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UF Extension and USFS Create Urban Forest Management Strategic Planning Guide for Municipal Governments 

Urban foresters from University of Florida (UF) IFAS Extension and the School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences as well as the USDA Forest Service (USFS) collaborated to create the recently completed “Urban Forest Management: A Primer to Strategic Planning for Municipal Governments.” This free e-book is targeted towards urban planners, city administrators and more, who are tasked with managing complex urban environments including addressing the green canopy. The book includes a series of practical and quantifiable steps towards desired outcomes as well as timelines for implementation, and identifying agencies or partners who are either responsible for the work or could assist. While the book was initially developed for use in the state of Florida, the framework can be applied almost anywhere and is flexible and adaptable for towns, cities, counties and state urban forest management programs. The book also addresses the three major components of an urban forest management program: social systems, governance systems, and the ecological systems. Beginning with the conceptual framework, the book continues with plan initiation, engagement and development. It continues with plan re-engagement and adoption and ends with plan implementation and accountability. Click here to access the guide. 

UF Extension Offers Prescribed Fire Training Course 

The University of Florida (UF) Cooperative Extension service recently released a virtual training course to provide individuals with knowledge and resources to better accomplish their land management goals and to cultivate fire-educated communities. Course objectives include providing participants with a basic understanding of the purpose, use logistics, and benefits or prescribed fire, and to provide participants with contacts who can answer questions about local fire issues. This course is not for professional certification, but natural resource professionals and landowners are encouraged to attend. Click here to register or learn more.  

2nd Annual SFLR Joint Regional Conference 

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) will be hosting the 2nd Annual Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention (SFLR) Joint Regional Conference. This conference is an opportunity for participants to learn how to preserve land-owned legacy, engage with a network of forestry support, and retain the knowledge and keep it in the family. Foresters, African American landowners, and others interested are all encouraged to attend. The is totally virtual workshop will be held on August 30 from 10AM to 5PM EST and August 31st from 10AM to 2:30PM EST. Click here to learn more or register. 

VA Forestry Extension Hosts “Generation NEXT” Fall Workshops 

The Virginia Cooperative Extension will be hosting “Preparing for Generation NEXT” workshops this coming fall. These workshops provide free legal guidance and landowner stores about successful estate planning steps and strategies they have used. Speakers will include legal and financial experts experienced in estate planning, as well as natural resource professionals and landowners, and they will cover the “Nine Steps to Successful Legacy Planning”. Foresters, landowners, and Extension professionals are encouraged to attend. Click here to register or learn more.  

Share Your Thoughts About Prescribed Burning Under Acceptable Weather Conditions  

Megan Johnson, a graduate research assistant in the department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at NC State University is recruiting prescribed fire users in the Southeastern U.S. for a brief survey. They are investigating burners’ needs, options, and concerns if faced with a reduction in opportunities to conduct burns under acceptable weather conditions. If you use or oversee the use of prescribed fire on land in the Southeastern US and are 18 years of age or older, you may choose to participate in this study. You will be asked to take an online survey that should take about 7-10 minutes to complete. Survey responses will be anonymous, analyzed in aggregate, and serve as the primary data for this research project. All data will be secured on an NCSU-owned cloud drive and will be password protected. This research is overseen by Johnson’s faculty advisor, Dr. Fernando Garcia Menendez, and has been approved by the NCSU Institutional Review Board (IRB) under study number: 25159. Click here to take the survey. We ask that you please complete the survey before September 16. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Megan Johnson by email at mmjohns7@ncsu.edu. 

NCSU UAS Forest Health and Inventory Workshop  

North Carolina State University (NCSU) is hosting a workshop focusing on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS/Drones) for forest health and inventory. The workshop will cover the basics of UAS operation and applications, with particular attention to how UAS can be used to support natural resource management activities. It is intended to educate foresters, natural resource professionals and landowners. The workshop will take place on August 26th in Chapel Hill, NC. Click here to register or to learn more.  

