UF Surveys Forest Science & Management Community About Thoughts on Long-term Research & Demonstration Sites 

Researchers at the University of Florida are seeking to better understand the perceived research and development needs of the forest science and management community. The objective of the survey is to understand the benefits, threats, and barriers to long-term use of forest research sites that show management effects maintained for less than 20 years. The survey is particularly designed for the forest science and management community members who have thoughts on using long-term research and demonstration sites. Take this 15-minute survey, participate in a growing conversation on the future of forest research, and voice your concerns. We plan to disseminate the results at the Society of American Foresters National Convention in Sacramento this year as well as in a peer-reviewed published paper and communicate the results to decision and policymakers. The responses are anonymous. Please complete the survey using the link, and please share it with other members of this community.



Mature American Chestnut Trees Discovered in Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Reserve

As part of a collaborative effort between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) natural resources department, the American Chestnut Foundation, and the University of Vermont, the EBCI tribal reserve was surveyed for reproductively mature American chestnut trees (Castanea dentata). The widespread attack of the chestnut blight across the nation has made it rare to find a reproductively mature American chestnut tree. Chestnut blight fungus commonly kills American chestnut trees before they reach reproductive age, though there may be resprouts at the base of the tree, but those too never reach maturity. During the 2021 survey, eleven mature chestnut trees were found, and those trees may play a role in restoring chestnut trees to the area. Pollen and seeds from these reproductively mature trees could be used in a chestnut breeding program in the future. The next phase of this project is just starting and will be featured in the same newsletter in the future. To learn more about this project and future efforts, click here.

Two Sentinel Landscapes Designated Within “The Virginia Security Corridor”

The Department of Defense’s (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program recently announced the establishment of two sentinel landscapes within the Virginia Security Corridor. The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership enables the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Defense (DOD), and Department of the Interior (DOI) to collaborate by designating land as a “sentinel landscape” to achieve greater impact in locations where significant agricultural and natural resources, species habitat, and military training needs intersect. The designation of land in this corridor as a sentinel landscape has been possible after five years of collaboration amongst government and private partners with assistance from the REPI program. Virginia Security Corridor Sentinel Landscapes encompass two landscapes — the Potomac and Tidewater - spanning over 2.9 million acres of land and water in Virginia's "Golden Crescent." The region is characterized by high military concentration, population growth, urban sprawl, and a thriving technology industry along with some of Virginia’s most abundant natural resources, such as intact forests, open and agricultural lands, as well as intricate marsh and riverine systems that connect to the Chesapeake Bay. These sentinel landscapes are focused on three goals:1. preventing encroachment on military testing and training activities while simultaneously supporting Virginia's working lands, 2. building resilience against climate-induced hazards by recognizing the increasing threats posed by factors such as sea-level rise and wetland migration, and 3. conserving and restoring key habitats, thus benefiting water quality and protected species. These new sentinel landscapes will also provide a connection between the Middle Chesapeake and Eastern North Carolina Sentinel Landscapes, enabling the coordination of opportunities at a regional scale. For more information about the Virginia Security Corridor Sentinel Landscapes, click here. To learn more about the other sentinel landscapes, click here.

Oklahoma State Forester Provides Expert Testimony on Wildfire Management to U.S. House Committee

Oklahoma State Forester Mark Goeller shared his expertise on enhancing wildfire prediction and response coordination before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee recently citing Oklahoma’s interagency collaboration model. Advanced notification is one of a few crucial instruments in minimizing the cost of life and resources resulting from wildfire. Mr. Goeller was asked to testify because of Oklahoma’s unique “Mesonet” system, which is an internet-accessible network of more than 100 remote automated weather stations found statewide. This network of weather stations coupled with fire modeling software has allowed the National Weather Service to increase the accuracy and time for predicting fire occurrences. Along with this network of weather stations and fire prediction software, Oklahoma also created an integrated warning team approach which reduced warning time considerably. Mr. Goeller also discussed the role of US forests in building a bioeconomy that also helps mitigate climate change. Find out more about Mr. Goeller’s testimony here, and connect to the recording of the house hearing here. 

