Region 9 - Home

Emerald Ash Borer Network hosts webinars

Ever since the emerald ash borer first made its appearance in Detroit, Michigan, the Emerald Ash Borer Network has worked to provide information about this invasive forest pest. One of their resources is hosting the EAB University, where experts share their knowledge and research about EAB and other topics related to forest pests, diseases and management.

Greener Detroit on the horizon

Thanks to a collaborative reforestation project supported by the USDA Forest Service, the re-greening of “Motor City” might one day leave other Midwest Rust Belt communities green with envy

Millions in wood grant funding awarded

Projects in the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region have been awarded millions in wood utilization grants from two programs.

Pest alert: Bacterial leaf scorch of oak

Eastern Region State, Private, and Tribal Forestry produced a new pest alert on bacterial leaf scorch (BLS) of oak that is available for download in the Publications Library. BLS is more severe in members of the red oak group than members of the white oak group.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant builds resilience in Duluth

More than 45,000 newly planted trees are providing important ecological benefits in Duluth, Minnesota, thanks to a $200,000 USDA Forest Service Eastern Region Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant.

Ohio reaches milestone with 100th Day in the Woods program

In June, the state of Ohio celebrated the 100^th program of A Day in the Woods, which has educated woodland owners and enthusiasts in southeastern Ohio since 2012. To date, A Day in the Woods has attracted nearly 5,500 attendees who collectively sustain more than 150,000 acres of Ohio’s privately owned forests.

Tree climbers step up high to prevent oak wilt spread

An unusual call for assistance to infect select healthy trees with deadly oak wilt in upper Midwest forests turned out to be a win-win for everyone involved — especially the forests.

Aviation tech highlighted at Eastern Region event in Wisconsin

USDA Forest Service Eastern Region aviation technology was on full display at the Whitewater University Innovation Center in Whitewater, Wisconsin, on July 20. The event showcased drones, helicopters and seaplanes used on the front lines of Forest Service aviation operations in the Midwest. Eastern Region personnel were on hand to discuss capabilities, current mission areas and future program direction for the three programs at the event

Eastern Region App for iOS and Android

The Eastern Region Forest Service App is free and now available to help guide Forest visitors for their next adventure to the Eastern Region’s seventeen national forests.

State Forestry Agencies Have Online Resources to Keep You Informed

From community trees to the back 40, state forestry agencies provide numerous web-based resources to keep you connected with the latest information on forestry issues in your state.

Forest Service grants $9M for wood innovations in Northeast, Midwest

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced $9 million in funding for wood innovations and community wood grant projects in the Eastern Region. This funding will support 26 projects in Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

NH BioBlitz promotes citizen science with Forest Service grant

The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension used a USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) grant through the NH BioBlitz project to promote community engagement, environmental awareness and invasive species detection.

Landscape Scale Restoration grant builds on Connecticut woodland manager skills

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) launched a highly successful Master Woodland Manager training program providing continuous learning opportunities for landowners using a $216,025 USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) grant.

Minnesota riparian project improves water quality

A collaborative partnership used a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant to restore more than 600 acres of riparian forest, improving water quality and forest resilience along Minnesota’s waterways.

Collaborative project shares best practices for Chesapeake Bay forest health

On the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay lies the Delmarva Peninsula, so named because this land mass contains portions of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The peninsula is on the coastal plain on top of an ancient sea floor, which leads to sandier, acidic soils that strongly influence the vegetation.

Monitoring tool gives early warning of forest disturbance

The USDA Forest Service Eastern Region is using ForWarn II, a tool developed by the Southern Research Station, to monitor forest disturbances. What once was time consuming and labor intensive is now a click away.

Ozark habitats benefit from Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration grant

A wide-reaching public/private partnership partially funded by a USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) grant is leading to positive outcomes for forests and communities across the Ozarks of Missouri.

“Making a young landscape old”: Helping Ohio’s post-agriculture forests thrive

For a forest to grow old gracefully, it may take more than time. In the case of the post-agriculture regrowth forests at the Holden Arboretum, near Cleveland, Ohio, it also requires smart forest management for a healthy, diverse ecosystem.

Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts

The Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts is a grass-roots, private land forest conservation and economic development partnership in Northwestern Massachusetts. A unique geology, calcareous wetlands, combined with rich northern forests make up a biologically diverse ecosystem. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service signed a Shared Stewardship Framework in November of 2019.

