ISSUE 144: WEEK OF January 23rd, 2022
Recent News
Regional News
  • UK Extension Forestry & White Oak Initiative Release “Landowners for Oaks” Factsheets 
  • Save the Date: 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit 
  • VA Tech Forestry Extension Hosts Series of Landowner Retreat/Workshops 


Highlighted SREF Resource
  • SREF Lead Quoted in WAPO Article About Happiness of Forestry as Profession 
  • Revisit Timber Tax Information for Forest Landowners From 2022 Woodland Stewards’ Webinar Series 

National News
  • Annual Tax Tips for Forest Landowners with USFS 
  • 2021 National Prescribed Fire Use Report Released 
  • Heirs’ Property Training for Land-Grant Professionals    
  • Women in Forestry Virtual Summit Announced 
  • World Forum on Urban Forests: Call for Abstracts 
  • 2023 ANREP Award Nominations Now Open 
 

Webinars
  • NC Community Tree Webinars 
  • Quantifying Biodiversity Co-Benefits with NCX 
  • Intro to Forest Carbon Markets and Conservation with Carbon 
  • Understanding Successful Prescribed Fire Agreements with SFE and SERPPAS 

Funding Opportunities
  • DEADLINE EXTENDED: USFS Wood Innovations RFP: Temporary Bridge Programs 
  • DEADLINE EXTENDED: Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund RFP   
  • Texas Community Forestry Competitive Grant RFP   
  • Woodard and Curran Foundation Watershed Protection/Water Resources Management RFP 
  • 2023 Enviva Forest Conservation Fund RFP 

Job Opportunities
  • USFS SRS Science Writer Opportunity 
  • TDF Seeks Three Area Foresters 
  • USFS Seeks Multiple Urban & Community Forestry Program Specialists 
  • MS State University Extension/Assistant Professor of Forestry
Want to see all upcoming events in one place? Check out the SREF event calendar here!
Regional News
UK Extension Forestry & White Oak Initiative Release “Landowners for Oaks” Factsheets 
The University of Kentucky (UK) Extension Forestry & White Oak Initiative have released a series of factsheets entitled “Landowners for Oaks”. The Landowners for Oaks series provides forest landowners and others with important information about white oak trees and good forest management practices within upland oak forests. There are currently 11 publications in the series. Topics covered include identifying oak species, understanding the importance of white oaks, and oak management. Oak trees play an important role in southeastern ecosystems and are considered to be a highly valuable source of forage for wildlife. Landowners, foresters, and those interested in oak conservation are encouraged to review these free publications. Click here to access them. 

Save the Date: 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit 
The 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit was recently announced. This years’ Summit will be held in partnership with the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) Virginia Chapter, the Virginia Forestry Association, and the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Virginia Division. The Summit will take place April 26-28 in Williamsburg, VA. Registration and additional details will be available in February. Click here to view the Summit website. 
VA Tech Forestry Extension Hosts Series of Landowner Retreat/Workshops 
Virginia Tech (VT) Forestry Extension will soon host a series of landowner retreats, woods, and wildlife conferences, across multiple locations. Two Woods and Wildlife Conferences are planned for February, one in Wytheville (February 11th) and one in Culpeper (February 25th). These conferences provide landowners with information, tools, and personal contacts to keep their woods, and the wildlife that live in them, healthy and productive. An introductory forest carbon conference will take place March 3rd, in Chester. This workshop will provide foresters, landowners, and county leaders with the opportunity to learn more about forest carbon markets and tools. Later in the year, VT Forestry Extension will host three Landowner Retreats, which provide landowners with the foundations of forest management, as well as many networking and educational opportunities. These retreats will take place March 24-25 (Appomattox), May 19-20 (Galax), and September 8-9 (Providence Forge). VT Forestry Extension will also continue to host their weekly “Fifteen Minutes in the Forest” webseries, where every other Friday at 12:15 PM, viewers can tune in to Facebook or YouTube to learn more about forestry topics. Click here to view the full calendar of events. 
Highlighted SREF Resource
SREF Lead Quoted in WAPO Article About Happiness of Forestry as Profession 
SREF Lead Leslie Boby was quoted in a recent Washington Post (WAPO) article, which discussed what professions are the happiest and most meaningful. From the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey, the category “agriculture, logging & forestry” ranked highest in happiness, meaning and lowest in stress as compared to numerous other categories of work. This article delves more into why it is that forestry and logging rank so highly in these categories. Click here to access the article. 

