Publications

Combined Heat and Biochar

Combined heat and biochar (CHAB) technologies are systems that optimize the combustion of wood residues. The process of combusting biomass for biochar produces not only a high carbon solid product but also thermal energy that can be used for heating and cooling.

Great Plains Biochar Initiative

In 2017, the Nebraska Forest Service along with partners Kansas Forest Service, High Plains Biochar, and Wilson Biochar Associates received a USDA-Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant with the goal of enhancing the development of biochar markets throughout the Great Plains. The focus of the project was to provide education and outreach opportunities, along with product development funding for interested individuals, businesses and innovators looking to solve Great Plains problems with biochar.

Green Roofs: Biochar and You

“Green roofs” are an increasingly popular practice that can accomplish a wide variety of jobs in the urban landscape. Whether you are looking for reductions in utility costs, providing habitat for resident and migrating wildlife, or even utilizing your roof for hyper-local food production—there isn’t much a green roof can’t do. However, that is not to say establishing your aerial Eden doesn’t take a bit of preparation. This publication will talk you through the opportunities to incorporate biochar into your green roof. (Photo courtesy of Troy Fedderson)

Small Scale Biochar

Nebraska is home to a wealth of untapped resources, some that are viewed as problematic. Nebraska has 1.3 million acres of forested land containing over 41 million oven-dry tons of standing woody biomass. This includes hundreds of thousands of acres of eastern redcedar that needs removal to improve forest health.

Pine Wilt: A Fatal Disease of Scotch Pine

Scotch pine, a popular tree for ornamental plantings, windbreaks and Christmas trees, is rapidly disappearing from Nebraska's landscape. The tree is susceptible to pine wilt, a disease that has killed thousands of Scotch pines in the southeastern part of the state since the mid-1990s. This publication discusses pine wilt and how to control the disease.

Walnut Twig Beetle & Thousand Cankers Disease

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced May 14th that walnut twig beetle, a carrier of a fatal disease of walnut trees, was discovered in Nebraska. This is the first confirmed detection of the beetle in the state.

Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a native tree that has always been a fixture on the Nebraska landscape, providing valuable wood products, wind and soil protection, and habitat for a variety of species of wildlife. However, the rapid spread of cedar is an increasingly serious ecological and economic issue with substantial impacts statewide. 

Redcedar Utilization

Eastern redcedar management has become a topic of much discussion. Identifying utilization and wood products opportunities for redcedar wood will be key to increasing management and reducing its impact on the landscape.

Ash Wood Utilization Options for Homeowners

Emerald ash borer (EAB) poses a serious threat to ash trees in both communities and residential landscapes, killing 80% of ash trees in infested regions within 10 years of its discovery. In communities, standing dead and dying trees will pose a threat to people and property. Unless a homeowner is dedicated to treating their tree long into the future, most ash trees will die and need to be removed.

Emerald Ash Borer Look-Alikes

There are many bright metallic-green insects in Nebraska, but the emerald ash borer beetle is only a half-inch long and strictly associated with ash trees. Use the chart to help determine if EAB is present on your property. 

Pros and Cons of EAB Treatment

Regardless of the decision made, trees should not be left standing until they are dead or have significant dieback. Ash trees killed by EAB become brittle quickly and could start to fall in as little as a year. Additionally, these trees pose increased risks for workers and will likely result in much higher prices for removal. Once EAB is found within 15 miles the decision should be made to treat or remove. Preemptive removal and replanting before this time is also an option.

Soil Treatments Emerald Ash Borer: Information for Homeowners

Soil treatments are applied to the soil around the base of a tree. The chemical is picked up by the roots, carried up the trunk, and distributed throughout the plant, providing protection from pests feeding on the tree. Soil treatments can be effective in controlling emerald ash borer (EAB), a destructive pest of ash trees.