U.S. Forest Service and its Chesapeake Bay Program fund over 2,000 trees

The U.S. Forest Service’s Eastern Region’s State & Private Forestry ‘s Chesapeake Bay Program helped fund the planting of over 2,000 trees to enhance wildlife habitat, fight invasive species, and improve water quality in the critical Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Arboriculture job training programs ease transition from prison to community

New publication features urban forestry workforce development programs that help justice-involved individuals gain critical job and life skills.

Midwest industrial city greens up with Forest Service support

The city of Whiting, Indiana, has an ambitious goal to plant 5,000 trees in the next five years, made possible through a joint collaborative effort including USDA Forest Service technical assistance.

Forest Legacy project restores Michigan forest devastated by insects, floods

A project to restore conservation land in the wake of destructive emerald ash borer and spruce budworm infestations in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan is well underway following a $132,442 USDA Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant

Report shows big urban forestry impacts across Northeast, Midwest

According to a recent study led by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and funded through a USDA Forest Service Eastern Region grant, urban forestry operations across the Northeast and Midwest are making big impacts in their communities each year.

Rhode Island launches career catalyst program for green collar jobs

A pandemic, a merger and an industry worker shortage all combined recently to create the need for an effective recreation-based “green collar” jobs program in Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management answered the call.

USDA People’s Gardens inspire gardeners to branch out and plant a tree

It’s gardening season, and no doubt you’ve thought about planting tomatoes or herbs. But have you considered making a fruit tree part of your garden?

Unmanned aerial system program takes flight in Wisconsin

Nearly two dozen students from across the Eastern Region and parts of the Alaska Region completed a Forest Service small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) aircraft course in Wisconsin on May 27.

Wildfire and prescribed fire in the Eastern Region

Uncontrolled and unwanted fires in the Northeast and Midwest have long posed a threat not only to the forest itself, but also to the lives and communities on the wildland urban interface. On the other hand, prescribed fire plays an important role in maintaining and restoring the health and vitality of fire-dependent and fire-adapted ecosystems, as well as lessening the impact of wildfire.

Forecasting air quality during prescribed fire

It’s already been a successful year for prescribed burns in the USDA Forest Service’s Eastern Region, where staff maximize the ecological benefits of fire for healthy forests while minimizing the impacts to air quality in nearby communities.

2021 Eastern Region Honor Award Recipients

The Honor Awards recognize people, partnerships and projects that exemplify the USDA Forest Service’s motto, “Caring for the Land and Serving People.” A lot of amazing work happened last year. Watch the videos below to learn more about the Eastern Region award recipients and their work to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Ash study paves career pathway for one New York student

One top-notch undergraduate student recently outcompeted master’s and doctoral candidates across the Northeast and eastern Canada in a forest studies competition, bringing home first place. He was the only undergraduate in the competition.

Private landowners play a key role in sustainable forest management

Privately-owned forests provide public value by ensuring clean water, clean air, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, sustainable wood products and support for rural economies. This story is part of a series that highlights one of 14 common themes identified in the 2020 regional state forest action plan summary report.

Innovative program helps New England forest owners adapt to a changing climate

An innovative, federally funded joint project is helping forest landowners in southern New England adapt their forestland to a changing climate. This story is part of a series and highlights one of the 14 common themes identified in the 2020 regional State Forest Action Plan summary report.

Cooperative weed management defends biological diversity in Oak Openings region

The 130-square-mile Oak Openings region, located in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, is a globally unique, biologically diverse area that is home to many rare plants and animals, such as drummond’s halfchaff sedge (Lipocarpha drummondii), white false indigo (Baptisia lactea), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor) and sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus).

Groundwater and Climate Change – The Unseen Connection

The theme of this year’s National Groundwater Awareness Week (March 6-12, 2022) is “Groundwater awareness is important to you!” There are many reasons why groundwater is essential to health and the well-being of humanity and the environment.

Top invasive species threats in the Eastern Region today

Invasive species are a major forest health issue in the USDA Forest Service’s Eastern Region, which stretches from New England to the mid-Atlantic to the Midwest. National Invasive Species Awareness Week, from Feb. 28 to March 4, 2022, is a great time to learn about the biggest invasive species threats in our region and why they can be so harmful.

With surge of visitors, fire prevention efforts more important than ever

An estimated 13 million people visited national forests in the Eastern Region in 2020, the last year in which statistics are available. And by all accounts, 2021 was even busier for visitors to our national forests as more Americans sought outdoor recreational opportunities during the pandemic.

