While the primary risk Friday is in southwestern Oklahoma, stronger winds along with very warm and dry conditions will result in a more widespread elevated wildfire risk Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, Norman.

The threat follows a hectic year for emergency personnel who fight such blazes.

Oklahoma Forestry Services battled 1,745 fires in 2011, said Mark Goeller, assistant director.

Those blazed across 132,103 acres. In comparison, Oklahoma Forestry Services battled 2,664 fires that burned 83,881 acres in 1980, another year of extreme drought and heat.

“While we fought more fires in 1980, the acres burned in 2011 far exceeded that year,” Goeller said. “Another factor to consider is that currently we have more employees, better equipment, and more fire departments than Forestry Services had to work with in 1980.

“That gives you an indication of how bad 2011 was in regard to wildland fire.”

The number of fires and acres burned are only a couple of indicators of a busy year of fighting wildfires.

Oklahoma Forestry Services' fire protection area includes 15 counties in eastern Oklahoma.

However in 2011, they also responded to 161 fires outside their protection area. Goeller said that compares with 50 fires outside their area in 2007, the last busy fire year.

The ways they assisted varied. In some cases it meant going up in an Oklahoma Highway Patrol plane and using the broader view to provide firefighting information to the incident commander on the ground.

Goeller said this had been done some in recent years, but not to the extent it was during 2011.

“You can see the whole picture,” he said. “You are looking at the fire behavior, fuels, topography and potential control lines, whereas if you're in a vehicle you've only got a small glimpse of what the fire is doing and where it's going.”

Many fires in 2011

Fifteen people were reported injured in wildfires March 11, according to the state Health Department. There were 54 wildfires statewide reported to Oklahoma Forestry Services that day.

The American Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma, working in conjunction with Midwest City, Choctaw and Harrah officials, identified 39 affected residences, including 32 destroyed and one with major damage. One home was destroyed in Pottawatomie County, according to the American Red Cross.

On April 3, the state Emergency Operations Center was aware of more than 100 fires burning across the state.

Three days later, the center and Oklahoma Forestry Services coordinated the dispatch of Oklahoma National Guard helicopters equipped with buckets. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was assisting with traffic control. Other agencies provided ground firefighting equipment.

From June to August, there were numerous wildfires, with 15 resulting in Fire Management Assistance Grants, according to the state Department of Emergency Management.

These were just some of the wildfires across the state in 2011.

Ongoing planning

Another way 2011 differed from most years was the weekly conference calls involving Oklahoma Forestry Services; National Weather Service offices in Norman, Tulsa and Amarillo, Texas; Oklahoma Army National Guard; Oklahoma Highway Patrol and state Department of Emergency Management. The conference calls started in September 2010 and continued through last month. The purpose was to discuss the next week's fire potential and coordinate firefighting resource availability.

“As things continue to dry out and fire activity starts to pick up, then we'll resume those calls,” Goeller said. “However, even without the weekly calls, we can still get aircraft and send firefighting resources anywhere in the state when they're available.”

Oklahoma Forestry Services has 42 units, each consisting of a brush pumper-type vehicle, a transport truck and a fire suppression dozer and two firefighters, Goeller said. The conference calls helped in part to preposition units to areas facing greater wildfire risks on certain days in relation to various fire weather factors.

And although aerial firefighting assistance is usually thought of as the Oklahoma Army National Guard's CH-47 Chinook helicopters and the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, Oklahoma Forestry Services can mobilize federal resources such as fixed-wing air tankers and firefighting helicopters.

Read more: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-forestry-services-battled-1745-fires-in-2011/article/3641783#ixzz1k185Xp4g

Want to be a landowner with his or her own forest? Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry can help! We are officially in the midst of tree planting season. Didn’t know such a season existed? For Oklahoma trees the season is typically December through mid-April and you can get your own forest started by ordering trees and shrubs from the OFS nursery in Goldsby.

Trees like to start their lives during the cold winter months. For OFS the process involves planting seed one or two years ago, nurturing and growing over 35 species of trees and shrubs into a size that is ready for you to plant. Then as the New Year kicks off, OFS staff begin “lifting” the seedlings and bundling in anticipation of shipping them to your doorstep for planting.

“The colder temperature during lifting, packing and planting is critical to the seedlings survival because they remain in a dormant state until the spring temperatures arrive,” said State Forester George Geissler. “This year we were a little concerned about having enough soil moisture, but things have improved over much of the state since we have received some significant rains this fall.”

Why plant trees? There are many reasons—money, recreation, legacy for your kids and grandkids, wildlife habitat improvement and simply putting your land into use. Planting trees to your property not only improves the aesthetics but improves the value of the property. Trees provide a refuge for deer, turkey, songbirds and other wildlife. When planting trees for commercial use, your children and grandchildren will be the beneficiaries when the timber is harvested. The possibilities are endless and the motivations are different for people who purchase seedlings each winter.

“We have a fellow down in southeast Oklahoma who plants trees each year to ‘leave something for his kids’ and in this case his ‘kids’ are over 60 years old,” said OFS Service Forester Hank Thompson as he referred to 92 year old, L.A. Burnett. “Mr. Burnett has been a forest owner for over 52 years and is a former Oklahoma Tree Farmer of the Year.”