Árboles para Nebraska

Las condiciones ambientales en Nebraska dificultan que muchos árboles sobrevivan o crezcan bien. Varias condiciones como los tipos de suelo, el calor, las temperaturas invernales fluctuantes, los vientos fuertes y la sequía contribuyen a condiciones estresantes para los árboles. La siguiente lista es una de árboles recomendados para plantar a lo largo de calles, parques, escuelas y otras áreas públicas, así como patios privados. Si necesita recomendaciones específicas sobre las especies de árboles que se enumeran a continuación, visite a su profesional de vivero local.

Firewise Landscaping Practices

Homeowners value landscapes for the natural beauty, privacy, shade, and recreation they offer and frequently select properties that include or are near woodlands. One of the risks of properties adjoined to natural areas, however, is that they can be more vulnerable to wildfires.

What Can You Do About Flooded Trees?

Water is critical to the growth and survival of trees. We often discuss what happens when trees and other plants become dry, but what happens when trees are submerged during short or prolonged periods of flooding? This publication addresses common issues experienced when there is an overabundance of water present near trees.

Early and Late Frosts and Freezes

Nebraska is well known for being a land of extreme temperature swings. It isn’t uncommon in fall or spring to go from a nice day to a blanket of snow in less than two days. When this happens, it can cause damage to trees that were not fully prepared for the change.

Japanese Beetle in Nebraska

The Japanese beetle is a highly destructive invasive pest that is an annual problem for many Nebraskans. Its presence has grown over the last decade and is getting worse. Adults of this metallic beetle feed on over 300 different species of plants and larvae are often the bane of turfgrass. While treatment options do exist, they are often limited by several factors. However, different cultural practices can mitigate much of the damage done by these invaders.

Spotted Lanternfly - What to Look For

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an aggressive invasive species that is present in several states. It is currently found in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, Connecticut, Indiana, and New Jersey with sightings in several other nearby states. Although this pest is not present in Nebraska, it is important to be vigilant for it.   

Spotted Lanternfly Look-alikes (Not yet present in Nebraska)

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), is a new invasive species that poses one of the largest threats to American agriculture and trees in decades. Currently found in Southeast Pennsylvania and nearby regions, it has many look-alike native species that could make detection difficult. This guide will assist in the identification and possible early detection if this pest shows up in Nebraska. 

Herbicide Damage to Trees

Herbicides can be effective tools for controlling unwanted weeds in the landscape. However, in recent years the Nebraska Forest Service has seen a significant increase in unintended herbicide damage to trees and other landscape plants. You can assist us in documenting damage across Nebraska. Please note the NFS is not a regulatory agency. 

Submit a damage report

Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a native tree that has always been a fixture on the Nebraska landscape, providing valuable wood products, wind and soil protection, and habitat for a variety of species of wildlife. However, the rapid spread of cedar is an increasingly serious ecological and economic issue with substantial impacts statewide. 

Forestry Best Management Practices For Nebraska

Forests cover 947,000 acres in Nebraska. Other land with scattered tree cover, including narrow wooded strips along streams, windbreaks, and wooded pasture lands, occupies an additional 1,252,000 acres. Managing Nebraska's forest lands can produce significant benefits without negative impacts; however, careless activities in woodlands can damage water re­sources, soils, wildlife habitat, aes­thetic values, and even the ability to produce future benefits.

How to Manage Your Woodland

Nebraska's forest lands comprise less than 2 percent of the total land base in the state (718,300 acres). However, on an acre by acre comparison, woodlands provide more associ­ated benefits for society, the environment and our quality of life than most other land uses. With the vast diversity of benefits that are obtained from Nebraska's woodlands compared to the limited acreage they occupy, it is important to properly manage those acres for sustained health and continued benefits. 

Managing Your Woodlands

Nebraska’s forests, also known as woodlands, comprise three percent of the total land base in the state. On an acre by acre comparison, woodlands provide more associated benefits for the landowner, society, the environment, and our quality of life than many other land uses. With the diversity of benefits from Nebraska’s woodlands compared to the limited acres that they occupy, it is important to properly manage these areas for the sustained health and continued benefits the trees provide. These woodlands are dynamic and constantly changing with many factors contributing to the potential of the site.

