We have been deluged by responses to Barry Wynsma's thoughtful essay on Forest Service leadership - or the lack thereof. Provided here is some feedback on the essay.
Quote of the Week:
Why forestry is in trouble with the public
For too long, we foresters took the public for granted, assuming unwavering support for those who grow the nation's wood fiber. Few noticed when the public's mood changed, and those who did were often ridiculed by disbelieving colleagues. Now we come to a day of reckoning: the public believes forests are too important to be entrusted to foresters. To restore lost confidence, foresters must first come out of hiding. We have a lot of explaining to do because, where forests are concerned, the public will no longer support what it cannot see and understand. Regaining the public's trust will take time. We must be prepared to answer hard questions about what we are doing and how our actions are impacting the environment. We must also help the public think through its forest management options. When we lay out these options, we must speak of much more than trees. Only then will our critics know we love forests as much as they do.
Dr. Alan Houston, Forester and Wildlife Biologist, Ames Plantation, Grand Junction, Tennessee, Evergreen, October, 1997
Climate Fact of the Week:
Throughout earth's history temperatures have often been warmer than they are now and CO2 levels have often been higher - more than ten times as high. The 0.7 centigrade increase in the average global temperature over the last 100 years is entirely consistent with well-established, long-term, natural climate trends.
A Smokejumper's Remembrance:
Former U.S. Forest Service smokejumper, George Harpole, has written a short but very insightful essay on his years in parachutes (1949, 1950 and 1952) and his subsequent career in Forest Service research. Click here to read the essay. Click here to read Evergreen Magazine, "Giant Minds, Giant Ideas," a history of the USFS Laboratory at Madison, Wisconsin
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Smallwood Conference:
The 2010 Smallwood Conference, hosted by the Forest Products Society, was conducted April 20-22 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Click here to read a collection of papers, including Power Points, presented at the conference. There will be new postings weekly until every presentation has been posted.
Ecological Science as a Creation Story:
Bob Nelson's latest essay, "Ecological Science as a Creation Story", published in the Spring 2010 edition of The Independent Review, has been making the rounds on the worldwide web. As usual, Professor Nelson provides his readers with much to think about. Click here to go to the "Forest Science & Policy" section to read Professor Nelson's essay.
The Fire Next Time:
Idahoans and Montanans will mark the 100th anniversary of the Great 1910 Fire with numerous celebrations. Here's hoping Mother Nature doesn't show up for the party. Click here for more.
The Great Forest Die-Off:
For 20 years, we have been harping about the die-off of western forests - and for about 15 of those years, it was as though we were shouting down a rain barrel. Now others are finally noticing. Click here for more.
Provider Pals:
Provider Pals, the widely-regarded cultural exchange program that won the first-ever Preserve America Presidential Award in 2004, is expanding its offering on its virtual village gaming site. Click here for more.
Indian Country:
Indian-owned forests are the lt community forest sin America. For this reason alone, out natin needs to learn more about them. Our nation's federal forest managers could also learn a few things from the Indian Way. Click here and be amazed.