Information last updated: 1/31/2018 6:51 PM Report prepared: 6/25/2018 12:57 PM
State and Private Forestry Fact Sheet Guam 2018
Investment in State's Cooperative Programs
Program FY 2017 Final Community Forestry and Open Space $0 Cooperative Lands - Forest Health Management $121,170 Forest Legacy $0 Forest Stewardship $66,362 Landscape Scale Restoration $0 State Fire Assistance $191,311 Urban and Community Forestry $100,350 Volunteer Fire Assistance $0 Total $479,193 NOTE: This funding is for all entities within the state, not just the State Forester's office.
Six priority issues were identified in Guam's Forest action plan: 1. Wildfire and public safety 2. Water quality and water supply 3. Population growth and urbanization 4. Deforestation of native species 5. Urban forest sustainability 6. Degraded lands These six key issues remain our top priority in our effort to protect and enhance our natural resources. Seeking partnerships with NGO's and other Government agencies to leverage local resources will aid us in addressing these priority areas.
Program Goals
• 1. Implement highest priority planting meeting multiple objectives 2. Protect, conserve and restore forest on state, private and other non military lands 3. Work with military to avoid deforestation and develop tree ordinace laws for new and old development zones 4. Improve fire prevention, control, suppression and prescribed fire activities 5. Implement tree planting and monitoring projects in developed areas, open spaces and parks and communities 6. Implement a forest health program.
Key Issues
• 1. Wildfire and public safety 2. Water quality and water supply 3. Population growth and urbanization 4. Deforestation of native species 5. Urban forest sustainability 6. Degraded lands.
Page 1 of 3 Guam FY 2018 Information last updated: 1/31/2018 6:51 PM Report prepared: 6/25/2018 12:57 PM
Forest Facts and Accomplishments
Selected Facts Value FY 2017 Accomplishments Value Population 154,805 Landowners Receiving Educational or 111 Acres of Forest Land 69,851 Technical Assistance Acres of Nonindustrial Private Forest Land 28,771 Acres Covered by New or Revised Forest 0 Stewardship Plans Number of NIPF Landowners 30,000 Acres in Important Forest Resource Areas 0 Acres of Federal Land Under State Fire 1,000 Covered by New or Revised Stewardship Protection Plans Acres of Private Land Under State Fire 81,000 Volunteer Fire Departments Assisted 0 Protection State Fire Communities Assisted 29 Number of Rural Fire Departments 4 Coop Forest Health Acres Protected 0 Cities and Towns 19 Forest Legacy Project Acquisitions 0 Forest Based Employment 0 Communities Provided Urban Forestry 17 Economic Impact of Forestry (by rank) 0 Program Assistance State Forestry Budget (All Sources) 1,150,318 Population Living in Communities 81,856 Provided Urban Forestry Program Assistance Urban Forestry Volunteer Assistance 330
Program Highlights
Cooperative Fire Protection Forestry personnel installed and maintained over 9,183.25 linear feet of firebreaks within priority watersheds where reforestation projects are ongoing and Forestry Fire Crews successfully defended sites from wildfires. 2017 was the first year in over a decade when Guam Forestry had three fire crews available for fire patrol and suppression activities. Fire mapping and suppression efforts combined revealed a total of 394 fires that burned approximately 3,861 acres (approximately 2.8% of the island burned). Fire numbers were reduced by more than half for the 2017 fire season. Approximately 3,800 community members to include students, educators, planners, resource managers, law makers were reached in 2017. Guam Forestry was honored with chairing the Community Island- Wide Fire Prevention Month committee efforts. A Fire Hazardous Assessment was conducted for the village of Piti by the village Mayor, a municipal council member, NOAA affiliate and Guam FSRD. One more step toward the development of a Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan for Guam. - Two Chevrolet Trailblazers were acquired through the Firefighter Program (FFP) to support the Cooperative Fire Protection Program goals during wildland fire operations and outreach efforts. In addition to two vehicles, a low-bed flat trailer was acquired for the transport of the FSRD tractor which is used for fuel load reduction work and firebreaks. The last asset claimed was a box trailer which is currently awaiting retrofitting and maintenance work and will be used as an Incident Command Post during fire events and as a Smokey Outreach Mobile during the non-fire season. Through the Firefighter Program (FFP), structure boots, vehicle maintenance equipment and supplies were screened to support the Guam Fire Department.