Redcedar Utilization

Eastern redcedar management has become a topic of much discussion. Identifying utilization and wood products opportunities for redcedar wood will be key to increasing management and reducing its impact on the landscape.

Redcedar Utilization

Eastern redcedar management has become a topic of much discussion. Identifying utilization and wood products opportunities for redcedar wood will be key to increasing management and reducing its impact on the landscape.

Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

Nebraska is home to a large horticulture nursery and greenhouse industry that produces a variety of products including aquatic plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees. With over 325 nursery and greenhouse operations growing material “under glass” or some other type of protection, these growers often experience high and seasonally unpredictable heating costs related to fossil fuel use.

Combined Heat and Biochar

Combined heat and biochar (CHAB) technologies are systems that optimize the combustion of wood residues. The process of combusting biomass for biochar produces not only a high carbon solid product but also thermal energy that can be used for heating and cooling.

Forest Products Utilization Program

Healthy forests and strong markets are dependent upon active, responsible forest management. Markets for wood and forest products lead to increased timber harvesting and forest management. Active forest management improves the health of Nebraska’s tree and forest resources, making forests sustainable over time.

Great Plains Biochar Initiative

In 2017, the Nebraska Forest Service along with partners Kansas Forest Service, High Plains Biochar, and Wilson Biochar Associates received a USDA-Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant with the goal of enhancing the development of biochar markets throughout the Great Plains. The focus of the project was to provide education and outreach opportunities, along with product development funding for interested individuals, businesses and innovators looking to solve Great Plains problems with biochar.

Green Roofs: Biochar and You

“Green roofs” are an increasingly popular practice that can accomplish a wide variety of jobs in the urban landscape. Whether you are looking for reductions in utility costs, providing habitat for resident and migrating wildlife, or even utilizing your roof for hyper-local food production—there isn’t much a green roof can’t do. However, that is not to say establishing your aerial Eden doesn’t take a bit of preparation. This publication will talk you through the opportunities to incorporate biochar into your green roof. (Photo courtesy of Troy Fedderson)

Mushrooms in Nebraska

Most of us have probably heard of our friends or neighbors hunting for mushrooms, oftentimes combing woodlands for the elusive morel each spring. As luck would have it, fall is also a great time to find edible mushrooms growing in woodlands across Nebraska. Not all of us can make the time to join the hunt, but the good news is you can still satisfy your culinary curiosity by growing mushrooms at home.

Nebraska Forest Products Industry Economic Contributions

Nebraska has 1.5 million acres of forest land that cover 3 percent of its land base, and most of this forest land can produce commercial timber. The majority, 89 percent, is privately owned; about 5 percent is managed by state and local government, and about 6 percent by the federal government.

Nebraska's Sawmill Industry

Nebraska is home to a small, yet storied forest products industry with many businesses having been in operation for generations. Today, Nebraska’s sawmills produce a variety of wood products to meet the needs of their customers.

Nebraska's Urban Wood Industry

Urban wood is salvaged from tree removal operations typically due to tree mortality, disease, land development, storm damage or other causes. Urban wood utilization promotes the highest and best value use of locally available, wood resources while providing opportunities for economic development.

Small Scale Biochar

Nebraska is home to a wealth of untapped resources, some that are viewed as problematic. Nebraska has 1.3 million acres of forested land containing over 41 million oven-dry tons of standing woody biomass. This includes hundreds of thousands of acres of eastern redcedar that needs removal to improve forest health.

Trees Heat Nebraska

Under the Forest Products Utilization program, Trees Heat Nebraska is the Nebraska Forest Service’s technical and financial assistance initiative dedicated to wood energy system development.

Woody biomass energy is an alternative renewable energy option that may reduce these costs. Wood energy for thermal heating, cooling, and/or electricity generation has the potential to provide significant utility cost savings, generate new rural businesses and jobs, and utilize woody residue resulting from forest management and wood products manufacturing activities. Nebraska’s supply of low-quality and under-utilized wood waste provides an excellent resource for biomass energy systems.

