# Sustain our nation's forests &amp; grasslands

- Student Conservation Association Wildland Fire Academy members ready to make big impacts Student Conservation Association Wildland Fire Academy members ready to make big impactsamyldavisMon, 04/15/2024 - 08:10 EDT                    Student Conservation Association Wildland Fire Academy members ready to make big impacts                                                                                                        Student Conservation Association members gathered in front of Shasta Lake after a long field day that included hose lays, line cutting, firing devices, shelter deployments and valuable conversations about real-world Forest Service careers and experiences. (Photo courtesy Dustin Chavez, Student Conservation Association)WASHINGTON, D.C.—Twenty-two sweaty young adults grin as they cross the finish line of their first work capacity test on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. These young men and women, ages 18-30, are part of a partnership designed to strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service’s capacity to confront the wildfire crisis and increase the number of women and other underrepresented groups entering wildland firefighting professions.The Wildland Fire Academy, a partnership between the Student Conservation Association and Forest Service funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, launched its first full cohort in March 2024. The academy is one of two national programs started as part of the American Climate Corps. Academy members will complete fuels reduction work across Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscapes on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, Payette, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, Tahoe and Los Padres national forests.                                                                            Student Conservation Association members Jackson Lancaster (left) and Anthony Stanzi (right) listen to assistant fire engine operator Corrinne Smith at one of the stations during their S-130 course at the Shasta Lake Ranger Station in Mountainview, California. These stations allowed for association interns to connect with Forest Service personnel on engine operations, radio usage and so much more. (Photo courtesy Dustin Chavez, Student Conservation Association)“We are proud to bring on such a diverse, passionate group of individuals from all over the country. They are eager to make a difference to reduce wildfire risk to communities by reducing hazardous fuels on public lands at a most dire time in history,” said Ginelle Heller, Forest Service National Partnership Office workforce development program coordinator. “This program represents the strong partnership and commitment between the SCA and the Forest Service to build future leaders to confront the wildfire crisis.”Academy crews received two-and-a-half weeks of robust training on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, led by the Trinity Interagency Hotshot Crew and Region 5 and Washington Office staff members. Training included wildland firefighter, sawyer, wilderness first aid and Forest Service orientation. Other highlights included a staff ride at the Rattlesnake Fire led by the Mendocino Hotshots, a tour of the Redding Smokejumper base, and a career café with a variety of specialists from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.Cristian Rodriguez, a 21-year-old crew member from Utah, said, “I’ve enjoyed learning about how many opportunities there are within this field and within the Forest Service. My favorite part about the training is for sure all the hands-on stuff—that’s one of the ways I learn the best.”At the end of the training, crew members walk away with a “red card,” formally known as an Incident Qualification Card. This document certifies that an individual has the skills, experience and training to work in wildland fire operations. Members begin their work as interns on districts for two months under the direction of experienced Forest Service supervisors. They then transition to SCA-led, four-person fuels crews for the next three months.Crews will deploy to multiple Wildfire Crisis Strategy landscapes over the duration of the partnership.“Over the next four years, SCA will continue to scale the program with the Forest Service. Our collective impact is poised to make significant strides in reducing fuels and restoring burn impacts on forest lands in communities most at risk,” said Toby Bokum-Fauth, Student Conservation Association vice president of partnerships. “Through this initiative, we will continue to ramp up our support for the Forest Service’s ‘Wildfire Crisis Strategy,’ all while offering invaluable hands-on experience, certificates and trainings to create the next generation of fire and fuels professionals that better reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.”                                                                                          Student Conservation Association members gathered for a crew photo after completing the Rattlesnake Staff Ride hosted by the Mendocino Hotshot Crew on Mendocino National Forest. This staff ride allowed for the Student Conservation Association crew to honor wildland firefighters who paid the ultimate price and talk about Forest Service safety measures and why we do what we do. (Photo courtesy Dustin Chavez, Student Conservation Association)&nbsp;                    Tuesday, April 16, 2024                                Sustain Our Nation's Forests and Grasslands
