Issue 153: WEEK of May 22nd, 2023

REGIONAL NEWS

MS State, Auburn, USFS & Center for Heirs Property are Searching for Participants Who Have Cleared Heirs Property Titles for Paid Interviews

The United States Forest Services (USFS) Southern Research Center, Mississippi State Rural Development Center, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Auburn University, and Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network have teamed up on a United State Department of Agriculture-funded research project examining outcomes associated with the “Clearing of Heirs Property Titles.” They are seeking individuals or family members who have had their titles cleared for interviews and are offering a $100 gift card incentive to participants. Please, spread the word about the interviews and if you know of any landowners who have cleared Heirs property titles, please email Cassandra Johnson or call any of these numbers 706-559-4270, 706-201-2140. The flyer can be accessed here.

Auburn Forestry Extension Releases Publication on Using Drones in Forestry Research

Auburn University Forestry, Wildlife and Natural Resources Extension Specialist & Assistant Professor, Richard Cristan, in cooperation with two Graduate Research Assistants, Manisha Parajuli and Arjun Rijal, wrote an extension article on drone applications in forestry research. Common uses of drones in forestry include: 1. forest management (stand delineation/mapping, harvest planning, etc.), 2. landscape management (ecological mapping, topographic modeling, soil erosion mapping, etc.) and 3. Monitoring illegal activities (illegal logging, poaching, etc.). However, successful use of drones in forestry depends on the selection of the right drone with the appropriate sensors, proper site assessments and flight planning. To learn more about drone types, recommendations, rules, FAA regulations, and more, click here.

UK Hosts Series of Workshops on Land Stewardship for Forest Landowners

The University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension is offering the final workshop in a 3-part series, for landowners who have ten or more acres on May 23 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Kentucky Bullitt County Extension Office. Natural resource experts will discuss and answer landowners’ questions directly regarding getting started with land stewardship, available resources, soil and water, wildlife and more. The $15 registration fee includes a meal. To learn more, click here.

Auburn Forestry Extension Releases Videos & Online Guide to Forestry Inventory Basics

Alabama Forestry Extension recently posted an online Guide to Inventory Basics for Family Forest Landowners on its website and links to accompanying videos. The online guide contains downloadable chapters on topics such as the use of various inventory equipment to measure tree heights, diameters and basal areas, as well as how to collaborate with a professional forester working on forest inventory. Other topics include units of measurements and distance, using a compass, understanding property legal descriptions, etc. Forest inventories are vital for timber management at any scale. To access the online resource on forest inventory basics, click here.

Annual North Georgia Prescribed Fire Meeting

The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council is holding its annual North Georgia Prescribed Fire Meeting in Jasper, GA on June 22 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm ET. The meeting is an excellent opportunity for forestry, wildlife and other natural resource professionals to learn more about prescribed fire, specifically, how to use it safely to improve and maintain wildlife habitats. Speakers will share research on the benefits of prescribed fire for wild turkeys, how to find help through fire support programs for landowners, reintroducing fire to woods that have not been burned in a long time, using fire to help ruffed grouse and other wildlife, and more. The $35 general admission fee includes lunch for the participants. There is a discounted entry fee for students. To learn more about the event, click here and to register, click here.

Clemson Extension Posts Article Summarizing Invasive Pests in South Carolina Forests

Clemson Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Specialist, Dave Coyle wrote an article about the effects of invasive pests on South Carolina trees in the Clemson blog titled “Invasive Pests in South Carolina Forests: Those Here, and Those on the Way.” According to Dr. Coyle, several invasive pests have already spread widely in South Carolina whereas some are yet to cause widespread destruction. Native pests usually attack stressed and injured trees, while non-native pests may attack healthy trees. To learn more about forests pests already present in South Carolina and to learn more about other pests that are established in neighboring states, but not detected in South Carolina yet, click here.