No matter how large or small your acreage OFS foresters can assist you in planning and planting trees. Bare-root and containerized seedlings are available in groups of 50 per species. Wildlife packets contain 100 trees with 25 each of four species. To get more information or to order your seedlings visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call 800-517-3673.

The Oklahoma Forestry Service is working to genetically improve pine trees in Oklahoma.

At the Forest Tree Improvement Center in Idabel, Virginia pine is being genetically modified and tested to create more weather-hardy, faster growing trees that require less corrective pruning and staking.

“This will in turn shorten or reduce the time-to-harvest rotation, creating a faster return on investment while lightening the workload,” orchard manager Justin Jones said.

He said seeds from the Idabel orchard are sent to the state seedling nursery in Goldsby.

Each year, the Oklahoma Forestry Service sells at cost about 50,000 pine tree seedlings to Christmas tree growers across the state.

For more information, go to online to www.forestry.ok.gov.

Read more: http://newsok.com/forestry-service-works-to-genetically-improve-pine-trees/article/3634268#ixzz1hNcYFMCr

 Martin has been growing and selling Christmas trees for three decades and says he never tires of being part of a tradition that brings joy to so many families.

At age 71, he's still spry and more than able to keep up with the seasonal workers at Martinbird Tree Farm in Tuttle.

“I plan on doing this until I'm 105,” he said. “It's a fun thing. You get to share Christmas with a thousand families.”

Martin is typical of most Oklahoma Christmas tree farmers. They are an aging bunch, and there are fewer young operators starting tree farms or taking over existing businesses.

There are about two dozen Christmas tree farms in Oklahoma. That's less than half the number a decade ago, according to the Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association.

“People are getting old,” said John Knight, president of the association. “When you get to be above 70 or 75 years of age, this is pretty brutal on you.”

Knight, 67, operates Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm in Edmond.  He's not sure who will take over his operation when he eventually retires. He might sell his land for housing development.

Drought woes

This year has been particularly tough for Christmas tree farmers. The record heat and drought wiped out many trees and stunted the growth of those that survived.

“Christmas trees take five or six years to grow,” said state forester George Geissler. “If you lose a year of growth, it's a major setback.”

Knight said irrigation saved most of his trees this year, but Martin lost thousands. He depends on well water and isn't able to irrigate most of his crop.

It's hardly his first setback. He planted his first trees in 1979 and lost every one in a drought two years later.
He still has plenty of Virginia pine, Scotch pine and Austrian compact pine this year. The latter is popular because of the full, dense branches and deep green color.

James and Lorie Marler found the perfect 6-foot Austrian pine, much to the glee of their sons, Cole, 8 and Chase, 4.

“I want a big tree so I can get big presents,” Chase exclaimed, while his little brother yelled, “Timber!”
The Blanchard family said choosing and cutting their own tree is a tradition they hope to continue for many years. They know their children will cherish these memories always.

Starting out

Scott Dallas wants to be part of the making-memories business. He also hopes to make a profit someday.
The Oklahoma City firefighter planted his first Christmas trees four years ago.

They aren't ready for cutting, so he's brought in hundreds of pre-cut Noble, Fraser and Douglas firs to sell this year at Frontier Christmas Tree and Pumpkin Farm in Kingfisher.

Like many Christmas tree farmers, he's not putting all his eggs in one basket. In addition to the pumpkin patch, Frontier Farm also operates a gift shop, petting zoo and playground, and Dallas wants to put in a zip line.
Dallas is selling a visit to his farm as a family experience, a Norman Rockwell-like trip to a simpler, less hectic time.

It would help if Mother Nature were on his side.

Of the first 2,000 saplings he planted, all but 100 perished from drought and soil more suitable for wheat farming.  He hopes to harvest his first trees next year.

And in a few years, Dallas, 48, hopes to retire from his firefighter job and focus solely on Frontier Farm.
“This was never intended as something to get rich from. This is just a supplement to my retirement,” he said.
He said Knight and other members of the Christmas Tree Association serve as his mentors. The state Agritourism Department also helps growers with marketing.

“Everyone welcomed me with open arms,” Dallas said. “They said it was a lot of hard work. I'm not afraid of hard work. But if this doesn't work out, well, this is where we live, too, so we'll just look out and enjoy the pretty trees.”

Read more: http://newsok.com/christmas-tree-farmers-are-hardy-but-aging-bunch/article/3634267#ixzz1hNacaIQe

Many of you have made that annual trek into the woods, the tree farm or your favorite retail store to select that perfect tree for the holidays. Now how do you avoid a Griswold Christmas disaster where the crispy, dry tree ignites it into a fireball? Here are some tips to keep your tree green and beautiful through the holiday:

Stand and Water—After hefting the tree off the roof of the car, make a fresh cut trimming an inch or so off the base and immediately place in a bucket of water or your perfectly sized tree stand. Make sure the stand is big enough to handle the trunk without whittling the base—the outer layers are important for water absorption.

Thirsty Trees—Fresh cut trees can drink up to a gallon of water per day. Levels should be checked frequently to keep water above the base of the trunk. It only takes about 30 seconds to add a little water each day to keep your thirsty tree happy.

