Project Canopy
 CNN - If you're looking for a reason to care about tree loss, this summer's record-breaking heat waves might be it. Trees can lower summer daytime temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a recent study. But tree cover in US cities is shrinking. A study published last year by the US Forest Service found that we lost 36 million trees annually from urban and rural communities over a five-year period. That's a 1% drop from 2009 to 2014. If we continue on this path, "cities will become warmer, more polluted and generally more unhealthy for inhabitants," said David Nowak, a senior US Forest Service scientist and co-author of the study. Nowak says there are many reasons our tree canopy is declining, including hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, insects and disease. But the one reason for tree loss that humans can control is sensible development. Read more...
 Penn State — Removing invasive shrubs to restore native forest habitat brings a surprising result, according to Penn State researchers, who say desired native understory plants display an unexpected ability and vigor to recolonize open spots.
"The regeneration of native plants that we saw where invasive shrubs had been removed exceeds what we expected from looking at uninvaded parts of the forest," said researcher Erynn Maynard-Bean, who recently earned her doctoral degree in ecology.
"We believe that's because invasive shrubs take up residence in the best spots in the forest. They are most successful where there are the most resources — sunlight, soil nutrients and water. Then, when invasive shrubs are removed, the growth of native plants in those locations beats expectations." Read more...
 CityLab - The transformation of a disused elevated-rail segment into one of Manhattan’s most magnetic tourist destinations—and the blueprint for “adaptive reuse” infrastructure projects around the globe—has become a lofty symbol of the ills of gentrification. This pattern of new parks creating housing pressure might lead observers to wonder whether such investments are a good idea, if they threaten to displace the very people they were intended to serve. The question for park-makers, and the city leaders who champion them, is whether communities can have their grass-covered cake and eat it too. A new joint report by researchers at UCLA and the University of Utah examines this question, surveying “parks-related anti-displacement strategies” (or PRADS) undertaken by 19 U.S. cities where 27 major park developments are underway. Read more...
 District Forester Morten Moesswilde recently received the Kennebec Land Trust’s (KLT) Harry Dwyer Forest Stewardship Award. Mort was recognized as a statewide leader in forestry and woodland stewardship. KLT and Mort have worked together on the Kennebec Woodland Partnership since 2009 and on KLT’s Local Wood WORKS partnership since 2013. Kirsten Brewer, KLT’s Director of Membership and Programming described Mort as a great resource for staff, KLT members, and the community. KLT frequently refers people to Mort when they need forest management or stewardship advice. Many KLT interns have had the opportunity to job-shadow and receive mentoring from Mort as well.
The Harry Dwyer Forest Stewardship Award recognizes the service and stewardship of the late Harry Dwyer, a consulting forester and logger from Fayette. Harry was a KLT member, a member of its stewardship committee, and he served on its board of directors. From his arrival in Maine as a forestry student, Harry was civically engaged and recognized for his work to nurture Maine’s forests and their long-term health. KLT created the award in 2014 to remember Harry and recognize his love for Maine’s forests and his efforts to conserve and steward our woodlands.
Congratulations, Mort!
For More Information: https://www.tklt.org/ https://www.localwoodworks.org/
How conservationists are controlling invasive species in the 21st century
Enhancing New Urbanism through greenway design
The power of trees in the fight against global warming, street flooding, and more
Introduction to Forest Management Classes - Bethel
This free six-week course is intended to give participants a better understanding of forest management in Maine. The course will provide basic instruction for landowners or people who want to better read the landscape on: forestry, wildlife, ecological and recreation management.
The course will be held at Telstar High School in Bethel, ME and runs Thursday evenings from 6-8pm beginning on September 26th. It then runs as follows: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24 and 11/7.
The classes will be hosted by Maine Forest Service District Forester, Mike Richard and will include guest speakers. The class will also include a field trip to an active timber harvesting site.
Topics will include:
- Defining Your Goals as a Landowner
- Deeds & Boundaries
- Tree Identification
- Management Plans & Cost Share Programs
- Non-Timber Forest Products (Christmas Trees & Maple Syrup)
- Wildlife Programs Management
- Tree Planting
- Timber Trespass and Wildfire
- Maine Forestry Rules and Regulations
- Common Tree Diseases and Logging Damage
- Forest Pests & Invasive Species
- Timber Harvesting/Chainsaw Safety Basics
- Silviculture
For more information: Contact Mike Richard by phone: (207) 441-3276 or email: michael.b.richard@maine.gov
Sept 24 -Webinar: Stronger Together - Urban Forestry Partnerships, 1pm. Register here.
Sept 28 - Forestry for Maine Birds, Bridgton. Register here.
Oct 6-8 - ISA New England Chapter - Annual Conference, Springfield, MA Register here.
Oct 29 -Casco Bay Coastal Academy: Conservation Commissions & Plan Review Workshop. Falmouth. Register here.
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