SUBSCRIBE | SREF.INFO | CONTACT

Want to see all upcoming and past events in one place? Check out the SREF event calendar here!

Clemson & NCSU Forestry Extension Host Forest Health Virtual Workshop 

Clemson University Extension is hosting a virtual workshop on forest health this month. Native and non-native pests have enormous impacts on southern forests, with mitigation and management costs reaching billions of dollars per year. Identifying, understanding, and managing pests is critical to maintaining a healthy, productive forest. Join Clemson Extension Forest Health Specialist Dr. David Coyle and North Carolina State Extension Forest Health Specialist Dr. Kelly Oten to learn more about these pests, invasive plants, and their management. The workshop will be divided into two sessions. The first session will focus on native pests of pine trees, invasive plants, and tree health. The second session will focus of pests of hardwood trees, and invasive forests pests. Sessions will take place on September 8, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and September 15, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. CEUs will be available, and there is a small fee for each session. Foresters, land managers, and those interested in forest management are encouraged to attend. Click here to register or learn more. 

Central Alabama PBA Meeting 

The Central Alabama will soon host their annual meeting. The Central Alabama Prescribed Burn Association (PBA), which serves 25 counties in Alabama are hosting their annual meeting this month. This meeting will include topics such as increasing awareness of the association & NRCS programs, membership, and developing burn plans for each county. The meeting will take place September 15th, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, in Tuskegee, AL. Participants are asked to please RSVP to Lee Stuckey at lstuckey@talltimbers.org by September 9th. Click here to learn more. Find more information on this PBA here.  

Hot Topics in Prescribed Fire, UF SFFGS & FLSAF Fall Symposium  

The Florida chapter of the Society of American Foresters (FLSAF), in partnership with the Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences (SFFGS) will soon host a symposium titled “Hot Topics in Prescribed Fire”. Topics will include the latest updates on prescribed fire practices, fire weather, planning tools, Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) resources, and more. SAF CEU’s are pending approval. All forestry and natural resources professionals are encouraged to attend. The symposium will take place October 11-12 in Gainesville, FL. Click here to register or learn more. 

CEUs Finalized for Great NC Tree Conference 

Organizers of the Great North Carolina Tree Conference, which focuses on urban and community forestry, recently announced that all CEUs have been finalized for the conference. CEUs are available from the Society of American Foresters (SAF), the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and several North Carolina agencies. This is an excellent opportunity for southeastern foresters who want to connect with others and earn CEUs. The conference theme is “Back to Basics” and will include talks such as “Finding the Best Trees for Urban and Suburban Landscapes”, “Using Trees to Protect Water Quality”, and “Soil Management Basics for Urban Trees”. The conference will take place September 15-16 in Greensboro, NC. Urban foresters, landscape architects, and others interested in urban forestry are encouraged to attend. Click here to register or learn more. 

UF Forestry Extension Professor Coauthors Book on Bark Beetles 

The book, The Surprising Lives of Bark Beetles: Mighty Foresters of the Insect World, coauthored by University of Florida Extension entomology professor Jiri Hulcr has just been published by University of Florida press. While the bark beetle has often been viewed through a negative lens due to its negative impacts on the forestry industry, Hulcr not only explains the negative impacts of the beetle, but also its fascinating life. Reviewers described the book as “unconventional and downright funny to read,” as well as “packed with scientific information, but written in a lighthearted way that allows any reader to understand.” The book also includes fantastic photographs that support the content. The book is intended for anyone interested in Bark beetle management, including landowners, foresters, and students, however, it is recommended for anyone interested in natural history, insects, etc. Click here to learn more or to find the book from the University of Florida Press.  

Registration Now Open for Georgia Prescribed Fire Council Meeting 

Registration is now open for the annual Georgia Prescribed Fire Council (GPFC) meeting. Anyone who practices prescribed fire in Georgia is encouraged to attend. Planned talks for this meeting include “Back to the Basics: A Brief Refresher in Prescribed Fire Safety”, “The State of Fire in Georgia”, and “Reintroduction of Prescribed Fire to Fire Suppressed Southern Pines”. CEUs will be available from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and for Georgia Master Timber Harvesters. The meeting will take place September 29th in Tifton, GA. Click here to learn more or register. 

