Avoid burning during period of increased fire risk
November 29, 2012

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to be safe and avoid burning yard waste and other debris until the state gets some significant rain. Humidity levels across the state are low, and projected increases in moisture may not be enough to prevent fuels from igniting if a careless ember lands among forest debris. There have been nearly 600 wildfires across the state in November, according to Forest Service statistics. Debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

Individuals who determine that burning debris is a necessity should contact their county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to maximize the safety of people, property and the forest.

"Protect our natural resources by acting safely; don't burn on dry, windy days, and maintain a careful watch over a fire until it is extinguished," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

The Forest Service urges people who choose to burn debris, to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Make sure you have a valid burning permit, which can be obtained at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at http://ncforestservice.gov.
• Check with your county fire marshal's office for local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely.
• Check the weather. Don't burn on dry, windy days.
• Some yard debris, such as leaves and grass, may be more valuable if composted.
• Burn natural vegetation only. Burning household trash or any other man-made materials is illegal. Trash should be hauled away to a convenience center.
• Plan burning for the late afternoon when conditions are typically less windy and more humid.
• Be prepared. Have a shovel or hoe to clear a perimeter around the burn area.
• For fire control, you will need a hose, bucket, a steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.
• Never use flammable liquids such as kerosene, gasoline or diesel fuel to speed debris burning.
• Stay with the fire until it is completely out.
• Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area. Instead, douse burning charcoal or campfires thoroughly with water; stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are extinguished.
• If you are burning agriculture residue or forestland litter, follow the rules above, but also plow a fire line around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Contact your county ranger before burning.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can greatly reduce the possibility of wildfires and the loss of property associated with them. For more information about preventing wildfires and property loss, log onto http://ncforestservice.gov and click on "Fire Control and Prevention."

# # #

N.C. Forest Service crews leaving at 11 a.m. to fight fires in Idaho
August 12, 2012

# # #

Winners of 2012 Urban Forestry Awards announced
August 10, 2012

RALEIGH – Organizations and individuals from Gastonia, Pine Knoll Shores, Raleigh and Wilmington are winners of the 2012 North Carolina Urban Forestry Awards.

The annual program rewards cities, towns, organizations, businesses and individuals for outstanding work to protect and enhance community forests and raise awareness about the importance of urban forestry projects.

"These awards are a testament to the communities and individuals who do so much to improve municipal forests across North Carolina," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

The N.C. Forest Service announced winners in the following award categories:

• Outstanding Individual Grand Award: Student founders of Re-growing Nature at Washington (RNAW), Washington GT Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh;
• Outstanding Professional Grand Award: Heather Vickory Bishop, Raleigh;
• Outstanding Project Grand Award: Keep Gastonia Beautiful, "Arbor Day in the Park";
• Outstanding Project Merit Award: Trees Across Raleigh, Washington GT Magnet Elementary School Tree Planting;
• Outstanding Tree Board or Urban Forestry Committee Grand Award: Pine Knoll Shores Community Appearance Commission;
• Tree City USA of the Year: City of Wilmington.

Entries were judged for impact, quality, innovation and the degree to which the work serves as a worthy example for others to follow. Award recipients were recognized at the N.C. Urban Forest Council's 2012 Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Aug. 8 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center.

For more information, contact Jennifer Rall at 919-857-4849 or download an application from the N.C. Forest Service website, http://ncforestservice.gov.

Two woodland stewardship workshops in WNC in August
August 3, 2012

RALEIGH — Private forest landowners in Western North Carolina have two opportunities this month to learn principles of forest stewardship. The N.C. Forest Service, N.C. State University's Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program and other natural resource agencies are offering workshops in mid-August in the Asheville area. Two other workshops in the "Woodland Steward Series" were held in July.

The two remaining workshops will be led by natural resource and land management specialists and will feature hands-on activities in the field and instruction in the classroom.

Following is the schedule:

• "Woodscaping Your Woodlands & Firewise Management," Wednesday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-noon at Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville.
• "Stewardship, Recreation & Liability," Thursday, Aug. 16, 1-4:30 p.m. at Bent Creek, and Friday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Cradle of Forestry in Brevard.

Registration is $50 per participant per workshop and $25 for a spouse or other family member. Woodland owners and managers are encouraged to attend one or more of the workshops according to their interests. The deadline for registration is one week prior to each workshop.

To learn more about the series or to register, contact Addie Thornton, course coordinator, at 919-515-9563 or by email to addie_thornton@ncsu.edu. Additional information is online at www.ncsu-feop.org/woodlandstewards.

The workshops are being hosted by the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. State University's Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program, the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Cradle of Forestry in America, the N.C. Arboretum and Bent Creek Experimental Forest.

# # #

N.C. Forest Service awards urban forestry grants
July 16, 2012

RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service has announced the recipients of more than $79,000 in grants to support creation or expansion of urban and community forests in Buncombe, Cumberland, Gaston, Scotland and Wake counties.