Keeping Forests Partners with Visible Network Labs for Forest Conservation in the U.S. South

Keeping Forests, a collaborative organization that aims to catalyze market-based forest conservation across the southern United States recently partnered with Visible Network Labs, to plan a Social Network Analysis (SNA). Keeping Forests and Visible Network Labs will invite stakeholders to participate in the SNA effort to provide valuable insights into the relationships and connections between individuals working in this area, in the region. Learning more about these connections will be helpful towards strengthening the collaboration and for driving more effective forest conservation efforts. The partnership with Visible Network Labs is a significant milestone for Keeping Forests, as it represents a critical step in achieving its vision and mission. The insights and tools provided by Visible Network Labs will help ensure that Keeping Forests and its partners can work together to create scalable, innovative solutions for forest conservation in the U.S. South. To learn more about the collaboration between Visible Network and Keeping Forests and how their joint project may work for forest conservation, click here.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Offers Online Prescribed Burn Program

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is offering a self-guided online course designed for ranchers and landowners who want to learn about prescribed burning. The course includes modules with introduction videos, web pages with valuable information, and supplemental resources. By the end of the course, participants will be able to evaluate fuels, describe fire behavior, plan a prescribed burn, identify proper equipment and safety techniques, mitigate smoke impacts, understand relevant Texas laws and regulations, and evaluate potential burn sites. After completing the course, participants can schedule an exam and field component to apply for a Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager (CIPBM) license from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Click here to sign up today!

NCSU Hosts Timber Income & Expenses for Businesses or Investors Workshop

North Carolina State University Forestry Extension is hosting a half-day workshop on timber income and expenses for tax professionals, forest landowners and forestry professionals on June 21 from 8:30am-12:00pm ET at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Wake County Center. The session will combine lectures, example problems, discussions, and questions. This half-day workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience. The workshop will address timber tax issues, including defining what timber is for income tax purposes, basis, reporting of income: business versus investor, expense deduction: business versus investor, Form T, like-kind exchange, conservation easements, carbon credits, and property tax considerations. A valuable workbook can be taken home with detailed examples and problems. No advanced preparation is required, and there are no prerequisites for this course. The course fee is $150. For more information and register, visit the event page here.

ForestHer NC Hosts Upcoming Workshops & Webinars

ForestHer NC, whose mission is to support, educate, and empower women landowners and natural resource professionals, is hosting “ForestHer NC: Piedmont Region Gathering, All About Pollinators!” on June 22 from 10:00am-3:00pm ET at Chatham Co. Ag & Conference Center. The main program includes visiting the site’s Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden and talking about pollinators and forests. The event will occur rain or shine. Save the date (August 24) for a ForestHer NC statewide gathering that will be held in Pittsboro, NC. In addition, ForestHer NC will be hosting a summer webinar (July 27) and a fall webinar on October 26^.For more information on all these events, click here. To register now for the Piedmont Region Gathering, follow this link on the ForestHer NC event page here.

High School Students Invited to Showcase Their Agricultural or Conservation Ideas in GA

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in partnership with Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Society and Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is hosting a special event Natural Resources Conservation Workshop on June 11- 16, 2023 at ABAC campus Tifton, GA. The workshop is open for Georgia’s rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to showcase their innovative project or idea on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources, including conservation in Georgia’s mining industry. The workshop provides students with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors at the ABAC campus. To learn more about the workshop, click here.

Registration is Open for VA Tech’s “Online Woodland Options for Landowners” Course

Virginia Tech University Forestry Extension is hosting a 10-week self-paced online course on the fundamentals of forest management from June 5 – August 11, 2023. This introductory level course includes topics like setting management goals and objectives, forest history, stewardship and sustainability, marking your boundary lines, and locating, reading, and understanding your deed, using maps, photos, google earth, soil surveys, forest ecology & management and sources of assistance and planning options. There are two levels of participation, including the basic level which requires completing reading assignments, quizzes and evaluations (1-2 hours/module) and the advanced level which includes all the basic level requirements, plus field activities (3 or more hours/module, depending on the size of your property). Participants will have to draft forest management plans upon completion of the class. The class wraps up with an optional end-of-the-semester field trip. The one-time $55/family registration fee includes five books. To learn more about the course curriculum, click here. Register online or by mail.