Eastern Region exceeds goal to reduce hazardous fuels in 2021

The USDA Forest Service Eastern Region ended 2021 on a high note, surpassing its annual goal to reduce hazardous fuels in forests and lower the threat of potentially catastrophic wildfires.

Flying High Over Boundary Waters

The USDA Forest Service has more than its share of “cool” and interesting jobs. From forest ranger to climate scientist, and firefighter to urban forester and wildlife biologist, there are possibly hundreds of interesting occupations to pick from. One of them is the seaplane pilot.

Drew Hart receives prestigious award for community engagement

Congratulations to the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region’s own Drew Hart, who recently earned the Gifford Pinchot Award for Excellence in Interpretation and Conservation Education.

Partners & Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding help support restoration

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding has been essential to restoring openland complexes, especially oak savannas, on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Along with support from other partners, this funding has helped bolster restoration efforts for habitats that support a variety of species and provide numerous ecological benefits, including watershed health.

Emerald Ash Borer University webinar series on forest pests open to the public

This fall, Emerald Ash Borer University (EAB-U) — a collaborative effort between the USDA Forest Service, Michigan State University, Ohio State University and Purdue University — will present a series of free webinars available to the public on various pests affecting forest health.

Partner Highlight: The Detroit Outdoor Collaborative

The Detroit Outdoors Collaborative is group of partners dedicated to connecting youth and their families to outdoor recreation experiences. Today, the group includes the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, Sierra Club Outdoors For All, YMCA of Metro Detroit, Black to the Land Coalition, International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, US Forest Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Are zombie trees or ghost forests haunting your neighborhood?

This Halloween, watch out for a threat you won’t find in your favorite horror flick. You may not have heard of zombie trees and ghost forests, but they’re scary — and they’re real!

Kirtland’s warbler census shows once-endangered songbird continues to thrive

State and federal agencies and droves of volunteers have partnered to count Michigan’s Kirtland’s warbler population. The agencies recently announced that surveys conducted in June show the small songbirds have continued to flourish since their October 2019 removal from the federal list of endangered species.

Detroit families venture to the Upper Peninsula gaining valuable connections

This summer, thanks to some special Urban Connections funding and support from the Detroit Outdoors Collaborative, several Detroit families made an impactful journey to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Clear Lake Education Center in the Hiawatha National Forest, served as home base.

Tax incentive for homeowners with new, cleaner-burning wood heaters

Summer’s hot and humid days will soon turn to the cold, damp days of winter. If you rely on wood heat, or you’re interested in trying it, now is a great time to install a high-efficiency wood or pellet heater. A new, environmentally friendly model will keep you warm while producing lower emissions — and it may be eligible for a valuable tax credit.

Landscape Scale Restoration grant aids Minnesota’s at-risk forested resorts

Facing a rapid decline in Minnesota family-owned forested resorts, a USDA Forest Service grant matched by the state of Minnesota is supporting a project that reduces the risk of forest conversion to other land uses while providing direct benefits to struggling family resort owners.

More funding for Urban Connections means more opportunities to get kids outdoors

In its 20th year, the Eastern Region’s Urban Connections program has been engaging urban populations through partners like Detroit Outdoors, Wilderness Inquiry, and Student Conservation Association. This year, the program received a boost in funding enabling the region to pursue more partnerships and increase programming.

2020 Eastern Region Honor Awards Winners Announced

Congratulations to the Eastern Region’s 2020 Honor Awards recipients! The Honor Awards recognize people, partnerships and projects that exemplify the USDA Forest Service’s motto, “Caring for the Land and Serving People.”

Forest Service helps defend 9/11 witness trees from insect threat

Twenty years have passed since the 9/11 attacks, yet there’s a feeling of permanence in a hemlock grove that stands where so many lives were lost that day in southwestern Pennsylvania. Here, the Flight 93 National Memorial draws visitors to the grove’s almost cathedral-like canopy.

In Chesapeake Bay watershed, trees in livestock pastures improve water quality

For water quality, silvopasture is a perfect match. Under-vegetated pastures take a toll on water quality. Trees, wherever they occur, improve water quality by stabilizing soil and preventing pollutants in the soil from moving into waterways. In pasture settings, trees also reduce climate-related stress on livestock while providing forage.

Following massive Iowa storm, collaboration is key to restoring forests

This is the second segment of a three-part series, Iowa Derecho 2020, exploring the aftermath of a powerful and destructive inland storm in Iowa and how the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region’s field office in St. Paul, Minnesota, and other federal and state agencies and organizations are helping communities there recover.

