FORESTS
W I N T E R /S P R I N G 2 0 1 7
Forests
in Focus
Photo Contest
Winners
SEE THE STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY THAT EARNED TOP HONORS
IN OUR SECOND ANNUAL FORESTS IN FOCUS PHOTO CONTEST
Join me and American Forests for 5 days For more information, visit
and 4 nights in breathtaking Acadia. We will
americanforests.org/Acadia2017.
hike though beautiful fall foliage, take a horse
drawn carriage down the roads
constructed by Rockefeller
and enjoy steamed lobster
on the beach, plus much more!
Departments
2 Offshoots
A word from our president & CEO
4 Treelines
From D.C. to Pittsburgh to
Cleveland, heres what weve
been up to in the field and on the
Hill. Plus,
FOREST FRONTIERS: Jason
Weller, Chief of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service,
relates the biggest challenges
facing forests as well as stories
from his years in the field. 24 16
NEW ONLINE: Follow us on social
media for immediate updates,
news and stories about forest
conservation.
WASHINGTON OUTLOOK:
A look towards the new
administration. Plus, weve
highlighted some of the recent
successes and failures for
forest policy.
40 Forests in Focus
See the stunning photography
that earned top honors in our
second annual Forests in Focus
photo contest.
46 Earthkeepers 40 32
PIONEER IN AMERICAN
Features
FORESTS BOARDROOM
Read the inspiring story of
American Forests first woman
board member and former
chairman of the Board of
Directors, Hester Turner.
16 24 32
Edible Trees: Rambling The Cross
48 Last Look
Gorgeous photography from our
Foraging for around the Timbers: The
2016 Forests in Focus Grand Food from Big Lake: The Ancient Forest
Prize Winner, Garret Suhrie.
Forests Lake Superior at Americas
COVER PHOTO: GARRET SUHRIE
all the benefits our with both Republican and dential appointments Richard Kabat, Vice Chair
Kabat Company, Washington, DC
forests provide us.
Since Ulysses S.
Democratic administrations to ensure appointees
are as well-vetted
Rod DeArment, Treasurer
Covington & Burling LLP, Washington, DC
Grant, and the 26 whenever possible and and professionally Ann Nichols, Immediate Past Chair
presidents that have stood up and fought when prepared for these Chevy Chase, MD
Scott Steen, President & CEO (ex officio)
followed, we have
worked together with
our forests were at stake. roles as possible
and work to block
American Forests, Washington, DC
Zim Boulos
Office Environment Services, Jacksonville, FL
both Republican and appointees that are
Rob Bourdon
Democratic administrations whenever counter to the missions of the land Linkin Park, Sherman Oaks, CA
possible and stood up and fought when management and environmental agen- Jeff Elliott
Iridian Asset Management, Westport, CT
our forests were at stake. We will cies and the health of our forests.
Donna Dabney
continue to do this work and remain We need you, now more than ever, The Conference Board, New York, NY
vigilant in our efforts to protect and to help us ensure that the investments
YINGAHI LU
William Hazelton
restore our forests. that we have all made in protecting Chubb Group, New York City, NY
Elisa Rapaport
Specifically, we will continue and restoring our forests, rebuilding Rapaport Family Charitable Trust,
to fight: wildlife habitat, expanding urban Rockville Centre, NY
k to keep forests as forests protect- forests and safeguarding our water- Jonathan Silver
Greenbanc Global, LLC, Washington, DC
ing them from overdevelopment and sheds and rivers are not dismantled. Robert Steinberg
fragmentation Please support American Forests now. Steinberg Family Foundation, Greenwich, CT
k against opening our forests to more Together, we have the power to protect Mary Wagner
U.S. Forest Service (Retired), Ogden, UT
drilling for oil and natural gas and restore our forests now and for
k to keep our public lands public generations to come.