- Chief Moore testimony: April 16, 2024 Chief Moore testimony: April 16, 2024amyldavisTue, 04/16/2024 - 10:11 EDT                    Chief Moore testimony: April 16, 2024              WASHINGTON, DC—This morning, April 16, Chief Randy Moore testified before the House Appropriations Committee, Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies subcommittee, about the fiscal year 2025 budget request for the Forest Service.Chief Moore's testimony can be read here. For more information about how budget requests work,&nbsp;read the Chief's Desk budget update.&nbsp;                    Tuesday, April 16, 2024                                Excel as a High-Performing Agency
- HRM: Frontline Employee Survey available for FS employees (April 15 – 26) HRM: Frontline Employee Survey available for FS employees (April 15 – 26)Luis RiveraMon, 04/15/2024 - 13:18 EDT                    HRM: Frontline Employee Survey available for FS employees (April 15 – 26)                                                                                                        The Forest Service is collaborating with the Partnership for Public Service and the Boston Consulting Group to conduct an anonymous, voluntary survey designed to identify factors which serve as the greatest motivators to recruit and retain federal employees. The survey will be available April 15 – 26, 2024, and is targeted to gain a better understanding of the differences and respond to the needs of employees who are required to, or choose to, report to an agency worksite/office on a regular, recurring basis. &nbsp;All employees are invited to participate, regardless of the location they perform their work.In taking the survey, you will be asked to complete a series of responses identifying factors which serve as the greatest and least important motivators to you in your work/career. Your responses will provide valuable information to help the agency leaders better prioritize meaningful investments in your day-to-day job.The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and employees are authorized “01” official time to participate in this survey.All responses are anonymous.How to take the surveyUse this standard survey link, the enhanced accessibly link, or scan the QR code below to participate in this anonymous, voluntary survey.                                                    &nbsp;                    Monday, April 15, 2024
- On the Move: April 15, 2024 On the Move: April 15, 2024amyldavisFri, 04/12/2024 - 15:57 EDT                    On the Move: April 15, 2024                                                                                                        Richard Barhydt accepted the position of director for the Rocky Mountain Research Station effective July 1. Barhydt currently serves as director for the Pacific Southwest Research Station. He replaces Frank McCormick, who has served as acting director since Monica Lear accepted a position with USDA in 2023.Valerie Hipkins accepted the position of director for the Pacific Northwest Research Station effective July 1. Hipkins currently serves as associate deputy chief for Research and Development in the Washington Office. She replaces Paul Anderson upon his retirement in June 2024. Hipkins will concurrently serve as acting director for the Pacific Southwest Research Station. Hipkins serving in this concurrent role is part of a pilot study to explore the growing overlap between the stations.Eliseo Ilano accepted the position of timber transport program lead, Forest Management for the National Forest System in the Washington Office. Ilano is currently the forest supervisor on the Tahoe National Forest in the Pacific Southwest Region (R5).Floy Rodriguez accepted the position of G&amp;A System Branch Chief for the Office of Grants and Agreements for Business Operations in the Washington Office. Rodriguez currently serves as the director, Space &amp; Asset Management Division at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.Ashley Schoemer accepted the position of Recreation One Stop/Recreation.Gov deputy program manager and contracting officer representative, Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources for the National Forest System in the Washington Office. Schoemer currently serves as the senior agreement officer/contracting specialist in the Federal Highway Administration.Kelly Woods accepted the position of Branch Chief National Wildland Fire Training Centers, Fire and Aviation Management, for State, Private and Tribal Forestry in the Washington Office. Woods currently serves as the director of Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center for the National Park Service Washington Office.Content for On the Move is provided by Human Resources Management.&nbsp;If you have questions about this content, please contact your Human Resources Service Team POC.&nbsp;                    Monday, April 15, 2024
