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Online Wood Manufacturing Locator Link 1 K 10/22/2003 Clemson Extension Forester, Richard Harper developed this tool to locate pulpmills, sawmills, OSB plants and lots more.
Trees For Tennessee Landscapes Link 1 K 10/22/2003 University of Tennessee Extension Forester Dr. Wayne Clatterbuck has recently added numerous tree care publications to their website.
East Texas Pine Straw Webpage Link 1 K 10/22/2003 Check out the new web site that describes a supplemental income opportunity for forestland owners
Identifying Oak Trees Native To Tennessee Link 1 K 11/11/2003 Using 'Brief Recognizable Features' by David Mercker, David Buckley and Brien Ostby, University of Tennessee.
Tax Tips for Forest Landowners for the 2003 Tax Year (PDF Version) File 28 K 12/09/2003 by Larry Bishop, Forest Management Specialist, USDA Forest Service Region 8.
Tax Tips for Forest Landowners for the 2003 Tax Year (Word Version) File 35 K 12/09/2003 by Larry Bishop, Forest Management Specialist, USDA Forest Service Region 8.
Shiitake Mushroom Production Detailed in New University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Instructional Video Link 1 K 02/19/2004 By Dr. Deborah Hill. Available from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service for $20 on VHS and $25 on DVD. Kentucky residents must include six percent sales tax. Send a check payable to the University of Kentucky to: Agricultural Communications Services, Instructional Video Library, 131 Scovell Hall, Lexington, KY 40546-0064.
Master Tree Farmer 2004 Underway Document 1 K 10/01/2004 Ten states, 70 sites and 1500 landowners are currently participating in this year's installment of the Master Tree Farmer program. This popular program was developed for regional audiences in 2001.
Positive Impact Forestry: A Sustainable Approach to Managing Woodlands by Thom J. McEvoy Document 1 K 10/01/2004 A primer for private woodland owners and their managers
Sudden Oak Death Information Folder   04/12/2004 This folder contains information pertaining to the fungus that causes Sudden Oak Death and how it is spreading throughout the south.
U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Greenhouse Gas Inventory: 1990-2001 Link 1 K 04/14/2004 The U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Greenhouse Gas Inventory: 1990-2001 (USDA GHG Inventory) is a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and sinks in U.S. agriculture and forests.
Journal of Extension Article Highlights Study on Alternative Income Opportunities: Needs of County Agents and Foresters in the Mid-Atlantic Region Document 2 K 10/01/2004 Agents and foresters may need additional education to help them prepare for questions involving the range of alternative enterprise options. The specific objectives of the survey were to determine: The types of requests received by agents and foresters for specific alternative income opportunities; The demographics of the clientele served by each profession, and; Which alternative income opportunities the professionals would like to learn more about and through which media they would like to receive it. The article can be retrieved at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/rb6.shtml
Shoreline Management Subject of New Clemson Publication File 24 K 05/31/2004 The 147-page book contains information on understanding the importance and dynamics of lakes, streams and watersheds in South Carolina. Chapters cover how to properly establish and manage your shoreline landscape, how to prevent fertilizer and pesticide contamination and what plants are best for landscaping with charts of perennial grasses and sedges, shrubs and small and large trees.
Florida Firewise Module Link 1 K 08/02/2004 The Southern Center for Wildland-Urban Interface has recently completed an interactive module that demonstrates the process of retrofitting a Florida home and surrounding yard to make it Firewise. The module can be found on the InterfaceSouth website at www.interfacesouth.org/fire/firewisehome.
Master Wildlifer 2005 Set for February and March News Item 2 K 07/16/2004 Organizers of the Masters program in the Southern Region have decided upon the dates for the 2005 rendition of the Master Wildlifer program.
IUFRO Research Group 3.08 Human Dimensions Symposium Report News Item 3 K 07/30/2004 Individual papers, photo album, and streaming video of most presentations may be viewed on the symposium web page: www.familyforestrysymposium.wsu.edu
Roundtable Seeks Manuscript Proposals: Multiple Perspectives on the National Report on Sustainable Forests Document 3 K 09/28/2004 The Roundtable on Sustainable Forests is interested in stakeholder perspectives on the utility of the National Report on Sustainable Forests-2003 and invites you to submit a proposal for a manuscript that would be used in its Multiple Perspectives Project.
4-H Virtual Forest Now Available Document 1 K 09/28/2004 We are pleased to announce the completion of the Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H Virtual Forest
Wildland-Urban Interface Professional Development Program Document 4 K 10/26/2004 The USDA Forest Service, Southern Center for Wildland-Urban Interface Research and Information (Center) is developing a project in partnership with the University of Florida and the Southern Group of State Foresters to provide state and federal agencies that have responsibilities for natural resource management a training package to promote skills which resource managers need to successfully tackle wildland-urban interface issues.
International Symposium on "Small-scale Forestry in a Changing Environment" Document 12 K 10/26/2004 The IUFRO 3.08.00 Small-scale Forestry Group, together with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Forest Research Institute, would like to call to your attention to an international symposium on "Small-scale Forestry in a Changing Environment", to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, over May 30 to June 4, 2005.
Florida Division of Forestry web info on storm recovery Link 1 K 11/01/2004 The 2004 hurricane season has been one of the worst in recent memory. Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne have affected the lives of a majority of Florida's residents, as well as thousands of acres of Florida's natural resources. Forest landowners were hit especially hard-an estimated 2.3 million acres of forests have been destroyed or severely damaged. The Florida Division of Forestry has developed web information with links for questions regarding storm damaged timber, evaluating trees and forest stands, casualty loss tax deductions, and reforestation.