Find a Compilation of Video Interviews of Older Loggers on YouTube Channel

Daniel M. Boone is a young logger who has a passion to highlight other loggers’ work. For the past six years, he has interviewed older loggers on video and posted those videos to his YouTube channel. Daniel says, "I want to capture these stories before it's too late." These oral histories are available to watch on his YouTube channel "Daniel Boone's Logging videos." You can watch his interviews here.

Allergy Season Worsening Due to Changing Climate

North Carolina State University recently posted an article that cites recent research that confirms that allergy season is getting worse. Climate change is lengthening the growing season and causing plants to produce higher concentrations of pollen for longer periods of time, according to Kelly Oten, an Assistant Professor and extension specialist at the NC State College of Natural Resources. To learn more about climate change, plant pollen and allergy season, click here.

National News

Consumer Attitudes about Paper Products & the Environment Have Improved According to a Recent Survey

Two Sides North America, a part of the non-profit Two Sides global network, commissioned a survey of U.S. consumers regarding their perceptions of environmental impacts of products they use. Overall, survey results show a decrease in the number of consumers that believe that paper products are bad for the environment. Other questions in the survey also teased out participants’ perspectives on U.S. forests, since paper is often falsely blamed for forest loss. Though the U.S. forests grew by 18 million acres over the past 30 years, 55% of those surveyed believe that U.S. forests are shrinking. Survey results also included perceptions of paper recycling, electronic communication versus paper-based communication and more. To learn more about the survey results, click here.

Recent Studies Disagree Over Classifications of Mature & Old-Growth Forests on Federal Land

Mature and old growth forests are often regarded as home to rich biodiversity and carbon pools. Last year, the United States Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were ordered to inventory their old-growth and mature forests. The USFS and BLM officials asked tribal groups, scientists and others to provide input on definitions of old-growth and mature forests. Then the agencies assembled a research team to quantify this acreage. One of their major challenges was to determine a definition for these terms that spans the diversity of forestry types. Their definition for “mature forests,” included forests that exceeded a set threshold of the structural characteristics that are associated with old-growth forests. The research team cautioned that their definition was a work in progress, likely to be further refined. The USFS & BLM research team estimated that 45% of total forest area managed by these two agencies is classified as mature forest and 18% of total forested area are old growth. However, these numbers were called into question by other scientists, as was the methodology used to generate these numbers. Other research groups have recently published their own methods for defining old-growth and mature forests. In addition, a study published last fall used satellite data to estimate canopy height, canopy cover and above-ground living biomass and found that mature and old-growth forests combined occupied 30% of USFS and BLM forestland. To learn more about the mature and old growth forest cover, click here.

Forest and Wood Products Sector ESG Report Released

Dovetail Partners, Inc. recently released a comprehensive report on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) for the Forest and Wood Products Sector. This report covers the background and history of ESG, how it is related to the forest sector, and recent regulatory developments in the forestry ESG by the European Commission and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. This report further provides recommendations and sector-wide strategies for ESG. The full report can be accessed here.

SAF Hosts Forest Tech Conference

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is hosting a Forest Tech Conference on August 2-3 in Baton Rouge, LA. The two-day event will be a gathering of exhibitors and forest professionals who will showcase various products and technologies related to the forest industry such as logging equipment, remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS). Participants will learn about the latest technological developments in hardware and software used for a variety of silvicultural purposes including planting propagules, inventory and monitoring of forest health, timber management and harvesting. The conference includes two plenary sessions and four concurrent sessions. The deadline to apply to be a sponsor is June 30. To learn more about the conference, click here. For registration, click here.

USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Nominations will be open to the public from May 15 to July 15, 2023. The 12-member Committee, which was assembled in March last year, is part of USDA’s efforts to increase support for urban agriculture and innovative production. Members of the committee provide input on policy development and to help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country. To learn more, click here.

South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative Plan Released

The South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI), a coalition of military and government officials, community leaders, conservationists, scientists, fishers and others, released a plan to save a million-acre expanse of salt marsh stretching from North Carolina to east-central Florida--nearly the size of the Grand Canyon National Park. The plan lays out key strategies, objectives and actions ranging from elevating roads to conserving land near marshes so the tidal wetlands can move as sea levels rise in the backdrop of threats from rising seas, pollutant runoff and unsustainable development. The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) formed SASMI to augment natural resources management using nature-based solutions in the coastal region. To view the full plan please visit here.