not sold off to private interests
k to ensure green infrastructure is
a key part of overall infrastructure
spending
k to ensure forests remain part of a
climate change solution and protected
from the threats exacerbated by
climate change
Much of our policy and advocacy
efforts take place through our leader-
treelines INFORMATION TO AMUSE, ENLIGHTEN AND INSPIRE
rugged cliffs full of crags and juts, dryly pest or disease emerges. These trees
comfortable summers juxtaposed by were also chosen because they are not
snow-laden winters and once end- affected by the parasitic dwarf mistle-
less vistas of unbelievable trees. These toe, which causes an estimated loss of
trees are under attack. 500 million cubic feet of wood losses
Back in 2011, American Forests per year in the U.S. alone. This mistletoe
began working with local organizations slowly saps trees of food and water,
to restore the sugar pine in the Tahoe priming them for attack from blister rust
National Forest. We started planting and mountain pine beetles.
blister-rust-resistant saplings in the We have been identifying and re-
Sierraville District, hoping to protect planting the 3-5 percent of sugar pines
a simply beautiful part of our coun- that are genetically resistant to blister
try from devastating infestations of rust. We began with the sugar pine in
blister rust and mountain pine beetle. 2011, because they were near the edge
Once comprising a quarter of the tree of extinction. Then, we started plant-
population in Lake Tahoe, these pines ing the other species to help foster a
are a vital part of the ecosystem. Their healthy ecosystem as a whole, as past
Sugar pine cone
ner interviews and other materials we found that very close spacing between
could use in the future, we were also newly planted trees helped them
interested in a few technical aspects out-compete non-native and invasive
that our local partner, Tree Pittsburgh, plants that would normally slow the
had planned for the project. seedlings growth. He also found the
In a section of the Audubon trees grew faster by competing with
Greenway, a 161-acre swath of previ- each other, resulting in both a rapidly
ous agricultural land that has been growing native forest and a low-main-
transformed into a network of trails tenance technique for establishing a
and woodlands used by hikers, cyclists forest where one hadnt been.
ERIK DROST VIA FLICKR
Nearly 60 volunteers helped plant 2,670 seedlings in a half-acre hillside of former horse pasture
CORPORATE PARTNER PROFILE daily operations on the planet they inspire that enthusiasm about saving the
believe that reducing your footprint environment: On top of planting trees,
DISH Network is one thing, but that also giving back DISH heavily promotes recycling and
is even better. Putting a priority on uses alternative fuel vehicles for their
sustainability, DISH came up with an technicians, among many other eco-
YOUR PHONE BUZZES multiple innovative way to incentivize healthier friendly pursuits.
times every day, alerting you to new billing practices. They decided that With the support of DISH Network,
emails just by using a tiny blip of elec- American Forests would be the ideal American Forests planted more than
tricity. Any important communication partner to pursue these ends, and 78,000 trees this year in Colorado,
can be found instantly in your pocket. together we pledged to plant a tree for Texas and Virginia. These projects are
But, do Americans every one of their helping protect some of the most bio-
realize that more customers that logically diverse wildlife areas in the
than 18 million switched from pa- United States. But, this was no one-off
trees are cut down per bills to e-billing effort, says Caity Curtis, the DISH
each year so that during Earth Cares Program Manager: Planting
they can receive Month 2016. trees and improving the environment
paper bills? The drive around us will continue to be a priority
As one of the larg- was considered a for DISH.
est pay-TV providers in the nation, DISH win-win-win for DISH they reduced
Network has millions of customers who paper needs, cut shipping costs and
receive monthly bills. Their customers helped protect our planets future by
were still thinking of monthly bills as a pa- planting thousands of trees. Picchione
per document, says Shannon Picchione, says that they were very pleased with
DISH Vice President of Billing and Credit. the response from their customers, DID YOU KNOW?
We wanted to change that thinking. adding that their enthusiasm made the The singleleaf pinyon
DISH kept in mind that it wasnt program a success. We at American pine is the worlds only
just about reducing the impact of their Forests know that our partners certainly one-needled pine.
DONOR PROFILE Karen McLellan was helping her Karen knew at that moment that she
daughter, Marissa, organize her wed- had an opportunity to share something
Karen McLellan ding when Marissa offhandedly asked wonderful with her daughter and ev-
if they should have wedding favors. eryone important in her daughters life.