Florida Forestry Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show 

The Florida Forestry Association (FFA) Annual Meeting, a three-day conference for foresters, forest business associates, and natural resource professionals to network and celebrate the forest industry, will soon take place The state’s largest forestry trade show will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting, featuring cutting-edge equipment and service providers will offer the latest and greatest developments in today’s marketplace for forestry professionals. The conference will take place from August 30th to September 1st in Fernandina Beach, FL. Click here to register or to learn more. 

Southeastern Advanced Silviculture Regional Workshop 

The Advanced Silviculture Regional Workshop (ASRW) is a collaboration between the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Oklahoma State Forestry, and the University of Arkansas Forestry Extension. This two-day workshop will examine topics such as the crucial differences between hardwood and pine management, shortleaf pine management, site class and hardwood site evaluation, artificial and natural regeneration of hardwoods. The workshop will be held on September 27th and 28th in Texarkana, TX. Available CEUs to come. Registration link to come.  

UK Forestry Extension Discusses HCLT Advancements 

The University of Kentucky (UK) recently releases an article discussing the advancements of Hardwood Cross Laminated Timber (HCLT). HCLT is an engineering wood product created when timber planks are laid perpendicular to one another and glued together to form stiff, strong, stable panels. HCLT is stronger than steel or concrete, but holds a beautiful wood aesthetic. Dr. Henry Quesada, Assistant Director of Extension at Purdue University claims that it is likely that HCLT (using Yellow Poplar) will be a marketable product within two years and architects and engineers in the US and Europe are already working on demonstration projects. Click here to read the full article.  

Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) assists with multiple forestry-related projects, including RNGR.net. RNGR.net is the Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources website and is sponsored by the US Forest Service (USFS). This website has resources such as the National Nursery and Seed Directory which contains a comprehensive list of all native plant nurseries in the US and Canada. RNGR.net also contains the Tree Planter’s Notes dating back to 1950, which is a publication dedicated to technology transfer and research information relating to nursery production and out planting of trees, shrubs, and native plants for reforestation, conservation, and restoration. Click here to read more about the RNGR.net site. 

America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative's Accomplishment Report 

The America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative's (ALRI) recently released their 2021 Accomplishment Report. The report highlights the restoration impacts of ALRI, public lands initiatives, private lands initiatives (SLP), and strengthening the partnerships between ALRI and landowners. Notable accomplishments include 1,608,103 acres of longleaf established, 15,361,947 acres of prescribed burns, and 325,294 acres of land protected. Click here to read the full report. Click here to read about ALRI.   

Smokey Bear Award Nominations 

The Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) Committee is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Smokey Bear Awards. Qualified candidates for the award should work in wildfire prevention service, including but not limited to, advertising campaigns, informational programs, training, wildfire risk assessments to prevent ignitions, committee leadership, volunteerism, and fundraising. Nominations are due by December 15th. Click here for the nomination form.  

The Atlantic Magazine Releases Article on Wildfire Evacuations 

Wildfire-evacuation research is still in its infancy, which means that when it comes to planning evacuations, best practices don’t really exist, there is no book to consult or checklist to follow. Evacuation planning for wildfires is particularly tricky, they can spark all over the place, grow to any size, and move in any direction. Professor Enrico Ronchi of Lund University in Sweden, points to the idea that a wildfire-evacuation time is actually two separate things: the time it takes someone to depart their home, and their time spent in transit. People drive slower in smoky conditions because they’re afraid of accidents. Click here to read the full article.  

USDA Awards $5.5M in Community Forest Grants  

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded $5.5 million in grants for conservation projects on 11 forests from Alaska to North Carolina. The grants are funded through the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFOSCP) which provide financial assistance to local governments, Tribal governments, and non-profit organizations. Grantees use those funds to acquire and establish community forests to benefit both rural and urban communities, including helping to mitigate extreme heat. In total, the 11 grant projects will create or add nearly 7,000 acres of community forests for the long-term benefits of the communities they serve. Click here to read the full press release.  