Urban Lumber Production

Communities across Nebraska are increasing the management of their community forests in anticipation of emerald ash borer. The removal of community trees, whether related to emerald ash borer or other tree management needs, leads to the inevitable question, “what happens to the wood?”

While some wood waste is converted into products like compost or mulch, the production of urban lumber represents an opportunity for entrepreneurs, artisans, and businesses to create valuable products for sale or for the creation of finished wood products.

Financial Assistance and Grants

There are several opportunities available for financial assistance with the Nebraska Forest Sevice. Each grant has its own unique requirements but all will include an element of cost-sharing of the project. Cost-share is reimbursed to the applicant after a project’s successful completion.

While applications may seem difficult, our staff is available to help you assess your project, determine the best source of funding, and help you get paperwork in order. It is a no-cost service we provide to help you reach your project’s end goals.

Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

Nebraska is home to a large horticulture nursery and greenhouse industry that produces a variety of products including aquatic plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees. With over 325 nursery and greenhouse operations growing material “under glass” or some other type of protection, these growers often experience high and seasonally unpredictable heating costs related to fossil fuel use.

Trees of Nebraska

This manual will show you how to identify 97 tree species by comparing leaves, twigs, fruit, bark, and other parts. You will learn how to look at and compare these parts and how to use a dichotomous key to identify species. Many of the species included in this manual are native to Nebraska, meaning they occur here naturally. Some are not native but are commonly planted. A few are naturalized; they are not native but have escaped cultivation and are growing in the wild. 

Commercializing Hybrid Hazelnuts

The goal of hazelnut research is to accelerate commercial development of the hybrid hazelnut as a profitable, environmentally friendly food and bioenergy crop for producers in Nebraska and the central United States.

Herbicide Damage to Trees

Herbicides can be effective tools for controlling unwanted weeds in the landscape. However, in recent years the Nebraska Forest Service has seen a significant increase in unintended herbicide damage to trees and other landscape plants. You can assist us in documenting damage across Nebraska. Please note the NFS is not a regulatory agency. 

Submit a damage report

Walnut Twig Beetle & Thousand Cankers Disease

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced May 14th that walnut twig beetle, a carrier of a fatal disease of walnut trees, was discovered in Nebraska. This is the first confirmed detection of the beetle in the state.

Commercializing Hybrid Hazelnuts

The goal of hazelnut research is to accelerate commercial development of the hybrid hazelnut as a profitable, environmentally friendly food and bioenergy crop for producers in Nebraska and the central United States.

Pruning Large Trees

Storm damage to large trees can cause large problems. These problems can exist immediately after the storm or become evident many months or even years later. Since large trees involve large branches with significant weight, this kind of storm repair is best left to qualified professional arborists. Here are some things you can do to help larger trees recover from storm damage.

Pruning Trees

Pruning is one of the most important tree maintenance practices.  Over the years, the way in which we, as foresters, have approached pruning has changed dramatically.  Today pruning is a science that, if not done properly, can be very damaging to a tree. Here are some tips that may be of help to you before you take the saw to the tree. 

Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a native tree that has always been a fixture on the Nebraska landscape, providing valuable wood products, wind and soil protection, and habitat for a variety of species of wildlife. However, the rapid spread of cedar is an increasingly serious ecological and economic issue with substantial impacts statewide. 

2018 Annual Report

Download the PDF to read about the accomplishments and highlights of the Nebraska Forest Service in 2018. 

2021 Annual Report

Thank you to our partners for all their support as we tackle the daunting challenges facing trees and forests. We are making excellent progress—the successes are many and some are shared in this annual report. But much more needs to be done if we are to adequately protect trees and forests, the benefits they provide, and lives and property statewide. We look forward to working with you even more closely in 2022 to truly make a difference here in Nebraska.

Forest Health 2017

Nebraska boasts a diverse array of forest resources. From the ponderosa pine forests of the Panhandle’s Pine Ridge to the hardwood forests of the Missouri River bluffs, trees and forests play an important role in the lives of all Nebraskans and in the stability of ecological systems across the state and region.