Keep it Cool—Place your tree away from fireplaces, heat vents and sunlight and keep room temperature cool. The lights you place on the tree are another source of heat so consider using miniature lights which put out less heat.

Electrical Overload—Overloaded power outlets and faulty wires are the most common cause of fires during the holidays. Take a little extra care to check your lights and wires before lighting up your tree…no pun intended!

Pinch Test—Wonder if your tree is still fresh? Just pinch a few needles bend a branch and if it snaps easily or drops lots of needles it may be time to remove it from your house.

The ‘Gift’ That Keeps on Giving—Once your tree is removed from your house consider the many ways it can keep on giving: mulch for park trails, compost, improve fishing habitat in a lake or pond or as backyard habitat for birds by decorating it with peanut butter and bird seed pine cones.

“We know many Oklahomans are going green this year as they visit family-owned Christmas tree farms,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “These tips will help us care for those beautiful trees by taking a few steps to keep them fresh and safe.”

For more information on where you can purchase an Oklahoma-grown Christmas tree or how to properly care for your tree once you get it home, go the Oklahoma Forestry Services website (www.forestry.ok.gov/christmas-trees) or contact the Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association at 405- 826-5919.

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Oklahoma City – If you’re looking for a gift that has the power to change lives, Oklahoma Forestry Services has just the thing. A state license plate featuring a beautiful redbud tree is a fun and unusual way to give a meaningful gift that keeps on giving after all the holiday celebrations are over.

These urban forestry license plates are as practical as they are decorative. Each license plate provides a $25 donation to plant trees on Oklahoma school playgrounds and parks. The trees are carefully selected by professional foresters to add beauty and shade to areas where children play. And best of all, the gift of a tree keeps on giving for a lifetime.

“All the money goes to planting trees,” said Mark Bays, Urban Forestry Coordinator. He said $14,000 has been raised from the license plates in the last five years. He even supported the project by giving his wife a forestry license plate for a Christmas gift as soon as they were available. Her car now sports one of the first tags sold and she lowers her carbon footprint at the same time.

            Giving trees creates an outdoor learning laboratory while the trees shade tender skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program was initiated by The Tree Bank Foundation to help fight skin cancer. A generous donation from Chesapeake combined with funds from the special license plates allowed Ardmore, Yukon, Thunderbird State Park and several schools to plant large caliper shade trees in the project’s first year.

            Keep Oklahoma Beautiful recognized Oklahoma Forestry Services, the Tree Bank Foundation and Chesapeake with a special Team Builders Award at this year’s annual Environmental Excellence Celebration. The project was honored for its unique nature and using teamwork to reach its goals.

            Future plans include more schools and communities where shade is desperately needed. The trees have a huge impact in local neighborhoods and help instill a sense of pride and belonging.

            The license plates are available for $38 from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Complete details are online at www.tax.ok.gov/plates/sp156.html.

            Oklahoma Forestry Services is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

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Suggested photo caption: Mark Bays, Urban Forestry Coordinator for Oklahoma Forestry Services, puts a forestry license plate in the Christmas stocking of someone who’s been nice.

"You just can't duplicate the many positives of a real Christmas tree," says George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. "Above the wonderfully rich smell, real Christmas trees are easy to care for and environmentally friendly, which should give people peace of mind when selecting one for the holiday."

For more information on where you can purchase an Oklahoma-grown Christmas tree visit www.forestry.ok.gov/christmas-trees) or contact the Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association at www.okchristmastrees.com.

The Oklahoma Forest Heritage Center is hosting one of Oklahoma’s most popular autumn events this weekend. The 18th Annual Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show brings over 17,000 visitors to southeastern Oklahoma each year, just in time for the beautiful fall colors on November 11th, 12th and 13th.

The festival is a showcase for turn-of-the-century arts and crafts. This year almost 70 exhibitors and vendors will feature crafts and skills like candle making, woodturning, lye soap making, knife making and quilting. Herbalists will share their knowledge, instrument makers will exhibit their work and quilters will show their best.

New this year will be a fun crosscut saw set up by Oklahoma Forestry Services allowing visitors to try their hand at this old-time skill! The outdoor courtyard of the Forest Heritage Center is a haven for the children. Storytellers spin their yarns; a petting zoo offers up-close and personal encounters with furry critters. The children’s activity area will offer kids the opportunity to create a puppet show with their imagination and their own handmade paper puppets.

The twang of banjos, the wail of the fiddles and the ring of the dulcimer strings will be heard as four of the country’s best folk musicians will be featured on an outdoor stage throughout the three-day festival. Visitors can also participate in Mountain Dulcimer workshops offered each day by instructors Keith and Darlene Vanderbosch.

The festival is a food-lovers paradise! Food vendors are offering pork-o-bobs, patty melts, chicken tacos, as well as smoked turkey legs, cowboy tacos, and burgers. Long-time Festival favorites like kettle korn, caramel apples and funnel cakes will also tempt visitors. Wash it all down with fresh apple cider or old-time root beer.

Mother Nature will be providing quite a show of her own during the weekend. Fall colors are peaking and guests can also enjoy the hayrides and train rides.