New 4-H Forestry Curriculum Guides Available News Item 5 K 11/19/2004 The new Forests of Fun curriculum opens the world of forests to youth.
Urban Forestry Webcast CD-ROM Available from ICMA News Item 1 K 01/24/2005 The Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN), in cooperation with American Forests, hosted a webcast in May 2004 called "Seeing Green with Trees: The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Urban Forests."
Bradley/Murphy Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Trust Link 1 K 01/24/2005 The TRUST announces the availibility of Grant Funds. The TRUST wishes to encourage, promote and develop through education and the free market sytem the stewardship of forest and related natural resources in the private sector.
Forest Landowner's Guide to Evaluating and Choosing a Natural Resource-Based Enterprise News Item 3 K 02/01/2005 This practical guidebook outlines an evaluation process that improves landowners' chances of succeeding at launching and establishing a natural resource-based business. It begins with a discussion of stewardship of forest resources, and follows with discussions, worksheets, and examples using the fictional Smith family. Readers learn how to assess personal and family goals; determine financial, labor, and management resources; assess the site and inventory natural resources; and evaluate potential markets. The last half of the book includes detailed enterprise budgets for eleven different businesses, including Christmas trees and holiday greenery, custom portable sawmills, vacation cabins, shiitake mushrooms, fee fishing, hunting leases, horse boarding, and ginseng. Written by Jonathan S. Kays, Joy Drohan.
Private Forest Landowners: What They Want in an Educational Program Link 1 K 02/28/2005 Adam Downing and Jim Finley report on a study that assessed private forest landowner's educational needs and desires. If educators can provide private forest landowners with well-designed tailored programs, they may foster forest resources stewardship. "Programs" include educational events such as workshops, seminars, and demonstrations.
New Web-Based Computational Tools Site Announced Link 1 K 03/24/2005 Calculators are available for simple conversions of units, complex growth and yield projections, and for advanced financial analyses. Each calculator is designed for interactive input, with quick display of output results on the screen. These tools are brought to you by FTG, the makers of webFRIS, the Web-based forest resource information system that can be used by any organization that is charged with managing forestland.
Science of Forest Management Text File 409 K 03/28/2005 Mr. Kris Irwin with the University of Georgia recently authored a textbook for agriculture and forestry vocational instructors. The full-color text contains chapters on forest health, dendrology, forestry business, environmental and social factors and a host of other information. It is an excellent introductory forestry text for students and landowners alike.
A Southern Pine Management Guide for Tennessee Landowners Link 1 K 04/11/2005 This handbook was written as a cooperative effort between University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture- Division of Forestry to assist Tennessee landowners in managing their pine resource, whether five or 500 acres.
Wildland-Urban Interface Professional Development Program Materials Near Completion File 474 K 06/22/2005 Natural resource agencies are being called upon to provide solutions to increasingly complex challenges at the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Communities are growing rapidly, landowners’ management goals often conflict, residents may not understand the benefits of resource management, and the resulting risks to environmental quality and human quality of life are becoming more apparent. To help meet these needs, the Southern Group of State Foresters led a partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Southern Center for Wildland-Urban Interface Research and Information (Center), the University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a WUI professional development program. This program will provide state and federal natural resource agencies with a set of flexible resources to conduct their own training programs, aimed toward building skills and tools to successfully tackle WUI issues.
Forest*A*Syst CD-ROM Available for Forest Owners News Item 3 K 06/22/2005 The Forest*A*Syst CD-ROM is an interactive tool designed to provide guidance to forest landowners in the Southeastern United States at a critical juncture in their land tenureship. Users of this electronic medium will be able to learn new terminology, develop an understanding of forest, wildlife, and recreation management objectives, assess current management activities, print reference materials, and find contact information for their state forestry and wildlife agencies, state Extension office, and forestry association.
Roots of the Urban Forest Link 1 K 08/26/2005 An educational website for urban tree professionals
Restoration of Longleaf Pine Ecoystems Link 2 K 09/29/2005 Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems once occupied 38 million ha in the Southeastern United States, occurring as forests, woodlands, and savannas on a variety of sites ranging from wet flatwoods to xeric sandhills and rocky mountainous ridges. Characterized by an open parklike structure, longleaf pine ecosystems are a product of frequent fires, facilitated by the presence of fallen pine needles and bunchgrasses in the understory. Timber harvest, land conversion to agricultural and other nonforest uses, and alteration of fire regimes greatly reduced longleaf pine ecosystems, until only 1.2 million ha remained in 1995. Longleaf pine ecosystems are among the most species-rich ecosystems outside the tropics. However, habitat loss and degradation have caused increased rarity of many obligate species. The lack of frequent surface fires and the proliferation of woody plants in the understory and midstory have greatly increased the risk of additional longleaf pine ecosystem losses from catastrophic fire. Because longleaf pine still exists in numerous small fragments throughout its range, it is reasonable to conclude that it can be restored. Restoration efforts now underway use physical, chemical, and pyric methods to reestablish the natural structure and function in these ecosystems by adjusting species composition, modifying stand structure, and facilitating ecological processes, such as periodic fire and longleaf pine regeneration. The ecological, economic, and social benefits of restoring longleaf pine ecosystems include (1) expanding the habitat available to aid in the recovery of numerous imperiled species, (2) improving habitat quality for many wildlife species, (3) producing greater amounts of high-quality longleaf pine timber products, (4) increasing the production of pine straw, (5) providing new recreational opportunities, (6) preserving natural and cultural legacies, and (7) creating a broader range of management options for future generations.