- USDA: Arab American Heritage Month celebration USDA: Arab American Heritage Month celebrationamyldavisMon, 04/15/2024 - 12:44 EDT                    USDA: Arab American Heritage Month celebration              Dear USDA Employees,April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate Arab Americans throughout the past and present and recognize their invaluable contributions to our country. While the celebration of Arab American Heritage Month is relatively new, the history that it commemorates dates back as far as 1527 when Estebanico Azemmouri, a native of present-day Morocco, and Antonio Bishallany, a native of present-day Lebanon, arrived in what would many years later become the United States. They became the first members of the Arab American community that is estimated today to number approximately 3.7 million people.                                                                            Arab Americans have played a significant role in the United States by advocating for their own rights and the rights of other minority groups during and after the Civil Rights Movement, in campaigns against discrimination, racial profiling and hate crimes. At USDA, we lift up their messages and join them in supporting diversity and equity and in fighting religious intolerance. As President Biden said in his statement on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia during which he &nbsp;announced the drafting of the first-ever National Strategy to Combat Isloamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination:“[Our goal] is to mobilize a whole-of-society effort to counter all forms of hate, discrimination, and bias against Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, and Arab American communities and to raise awareness about their heritage and invaluable contributions to our country.”Through their work and their activism, Arab Americans like Representative Ilhan Omar, Representative Rashida Tlaib, former Senator James Abourezk, Ralph Nader, Donna Shalala and John Abizaid contribute to ensuring our country is inclusive of all cultures and that our citizens are safe to practice whichever religion they choose. Arab contributions across American society are exemplified by practitioners in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service and culture. For example, some significant scientific, medical and engineering contributions include the artificial heart and LCD screens.In celebration of Arab American Heritage Month, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will host an event this Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. ET. This is an opportunity to recognize the invaluable role Arab Americans have played in shaping our workforce and communities.The event will commence on the Whitten Patio at 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT; 1:00 p.m. MT; 12:00 p.m. PT; 11:00 a.m. AKT; and 10:00 a.m. HT). The event will also be available virtually on Zoom. Please register here before the event to join by Zoom.Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our organization.We look forward to celebrating with you.Sincerely,Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack&nbsp;Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small&nbsp;Additional Background and ResourcesArab American Heritage Month was established by presidential proclamation to celebrate the rich heritage and numerous contributions of Arab Americans to society. During this month, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab American community. The Arab America Foundation launched the Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. President Biden became the first U.S. president to declare April as Arab American Heritage Month. Americans of Arab heritage have advanced the nation’s achievements in diplomacy, science and technology, as well as in art and culture. Arab Americans have also been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and social justice. We mark Arab American Heritage Month by celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Arab Americans and honoring their contributions to this country.For additional USDA observances and resources, please visit the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights website. Also visit AgLearn for even more announcements and resources.&nbsp;                    Monday, April 15, 2024
- Forest fires: From research to resilience Forest fires: From research to resilienceamyldavisMon, 04/15/2024 - 12:21 EDT                    Forest fires: From research to resilience              NEW JERSEY—Amidst escalating risks posed by wildfires in the eastern United States, fire researchers at Silas Little Experimental Forest are making significant contributions to better understand the relationship between fuels and the way fires spread across the landscape. With over a century of data for reference and a mature culture of wildland fire management that spans federal and state agencies and private landowners, the Silas Little Experimental Forest is the “model landscape” for scientific fire research.Much of the work has been facilitated by opportunities to conduct management scale prescribed burns where scientists can monitor the ways in which fuel consumption, ember movement and weather conditions influence fire spread. Prescribed fires serve as a critical tool in the mitigation of wildfire intensity and risks posed to communities near forests.Northern Research Station scientists at Silas Little Experimental Forest are employing low-cost Terrestrial Laser Scanning, a ground-based type of LiDAR, or light detection and ranging, to record detailed, three-dimensional data models of vegetation structures as they interact with fire. This information can be used to better assess fuel hazards and to predict fire behavior, particularly through better understanding fire embers and their spread.Through collaborations with other government agencies, academic institutions and other partners, Forest Service researchers hope to offer more effective, informed approaches to be employed in the management and suppression of wildfire.                                                                                          