State Forest

State Forest Practice Laws and Assistance:

Sustainable forest management policies, programs and regulations for private forest lands in the United States are primarily under the jurisdiction of state governments. Federal statutes such as the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act can impact private forestlands. A network of state forestry agencies, commissions, extension agents, consulting foresters, landowner assistance programs and others provide assistance to state agencies and to landowners to protect water quality or ensure reforestation.

State forest practices laws and regulations are varied around the country. States such as Oregon, Washington and California have enacted what are known as State Forest Practices Acts. The regulations are developed and revised by various state boards and agencies. Other states have relied more exclusively on a set of best management practices, or BMPs, that are designed to protect water quality during forestry operations.

State laws and regulations can address multiple forest management practices and procedures. Examples include:

• Administrative procedures;
• Enforcement and penalties;
• Planning;
• Reforestation;
• Water quality;
• Forestry practices;
• Fire;
• Chemical use;
• Forest land conversion.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are vertical funnels of rapidly spinning air. Their winds may top 250 miles (400 kilometers) an hour and can clear-cut a pathway a mile (1.6 kilometers) wide and 50 miles (80 kilometers) long.

Twisters are born in thunderstorms and are often accompanied by hail. Giant, persistent thunderstorms called supercells spawn the most destructive tornadoes.

These violent storms occur around the world, but the United States is a major hotspot with about 1,000 tornadoes every year. “Tornado Alley,” a region that includes eastern South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, northern Texas, and eastern Colorado, is home to the most powerful and destructive of these storms. U.S. tornadoes cause 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries per year.

Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Once a tornado in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, carried a motel sign 30 miles and dropped it in Arkansas

Tornado VariationsSome tornadoes may form during the early stages of rapidly developing thunderstorms. This type of tornado is most common along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, the Plains, and the Western States.Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up.Occasionally, two or more tornadoes may occur at the same time.