This research models a wood pellet heating system at the Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority in Juneau, Alaska, used to provide thermal energy to a 929-m2 warehouse, as an alternative to a heating system that burns more costly fossil fuels. Research objectives were to evaluate project economics of the pellet system and to conduct cost:benefit analysis on key variables (initial capital cost, fuel oil cost, and wood pellet cost). Economic results of interest included net present value, payback, internal rate of return, and cost:benefit ratio. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted using RETScreen software with the parameters of heating oil cost, wood pellet cost, fuel price escalation, and heating load. Cost:benefit analysis was conducted for capital cost versus wood fuel cost and also versus alternative fuel cost. This research found that economic performance was favorable over a wide range of normal operating conditions, even when paying a relatively high price for wood fuel. A pellet production facility in southeast Alaska could lead to lower wood fuel costs and even more favorable regional economics.

Rangeland exclosures installed primarily in the 1960s, but with some from the 1940s, were resampled for changes in plant community structure and composition periodically from 1977 to 2004 on the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests in northeastern Oregon. They allow one to compare vegetation with all-ungulate exclusion (known historically as game exclosures), all-livestock exclusion (known historically as stock exclosures), and with no exclusion (known as open areas). Thirteen upland rangeland exclosures in northeastern Oregon were selected and are presented with plant community trend data and possible causes of changes over time. Key findings are that moderate grazing by native ungulates afforded by the livestock exclosures generally stimulated bunchgrasses to retain dominance and vitality; native bunchgrasses can replace invasive rhizomatous plants given a reduction in disturbance over time; shrubs increased without ungulate use in shrubland communities; and invasive annuals that established following severe disturbances to the grassland community diminished with aggressive competition from perennial bunchgrasses.

In July 2006, more than 170 researchers and managers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico convened in Boulder, Colorado, to discuss the state of the science in environmental threat assessment. This two-volume general technical report compiles peer-reviewed papers that were among those presented during the 3-day conference. Papers are organized by four broad topical sections—Land, Air and Water, Fire, and Pests/Biota—and are divided into syntheses and case studies.

Six of nine nonnative boreal conifers in three genera (Abies, Larix, and Pinus) regenerated in 11 to 31 years after they were introduced to mainland Alaska. Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engel.) and the Siberian larches (Larix sibirica Ledeb. and L. sukaczewii N. Dyl.) were the most widely introduced species and will likely be the first nonnative conifers to naturalize. Siberian larch grew up to six times more stem volume than white spruce in the first 40 years on upland sites, but was susceptible to the larch sawfly and a blue stain pathogen carried by bark beetles. On productive sites, lodgepole pine appeared to grow more stem wood than white spruce for about 35 years after planting. Snowshoe hares and moose were the most serious pests of the nonnative conifers. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) was the only species to regenerate in an established moss understory. Growth and age relationships were negative for all adequately sampled nonnative conifers and positive for native white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). Data were insufficient to assess niche availability for commercial-use of productive nonnative conifers in mixed stands in Alaska. Survey results indicate that introduction and naturalization of noninvasive tree species may improve the diversity, stability, and productivity of managed forest ecosystems.

Nonnative plants affect the composition and function of natural and managed ecosystems and have large economic effects through lost or degraded land use and eradication costs. In spite of their importance, very little comprehensive information on the abundance, distribution, and impact of nonnative invasive plants is available.

The primary objectives of the effectiveness monitoring plan for the marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) include mapping baseline nesting habitat (at the start of the Northwest Forest Plan [the Plan]) and estimating changes in that habitat over time. Using vegetation data derived from satellite imagery, we modeled habitat suitability by using a maximum entropy model. We used Maxent software to compute habitat suitability scores from vegetation and physiographic attributes based on comparisons of conditions at 342 sites that were occupied by marbled murrelets (equal numbers of confirmed nest sites and likely nest sites) and average conditions over all forested lands in which the murrelets occurred. We estimated 3.8 million acres of higher suitability nesting habitat over all lands in the murrelet's range in Washington, Oregon, and California at the start of the Plan (1994/96). Most (89 percent) baseline habitat on federally administered lands occurred within reserved-land allocations. A substantial amount (36 percent) of baseline habitat occurred on nonfederal lands. Over all lands, we observed a net loss of about 7 percent of higher suitability potential nesting habitat from the baseline period to 2006/07. If we focus on losses and ignore gains, we estimate a loss of about 13 percent of the higher suitability habitat present at baseline, over this same period. Fire has been the major cause of loss of nesting habitat on federal lands since the Plan was implemented; timber harvest is the primary cause of loss on nonfederal lands. We also found that murrelet population size is strongly and positively correlated with amount of nesting habitat, suggesting that conservation of remaining nesting habitat and restoration of currently unsuitable habitat is key to murrelet recovery.

