Editorial

First Major Lake Effect Snowstorm of the Season Sweeps Across the Great Lakes and Northeast

The Great Lakes and the interior Northeast are currently experiencing the season's first significant lake effect snow event, with forecasters predicting heavy snowfall to continue through Wednesday morning. This weather phenomenon is impacting travel and daily life across parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and..

David Murray

November 29, 2023

New

The Environmental and Health Impact of Leaf Blowers: A Call for Change

Explore the impact of leaf blowers on natural ecosystems and public health. Understand how these modern tools disrupt the age-old cycle of leaf shedding and soil enrichment, and the ensuing environmental and health concerns. For centuries, the natural process of trees shedding leaves has played..

Reagan Key

November 29, 2023

Hass Avocado Triumph: USDA Lifts California Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine

In a significant development for avocado growers, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has removed hass avocados from the Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine list in California, a move hailed by the California Avocado Commission (CAC). This decision, announced in a recent news release, follows..

Forestry

November 23, 2023

A Groundbreaking Leap in Wind Energy: Norway’s Latest Innovation

Norway is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough in offshore wind energy production with a new turbine design that promises to redefine the industry. Developed by Norwegian startup World Wide Wind (WWW), these "counter-rotating vertical-axis turbines" are set to undergo testing soon. This design..

Forestry

November 22, 2023

The Alarming Reality of Deforestation: A Global Concern

Deforestation, the deliberate clearing of forested land, stands as one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. This phenomenon, driven by the need for agricultural land, grazing spaces, and materials for fuel, manufacturing, and construction, has drastically reshaped our planet's landscapes and ecosystems...

David Murray

November 21, 2023

Haw River Mushrooms: A North Carolina Success Story in the Making

Nested in the lush, rolling hills of Saxapahaw, North Carolina, a remarkable story of agricultural innovation is unfolding. Haw River Mushrooms, the visionary project of Ches and Laura Stewart, stands as a testament to the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in the realm of fungi cultivation...

Forestry

November 21, 2023

The Hidden Threat of Solar Superstorm: A Forestry Perspective

While the mesmerizing auroras paint the night sky, signaling the presence of solar storms, few realize the lurking danger of an "internet apocalypse" as described by Professor Peter Becker of George Mason University. As we enter an era of heightened solar activity, the intersection of..

Forestry

November 21, 2023

Future Challenges Facing U.S. Forests and Rangelands

As we approach the next 50 years, the state of our forests and rangelands has become a topic of growing concern. A recently published report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has shed light on the current challenges facing these vital ecosystems and..

Forestry

July 26, 2023

SDA Forest Service Announces $20M Investment for Forest Restoration, Wildfire Risk Reduction, and Job Creation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is investing over $20 million in projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk, restoring healthy forests, and creating jobs. Through the Good Neighbor Authority, the Forest Service will partner with state forestry agencies to undertake critical management work that..

Forestry

July 18, 2023

Helicopter Logging-Heli Logging

So, what's helicopter logging, you ask? Helicopter logging, also known as heli-logging, is a method of logging that employs helicopters to remove cut trees from forests. This modern and somewhat extraordinary logging technique is now used worldwide due to its unique advantages. The History and..

Forestry

June 28, 2023

The USDA has announced a $43 million investment to drive innovation in the wood products and wood energy sectors, aligning with the Investing in America agenda.

The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) is investing over $43 million to promote innovative uses of wood in the United States. This investment aims to expand the use of wood as a construction material in commercial buildings, as an energy source, and in manufacturing wood..

Forestry

June 26, 2023

USDA Invests $63 Million in Wildfire Barriers to Safeguard Western Communities and Firefighters

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack revealed today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating $63 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to expand the implementation of fuel breaks—critical wildfire barriers. The initiative aims to protect communities and firefighters..

Forestry

May 30, 2023