Northern Research Station research ecologist Michael Gallagher adjusts the terrestrial laser scanning equipment amidst a prescribed burn unit at Silas Little Experimental Forest. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nate Sapp)&nbsp;                    Monday, April 15, 2024                                Apply Knowledge Globally
- Webinar: Risks from lithium batteries, handheld radios at burn over temperatures Webinar: Risks from lithium batteries, handheld radios at burn over temperaturesamyldavisMon, 04/15/2024 - 09:14 EDT                    Webinar: Risks from lithium batteries, handheld radios at burn over temperatures                                                                  WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Interagency Incident Communications Division at The National Interagency Fire Center asked National Technology and Development Program to analyze potential hazards to wildland firefighters who take handheld radios with lithium batteries into fire shelters during burn over events. &nbsp;Please join us for this webinar, where electrical engineer Ted Etter will present the results of this analysis.A publication with these results is also available.When: &nbsp;April 24, 2024Where: Teams Meeting linkTime: 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S. and Canada)Duration: 60 Minutes&nbsp;                    Monday, April 15, 2024
- Southwest Engine Academy fosters wildfire engine skills for participants Southwest Engine Academy fosters wildfire engine skills for participantsamyldavisMon, 04/15/2024 - 07:50 EDT                    Southwest Engine Academy fosters wildfire engine skills for participants                                                                                                        Southwest Engine Academy student Aaron Ballesteros, right, learns about pumping mechanisms during a field day held Feb. 9, 2024, at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center in Glendale, Arizona. (USDA Forest Service photo by Randi Shaffer)ARIZONA—Dozens of Southwest Region firefighters from across a slew of Arizona and New Mexico national forests took home certificates following the conclusion of the 2024 Southwest Engine Academy.The bi-annual Southwest Engine Academy, which began in 2005, gives wildland firefighters employed by federal and state agencies a chance to learn how to operate fire engines through a combination of classroom-based lecture sessions and hands-on field days centered around both Type 3 and Type 6 wildland fire engines.Following an application and admission process, 40 students were accepted to the academy, which was held in early February 2024 at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.“This [academy] makes our firefighters safer,” said Incident Commander Aaron Hulburd. “It provides more efficient and safe engine operators, better maintained equipment, and a more efficient and effective response to wildfire and fuels management.”                                                                            A Southwest Engine Academy student learns about pumping mechanisms during a field day held Feb. 9, 2024, at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center in Glendale, Arizona. (USDA Forest Service photo by Randi Shaffer)Hulburd, who works full-time as a fire staff officer on Prescott National Forest, said the academy first began as a peer-driven training, started by fire engine operators as a grassroots learning effort.“The Region 3 engine operators committee identified the need to improve our equipment and standardize it, and also make it safe to operate,” Hulburd said.During the two-week academy, 40 students are divided into 10 separate engine companies.Within their companies, students learn the basics of wildfire engine operations, including pumping, driving and maintenance, while vying for honors.In addition to learning tangible skills, Hulburd said students also learn soft skills.“The skills they learn make it easier for them to work with others in a complex environment,” he said. “They’re learning how to safely operate their equipment, building on their leadership skills and improving the ability to manage risk.”Students are tested periodically throughout the academy to measure progress. Classroom sessions focus on topics such as engine, brake and hydraulic system mechanics; engine freeze protection processes; and vehicle inspection processes.During field days, students practice maneuvering engines—both in drive and in reverse—in different configurations around traffic cones. Students also practice driving engines both through town and at an off-site off-road course and get hands-on work to set up engine pumps and fix common engine problems.At the conclusion of the academy, awards are issued for top student and for top company.Nathanial Hatfield, a senior firefighter on the Kaibab National Forest, was awarded top student.