SREF Instagram 

In addition to maintaining the sref.info website and Facebook page, SREF maintains an Instagram presence where we share information about upcoming workshops, conferences, meetings, and more. Those interested are encouraged to follow the Instagram page at @soforestryext or by clicking here.  

USDA Announces New Resource Guides, Including Forestry, for Tribal Governments, Citizens, and Organizations 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released the newest editions of the USDA Resource Guide for American Indians and Alaska Natives 2022. Each of these guides provides valuable information to Indian Country and can serve as a roadmap of USDA resources and services available to tribal governments, citizens, and organizations. These guides address USDA programs across four categories, including: forestry, agriculture, economic development, and research, extension, and outreach. Tribal nations have unique legal and land status that can make accessing federal programs challenging, making these updated guides an important resource. Click here to learn more or to access the guides. 

5th National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop 

The 5th annual National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management strategy workshop was recently announced. The title of this workshop is “Keeping Pace with Reality: Boldly Embracing the Challenges and Undertaking the Hard Work”. This workshop will provide practitioners and decision-makers with tools and ideas that support positive fire outcomes and identify opportunities for accelerated Cohesive Strategy implementation. The workshop will be in a hybrid format, with both online events and in-person events in Asheville, NC. Anyone who is interested in wildland fire management is encouraged to attend. The workshop will take place November 14-18. Click here to learn more, access the full agenda, or to register. 

Summit on Tribal Forestry for Students (Hybrid Event) 

The Tribal Forestry Student Summit is a hybrid event co-hosted by Northern Arizona University, the Ecological Restoration Institute, Intertribal Timber Council, SKC TREES, The Nature Conservancy, and Ecotrust. The theme of the summit is “Investing in the Future of Tribal Forest Resources Management and Wildland Fire”. The summit features in-person and virtual participation options, to address tribal workforce development. This summit is designed for students in forestry or related resource management programs across the country. Students are encouraged to apply by September 9th, as applications submitted by then will be eligible for travel funds to cover transportation and lodging. The summit will take place October 12-14. In-person portions of this hybrid summit will take place in Flagstaff, AZ. Click here to learn more or apply. 

Call for Nominations for the Natl Urban & Comm. Forestry Advisory Council  

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) has announced an open call for nominations for all non-USFS positions on the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC). This council assists with the development of a national urban and community forestry action plan, evaluation and implementation of the plan, and development of criteria for, and submitting recommendations with respect to, the urban and community forestry challenge cost-share program. Nominations will be accepted until October 14th. There are 14 available positions. Click here to submit a nomination or to learn more.  

Using a Sawmill to Fight Wildfires in California 

California will soon gain a new tool to aid them in the fight against wildfires. Ground was recently broken on a large sawmill near Lake Tahoe, California. Sawmills are a rare sight in the state after historical consolidation of sawmills and a decline in timber harvesting across the state. But these locations can serve as a valuable and often underlooked source of wildfire reduction. A lack of timber harvesting often means there is an overabundance of small-diameter timber. This timber can serve as serious fuel for wildfires. Natural resource professionals around Lake Tahoe hope to use the sawmill to increase the removal of this small-diameter timber, therefore lowering the amount of fuel available to wildfires. Tahoe Forest Products, the company which is breaking ground on the sawmill, intends to process 40-50 million board feet of lumber per year. Most of the wood will initially be taken from trees that were killed in the massive Caldor fire that blazed through 221,000 acres in the Tahoe area in 2021. Click here to read more.

Comment on the 2024-2028 National Woodland Owner Survey & Learn How the Data is Used  

Foresters and natural resource professionals are encouraged to attend the upcoming virtual National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS) meetings. The NWOS is part of the United States Forest Service (USFS) Forestry Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. The NWOS has been conducted since 1978, with topics varying but typically including ownership objectives, forest management, and forest/land characteristics. Approximately 6,000 landowners are surveyed every year. The NWOS serves as the social complement to the biophysical forest inventories and economic mill surveys FIA conducts. At these meetings, attendees will learn how data from the survey is used and will have an opportunity to provide comments on the current 2024-2028 NWOS draft. Continuing education credits will also be available from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) for attendees. Meetings will take place October 4-7, all at 1:00 PM EST. Click here to register or learn more. 

