Wildfire Update: Are We Out of the Woods?
Wildfire Update: Are We Out of the Woods?
At this writing (Thursday, November 21), some much-needed rain was falling on most of New York, and Governor Kathy Hochul reported the state's largest wildfire since 2008, the Jennings Creek/Sterling Forest State Park fire in Orange County, was 90 percent contained. That doesn't mean the battle has been won, however.
Statewide, there are currently six wildfires in New York State encompassing nearly 6,031 acres, including the Jennings Creek/Sterling Forest fire.
Governor Hochul's office reported that more than 400 fire departments statewide with more 1,300 personnel have been deployed to combat the fires across the State and to assist with their containment. Under the governor's direction, New York National Guard Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters have conducted more than 550 water drops totaling more than 500,000 gallons on the Orange County fire.
“As fire departments continue their work to contain wildfires across the State, coordination with localities and our partners in New Jersey remains critical to protect communities close to the fires and keep them safe,” Governor Hochul said Wednesday. “With rain on the way to help alleviate some strain from the fires and the drought, we encourage New Yorkers to conserve their water usage and not to burn fires outdoors. We thank our first responders and firefighters for their bravery, and know that without them, this fire would be much worse.”
New NYS Neonicotinoid Legislation Takes Effect Soon
New NYS Neonicotinoid Legislation Takes Effect Soon
From the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:
Article 33 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) was amended in 2023 and early 2024 to prohibit the use of certain neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor ornamental plants and turf beginning on December 31, 2024 for some products, followed by others on December 31, 2026.
Beginning December 31, 2024, Article 33 (ECL 33-1301(13)) prohibits the treatment of outdoor ornamental plants and turf with pesticide products containing clothianidin or dinotefuran, and beginning December 31, 2026, this prohibition is further expanded to include pesticide products containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or acetamiprid.
Next Week: Saluting Branches Wants YOU!
Next Week: Saluting Branches Wants YOU!
On Wednesday, September 18, arborists are invited to participate in Saluting Branches, a national day of service where tree care professionals volunteer their time and skills to care for trees and landscapes at national cemeteries, in honor of our nation's veterans.
Saluting Branches is typically held on the third Wednesday of September each year, and volunteers sign up in advance to participate.
Participating arborists receive training and safety instructions before the event. Organizers coordinate with the cemetery staff to determine the work that needs to be done and any safety considerations.
Cheer on Team NY at the Duel on the Delaware
Cheer on Team NY at the Duel on the Delaware
Come cheer on Team New York at the Duel on the Delaware, taking place October 4-6 at Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, NJ.
Sponsored by NJAISA, the New Jersey Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, this year's Duel is a competition among the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania-Delaware and Ohio chapters of the ISA. Its purpose is to promote competition, professionalism, camaraderie and mentorship, and to earn bragging rights in preparation for the International Tree Climbing Championship.
Gear Inspection
Gear Inspection
Mike Sawyer of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy provides a quick overview about gear inspection.