The Gift of Trees as wedding favors When Karen was young, her own
hit all the right chords for one family parents took her on trips to visit their
and their guests. extended family in the Midwest and the
East. They would stop at every National
BOTTOM LEFT: PETER AMEND, A FIERCE LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY;
BIG TREE SHOWCASE SPECIES NAME: Singleleaf CROWN SPREAD: 38.83 feet
pinyon pine, Pinus monophylla TOTAL POINTS: 164
Singleleaf LOCATION: Hamlin Valley, Utah NOMINATED: 2015
had destroyed the forest. He told her every guest, she was interrupted by
Karen and her daughter, Marissa, that Mother Natures miracles start wild cheers and applause before she
hiking in the sequoias to scout out
the wedding location working with our help. The time he could finish. For the rest of the night,
spent with her invested a life-long she was approached by guests asking
love for, and appreciation of, nature, how she had thought of such a good
and when she had her own daughter, idea. She told them that she had been
Karen understood that she had to a member of American Forests for
pass it along. nearly a decade and that part of her
So, when Marissa asked Karen gift to Marissa was a membership for
whether they should bother with her and her new husband, Justin.
wedding favors, Karen knew that they How Karen describes her experi-
should bother and that it would be ence and her motivations is nothing
an excellent opportunity to give back. short of inspiring.
They decided to plant a tree for every The strength of a marriage is like
COURTESY OF KAREN MCLELLAN
wedding guest who attended. They the strong roots of a tree, she said.
held the wedding in Sequoia National One hundred and fifty trees to be
Park. And, two weeks later they had sewn into the land to begin grow-
a large reception in Karens backyard. ing roots, like the kids begin growing
When Karen gave a toast to explain theirs today.
their take on wedding favors, and that
they chose to donate a tree to honor
NEW ONLINE
WHILE OUR MAGAZINE IS A GREAT WAY TO STAY CURRENT on the latest American Forests news, you can get even
more updates by following us on social media! We share the latest news, interesting stories and breathtaking photography
featuring forests and wildlife. Check out the snippets below to see examples of our unique online content.
FACEBOOK 8 facebook.com/AmericanForests
Facebook is one of the best ways to enjoy photos, updates and
stories that are special to American Forests. Since our readers love
wildlife, each week we share a #WildlifeWednesday spotlight of a
different species that lives in a forest where weve worked. Some of our
most beloved #WildlifeWednesdays of 2016 included the grizzly bear
and the ocelot.
We also post a weekly #RecreationSpotlight that features some of
the most special places in the U.S. to hike and explore. Our followers
chime in about their favorite trails to hike and where to find the most
beautiful scenery. Which spotlight has been most popular thus far?
Acadia National Park in Maine.
YOUTUBE 8 youtube.com/AmericanForests
Our YouTube channel is the go-to spot for videos highlighting our work on endangered wildlife and urban forests. One
of our newest videos documents a project with local community members in Detroit, building the citys first outdoor educa-
tion center, thanks to the support of Bank of America. Built with the help of teenagers and for people of all ages, this project
both educated the volunteers and inspired them: In Detroit, the only thing you hear about is negativity or something bad
going on in this city, said one teenage volunteer. It was good for me to come out and be part of something positive for my
neighborhood.
2016. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities,
registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.
WASHINGTON OUTLOOK
YINGHAI LU
history, we have seen a variety of presi- threaten our forests. We will work with
dential administrations with varying the administration, where possible, to
views on the importance of forests to enact the programs that benefit forests
our nation. Over the coming months and advocate against agency action
and years, we will remain vigilant to that does not.
ensure the programs and policies that For now, we report on forest conser-
protect and restore our nations forests, vation policy in the last months of the
protect wildlife habitat and expand 114th Congressional session.
LOUIS-M.LANDRY
BIRCH, BETULA
The birch species are well known, especially
the strikingly beautiful white-barked varieties.