Simple Spatial Modeling Tool Helped Prioritize and Double Prescribed Burning in GA

Fire professionals at the United States Forest Service (USFS) Oconee National Forest in Georgia have nearly doubled the number of prescribed fire acres by creating and implementing a burn prioritization model. In 2018, Oconee National Forest Ranger District fire management officer Tim Kolnik and USFS Southern Research Station research ecologist Joseph O’Brien began prioritizing burn units with a modeling approach first developed by fire scientist Kevin Hiers in 2003. The modeling approach prioritizes the areas to burn based on multiple criteria such as historical fire frequency, time since the last burn, and purposes of burning such as wildlife conservation. The prescribed fire team maps the land into burn units using geospatial information systems. Then, the attributes of each unit are identified. Attributes include fire history, threatened and endangered species, planned timber harvests, cultural or archaeological values, etc. Stakeholders such as silviculturists, biologists, ecologists, and others from the ranger district worked together to build a consensus on priorities. Before using the model, about 15,000 acres were burned a year. After they began using the model, they have been able to burn more than 30,000 acres each year since 2018. To learn more, click here. Watch the webinar. Read the study.

Gulf Partnership Conference 2023

 The Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation is a coalition of 28 local, regional, and national conservation organizations from across the five Gulf states: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. They will host their annual conference for Gulf area public and private sector practitioners on October 19-20, 2023 in Pensacola Beach, FL. Gulf Coast Land Conservation Partner organizations work to manage and run conservation programs in the ranchlands, mangrove forests, freshwater springs, longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests, sandy beaches, and barrier islands of Gulf states. The conference is open to land trust leaders, natural resource managers, government officials, landowners, funders, and anyone involved in the Gulf Coast’s land and natural resource conservation. Day one of the conference includes two plenary sessions and four breakout sessions. Breakout sessions focus on the USDA Farm Bill, ways to partner with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, conservation in Florida, and State Funds for Conservation. sessions on day two include a focus on ways to build partnerships with NRCS programs and field trips that include a kayak tour and nature walk. For more details contact Vance Crain. To learn more about this conference or to register, click here.

Texas Forestry Association Hosts Landowner “Branching Out” Seminar

The Texas Forestry Association is hosting its annual “Branching Out” seminar for landowners on August 11 from 10 am - 3 pm at the association’s Lufkin, Texas office. The seminar is designed for landowners, foresters, land managers, and loggers. Participants will learn about different topics such as timber valuation, the importance of forest boundaries, timber contracts, services for small acreage landowners, preventing timber theft, and reducing damage from wild hogs. . The seminar also includes a speech on the future of the agency, from the new State Director of Texas A&M Forest Services at lunch. Registration is required to attend the seminar. Registration can be done online here. For any specific information contact, Susan Stutts. To learn more about the seminar, click here.

New Documentary on Black Land Loss & Retention Released

A new documentary film “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land” directed by Eternal Polk has been released recently. The film explores the legacy of Black farming in America, land use and loss, and how landowners are reclaiming their agricultural rights and creating paths to generational wealth. Staff from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund were featured in the film. The Federation is a nearly 60-year-old cooperative association of Black farmers and landowners whose mission is to be a catalyst for developing self-supporting communities through land retention, cooperative economic development and advocacy. The federation land retention team works to help clear titles and resolve heirs' property issues amongst other work. This work from Emmy-nominated director Polk examines the causes, effects, and current fight to retain Black-owned land. To learn more about the film, click here.

Forestry Input Especially Needed as Public Comments on the Draft Federal Strategy to Advance Greenhouse Gas Measurement & Monitoring

