Forestry Internet Seminar: Understanding Forest Exploitation

Forestry Internet Seminar: Understanding Forest Exploitation

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An unsustainable forest harvesting practice, diameter-limit cutting, has been recognized in several scientific studies for its exploitive effects on forest growth and productivity. Join Dr. Ralph Nyland, Distinguished Service Professor of Silviculture at SUNY College of Environment Science and Forestry, on Wednesday February 18th, 2009 for a webinar on “Diameter-limit Cutting and Exploitation.”

The webinar will address the correct role of silviculture relative to the negative impacts of diameter-limit cutting on forest growth, yield, and value.  Dr. Nyland has researched and written broadly about this subject.  He is the author of numerous articles, bulletins, and the textbook: “Silviculture - Concepts and Applications.”  ForestConnect is a program of Cornell University Cooperative Extension and offers the monthly Internet seminar series using web conferencing technology.  

The ForestConnect Internet Seminar Series is an interactive web conference and the first of its kind in the US.  Previous topics of the Internet Seminar Series have included: Key Forestry Concepts and Principles; Arranging a Timber Sale, Small-Scale Firewood Production, Working with Foresters, Creating Woodland Pools, Natural Hardwood Regeneration, and Creating Old Growth Forest Structure.  Each seminar uses the Internet to distribute, or webcast, a live and interactive presentation.  Since May 2007, webcasts have connected forest owners, managers, and practitioners from throughout the United States and overseas.  More than 1000 owners and managers from 40 states and three countries are registered and receiving announcements for the monthly web-based seminars. Registrants own or manage more than 1,000,000 acres of forest land.  “It is exciting to be able to use a relatively new technology to connect to people who are making a difference in private, state, and federal forests,” says Dr. Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester and the project coordinator.

Live interactive seminars use unbiased and research-based information to teach strategies that help participants better enjoy and utilize their property or the property of their clients.  Dr. Smallidge noted that participants have documented the ability of this technology to function effectively as an educational tool.  “Based on questionnaires provided during the webcast, we found that more than 75% of participants improved their understanding of simple and complex concepts and almost as many have the confidence to apply new skills in their woods,” says Smallidge.  “Web conferencing allows us to reach new people,” says Smallidge, who noted that 20% to 40% of participants during monthly webcasts have not previously attended an in-person forestry workshop or seminar.

Seminars occur on the third Wednesday of each month.  Each webcast is provided live, twice.  The initial broadcast each month is from noon to 1:00 PM with a repeat live broadcast the same day from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, Eastern Time.  The noon broadcast is recorded for subsequent viewing on the ForestConnect website at any time. Participation is as easy as a high-speed internet connection via a web browser.  Participants will connect to a secure Cornell Cooperative Extension server to join the presentation.  Participants must pre-register once, without charge, at http://www.ForestConnect.info. Email notification of internet URL details will be sent to everyone registered.  A recent feature useful to some participants is the availability of continuing education credits from the Society of American Foresters for its Certified Foresters.

The ForestConnect Internet Seminars are reaching into the majority of NY counties and all corners of the state.  Funding is provided through the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, and the USDA Renewable Resources Extension Program.

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