Interagency coordination critical to assessing Iowa storm damage

This is the first segment of a three-part series, Iowa Derecho 2020, exploring the aftermath of a powerful and destructive inland storm in Iowa and how the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region’s field office in St. Paul, Minnesota, and other federal and state agencies and organizations are helping communities there recover.

Planting project diversifies tree canopy, protects watershed health in New York

As one of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s 16 task force members, the USDA Forest Service uses GLRI grants to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and accelerate progress toward long-term restoration goals for this important ecosystem.

Making Iowa’s woodlands a home for pollinators

The State and Private Forestry Landscape Scale Restoration competitive grant program funds collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes, leverages public and private resources and supports State Forest Action Plans.

Research and habitat improvements keep pollinators buzzing on the Hiawatha

Pollinators play a critical role in the plant lifecycle by moving pollen that produces fruits, seeds and young plants. In the Great Lakes region, the loss of insect pollinators has a ripple effect on ecosystems that extends even to the health of the Great Lakes themselves.

Award-winning Milwaukee partner project builds climate change resilience

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) won multiple awards for a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)-funded project that has planted well over 400 trees to buffer an urban neighborhood from the increasingly intense rains and heat of a changing climate.

Forest Service invests nearly $25M to protect non-federal forests in the East

This spring, the USDA Forest Service announced a $218 million investment in land and water conservation projects throughout the country. Included in this funding was close to $25 million to support Forest Legacy projects in the Eastern Region, collectively protecting nearly 25,000 acres of environmentally significant forests.

2 Smokey Bear recipients call Eastern Region states home

This year, two of the five national Smokey Bear award recipients come from Eastern Region states.

Wildfire and Smoke

As most people know, the Forest Service plays an important role with fire. This involves both responding to unwanted wildfires and using fire (termed prescribed fire) as a tool reduce unhealthy and unsafe accumulations of vegetation. Associated with both types of fire is smoke. While smoke can affect anyone, those most at risk are the young and seniors and those with cardiovascular or respiratory issues.

National Firewood Workshop to be held online June 9/10 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.

An upcoming National Firewood Workshop webinar, hosted through a partnership of North Carolina State University (NCSU) and the USDA Forest Service, will provide information on the latest in firewood processing technology.

Forest Service Collaborates with Pennsylvania on Gypsy Moth Treatment

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) and Forest Service Eastern Region are collaborating to suppress European gypsy moth populations in the Keystone State.

Trees planted along Michigan waterways protect fish populations, provide habitat

More than 17,000 trees are now providing habitat for wildlife, reducing stormwater flooding and protecting fish populations in the Rogue River watershed in western Michigan, funded through a USDA Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant.

Tree planting with climate change in mind

Spring is a great time for planting a tree, but timing is just one of many factors that impact your tree’s chances of living a full and healthy life. There’s a lot you can do to help your tree thrive for decades to come — even in the face of a changing climate.

Michigan DNR, Eastern Region Team Up on Invasive Insect

The Forest Service’s Eastern Region and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forest health programs are working together to track the hemlock woolly adelgid, a harmful invasive insect detected in Michigan and edging closer to national forests there.

Volunteers critical to restoration efforts at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

In Wilmington, Illinois, a grassland rises from the remains of a World War II-era ammunitions site at what is now Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the largest piece of prairie east of the Mississippi River. Bringing life back to this land has been one of the most ambitious restoration projects in the United States — and volunteers have been critical to its success, every step of the way.

Snowmobiling on Eastern National Forests

From winter camping and snowmobiling, to skiing and dogsledding, there’s a lot of fun to be had in the snow.

Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Plants Forest of Hope in Southeastern Wisconsin

Tree Planting During a Pandemic Series, Part 2: When the spring planting season was interrupted by COVID-19, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust — a driving force in conservation and a USDA Forest Service partner — persevered in their project to plant a Forest of Hope that will help protect water quality in the region.

Promoting Environmental Education and Job Training for Detroit Teens

Urban Connections has a long-standing partnership with The Greening of Detroit’s Green Corps. It's an employment opportunity program where high school students learn environmental stewardship, planting, tree maintenance, urban gardening, and practical information about green careers.

Michigan Tree Planting Project Targets Drainageways to Preserve a Watershed

Newly planted trees in Muskegon County will absorb stormwater, prevent flooding and reduce the excess nutrients that enter the Muskegon River Watershed.

