Around the Forest Service - September 2023

Trees make a difference. Studies show that communities with access to trees and green spaces are associated with improved health outcomes, reduced crime, lower average temperatures, and an influx of other kinds of investments and new economic opportunities. Through funding the Forest Service is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land...

National Grasslands are receiving some much-needed maintenance, thanks to Great American Outdoors Act funding. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land...

Dr. Gavin Jones, Research Ecologist, Rocky Mountain Research Station and his team conduct a Mexican spotted owl research study on the Lincoln National Forest, in New Mexico. The study represents a cooperation between the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, the University of New Mexico, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. See the full video here:    • Cooperating For The Win, Win -- Reducing F...  

From the ashes, sprouts new life. Bright blue robin eggs sit in a nest built in a snag burnt from wildfire (Thompson Falls, MT). In the background, tree shelters protect planted seedlings of a research project collaboration between the Forest Service (Rocky Mountain Research Station and Lolo National Forest) and University of Montana. The project investigates preconditioning seedlings to withstand dry planting conditions in post-fire environments. This photo by Jeremiah Pinto, was the winner of the August 2023, employee photo contest: Artistic images. https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfores...

In September, the Forest Service also celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.