Uneven-Aged Management of Longleaf Pine Forests: A Scientist and Manager Dialogue Link 2 K 09/29/2005 Interest in appropriate management approaches for sustaining longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forests has increased substantially during the recent decade. Although long-leaf pine can be managed using even-aged techniques, interest in uneven-aged methods has grown significantly as a result of concern for sustaining the wide range of ecological values associated with maintaining continuous crown cover in these ecosystems. Indeed, land managers have recently sought to restore and sustain the many habitat attributes upon which numerous at-risk species depend, while simultaneously producing high-quality wood products from longleaf pine forest ecosystems. Although earlier research produced a substantial body of knowledge to guide even-aged management, less is known about application of uneven-aged management methods in longleaf pine forests. Much of this information is yet in the developmental staage. However, managers from the Florida Division of Forestry and Florida National Forests, having a keen interest in applying what is currently known, encouraged scientists of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station and faculty members from the School of Forest Resources and Conservation at the University of Florida to engage in a dialogue that focused on addressing 60 of their key questions concerning uneven-aged management of longleaf pine. This dialogue addresses issues related to (1) methods for converting even-aged to uneven-aged stands, (2) growth and yield, (3) selection harvest techniques, (4) optimum logging practices, (5) effects on red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis), (6) prescribed burning approaches, (7) regeneration, (8) optimum stand structure, (9) competition tolerance and release of various seedling age classes, and (10) the viability of interplanting and underplanting.
Managing & Understanding the Hispanic Workforce: A Diversity Management Workforce for Employers in the Forest Industries File 28 K 12/15/2005 The USDA Forest Service’s Wood Education and Resource Center and Virginia Tech’s Sloan Foundation Forest Industries Center are co-sponsoring a diversity management workshop that is designed for employers in the forest industries, from primary producers to secondary manufacturers, who employ or who are considering employing members of the Hispanic workforce. This interactive training workshop provides you with the opportunity to increase your understanding and to improve your management skills while meeting the cultural, communication, and legal challenges of working with a diverse workforce.
Federal Income Tax on Timber: A Key to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions File 78 K 01/02/2006 This publication examines the most common situations noncorporate taxpayers face when calculating Federal income tax on their timber holdings. It addresses aspects of each situation using a three-column format. The columns are: Type of Forest Activity, How to Qualify for Best Tax Treatment, and Reporting and Tax Forms. The responses are necessarily brief, and taxpayers should consult the other sources of information listed at the end of this publication for a more comprehensive discussion of these issues.
Southern Group of State Foresters February 2006 Newsletter Available File 2.11 M 01/31/2006 In this issue: 1. New Chair for SGSF 2. What's on the SGSF Agenda 3. Did You Know 4. Legislative Happenings 5. Time to Burn: Getting a Step Ahead of Wildland Arsonists 6. Hubbard Addresses SGSF 7. Three Forestry Companies Tap ArborGen 8. Help Revitalize Mississippi Gulf Coast
Disturbance and the Management of Southern Pine Ecosystems December 2005 Newsletter Available File 1010 K 01/31/2006 In this issue: Technology Transfer, Outreach Efforts, Meetings/Reports, Partnerships, Funding, Personnel News, Science Highlights, News from Around the Region, Publications, Upcoming Events, GPRA Accomplishments.
Southern Regional Extension Forestry Technology Bulletins Announced Link 1 K 02/07/2006 Several new regionally peer reviewed technology bulletins have recently been released from the Southern Regional Extension Forestry Office. These publications have been developed by natural resource professionals in the South to provide new information and technology to various audiences in the South.
First Call for Papers: A Southern Region Conference on Technology Transfer and Extension in Natural Resources File 116 K 02/08/2006 The natural resources of the Southern United States are immeasurable in value. The appropriate management and use of these natural resources depends on a continuous research and education effort to develop technologies and respond to social, economic and ecological issues. Research is conducted by colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, private companies, and others. This research is largely ineffective unless it is implemented across the landscape. Extension workers, natural resources specialists, teachers and professors, technology transfer specialists, and many others work tirelessly to put new science and technology to work to better manage our natural resources. This conference is designed to review these efforts so that we can better understand and improve our efforts in technology transfer, Extension, and science delivery and application. What are we doing now, what traditional programs are still relevant and working, and what opportunities has the age of information technology provided, are just a few of the questions we plan to answer at this conference. The program provides for four types of contributions: Syntheses of the art and science of getting knowledge to users including research on technology transfer, as presentations with submitted papers; Experience-based knowledge, as presentations by technology transfer and Extension specialists; Case studies showing the application of various Extension and technology transfer approaches, as presentations with submitted papers; and Other topics related to technology transfer/science delivery and Extension, given as posters
Newsletters Available from USDA Forest Service Research Projects: Link 1 K 02/15/2006 The Project Leader's Report is a Monthly explanatory magazine in which updates about the Research Unit and Activities in the South are given.