Revisit Timber Tax Information for Forest Landowners From 2022 Woodland Stewards’ Webinar Series 
As tax season approaches, landowners and foresters alike may be interested in reviewing a 2022 Woodland Stewards webinar series entitled “Forestry Taxes: Learn, Plan & Save Money”. This series, created by a team of forestry Extension professionals from across the south is the fourth season of the Woodland Stewards Webinar series. Webinars cover an overview of forestry taxes, the basics of timber basis, timber management expenses and deductions, as well as tax tips for a timber sale. The final webinar addresses tax implications while coping with loss from nature or chance. All webinar recordings are free to view. Those interested can click here to access the series. In addition to the Woodland Stewards webinar series, Dr. Yanshu Li of University of Georgia also presented a webinar on an Overview of Timber Taxes in September 2022. Find that webinar here. 
National News
Annual Tax Tips for Forest Landowners with USFS 
The United States Forest Service (USFS), in partnership with the University of Georgia (UGA) Warnell School of Forestry and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), has released their yearly “Annual Tax Tips for Forest Landowners” publication. This publication is intended to help forest landowners and their tax advisors file their taxes in a way that benefits them. Topics covered include tax classification, timber sales income, reforestation incentives, and more. Click here to access the publication. 

Heirs’ Property Training for Land-Grant Professionals   
A two-day Heirs’ Property training was recently announced. The purpose of this training is to prepare land-grant professionals to help educate individuals, families, and community leaders on the basics of heirs’ property, including what it is, how to prevent it, and some considerations in resolving issues. This workshop was previously held in October. Training will be hosted by the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC). Contact Rachel Wellborn at rachel.welborn@msstate.edu for additional information. Click here to register. Training will take place February 21-22 in the Washington, DC area.   

World Forum on Urban Forests: Call for Abstracts 
The World Forum on Urban Forests (WFUF) is seeking presentation and poster abstracts for the second WFUF meeting. The 2022 WFUF meeting will cover three main themes: Healthy Cities, Inclusive Cities, and Resilient Cities. Abstracts should reflect these topics through science, policies and/or case studies. The Forum is intended for a wide variety of participants, including foresters, urban planners, and policy makers. Abstracts are due by February 17th. The Forum meeting will take place October 16-20 in Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more. 

2021 National Prescribed Fire Use Report Released 
The 2021 National Prescribed Fire Use Report has been released. This report, which is prepared by the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils (CPFC), reflects prescribed fire activity in 2021. Results from the 2021 report show that over 9.4 million acres were treated in 2020, the second highest number reported in survey history. Additionally, the 2021 report shows acres treated by ownership type, which was not shown in previous reports. Over 1.5 million acres were treated with prescribed fire on federal lands while nearly 8 million acres were treated on state and private lands in 2020. This indicates that 84% of all prescribed fires in the country occurred on state and private lands. Those interested in prescribed fire are encouraged to view the report by clicking here. 

Women in Forestry Virtual Summit Announced 
The third Women in Forestry Virtual Summit was recently announced, and organizers of the Summit are currently seeking speakers. The previous Women in Forestry Summit had over 800 registrants. This year, the Summit will focus on topics such as indigenous inclusion and leadership, strategies for recruiting a more diverse workforce, balancing work, and family life, and embracing equity. Anyone who is interested in forestry, including landowners, is encouraged to attend. The virtual Summit will take place March 7th, beginning at 11:00 AM EST. Those interested in speaking should contact Maria Church at mchurch@annexbusinessmedia.com. Click here to learn more about the Summit. 
2023 ANREP Award Nominations Now Open 
Nominations for the 2023 Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) awards program are now open. The awards program is intended to foster high standards within the membership, recognize significant achievements, and expand the use of high quality, innovative materials, and programs by honoring the outstanding members and partners who developed them. Awards categories include: outstanding educational materials (long/short publications, books, newsletters, webinars, TV/Video, podcast/radio, and more), and achievement awards (early career leadership, distinguished career leadership, innovative program, outstanding team, and more). ANREP is also seeking judges for the awards. Those interested in judging are encouraged to contact Terra Freeman at terraf@ufl.edu. The awards nomination deadline is February 26th. Self-nominations are permitted for some categories. Click here to learn more.