Forest Health 2018

Nebraska boasts a diverse array of forest resources. From the ponderosa pine forests of the Panhandle’s Pine Ridge to the hardwood forests of the Missouri River bluffs, trees and forests play an important role in the lives of all Nebraskans and in the stability of ecological systems across the state and region.

Implications of Climate Change for Nebraska

This comprehensive report summarized the current understanding of climate change science, projected changes in climate for Nebraska, and addressed the implications of these changes for some of the state’s primary sectors. This report also documented many of the key challenges that the state will face as a result of climate change. A key takeaway message from the report was the need to identify those actions that need to be implemented now and in the coming years to avoid or reduce the deleterious effects of climate change on Nebraska through appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures.

Nebraska Forest Resources

Many Nebraskans would be surprised to learn that in our largely agricultural and grassland state, unique and diverse forest resources are substantial and growing.

Nebraska's Forests 2010

The second full annual inventory of Nebraska's forests reports more than 1.5 million acres of forest land and 39 tree species. Forest land is dominated by the elm/ash/cottonwood and oak/hickory forest types, which occupy nearly half of the total forest land area. The volume of growing stock on timberland currently totals 1.1 billion cubic feet. The average annual net growth of growing stock from 2005 to 2010 is nearly 22 million cubic feet per year. 

Woodwaste Supply & Utilization

Increased utilization of wood waste can help decrease our Nation's dependence on foreign energy purchases, generate energy cost-savings, enhance the efficiencies of forest and range management efforts, reduce the amount of wood waste disposed of in landfills and stimulate local economic development. 

Spotted Lanternfly - What to Look For

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an aggressive invasive species that is present in several states. It is currently found in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, Connecticut, Indiana, and New Jersey with sightings in several other nearby states. Although this pest is not present in Nebraska, it is important to be vigilant for it.   

Spotted Lanternfly Look-alikes (Not yet present in Nebraska)

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), is a new invasive species that poses one of the largest threats to American agriculture and trees in decades. Currently found in Southeast Pennsylvania and nearby regions, it has many look-alike native species that could make detection difficult. This guide will assist in the identification and possible early detection if this pest shows up in Nebraska. 

Restrictions on Moving Walnut Wood

The movement of walnut wood into Nebraska from other states is restricted by law. Walnut logs, firewood, green lumber, woodchips, and nursery trees are among the walnut products included in this quarantine. This brochure discusses the purpose of the quarantine and its restrictions, which will help protect the walnut industry and the native and planted walnut trees of our state.

Benefits of Nebraska's Community Forests

This page is under revision. Please check back during this year's Arbor Day Celebration for more information.

Care of Newly Planted Trees

Landscape trees provide beauty and utility. The care they receive during the first few years after planting is critical. Many recommendations have changed drastically in recent years in light of new and more thorough research. 

Don’t ‘Top’ Trees

Many trees damaged by severe storms have large broken branches. Properly repairing trees with this type of damage is often difficult and more time-consuming than the simpler job of “topping” the trees. Topping is very destructive and is not recommended. Here are some things to consider if a tree worker recommends topping a tree.

Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs

Most Nebraska soils are fertile enough to support tree and shrub growth without applying fertilizer. However, when woody plants exhibit poor growth or reduced vigor, yet have had adequate moisture and are not experiencing pest problems or other environmental limitations, the proper application of fertilizer may be necessary.

How to Select an Arborist or Tree Service

Hiring an arborist deserves careful consideration. A qualified arborist will do tree work properly and safely. An unqualified person may damage the tree further and more importantly, may not be insured, leaving the liability burden on the client. This liability can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Ice storms and the effects on communities

Historically, Nebraska’s climate is tough on trees. From high winds and tornados to fires, drought, snow and ice, Nebraska’s trees take a beating. In some cases, such as with tornados, there is little that can prepare trees. However, there is a belief that proper tree care and maintenance will improve the chances of trees weathering snow and ice storms.