Forests in Transition: Intergenerational Connections Meeting to Be Held in Ruson, Louisiana File 515 K 03/22/2006 The United States is about to witness the largest intergenerational transfer of family forest ownership in the nation’s history. Given the extent of private forests in the United States, it will be important to develop a clearer understanding of the changing needs and interests of the next generation of owners. The needs and interests of the next generation of private forest landowners clearly will be different from those of their parents, but in what ways? Incorporating intergenerational “succession plans” for family forests is key to ensuring the continued conservation and stewardship of the lands. To the extent that such planning is done today, its focus is often limited to estate planning aimed at minimizing the tax consequences of intergenerational transfers of assets. A more comprehensive approach might include considerations of continuity in forest management plans and objectives, particularly where goals include creating conditions or values that take decades to develop. (The Pinchot Letter, Vol. 10, No. 2 Winter 2005)
Southern Forests: Fueling the Future File 114 K 04/13/2006 President George W. Bush, in his January 31, 2006 State of the Union Address outlined the Advanced Energy Initiative to help break America's dependence on foreign sources of energy. Through this initiative the President set a national goal of replacing more than seventy-five percent of the nation's oil imports by 2025...
House Committee on Agriculture: Farm Bill Feedback Form Link 1 K 06/13/2006 As the Committee begins the process of reviewing the 2002 Farm Bill, we want to gather feedback from producers around the country about our current farm policy and what is working and what could be improved. We welcome your input and the feedback we gather through field hearings and this website will be important as the next farm bill debate gets underway. By submitting this form you are agreeing to allow your statements and information to be shared with Members of the House Committee on Agriculture. While the information submitted on the website will not be part of the official Congressional record, it will be helpful to us as we move forward with the farm bill debate next year. We will be accepting feedback via our website from now until December 31, 2006.
Forest Landowner's Guide to Internet Resources: States of the Northeast Link 1 K 06/13/2006 This listing of internet resources was developed to provide you, the Non-Industrial Private Forest (NIPF) landowner, with a better understanding of the information and resources available on the internet relating to forest stewardship. In browsing the document, you'll hopefully find links to areas you're already interested in, and perhaps also find your interest captured by other, previously unfamiliar, aspects of forest stewardship.
A Private Forest Policy Research Link 1 K 06/13/2006 A webblog that relates to private forest research and policy. It is part of an experiment to understand different web technologies and how they might be applied to private forestry generally.
Texas Tree Planting Guide Link 1 K 06/14/2006 This database ranks species for all 254 Texas counties by taking existing regional paper tree planting guides and adding field forester and arborist input to select good landscape trees that were also commercially available.
The Possibility of Plantations: Integrating Ecological Forestry into Plantation Systems Link 1 K 06/13/2006 As you know, plantations systems increasingly make up a larger share of the world's wood fiber supply. This trend shows no sign of diminishing in the years ahead. Consequently, wood fiber plantations have, and will continue to have, a significant influence on the biodiversity of our landscapes and the quality of habitat for many wildlife species. Our report looks closely at various plantation systems; in particular innovations in the U.S. and worldwide that demonstrate how such systems can be more than just "fiber farms". We hope to promote a more vigorous conversation about what is possible in plantation forestry, in terms of better integration of wildlife and biodiversity values. In helping foster such a conversation, our report should not be construed however as either a broad endorsement of all plantation systems, nor suggest that the impacts of intensive plantation forestry can be adequately mitigated in each instance. We also acknowledge that plantation systems raise many social issues in different parts of the world over land claims, access rights, and community benefits. These are important issues, but they are beyond the scope of this report and our expertise.
The Roots of Forestry Link 1 K 06/13/2006 SAF has created The Roots of Forestry™, an online, searchable archive featuring all five of SAF's periodical journals—Journal of Forestry, Forest Science, and the Northern, Southern, and Western Journals of Applied Forestry—from 1902-1999. That's nearly 100 years of some of the best forestry literature online—1,440 issues and 11,750 articles. The best part, it's FREE to all SAF members.
North Central Region Forest Management Guides Link 1 K 06/13/2006 This site is maintained by the US Forest Service North Central Research Station and contains information on forest management for a variety of objectives, with detailed ecological, forest health, and economics information. The guides are designed for a wide range of users including landowners to professional foresters, and for the novice to those with great experience.
The Possibility of Plantations: Integrating Ecological Forestry into Plantation Systems Link 1 K 06/15/2006 The Possibility of Plantations: Integrating Ecological Forestry into Plantation Systems, a new report from the National Wildlife Federation, examines various plantation systems with an emphasis on innovations that demonstrate how such systems can be more than just "fiber farms".
Urban Natural Resources Institute (UNRI) Monthy Webcast Archives Link 1 K 06/19/2006 The Urban Natural Resources Institute (UNRI) sponsors a monthly Informational Webcast, highlighting the work of Forest Service scientists and our partners. An archive of previous Informational Webcasts is now available at the UNRI website.
Florida Educators Create Urban Forests Supplement to Florida's Project Learning Tree File 2.99 M 06/15/2006 The purpose of this educational guide is to supplement the Project Learning Tree® (PLT) Environmental Education Activity Guide for PreK-8 grades so an urban educator has the tools to help students understand Florida’s urban forest. It does this by identifying 27 PLT activities that can be used in urban areas; 18 PLT activities that can be changed slightly to be more applicable to an urban space; 6 extensions to existing PLT activities; and 6 new activities. We hope these 57 activities will help you provide a comprehensive study of the urban forest.
