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Storymap Shows Impacts of Hurricane Ian on South Carolina 

In September, Hurricane Ian devastated southwest Florida, but it also had major Impacts on South Carolina (SC). However, the SC region received less media attention. A Storymap produced by the Charleston National Weather Service (NWS) shows the impacts of Hurricane Island on South Carolina, including flooding, wind damage, and more. The Storymap connects the early and late forecasts as well as the projected tracking of the storm, unpredicted changes and effects. It also provides answers to why the storm curved back into the SC coast after early projections tracked it heading in a different direction. Storymaps are a novel way of conveying information about a variety of topics including disaster response, forestry, and other Extension outreach efforts. Click here to view the Charleston NWS Storymap. 

New Southern Fire Exchange Factsheets Available 

The Southeastern Fire Exchange (SFE) recently announced the addition of several new factsheets to their website. These factsheets include ones on prescribed fire liability, hurricane impacts on prescribed fire, air quality, and more. Over 50 factsheets are now available on the SFE website. Anyone who utilizes prescribed fire, works with wildland fire, or is interested in fire as a whole, is encouraged to view these factsheets. Click here to access the SFE website. 

SESAF 2023 Announced 

The 2023 Southeastern Society of American Foresters (SESAF) meeting was recently announced. The topic of this meeting will be “challenges and opportunities in the forest industry”. Approximately 8 hours of Category 1 CFE credits for SAF Certified Forester certification and State Registered Forester License continuing education requirements will be available at the conference. Foresters, landowners, and others interested in forestry are encouraged to attend. The meeting will take place February 15-17 in Panama City Beach, FL. Click here to learn more. 

SE Regional Partnership for Planning & Sustainability Website Update 

The Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) recently unveiled a new website design. This update allows easier access to resources, strategic plans, and focus areas, and other SERPPAS resources. The mission of SERPPAS is to seize opportunities and solve problems in value-adding ways that provide mutual and multiple benefits to the partners, sustain the individual and collective missions of partner organizations, and secure the future for all partners, the region, and the nation. SERPPAS’ member agencies include the USFS, US Geological Survey, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Office of the Secretary of Defense, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as numerous state forestry, natural resource and environmental quality agencies. Their focus areas include: Sentinel landscapes in the Southeast; At-Risk, Threatened and Endangered species; SE Prescribed Fire Initiative; Coastal Resilience and Regional Adaptation; and Energy Development and Siting. Click here to view the SERPPAS website. 

ApSAF 2023 Call for Exhibitors, Sponsors   

The Appalachian Society of American Foresters (ApSAF) recently released a call for exhibitors and sponsors for the 2023 Winter ApSAF meeting. ApSAF is one of 31 regional entities that comprise the SAF. The winter meeting serves as a gathering for ApSAF members so that they may share regional science and technology updates, access continuing education opportunities, connect with other regional foresters, and more. The meeting will take place January 25-27 in Columbia, South Carolina. All foresters and natural resource professionals are encouraged to attend. Registration details will be available at a later date. Those interested in exhibiting at ApSAF should click here. Those interested in sponsoring ApSAF should click here. 

Southeastern SAF Awards of Excellence Nominations Due 

The Southeastern chapter of the Society of American Foresters (SESAF) is currently accepting Awards of Excellence nominations. These awards include: Research and Development, General Practice of Forestry, and Public Education and Technology Transfer. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in southeastern forestry. Awardees will be recognized at the SESAF meeting in February 2023. Click here to learn more or to submit a nomination. 

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 Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a nationwide prospective customer survey for farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey will help USDA enhance support, improve programs and services, increase access, and advance equity for new and existing customers. All farmers, ranchers and forest managers are encouraged to take the survey. USDA would especially like to hear from prospective customers: those who don’t know about USDA or have yet to work with USDA, and those who were unable to participate in the past. The survey is completely anonymous, will take about 10 minutes to complete, is available in multiple languages, and will be open until March 31, 2023. The survey focuses on gathering feedback about the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency. Click here to learn more or to access the survey. 

