And neither do a number of knowledgeable people who believe in the idea of a sustainable timber crop and of the need for managed forests. Yes, timber companies make a profit from the thinning, but they can also do so in a way that either doesn't hurt or actually helps the health of the forest. We question whether county officials and local citizen interest groups are as qualified to make decisions about the future of forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The old first-grown forests long...

The industry group said that share of tropical hardwood imports in the U. In 2002, the average price for tropical woods was almost three times as high as the one for imported temperate woods. By 2006, tropical prices were only twice as high as temperate prices. It adds that temperate hardwoods account for most of US hardwood lumber imports, lead by maple, then cherry and walnut. The United States is importing considerable less tropical hardwood according to the International Tropical...

This month, the association formed the Downtown Foresters a design committee of about 10 people dedicated to helping the city plant, prune, water and fertilize downtown trees and other greenery. A large ficus tree had previously been removed from that location by the city because it was found to be diseased and unsafe meaning it could fall over in a storm. Downtown Foresters will help the city prune, plant and water downtown trees and greenery. On Friday, team members used their new skills...

Forest officials say since January 1, on an average, they ve had a forest fire start about every two days, most of which are human caused. The forests are extremely dry and users should be extra careful as they enjoy the outdoors, especially if they re using the grills and fires in developed campsites , said Miera B. Officials are reminding forest users to never leave a fire unattended, to take the extra time to make sure the fire is out, and that coals and ashes are cool to the touch...

The agency is advertising in movie theaters and on placemats in restaurants, informing people that it's fire season and warning them to be especially careful, she said. With Michigan's forest fire season here, public land management agencies are preparing for dangerous months ahead. Agencies urging precautions for forest fire season. That's not because the DNR staff is not properly trained but because fire crews are not as widely scattered throughout the state due to limited funds, she...