Festival hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, contact the Forest Heritage Center at (580)494-6497, email fhc@beaversbend.com or visit www.forestry.ok.gov/beavers-bend-folk-festival1.

After a week of dry, sunny weather coupled with predicted strong, gusty winds any fire will burn intensely and could spread rapidly. Weather forecasts call for low relative humidity, winds gusting over 40 mph and continued drying conditions.

“As we recall the recent fires with numerous structures lost, I hope homeowners will take this advance warning to improve their home’s defensible space,” said George Geissler, State Forester. “Utilizing Firewise measures will give your home a better chance of surviving if a wildfire burns through your property.”

Defensible space is a buffer between a home and surrounding areas of dense grass and tree growth. A few simple things like keeping lawns mowed short, removing leaves and other flammables from beneath porches, out of gutters and off roofs. By removing anything flammable that touches or almost touches homes rob wildfires of “ladder fuels” that have the potential of burning right up to homes.

Piles of firewood and portable propane tanks should be moved as far away homes as possible, as well as leaves and other dead limbs that have accumulated under porches. For more information on making homes Firewise visit www.forestry.ok.gov/defensible-space.

A Governor Burn Ban and multiple county burn bans are in place across the state. For a complete list, as well as guidelines visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call 580-236-1021.

Governor Fallin has modified the burn ban to cover 28 counties. The Governor Burn Ban is in effect for Atoka, Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Cimarron, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Garvin, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnston, Kiowa, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Pontotoc, Pushmataha, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, and Washita Counties.

Additionally, county burn bans are in effect in Caddo, Custer, Latimer and Osage counties. For a current map of all burn bans and guidelines on allowed activities citizens should visit www.forestry.ok.gov or check with local officials.

Though many counties are not covered by burn bans, conditions are still very dry and Oklahomans are urged to be very cautious with activities that could spark a wildfire such as grilling, campfires or any other outdoor burning. Oklahoma Forestry Services asks you to report any suspicious smoke or fire immediately to your nearest fire department immediately.

For the current map and guidelines visit www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information. For more information contact Michelle Finch-Walker, OFS Communications Specialist at 580-236-1021.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Due to recent rainfall across Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin will amend the burn ban in central Oklahoma.  Effective Tuesday, September 27, at 1 p.m. the ban will be modified to cover 28 counties:  Atoka, Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Cimarron, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Garvin, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnston, Kiowa, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Pontotoc, Pushmataha, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, and Washita.

Statewide, most county commissioners meet Monday and will have a chance to assess local conditions and consider their own countywide burn bans at that time.

“The drought continues to persist across Oklahoma, but the recent light rains have given some counties a temporary reprieve from extreme fire conditions,” Fallin said. “Individual counties can utilize more localized data, conditions and fire occurrence to decide if burn bans are called for on a county level.”

The 28 counties that remain under the Governor’s Burn Ban still have very high fire danger due to the wildland fuel conditions and fire behavior.  Citizens in counties outside the Governor’s Burn Ban should check with local officials or visit www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information to see if a county burn ban has been enacted.

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, fireworks and setting fire to trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors.  Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

“Oklahomans should remain very cautious with any outdoor burning. Oklahoma typically experiences our fire season during the winter months when vegetation is brown, but our situation this summer has put us in fire season early and there is no real relief in sight,” State Forester George Geissler said. “We are just hopeful that we will get some precipitation this winter to allow spring green up which often signals the end of fire season.”

There are exemptions to the Governor’s Burn Ban for a number of items such as welding and road construction. For more information, visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call Michelle Finch-Walker at Oklahoma Forestry Services at (580) 236-1021.

Camp fires and bon fires are prohibited under the burn ban. Outdoor cooking is allowed but under limited conditions.

“Outdoor grilling or tailgating is a part of many Labor Day festivities and I ask urge Oklahomans to be aware and be very careful,” said George Geissler, State Forester. “The smallest spark or even heat from cars parked on dry grass can start a destructive wildfire.”

When cooking outdoors, gas or charcoal grills must be placed over non-flammable surfaces and at least five feet away from dry leaves, grass or other flammable vegetation. It is also a good idea to place grills away from overhanging trees as they can ignite from radiant heat.

“All of us at Oklahoma Forestry Services hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend,” said Geissler.

Visit OFS website www.forestry.ok.gov for Governors Burn Ban guidelines and the latest information regarding county burn bans that are in place.

“Over 600,000 acres of pine forests in the southeast Oklahoma counties of LeFlore, McCurtain and Pushmataha, as well as adjoining counties are at risk of being lost to damage from these insects,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “With the current drought conditions, these pine trees are stressed and become the perfect haven for these destructive pests.”

The funding is available from OFS and is made possible through its partnership with the US Forest Service. Landowners can receive grants of $40 to $60 per acre to help them with activities to reduce the risk of infestation such as develop forest management plans and implement practices such as forest thinning.

Oklahoma has had relatively little pine beetle damage in recent years, this is likely due to seasons of good growing conditions and improved forest management.