PLT’s Green Mentor Program Seeks Mentees and Mentors 

The Project Learning Tree (PLT) Green Mentor Program is in need of mentees and mentors for the February-July 2023 cohort. The PLT Green Mentor program connects youth (ages 18-30) with green jobs professionals across the United States. It helps create a highly valuable relationship, where the mentee expands their forest and conservation knowledge, career goals and networks, and the mentor fosters the next generation of leaders, shares advice and gains a new perspective. Mentee-mentor pairs work virtually on goals to challenge and help each other grow. The PLT team helps nurture the mentorship relationships with monthly career exploration topics, discussion questions, an online course, and worksheets. Mentees can also partake in monthly themed workshops on topics like resume building, networking, elevator pitches, and more. This is a six month, 2-3 hours/month commitment that will begin in February 2023. Applications for mentees and mentors are due on November 21st. Click here to learn more. 

New Summary on Forest Carbon Accounting Methods from American Forest Foundation 

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) recently released a new summary regarding forest carbon accounting methods. This includes a recently approved, first-of-its-kind method, developed by AFF and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for use by the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP). This methodology was approved by Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard, the world’s most widely used voluntary greenhouse gas program, after a rigorous, multi-year evaluation process. This methodology uses a dynamic baseline instead of projected baseline, and compares the carbon sequestered on lands enrolled in a carbon program to a control group, or synthetic composite, of highly similar forests that are not enrolled in the program. This allows users to measure the difference between forests over time and provides proof of additionality. A project has additionality only if the carbon sequestration and storage would not have occurred absent the project. The FFCP is currently enrolling landowners in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia with plans to expand to additional regions next year. The program will hold its first measurement and verification cycle using the new methodology in early 2023, leading to the first transfer of verified carbon credits to buyers thereafter. Click here to learn more about forest carbon accounting methodologies and the FFCP. 

2023 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference 

The 2023 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference was recently announced. This conference will bring together public and private sector educators, crop insurance agents, lenders, and other agricultural professionals to share ongoing and emerging successful risk management education efforts that target agricultural producers and their families. Conference participants will learn about what is working to help producers effectively manage the financial, production, marketing, legal and human risks associated with their agribusinesses. This conference will be held March 27-29 in Chicago, IL. More information will be available at a later date. Click here to view the Save The Date for this conference. 

USFS, NFFE Stand Behind Burn Boss Arrested by Local Sheriff in WA 

In October, a United States Forest Service (USFS) Burn Boss was arrested in Grant County, Washington, when a prescribed burn escaped the burn unit and spread to an adjacent parcel of private property. USFS Burn Boss Rick Snodgrass had initially called local law enforcement to assist with harassment his crews were experiencing from the public. When law enforcement did approach Snodgrass, it was shortly after the burn had escaped onto private property. Snodgrass was arrested on a charge of reckless burning, a Class A misdemeanor. This marks the first time that a USFS Burn Boss has been arrested while performing their job. Despite Snodgrass being removed from the scene, his crews were able to contain the burn within an hour of it occurring. Both the USFS and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) have released statements in support of Snodgrass, who has since been released from jail. “It is not normal for a local sheriff to arrest a working fire commander during an incident,” wrote NFFE President Randy Erwin. “In doing so, the sheriff may have violated federal law that makes it a felony to interfere with a federal employee during their official duties, and the sheriff may have opened the county to massive liability for a civil rights violation for unlawfully detaining and removing (Snodgrass).” USFS Chief Randy Moore issued a statement defending Snodgrass, calling the arrest “highly inappropriate under these circumstances.” Moore also stated that he will “not stand idly by” and will defend all USFS employees carrying out their duties. Prescribed fire practitioners, both federal and private, have expressed concern over this landmark arrest. The arrest and removal of Snodgrass put his crews at risk by disrupting the chain of command. If Snodgrass is officially charged with reckless burning, it may set a devastating precedent that discourages others from conducting prescribed burns, for fear that they too may be arrested. A court date has not yet been set for Snodgrass. Click here to read the NFFE press release. Click here to read an article from Wildfire Today, which includes commentary from Snodgrass and other involved parties. 