Advances in Fire Practice Link 1 K 06/19/2006 The purpose of AFP is to highlight innovation in fire practice and management. We want to make the fire community aware of projects that are integrating science, research, and new ideas and approaches to some of the most difficult challenges in fire management. The first “issue” of AFP contains a feature article on the fireshed assessments and SPOTs approach to fuels management as well as an article detailing the increasing availability of resources and tools related to collaboration, communication, and outreach in fire management. Coming soon will be feature articles on innovations in biomass production and fuels treatment and research updates on risk-aversion and line officers in public land management agencies. The site has also begun collecting and synthesizing fire resources found on the web including, fire pubs, projects and resources available on USDA Forest Service Research Station websites, and indexes of articles found in major journals with fire science content. We are also developing a resource corner for fire science instructors (university/college and NWCG), including a curriculum exchange center, discussion forums, and an article review platform.
The Possibility of Plantations: Integrating Ecological Forestry into Plantation Systems Link 2 K 06/26/2006 Plantations systems increasingly make up a larger share of the world's wood fiber supply. This trend shows no sign of diminishing in the years ahead. Consequently, wood fiber plantations have, and will continue to have, a significant influence on the biodiversity of our landscapes and the quality of habitat for many wildlife species. Our report looks closely at various plantation systems; in particular innovations in the U.S. and worldwide that demonstrate how such systems can be more than just "fiber farms". We hope to promote a more vigorous conversation about what is possible in plantation forestry, in terms of better integration of wildlife and biodiversity values. In helping foster such a conversation, our report should not be construed however as either a broad endorsement of all plantation systems, nor suggest that the impacts of intensive plantation forestry can be adequately mitigated in each instance. We also acknowledge that plantation systems raise many social issues in different parts of the world over land claims, access rights, and community benefits. These are important issues, but they are beyond the scope of this report and our expertise. In general, NWF concludes: · Plantation systems "can do better" in many areas from individual stand to landscape level innovations that benefit wildlife; · A handful of companies and land managers are actively pushing integration of non-timber biodiversity values in their plantation systems, and these efforts need to be more widely shared and evaluated; · Plantations can play an important role in carbon sequestration, provided they are properly managed--especially for soil conservation--and net carbon benefits from management are verified; · Innovation and support for models that provide concentrated fiber production in exchange for secured biodiversity conservation and set-asides is needed.
Kentucky Woodland Owners ShortCourse in full swing News Item 3 K 07/06/2006 The course involves four workshops held across the state, each covering topics relating to woodland ownership and management in Kentucky. Over 200 woodland owners will participate in some aspect of the course with 30 scheduled to attend all four sessions and graduating from the course at the end of the summer.
Financial Incentive Programs for Non-Industrial Private Forest Owners Hypertext Map Available Link 1 K 07/10/2006 This collection of web pages allows easy access to information on cost-share, tax, and other financial incentive programs available to nonindustrial private forest owners in each state. Search for programs by state, or see listings of federal, state or private programs nationwide. Each listing offers a link to that program's web site. Timber tax fact sheets are also provided for each state.
Children's Activity Book "Living on the Wild Side...Responsibly" Published News Item 2 K 07/13/2006 Gwen Beavens of the USDA Forest Service, along with illustrator Jack Elrod, has published a children's activity book titled "Living on the Wild Side...Responsibly: An Activity Book about Living Near Woodlands" through the USDA. This book is about the responsibilities, risks, and rewards of living where wildlands and urban environments meet, the area land managers refer to as the Wildland Urban Interface. It is designed for students in the third-sixth grades.
The Effectiveness of Vegetation Management Practices for Mitigating the Impacts of Insects on Forest Ecosystems: A Science Synthesis File 1.02 M 07/13/2006 Phytophagous (plant eating) insects are major components of forest ecosystems. Some forest insects periodically become so abundant that they threaten ecological, economic, social or aesthetic values. Recent epidemics of native forest insects are exceeding historical records. During the last decade, we have witnessed unprecedented levels of tree mortality in spruce in Alaska, lodgepole pine in Canada and the Rockies, southern pines in the Appalachians, pinyon and juniper in the Southwest, and ponderosa pine in Arizona and California.
"Riparian Buffer Width, Vegetative Cover, and Nitrogen Removal Effectiveness: A Review of Current Science and Regulations" Published News Item 2 K 08/15/2006 An EPA report has recently been published on a water resource issue that may be relevant to your agency and your interests. This report, "Riparian Buffer Width, Vegetative Cover, and Nitrogen Removal Effectiveness: A Review of Current Science and Regulations", provides a synthesis of existing scientific literature on the effectiveness of riparian buffers to improve water quality through their inherent ability to process and remove excess anthropogenic nitrogen from surface and ground waters.
Educational Needs of Southern Forest Landowners News Item 1 K 11/08/2006 A recent Journal of Extension article (October, 2006) by Measells, Grado, Hughes, Dunn, Idassi and Zielinske outlines the results of a research project conducted at Mississippi State University on forest landowner educational needs.
Tax Tips for Forest Landowners for the Year 2006 Released Link 1 K 12/06/2006 Linda Wang and John Greene with the USDA Forest Service have just released this 2-page bullentin for your use in programming. This bulletin summarizes key federal income tax provisions related to owning and managing forest land. It is current as of December 1, 2006, and supercedes Management Bulletin R8-MB 126. But it is only an introduction. Consult the references for more complete information on the topics, and consult your tax and legal advisers for advice on your particular tax situation.