Webinars
NC Community Tree Webinars 
The North Carolina Urban Forest Council is hosting two upcoming NC Community Tree webinars. The first webinar is entitled “Urban & Community Forestry: National Policies & Funding”. Danielle Watson (Director of Policy & Public Affairs, Society of American Foresters) and Rachel Holmes (Urban Forest Lead, The Nature Conservancy) will discuss how participants can get financial assistance for municipal, commercial, or residential forest projects. It will take place on January 24th at 3:00 PM EST. The second webinar is entitled “Protecting Roots and Soil During Development”. Kelby Fite (Director of Research, Bartlett Tree Experts) will discuss how local tree boards can improve their ability to function more efficiently and effectively within their communities, while also protecting and managing their trees. It will take place on February 21st at 3:00 PM EST. CEU’s will be available from multiple agencies, pending approval, including the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the International Arboriculture Society (ISA). Click here to register or learn more. 

Understanding Successful Prescribed Fire Agreements with SFE and SERPPAS 
The Southeastern Fire Exchange (SFE) and Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) have announced a webinar entitled “Understanding Successful Prescribed Fire Agreements”. Join prescribed fire professionals to learn about the applications, benefits, and major components of memorandums of understanding (MOU) and other formal agreements developed to support organization-level prescribed fire programs. CFE credit from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) will be available. Anyone who partakes in prescribed burns is encouraged to attend. The webinar will take place February 9th at 1:00 PM EST. Click here to learn more or register. 






Quantifying Biodiversity Co-Benefits with NCX 
The Natural Capital Exchange (NCX) will soon host a webinar entitled “The Path to Nature Positive Carbon Credits Starts with Better Measurement”. Speakers from NCX and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will discuss how the benefits of biodiversity can be quantified in carbon projects, what aspects of habitats can be measured in carbon projects, the current methods of biodiversity quantification, and more. Foresters, wildlife biologists, landowners, and anyone else interested in carbon credits and biodiversity is encouraged to attend. The webinar will take place January 25th at 1:00 PM EST. Click here to learn more. 

Intro to Forest Carbon Markets and Conservation with Carbon 
The Forest History Society (FHS) has announced two upcoming webinars. The first webinar, “An Introduction to Forest Carbon Markets”, will highlight the history of forest carbon markets and how they have evolved over time. It will take place on January 30th at 1:00 PM EST.  The second webinar, “Conserving American Forests with Carbon Revenues”, will highlight how revenue generated by carbon markets can be used to conserve American forests, no matter how big or small your property is. It will take place February 2nd at 1:00 PM EST. Both webinars have been approved for 1 hour of CFE credit by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Click here to register for the first webinar. Click here to register for the second webinar. 
Interested in more webinars on-demand? Check out the Forestry Webinar Portal! Click here to subscribe.

Funding Opportunities
DEADLINE EXTENDED: USFS Wood Innovations RFP: Temporary Bridge Programs 
The United States Forest Service (USFS) Wood Innovations program has released a request for proposals for temporary bridge programs. These programs include bridges, bridge mats, and other temporary water crossing structures for use in logging operations to minimize environmental impacts. A project application can utilize one or more options of a bridge loan, rental/lease, and/or cost-share programs. Eligible applicants include state and tribal governments. Preference will be given to those who do not have an existing bridge program, support underserved communities, or have demonstrable collaborative partnerships with other agencies. The USFS intends to award up to $8 million across multiple projects, with each project being capped at $175,000. The deadline for applications has been extended to January 31st. Click here to learn more. 

Woodard and Curran Foundation Watershed Protection/Water Resources Management RFP 
The Woodard & Curran Foundation recently announced that they are seeking proposals for Watershed Protection/Water Resources Management Impact Grant. Projects should focus on the protection and/or management of our watersheds and groundwater supplies in the face of climate change. Projects may include (but are not limited to) management through forestry, fire prevention, or remediation of impacted watersheds. Only one award will be administered, with the award amount being $100,000. The award will be administered in Summer 2023. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply. Proposals are due by February 28th. Click here to learn more or apply. 