NDA Breaks Down Top Soft Mast Species by Region 

The National Deer Association (NDA) recently released an article explaining the top soft mast species for early season deer attraction by US region. Soft mass is the general term for edible fruits and berries which usually ripen in mid to late summer, coincidentally at the beginning of deer season. In the Southeast, persimmons and muscadines attract deer, in the Northeast apples and crabapples attract deer, in the Midwest pawpaws, persimmons, and wild plums attract deer, and in the West blackberries, dewberries, raspberries, and huckleberries attract deer. Foresters and landowners may find this information interesting or beneficial as hunting season begins across much of the United States. Click here to read the full article.  

USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station Creates New Tool for Reforestation Decisions 

The US Forest Service (USFS) Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) recently created a new Southern Rockies Reforestation Tool (SRRT) that identifies climatically and topographically suitable sites to plant ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir seedlings after wildfire in the Southern Rocky Mountains. This tool will help managers optimize planting efforts by focusing on sites with the greatest chance for success. The SRRT was developed using Google Earth Engine, a cloud-based computing platform that is designed to efficiently perform calculations using spatial datasets across large areas. Land managers, foresters, and those involved in wildfire management are encouraged to learn more about the SRRT. Click here to learn more.  

The Endowment Announces Membership of the Forest and Wood Products Inclusion Council 

The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities (The Endowment) recently announced the membership of their recently formed Forest and Wood Products Inclusion Council (The Council), an initiative to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the forest sector. The Council includes representatives from public, private, non-for-profit, academic, and indigenous organizations. This group of leaders will work collaboratively within their spheres of influence and develop a National Action Plan that aims to establish a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture in the US forest and wood products sector. Click here to read the full press release and see the council members.  

MSU FCCP Professional Training 

Michigan State University (MSU) is now offering the Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP) Professional Training. These online educational opportunities are designed for diverse professionals and aims to increase understanding and implementation of climate-smart forest management. There is an intensive short course on the US Regions that provide in-depth analysis of trends, challenges, and opportunities for the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions. The Understanding Forest Carbon Management short course provides a robust overview to the connections between forests, climates, and human decision-making. Click here to register or learn more.  

Landowner Liability Webinar 

The North Carolina Tree Farm Program (NCTFP) is sponsoring the Landowner Liability webinar. This webinar will focus on matters of premises liability and timber protection for forest landowners, including matters of trespass, the legal sufficiency of boundary and hazard marking, as well as disputes over boundaries and easements. This webinar will be hosted by Robert Branan, JD, Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at North Carolina State University (NCSU). There are CEUs offered by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the Georgia Master Timber Harvester – Continuing Logger Education (GaMTH CLE) program. The webinar will be held on August 31st from 1PM to 2PM EST. Click here to register.  

NC Urban Wood Group Webinar: Challenges and Success in Urban Wood 

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Extension and the North Carolina (NC) Urban Wood Group will be cohosting a webinar focusing on the challenges and success in the Urban Wood field. Moderator Frederik Laleicke of NCSU Extension will discuss the best practices for running an urban wood business, urban wood success stories, what you need to become series about urban wood, and what information is available. This webinar is free to any companies, hobbyists, or entrepreneurs interested in urban wood. It will take place September 8th from 11-12:30 PM EST. Click here to register or to learn more.  

The Southern Fire Exchange (SFE), North Carolina State University (NCSU), and the University of Georgia (UGA) are hosting a free one-hour webinar on August 31, 2022 at 1PM Est. Society of American Foresters CFE Credit Expected. For the wildland firefighter, deploying a shelter is the last thing they want to do – it’s the final resort, the last line of defense. While there’s no such thing as ‘fire-proof,’ NC State University researchers are seeking to develop new fire shelters that can buy more time. They were able to demonstrate that new fire shelters could increase the time to failure by as much as 30 seconds – time that could be critical for survival. This webinar will discuss the recent science in the design and structure of wildland fire shelters. Following the presentations there will be time for audience Q/A with the speakers. These presenters include Dr. Joseph Roise, a Professor of Forestry focusing on Operations Research and Fire Science at North Carolina State University as well as Dr. Roger Barker a Burlington Distinguished Professor of Textile Chemistry also at North Carolina State University. Click here to register. 

Interested in more webinars on-demand? Check out the Forestry Webinar Portal! Click here to subscribe.

