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.
The Prairie Forester Newsletter
The Spring 2013 newsletter is now available.
2013 ND State Arbor Day Celebration
- The 2013 State Arbor Day will celebrate Annie’s birthday at her house at the Bottineau Winter Park near Bottineau, ND, on Friday, May 17. Annie’s House is a year-round sports facility and the only adaptive ski facility for children, adults and wounded warriors in North Dakota.
The North Dakota Forest Service and the Bottineau Winter Park are partnering together to celebrate the 2013 State Arbor Day and Ann Nelson's birthday in Annie's House at the Bottineau Winter Park (BWP) near Bottineau, ND, on Friday, May 17. The public is invited to attend.
Arbor Day in North Dakota is normally celebrated the first Friday in May, but the event this year is being held on May 17, which is Ann Nelson's birthday. Annie's House was built to honor Ann Nelson of Stanley, the only North Dakotan to perish in the World Trade Center attacks in New York on 9/11. For many years her family has had a residence at Lake Metigoshe, where she learned to ski and enjoyed many other outdoor sports. Ann always dreamed of having a house in North Dakota.
The joint celebration will begin at 1 p.m. CDST with introductions by Emcee Tom Claeys, North Dakota Forest Service. The American Legion Post #42, American Veterans Post #25 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8688 will provide a joint color guard to Post the Colors. The Bottineau High School choir will lead everyone in singing God Bless America. Wally Brandjord, BWP Board Chairman will give an official welcome. Governor Jack Dalrymple has been invited to deliver the keynote address and read the State Arbor Day Proclamation. Remarks regarding the construction and financial goals to complete Annie’s House will be provided by Cedric Jacobson. Jenette Nelson will explain how the New York Says Thank You Foundation selected Annie’s House as a project. Major General David Sprynczynatyk, Adjutant General of the ND National Guard, will deliver a few words on behalf of the wounded warriors. Jordan Thornberg will provide a musical selection he wrote called Annie’s Song. State Forester Larry Kotchman will explain the significance of the trees being planted, and Ann’s parents – Gary and Jenette Nelson - will give some acknowledgement remarks.
Following the ceremonial tree planting, everyone will gather around the tree with 42 balloons and sing Happy Birthday to Ann, and then release the balloons. The event will conclude with refreshments, the North Dakota Forest Service will provide apples and the Bottineau Winter Park will provide birthday cake and coffee/punch.
Annie’s House is a year-round adaptive recreational sports facility. The facility will provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities and wounded warriors to participate in recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Accommodations, specially trained instructors and adaptive equipment are provided to make their recreational experience successful.
A Brief History of Arbor Day Arbor Day Dates and State Trees
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.
Full-Time Forest Stewardship Specialist Position in Walhalla Open until Filled
The Forest Stewardship Specialist provides field services and support statewide. The specialist serves as a liaison to cooperating agencies providing technical and financial assistance for the management and protection of native, riparian and planted forest resources. Get the details at jobs.ndsu.edu/postings/3318
Now Hiring: Seasonal Fire Crew Dispatcher
The ND Forest Service is accepting application until May 1, 2013, for a season fire crew dispatcher. The duties include receiving and transmitting requests for equipment and supplies critical to a fire incident via radio, phone or computer. Must meet and maintain arduous physical requirements. Minimum qualification is a high school diploma or GED. Contact Ryan.Melin@ndsu.edu or call (701) 328-9990 for more information.
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.