Heighten Situational Awareness with the WildfireSAFE App

The United States Forest Service (USFS), Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) along with Technosylva developed the WildfireSAFE, a web-based mobile app to improve firefighter and public safety and situation awareness. WildfireSAFE integrates critical fire information onto one platform. The app provides a one-stop shop for updates on weather that may lead to a wildfire, expected fire behavior and, importantly, forecasts up to seven days in advance of expected severe fire hazard conditions. Here are a series of three short animated videos about the WildfireSAFE app and severe fire hazards for managers, firefighters, communities, and publics. Click here to access the WildfireSAFE app.

Webinars

MONTH

WEBINAR INFORMATION

May 23 * 3:00 pm

NC Community Tree Webinar Series

Construction and Trees - Selecting the Right Tree for Preservation

No one wants a dead or dangerous tree on their site five or ten years post-construction. Selecting trees most likely to survive the construction process is the first step in ensuring success. The process of evaluating “Conservation Suitability” will be discussed. To learn more or register, click here.

May 24 * 3:00 pm

Conversations in Fire History Webinar Series - The Miramichi Fire: A History

On 7 October 1825, the Miramichi region of New Brunswick experienced one of the largest forest fires in recorded history while, next door, Maine suffered the most extensive fire in its history. The fires burned in the same environmental and climatic conditions, of course – and may well have been connected. Alan MacEachern will describe reconstructing the fire's history, and discuss how the international border served as a cultural firebreak, diminishing its fame in both the United States and Canada. Click here to register.

May 24 * 2:00 pm

Conserving an Intact and Enduring Appalachian Landscape: Designing a Corridor in Response to Climate Change

For nearly a century, the Appalachian Trail has existed as a backbone of conservation in the eastern United States. Over the last two years, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, members of the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership, and dozens of other climate and conservation experts have convened to explore ways to enhance the climate resiliency of the Appalachian Trail landscape.

These conversations have culminated in a report released in 2022, Conserving an Intact and Enduring Appalachian Landscape: Designing a Corridor in Response to Climate Change. This report builds awareness of climate change threats and highlights climate action opportunities to safeguard the region’s public safety, economic stability, and ecological health. What emerges from this report is an inspiring vision for an Appalachian Climate Corridor: a connected and conserved landscape that protects the Appalachian Mountains so people and nature can thrive in an era of climate change. To learn more or register for this webinar, click here.

May 30 * 11:00 am

Updates on Virginia's Biochar Activities, Market Updates, Demonstration Projects, and Future Plans

The US Forest Service (USFS) in partnership with the US Biochar Initiative and Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) is hosting a biochar webinar for Foresters, Ag Specialists and Conservationists. The Virginia Department of Forestry Utilization and Marketing Program Manager Sabina Dhungana will present. To learn more about the webinar or register, click here.

June 5 * 10:00 am

Conservation Practice Standard Soil Carbon Amendment: State and National Level Discussion

June 6 * 3:00 pm

Preventative Healthcare in Organic Dairy Production

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) in partnership with Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) is hosting an online webinar titled “Preventative Healthcare in Organic Dairy Production” on June 6 at 3:00 pm US/Eastern time designed for conservationists, agronomists, animal scientists, grazing lands specialists, landowners, land managers and technical service providers. This webinar will cover National Organic Program regulations related to dairy production, typical health problems and alternative approaches, and how healthy systems are created to prevent issues from arising, through building soil health and more. The participants can earn a Certificate of Participation and Conservation Planner (CP) one-hour Conservation Planning Credit. To learn more and register for this training, click here.

June 20 * 3:00 pm

Carbon Financing in City Forests Through Verified Carbon Credits

Learn how to register an urban forest carbon project, including how to develop a forest carbon offset project. City Forest Credits (CFC) is the national nonprofit carbon registry for greenhouse gas emission reduction and removal among tree projects in, or near, cities and towns. It offers local governments and other entities a process to finance their urban forestry projects in a way that contributes to the health and well-being of people and the environment. Examples of completed CFC projects will be provided. Learn more and register here.