Eastern Region Hosting Free webinar Series on Land Use Planning

The USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, is pleased to announce Changing Landscapes: Land Use Planning Curriculum, a free two-day webinar series on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21. The Changing Landscapes series focuses on the history of land use planning, policies that direct planning, essential collaboration techniques and how to use regulatory and non-regulatory tools. It is open to anyone interested in the land use planning process.

Grant raises awareness of forests’ connection to New York City’s water

Every day, millions of New York City residents take for granted that clean, abundant water is available with just the turn of a faucet handle. Yet they may not be aware that forests throughout the New York City watershed play a key role in sustaining this invaluable resource.

Winter's bitter chill brings sweet spring

While many of us stay huddled inside during the bitter cold of winter, some intrepid souls venture into the woods to take part in a centuries-old tradition in the northeastern United States. What draws them forth is the need to prepare their sugarbush — a collection of sugar maple trees in one location, ranging from a few trees in the backyard to hundreds of trees in a forest — for the spring maple sap run.

Forest Service builds on 20 years of success with Slow the Spread

In July, the national gypsy moth Slow the Spread (STS) program — a 20-year cooperative effort of the USDA Forest Service and state agencies in the eastern U.S. — treated over 293,000 acres with environmentally safe aerial applications in eight states to protect forests from this invasive insect.

Healing with the land of the Mequon Nature Preserve

For years, visitors have sought refuge from the pressures of work, life and illness in a 444-acre preserve in southeast Wisconsin, just north of Milwaukee.

Partner-led Projects Reduce Wildfire Risk in Wisconsin

Managing wildfires in Wisconsin requires a collaborative effort among agencies and communities to reduce the risk to lives and property. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) protects half the state’s lands, and local fire departments protect the other half.

GLRI Funding Supports Cleanup in Lake Ontario Watershed

Lake Ontario is a vital source of drinking water for 9 million people in the United States and Canada. Contaminated groundwater and stormwater runoff that enter Lake Ontario each year add unhealthful contaminants to the water supply.

Milwaukee’s Prescription for Healthy Trees During the Pandemic

Even as the spread of COVID-19 has put many of the City of Milwaukee’s spring and summer programs on hold, some things continue to grow: the city’s trees.

Pandemic Planting: Tips and Tricks for Homeowners

The COVID-19 pandemic has many of us spending considerable time indoors and away from other people to reduce our risk of catching the virus. Still, many recreationists are venturing outdoors to connect with nature. One happy medium for homeowners who want to reconnect with nature is to plant a tree in their yard.

Webinar Series Helps Tribes Manage Emerald Ash Borer Threat

The USDA Forest Service and other agencies are organizing a webinar series for tribal partners in the Eastern Region about the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect that threatens ash trees across the U.S. and Canada.

Ellicott Park Planting Project Exceeds Expectations

The 165-acre Ellicott Creek Park in Tonawanda, New York, was at risk of losing 75% of its existing tree canopy. Without a new generation of trees, green spaces like Ellicott Creek Park were graying.

Valentine’s Day bird-counting event open to citizen-scientists around the world

The Great Backyard Bird Count will take place Friday, Feb. 12, through Monday, Feb. 15. This citizen-science project will help scientists gather information about birds in your local area and their population trends.

Forest Service Celebrates World Wetlands Day

With Feb. 2 designated as #WorldWetlandsDay, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the variety of ecological benefits provided by wetlands — and to recognize how the USDA Forest Service’s Eastern Region works with states, private landowners and other partners across the Northeast and Midwest to enhance, restore and protect wetlands.

Iowa Forester’s Career Inspired by Early Experiences on Family-owned Forestland

The USDA Forest Service’s Forest Stewardship program gives forest landowners the planning tools to improve their lands for diversity, wildlife, wood production and other benefits, and it helps them access technical and financial assistance available through other federal programs

Case Studies Offer Insights on Increasing Tree Canopy in Underserved Communities

Underserved communities tend to have fewer trees than other city neighborhoods and may especially benefit from initiatives to increase tree canopy, but the local organizations leading these efforts can face unique challenges. A valuable online resource is available for organizations seeking the best strategies to engage underserved communities in successful tree-planting and stewardship initiatives.

Benefits of Cleveland-area reforestation project reach Lake Erie

Fifteen acres of newly planted trees near Tinker’s Creek in northeastern Ohio are more than a source of shade and scenic beauty. They will also ensure that cleaner water runs through the creek’s 28 winding miles, flows into the Cuyahoga River and ultimately feeds into Lake Erie.

