Forest Service publishes Regional Year in Review

by Bigfork Eagle
| February 20, 2013 4:00 AM

The U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Region has released its 2012 Year in Review, showcasing forest and grassland successes, partnerships and research activities across northern Idaho, Montana and North Dakota and northwestern South Dakota.

The Northern Region, or Region 1 as the agency designates it, is comprised of 13 forests and grasslands, and manages more than 25 million acres of public lands that include wilderness areas, wild and scenic river corridors, plus many other recreational opportunities.

The 24-page publication is posted on the region’s website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/r1.

One overriding theme in this year’s review is the emphasis on the widespread and growing partnerships, collaborative groups and projects that are increasing across the region.

Information about the Southwest Crown of the Continent showcases collaborative success, and is featured along with year-end results from other collaborative groups and projects. The youth engagement, tribal relations and conservation education programs are featured as well, showcasing their trails, recreation, volunteer and heritage successes throughout the past year.

“We have so many great partners,” Regional Forester Faye Krueger said. “I applaud the successes these partnerships have provided to the natural resources and local economies. I am excited to continue to explore additional partnership opportunities across our region.”

The review also features the agency’s research and cooperative projects through State and Private Forestry in combating invasive plants and insects.

A new feature for the region’s forests and grasslands includes quick reference codes, or QR codes, for each of their websites. The codes can be read using applications on smartphones.

Visitors to the Northern Region can expect to see a wider use of this new technology to provide recreation, conservation education and general project information at kiosks and interpretive signage at trailheads, campgrounds, visitor centers and in other printed materials.