USFS Community Wildlife Defense Grant 

The US Forest Service (USFS) recently announced the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program will make approximately $200 million available to communities in its first year. The selected projects will either develop or revise a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), or will implement wildlife risk reduction projects described within a CWPP. Local governments, non-profit organizations, tribes, state forestry agencies, or Alaska Native corporations may apply for a CWDG. CWDGs will support hazardous fuel reduction and community wildfire preparedness exclusively on non-federal lands. Applications are done by region; the Southern region applications are due October 7th. Click here to apply or learn more.  

SCFC Program Coordinator II 

The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) is now accepting applications for a Program Coordinator II – Forest Products Marketing Specialist. This position will develop programs to promote SC manufactured forest products, assist in developing markets for timber and non-timber forest products, develop funding mechanisms, and complete grant applications. A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in forest product marketing and two years of experience is preferred. This position is located in Columbia, SC. Applications will be accepted until August 31st. Click here to apply or learn more.  

UGA Assistant Professor of Silviculture 

The University of Georgia’s (UGA) Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Professor of Silviculture. This position will focus on the sue of contemporary and advanced silviculture methods to quantify and improve forest management, with an emphasis on pine plantations in the southern US. This position is located in Athens, GA. Qualified candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in Silviculture, Forestry, or related field with a focus on forest management decision making. Applications will be reviewed on September 19. Click here to apply or learn more.  

Clemson University Research Assistant Professor National Bobwhite Quail and Grassland Initiative  

Clemson University is currently accepting applications for the National Bobwhite Quail and Grassland Initiative (NBGI) Science Coordinator. This is a non-tenure track Research Assistant Professor with specialization in Grasslands Ecology and Restoration. This position will collaborate with diverse partners to craft science-based and adaptive strategies to restore and maintain wild bobwhite quail, associated species, and their habitats on a national scale. This position is located in Clemson, SC, and has an anticipated start date of December 1st. Click here to apply or learn more.  

AFC Forest Product Economic Development Specialist 

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is now accepting applications for a Forest Product Economic Development Specialist. This position will be involved with various aspects of forest product economic development recruitment and marketing for the state of Alabama. The position will work for AFC, a state government agency, along with other economic development allies within the state for the purpose of economic development. The AFC works to protect forests, service and help landowners, and educate the general public. The expected start date for this position is October 1st. Click here to apply or to read more.  

NC State Extension Specialist 

North Carolina State University (NSCU) is currently accepting applications for an Extension Specialist in integrated pest management of mountain conifers with emphasis on insects and diseases associated with the intensive culture of Fraser fir Christmas trees. Responsibilities of this position include developing an innovative extension program in integrated pest management, and performing, designing, and supporting applied research. This position is located in Mills River, North Carolina. It opened on July 21st and will remain open until filled. Click here to read more or to apply.  

NC State Forest Manager/Silviculturist 

North Carolina State University (NCSU) is currently accepting applications for a Forest Manager/Silviculturist. This position will work under the supervision of the Executive Director of Forest Assets (EDFA) and share in the duties of overall forest management of NCSU’s ten Forest Assets, including planning and overseeing forest management operations and day-to-day oversight for all the forests. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Forestry, and preference will be given to applicants with at least two years land management experience and two years of wood procurement experience. This position is located in Raleigh, NC, and is open until filled. Click here to apply or learn more.   

USFS SRS Supervisory Technical Writer/Editor 

The US Forest Service (USFS) Southern Research Station is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Technical Writer/Editor. This position will lead the Technical Publications Team, plans work to be accomplished by the unit, and provides technical advice for in-house staff and external customers. The position will also apply substantial knowledge of the research field, performing a variety of technical writing, editing, and research duties in connection with a variety of subject areas. This position is located in Asheville, NC. Applications will be reviewed on September 1st. Click here to apply or learn more.  

Upcoming Events:  

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) is hosting the Sustainable Forestry and African American and Retention Program (SFLR) Outreach Workshops. During these workshops, forestry, agriculture, and laws experts will discuss how sustainable forestry can become a multi-generational source of revenue for landowners and how landowners can navigate matters related to heirs’ property. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will also discuss technical and financial assistance available to landowners through the USDA. Workshops will be held on the second Thursday of every month at 2 PM – 5 PM EST. Click here to register. Click here to view all upcoming events from PVAM.  

