WASHINGTON, D.C. —  In celebration of National Forest Products Week, Kyle Freres, Vice President of Operations for Freres Wood, describes the benefits of mass timber as a construction material in large commercial and multifamily residential buildings.

This month we also talk about wildfire, and how Western forests are designed to burn.  For the one-third of the U.S. population that lives in high wildfire risk areas, this means if we continue to deprive forests of fire it only makes the next fire bigger and more difficult to control.  But with the right preparation and conditions, wildfires sparked by lightning can be managed the way nature intended making communities safer.

Moving on to forest legacy grants, we are partnering with States and local landowners to protect important forested areas, ensuring these special places will remain for the communities that rely on them.

We also celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, where Randy'L Teton shares her perspective as both a Forest Service employee and tribal citizen of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe of Fort Hall, Idaho.

And wrapping up we look to the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which the Alaska Region of the Forest Service, which features the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, is honored to provide.  An annual symbol of hope and celebration, the tree offers an opportunity to showcase Alaska’s majestic landscape, unique culture, rich traditions, diverse ecosystems, and abundant resources.  The tree will symbolize Alaskans’ connection to the lands they call home, as well as the special relationships between our forests and the tribal communities, partners, and sponsors coming together to send this unique holiday gift to the U.S. Capitol.

All this and more in this month's Around the Forest Service.