“OFS is committed to ensuring that Oklahoma has healthy productive forests for future generations ,” Geissler said. “Over 90 percent of the state’s forestlands are owned by private landowners and we are asking these individuals to take advantage of this program and help us protect their forests”

Visit http://www.forestry.ok.gov/spb-grant for information about program eligibility and requirements, and to obtain an application. Landowners can also call 405-522-6147 or contact their local OFS office.

A governor’s burn ban remains in effect for 61 counties where a very high fire danger exists due to the wildland fuel conditions and fire behavior. In the 16 counties no longer impacted by the governor’s burn ban, citizens should check with local officials or visit www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information to see if a county burn ban has been enacted.

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, fireworks and setting fire to trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors. Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

As part of the governor’s burn ban there are exemptions for a number of items such as welding and road construction. For more information, visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call Michelle Finch-Walker at Oklahoma Forestry Services (580) 236-1021.

“The recent rainfall has not been enough to end the drought, but it did result in some moderation of the fire danger,” said Governor Fallin. “Lifting the ban in this manner will allow the 16 counties to consider the conditions and fire occurrence at a local level and take measures as they see appropriate.”

A Governor’s Burn Ban remains in effect for 61 counties where a very high fire danger exists due to the wildland fuel conditions and fire behavior. In the 16 counties no longer impacted by the Governor’s Burn Ban, citizens should check with local officials or visit www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information to see if a county burn ban has been enacted.

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, fireworks and setting fire to trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors. Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

“While we have seen temporary improvement in some parts of our state, it is important that all Oklahomans remain aware of the fire danger,” said State Forester George Geissler. “The drought continues and any wildfire which starts will be very difficult to control.”

As part of the Governors Burn Ban there are exemptions for a number of items such as welding and road construction. For more information visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call Michelle Finch-Walker at Oklahoma Forestry Services 580-236-1021.

“This Rural Fire 80/20 Reimbursement Grant provides financial assistance to rural fire departments,” said State Forester George Geissler. “Funds can be used to purchase equipment or build, remodel or expand a fire station.”

This program is funded by the Oklahoma Legislature and authorized by Governor Fallin. Applications must be submitted through Rural Fire Coordinators by September 1, 2011 and are available at www.forestry.ok.gov/firegrants. Successful grant recipients will be notified on or about November 1st. Following official notification fire departments can make eligible purchases and submit receipts for 80 percent reimbursement.

“We want to encourage rural fire departments to apply for these grants to improve their wildland firefighting capabilities,” said Geissler.

For more information, contact Rural Fire Coordinators or OFS Rural Fire Staff Forester Gary Williams at 800-517-3673 or 405-288-2385.

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"Our state’s leaders recognize the importance of rural fire departments;” said Secretary of Agriculture, Jim Reese “and these grants are timely as fire departments have depleted many resources during the current fire season.”

Funds can be used for the operations and maintenance of the fire department including the purchase, construction, repair and operation of fire stations and fire equipment; firefighter training and the purchase of fuel.

“These operational grants provide valuable assistance to local fire departments in providing wildland and rural community fire protection,” said Reese. “We are committed to helping local fire departments with limited budgets effectively perform their duties.”

Oklahoma Forestry Services also provides equipment and technical advice through the Rural Fire Defense Program. OFS acquires and provides equipment to departments for use in wildfire suppression efforts.

“Such property can be a viable alternative to purchasing new equipment,” stated State Forester George Geissler. “We also offer firefighting supplies cost to rural fire departments across the state. By purchasing many items in bulk quantities and at lower cost, smaller departments receive volume discount savings.”

For more information concerning Operational Grants, Rural Fire Defense or other ODAFF-Forestry Services programs visit www.forestry.ok.gov/rural-fire or call 405-288-2385.

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List by County of Fire Departments Receiving Operational Grants

OKLAHOMA CITY – Speaking at a press conference addressing the state’s response to the ongoing drought and heat wave, Governor Mary Fallin today said that one of her priorities in the next legislative session would be to replenish the State Emergency Fund. The fund reimburses counties, municipalities, rural electric cooperatives, rural water districts and other entities for infrastructure damage sustained under a presidential disaster declaration.

While the emergency fund was created to lessen the fiscal impact of tornadoes, hurricanes, wild fires and other natural disasters, the state is several years behind in its payments. The current balance stands at $944.00, with outstanding obligations totaling more than $36 million. The state has not reimbursed local entities for any disasters occurring after 2007, despite numerous disaster declarations.

“The weather has made this a tough year for many in Oklahoma,” Fallin said. “Ice storms, tornadoes, fires, and drought have hit our local communities hard, and many are stretched thin by the cost of relief and recovery efforts. It is not fair for the state of Oklahoma to ignore its obligations when towns and cities are struggling to find the money to pay for firefighters, police and basic services. That’s why I’m calling on our legislators to make replenishing the State Emergency Fund a priority next year.”

In the event of a presidential disaster declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reimburses municipalities and other qualifying entities for 75 percent of the cost of any infrastructure damage. The State of Oklahoma covers 12.5 percent of that cost using the State Emergency Fund, and the qualifying entity covers 12.5 percent.

Changes Imminent to Governor’s Burn Ban

Governor Fallin also said today that, due to recent rain and improving conditions, changes to the statewide burn ban are expected to be announced in the next 24 to 48 hours with at least some counties coming off the ban.

