North Dakota Forest Service
NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service
Office of the State Forester
307 - 1st Street East
Bottineau ND 58318-1100
Tel: (701) 228-5422
forest@nd.gov
The mission of the NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service is to care for, protect and improve forest and natural resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.
CLARIFICATION ON WHEN THE FIRE DANGER INDEX IS ISSUED AND UPDATED
The ND Fire Danger Index (http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/?n=fire_weather_public) is issued daily by the National Weather Service (NWS) during fire season; typically from April 1 to October 31, by 6:00 am CDT (text and map form) and provides an indication of rural fire potential for grasslands, including its ability to spread. The Fire Danger Index may be updated during the day as weather conditions warrant.
Although not very often, there are times when weather conditions that develop during the day result in a change to the FDI that is significantly different (change by one or more categories) than what was issued at 6:00 am at which time the NWS will update the FDI. These updates are more likely to occur in early spring and fall where slight changes in temperature, relative humidity and/or wind speed have a larger impact to the fire danger.
Before doing any burning, the public is reminded to check with your county on any burn bans/restrictions that may be in place (http://www.nd.gov/des/planning/fire-danger-awareness/) and review the Fire Danger Index for your area.
The Prairie Forester Newsletter
The Spring 2013 newsletter is now available.
Spring Tree Planting Tips
ND State Forestry Assessment and Strategy
The North Dakota Statewide Assessment of Forest Resources and Forest Resource Strategy was completed in August 2010 by the NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service. Each assessment and strategy is unique to its state and reflects public input, local expertise and the best available data on forest conditions. The strategies provide long-term plans for addressing needs identified in the assessments through state forestry initiatives, partner engagement and financial investments. The goals of this collaborative planning process are to: (1) conserve working forest landscapes, (2) protect forests from threats, and (3) enhance public benefits from trees and forests. The assessments and strategies will be revisited annually and updated every five years.
North Dakota’s document was one of the fifty-nine state/territorial plans that make up the first-ever comprehensive suite of Statewide Forestry Resource Assessments and Strategies by members of the National Association of State Foresters. Collectively, the assessments and strategies provide a blueprint for the future of forest management in the United States.
A printed copy of the North Dakota Statewide Assessment of Forest Resources and Forest Resource Strategy can be obtained by writing to the Office of the State Forester, NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service, 307 – 1st Street East, Bottineau ND 58318-1100 or by calling (701) 228-5422.
Trees Awards and Nomination Form for 2013
The ND Trees Awards recognize individuals, organizations and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. The deadline to submit a nomination is August 2, 2013. Winners will be recognized at the NDSU Trees Bowl this fall. The date will be announced soon.
Living with a River
Grand Forks County and Cass County Soil Conservation Districts, along with several other organizations, recently completed a guidebook, Living with Rivers. It is hoped this publication will give people a better understanding of rivers and how they function, so wise management decisions with our river ecosystems can be made by landowners and government entities.
The ND Forest Service has estimated that fifty percent of the original native, riparian forest in eastern North Dakota has been lost because of agricultural clearing and encroachment, overgrazing from livestock, Dutch elm disease, and excessive flooding. Learn more by clicking on the pdf below:
Sick Tree Assistance Form
The North Dakota Forest Service is dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about the health and well-being of your trees. Whether you are planting your first tree or looking for guidance on existing trees, we can help.
Feel free to use our Sick Tree Assistance Form if you are unable to find information you need regarding the health of your trees or shrubs.