The inner bark of birches is edible, making it an
important survival food. Many have kept from
starving by knowing this. Native peoples and pio-
neers dried and ground the inner bark into flour
for bread. You can also cut the bark into strips
and boil like noodles to add to soups and stews or
simply eat it raw. In spring you can drink the trees
sap directly from the tree, or boil it down into a
slightly sweet syrup.
LINDEN, TILIA
DR. AMADEJ TRNKOCZY
POPLAR, POPULUS
The entire pine family comprises one of the The Populus genus includes aspens and poplars.
most vitally important groups of wild edibles Their somewhat sweet, starchy inner bark is
edible both raw and cooked. You can also cut this
in the world, particularly for wildlife. into strips and grind into flour as a carbohydrate
source. Quaking aspen, P. tremuloides, catkins
can also be eaten.
SAM GREER
Grand Portage
National Monument
S U P E R
K E I O
Duluth, A R
L
Minn.
The rushing waters of Aguasabon Falls near Terrace Bay, Ontario is considered one of the best birding locations
in Ontario. The communities of Red Rock and
Rossport, Ontario, are other picturesque stops.
Neys Provincial Park
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park offers great
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
Pukaskwa hiking opportunities that include a lovely series
National
Park
of waterfalls. Passing through Schreiber, Ontario,
Lake you will soon approach Terrace Bay, but before
Superior
Provincial
you get there be sure to take the turn-off to
Park Aguasabon Falls. At 110 feet high, the falls and
gorge are amazing, especially since the falls come
S U P E R in at a right angle to the gorge. Terrace Bay is a
K E I O
L
A R full-service stop with lodging, restaurants and
shops, including a supermarket, and is also a
jumping-off point for a trip to the Slate Islands,
an archipelago located about six miles out in
the lake. The Slate Islands were created by a
meteorite impact at least 450 million years ago
and feature unusual geological formations. Due
to the tempering effect of the cold Lake Superior
down and about a mile long, was formed some- waters, several arctic and subarctic plant species
time around the last glaciation. Due to its narrow- thrive there. Woodland caribou also make the
ness and depth, a unique microhabitat is formed islands their home, but whitetail deer and moose
at the base of the boulders at the bottom, allow- are absent.
ing arctic and subarctic plants to thrive there, Neys Provincial Park is guaranteed to be an
hundreds of miles south of their usual range. enjoyable stop, so plan on spending some time
BOB MARR
There is a trail of less than a mile in length that there. This area was the site of some extreme
includes two viewing platforms at the very edge geological activities over the past 600 million
shore is almost obligatory. Although the Apostle mations, beautiful and tranquil parks, hundreds
Islands are a premier kayaking destination, there is a of miles of hiking trails, great views, wild country
cruise service that offers island shuttles and cruises and wonderful people. This is a trip that should be
among the islands. There is also a car ferry that goes on everyones list!
to Madeline Island (and an ice road in the winter!). Rugged and rocky
Lake Superior
Continuing on through the forests and farmland of Bob Marr writes from a hand-built log cabin in Shoreline, near
Wisconsin returns you to Duluth, Minn. Michigans wild and beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. Whitefish Point
BROOK WARD VIA FLICKR
PHYSICAL FEATURES
When considered as a singular geographical
feature, the Cross Timbers are characterized by
coarse, sandy soils supporting post oak (Quercus
stellata) and blackjack oak (Q. marilandica) forests
over a sandstone substrate. As Richard V. Fran-
caviglia writes in The Cast-Iron Forest, these
post oaks and blackjacks are uniquely suited to the
areas harsh environment, as their well-developed,
strong roots work down into the bedrock. This
provides anchorage for the trees, as well as mois-
explorers, traders and, eventually, settlers. In this ture, which seeps up from subterranean aquifers
sense they were little different than a prominent through crevices in the rocks, producing, as
mountain range or one of the Wests great rivers, Francavigilia writes, remarkably tenacious trees
as the Cross Timbers appeared on most early that are able to endure the regions strong winds,
maps of the region, not only as a curious point ice storms, frequent hail and searing summer
of reference, but also as a demarcation point temperatures with seeming impunity.