Immediate Care for Storm-Damaged Trees

Trees damaged by storms require immediate attention (removing low-hanging branches, clearing from utility lines, etc.). Homeowners need to be aware of safety issues and consider the best approach for dealing with a tree they are trying to save.

Pruning Large Trees

Storm damage to large trees can cause large problems. These problems can exist immediately after the storm or become evident many months or even years later. Since large trees involve large branches with significant weight, this kind of storm repair is best left to qualified professional arborists. Here are some things you can do to help larger trees recover from storm damage.

Pruning Trees

Pruning is one of the most important tree maintenance practices.  Over the years, the way in which we, as foresters, have approached pruning has changed dramatically.  Today pruning is a science that, if not done properly, can be very damaging to a tree. Here are some tips that may be of help to you before you take the saw to the tree. 

Recognizing & Correcting Tree Hazards

Trees should be inspected for defects and hazardous conditions after a severe storm. Some trees are in danger of falling and have a high immediate potential for serious injury or property damage. Others may have a lower immediate potential risk, but the long-term risk of significant injury or damage may still be too great to allow the questionable branch or tree to remain. Hazards in trees need to be eliminated either by removing the tree or the affected branches or by some kind of corrective treatment. Following are descriptions of hazards common in storm-damaged trees and what can be done about them.

When to water trees

Drought is a relatively common occurrence in Nebraska. The further west we go, the drier it is and the greater likelihood of serious drought setting in. In fact, in central and western parts of the state, significant droughts occur on average every 5-7 years. With Nebraska researchers projecting climatic change to increase the frequency and severity of drought cycles¹, how do we prepare our landscapes for drought tolerance and sustainment when drought sets in?

Recognizing & Correcting Tree Hazards

Trees should be inspected for defects and hazardous conditions after a severe storm. Some trees are in danger of falling and have a high immediate potential for serious injury or property damage. Others may have a lower immediate potential risk, but the long-term risk of significant injury or damage may still be too great to allow the questionable branch or tree to remain. Hazards in trees need to be eliminated either by removing the tree or the affected branches or by some kind of corrective treatment. Following are descriptions of hazards common in storm-damaged trees and what can be done about them.

Bagworms, Webworms, and Tent Caterpillars

Chlorosis of Trees in Central and Western Nebraska

Chlorosis describes any condition in which leaves or needles develop an abnormally light green or yellow color. The most common cause of chlorosis in trees is a deficiency of iron in the tissues. Other causes of chlorosis include over-watering, over-fertilizing, damage to roots, and deficiencies in manganese or other micronutrients.

Chlorosis of Trees in Eastern Nebraska

Chlorosis describes any condition in which leaves or needles develop an abnormally light green or yellow color. The most common cause of chlorosis in trees is a deficiency of iron in the tissues. Other causes of chlorosis include over-watering, over-fertilizing, damage to roots, and deficiencies in manganese or other micronutrients.

Decline in Ash Trees: Diseases & Environmental Stresses An Identification Guide

Diplodia Blight (Tip Blight) of Pines

Diplodia blight is a common disease affecting pines throughout Nebraska. Trees in landscapes, windbreaks, plantations and native pine stands may sustain damage. This brochure discusses Diplodia blight (also known as tip blight or Sphaeropsis blight) and provides suggestions for management and control.

Care of Newly Planted Trees

Many recommended practices for newly planted trees have changed in recent years. Here are some tips that will give newly planted trees a better chance to survive and thrive.

How to Plant a Tree

Proper planting is critical to the establishment of healthy, thriving trees. The planting guidelines below have been developed to help new trees get off to a successful start. The recommendations are based on nationally recognized standards as well as experience compiled by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and the Nebraska Forest Service. The recommendations assume that an appropriate tree has been selected for the planting site and that the site is suitable for planting.

Replanting After Severe Weather

Tree losses from severe storms can be heavy, and homeowners often lose large trees or trees that have sentimental value. These kinds of trees cannot be replaced. But new properly planted and maintained trees and shrubs add beauty, protection, diversity, and value to almost any property. Trees and shrubs provide these benefits whether they are planted in a park, in front of your house or along a street or highway.