SGSF News January 2007 File 1.74 M 02/27/2007 The Southern Perspective, Janauary 2007 IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the SGSF Chairman; Your Forest. Managed.; Legislative Happenings; SGSF Forest Health Task Force Formed; Texas Changes the Rules of Reforestation; Reforestation: Genetically “Bigger and Better” in Texas; Longleaf Pine Restoration Initiative Launched; Robert E. Browning Award; Firewise Leadership Awards; SGSF Develops Farm Bill Issue Paper; HFI Progress Report; New Publications from the Southern Research Station, November 2006; William R. Sweet Retires.
Cover Your A$$ets: Estate Planning, Conservation Planning and Income Options for Forestland Owners News Item 2 K 02/27/2007 Whether you own 25 acres or 2,500, Cover Your A$$ets is an indispensable guide for anyone who owns forest or agricultural land and wishes to see it maintained for future generations.
FORESTRY ON THE GROW CONFERENCE & EXPO ADDS VALUE TO OKLAHOMA’S ECONOMY News Item 9 K 02/27/2007 The 12th Annual Forest Utilization Conference and Equipment Exposition is scheduled for May 9-11, 2007. Forestry on the Grow – Exploring Opportunities & New Technologies for Natural Resources Management & the Wood Products Industry – will be held at Western Hills Guest Ranch in Sequoyah Resort Park near Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Private Forests Are at Risk: The Need for Action in the 2007 Farm Bill File 307 K 02/27/2007 Policy Opportunities for the 2007 Farm Bill: The 2007 Farm Bill must recognize private forests as part of the rural landscape, improve the effectiveness of programs for private forest conservation and management, and increase resources for these programs.
2006 Harvest of Forest Products Report for Mississippi File 386 K 02/27/2007 2006 Harvest of Forest Products Report
Officials: Good help a boon when managing woodlands News Item 7 K 03/20/2007 By T. Scott Batchelor The Daily Reflector Greenville, North Carolina Thursday, February 22, 2007 Two paths diverge in the timber-management world, and the one taken makes all the difference. Forestry officials told a group of mostly women recently that proper management of trees, and seeking out reputable, qualified agents to negotiate their sale, can mean the difference between tumbling into a pitfall or walking away with cash plus a sustainable wildlife habitat.
Virginia Tech offers online course for owners of forest land News Item 3 K 03/20/2007 BLACKSBURG, Va., March 14, 2007 - The Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program announces an online Woodland Options for Landowners course. The purpose of the course is to provide an introductory level understanding of basic forest management principles and techniques.
Spotlight on Private Forests Link 1 K 04/04/2007 This short presentation explains some of the misconceptions regarding American's forest lands, improvements in forestry management, and the benefits of professional consulting foresters to private forest owners.
Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources Workshop To Help Woodlot Owners Make Money News Item 3 K 06/12/2007 BLACKSBURG, Va., June 4, 2007-If you are a small woodlot owner, and are looking for ways to make money from your woods, or if you want more information on how to start managing your woods or perhaps run a woods-based business, the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources has a workshop for you.
Updated NCSU - Managed Pine Plantation (Hafley & Smith) Model has been released Link 1 K 06/20/2007 The North Carolina State Univeristy - Managed Pine Plantation - Growth and Yield Model developed by W. L. Hafley & W. D. Smith was developed to provide appropriate input to economic analysis of alternative management decisions. The model provides growth and yield estimates for Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). The software is available for free download.
New Extension Publication highlights forest certification Link 1 K 08/14/2007 Woodland Owner Notes from North Carolina State University
New native grasses publication News Item 1 K 08/29/2007 Craig Harper of the University of Tennessee - Knoxville, along with several co-authors, recently completed an in-depth manual on native grasses.
Virginia Cooperative Extension and cooperatives to hold 31st annual Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours File 449 K 09/04/2007 Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program, in collaboration with Virginia’s natural resource agencies, companies, and associations, will be holding their 31st Annual Fall Forestry and Wildlife Field Tour Programs starting Oct. 5. The tours will promote wise resource management on private forestlands and will focus on science-based forestry and wildlife management practices, public and private sources of technical and financial management assistance, and networking among landowners and natural resource professionals. There will also be demonstration stops on private, industry, and public lands that will center on multiple-use management opportunities and practices. Tours will be held at Patrick County on Oct. 5, Albemarle County on Oct. 12, Price George/Surry Counties on Oct. 19, and Frederick County on Oct. 25. Participants should arrive at sites by 8 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged, as space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. A $40 early registration fee (due one week before the tour date), or $45 when paid on the program date, will cover transportation and lunch.
New Resource on Tree Ordinances Link 1 K 10/31/2007 The Montgomery (Alabama) Tree Committee recently completed a project that has nationwide impact. Using US Forest Service funds through Auburn University, they contracted to produce a white paper on conservation tree ordinances. It will be used by the City of Montgomery, Alabama to create a customized conservation tree ordinance.
Louisiana Cypress Logging and Mulch Discussion Paper, by Mike Dunn File 456 K 11/08/2007 Recently, concern has been expressed by environmental interests and concerned citizens regarding the harvest of cypress grown in Louisiana. This concern grew after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the growing knowledge among the citizenry of the changing structure of the coast. The changing structure of the coast is a result of many factors including human intervention to prevent upstream flooding of the Mississippi River (mainly levee construction) resulting in nutrient deficiencies and land subsidence, human settlement and encroachment, rising sea levels, and exploitation of natural resources for human benefit, among other factors.