June 26 * 1:00 pm

Organic Soil Health Practices for Water Management and Water Quality

Farmers must manage water resources to provide sufficient yet not excessive moisture to their crops, and to protect surface and groundwater from nutrients and other contaminants. While the soil’s capacity to hold and provide moisture to crops is determined in part by soil texture and other inherent properties, organic soil health management practices can improve soil water relations, expand water holding capacity, and enhance crop resilience to drought and flood, which have become more intense as a result of climate change. Today’s webinar will describe how soil health enhances water use efficiency and nutrient retention and will outline conservation strategies that organic farmers use to optimize stewardship of the water resource. Learn more and register here.

July 18 * 3:00 pm

Recommended NC Tree Species and Availability

Greg Paige, the Director of Horticulture at the JC Raulston Arboretum, has worked in public gardens across North Carolina and Ohio for at least 25 years. He has immense knowledge about the natural history and care of a multitude of tree species. Attend this webinar to tap into his expertise and learn how to choose the best tree species for your urban forestry projects. Click here to learn more or to register.

Funding Opportunities

USDA Seeks Proposals to Strengthen Rural Community and Economic Development

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Community Development Initiative program is accepting proposals for grants that will improve rural housing, community facilities and economic development around the country. Grants may be used to train sub-grantees to conduct educational training on homeownership or minority-owned business entrepreneurship. They also may be used to provide technical assistance to sub-grantees on strategic plan development, accessing alternative funding sources and training and resources for board operations, management, financial systems and information technology. To learn more, read the full Stakeholder Announcement here.

New $848M Funding from DOT for Nature Based Solutions

The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) is seeking proposals to fund projects addressing climate resilience of transportation systems, including improving highways, public transportation, ports, and intercity passenger rail under its Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program. Eligible entities include states, local governments, and Tribes. However, federal land management agencies can partner with a submitting entity. Selected projects will use innovative and collaborative approaches to climate risk reduction using nature-based solutions, including conservation, restoration, or construction of shade trees, native vegetation, bioswales, marshes, wetlands, breakwaters, reefs, and dunes. Applications are due on August 18, 2023. To learn more about this funding or submit your application, click here.

Connecting People to Forests Request for MAP 2023 Proposals

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is soliciting proposals from nonprofit organizations, tribal governments and organizations, and universities seeking funds for projects that directly benefit America’s National Forests and Grasslands under its Matching Awards Program (MAP). MAP pairs federal funds 1:1 cash provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) with non-federal dollars raised by award recipients, multiplying the resources available to benefit the National Forest System. Nonfederal cash funds need to be directly received by the applicant organization. In-kind contributions are ineligible for use as a match. Award recipients must expend a match for the completion of the same project within the NFF grant performance period. An informational webinar was held on April 25. Application Deadline is June 7, 2023, at 11:59 pm MDT. To learn more about NFF MAP funding, click here.

NSF RFP to Catalyze Innovative & Inclusive Wildland Fire Science

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) specifically for planning proposals from project participants such as Tribal Nation and Tribal College and University (TCU) representatives, local community members, Indigenous researchers, and/or cultural knowledge holders focused on catalyzing innovative and inclusive wildland fire science through collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders and rights holders. A planning proposal is a type of proposal used to support initial conceptualization, planning, and collaboration activities that aim to formulate new and sound plans for large-scale projects in current and emerging research areas for future submission to an NSF program. The 2021 Wildfire and the Biosphere Innovation Lab generated creative strategies and new research collaborations aimed at improving understanding of different types and impacts of wildland fires over time, from the local to the global scale as well as five emergent themes. These themes are to assess the mechanisms underlying a variety of Earth's system feedbacks involving fire, to study fire across temporal and spatial scales, to improve the representation of fire in modeling and forecasting, to incorporate social dimensions into wildland fire science research, and to develop innovative and convergent education to generate the researchers and practitioners of the future. To learn more about the planning proposal or submission procedure, click here.