Plant-eating insect takes a bite out of invasive knotweed

This spring, the USDA Forest Service’s Morgantown Field Office helped launch the nation’s first experimental release of a biocontrol agent — a tiny plant-eating insect — in the fight against invasive knotweed.

NMSFA and USDA FS Strengthen Partnership through Shared Stewardship

On Wednesday, July 15, the USDA Forest Service and the Northeast-Midwest State Foresters Alliance (NMSFA) signed a Shared Stewardship Agreement, amplifying our commitment to using an all-lands approach to forest management in the Eastern Region. This agreement marks the second Shared Stewardship Agreement signed in the Eastern Region and the first in the country to be signed virtually. The signatories on the agreement were Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen and Forrest Boe, NMSFA president and Minnesota state forester, who represented the state foresters of 20 states and the District of Columbia. The ceremony took place virtually during the NMSFA summer meeting.

One year later, timber sales on Chequamegon-Nicolet speed blowdown recovery

Following the July 2019 windstorm that resulted in an estimated 286,000 acres of damage across multi-jurisdictional boundaries in northern Wisconsin, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has expedited downed timber removal with an innovative and multi-faceted approach.

Planting Riparian Forest Buffers in the Chesapeake in the Time of COVID-19

Tree Planting During a Pandemic Series, Part 1: The Chesapeake Bay Program has long recognized the value of expanding riparian forest buffers to improve water quality in local waterways. This year, however, the planting season coincided with the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, with proper planning and a little creativity, Chesapeake Bay Program partners have found innovative ways to plant trees while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Fourth Graders Learn the Art of Maple Sugaring

Making maple syrup involves extracting sap from Maple trees and then boiling it down to get the sweet syrup that many have grown to love. With help of a partnership between USDA Forest Service and Neighborhood House, a busload of enthusiastic fourth-graders from St. Marcus School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were able to get outside and try their hand at making maple syrup.

Growing Leaders and Strengthening Communities in Minnesota

For over 22 years, Urban Roots Minnesota has provided paid internships to youth ages 14-18 on the East Side of St. Paul. Each year, approximately 60 youth develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills through Urban Roots gardening, cooking and conservation programs.

Finding Wellness in the Forest - Hoosier National Forest

The Hoosier National Forest and Indiana University (IU) Health Bloomington Hospital have a partnership agreement for a “Health and Public Lands” pilot program. The goals of the program are to provide therapeutic nature-based experiences for community members on National Forest System lands, and strengthen community ties to public lands.

Eastern Region's Director of Fire and Aviation on Assignment in Australia

As the bushfires continue to burn in Australia, the United States has mobilized fire personnel to assist in suppression efforts. The Eastern Region of the USDA Forest Service has six firefighters currently stationed in Australia, including Steve Miller of Milwaukee, the region’s director of fire and aviation.

Smokey’s Sensations Receives Toastmasters International Award

WISCONSIN — Smokey’s Sensations, a Toastmasters International club at the Eastern Region’s regional office in Milwaukee, has for the first time achieved the President’s Distinguished Club level of recognition.

Hooked on National Forests Fishing Derbies

While the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) and the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) are in two separate states, they have one thing in common – they both offer wonderful fishing opportunities to local youth and the public at large

National Trails Day 2016

What better way to celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 then exploring this or one of many other amazing trails in the Eastern Region.

Earth Day 2016 Events

In honor of Earth Day April 22, 2016, get outdoors, welcome spring & connect with nature! The Forest Service celebrates Earth Day in a variety of ways, from pulling weeds and planting trees to educating young people about the world around them. We invite you to join us in the Eastern Region as we give back to this great planet that gives us so much!

Cabins Near Ski Trails and Other Winter Activities

A number of other forests in the Eastern Region have cabins open during the winter season, conveniently located near ski or snowmobile trails.

Where to Ice Fish on Eastern National Forests

Our forests contain more than 962,000 acres of lakes and more than 15,000 miles of streams - 64 percent of which are trout waters.

Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. by Volunteering on National Day of Service

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, 26 U.S. Forest Service employees in Milwaukee participated in National Day of Service on Jan. 21, 2016. The employees volunteered at three local nonprofit organizations, St. John’s Cathedral Shelter, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, and the Urban Ecology Center.