2023 Timberland Investment Conference 

The 2023 Timberland Investment Conference was recently announced. Join forestry experts to learn about changes in policies, economics, markets, and investments. The intended audience for this conference is managers of public and private funds, TIMOs, REITs, and family offices; attorneys, banks, lenders, consultants, and other forest industry experts. The conference will be held March 8-9 on Amelia Island, FL. Click here to learn more.

USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently launched a new Loan Assistance Tool. The goal of the tool is to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. USDA provides access to credit to approximately 115,000 producers who cannot obtain sufficient commercial credit through direct and guaranteed farm loans. USDA experiences a high rate of incomplete or withdrawn applications, particularly among underserved customers, due in part to a challenging and lengthy paper-based application process. The Loan Assistance Tool is available 24/7 and gives customers an online step-by-step guide that supplements the support they receive when working in person with a USDA employee, providing materials that may help an applicant prepare their loan application in one tool. This newly uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances. Click here to learn more about, or to access, the tool. 

2022 CIFOR-ICRAF Tree Photo Competition 

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) recently announced their 2022 photo competition. The theme of this year’s competition is “Trees, Biodiversity, Life”. Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to submit photographs. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for photos that highlight the role of forests and trees in ensuring a thriving environment. These can include photos of trees in forests, trees on farms, trees in landscapes and trees and people or any subject that depicts why trees matter to all forms of life on Earth. Participants can win up to $500 USD. Submissions are due by November 18th. Click here to learn more. 

Sparking Solutions: Wildfire Risk and Insurance 

Join Resources for the Future (RFF) for a webinar on wildfire risks and insurance options. Wildfire insurance is a useful tool to shield homeowners from the devastating impacts of wildfires. However, in some high-risk areas —particularly in California—it has become difficult to obtain an affordable policy. Some insurance companies have begun to charge higher premiums, increase deductibles, limit payouts, and even decline to write a policy at all. In these instances, homeowners can turn to Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans, but these options are typically expensive and provide less coverage. In this webinar, experts will discuss the important role that insurance plays in sending signals about risk, how to balance that with equity and affordability, and what options exist for handling the growing problem of insuring wildfire risks. The webinar will take place November 30th at 12:00 PM EST. Click here to learn more. 

Fueling Collaboration Webinar Series 

Fueling Collaboration is a series of monthly interactive wildland fire panel discussions hosted by the Eastern US Fire Science Exchanges. Each session features a panel of fire managers, fire scientists, and experts, discussing the unique challenges and solutions to wildland fire management in the Eastern US. Anyone interested in wildland fire is encouraged to attend. The next live airing of Fueling Collaboration will be on December 15th at 11:00 AM EST, where wildland fire professionals will discuss the interactions between wildland fire and aquatic environments. Click here to register or to learn more. Previous Fueling Collaboration webinars are available for viewing here. 

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

Southern Risk Management Education Center Educational Funding, Including Xmas & Specialty Trees   

The Southern Risk Management Education Center recently announced a competitive funding opportunity for educational projects designed to help agricultural producers improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies. This includes producers of specialty trees, such as nut trees or Christmas trees. Project proposals should address any of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal, or human. The Southern Center will consider applications in two categories: 1) 18-month Education Projects (awards of up to $50,000) to be conducted between April 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024, and 2) Exploratory Projects (awards of up to $5,000) to support planning, development, and piloting efforts that could lead to a future educational project to be conducted between March 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023. Funding will not exceed $50,000. Eligible applicants include land-grant universities, Cooperative Extension, and qualified public or private groups. Projects must be based in the southern region of the United States. All applications for funding must be submitted by November 17th. Click here to learn more.  

North America Biochar Industry and Stakeholder Assessment RFP 

As part of efforts to expand biochar production and markets on behalf of the United States Forest Service (USFS), US Endowment for Forestry and Communities (the Endowment) and the US Biochar Initiative (USBI), the Endowment has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an industry survey and needs assessment. The goal is to hire an external consultant to conduct the survey and needs assessment. The consultant is encouraged to be creative and propose a scope of work that will include a survey of existing industry status, evaluation of potential markets, current product development status, including a needs assessment developed through engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. The target date for completion of this work is July 2023. Proposals may be submitted by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and for-profit companies and consultants. The proposal and all attachments should be submitted via the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities grantee portal by November 18, 2022. Award(s) will be made by late December 2022 with final deliverables expected by late July 2023. Click here to access the RFP. 