"The projects will help to promote and develop local community forestry programs and educate the public about the benefits of urban forestry," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

The grants are administered by the N.C. Forest Service and awarded to urban and community forestry programs, local or state government agencies, educational institutions, and approved nonprofit organizations and other tax-exempt organizations. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

Following is a list of grant recipients:

• Asheville Greenworks in Buncombe County will receive $10,550 to assist with a community tree conference.
• Warren Wilson College in Buncombe County will receive $15,000 for a tree inventory and carbon sequestration analysis.
• Fayetteville Public Works Commission in Cumberland County will receive $7,642 for its tree power project.
• Bessemer City in Gaston County will receive $5,000 to conduct a tree inventory.
• The city of Laurinburg in Scotland County will receive $14,100 to put together a tree inventory and maintenance report.
• The town of Wake Forest in Wake County will receive $6,601 to support development of a tree management plan, volunteer program and nursery.
• Trees Across Raleigh Inc. in Wake County will receive $10,800 to support its planting of trees in public rights-of-way, medians and parks across the city.
• The city of Raleigh in Wake County will receive $10,000 to conduct a street tree inventory.

"These grants will go a long way towards assisting these communities in creating healthy urban forests," said State Forester Wib Owen. "A good urban canopy is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offers a lot of benefits to citizens."

Trees moderate temperature extremes; reduce wind speed and water erosion; filter pollutants from air, water and soil; muffle noise; and increase property values, Owen said.

To learn more about urban and community forests in North Carolina, visit the N.C. Forest Service online at http://ncforestservice.gov.

# # #

N.C. Forest Service lends a hand to other states
July 6, 2012

RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service has sent 32 employees to help other states and the federal government fight wildfires around the country.

"N.C. Forest Service employees are recognized nationally as excellent wildland firefighters," said State Forester Wib Owen. "During times of extreme wildfire in our country, the wildland fire community works together to help each other. In fact, many of our folks have trained with other state and federal agencies. Those trainings and these opportunities to work together ultimately benefit North Carolina because our employees gain knowledge and experience that can be used when responding to incidents here at home."

Forest Service employees are working on fires in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming. The agency also is providing staff for the Southern Area Coordination Center in Atlanta. In North Carolina, workers are helping the U.S. Forest Service battle the 21,000-acre fire in the Croatan National Forest near New Bern.

The N.C. Forest Service has helped other agencies by providing a 20-member firefighting crew as well as personnel to fill a variety of roles: equipment manager, helicopter crewmember, intelligence support, personnel time recorder, pump operator, radio operator, situation unit leader, task force leader and aviation technical specialist.

The requesting agencies will reimburse the state for providing the assistance.

"We are very proud of these men and woman for the personal sacrifice they are making to aid in fighting these fires," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "It is extremely difficult for states — and even the federal government — to battle large wildfires without outside assistance. Our employees know that the work they do to help other firefighting agencies will come back to us in the form of assistance when we need it."

# # #

Keep your Independance Day celebration safe with these fire safety tips
June 29, 2012

RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service encourages people to celebrate Independence Day by viewing public fireworks displays rather than risk setting wildfires with their own fireworks.

"Many wildfires this time of year are started by the careless use of Class C fireworks, such as sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "Each year, wildfires in North Carolina endanger peoples' lives, destroy millions of dollars worth of timber and property, and damage the environment."

If people take the risk of using their own fireworks, here are some simple ways to help keep the holiday safe:

• Don't use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
• Do not use fireworks near woods or any combustible material.
• Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
• Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
• Do not use under the influence of alcohol.
• Always use in a large, open, preferably paved, area or near a body of water.
• Have a rake or shovel as well as a bucket or two of water on hand.
• Monitor the area for several hours after use.

An increased number of homes are being built in North Carolina's wooded areas, and officials with the N.C. Forest Service stress the need to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires in residential areas. In addition to taking measures to use fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended and should never be started with gasoline.

It is also important when disposing of ashes to never put them in a paper bag or other flammable container, but to instead place them in an outside metal container or bury them in mineral soil in your garden. If you live in an area with organic soils, however, keep in mind that peat can catch fire. Never store ashes in your garage, on your deck or in a wooded area. Double-check the ashes and coals before throwing them away to make sure they won't start a fire.

People with questions should contact their county ranger or Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828. For more fire safety information, visit www.ncfirewise.org or http://ncforestservice.gov.

# # #

Woodland stewardship workshops planned for Western N.C.
June 7, 2012

RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service is joining N.C. State University's Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program and other natural resource agencies in hosting a series of four workshops for private forest landowners in Western North Carolina.