Top 10 Tree Planting Mistakes

Poor quality trees do not grow to be strong, healthy trees, so successful tree plantings must begin with healthy trees.

Fabric Mulch

Mulch fabric, sometimes referred to as “weed barrier” or "black plastic", has become a useful tool in establishing conservation tree plantings in Nebraska and across the Great Plains region. The material is a black polypropylene fabric with the appearance of tightly-woven burlap. It is recommended and used most heavily in locations with droughty soils and areas that receive 24 inches of precipitation or less per year. This fabric is intended to degrade within 5-10 years.

Celebrating Safely: Fireworks 101

Every Independence Day as we celebrate the birth of America, many first responders across the US are on high alert, responding to the careless use of fireworks. We may think of these situations as minor, but even in Nebraska, there are more than 100 reported injuries because of fireworks-related accidents each year. 

Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) gathers together your community's resources to enhance wildfire mitigation and preparedness. The written document identifies the steps a community will take to reduce its risk of damage from wildfires. About the photo: Duane Witte shot this photograph in Valentine, NE as the Big Rock Fire crept into the city limits. 

Nebraska Wildfire Control Act

The Wildfire Control Act (WCA) was passed in 2013 in response to massive and highly destructive fires in the state. The WCA has dramatically increased the capacity of the state to reduce risk to life and property while enhancing the management and suppression efforts of wildfires. 

Nebraska's Single Engine Air Tanker

The Wildfire Control Act of 2013 enabled the establishment of Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) bases in Nebraska. SEAT bases are staffed by Nebraska Forest Service during the fire season, primarily working with a SEAT on contract to Nebraska through our partners at the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

Preventing fires on your farm or ranch

Farm and ranch families have always been concerned with fire. America’s rural residents are 1/4 of the nation’s population living on 98 percent of the land, Rural residents must give fire prevention first priority in protecting their homes, families, and businesses from fire. 

Red Flag Warnings: Critical Fire Weather Conditions

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when weather conditions exist for destructive or rapidly spreading fires. In many cases, fire departments rely on these warnings to make sure firefighters and resources are readily available if a fire were to break out. If you are living in the area where a warning is issued, please use extreme caution or avoid activities that could ignite a wildfire (e.g. discarding cigarettes butts, operating equipment in grassy areas, and open burning of any kind).  

Reporting Wildfires

Reporting wildfire activity is an increasingly vital tool that supports many of Nebraska's core volunteer fire department programs, such as the Volunteer Fire Assistance, Federal Excess Personal Property & Firefighter Property, and State Volunteer Fire Assistance programs. This page is meant to serve as a reference guide on how to report wildfires for your department. 

Rural Homes and Wildfire

For many, a rural home has become a dream come true. However, homes are often built for aesthetic values and economic considerations. In many cases, little regard is given to fire protection.

Yellowbook

This publication has been developed by the Wildland Fire Protection Program of the Nebraska Forest Service, as a description of aviation suppression resources available to the rural fire districts and the fire departments in the State of Nebraska for the control and suppression of wildfires. It can be used as a “quick reference” source for those resources available statewide. It is divided into four sections. 

How Windbreaks Work

Windbreaks are barriers used to reduce and redirect wind. They usually consist of trees and shrubs, but may also be perennial or annual crops and grasses, fences, or other materials. 

Windbreak and Shelterbelt Appraisal

Living windbreaks and shelterbelts are important assets in rural areas of the Great Plains that protect homes, crops and domestic animals from wind throughout the year. They offer a safe haven for wildlife and provide attractive visual barriers. Windbreaks and shelterbelts can have measurable monetary value, and if they are damaged or destroyed, a professional appraisal may be necessary to determine their value.

Windbreak Establishment

A successful windbreak planting depends on proper establishment and care during the first few years after planting. Time spent in site preparation, weed control, and replanting is repaid many times during the life of the windbreak. Take no shortcuts in the planning and establishment of your windbreak. 