NC Urban Forestry Council Legacy Tree Fund 2023 Open

North Carolina (NC) Urban Forestry Council is accepting applications for the 2023 funding cycle for the “Legacy Tree Fund 2023,” which includes seven categories. Proposals need to be submitted under one or more of these categories: storm recovery planting, stormwater project, street tree planting, natural area planting, neighborhood planting, school projects, and Arbor Day events. The preferred projects in these categories are storm recovery, environmental justice issues (e.g., establishing tree canopy in areas historically devoid of trees), significant volunteer engagement, and meaningful environmental education. The deadline for proposals is May 31, 2023, at 5:00 pm. To learn more about the funding and application process click here.

Urban & Community Forestry Grants for Universities, Community-Based Organizations, Local Governments & More

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service announced more than $1 billion in grants to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces in urban and community forests. The grant funding is available to community-based organizations, tribes, state and municipal governments, nonprofit partners, universities, and other eligible groups as they work to increase tree cover in urban spaces and boost equitable access to nature. Currently, more than 84% of Americans inhabit urban centers. Along with the open grant funding opportunity, the United States Forest Service (USFS) is spending up to $250 million for states and territories to further their competitive grant efforts to support urban communities through equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide. This funding is made possible through investments from the Inflation Reduction Act. Applications for the competitive grant opportunity are due by June 1, 2023, at 11:59 pm EST. For information on how to apply for federal Urban and Community Forestry grants, visit the Forest Service website. For more information on funding to states and territories, visit the state allocations webpage. To learn how to apply for state or territory-administered subgrants, contact the respective local state forestry agencies directly. Find more information about the USFS Urban and Community Forestry Program Home page here. Find more information about the Inflation Reduction Act and opportunities in this guidebook.

USDA AFRI Sustainable Agricultural Systems Request for Applications

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems grant program is now accepting applications. Applications must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the US food and agriculture system. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking creative applications for projects that will significantly improve the supply of affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible agricultural products and foster the development of rural prosperity. This grant program closes Thursday, July 13, 2023. A Letter of Intent is a prerequisite for application submission. For more information or to apply, click here.

DOD and DOI Launch Readiness & Recreation Conservation Initiative RFP Around Military Installations

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) have taken new initiatives to preserve land around military installations and improve access to outdoor recreation through a new Readiness and Recreation Initiative. The DOI’s National Park Service will provide $40 million in funding from unobligated Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) balances to safeguard natural areas, protect water resources, preserve cultural heritage sites, and provide recreation opportunities for the public. The Department of Defense's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) will provide a matching $40 million in funds to support these projects. The departments will work with states to identify and support REPI projects that fit the desired criteria that include abilities to provide recreational opportunities without compromising military operations. States can apply for funding, which could support projects on public, private, state, or local lands, through a competitive process. To learn more about this initiative, click here. The deadline to apply for this request for proposals is August 21, 2023. To go directly to the grant application details, click here.

Job Opportunities

Four Open Extension Faculty Positions at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Forestry has four open Extension faculty positions. Two are located on the Starkville campus, one is located near Starkville, and one is on the coast in Biloxi, MS. All four positions are full-time, 12-month, and tenure-track.

Assistant Professor (Forest Resource Economics) position is located in the Department of Forestry, College of Forest Resources, on Mississippi State University’s main campus in Starkville, Mississippi.
Assistant/Associate Professor (Forest Ecosystem Productivity Extension) is open at the same location.
The position of Assistant Professor (Longleaf Pine Restoration Forestry) is based in Biloxi, MS
Assistant Professor (Forestry Extension) is based in Lee County, MS at the North Mississippi Research Center.

Individual job information can be accessed by clicking on the linked positions above. Detailed job descriptions, required qualifications, anticipated start dates, and application procedures are available on the university career website.

USDA Opens Full-Time, Entry-Level Soil Conservationist Positions across United States

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to hire a new group of Entry-Level Soil Conservationist over the next few years with a funding support of $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for conservation programs. NRCS already opened job announcements for GS 5/7/9 soil conservationists. These jobs are part of a broader effort by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help producers develop conservation plans and implement conservation practices, including critical climate-smart practices. Learn more here.

