If all goes to plan, the draft transformation charter for the forestry industry, released this week, will be the biggest shot in the arm for the sector in 15 years, say industry executives and analysts. What distinguishes this charter from those of other sectors is its combined aim to not only expand black ownership and participation in forestry but to grow, or at least reverse, the decline of the industry as a whole. This would seem to run counter to government's established environmental...

So call your neighbors before they call the fire department on you, and also call the non-emergency numbers for the fire department, 495-4300. Russell says many people in the area continue to be nervous whenever they see smoke or flames. Fire awareness in Black Forest A major fire in Black Forest in 2002 left a lasting impression on residents in the area. They ask to have 24 hours advanced notice of any fires.

But the fire has brought home to area forest groups the difficulty in selecting the right post-fire strategy for a forest. After a large fire, land managers face controversial choices: let the forest regenerate on its own or harvest scorched trees and replant. Large-scale salvage logging after Angora is unlikely due to environmental protections and the small logging industry presence in the Lake Tahoe basin, according to regional planning officials. The practice of salvage logging and...

When you want to plant a tree, look up and see if there s any power lines. Officials from city electric departments throughout Mini-Cassia warn residents who are considering planting trees on their property to avoid planting them where their branches can grow into power lines overhead. Ganoe said it is important for would-be tree planters to contact their local electric departments before planting because underground power lines can also be disturbed by trees roots. But letting trees grow...

Nichols Record Staff Writer July 01, 2007 6:00 AM PINECREST - Kathy Jackson, a second-grade teacher at Banta Elementary School near Tracy, is already the kind of teacher who does cool science projects - such as mail ordering larvae so her students can hatch butterflies. Nichols Record Staff Writer July 01, 2007 6:00 AM PINECREST - Kathy Jackson, a second-grade teacher at Banta Elementary School near Tracy, is already the kind of teacher who does cool science projects - such as mail...

Politicians pledge assistance to fire victims By Jean Christou and John Leonidou PRESIDENT Tassos Papadopoulos and other politicians yesterday called the fire a tragedy and a catastrophe and focused on what would need to be done to help those who sustained damage to their property. Politicians pledge assistance to fire victims By Jean Christou and John Leonidou PRESIDENT Tassos Papadopoulos and other politicians yesterday called the fire a tragedy and a catastrophe and focused on what...