“I wanted it from day one,” he said. “It just felt like being rewarded for the effort.”Hatfield, who is approaching five seasons working in wildfire, currently works on Engine 314 on the Kaibab’s Williams Ranger District.Hatfield said the most valuable lesson he took away from the academy was an in-depth knowledge of how engine pumping mechanisms work, and he’s looking forward to taking everything he learned over the course of the academy back to his coworkers on the Kaibab.Learning materials, such as presentations, handouts and instructional videos, are uploaded to a student portal online so engine academy graduates can share knowledge with other engine operators outside the academy.Graduates are also encouraged to return to the academy to serve as coaches or support staff, emphasizing the focus on peer-driven training.Hatfield said that in addition to all the lectures and field sessions at the academy, he also enjoyed the healthy competition and the camaraderie that was fostered throughout the two weeks.He also said he would encourage all senior and lead firefighters to consider applying for the 2026 Southwest Engine Academy.“You literally have nothing to lose. Why would you not apply?” he said. “Go for it.”                                                                                          A USDA Forest Service engine races around an obstacle course made from cones as part of a Southwest Engine Academy field day held Feb. 9, 2024, at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center in Glendale, Arizona. (USDA Forest Service photo by Randi Shaffer)&nbsp;                    Monday, April 15, 2024                                Sustain Our Nation's Forests and Grasslands
- Employee perspective: Together we gave happy Employee perspective: Together we gave happyamyldavisMon, 04/15/2024 - 07:29 EDT                    Employee perspective: Together we gave happy                                                                  Joanna Mounce Stancil, senior advisor, State &amp; Private Forestry. Photo courtesy Joanna Mounce Stancil.At the beginning of my tenure as the Forest Service Combined Federal Campaign coordinator, I felt the 2023 CFC theme “Give Happy” strange, not befitting such a worthy cause. But over time, it grew on me as I began to feel the Give Happy vibe of working on the campaign. What does it look like when we Give Happy?It is a hoop, a circle, a continuum of actions and feelings. The other volunteers and I worked to ensure that Forest Service employees were aware of the campaign and how to give. We were happy in the service of others. Each time we received an update of the donation totals we were happy because we could see the efforts of our work.As we sent out the cause of the week CFC messages, we could feel the need of others who count on CFC charities for help and support. As I roamed through the list of thousands of charities, I could sense that each was hopeful that through our generosity they could continue to serve those in need. They felt &nbsp;happy knowing our donations were on the way.But let us not forget who we did this for—people, our veterans, communities, animals, the environment. Whether you chose to give to end poverty or improve food and nutrition or assist those recovering from a disaster, you can be happy in knowing you helped change the destiny of others and our planet.The charities you support are happy and grateful they can continue their missions to assist those in need or in their efforts to “heal” our environment and honor Mother Earth. The people and communities receiving help in their time of need are happy not to be forgotten and to have somewhere to go to get help. Together, we joined these charities and those in need as we all move forward with renewed hope for the future.Together, Forest Service employees Gave Happy to the total of $329,376 in donations and volunteer hours. Thank you!!Since this is a circle of hope, let us meet again for the 2024 CFC and continue to demonstrate our generosity. No matter what the new theme is, remember the Give Happy spirit.&nbsp;&nbsp;                    Friday, April 12, 2024                                Excel as a High-Performing Agency
- 2022-2023 Length of Service awards 2022-2023 Length of Service awardsamyldavisMon, 04/15/2024 - 07:17 EDT                    2022-2023 Length of Service awards              WASHINGTON, D.C.—At the end of March, the Forest Service held its Length of Service awards ceremony recognizing two years of recipients—2022 and 2023. The event was emceed by Jaelith Hall-Rivera and featured Chief Moore, Associate Chief Coleman and deputy chiefs to recognize employees for their service.Those recognized served the agency anywhere from five to 55 years. In 1978, "Grease" was the word and four recipients began their federal careers: Audrey Matsumonji, Zanetta Brown, James Jaffe and Julie Larsen. Fifty-five years ago, the Beatles told Jude to take a sad song and make it better and, more importantly, Iva Sanders came to work for the Forest Service. Sanders was recognized for her work throughout the agency, from the field to the Chief's Office, and the way she has mentored and nurtured the careers of countless employees.&nbsp;                    Friday, April 12, 2024