The Big Events in 2001

January, 2001 - SAF Says "Roadless Policy Bad for National Forests"
The U.S. Forest Service Says It Just Ain't So...
What a difference a year makes!  In January, President Clinton's USFS Chief still held the idea that "there are few more irreparable marks we can leave on the land than to build a road."  The Bush administration now prefers the Forest Service to include road building in forest planning and that a "compelling need" not be required to build a road.
The Discussion

February, 2001 - The Whole Canada - United States Lumber Trade Mess...
Representatives are still working on resolving the trade mess between Canada and the United States.  Here is a summary of the problem written just before the April agreement ended.  Canadian officials now seem to be warming to the idea of "market-based" sales but only if the US lifts the newly imposed duty and agrees to use "a binational panel to deal with future disputes."
The Discussion

April, 2001 - Dale Bosworth Selected as USDA'S New Forest Service Chief...
Agriculture Secretary Ann M.Veneman announced the selection of Dale N. Bosworth as the new chief of the Forest Service last April.  Bosworth, a forester, succeeded former chief Mike Dombeck who retired from federal service on March 31.  The direction of the USFS has taken major policy turns since this announcement.
The Discussion

May, 2001 - Oak Tree Wins - The People Have Spoken...
The National Arbor Day Foundation  (NADF) completed a  nationwide vote to select America’s National Tree.  Votes were tallied and indicated that America loves the oak tree.   John Rosenow, president of the Foundation said, "From the first day of voting, oak was the popular choice of the American people. Another magnificent American tree, the redwood, was the second place finisher."
The Discussion

July, 2001 - Four Fire Fighters Die in Washington State
The Nation's Most Deadly Fire Since 1994...
An untended campfire exploded out of control and overran firefighters, killing four of them in the nation's deadliest wildfire since 1994 (see South Canyon Fire). One of the firefighters was a veteran while three were newly hired.  Major USFS fire policy is now under review.
The Discussion