Fall's Kaleidoscope of Color on the Hoosier National Forest

Nestled in the hills of southern Indiana, the Hoosier National Forest showcases the spectacular colors of a diverse central hardwood region. Camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and local festivals are all part of the fun of the Hoosier in the fall!

Calendar of Events

List of events happening on the Eastern National Forests.

Enjoy Winter Activities Before the Snow Melts

March is typically winter’s last hurrah – your chance to enjoy some wonderful winter recreation opportunities before the final snow melts.

Eastern Region Waters

The Eastern Region has 2 million acres of wetlands, 15 miles of streams and 10,000 lakes that provide clean drinking water, healthy wildlife habitat and special places to recreate.

Happy Birthday Gifford Pinchot

August 11 marks the birthday of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the US Forest Service (1905-1910).

National Moth Week

Imagine wandering through a botanical garden in the early evening. You catch a glimpse of beautiful lime green wings reflecting the moon’s light while fluttering from flower to flower. Those lime green wings belong to what some consider the most beautiful insect – the Luna moth. [FULL ARTICLE]

Vets Helping Vets - Sandra Gonzalez

U.S. Air Force Reserves Senior Master Sergeant Sandra Gonzalez offers job advice to veterans.

Minnesota Students Make Ornaments for 2014 Capitol Christmas Tree

Chippewa Forest Supervisor Darla Lenz announced that next year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will come from the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in north central Minnesota.

Amy Mullins Talks Timber, Family, & Passion

Introducing our Woman of Character, Courage and Commitment series. Amy has been a part of the timber industry for the past 20 years. We caught up with her to shed some light on being a woman in a male-dominated industry and shares some pearls of wisdom.

Leonyce Moses Talks New Jobs, Role Models and Networking

Part Two of our Woman of Character, Courage and Commitment series. Though she’s only been a permanent Forest Service employee for a month, Contract Specialist Leonyce has hit the ground running.

Gala Goldsmith Talks Faith, Mentoring and Career Advice

As a District Ranger on the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, Gala Goldsmith is never bored. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities, and she enjoys every minute of it!

Fire Safety on the 4th of July

Happy Independence Day! We hope that whatever you do to celebrate – do it safely. That includes camping on your national forests. One very important reminder is fire safety. Remember what Smokey Bear says “only you can prevent wildfires!”

Preparing Urban Forests in the Twin Cities for Climate Change

The U.S. Forest Service was thrilled to partner with Minnesota natural resource agencies to host this workshop and share strategies that have proven effective to adapting to climate change on our national forests, as well as strategies for urban forests.

Project improving bird-friendly forest habitats in Michigan

An innovative project led by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) used USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration grant funding to improve migratory bird habitat in Michigan’s 20 million acres of forestland.

Forest Service grants support youth employment in Great Lakes watershed

Using grants provided through the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region, the Superior Watershed Partnership is reducing stormwater runoff, filtering pollution entering the Great Lakes and restoring habitats — all while providing career-building experiences for a future generation of conservation professionals.

Preservation 50th Anniversary

This year marks the 50^th Anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 signed by President Johnson (amended in 2014). Passage of the Act was a watershed event that marked a fundamental shift in how Americans and the federal government regarded the role of historic preservation in modern life. The Act established the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archeology.

Honoring Veterans' Contributions to the Country and Land

Along with the Nation, the U.S. Forest Service would like to honor and thank all who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces in observance of Veterans Day.

Vets Helping Vets - David Melancon

Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant David Melancon offers job advice to veterans.

New Learning Tool Helps People Understand Climate Change

Climate change will impact everything on the planet, and it is the responsibility of every person to become knowledgeable about it in order to think and act in a more conscientious manner.

Hutton Fisheries Scholar - Odell Chalmers

Odell Chalmers, a recent graduate of Bradley Tech High School in Milwaukee, was selected by the American Fisheries Society as a 2014 Hutton Fish Biologist.

Shawnee National Forest Mobile Tour

Have you ever taken the audio tour at an art museum? Remember how cool and cultured you feel after learning the history and background of the exhibits? Imagine being able to do that outdoors – learning about nature’s masterpieces!

Volunteers needed to preserve and maintain our nation’s history

Summer offers opportunities for cook outs, camping and other outdoor fun, but with the U.S. Forest Service and Historicorps you can also spend a week preserving a piece of our nation’s history. This summer there are several opportunities to assist three of the National Forests in the Eastern Region. The Huron-Manistee, Chequamegon-Nicolet and Hiawatha National Forests are partnering with HistoriCorps and Passport in Time to preserve and rehabilitate historic structures at the Chittenden Nursery in Michigan, Mather-Klauer Lodge in Michigan, and Forest Lodge in Wisconsin.

