Forest ThreatNet

EFETAC and Southern Research Station Produce Videos to Inspire Young Scientists

The Eastern Threat Center and the Southern Research Station (SRS) recently produced short videos – highlighting watershed, southern pine beetle, flux tower, and social science research – for the 24-hour grand opening of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ new 80,000 square-foot wing, the Nature Research Center. The collaborative effort could expose more than one million multicultural students in grades K-12 to the wonders of forest science. Please watch the videos at www.forestthreats.org/products/photos-and-multimedia.

EFETAC Water Stress Tool Helps Union of Concerned Scientists Examine Energy and Water Issues

Power plants across the United States are contributing to water stress and impacting water quality according to a report released by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), Freshwater Use by U.S. Power Plants: Electricity’s Thirst for a Precious Resource. UCS researchers utilized results from EFETAC’s Water Supply Stress Index (WaSSI) model to analyze current and future water demand and supplies for the report, which is the first in a series for the UCS Energy and Water in a Warming World Initiative. To learn more about WaSSI, visit www.forestthreats.org/tools/wassi. For more information about UCS and to read the report, visit www.ucsusa.org.

Forest Fragmentation Research Highlighted in Conservation Magazine

Conservation Magazine featured an online article describing a forest fragmentation study led by EFETAC research ecologist Kurt Riitters. The study, published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management, reveals extensive fragmentation and the importance of management practices on privately owned land—which comprises the majority of forested acres in the East—for maintaining sustainable forest resources and biodiversity. Read “Picking up the Pieces” from Conservation Magazine and the original journal article entitled “Fragmentation of forest communities in the eastern United States” at www.forestthreats.org/news/in-the-news.

The Wildlife Professional Features Forest Service Climate Change Adaptation Efforts

The fall 2011 issue of The Wildlife Professional, a publication of the Wildlife Society, features several Forest Service projects that are helping forests, grasslands, and wildlife adapt to climate change. Included are two EFETAC-supported efforts: the Template for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Management Options and the Climate Change Resource Center. To access the issue and the article entitled “Role of the U.S. Forest Service,” visit www.issuu.com/the-wildlife-professional.

Southern Research Station Utilizes Social Media for Sharing Forest Science

All the latest research, news, and events from the Southern Research Station – including EFETAC updates – can now be found on a new and frequently updated Twitter page as well as the new online magazine, CompassLive. To follow SRS on Twitter and to read CompassLive visit www.srs.fs.usda.gov.

Contact Us:

USDA Forest Service
Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center

Danny C. Lee, Director

Asheville, NC

Southern Research Station,
200 W.T. Weaver Boulevard
Asheville, NC 28804

(828) 257-4298

Research Triangle, NC

Forestry Sciences Laboratory
3041 E. Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

(919) 549-4014

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