“We are still in the process of evaluating the conditions on the ground with the state Forestry division, but we do expect to be able to make some modifications to the burn ban in the next one to two days,” Fallin said. “We understand the burn ban can be a major inconvenience to citizens, but we want to make sure we are putting safety first.

Governor Praises Relief Efforts

On hand at today’s press conference were officials with the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Public Safety, the National Guard, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, the Department of Health and the Tulsa and Oklahoma City chapters of the American Red Cross.

“The kind of sustained heat wave and drought we saw this summer creates a full spectrum of hazards for the state of Oklahoma: it’s a health hazard, it creates wildfires; it withers crops in the field and starves livestock; and it’s a destructive force for our economy,” Fallin said. “Relief efforts required a full range of government and private sector action, including fire suppression, public health efforts, law enforcement, agricultural aid and direct community assistance. I’m extremely proud of the way our government agencies worked together to provide an effective response to the ongoing drought.

“I’m also extremely proud of our citizens, who continue to remind us why Oklahoma is such a great community. Church groups, individual citizens and groups like the American Red Cross have done so much during this crisis, whether it’s reaching out to those who have just lost their homes in a wildfire, or just making an air-conditioned “cool down” station available for neighbors without power.

“When it comes to beating the heat, we are all in this together, and I’m happy to say that the response from both our state agencies and our citizens was an impressive one.”
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“We have just experienced the hottest July on record,” Fallin said. “The predictions of unrelenting extreme heat with no relief in sight make the statewide burn ban necessary.”

Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, report increased fire activity across the state. Firefighter fatigue is a growing concern.

Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, fireworks and setting fire to trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors. For a complete list of activities allowed and prohibited view the guidelines for the Governor’s Burn Ban on www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information.

State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services George Geissler asked Oklahomans to continue to be cautious outdoors.

“With these extremely dry conditions we urge the public to use every precaution,” Geissler said. “Fires are starting from simple things like flat tires creating sparks, cars parked in dry grass and discarded cigarettes. We all need to be extremely vigilant.”

“Forests provide us with abundant clean air,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “This study shows the important role global forests play in keeping the air clean and it also broadens our understanding of how climate change relates to forest management in today’s world.”

Forests absorb carbon like a giant sponge into what scientists call a carbon sink. Oceans serve as the only other natural source for absorption of significant amounts of carbon. Until these new findings, many experts said forests played a less important role in removing carbon from the air we breathe. Today’s report indicates otherwise.

The study, conducted by the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Research Station and a team of scientists from around the world, was recently published in the journal Science online, at the Science Express website, an online publication of the nonprofit American Association for the Advancement of Science.

One of the key findings in the study is that global forests have annually removed 2.4 billion tons of carbon and absorbed 8.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, or about one-third of fossil fuel emissions annually from the period of 1990-2007.

“The new information suggests forests alone account for the most significant terrestrial carbon sink, and that non-forest lands collectively cannot be considered a major carbon absorption sink,” said Dr. Yude Pan, a U.S. Forest Service scientist and a lead author of the study.

The study reveals the dominant role of tropical forests. Tropical forests that have not suffered from deforestation absorb enormous amounts of carbon, more than all other northern hemisphere forests combined. The analysis also identified an additional large carbon uptake of 1.6 billion tons per year in tropical re-growth forests that are recovering from deforestation and logging, which partially compensates for a large carbon source from tropical deforestation.
The study also highlights the risk of passively relying on forests to continue to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Such carbon sequestration is reversible through increased drought, wildfire and forest degradation.

The study is an important example of the use of monitoring data on the state and change of forests around the world, and of the need for global cooperation among the scientific community to address the impacts of human activities on the earth system. For a copy of the study, e-mail scipak@aaas.org.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

“Every year there are homes lost due to wildfire, but homeowners are being urged to take measures to improve their home’s defensible space by utilizing Firewise techniques,” said George Geissler, State Forester. “These measures will give your home a better chance of surviving if a wildfire burns through your property.”

Defensible space is a buffer between a home and surrounding areas of dense grass and tree growth. This buffer should contain as few flammable materials as possible. A few simple things like keeping lawns mowed short, removing leaves and other flammables from beneath porches, out of gutters or off roofs will help. Removing anything flammable that touches, or almost touches homes, robs wildfires of “ladder fuels” that have the potential of burning right up to homes.

Consider removing trees, wilted plants and vegetation that have inched too close to structures. The lower limbs of healthy trees should be trimmed to keep them well above any fire that might burn beneath them. Piles of firewood and portable propane tanks should be moved as far away from homes as possible, as well as dead limbs and leaves that have accumulated under porches.

If remodeling, consider fire risk when choosing siding, roofing materials and fence types. For example, asphalt shingles are much less flammable than wood shake. Installing a segment of metal fence or brick wall between a wood fence and house minimizes the chance of the wood fence catching fire and then setting the home on fire. Hard sidings like concrete masonry board, rock or brick will protect your home much longer than vinyl siding when exposed to the heat of a wildfire.