NASF Releases Third Installment of “Tree Stories” Film Series 

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) recently released the third installment of their short film series, “Tree Stories”. Tree Stories, which debuted in 2021, is intended to illustrate the different bonds that people enjoy with trees. The third installment, “Tree Hunter”, tells the story of how one family, across several generations, has cared for champion trees, and in the process, enriched the lives of their neighbors. Other installments profile the coconut trees raised by the University of Hawai’i and foresters impacted by Hurricane Michael. NASF is currently seeking input and ideas for the series. Those interested in watching Tree Stories, or providing input, can learn more here. 

Federation Announces USDA Partnership to Provide Heirs Property Relending Program Outreach, Technical Assistance 

The Federation of Southern Cooperative/Land (the Federation) recently announced its newly signed, multi-year Cooperative Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged Black farmers and farmers of color. This Cooperative Agreement will allow the Federation to expand outreach and technical assistance on the Heirs Property Relending Program (HPRP) nationwide. There is currently more than $100 million dollars available for these loans according to a recent USDA press release. The Federation will be hiring a loan fund manager to help Community Development Funding Institution's develop best practices. The Federation will also hire 7 land retention specialists to assist heirs with loan applications. Additionally, this Cooperative Agreement provides funding that will allow the Federation's Legal Fellows to become full-time staff, providing estate planning and legal referral services to heirs. Click here to read the full press release from the Federation. 

FAC Network Relaunches Resource Hub 

The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FAC Net) recently announced the relaunch of FireAdapted.org, a resource hub for fire adapted communities. A variety of resources are available, including tools for homeowners, guides on increasing community engagement, and where to find additional tools. A Spanish language version of the website is also in the works. While the resource hub is still in development, it is still a valuable resource for those interested in fire adapted communities. Click here to access the resource hub. 

Turning Fire Risk into Financial Reward with Small-Diameter Timber 

The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) recently published an article titled “Turning Fire Risk into Financial Reward”. PERC is a conservation and research institute dedicated to free market environmentalism. Their recent article explores how the removal of small-diameter timber, which is commonplace on publicly managed land, can drastically reduce fire risk while also providing economic benefit. In particular, the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) has successfully worked to increase the removal and use of small-diameter timber in Southwestern forests. Small-diameter timber is believed to increase wildfire risk as it can serve as a ladder fuel, allowing wildfires to jump from the understory into the canopy. Uses of small-diameter timber include oriented strand board (OSB), a low-cost alternative to plywood, and biochar, a forest byproduct that can be used to improve soil quality. Foresters and landowners alike may be interested in learning more about the benefits of removing small-diameter timber. Click here to read the full PERC article. 

USDA Agroforestry Webinar Series Launches 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agroforestry Center recently announced the launch of a unique 10-part webinar series, which will highlight how different USDA programs can be used to advance agroforestry adoption. Each webinar will include one USDA representative and one program particpants who has used the program to enhance their agroforestry work. Highlighted programs include the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conversation Innovation Grant program and the USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration program. These webinars are intended to help landowners, agroforesters, and others learn how to best utilize various USDA programs. On the first Friday of each month, beginning September 2nd 2022 and running through June 2nd 2023, this series will highlight a different USDA program. All webinars will take place 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST. Participation is free, but registration is required. Webinar recordings will be made available once each webinar has passed. Click here to learn more or register. 

Challenges and Success in Urban Wood with NC Urban Wood Group  

The NC Urban Wood Group, in partnership with the NC Urban Forest Council, will soon host a webinar titled “Challenges and Success in Urban Wood”. Topics covered during this webinar will include: best management practices for urban wood businesses, success stories, sawing and drying urban wood, and where to find more urban wood resources. While designed by foresters in North Carolina, the topics addressed here are applicable to foresters across the Southeast. The webinar is free to attend and will take place September 8, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Click here to learn more or 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.  