Forest Health Protection •Guam Forestry staff assisted the Plant Inspection Facility/Biosecurity Division with their CRB Management and Fruit Fly monitoring program. Forestry staff were trained in the trapping and monitoring protocols for each species. •Guam Forestry provided support to the Bureau of Statistics and Plans with their Bamboo Removal pilot project. Forestry staff assisted with the removal of bamboo, made recommendations and assisted with herbicide treatment, as well as provide native trees and supplies for the replanting of the 1 Acre site. •Conducted Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) insect monitoring at 5 locations around the island. •Guam Forestry FH program successfully removed invasive plants and maintained a 5 Acre footprint of Cocos Island, which was later planted with 100 native trees from the FSP program. •Guam Forestry staff led a multi-agency effort in the removal of over 30 Coconut trees that were deemed
Page 2 of 3 Guam FY 2018 Information last updated: 1/31/2018 6:51 PM Report prepared: 6/25/2018 12:57 PM
unsafe from CRB damage. Staff from the Department of Parks and Recreation, the University of Guam's CRB crew, with support from the Guam Visitor's Bureau joined forces with Forestry staff in the felling and removal of 30+ trees within numerous parks and businesses along Hagatna Bay.
Forest Stewardship Manell watershed project. Forestry and Soil Resources Division team prepared the 3.5 acres for planting and was planted 2,000 Acacia auriculiformis saplings to convert grasslands into forests to minimize wildfire occurrences and flooding. One hundred students/volunteers planted the saplings. COTAL Conservation Reserve - planted 1,500 exotic and native trees to control soil erosion, reforestation, increase organic matter in badland soils to enrich soil fertility, reduce the chance of invasive species being established, enhance existing forests by planting a diversity of native species. Masso Reservoir – did tree maintenance and create approximately 800 linear feet firebreaks. Planted 250 native saplings to provide habitat to wildlife, improve soil quality and stabilize soil to prevent erosion. Chalan Layon, Inarajan project – planted 125 native saplings to reduce the chance of invasive species being establish, minimize soil erosion, to convert grasslands into forests and to minimize wildfire occurrences. Cocos island – Three acres of trees were maintained (removal of invasive vines and trees), and replanted missing trees with 100 native species. Arbor Day was participated with approximately one hundred students, environmental partners and dignitaries. Procured 4 bush cutters for tree maintenance work and official vehicles were repaired. Propagated 13, 000 exotic and native species for reforestation and tree planting projects in both urban and rural areas. Private landowners were provided saplings free of charge for windbreak, soil erosion control, wildlife habitat and soil enrichment.
Guam Forest System - We continue to work with our Dept of Land Management on setting aside state lands under the Guam Forest System law. - We are in discussion with the state of Nebraska on a potential Biochar project, hopefully we could use this technology in our reforestation efforts. - We would like to explore what carbon market opportunities for the westpac islands could be implemented. With the help of USFS region 5 we would like to conduct a feasibility study if this is viable. - We are seeking other funding opportunities with DoD on their Readiness In Environment Readiness Integration program (REPI)
Contact Information Guam Forestry & Soil Resources Division US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Joseph S Mafnas Kathleen Stearns Friday Chief Forester Forest Legacy/Stewardship Program Manager 192 Dairy Road USDA Forest Service Mangilao, GU 96923 1323 Club Drive 671-300-7975 Vallejo, CA 94592 Joseph.Mafnas@agriculture.guam.gov 808-854-2620 [email protected]
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