"The 'Woodland Steward Series: Mountains Program' is designed to educate woodland owners and managers, especially those with 20 acres or less, on the basic principles of forest stewardship," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "The workshop is being conducted by a team of land management experts from federal and state agencies, universities and the private sector."

The series takes place between July 18 and Aug. 17 in the Asheville area. Each workshop will be led by natural resource and land management specialists and will feature hands-on activities in the field and instruction in the classroom. Introductory information on a wide variety of land management topics will be provided.

Following is the schedule:

• "Discovering Your Land: Basic Land Management Skills," Wednesday, July 18, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Cradle of Forestry in Brevard, and Thursday, July 19, 9 a.m.-noon at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville.
• "Native Landscaping & Water Management," Thursday, July 19, 1-4:30 p.m., and Friday, July 20, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the N.C. Arboretum. "Woodscaping Your Woodlands & Firewise Management," Wednesday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-noon at Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville.
• "Stewardship, Recreation & Liability," Thursday, Aug. 16, 1-4:30 p.m. at Bent Creek, and Friday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Cradle of Forestry in Brevard.

Registration is $50 per participant per workshop and $25 for a spouse or other family member. Woodland owners and managers are encouraged to attend one or more of the workshops according to their interests.

The deadline for registration is one week prior to each workshop, and attendance in at least three of the four workshops is required to graduate. Credit toward N.C. Environmental Education Certification is available. Please inquire about other continuing education certification.

To learn more about the series or to register, contact Addie Thornton, course coordinator, at 919-515-9563 or by email to addie_thornton@ncsu.edu. Additional information is online at www.ncsu-feop.org/woodlandstewards.

The workshops are being hosted by the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. State University's Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program, the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Cradle of Forestry in America, the N.C. Arboretum and Bent Creek Experimental Forest.

# # #

N.C. Forest Service urges residents not to burn
March 29, 2012

RALEIGH - The N.C. Forest Service is encouraging residents not to burn yard debris due to the potential for increased fire danger.

Despite recent rainfall on portions of the state, the National Weather Service and the N.C. Forest Service are forecasting increased fire danger for the entire state today due to high pressure building in from the north that will usher in much dryer air. The relative humidity levels are expected to drop across most of the state, and the northwest winds will average 15 mph with gusts to near 20 mph.

"These conditions, combined with low fuel moisture, create an enhanced fire threat," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "Residents are urged to exercise caution as any ignition of dry grass or tree litter will have the potential to spread quickly."

The National Weather Service and the N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor precipitation amounts, wind speeds, relative humidity and atmospheric stability.

This year, 1,161 wildfires have burned more than 4,364 acres across the state. Careless burning of debris remains the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina. Residents should always exercise caution when burning debris, especially during the spring fire season, which typically begins in mid-March and goes until mid-May.

For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, go to ncforestservice.gov and click on "Fire Control & Prevention" and follow the links, or contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828.

# # #

Celebrate NC Arbor Day by planting a tree
March 14, 2012

RALEIGH — Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging North Carolinians to plant a tree on March 16, Arbor Day in North Carolina.

"Trees bring more than scenic beauty," Troxler said. "Large deciduous trees provide shade and cool houses in the summer, reducing the need for air conditioning. Evergreen trees can help save on heating bills by blocking the wind in the winter. Trees are also excellent filters for pollution that find their way into our lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and underground sources of drinking water."

Residents interested in planting trees should consider species native to the state because they typically require less maintenance and are better suited to the local soils and climate, said State Forester Wib Owen.

"As with anything you plant, be sure you are putting your trees in an appropriate and safe location," Owen said. "We encourage you to follow 'right tree, right place,' meaning that before you plant a tree, know what it looks like at maturity and its site requirements."

Consider the height, crown spread, proximity to electrical wires and buildings, and the available planting space above and below ground, which is crucial to the tree’s long-term survival, Owen said.

The official North Carolina Arbor Day is celebrated on the first Friday after March 15. National Arbor Day is on the last Friday in April. Different communities in the state may celebrate their local Arbor Day at different times.

For information related to native tree nurseries in North Carolina or to order seedlings through the N.C. Forest Service, log on to http://ncforestservice.gov. Seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 888-NCTREES, at any Forest Service facility, or by mail using one of the agency’s free catalogs.

To find out more about the benefits of trees on your property, visit The International Society of Arboriculture’s website at www.treesaregood.com or contact Nancy Stairs, Urban Forestry Program coordinator, at 919-857-4842.

# # #

N.C. Forest Service urges residents not to burn Saturday
February 24, 2012

RALEIGH - The N.C. Forest Service is encouraging residents not to burn yard debris Saturday, due to the potential for increased fire danger.

Despite rain falling on portions of the state Friday, the National Weather Service and the N.C. Forest Service are issuing a fire danger watch for western parts of the state Saturday. The weather forecast is calling for the possibility of sustained winds of 20 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph, coupled with low humidity, which will cause any wildfires that occur to spread quickly.