To increase timber production and manage other forest resource values, some land managers have undertaken logging debris and vegetation control treatments after forest harvest. We explored the roles of clearcutting on plant community composition and structure at three sites where logging debris was dispersed, piled, or removed and vegetation was annually treated or not treated with herbicides for 5 years. Without vegetation control, a competitive relation was identified between exotic and native ruderal (i.e., disturbance-associated) species. When exotic ruderal cover changed by 4 percent, native ruderal cover changed by 10 percent in the opposite direction. This relation was independent of site, but site was important in determining the overall dominance of ruderals. Five annual vegetation control treatments increased Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) growth, but decreased richness and cover of other species at the rate of one species per 10 percent reduction in cover. Debris treatment effects were small and found on only one site.

The Fuel Reduction Cost Simulator (FRCS) spreadsheet application is publicdomain software used to estimate costs for fuel reduction treatments involving removal of trees of mixed sizes in the form of whole trees, logs, or chips from a forest. Equipment production rates were developed from existing studies. Equipment operating cost rates are from December 2002 prices for new equipment and wage rates for the Pacific Northwest. These cost assumptions can be modified by the user. There are four ground-based systems, four cable systems, and two helicopter systems. Cost estimates are in U.S. dollars per 100 cubic feet, per green ton, and per acre.

Oregon white oak savannas and woodlands represent a biological and cultural legacy in the Pacific Northwest. Many Oregon white oak stands are deteriorating owing to invasion and eventual overtopping by Douglas-fir or other conifers. Releasing the shade-intolerant oak trees from overtopping conifers can often restore these oak stands. When planning a release operation, there are many factors to consider such as timing and intensity of release, which trees to select for release, and management of the understory. A carefully executed oak release can minimize damage to oak trees, and followup treatments may reduce the spread of invasive plants. This guide answers the most commonly asked questions related to oak release.

This is a state-of-the-science synthesis of the effects of forest harvest activities on peak flows and channel morphology in the Pacific Northwest, with a specific focus on western Oregon and Washington. We develop a database of relevant studies reporting peak flow data across rain-, transient-, and snow-dominated hydrologic zones, and provide a quantitative comparison of changes in peak flow across both a range of flows and forest practices. Increases in peak flows generally diminish with decreasing intensity of percentage of watershed harvested and lengthening recurrence intervals of flow. Watersheds located in the rain dominated zone appear to be less sensitive to peak flow changes than those in the transient snow zone; insufficient data limit interpretations for the snow zone. Where present, peak flow effects on channel morphology should be confined to stream reaches where channel gradients are less than approximately 0.02 and streambeds are composed of gravel and finer material. We provide guidance as to how managers might evaluate the potential risk of peak flow increases based on factors such as presence of roads, watershed drainage efficiency, and specific management treatments employed. The magnitude of effects of forest harvest on peak flows in the Pacific Northwest, as represented by the data reported here, are relatively minor in comparison to other anthropogenic changes to streams and watersheds.

The first phase of the multi million pound development in Durham city is under way and is expected to take 18 months to complete

Film star Daniel Radcliffe launches new Harry Potter at Home series with the first celebrity video reading

Tim Simpson designed disguises for the hit ITV show, now he is part of a network of 8,000 people making coronavirus pandemic protective clothing

Garden lovers are welcoming new contactless delivery service from Southdene Nursery in Low Fell

What companies such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, Virgin, British Airways and Emirates are telling their customers during the coronavirus crisis

The firm has responded to a complaint over the barriers at the Chillingham Road store

Workers are some of Britain's supermarkets lift the lid on what it is really like to work there