DEADLINE EXTENDED: Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund RFP 
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2023 Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund. Projects should address longleaf pine in one or more ways, including: Establishing Longleaf Pine and/or Bottomland Hardwood Forests, Enhancing and Maintaining Existing Longleaf Pine and/or Bottomland Hardwood Ecosystems, and Expanding and Coordinating Technical Assistance and Outreach. Eligble projects must take place within the historical range of longleaf pine. Approximately $16.9 million in grant funds is expected to be available in 2023. Grant awards are expected to range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Proposals must be submitted by February 9th. Click here to learn more. Those interested can also view slides from an educational webinar by clicking here. 

Texas Community Forestry Competitive Grant RFP  
The Texas Community Forestry Competitive Grant program is now accepting applications for 2023. This grant is part of the Texas A&M Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program, which helps communities develop sustainable programs that provide Texans with healthy trees and forests. There are two grant categories: Climate Resiliency and Human Health Equity and Accessibility. Up to $50,000 may be awarded for each category. All grant funds must be match at least dollar for dollar. Non-federal match may include in-kind donations, volunteer assistance, and private or public (non-federal) monetary contributions. Eligible applicants include non-profits, state and local governments, and universities. Proposals are due by February 15th. Click here to learn more.  
2023 Enviva Forest Conservation Fund RFP 
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment) recently released a request for proposals for the 2023 Enviva Forest Conservation Fund (the Fund). This marks the eighth cycle of this program which funds programs that protect wetland forests that may be impacted by invasive species, climate change, or other issues. $500,000 funding will be awarded to protect bottomland hardwood and other wetland forests in eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal agencies. The proposal deadline is March 10th. Click here to learn more or apply. 
 
Job Opportunities
USFS SRS Science Writer Opportunity 
The United States Forest Service (USFS) Southern Research Station (SRS) is conducting outreach for a science writer position. The position will likely be advertised in the next couple of months as a permanent, career ladder opportunity at the GS-1083-07 or -09 level. Key duties include writing and editing articles about new research publications for a variety of audiences; drafting news releases, newsletter articles, web, and social media content; and providing support for internal communication products, including briefing papers. Those interested should click here to view the outreach form, which must be completed by January 27th.  Completing the outreach form will ensure that a person is contacted when the position is available for applications.

MS State University Extension/Assistant Professor of Forestry 
Mississippi State (MS) University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Forestry. This is a 12-month, tenure track position with a 100% Extension appointment. The incumbent will be responsible for developing a science-based Extension forestry program that addresses longleaf pine restoration and general forestry educational needs. Applications for this position (located in Biloxi, MS) will be reviewed as they come in and the incumbent could start as early as March 1, 2023. Click here to learn more or apply. 
 
TDF Seeks Three Area Foresters 
The Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) is seeking three Area Foresters. These are permanent, full-time positions. Area Foresters are responsible for all programs in their area including private forestry, urban forestry, water quality, and more. The first position is in Montgomery County. The second is located in Dickson County. The third is located in Warren County. Applications for all positions must be submitted by January 25th. Click here to learn more. 

USFS Seeks Multiple Urban & Community Forestry Program Specialists 
The United States Forest Service (USFS) will soon begin recruiting for multiple Urban & Community Forestry Program Specialists. These specialists will support implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and build State & Private Forestry organizational capacity. They will be advertised across multiple duty stations, series, and entry grades. All positions are eligible for telework. Potential hiring regions include: Northern (R1), Rocky Mountain (R2), Southwestern (R3), Intermountain (R4), Pacific Southwest (R5), Pacific Northwest (R6), Eastern (R9), and Alaska (R10). Those interested in the positions should click here to view the outreach notice and here for the outreach form, which must be completed by February 3rd. Completing the outreach form will ensure that a person is contacted when the position is available for applications. 

Upcoming Events:  

January 25-27 | Columbia, SC
ApSAF 2023
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.

January 28 l Gainesville, FL
2023 Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival
The 2023 Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival will be held on January 28, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM ET at the Austin Cary Forest Campus near Gainesville, FL. The event is provided by the UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and other partners. This festival will celebrate Florida's forests as well as the role fire plays in maintaining them. View the event Facebook page for more information here.

