197,656 | Technology Transfer and Workshops (person days) | 20,132 |
Program Highlights
Urban and Community Forestry: With increased Urban &Community Forestry (U&CF) funding in 2002, U&CF Programs in the States have increased their community forestry programs. In Yap and Pohnpei the coordinators have increased their community awareness programs on invasive species because the communities in these islands have shown support and allow the established task force members to enter their properties. In Pohnpei, its governor has made "Emergency Order" on Piper auritum known locally as "false sakau" and created a task force to eradicate the plant. In Yap, the grass known as Imparata also was also eradicated. In Chuuk the major focus has become restoration following major typhoon damage in 2002.
Cooperative Fire Protection: Fire occurrence over the entire FSM is always a threat due to periodic droughts and was especially severe during the El Nino years. Despite warning by state and local municipal governments, a substantial number of fire incidents occur on all islands during droughts. With reinforced awareness programs by both forestry and public safety personnel at both state and local government levels, a more coordinated effort was planned and carried out to control, protect and limit incidents of fire. Due to change in eligibility of this grant to FSM, requests were presented on technical assistance programs. Technical assistance has been provided to FSM based on availability of resources and the type of request presented.
Forest Stewardship (including Forest Resource Management and Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources): Pohnpei and Kosrae have successfully passed conservation laws which designated certain mangrove areas and upland area reserve sites to protect the exotic plants and animal habitats. Monitoring of forest conditions and public education and negotiation on forest conservation and management has continued and expanded in all states; mangrove forest management plans are being developed and implemented successfully in Pohnpei and Kosrae. In all states efforts have been increased in educating the public on forest conservation using the tapes produced by the USDA FS research staff . Forestry and agroforestry nurseries have been expanded in all states with the help of USDA FS training and assistance. Forestry and agroforestry extension to private landowners is delivered through extension visits, workshops and the production of planting materials. The number of fruit tree seedlings distributed to farmers has increased, as well as shade and beautification tree seedlings.
Natural Resource Conservation Education: Natural Resource Conservation Education funds awarded to the FSM and other islands in the Pacific region have provided the FSM with a poster and video on Micronesian forest values and a teaching package on Intsia bijuga, a tree valued throughout the region.
Forest Health Protection: Forest Health Protection funds are used to increase awareness of the islands vulnerability to invasive weed species. Mapping, monitoring and, where appropriate, eradication efforts are conducted.
For more information contact:
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Ishmael Lebehn, |
Leigh Beck, Director, USDA Forest Service State & Private Forestry 1323 Club Drive Vallejo, CA 94592 Phone: (707) 562-8920 Fax: (707) 562-9054 Email: lbeck@fs.fed.us |
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