News and Events
Celebrate Arbor Day in Alaska on May 20 (3rd Monday in May). To find events near you, check this statewide calendar of Arbor Day celebrations. Due to the late arrival of spring, many events have been postponed. If you know of any events that should be included in this calendar, send an email with pertinent information to stephen.nickel@alaska.gov. The list will be updated as we learn of new celebrations so be sure to check back often.
Urban Forestry in Northern Climates: The Alaska Experience
Read an article on urban forestry in Alaska in the latest edition of City Trees, the magazine published by the Society of Municipal Arborists. The article is on page 16.
Sitka waterfront and trees planted by Tree & Landscape Committee.
Tree planting class held in Sitka in 2009.
Sitka Tree Inventory & Management Plan
The Alaska Community Forestry Program is partnering with the City and Borough of Sitka to develop a plan to enhance the community through management of its trees. The project began in October 2012 with a public meeting and a complete inventory of city owned and maintained trees along streets, in parks, and around public facilities. The inventory identified more than 600 trees by species, size and condition, value, and maintenance needs.
Inventory data and information provided by the public and city employees was used to write an Urban Forest Management Plan. The plan identifies practices that are efficient and cost effective and that maximize the many benefits that trees provide. Community Forestry Consultants, Inc., under contact to the state, wrote the management plan and it will be presented to the Assembly for approval on April 9. Funding for this project was provided to the state from the USDA Forest Service.
Watch this site for a copy of the completed plan in late April. More information is available from Sitka Parks Superintendent Lynne Brandon at parks@cityofsitka.com or 907-747-1852, or Alaska Community Forestry Program Manager Patricia Joyner at 907-269-8465 or patricia.joyner@alaska.gov.
Tree transplanting demonstration at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Seats Open on the Alaska Community Forest Council
Are you interested in helping create healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities in Alaska? Consider applying for a seat on the Alaska Community Forest Council. The Council is a nonprofit and state advisory organization that works to improve Alaskans' quality of life by expanding and caring for urban and community forests.
Applications are due no later than Wednesday, May 1, 2013. New appointees will be notified in late May and the terms begin on July 1, 2013. Send applications by mail, fax, or e-mail to: Alaska Community Forest Council, PO Box 242613, Anchorage, AK 99524 / 907-269-8931 (fax) / stephen.nickel@alaska.gov.
Plant a Tree.
An Alaskan guide to tree selection, planting & care
Two new publications are now available: the 16-page publication (left) shows you how to select a high quality tree, the best place to plant it, and how to plant, prune and care for it.
A 4-page, condensed version focuses on selecting and planting in the right location.
Look for copies at Division of Forestry and Cooperative Extension Offices. For online copies:
- Plant a Tree, an Alaskan guide to tree selection, planting and care (PDF)
- Plant a Tree brochure (PDF)
Landscape Plants for Alaska Website
The only source for information about trees, shrubs, and vines known to grow in Alaska landscapes.
For each plant the site describes: height, spread, distinctions, limitations, hardiness, cultivars/varieties, and origin. Photos are included for many plants. www.alaskaplants.org