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a Federal Register Notice requesting public input on the draft Federal Strategy to Advance Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Monitoring for the Agriculture and Forestry Sectors on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Greenhouse Gas Monitoring & Measurement Interagency Working Group. Ideas and voices from the forest sector are especially needed, because a bulk of the strategic plan focuses on agriculture, and also includes a focus on nearly all of the $300 million of Inflation Reduction Act appropriations moving towards non-USFS GHG activities. The USDA Forest Service R&D has been actively engaged with the White House’s interagency team on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Measurement and Monitoring (announced January 2022) which is focused on improvements to forest sector greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring. The Federal Strategy was prepared by USDA (including the USFS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and others. The draft Federal Strategy outlines a framework for enhancing greenhouse gas measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) within the agriculture and forestry sectors, with a specific focus on the Administration’s Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry initiative. It also aligns with ongoing work across the federal government to quantify carbon sequestration and carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions outcomes associated with activities funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Notice seeks information on four topics: general comments or questions about the draft Federal Strategy; animal agriculture; croplands; and data & data sharing. Comments are invited from a variety of stakeholders, including users and providers of agriculture and forestry MMRV data, methods, and analyses; state and local agencies; the private sector; researchers; and non-governmental organizations. Responses to the RFI will inform planning and implementation of an agriculture and forestry MMRV framework and agency activities. Register at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/USDA-2023-0009. This report is a companion document to the draft Federal Strategy to Advance an Integrated U.S. Greenhouse Gas Monitoring & Information System, which was released for public comment in February 2023. The Notice will be available for public input until August 11, 2023, and is available through the Federal Register here.  This report is a companion document to the draft Federal Strategy to Advance an Integrated U.S. Greenhouse Gas Monitoring & Information System, which was released for public comment in February 2023. A webinar was held July 21^st for those people interested in this issue.

The National Association of State Foresters Released the 2023 Farm Bill Platform

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) recently released a three-page summary of their priorities for forestry and natural resource management in the 2023 farm bill. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Bill is an omnibus spending bill in the United States that packages many individual bills related to food, nutrition, agriculture, forestry, and conservation. The federal government is going to reauthorize the farm bill in 2023 for the next five years. Like other related professional associations, NASF has developed their priorities for inclusion in the upcoming farm bill. NASF especially wants to highlight the importance of forestry and natural resources management in the farm bill and how they support rural America’s economic backbone and improve the quality of life for all Americans. NASF put forward specific recommendations regarding budgetary support for forestry sector issues including managing wildfires, promoting forest health & invasive species control, and implementation of state forest plans. Regarding wildfire management, NASF recommends promoting cross-boundary fire mitigation, revising eligibility requirements for the volunteer fire assistance (VFA) program, and amending the definition of an ‘At-Risk-Community.’ NASF recommendations also focus on forest health and invasive species control, such as extending the 2018 Farm Bill Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. Other recommendations include focus on improving the Landscape level restoration program, expanding “Good Neighborhood Authority “(GNA) and supporting the all-lands approach for reforestation. To learn more about the farm bill, check out this page. To access the NASF’s Farm Bill Platform, click here.

USDA Hosts 2023 Hixon Center Urban Conference

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service in partnership with the Hixon Center for Urban Ecology at Yale University, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, and the Natural Areas Conservancy is hosting the 10th annual Hixon Center Urban Conference for researchers and practitioners on September 15 at the Yale School of the Environment, New Haven, CT. This year’s conference theme is “Urban Forests: Solutions for a Changing Climate.” The day-long conference includes four panel discussions: “Panel-1:Transformative Leadership - Decision Makers at the Forefront of Change,” “Panel-2: Protecting Threatened Natural Forests in Cities”, “Panel-3: Urban Tree Canopies to Mitigate Heat” and “Panel-4: Innovative Strategies to Increase Canopy Cover - From Local to National”. The conference will be held in a hybrid format with limited in-person attendance. Virtual and in-person registration is free. In-person attendance includes CEUs, continental breakfast, lunch, and closing reception. In-person registration is limited, so register as soon as possible. To learn more and register, click here. 



Please Share this Survey on Urban & Community Forestry Job Analysis

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is conducting a survey on Urban and Community forestry Job analysis. The comprehensive survey was crafted by a cross-section of urban and community forestry professionals with diverse backgrounds and areas of practice across North America. Urban and community forestry is a multidisciplinary field. It is focused on serving the people, the forest and related resources, and the infrastructure found in cities and towns. Research in this field expands our knowledge of urban and community forests and their maintenance and enhancement. Survey responses contribute to the job analysis of professionals working in the urban and community forestry space. Anyone working in the urban and community forestry arena is welcome and encouraged to complete this survey. Please complete this survey by August 6. Participants who submit a completed survey can opt to be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. Please share this survey with your network so that we may capture a broad range of perspectives.