New non-native woody species website Link 1 K 12/10/2007 From Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
North Carolina Pine Plantation Model updated Link 1 K 12/14/2007 North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service - Forestry has recently posted an updated version of the NCSU Managed Pine Plantation (Hafley and Smith) Growth and Yield Model software on its website. Additions to the model include the ability to identify individual years for thinning. Please click on the link below to obtain this latest version.
Streaming Video and Audio/PowerPoint versions of Deer & Turkey Short Course Presentations Link 1 K 12/14/2007 Al Williamson of IFAS Communication Services has processed the presentations his crew taped at the October Deer & Turkey Short Course held at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research & Education Center - Quincy, FL. Below is a link to them. Encourage your wildlife enthusiasts to visit and take advantage of the wealth of information presented.
FLORIDA i-TREE WORKSHOP - WINTER 2008 File 199 K 01/02/2008 Created by the USDA Forest Service and its cooperators, Davey Resource Group, the National Arbor Day Foundation and the Society of Municipal Arborists, the i-Tree suite brings together inventory and assessment tools in a single, free, and supported environment to help identify and manage the structure, function, and value of urban tree populations. Users are provided with step-by-step methods for conducting an urban forest ecosystem or a street tree resource analysis. Compatible software utilities included are the: Mobile Community Tree Inventory, Storm Damage Assessment Protocol, Tree Inventory PDA Utility, and Sample Inventory Generators.
Business Opportunities with Small Acreage and Suburban Woodlands workshop offered File 315 K 01/04/2008 As land continues to be cut into smaller pieces throughout Virginia, more homeowners live on small acreage wooded lots. Landowners with less than 10 acres of forest now own 73% of forest properties in Virginia. These 341,640 Virginians represent an untapped market for forest "landcare". According to recent research; new, small acre, forest owners in Virginia were most motivated by lifestyle concerns such as living simply, near nature and escaping the urban stress. Yet, they are not necessarily preservationists desiring to leave the land “pristine.” For example, management tools such as herbicides, tree pruning and harvesting are options these landowners would consider using to improve wildlife habitat, forest health, and scenic views.
"Florida Urban and Urbanizing Forests" newsletter available Link 1 K 01/07/2008 The first issue of the "Florida Urban and Urbanizing Forests" quarterly newsletter is now available online for viewing. This newsletter will highlight the research, teaching, and extension projects of the Urban and Urbanizing Forests Program in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, IFAS/UF. Inside you will find information on: -SFRC’s Urban and Urbanizing Forests Program -Research Projects at the Gainesville Campus -The Tampa Bay Watershed Forest Working Group -Science Corner -Urban Forest Emergency Storm Response Plans -Student Spotlight If you have ideas or topics for future issues please send your comments to Jennifer Seitz at flurbanforests@ifas.ufl.edu.
Virginia Tech Announces On-line Non-Credit Course News Item 1 K 02/07/2008 Virginia Tech is offering an on-line "Woodland Options for Landowners" beginning March 10,2008.
North Carolina State University releases new Extension Publications News Item 1 K 03/11/2008 North Carolina State University has several new publication offerings online:
UGA Establishes Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health News Item 3 K 07/22/2008 To address issues on invasive species and ecosystem (agricultural, forested and natural system) health, the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health has been established at the University of Georgia. Invasive plants, insects, plant pathogens, aquatic species and terrestrial wildlife cost the United States economy more than $100 billion each year.
Technical Guide to Crop Tree Release in Hardwood Forests News Item 1 K 04/21/2008 The latest Southern Regional Extension Forestry peer-reviewed publication was recently released by the University of Tennessee with authors from the University of Kentucky and the USDA Forest Service.
Louisiana Carbon Credit Conference News Item 1 K 11/03/2008 Mark your calendar for a Carbon Credit Conference scheduled for May 14, 2008 at the C. Woodrow Dewitt Livestock Facility at the Dean Lee Research Station and Extension Center in Alexandria, LA.
UofA Publishes Guide to Determining Weight of Standing Hardwoods Link 1 K 07/22/2008 Landowner’s Guide to Determining Weight of Standing Hardwood Trees - The objective of this fact sheet is to provide landowners and procurement foresters with a method of accurately estimating the weight of the merchantable portion of standing hardwood trees.
UofA Extension Publishes Weight & Value Guide for Standing Pine Link 1 K 07/22/2008 Landowner’s Guide to Determining Weight and Value of Standing Pine Trees - The objective of this fact sheet is to provide landowners and procurement foresters with a method of accurately estimating the weight of standing trees. Research conducted by the Arkansas Forest Resources Center has resulted in equations for accurately predicting the outside bark weight of loblolly pine boles (trunks or stems). These equations require only the standard tree measurements.
Kentucky Offers Woodland Owner Short Courses File 1.40 M 05/23/2008 Do you own woodlands? Do you want to get the most from your ownership experience? Do you need information about managing your property and meeting your objectives? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the 2008 Woodland Owners Short Course (WOSC) is for you! The WOSC will be held in three different regions: West, Central and East. You may attend any session, in any region, but you are encouraged to attend all three sessions in your region in order to graduate. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with lunch (included with registration) served at noon. The WOSC will end around 4 p.m. There are a wide range of management options available to you including: generating income from timber harvests and forest crops, recreational use, wildlife management, and all of these options are possible on the same property—with proper management. These management options and much more will be covered at the WOSC. Not only will you have an opportunity to meet and learn from forestry and natural resource professionals that can help you manage your property, you will also meet fellow woodland owners that are facing many of the same challenges as you. No matter what your interests are, the WOSC has a session for you. We encourage you to come with questions and leave with answers.