Registration is now open for the Forisk Consulting Virtual Conference focusing on maximizing returns from timberland assets and wood-using facilities. It will include tangible content that directly applies to strategic plans, market analyses, valuations, and competitive benchmarking. Click here to register.

The Florida Forest Service (FFS) is hosting a one-day free technical training to educate forestry professionals, forest landowners, and land owners about Florida’s Silviculture best management practices (BMPs) for water quality and the Forestry Wildlife BMPs for State Imperiled Species. Email robin.holland@FDACS.gov by August 19th to register. 

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) is hosting the Sustainable Forestry and African American and Retention Program (SFLR) Legal Clinics. These clinics will offer legal education to help landowners with estate planning, wills, trust agreements, title clearing, and more. Clinic will be held on June 30th, August 25th, October 27th, and December 15th from 2 PM – 4 PM EST. Click here to register. Click here to view all upcoming events from PVAM.  

The National Association of State Foresters will be hosting their annual meeting in person with upwards of 200 forestry and wildlife leaders with the opportunity to learn about new and exciting developments in the field of forestry and explore opportunities for wood product markets, sector partnerships, and emerging biotechnologies. Click here to register.  

This is a unique opportunity for climate adaptation scientists and resource managers from across the Southeast to come together and learn from one another. All resource managers, researchers, and fish and wildlife decision-makers in the Southeastern US are encouraged to attend. Abstracts are due by July 25th. The symposium will take place from September 19-21st in Gulf Shores, AL. Click here to register or learn more. 

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia (UGA) is hosting three workshops titled “The Landowner Series: Women in Forestry”. The second workshop will focus on prescribed fire. Click here to register.

The Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition (ABFFC) recently opened registration for the Sassafras Moon Herbal Festival & Forest Farming Conference. The Sassafras Moon Herbal Festival is a day full of free herbal classes and herbal product vendors. The Forest Farming Conference will be the following day with forest farming classes, networking, field sessions, and hands-on learning. The festival will be held on September 24th and the conference will be held on September 25th in Erwin, TN. Click here to register or learn more. 

Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) is hosting the Sustainable Forestry and African American and Retention Program (SFLR) Reckoning Program. The program was designed to educate minority landowners and assist them with a general understanding and addressing their property family issues. The program session also outlines an Heirs Incubator Program, which will select five families and take them through the process as cohorts with Kaiser’s Legacy Program. Programs will take place September 28th and December 14th from 2 PM – 3 PM EST. Click here to register. Click here to view all upcoming events from PVAM.  

The Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP) is joining the University of California Naturalist Statewide Conference in Tahoe City, CA from October 7-9th. There is a travel scholarship fund to support ANROSP members who may wish to participate in the conference this year. Click here to register. 

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia (UGA) is hosting three workshops titled “The Landowner Series: Women in Forestry”. The third workshop will focus on federal forest incentives. Click here to register.

The Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) is a forum held at Tuskegee University for anyone who is associated with the agricultural industry. Farmers, government representatives, and land-grant faculty or staff are encouraged to attend, engage with others in the field, and explore the latest developments in agriculture and outreach. Click here to register.  

February 23-24, 2023 | Brunswick, GA

A national event to bring together women professionals and women landowners to hear various topics to enlighten women to be engaged with their land. This symposium is for new, beginning, and experienced women landowners. There will be plenary speaker, breakout sessions, and a social reception. Click here to register.  

Landowner Liability Webinar 

The North Carolina Tree Farm Program (NCTFP) is sponsoring the Landowner Liability webinar. This webinar will focus on matters of premises liability and timber protection for forest landowners, including matters of trespass, the legal sufficiency of boundary and hazard marking, as well as disputes over boundaries and easements. This webinar will be hosted by Robert Branan, JD, Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at North Carolina State University (NCSU). There are CEUs offered by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the Georgia Master Timber Harvester – Continuing Logger Education (GaMTH CLE) program. The webinar will be held on August 31st from 1PM to 2PM EST. Click here to register. 

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