An Ancient
Bristlecone Pine
PHOTOGRAPHER: Garret Suhrie (CA)
LOCATION: Methuselah Grove, Inyo
National Forest, Calif.
Winners
40 | WINTER/SPRING 2017 AMERICANFORESTS.ORG
with light, he never picked up a brush the viewer and refuses to let go. Gnarled WINNER: FOREST LANDSCAPES
again. Hes been exploring the world by branches reach for the sky as though
moonlight ever since. His focus has been
nocturnal landscapes and travel images,
seeking immortality. The picture
speaks. It says I was once a living tree,
What Lies
as it allows such limitless potential and now I am part of the everlasting Beneath
for showing the world in a strange and universe. The photographer skillfully PHOTOGRAPHER: Bob Ross (UT)
different light. You can view more of Gar- lit the tree and allowed the stars to light
LOCATION: Redwood National
rets work at garretsuhrie.com. themselves. It is a magnificentcompo- Park, Calif.
sition and most deserving
WHY WE LOVED IT: of the Grand Prize. ABOUT THIS PHOTO:
This scene of a time-worn bristlecone Lou Mazzatenta, Former Breathing in the long, silent breath of
tree trunk against a starry night is a National Geographic the forest around us, time is suspended.
powerful image. It captures the eye of Photographer Senses sharpen: the smell of leaf mold
beneath our feet, the rough feel of the bushes in the background. There is so yon National Park, and the view
bark of a tree trunk, the infinitesimal much variety in this photo its a feast is from inside of a fallen sequoia,
unfurling of a ferns frond promises new for the eyes. looking up at the sky. The hand-
life next to the colorful death of another. Brad Latham, Latham masked, HDR image, composed of
And in the midst, the spider works Creative, Designer, 4-5 exposures, allows you to see
steadily on, heedlessly framing the light American Forests detail inside of the dark, hollow tree
for our pleasure, strand by strand. magazine as well as in the surrounding trees,
still standing tall. The resemblance
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: of a heart framing these magnificent
Bob Ross is a nature and landscape WINNER: BIG, BEAUTIFUL TREES giants truly embodies Amandas love
photographer, based out of Salt for the outdoors.
Lake City. For the Love of ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
WHY WE LOVED IT: Trees Amandas photography encompasses
This photo has so many interest- PHOTOGRAPHER: Amanda Joy a wide range of genres, but her passion
ing elements that all coalesce into a Mason (MD) remains in photographing nature,
beautiful and fascinating composition. LOCATION: Kings Canyon National landscapes and advocating for envi-
At first glance, youre pulled in by the Park, Calif. ronmental conservation. Amanda
spider web, but then you begin to notice looks forward to continuing her career
the deep violet rays of light at the top ABOUT THIS PHOTO: in visual communications, telling sto-
guiding the eye down toward the web. Amanda captured this image while ries of people and places, and sharing
The bright green ferns at the bottom traveling on a two-month solo road her passion for the environment with
become three dimensional against trip across the country and back. The others. To see more of Amandas work
the dark shadows of the huge tree and photograph was taken at Kings Can- visit amandajoyphotographics.com.
WHY WE LOVED IT: WINNER: FOREST RECREATION blue haze, the connection feels visceral
I fell in love with this picture as soon and spiritual. To find a moment alone
as I saw it. How wonderful to use a
heart-shaped opening in a decaying
Above It at the top of Craggy Pinnacle, with
its 360-degree views and the solitary
PHOTOGRAPHER: Adam Roades (NC)
tree, a tree that through that decay thread of the Blue Ridge Parkway
bestows life to a forest, as a framing LOCATION: Craggy Pinnacle, Blue winding through the forests and peaks
device to show a vibrant tree. This one Ridge Mountains, N.C. below, is a privileged experience.