The Eastern Region is Aflutter!

In celebration of National Pollinator’s Week, June 17-23, 2019, we invite you to come and visit beautiful gems called Native Plant and Pollinator gardens currently in bloom throughout the Eastern Region.

Meet One of Our Tribal Relations Specialists

We recently sat down with Marla Striped Face Collins for a chat about her new position with the Forest Service, her cultural background and Native American & Alaskan Indian Heritage Month.

Mitigating Wildfire

Wildfire preparedness measures are already underway for the 2019 season in the Eastern Region.

Champion for Chesapeake Bay watershed retires after 30-plus years

When Sally Claggett retired in September 2022, her USDA Forest Service colleagues reflected with gratitude on her decades of achievements in improving water quality through forest health.

Women in the Forest Service: Regional Forester Kathleen Atkinson

In the second of our Women in Forest Service series in honor of Women’s History Month, we hear from Kathleen Atkinson, Regional Forester of the Eastern Region of the U.S. Forest Service.

Where to Hunt on National Forests

The Eastern Region of the Forest Service offers hunting opportunities ranging from small game, waterfowl, upland birds, to deer.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2017

As part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 27-March 3, 2017), the Forest Service celebrates one solution to the prevention, detection and removal of invasive plants: Cooperative Weed Management Areas.

National Forests & the Great Lakes Provide Abundant Clean water

In April, the Forest Service highlights how managing healthy forests helps provide clean water.

Drone Collects Information to Benefit Great Lakes

A unique project between the U.S. Forest Service and Michigan Technological University (MTech) is using an adaptive management approach to steward the land. It involves a series of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or “drone” flights over the Hiawatha National Forest.

Celebrating 20th Anniversary of Tribal Memorandum of Understanding

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, the USDA Forest Service (USFS) would like to highlight a successful 20-year partnership with member Tribes of the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC).

Spring Recreation in the Eastern Region

Spring is a time of renewal, awakening and adventure. As parts of the Eastern Region are beginning to thaw, other areas are fully embracing spring. They provide the perfect spot for a spring recreation adventure for all ages, all types of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers!

National Volunteer Week 2016

As part of National Volunteer Week, the Forest Service is honored to recognize the spectacular volunteers that dedicate time and energy to essential project work on national forests.

International Day of Forests

March 21, the Forest Service joins the United Nation to celebrate the importance of forests and trees in our lives as part of International Day of Forests.

National Wildflower Week 2017

In celebration of National Wildflower Week, May 21-27, 2017, we invite you to visit these lovely gems. A field of wildflowers is one of the most beautiful scenes you can experience in nature!

Women in the Forest Service: Environmental Coordinator Leesha Howard McCauley

In the fourth article of our Women in Forest Service series in honor of Women’s History Month, we hear from Leesha Howard-McCauley, Environmental Coordinator for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Trading Spaces

An Our Global Kids group from Detroit traded their city lights and busy streets for an adventure on the Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Urban Connections Program organized this trip help underserved communities get involved in forest management.

First-Time Ice Fishing

The Eastern Region has partnered with the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) since 2009 to support "Future Angler Events" during the open water season.

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing on Eastern National Forests

Imagine being encircled by snowflakes as you glide through a trail winding around a national scenic river glistening with a fresh white covering. A picturesque and serene landscape awaits you this winter in Michigan’s Huron-Manistee National Forests. And with all the recent snow, the Forest’s trails are primed and ready for your visit!

Little Brown Bats Surviving and Reproducing at Deer Creek Impoundment

The Forest Service’s on-going efforts to help bats are paying off thanks to research and management working together on the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northeastern Wisconsin.

Remember 9-11-01

Firefighters placing an American flag on the rubble that was once the World Trade Center is an image burned into the minds of the American people. Sept. 11 is a time to reflect on those who bravely stepped up to help in an extreme time of crisis in American history.

National Volunteer Week 2017

As part of National Volunteer Week, the Forest Service is honored to recognize the spectacular volunteers that dedicate time and energy to essential project work on national forests. In 2016, 6,344 individual volunteers in the Eastern Region contributed 227,025 total hours to projects that restored watersheds, improved recreation areas, improved wildlife and fisheries habitat, and restored historic structures.

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