Protect Your Plants from Acute and Chronic Heat Effects

A recent post on The Garden Professors blog focused on how garden plants and crops respond to high temperatures. Outdoor temperatures in the summer months can be high enough to be fatal to plants, in some cases. In recent years, the highest annual temperatures have broken all previous records due to climate change. High temperatures affect plant physiology immediately but also cause chronic effects. Plants may stop photosynthesizing as temperatures increase above 90°F, as it becomes less efficient. In addition, if high temperatures persist, then the plant is affected by the poor efficiency of photosynthesis at those temperatures. There are several strategies that might worsen heat effects on plants (such as fertilizing during that time, or drip irrigating), and some approaches that can help plants to better tolerate the heat (such as irrigating before the high heat event, and watering early in the day or in the evening). To find out more tips for helping plants to do better in high heat, click here.

Rayonier Highlights Seven Multi-Generational Logging Businesses

Rayonier Incorporated which includes forestry, real estate and land resource businesses. recently recognized seven family-owned logging businesses operating in Florida and Washington on their website. Among the seven businesses highlighted, two are in Florida, but all the businesses include at least two generations of a family. This post on the Rayonier website highlights the importance of logging businesses for sustaining the forestry industry, as well as the ongoing relationships that many of these businesses have with their clients. To find out more about these businesses, click here.

National Deer Association Highlights UMN “Deer Offal” Project on Recent Podcast

The Offal Wildlife Watching (OWW) project at the University of Minnesota (UM) Extension was highlighted in a recent podcast episode from the National Deer Association (NDA), a non-profit deer conservation group. Hunters typically leave behind the deer offal (gut pile), when cleaning their kill, however, little is known about what happens to that offal. The University of Minnesota launched this research and citizen science project to answer those questions, by using game cameras to document which animals were visiting the piles. As part of the project, UM researchers placed some game cameras near game kill, but they also have a website with instructions for hunters (citizen scientists) who want to participate on how to get involved. Any hunters or other citizen scientists who register to participate can place their own game cameras and follow UM’s procedures for sharing that data. Some animal species come to feed on the offal itself while some are attracted to those species feeding on the piles. Images from the game camera were uploaded to a platform called Zooniverse, where any citizen can participate by helping to identify the offal-utilizing animals. At least 10 different people view each image to help with accuracy in identification before being analyzed by a faculty at the University. The project is expected to add new knowledge to the scavenger dynamics of Minnesota and elsewhere. To listen to the NDA podcast on this project, click here. To learn more about the OWW project, click here, and/or follow them on social media via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@offal_watch).

18^th North American Agroforestry Conference (NAAC)

The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), an international institute for agricultural development and biological conservation in Central America and the Caribbean will host the 18^th North American Agroforestry Conference (NAAC)s on February 20-22, 2024at Turrialba, Costa Rica. The North American Agroforestry Conference series has been co-sponsored by the Association for Temperate Agroforestry and has been held every two years since 1989. This year the conference will celebrate its 44^th anniversary. No other information about this event is available, however, access the AFTA website’s announcements here.

NIHHIS FY2024 Funding Opportunity

The Climate Program Office (CPO) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the Department of Commerce is seeking applications for two individual competitions in FY24 to set up two new National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) Centers of Excellence. Letters of intent are due on Monday, August 14 at 5 p.m. ET. Full applications are due on October 16 at 5 p.m. ET. To learn more about this funding opportunity, and application procedure, click here.

US DA Mobilizes $500M for Partner Driven Conservation Projects in Agricultural Land 

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is seeking applications for funding from partner organizations. Agricultural or silvicultural producer associations or other groups of producers, state or local government units, Indian tribes, or other organizations can apply for funding through the RCPP. RCPP funding will be awarded to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation in agricultural lands. The proposal submission deadline is August 18. Project proposals need to be submitted through the NRCS website’s proposal management portal. Detailed information on proposal submissions are provided here. To learn more about the RCPP funding, click here.