picture shows the circle of
life of a forest. ABOUT THIS PHOTO: ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
Chuck Fazio, When the clouds and sun play on the Adam moved to North Carolina from
American Forests face of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ohio to take a job with Kids in Parks,
Artist-in-Residence rays cutting through the distinctive a program designed by the Blue Ridge
Parkway Foundation to get kids out- WINNER: FOREST WILDLIFE ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
doors and excited about nature. He has Max moved to Humboldt County,
nurtured his own relationship with
nature, traveling across the country to
Roosevelt Calif., in 2015, and spends his free
time photographing and exploring the
see our amazing natural wonders and Congress in coastal redwood parks. Unfortunately,
sharing them on his YouTube channel,
Roades on the Road. Photography is
the Mist due to the internet, individual trees are
becoming celebrities, with enthusiasts
not his profession, but it is his tool to PHOTOGRAPHER: Max Forster (CA) missing the forest for the trees. While
try and share beauty and wonder he LOCATION: Prairie Creek Redwoods the draw of particular champion trees
finds in the world. State Park, Calif. is undeniable, there are large swaths of
old-growth redwood that have yet to be
WHY WE LOVED IT: ABOUT THIS PHOTO: explored and new discoveries are pop-
Through artful composition of light, The photo was taken last winter in ping up every week. You could end up
color and depth, we are transported by Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. missing several trees that are equally
this photo. The angle from which it is Max had been photographing a great impressive on your hunt for a single
taken, the time and nature of the day gray owl earlier in the afternoon and one. Max encourages everyone to find
and layers of distance convey a feeling was in the process of packing up his their own special place in the forest.
that is dramatic yet peaceful, acces- gear when he noticed fog creeping You never know what you might find.
sible yet magical. The photographer into the prairie and two young bull elk
has given us a seat at the top of this foraging toward the center. He quickly WHY WE LOVED IT:
overlook that we can escape to in a set up his tripod, cranked up the ISO A beautiful picture that stood out to the
virtual moment, become one of those on his camera and snapped a few pho- judges immediately. We loved the light.
hikers and let our spirits tos before the light completely faded. It is a very moody picture that evokes a
commune with nature. These are two of three young bulls that wonderful sense of place, in addition to
Lea Sloan, Vice President can be found hanging out together in that sweet composition of the elk in the
of Communications, the park that Max has affectionately frame. A few judges wished
American Forests dubbed the Three Amigos. Just 100 they had shot this picture.
years ago, the Roosevelt elk population Johnathan Newton,
in California had dropped as low as Staff Photographer,
15. Thankfully, protection of Prai- Washington Post
rie Creek has helped these majestic
creatures rebound to more than 1,000
in the state.
H I G H H E A D B OA R D R E C L A I M E D B A R N WO O D B E D S E T
Bambeco purchase. So far, we've planted over 35,000 trees. USE PROMO CODE AF2017
Offer ends 3/31/17. Some exclusions apply.
Cannot be combined with any other promo code.
earthkeepers
Turner in Iceland
one of her daughters married a forester. businesses to whom they rented space health of our environment. There is
As Dean of Students at Lewis & Clark downstairs. As lunch hour neared, so much work left to do for those of us
College, Hester came to the attention of wives of the Board members passed who follow in her footsteps, as well as
the college president, who recommended by the door to the meeting room and to believe that what we face is merely
her for a newly open position on the Towell motioned to Hester to take her difficult.
board at the AFA. The organization was leave. She looked at him, not under-
specifically looking for a woman board standing. Towell said, Dr. Turner, Lea Sloan writes from Washington, D.C.
member in this era, with the country youre now excused to go to lunch (with and is American Forests vice president
and the world beginning to emerge the ladies). of communications.
More amazing photography from the Grand Prize Winner of our 2017 Forests in Focus photo contest, Garret Suhrie.
48 | 2013 AMERICANFORESTS.ORG
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
WINTER/SPRING AMERICANFORESTS.ORG
HARNESSING THE POWER OF DATA FOR GOOD GREEN
DATA. Its at the core of what we do for clients and for the environment.
Our commitment is to respect the impact that our operations have on
the environment and strive to measurably reduce our carbon footprint
through operational efficiencies and engaging our associates. Thats why
we are proud to partner with American Forests and have funded the
planting of over 150,000 trees over the past 3 years.