The National Weather Service and the N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor precipitation amounts, wind speeds, relative humidity and atmospheric stability Friday and overnight into early Saturday morning, and could issue a red flag warning if conditions warrant. A red flag warning indicates an increased risk due to critical fire weather such as unstable air, high winds, low humidity, and low fuel moisture, such as dry grasses and leaves.

As of Thursday, Feb. 23, there have been 618 wildfires this year that have burned nearly 2,600 acres across the state. Careless burning of debris remains the number one cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

"Remember to act safely and protect North Carolina’s natural resources; don’t burn on dry, windy days, and maintain a careful watch over a fire until it is extinguished," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, go to www.ncforestservice.gov and follow the links under "Fire Control & Prevention", or contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828.

# # #

Laurel wilt found in Brunswick County
February 23, 2012

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service has confirmed that laurel wilt, a devastating disease of redbay and other plants in the laurel family, has been identified in Brunswick County near the communities of Sandy Creek and Northwest.

The disease has been identified across the Southeast in portions of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. In North Carolina it was discovered in Bladen, Columbus, Sampson and Pender counties in 2011.

Laurel wilt is introduced into the tree by the non-native redbay ambrosia beetle. The female beetle bores through the bark of the tree, carrying the fungus on her mouthparts. Once the beetle is inside the tree, she makes tunnels where she will lay eggs. The fungal spores grow in these tunnels, blocking the movement of water from tree roots and causing the tree to wilt and eventually die from lack of water. This fungus is extremely fast-acting, and trees typically will die within a month of infection.

Symptoms of laurel wilt disease include drooping reddish or purplish foliage. Evidence of redbay ambrosia beetle attack may be found in the main stem; often strings of chewed wood called frass toothpicks can be seen sticking out of the entry holes. Removal of tree bark reveals black streaking in the outer wood. It is believed the pest can travel about 20 miles a year naturally, but can spread more quickly when fungus-carrying beetles are moved in wood, such as firewood, to new areas. Homeowners with dead redbay trees are encouraged to keep cut trees on their property. Dead trees should not be transported off site to a landfill or off site to be used as firewood. Proper disposal of redbay includes leaving wood on site, cutting or chipping wood on site, or burning wood on site in compliance with local and state ordinances. In areas where burning is allowed, a permit can be obtained from the N.C. Forest Service through a local burn permit agent, a county ranger’s office, or online at http://ncforestservice.gov/. Just look for “Burn Permits” under the quick links section.

In North Carolina, sassafras, pondberry, pondspice, swampbay and spicebush also fall in the laurel family and could be affected by this disease.

This destructive pest was first discovered in Georgia in 2002. It is believed the fungus and the redbay ambrosia beetle arrived in the United States in wooden crating material from Southeast Asia.

To learn more about laurel wilt, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/foresthealth/laurelwilt/index.shtml or call Jason Moan, forest health monitoring coordinator with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-553-6178, ext. 223.

# # #

Prescribed Fire Awareness Week is February 13-19
February 8, 2012

RALEIGH – Feb. 13-19 is Prescribed Fire Awareness Week in North Carolina.

"Prescribed fires are important for managing forests and wildlife habitat, and for reducing the risk of harmful wildfires throughout North Carolina," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

Prescribed fires are conducted to protect the public and sustain forestlands. Fueled by grass, leaves, pine straw and other forest debris, low-intensity fires once occurred naturally every few years in fire-adapted ecosystems across North Carolina. These fires reduced buildup of dangerous fuel – such as pine straw, sticks and other forest litter – that put people and communities in jeopardy from wildfire. They also reduced competition from invading species and added nutrients back into the soil, allowing native plants and animals to thrive.

"Unburned forests can experience an unnatural buildup of shrubs and dead wood, endangering native plants and animals due to the lack of food, habitat and conditions needed for them to exist," said State Forester Wib Owen. "Prescribed fire is a safe forest management tool used for native fire-adapted ecosystems and fire-dependent species."

Burning the same tract of land every three to seven years reduces the buildup of vegetation, decreasing the chance of severe wildfire. Without these recurrent burns, fuel buildup can lead to large, uncontrollable wildfires. Smoke from wildfires usually has a greater impact on communities and carries more pollutants than smoke from controlled burns, Owen said.

Prescribed burn managers receive extensive training to ensure that they are careful to protect surrounding communities and the land they are managing with fire. Managers create a burn plan for the fire, which includes smoke management details, fire control measures, acceptable fuel moisture and weather parameters, and the necessary equipment and personnel required to safely conduct the burn. The plan also details how the forestlands and ecosystem will benefit from the fire.

For more information on Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, contact the N.C. Prescribed Fire Council at www.ncprescribedfirecouncil.org or Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828.

# # #