For more information on making homes Firewise, visit http://www.forestry.ok.gov/defensible-space or call 405-522-6158.
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The Governors Burn Ban covers 45 counties in western and south-central Oklahoma (see attached map). County Commissioner Burn Bans remain in effect in some counties not covered by the Governor's proclamation. Extreme fire conditions are increasing with the extraordinary drought. With no significant rainfall predicted, expansion of the number of counties with burning restrictions may be necessary in the future.

"The number of wildfires we have had over the last few months is extremely tough on our state firefighters," Fallin said. "It's a drain on their resources as well as a physical drain. Anything that can be done to minimize fires will help to keep both our firefighters and the public safe. I'm asking all Oklahomans to be vigilant and to do their part in preventing fires."

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, and setting fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes, as well as igniting fireworks, burning trash or other materials outdoors.

As part of the Governors Burn Ban there are exemptions for a number of items such as welding and road construction. For more specific information and detail visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call Michelle Finch-Walker with the Oklahoma Forestry Services at 580-236-1021.

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What type of forest and woodlands are present in the Panhandle? What are the tree species? Is our forest healthy?

These and many other questions will be answered as a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) crew from Oklahoma Forestry Services begins collecting data on plots across Panhandle counties this month. Foresters began this important data collection in 2009. Each subsequent year, foresters continue gathering information about the amount of land under forest cover, the type of forests and tree species that are present, tree size, invasive species and forest health issues present.

“Forests, trees and woodlands provide Oklahoma with many valuable goods and services,” said State Forester George Geissler. “In order to manage this resource for the greatest benefit to Oklahoma’s citizens, we need to assess what we have. Gathering detailed data from sample sites in all 77 counties is a challenging task for our field foresters, but their efforts provide us with data that is key to our planning strategy.”

The analysis is conducted on randomly located plots across private, industrial, and public lands and includes both forested and non-forested areas. Private landowners will be contacted directly if a plot falls on their land. The information gathered from this analysis will be used to determine status and trends of forests in Oklahoma, and contributes data for similar nationwide efforts of the USDA Forest Service.

“The information we collect is added to the national database to give decision makers the data they need to make informed plans for the future of our forest resources,” said FIA Coordinator Carri Abner. “We appreciate landowners allowing us access to their land so that we will have an accurate assessment of Oklahoma’s trees and forests.”

Crews will be traveling in marked Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry vehicles and will be carrying proper identification with them. Landowners and lessees can assist in this endeavor by granting crews access to property if an FIA plot falls on their land, as well as telling others about the program. They are also welcome to be present when the crew is conducting the measurements on their property.

If you would like more information, contact Carri Abner at 918-290-9208 or carri.abner@ag.ok.gov.

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MEDICINE PARK, OK - Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry can help landowners who may have sustained damage to their trees during the recent Medicine Park wildfire.

After a wildfire, OFS can assist landowners with steps to protect their property from further damage due to erosion, how to remove or salvage trees that were lost or damaged and how to recover from wildfire damage.

"The first step is to assess the damage,” said Tom Murray, OFS forester. "Recovery actions you may take such as erosion control and replanting depend heavily on the amount of damage caused by the wildfire."

Trees that sustained heavy damage from the fire may die, while trees that had only minimal damage may survive, but may not fully recover their previous vigor. This leaves them vulnerable to attack by insects and to future droughts.

The most damaging long-term resource impact that can occur after wildfire is soil erosion. There are a number of erosion control measures that can be taken including seeding, straw mulching or terracing to slow runoff.

"On-site assessments can be made to determine the trees survivability," said Murray. "Then landowners can begin planning for long-term rehabilitation of the site."

For more information contact Tom Murray at 580-562-4882 extension 115 or email okburnsflatsf@swoda.org.

Restrictions on the use of fireworks vary by county. A summary of restrictions can be viewed the OFS website www.forestry.ok.gov by clicking the purple box “Summary of Burn Ban Fireworks Restrictions by County.” Fireworks are banned in all State Parks.

These lists have been changing daily and are posted to the OFS website as information is received.

NOTE: A July 4th Press Packet with safety tips for fireworks, grilling and campfires can be viewed at http://www.forestry.ok.gov/july4presspacket

“We want people to enjoy their holiday celebrations,” said George Geissler, State Forester. “With our extremely dry conditions simple activities like grilling, campfires and fireworks can spark a wildfire and we urge Oklahomans to follow Smokey Bear’s advice—In a drought, keep FIRE out!”

Though parts of the state received some rainfall, it will take a significant amount to ease the situation. A burn ban is in place for almost half of Oklahoma’s 77 counties with changes occurring daily. Many restrict the use of fireworks by individuals. In addition the use of fireworks is prohibited in many cities and all Oklahoma State Parks.

For citizens wanting specific information regarding restrictions in their area OFS recommends they call their county or city officials. Visit OFS website www.forestry.ok.gov for a complete list of county burn bans and links to each commissioner’s resolution as each county has unique and varied restrictions.

“As Oklahoma continues this hot and dry weather pattern, the risk of wildfire continues to increase and even the smallest spark can start a fire,” said Geissler. “So far the occurrence of wildfires across the state has been low compared to other neighboring states and we want to maintain the current situation.”

