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

The Woodland Stewards webinar series was created through a partnership of seven different forestry Extension programs from across the South and beyond. Now in its fifth year, this series will focus on open woodlands and will be held Tuesdays at 1pm ET. "Creating open woodlands to promote regeneration and development of white oak," will be held February 28th. The second webinar in the series is titled Wildlife Considerations when restoring oak/pine woodlands and features and will be held March 7th. The final webinar in this year's series is titled "Establishing and managing open pine-hardwood stands," on March 14th. Pre-registration is not necessary. Find all of these webinars on this page. Clicking on each individual webinar will allow access to a calendar reminder too.

37^th Annual ARK-LA-TX Forestry Forum 

The 37^th annual Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas Forestry Forum will be held Tuesday February 28^th in Shreveport, LA. Topics covered in this forum will include carbon and product markets, tools and assistance programs, wildlife management and more! Registration is $25 and can be paid online through this link or in person (for $30). There is a possible virtual option that can be accessed by contacting Valerie West (vwest@agcenter.lsu.edu). 

The Forest Resources Association (FRA) recently announced their 2023 Southeastern Region meeting. The meeting will take place March 22-24 in Beaufort, NC. Topics covered will include an FRA national update, logging safety, lumber demand forecasts, and more. Anyone interested in forest resources is encouraged to attend. Click here to learn more. Click here for the agenda.

The Oak Woodlands & Forests Fire Consortium, the Consortium of Appalachian Fire Managers and Scientists, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are hosting the 7th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference. The meeting will take place May 16-18 from 8 AM to 5 PM ET in Tyler, Texas. This event occurs once every three to five years, and more information will be provided later. Click here to learn more.

The Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council recently announced a Learn and Burn workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on prescribed fire experience, while also learning how they can implement prescribed fire into their own hand management plans. The workshop will take place on February 25th on the North Georgia Technical College campus in Clarkesville, GA. Click here to register or learn more.

The University of Georgia (UGA) Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources has begun the 2023 “Women in Forestry” workshop series. Workshop participants will learn about a variety of land management techniques and topics including forest taxation, prescribed fire, non-timber forest products, and more. Four workshops are planned for 2023. Each workshop presents independent content. The first workshop will take place on February 6th in Athens, GA. Topics covered will include soils, wildlife management, and forest pests. The second workshop will take place on March 6th in Guyton, GA. Topics covered will include forest management plans, forest taxation, prescribed fire, and locally available resources. The third workshop will take place on April 12th in Dry Branch, GA. Topics covered will include the basics of growing a pine stand, ecosystem management, and how landowners can work with the Georgia Forestry Commission. The fourth workshop will take place on May 16th in Athens, GA. Topics covered will include non-timber forest products, wildlife management, and water resources. Attendance is free but registration is required for all workshops. Click here to learn more.

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. 

Legacy lumber at the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service's Forest Products Laboratory was used to repair damages to the U.S. Capitol building from January 6, 2021. Fixes for the Capitol building required lumber that matched existing structures and was widely available more than one hundred years ago, but rare now. However, the Forest Products laboratory had a collection of 3,000 lb of leftover lumber from research during World War I that could be used. Read more about this legacy lumber and how it was used in this story here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced (on Jan.19) that they are planning ways to expand recreation economies with a view to helping rural people thrive across the country. USDA Rural Development wing, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the U.S. Forest Service will work together to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that expands economic opportunities for the communities near National forests based on recreational activities. The annual plan will focus on ways for these three agencies to partner and conduct outreach programs, host informational sessions and workshops, and develop toolkits to help the local community access the resources. Read the full Stakeholder Announcement here.

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. 

Learn more about forest taxes in this upcoming webinar from the Forest Landowners Association (FLA). This landowner learning session will include an overview of forest taxation including a summary of the different types of taxes that forest landowners pay, the terminology used, and more! The webinar will be held February 15, at 1 pm et. To register, click here.

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

The US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service recently announced that $41 million will be available through the 2023 Wood Innovations Grant and 2023 Community Wood Grant Programs. These programs are designed to spark innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy. The application deadline is March 23, 2023 for both programs. To find more information on the program, click here. Connect to your regional Wood Innovations program coordinator for any questions or to discuss grant ideas. For the southern region (USFS region 8), Marcus Taylor is the Wood Innovations Grant coordinator and he will answer any questions, discuss proposal ideas and/or review drafts by March 1. He can be reached at Marcus.taylor@usda.gov.

Approximately $1.4 million will be awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for projects that restore, enhance and maintain bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands; implement conservation practices on working agricultural lands; and promote aquatic connectivity. Full proposals are due Thursday April 6, 2023. An applicant webinar will be held Feb. 15 at 3pm ET. Register for the webinar here. Find more information about this request for proposals here.

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. 

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. 

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.  

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Forest Finance. They will hire an Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/ Professor whose appointment will include: engagement in research (60%), teaching (33%), and professional service (7%). The candidate needs to be highly committed to developing or has already established a nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in forest finance and/or closely related areas. For more information, click here.

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. 

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) is seeking an Assistant Professor of Forestry. This is a 10-month, tenure-track position (Assistant Professor rank) or 10-month non-tenure track position (Lecturer rank). The successful candidate will teach undergraduate forestry courses, develop partnerships, improve course content, and more. This position is located in Tifton, GA. Applications should be submitted by March 17th. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events:  

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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.

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

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.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

The Oak Woodlands & Forests Fire Consortium, the Consortium of Appalachian Fire Managers and Scientists, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are hosting the 7th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference. The meeting will take place May 16-18 from 8 AM to 5 PM ET in Tyler, Texas. This event occurs once every three to five years, and more information will be provided at a later date. Click here to learn more.

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. 

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 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. 

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