RFP: EPA Technical Assistance Centers to Support Underserved Communities 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a request for proposals for the establishment of Environmental Justice (EJ) Thriving Community Technical Assistance Centers. The Centers will provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support to underserved communities with environmental justice concerns and their partners. They will also assist communities with navigating federal systems such as Grants.gov and SAM.gov, effectively managing and leveraging grant funding, and translation and interpretation services for limited English-speaking participants. This opportunity is available to public and private universities and colleges; public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations; and collaborating tribal governments. Awards will be issued as cooperative agreements and EPA will be substantially involved in the operation of the centers. $11 million in funding is being provided by the EPA. Applications are due on October 4, 2022. Click here to learn more. 

NCSU College of Natural Resources Director of Continuing and Professional Education 

North Carolina State University (NCSU) is seeking a Director of Continuing and Professional Education for their College of Natural Resources. This is a full-time position. The incumbent will assist the college in the development, oversight and success of continuing and professional educational programs and providing information and support on a wide range of activities related to the promotion and positioning of their broader continuing and professional education program. This position is located in Raleigh, NC. Application reviews will begin on September 15th. Click here to learn more or apply. 

USDA ARS Biochar, Soil Postdoc 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently announced a forestry-related postdoctoral appointment. The primary research areas for this position are biochar applications and manufacturing, soil amending and remediation, and similar areas of research. This position is managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). It is located in New Orleans, LA. The position will close once a suitable applicant has been identified. Interested individuals should contact Isabela Lima at isabela.lima@usda.gov or at 504-286-4515. 

USFS Region 8 Women in Wildfire Handcrew Supervisors 

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is seeking to hire one Handcrew Supervisor and one Assistant Supervisor in Region 8. These positions will supervise an 8–10-women's wildfire crew, provide training and development for interns in prescribed fire, and instruct entry-level National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses. These are temporary, 1-year positions, with potential for extension. The duty station for these positions is Clemson, SC. Women working in prescribed fire and wildfire are encouraged to apply. Click here to apply or learn more. 

TDF FIA Foresters 

The Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) is seeking two Forestry Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Foresters. The first position is a full-time Forester 2 position in Knox County, TN. The second position is a full-time, temporary Forester 1 position in Knox County, TN. Applications close on September 6th for both positions. Click here to learn more or apply. 

The United States Forest Service (USFS) intends to hire one Research Economist or Research Forester. to conduct research in forest business administration and conservation finance. This is a permanent, full time position at the GS-12 level. This position was previously advertised in the spring; there is now a new application period, and applicants from the previous cycle will need to re-apply if they wish to be considered. The duty station for this position is Research Triangle Park, NC. Applicants must apply by September 19th. Click here to 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.  

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.  

USDA Agroforestry Webinar Series Launches 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agroforestry Center recently announced the launch of a unique 10-part webinar series, which will highlight how different USDA programs can be used to advance agroforestry adoption. Each webinar will include one USDA representative and one program particpants who has used the program to enhance their agroforestry work. Highlighted programs include the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conversation Innovation Grant program and the USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration program. These webinars are intended to help landowners, agroforesters, and others learn how to best utilize various USDA programs. On the first Friday of each month, beginning September 2nd 2022 and running through June 2nd 2023, this series will highlight a different USDA program. All webinars will take place 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST. Participation is free, but registration is required. Webinar recordings will be made available once each webinar has passed. Click here to learn more or register. 

Challenges and Success in Urban Wood with NC Urban Wood Group  

The NC Urban Wood Group, in partnership with the NC Urban Forest Council, will soon host a webinar titled “Challenges and Success in Urban Wood”. Topics covered during this webinar will include: best management practices for urban wood businesses, success stories, sawing and drying urban wood, and where to find more urban wood resources. While designed by foresters in North Carolina, the topics addressed here are applicable to foresters across the Southeast. The webinar is free to attend and will take place September 8, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Click here to learn more or register. 

Southern Regional Extension Forestry | www.sref.info | lboby@sref.info