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Use fireworks under close adult supervision in safe areas away from dry grass and brush.
• Keep fireworks away from homes and structures, which can be accidentally ignited.
• Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby to extinguish small fires.
• Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.

• Consider using propane stove or barbecue grill instead of an open fire when it’s dry and windy.
• Put barbecue grills over bare dirt or other fire resistant surfaces – away from dead grass and weeds. Never transport a barbecue pit or grill with live coals.
• Build campfires in open, level spots away from trees and overhanging branches; preferably in designated fire rings or fire receptacles.
• Never leave a campfire or cooking fire unattended. Completely extinguish the fire with water before leaving it. The ashes and coals are not safe to leave until they are cool enough to touch.

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Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, is alerting the public to the potential for large fires especially west of I-35.

“The conditions predicted for this weekend have the potential for extreme wildfire behavior, said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “We are urging people be aware of the situation and be cautious to not create any spark which could cause a wildfire”

Conditions are very dry and without significant humidity recovery fires can start earlier in the day and grow quickly. Caution should be taken with any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire. Under these conditions sparks can ignite easily and fires will spread quickly. All outdoor burning is discouraged.

Weather forecasts for the next few days call for temperatures over 100 degrees, 20-30 mph sustained winds, and low humidity. Vegetation is very dry with much of the western half of the state experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions.

A large fire in Medicine Park near Lawton has consumed several thousand acres, destroyed over a dozen structures and has not yet been contained.

OFS is coordinating state and federal wildland fire resources for response if necessary, as well as communicating with Oklahoma Emergency Management and fire departments across the state about the predicted high fire danger. OFS Wildland Task Forces and firefighting personnel are also prepared for mobilization.

There are currently 14 counties under a burn ban across the state and a complete list is available at www.forestry.ok.gov.

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Note to Media:
For the latest Oklahoma "Daily Wildfire Situation Report" visit www.forestry.ok.gov and click the link on the homepage. The report contains information about recent fire activity, predicted fire weather and a link for current burn bans.

Portions of western Oklahoma are now classified as having extreme to exceptional drought conditions. Fuel conditions are critical and any fuel fire comes in contact with will combust.

“There is the potential for large fires to occur throughout much of Oklahoma,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “With the continued high temperatures and gusty winds, wildland fuels have dried dramatically and can be easily ignited by a spark. This situation does not look to improve in the near future”

Any fire starting under the forecast conditions has the potential to spread rapidly and burn large areas. Citizens are urged to be vigilant with outdoor activities and are asked to report any suspicious smoke or fire to their closest fire department.

Homeowners can also make their home more defensible by moving trash, debris and other flammable items like firewood piles or portable propane tanks a safe distance away from their home.

Though western Oklahoma is the primary area of concern, OFS officials are cautioning that the entire state could experience fire activity. Safety of the firefighters and public is of the utmost concern. With today’s weather forecast calling for temperatures in the upper 90s to over 100 and very low relative humidity one of the main threats for firefighters will be heat stress and heat related issues.

For the latest information and wildfire daily situation reports visit www.forestry.ok.gov.

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Note to Media:

For the latest Oklahoma "Daily Wildfire Situation Report" visit www.forestry.ok.gov and click the link on the homepage. The report contains information about recent fire activity, predicted fire weather and a link for current burn bans.

In a report for the National Recreation and Park Association, associate professor of natural resources and environmental sources Frances "Ming" Kuo assessed whether exposure to nature actually affects people's physical and mental well-being.

In the past, she argues that research has focused on how participants "feel" rather than objective measures, including blood-pressure readings, standardized cognitive tests and crime reports from police departments.

Exposure to nature increases people's health outcomes even when interest in nature isn't high and when socioeconomic status is considered, she concludes. More green space to enjoy equates to communities with better mental health, a more proactive attitude and a better ability to bounce back from hardships, according to the report.

In one analysis, researchers found parks to be linked to greater trust and cooperation among community members when compared to areas without them.

In general, communities with less green space show the opposite: more cases of depression among residents, higher blood pressure averages and an increased prevalence of anxiety disorders.

At the individual level, access to nature bolsters recovery rates of people who underwent surgery, improves people's immune systems and helps promote physical activity and independence across all ages. Areas with less nature to explore result in higher rates of childhood obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

But what is it about natural spaces that improve our well-being?

Simply put: It's what our species is used to. As pointed out by Kuo and Huffington Post writer Linda Buzzell, humans depend on their environments in the same way as other non-human animals.

Consider efforts to improve captive life for zoo animals, for instance. When qualities of an animal's natural environment are incorporated into its captive habitat, the animal usually lives longer with fewer health and behavioral problems.

The same idea can be applied to our health. Like all other living creatures, humans evolved in nature and are continually shaped by it. Although we possess the ability to adapt to different climates and landscapes, green space still plays a large role in our well-being and happiness.

Kuo advocates for cities and community leaders to create more green space and think twice before tearing down natural spaces unnecessarily.

But, even with more green spaces, there's a catch to making them effective. Although parks are known to generally reduce crime in a given area, neglected or abandoned ones may result in more crime.

It turns out that caring for green spaces might be just as important as creating access to them.