USDA Extends Application Deadline for Projects Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access for Underserved Producers 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it will extend the deadline for stakeholder organizations to submit applications for innovative projects that help increase underserved producers’ access to land, capital, and markets. Projects should be innovative and help move underserved producers move from surviving to thriving. Projects must focus on strengthening land access with at least one of the following related areas of concern: access to capital that affect the ability to acquire or use land; market access concerns that affect the ability to access land; or a combination of one or more of land, capital, and market access concerns. This includes forestry projects that address land access. Eligible applicants include government entities, Native American Tribal organizations, not-for-profit educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Funding will be provided across four funding tiers: national (up to 40 million), mid-sized (up to 15 million), regional (up to 8.5 million), and local/state/territorial (up to 2.5 million). The new deadline for applications is Nov. 18, 2022. Click here to learn more.  

USDA Strategic Economic and Community Development Funding 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking applications for Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) funding. SECD supports projects that promote and implement strategic community investment plans. These plans use the unique strengths of rural communities to advance prosperity. USDA Rural Development helps finance these projects to build community prosperity by using community assets, identifying resources, convening partners and leveraging federal, state, local or private funding. Current project focuses include water and waste disposal loan programs, rural business development grants, and community connect grant programs. Each of the participating covered programs has different established deadlines for receipt of applications. The website for the respective agency or program’s federal register will indicate the deadline. More information can also be found at the USDA Rural developments’ state offices, which can be found here. Deadlines are based on the respective program’s deadline. Click here to learn more.

MSU CRP Menu Research Program Manager 

Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking a Research Program Manager for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Menu Project. The incumbent will serve as lead coordinator for development of the CRP Menu Tool, and administration/co-administration of a project team as appropriate. Applicants should have an interest in agricultural conservation and excellent communication, organization, and facilitation skills to lead a team of professionals working on development of the CRP Menu Tool and to engage closely with private landowners and state/federal agency staff in a scientific co-production framework. This is a full-time, 2-year position. It is located in Starkville, MS. Applications will remain open until the position has been filled. Click here to learn more. 

UMD Extension Forest Management Specialist 

The University of Maryland (UMD) is seeking to hire a Forest Management Specialist within the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Forest Management Specialist serves statewide and provides leadership for educational program development, delivery, and evaluation on a variety of forestry and natural resources topics for stakeholders such as woodland owners, professional natural resource managers, policymakers, conservation groups, and others. This a full-time, tenure-track, 100% Extension position. Applications are due by December 4th. Click here to learn more. 

NCSU Open Rank T/TT Faculty - Emerging Plant Disease and Global Food Security Cluster 

North Carolina State University (NCSU) is seeking a candidate for an open rank tenure track faculty position to expand the interdisciplinary faculty cluster on “Emerging Plant Disease and Global Food Security” (EPDGFS). The cluster faculty develop new knowledge to better understand the fundamental basis of emerging infectious diseases caused by pathogens of plants including the development of tools. Candidates should have expertise on plant pathogenic oomycetes including Phytophthora species and fungi. Hiring may occur at the level of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor ranks. The position will be based out of Raleigh, NC. Applications will remain open until the position has been filled. Click here to learn more. 

USFS SRS Research Economist or Research Forester  

The United States Forest Service (USFS) Southern Research Station (SRS) is seeking a Research Economist or Research Forester to conduct research within the Forest Economics and Policy Work Unit. This is a single position whose title (Research Economist or Research Forester) will depend on the qualifications of the selected individual. This is a permanent, full-time position. The position is located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Applications are due by November 22nd. Click here to learn more or apply. 

Upcoming Events:  

Wildland and Prescribed Fire Training for Veterans and First Responders 

America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors (AHERO), in partnership with Tall Timbers, Alabama Extension, and other agencies, will soon host a training event exclusively for veterans and first responders. The camp will provide 30 participants with training in wildland fire and prescribed burn management, while also connecting them with like-minded individuals, giving them a sense of purpose and a chance to assist with conservation in Alabama. Veterans and first responders interested in working with wildland or prescribed fire are encouraged to attend. Those interested should click here. 