USDA Announces $188M Investment in Forestry Legacy Program

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Legacy Program (FLP)will invest $188 million dollars towards conserving some of the nation's most economically and ecologically significant forestlands. The FLP, administered by the US Forest Service (USFS) in coordination with state forestry agencies, protects environmentally significant forest areas that are otherwise threatened by conversion to non-forest use. By helping to prevent the loss and fragmentation of working forests, the program encourages sustainable forest management and supports sustainable markets for forest products. The FLP has two funding sources, Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) allocated by Congress and funding that has been made available through the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). As a result, there are now two separate annual application cycles for LWCF and IRA funding. To learn more about the FLP program and access the funding announcements click here. For a complete list of fiscal year 2023 projects, or to learn how states can apply for fiscal year 2024 funding, click 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.

USDA Offers $5.15 Million Grants in 2023 to Bring Innovative Wastewater Systems in Underserved Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering grants to regional consortiums for projects implementing innovative solutions to longstanding wastewater issues in underserved rural areas under the Technical Assistance and Construction for Innovative Regional Wastewater Treatment Solutions Grant Pilot Program. Priority will be given to regional consortiums that coordinate with universities, academic, health, and research institutes, or economic development entities to solve untreated raw sewage issues with innovative technologies. The grants may be used to study, design, or construct regional wastewater systems in underserved areas. Applications must be submitted electronically on grants.gov and received no later than 11:59 PM ET on July 31. For more information, read the full stakeholder announcement 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.

Joint Chief’s Landscape Restoration Proposal Solicitation 2024

This year the Joint Chief’s solicitation was released as a National Bulletin. Joint Chief projects are a great opportunity for NRCS, Forest Service National Forests, state forestry agencies, and conservation districts to collaborate at a landscape level, across public and private forests, to reduce wildfire risk, improve water quality, and/or wildlife habitat. Please, find attached the national bulletin. Joint Chief proposals are due September 5. Programs will be hosting informational solicitation webinars in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Matthew Vandersande with questions or to discuss potential projects.

Water Resources Staff Forester - The North Carolina Forest Service

The North Carolina Forest Service is seeking applications for a permanent full-time position of Water Resources Staff Forester III (WRSF). This flexible/hybrid regional position. The selected candidate will be based in the Piedmont area and will work as a North Carolina Forest Service team member. The WRSF position is accountable to serve as a subject matter expert on water-related regulatory oversight of silviculture and needs to represent the NC Forest Service to the agency’s customers, stakeholders, and interagency cooperators. The duties include providing information on forest protection, emergency response, resource management, and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. Minimum qualifications to apply include a bachelor's degree in forestry from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited institution and three years of related experiences or equivalents. The application deadline is July 28 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Note that this is a re-advertisement and previous applicants must re-apply to be considered. To learn more about the job description, applicant qualifications, and application procedure, click here.

Community Forestry Specialist - Virginia Department of Forestry

Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is seeking applications for two full-time Community Forestry Specialists positions in the Richmond, VA, and Rappahannock, VA locations. Community Forestry Specialists’ primary focus is community forestry activities but may need to spend 20% of their time supporting VDOF operations in rural forest management, conservation, water quality protection, and wildfire protection. The minimum qualifications include experience in technical and professional forestry work, arboricultural, or horticulture; experience or training in identifying trees, common insects, and diseases in trees; planting trees and riparian buffers; as well as experience or training in developing forest management plans including planting, site preparation, invasive species control and knowledge; and experience developing and leading educational programs for youth and adults. These positions need to work with various state and community stakeholders, so excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential for the job role. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel within the jurisdiction area are also essential. ISA and pesticide application certificates are advantages. Deadlines for application submission are July 27 for Richmond and July 28 for Rappahannock locations. To learn more about the position at the Richmond location, click here and for the Rappahannock location, click here.