Virginia Forestry Plans Educational Retreat for Forest Landowners File 1.14 M 07/22/2008 Virginia landowners interested in learning more about the value of their forest land and how to take a more active role in the management of their property have an opportunity during a weekend-long retreat at the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox. “This first-of-its-kind retreat for forest landowners in Virginia will be an outstanding opportunity for people to learn the real value of their woodlands,” said Neil Clark of the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). “With the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest as our ‘classroom,’ participants will be fully engaged in this interactive learning experience that will help them deal with the many issues they confront on a daily basis.” Topics for the retreat include: pine and hardwood management; timber appraisals and sales; wildlife habitat improvement; soil and water resource protection; land conservation strategies; alternative forestry crops, and more. Ellen Powell, conservation education coordinator with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), said, “We developed this program solely to help private forest landowners reach the objectives they have for their woodland property. Whether they are interested in preserving the beauty of their land, harvesting timber, or enhancing wildlife habitat, this retreat has something for every forest landowner.” Of Virginia’s 15.8 million forested acres, more than 12 million acres are the property of nearly 400,000 private landowners. With the support of the Ballyshannon Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the cost for the Oct. 24 – 26 weekend retreat is just $35 per person or $50 per couple. This cost includes all educational sessions, materials, two nights’ lodging and five meals. Participants choosing not to stay overnight pay just $25 per person or $35 per couple. Financial assistance is available. This program is open to all. If you have a disability and need assistance, please contact Neil Clark, Virginia Cooperative Extension, (757) 657-6450, Ext. 406, by Sept. 22, 2008. The deadline to register for the retreat is Sept. 22, 2008. For more information or to register, contact Neil Clark at (757) 657-6450, Ext. 406. The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, the Agency has forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide service to citizens of the Commonwealth. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider. With nearly 16 million acres of forest land and more than 184,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $29 Billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.
Woody Biomass for Energy in Virginia Symposium File 2.39 M 08/11/2008 Biomass is the most important renewable energy source in the world. In Virginia, enhanced utilization of woody biomass for bioenergy is a promising arena. And while there are challenges, the truth of the matter is that wood is a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Announces Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tour schedule File 258 K 08/14/2008 Join fellow forest landowners and a host of natural resource professionals for a fun and exciting day in the woods learning about forest and wildlife management! On-site check-in for all tours begins at 8 a.m.; tours begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. All tours will finish no later than 5:00 p.m. Registration fee of $45 includes a tasty lunch, refreshments, materials and transportation. Please register at least one week prior to the tour date. * October 2 - Fort Pickett/Nottoway County - for more information contact Jason Fisher - jasonf@vt.edu 434/476-2147 * October 10 - Montgomery/Giles Counties - for more information contact Jennifer Gagnon jgagnon@vt.edu 540/231-6391 * October 15 - Rockbridge County- for more information contact Matt Yancey yancey@vt.edu 540/564-3080 * October 16 - Essex County - for more information contact Helen Heck helen.heck@va.usda.gov 804/443-1118 Tours will take place rain or shine. MeadWestvaco is providing a limited number of scholarships for K-12 teachers to cover registration. First come, first served.
University of Florida-IFAS Announces Conference File 432 K 08/28/2008 The 1st Annual North West Florida Bioenergy Conference and Expo will be held on the UF & Pensacola Junior College Milton Campus located at 5988 Highway 90, Bldg. 4200 (Bo Johnson Center), Milton, FL.
UF Extension Team Pens Publication on Management Practices to Support Increased Biodiversity in Managed Loblolly Pine Plantations News Item 1 K 09/09/2008 by Michael Andreu, Kevin Zobrist, and Thomas Hinckley. When European settlers first arrived in North America, it is estimated that the southern U.S. had 200 million acres in pine, mixed oak, and other forest systems. Pine savannahs and open woodlands containing longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.), loblolly (Pinus taeda L.), shortleaf (Pinus echinata Mill.), slash (Pinus elliottii Engelm.), and pond (Pinus serotina Michx.) pine were dominant.
From Forest To Finished Products Conference Scheduled News Item 1 K 09/11/2008 By industry people for industry is how the Georgia Research Institute and University of Georgia’s Center of Continuing Education are promoting the “From Forest to Finished Products” Conference and Expo.
MSU Publishes "Private Landowners' Guide to Forest Certification in the South" Link 1 K 09/12/2008 After hearing the phrase “forest certification,” many people ask, “what,” “how,” and “why.” This publication helps forest landowners understand forest certification, how it began, why it should be considered, what types of certification systems are available, and the steps necessary to become certified.
Conservation Forestry Field Days for Family Forest Owners News Item 2 K 10/30/2008 The American Forest Foundation’s Center for Conservation Solutions and project partners have organized a series of landowner fields days in Florida. The field days will highlight and recognize the longleaf pine habitat restoration and conservation accomplishments at the host properties and discuss the forest management strategies used to ensure long-term economic and ecological benefits.
New NCSU Extension Materials Available on Trees & Local Regulations News Item 2 K 11/03/2008 A portal to many of North Carolina’s municipal and county regulations that govern trees on public or private property has been recently created by the NCSU Extension Forestry Unit.
NCSU Woody Biomass Efforts Highlighted News Item 3 K 11/03/2008 North Carolina State University Extension Forestry has recently developed a research-based educational initiative entitled "NC Woody Biomass: Nature's Renewable Energy!"