February 10 | Guyton, GA
Warnell UGA Hosts Forest Carbon Landowner Workshop 
A forest carbon workshop for landowners, hosted by the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, is coming up soon. The goals of this workshop are to help landowners understand the basics of emerging forest carbon markets, how they can be used for income, and how they can help to mitigate climate change. Landowners, and anyone else interested in forest carbon, are encouraged to attend. The workshop will take place February 10th in Guyton, GA. The registration deadline is January 31st. Click here to learn more or register. 


February 15-17 | Panama City Beach, FL
SESAF 2023
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 21-22 | Washington DC Area
Save the Date: Heirs’ Property Training for Land-Grant Professionals  
A save the date announcement was recently made for a two-day Heirs’ Property training. The purpose of this training is to prepare land-grant professionals to help educate individuals, families, and community leaders on the basics of heirs’ property, including what it is, how to prevent it, and some considerations in resolving issues. This workshop was previously held in October. Training will be hosted by the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC). Contact Rachel Wellborn at rachel.welborn@msstate.edu for additional information.

February 21-22 | Washington, DC
Heirs’ Property Training for Land-Grant Professionals   
A two-day Heirs’ Property training was recently announced. The purpose of this training is to prepare land-grant professionals to help educate individuals, families, and community leaders on the basics of heirs’ property, including what it is, how to prevent it, and some considerations in resolving issues. This workshop was previously held in October. Training will be hosted by the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC). Contact Rachel Wellborn at rachel.welborn@msstate.edu for additional information. Click here to register. Training will take place February 21-22 in the Washington, DC area.   


February 23-24, 2023 | Brunswick, GA
The Women Landowner Symposium
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.  

March 21-23 | Nacogdoches, TX
Biennial Southern Silviculture Conference
Registration is now open for the 22nd Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference (BSSRC). The BSSRC provides a forum for scientists and practitioners broadly engaged in southern silviculture to report their study results, present new concepts and techniques, discuss topics of mutual interest, coordinate cooperative efforts, and stay current on developments in the field. Anyone who works in, or is interested in, silviculture is encouraged to attend. Click here to learn more or register.

April 11-13 | Charlotte, NC
2023 FIA National User Group Meeting Announced 
A save-the-date for the 2023 Forestry Inventory Analysis (FIA) national user group meeting has been announced. The meeting will take place April 11-13 in Charlotte, NC. Meeting organizers are planning for two full days of presentations and engagement opportunities. Registration information will be made available at a later date. 


April 16-19, 2023 | Arlington, VA
ANREP Public Issues Leadership Development Conference
The 2023 Public Issues Leadership Development Conference will allow participants to learn about the structure and funding of Extension, learn and practice leadership skills, meet with federal partners, and explore national priorities and funding streams. The conference is open to all Extension professionals in 1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions.

April 26-28 | Williamsburg, VA
Save the Date: 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit 
The 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit was recently announced. The Summit will take place April 26-28 in Williamsburg, VA. Registration and additional details will be available in February. Click here to view the Summit website. 

May 15-16 | Athens GA
2023 Georgia Climate Conference
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. 

March 7 | Virtual
Women in Forestry Virtual Summit
The third Women in Forestry Virtual Summit was recently announced. This year, the Summit will focus on topics such as indigenous inclusion and leadership, strategies for recruiting a more diverse workforce, balancing work, and family life, and embracing equity. Anyone who is interested in forestry, including landowners, is encouraged to attend. The virtual Summit will take place March 7th, beginning at 11:00 AM EST. Click here to learn more about the Summit. 

March 8-9 | Amelia Island, FL
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.

March 27-29 | Chicago, IL
2023 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference 
The 2023 Extension Risk Management Education National 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. 

October 16-20 | Washington, DC
World Forum on Urban Forests
The World Forum on Urban Forests (WFUF) is seeking presentation and poster abstracts for the second WFUF meeting. The 2022 WFUF meeting will cover three main themes: Healthy Cities, Inclusive Cities, and Resilient Cities. The Forum is intended for a wide variety of participants, including foresters, urban planners, and policy makers. The Forum meeting will take place October 16-20 in Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more. 

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