Windbreak Maintenance and Renovation

Windbreaks are integral parts of many Nebraska farming and ranching operations. They protect man, animals, crops and buildings from cold winter winds, hot summer winds, and deep snows. Windbreaks prevent wind erosion and provide wildlife habitat. All windbreaks, even well-designed ones, need regular maintenance. Some windbreaks, especially those that are older or neglected, may need more drastic treatment or renovation.

Windbreak Management

The windbreaks on your farm are an important part of the agricultural landscape. They provide protection for the farmstead, livestock and crops; provide habitat for wildlife, and contribute to an overall healthy envi­ronment for you and your family. They are living systems with youth, maturity, and old age. Like any other living thing, they need proper care and manage­ment in order to continue to function at their best.

Windbreaks for Livestock Operations

Windbreaks play an important role in the protection of livestock, particularly in young animals and in areas with cold northerly winds during the winter and early spring. Properly placed windbreaks can provide benefits to feedlots, livestock pastures, and calving areas. Reducing wind speed in winter lowers animal stress, improves animal health, and increases feeding effi­ciency. Livestock windbreaks provide significant amounts of wildlife habitat, protect the working envi­ronment in and around the livestock area, and screen noise and odors associated with livestock operations.

Windbreaks for Rural Living

In many parts of the United States, the constant force of the wind exaggerates daily weather conditions and can make living in these areas seem unbearable. A well-designed windbreak around the home, ranch, or farmstead slows the wind and improves the overall environment. Farm and ranch windbreaks conserve energy, provide snow control, improve working and recreational environments, enhance wildlife populations, provide visual screening and dust control, and increase the production of various wood and food products.

Windbreaks for Snow Management

In areas of high winds and blowing snow, windbreaks can reduce the amount of effort spent on snow man­agement. They can be designed to spread snow across a large area or to confine it to a relatively small storage area.

Trees Heat Nebraska

Under the Forest Products Utilization program, Trees Heat Nebraska is the Nebraska Forest Service’s technical and financial assistance initiative dedicated to wood energy system development.

Woody biomass energy is an alternative renewable energy option that may reduce these costs. Wood energy for thermal heating, cooling, and/or electricity generation has the potential to provide significant utility cost savings, generate new rural businesses and jobs, and utilize woody residue resulting from forest management and wood products manufacturing activities. Nebraska’s supply of low-quality and under-utilized wood waste provides an excellent resource for biomass energy systems.

Ash Wood Utilization Options for Homeowners

Emerald ash borer (EAB) poses a serious threat to ash trees in both communities and residential landscapes, killing 80% of ash trees in infested regions within 10 years of its discovery. In communities, standing dead and dying trees will pose a threat to people and property. Unless a homeowner is dedicated to treating their tree long into the future, most ash trees will die and need to be removed.

Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

Nebraska is home to a large horticulture nursery and greenhouse industry that produces a variety of products including aquatic plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees. With over 325 nursery and greenhouse operations growing material “under glass” or some other type of protection, these growers often experience high and seasonally unpredictable heating costs related to fossil fuel use.

Woody Biomass Energy

Heavy dependence on fossil fuels obtained from politically volatile areas, an emerging consensus that carbon emissions must be substantially reduced, and dramatically increasing costs of fuel oil and natural gas are driving the urgent need for alternative energy sources, both in Nebraska and nationally.

When to water trees

Drought is a relatively common occurrence in Nebraska. The further west we go, the drier it is and the greater likelihood of serious drought setting in. In fact, in central and western parts of the state, significant droughts occur on average every 5-7 years. With Nebraska researchers projecting climatic change to increase the frequency and severity of drought cycles¹, how do we prepare our landscapes for drought tolerance and sustainment when drought sets in?

Mushrooms in Nebraska

Most of us have probably heard of our friends or neighbors hunting for mushrooms, oftentimes combing woodlands for the elusive morel each spring. As luck would have it, fall is also a great time to find edible mushrooms growing in woodlands across Nebraska. Not all of us can make the time to join the hunt, but the good news is you can still satisfy your culinary curiosity by growing mushrooms at home.