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.  

Certified Arborist Prep Course and Review 

Registration is now open for the Certified Arborist Prep Course and Review. This course is hosted by the NC Urban Forest Council, NC Cooperative Extension, and the Southern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). ISA and NC pesticide CEUs will be available. The course will be held December 14-15 in Greensboro, NC. Click here to learn more. 

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.  

Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council Annual Meeting 

The 2022 Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council meeting was recently announced. This year’s meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with in-person activities taking place in Kissimmee, FL. The meeting is intended for anyone who uses, or is interested in using, prescribed fire in central Florida. Attend either in person or virtually to receive Florida Certified Burn Manager and/or Society of American Foresters Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) credit. The meeting will take place on December 16th. Click here to learn more or register. 

The Appalachian Society of American Foresters (ApSAF) has announced their 2023 meeting. The meeting will take place January 25-27 in Columbia, South Carolina. All foresters and natural resource professionals are encouraged to attend. Registration details will be available at a later date. Those interested in exhibiting at ApSAF should click here.

The 2023 Southeastern Society of American Foresters (SESAF) meeting was recently announced. The topic of this meeting will be “challenges and opportunities in the forest industry”. Approximately 8 hours of Category 1 CFE credits for SAF Certified Forester certification and State Registered Forester License continuing education requirements will be available at the conference. The meeting will take place February 15-17 in Panama City Beach, FL. Click here to learn more. 

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.  

The 2023 Georgia Climate Conference was recently announced. The Georgia Climate Conference aims to support and accelerate Georgia’s efforts to take practical steps to minimize the risks and maximize the opportunities associated with a changing climate. The conference will bring together attendees representing multiple sectors and areas of expertise to collaborate, raise awareness of work across the state, highlight progress, and identify opportunities to do more. The conference will take place May 15-17 in Athens, GA. Click here to learn more. 

2023 Timberland Investment Conference 

The 2023 Timberland Investment Conference was recently announced. Join forestry experts to learn about changes in policies, economics, markets, and investments. The intended audience for this conference is managers of public and private funds, TIMOs, REITs, and family offices; attorneys, banks, lenders, consultants, and other forest industry experts. The conference will be held March 8-9 on Amelia Island, FL. Click here to learn more.

2023 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference 

The 2023 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference was recently announced. This conference will bring together public and private sector educators, crop insurance agents, lenders, and other agricultural professionals to share ongoing and emerging successful risk management education efforts that target agricultural producers and their families. This conference will be held March 27-29 in Chicago, IL. More information will be available at a later date. Click here to view the Save The Date for this conference. 

Upcoming Webinars 

Sparking Solutions: Wildfire Risk and Insurance 

Join Resources for the Future (RFF) for a webinar on wildfire risks and insurance options. Wildfire insurance is a useful tool to shield homeowners from the devastating impacts of wildfires. However, in some high-risk areas —particularly in California—it has become difficult to obtain an affordable policy. Some insurance companies have begun to charge higher premiums, increase deductibles, limit payouts, and even decline to write a policy at all. In these instances, homeowners can turn to Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans, but these options are typically expensive and provide less coverage. In this webinar, experts will discuss the important role that insurance plays in sending signals about risk, how to balance that with equity and affordability, and what options exist for handling the growing problem of insuring wildfire risks. The webinar will take place November 30th at 12:00 PM EST. Click here to learn more. 

Fueling Collaboration Webinar Series 

Fueling Collaboration is a series of monthly interactive wildland fire panel discussions hosted by the Eastern US Fire Science Exchanges. Each session features a panel of fire managers, fire scientists, and experts, discussing the unique challenges and solutions to wildland fire management in the Eastern US. Anyone interested in wildland fire is encouraged to attend. The next live airing of Fueling Collaboration will be on December 15th at 11:00 AM EST, where wildland fire professionals will discuss the interactions between wildland fire and aquatic environments. Click here to register or to learn more. Previous Fueling Collaboration webinars are available for viewing here. 

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