ARCATA, Calif. —The USDA Forest Service has released the Northwest Forest Plan science synthesis, a report that will serve as the scientific foundation for land management planning in northern California, western Oregon and western Washington.

One of the most significant findings of the Northwest Forest Plan science synthesis is that the plan has protected old-growth forests as habitat for important species. At the same time, the report found that restoration of fire and other active forest management activities at the landscape scales can promote ecological integrity and rebuild forest resilience to disturbance and stressors.

High-elevation species still struggling

Rocks and sediments bind up almost 98 percent of all nitrogen. The remaining 2 percent is in motion, part of a global chemical cycle that includes humans, bacteria, plants, and the atmosphere.

“Plants need nitrogen to grow,” says U.S. Forest Service research ecologist Steve McNulty. “However, excess nitrogen can harm plants.”

Nitrogen and sulfur can combine with oxygen to form nitrogen or sulfur oxides. These compounds become part of the atmosphere, where they react with water vapor and other elements. Eventually, the nitrogen and sulfur – now in the form of nitric and sulfuric acid – fall to the ground with the rain drops.

U.S. Forest Service Awards Grants to Expand and Accelerate Wood Energy and Wood Products Markets in 19 States

MAY 24, 2017 AT 3:15 PM EDT - U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced over $8.3 million to substantially expand and accelerate wood products and wood energy markets. Federal funds will leverage almost $37 million in matching funds from 36 business, university, nonprofit, and tribal partners in 19 states for a total investment of over $45 million. The public-private partnerships leveraged with these grants will lead to the removal of hazardous fuels from forests while spurring the economic development of rural communities.

Fort Collins, Colo., Apr. 28 2017 - The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station's Fire, Fuel, and Smoke science program is offering its annual free "master class" on teaching with the FireWorks educational trunk on Thursday and Friday, June 15-16. The class will be held at the Missoula Fire Lab located at 5775 West Broadway Street, one mile northwest of the Missoula International Airport. To register for the free class, send an email with your name, email address, and phone number to Eva Masin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or if you have any questions you can call her at 406-319-4820.

SPRINGVILLE, CA, April 17, 2017 – Located on 1,100 acres above Springville, SCICON is an outdoor school of science and conservation operated by the Tulare County Office of Education. The Sequoia National Forest and SCICON have developed a great partnership over the past couple of years.

With the construction of a new office at SCICON by the Tulare County Office of Education, the Forest Service can house a fire engine and staff at the facility, and when times are slow, they help with needed facility maintenance.

This winter, several foot bridges were damaged by high water and debris rushing down Bear Creek across the SCICON property.  Firefighters were able to clear the debris, secure the bridges, and make needed repairs in time for students to have safe access.