USDA Recruiting Biological Scientists/Physical Scientists

USDA is recruiting Biological Scientists/Physical Scientists for its Washington DC location. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the Biological Scientist (GS-0401). For the Physical Scientist (GS-1301), successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. For detailed job descriptions, required qualifications and application deadlines, click here.

Upcoming Events

May 24, 2023 | Leesville, SC

Growing Our Future 2023 Annual SC Forestry Meeting

The Growing Our Future – Annual Forestry Meeting has become a staple of the forest management community. Every year experts from various fields of study are brought together to share their work and knowledge with professional foresters and landowners alike. To learn more, click here.

June 19-21 | Nashville, TN

FLA National Forest Landowners Conference

The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) is hosting the National Conference of Private Forest Landowners in Nashville, Tennessee on June 19-21. This event is structured as an opportunity to talk with other landowners with similar management ideas, questions, and concerns, and network with others. The conference includes all-day sessions, an awards lunch, and a Forest Family Business Transition Workshop. To learn more and register, click here.

July 28-30 | Jekyll Island, GA

Annual Conference of Georgia Forestry Association 2023

This year’s GFA conference brings together the largest and most diverse gathering of forest stakeholders in Georgia including landowners, investors, professionals, and forest product manufacturers in the U.S. To learn more about the conference and stay up-to-date, click here.

August 19-23 | Oulu, Finland.

4th World of Congress of Environmental History

The International Consortium of Environmental History Organizations (ICEHO) in partnership with the University of Oulu and Biodiverse Anthropocene (a program of the University of Oulu) is organizing this congress. A call for papers will be open on May 15, 2023. The conference details, panel, and paper submission guidelines are available here.

August 23-25 | Nashville, TN

Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition

The Southern Forest Products Association is arranging the Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO 2023 from August 23-25, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. The association members, exhibitors, and staff are waiting for this August industry gathering. The registration and stall booking will start in April 2023. To learn more about the Expo, click here.

October 4-7|Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

The 3rd World Conference on Forests for Public Health

The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and two universities from Canada are organizing the conference. The conference organizers welcome abstracts on environmental health epidemiology, global public health issues related to greenspaces, mental and public health benefits of exposure to natural spaces, urban forestry, and more. Abstracts are due by April 30, 2023. To learn more about the conference, click here.

October, 8-12| Veneto Region of Italy.

IUFRO Extension & Knowledge Exchange Meeting & Conference

The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Extension and Knowledge Exchange (EKE) is hosting a 2023 Working Party Meeting and Conference. To submit an abstract, click here. To access the IUFRO EKE page, click here.

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 policymakers. The Forum meeting will take place October 16-20 in Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more.

October 25-28 | Sacramento, CA

National Society of American Foresters Convention

The National Society of American Foresters (SAF) convention will be held October 25-28, in Sacramento, CA. The convention is a mix of presentations, lightning presentations, workshops, posters, and more. For more information, click here.

November 7-10 | Nairobi, Kenya

International Congress on Planted Forests

The European Institute of Planted Forests and partners are organizing the 5th International Congress on Planted Forests (ICPF) for Nov. 7-10, 2023, at the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) campus in Nairobi, Kenya. To learn more about the congress, click here.

December 4-8 | Monterey, CA

10th International Fire Congress

The Association for Fire Ecology (AFE) in cooperation with the California Fire Science Consortium is hosting the 10th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress in Monterey, California on December 4-8, 2023. The event will include workshops, field trips, three full days of presentations, group discussions around the theme, and networking opportunities. To learn more about the fire congress, and abstract submissions, click here.

December 11-12 | Athens, GA

14th Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management GIS Conference

The University of Georgia and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources are inviting researchers and professionals in forestry and natural resource management to a conference devoted to issues and advances in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and related mapping and spatial technologies. A call for presenters and posters is now available. Click here to learn more.

Issue 153: WEEK of May 22nd, 2023

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REGIONAL NEWS

National News

Webinars

Funding Opportunities

Job Opportunities

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