Newcastle United player Jonjo Shelvey's wife Daisy, who used to be in S Club Juniors, is now makeup artist in the city

To help people who are finding it difficult to get their groceries at home, a new investigation was carried out to see when supermarket delivery slots are released each day

The design for a towering new tourist attraction known as the Elizabeth Landmark was selected in 2018, and divided public opinion

The notorious North East prison has been dubbed 'Monster Mansion' due to list of violent killers and rapists it houses

The presenters got a winning bid of £4,500 for Chris Evans' fundraising auction for the charity Scrubs Glorious Scrubs, which is supporting NHS workers by sewing scrubs

Simon Cowell took the while at the Britain's Got Talent auditions by David isn't happy when crashes into another vehicle

Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot has opened up about team-mate Isaac Hayden and what makes him such an important player

YAMANAIR CREATIVE, has launched an “Emergency Creative Relief Package” (ECRP) for the industry. The package allows radio sellers to custom order, via a simple web portal, any type … more

GOOD KARMA BRANDS Sports WKNR-A (850 ESPN CLEVELAND)/CLEVELAND is holding a bracket-style contest to pick the 'GOAT of 'KNR,' the greatest host of all time. The idea of middayer … more

Comedian/actress WENDY HAMMERS is bringing her long-running stage storytelling show "TASTY WORDS" to podcasting. The show has run 18 years as a live event in LOS ANGELES and has … more

SPANISH BROADCASTING SYSTEM joined with the SOUTH FLORIDA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HOLIDAY BAKERY, and ART DECO SUPERMARKET AND CAFETERIA to deliver 100 hot meals and treats for … more

BCE INC., parent of CANADA's BELL MEDIA, saw its overall consolidated operating revenues slip 0.9% year-to-year to C$5.68 billion in first quarter 2020, attributed to the COVID-19 … more

If your career is important to you, then you should make the CAREER section on ALL ACCESS your job to read weekly. Inside the section, you'll find: • Coaches Corner: Check out this … more

PODTRAC has released its APRIL 2019 ranking of the top podcast publishers, with iHEARTRADIO topping the list, trading places with the usual leader, NPR. All of the top 20 saw audience … more

DUALTONE MUSIC GROUP has partnered with THINKINDIE, MAGNOLIA RECORD CLUB and WEA/ADA DISTRIBUTION to raise money in support of independent retail record stores through sales of a new, … more

FACEBOOK has announced the over 200 news organizations to receive close to $16 million in grants through its FACEBOOK JOURNALISM PROJECT COVID-19 relief fund for local news, part of the $25 … more

"It's the most dangerous, aggressive experience of my life but I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones. This virus as we all know is a killer."

"The identification of this male is of vital importance to this investigation"

Around £60,000 worth of watches and jewellery were reportedly taken

Councillor says the emergency could force the city to re-imagine itself

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iHEARTMEDIA Top 40 WKSC (KISS 1035)/CHICAGO is rolling out the red carpet for the thousands of bartenders and servers who are sidelined with no work due to COVID-19 impacting their businesses … more

CONCORE ENTERTAINMENT star NATALIA DAMINI will perform her new hit PACEMAKER (f/ PETEY PABLO) on an IG LIVE TOMORROW with iHEARTMEDIA Top 40 WAKS (96.5 KISS FM)/CLEVELAND at 2p (ET) for the … more

ALPHA MEDIA has promoted ERIK FOX to PD for Top 40 KLLY (ENERGY 95.3)/BAKERSFIELD. ERIC is heard as the PM drive talent and has also held the position of MD for the station. ERIK commented, … more

SUPERADIO's syndicated Top 40 show “MOST REQUESTED LIVE WITH ROMEO” is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary. The global multiple platform interactive program airs … more

iHEARTMEDIA Top 40 KHTS (CHANNEL 933)/SAN DIEGO has coordinated a 'Make Happiness Happen' campaign, collecting donations from listeners in order to purchase personal protection … more

CONCORE ENTERTAINMENT star NATALIA DAMINI performed her new hit PACEMAKER (f/ PETEY PABLO) on an IG LIVE this past TUESDAY (NET NEWS 5/4) with iHEARTMEDIA Top 40 WAKS (96.5 KISS … more