FIA Staff Forester I - Texas A&M Forest Service (Two positions)

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking applications for two full-time permanent FIA Staff Forester I positions for Lufkin, TX, and Henderson, TX locations. The Forester will serve as a forest survey crew leader and be responsible for the survey program in the assigned region. The duties include investigating land ownership in the tax office, contacting landowners, locating field plots, collecting and transmitting forest survey data, and achieving production goals. The work experience and skills requirement include strong dendrology and vegetation inventory knowledge and must have sound communication, organization, and documentation skills. A bachelor’s degree in forestry with an emphasis in Forest Management or a closely related degree program is required. The position also requires outdoor fieldwork and exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain, and temperature extremes. The successful candidate must have a valid Texas driver's license and maintain good physical fitness. To learn more about the position based in Lufkin, TX click here, and for the position at Henderson, TX here.

Staff Forester/Woodland Ecologist I - Urban & Community Forestry

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a full-time Staff Forester/Woodland Ecologist I - Urban & Community Forestry for its Alpine, TX location. The candidate needs to be a highly motivated, detail-oriented team member with a passion for community forestry and arboriculture. The Staff Forester / Woodland Ecologist will provide leadership to municipalities, non-profits, planning groups, and other community forestry stakeholders in the West Texas/Trans-Pecos region to help build sustainable programs that ensure healthy trees and forests. This job may require exposure to adverse weather conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain, and temperature extremes as well as frequent job stress from various project deadlines, frequent travel, and long hours. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, or other related fields. Two or more years of experience in urban forestry, land management, conservation, or hydrology is a preferred qualification. For a detailed job description, qualifications, and application procedure, click here.

Biologist - Regeneration Nursery Specialist - Department of Agriculture Forest Service

The United States Forest Service (USFS) under the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications for several Biologist - Regeneration Nursery Specialist positions for US citizens. Regeneration Nursery specialists are the subject matter experts and liaisons responsible for advising state, industrial, tribal, private forestry, and conservation nursery managers, and growers on plant production-related topics. The required educational qualification includes a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines or courses equivalent to a major, as mentioned above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. To learn more about eligibility, qualification requirements, and the application process, click here.

Research Program Manager at Virginia Department of Forestry

Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is accepting applications for the position of ‘Research Program Manager’ to lead and manage the applied forest research program at the agency. The job responsibilities include program development, planning and conducting research, preparing written reports and presentations, technology transfer and training, etc. Required qualifications include experience with designing, installing, and measuring applied research studies as well as knowledge of math, statistics, forest inventory, field sampling and measurement techniques. Knowledge and skills in Geographic Information Systems and genetics are preferred. Contact Kristina Clore for further information. To learn more or submit an application, click here.

Virginia Department of Forestry-Area Forester-Southern Rivers District

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking applications for an Area Forester for the Southern Rivers District in the Central Region. The area forester provides forest resource information to partner agencies, local governments, private businesses, conservation organizations, and citizen groups. This position provides leadership in preventing and suppressing forest fires and enforces the seed tree, water quality, and fire laws. Demonstrated knowledge of silviculture, forest measurements, wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, urban & community forestry, watershed protection, and forest health are required for this position. The position is hybrid in nature, the job requirements include a valid driver’s license; ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot; ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion; and experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software required. The chosen candidate needs to reside in Halifax County, Virginia. To learn more about the required qualifications and application procedure, click here.

Community Outreach Representative-Ohio State University Wooster Campus

The School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) in the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is accepting applications for the position of a full-time Community Outreach Representative. Being based on the OSU/CFAES Wooster Campus, the position holder will work to build and support outreach and engagement activities with Ohio’s non-timber forest products producers and organizations including gathering and disseminating research-based information on the production of Christmas Trees, Maple Syrup, and other non-timber products. The key job qualifications include a degree in forestry or a related field (BS required; MS preferred), two years of experience working in relevant Extension and outreach roles and technical experience with maple syrup and/or Christmas tree production. To apply, please submit a letter of interest describing your relevant experience and qualifications, a copy of your resume, and the names and contact information of 3 references using this link. Feel free to contact Dr. Douglas Jackson-Smith with any pertinent questions.

Open Extension Faculty Positions at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Forestry has two faculty positions open and will accept applications until they are filled up. Both positions are full-time, 12-month, tenure-track, and located on the Starkville campus:

1. Assistant Professor (Forest Resource Economics)
2. Assistant/Associate Professor (Forest Ecosystem Productivity Extension)

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.