The Southern Regional Extension of Forestry

Issue 173: Week of June 24th, 2024

Recent News

Regional News

• Collaborative Research by UT and USFS Reveals Tick’s Preferred Habitats
• UF Requests Feedback Bolster Regional Invasive Species Mgmt Efforts
• Learn How to Read RADAR In Video from National Storm Chaser
• NWOA Partners with ABAC to Develop Forestry Workforce Training in South Georgia
• Texas A&M’s The Land Steward Podcast
• TN DOF to Increase Urban Greenspaces using USFS Funding
• GFC Hosts GA Forestry Forum Podcast
• Grand Opening of Peak Renewables BioEnergy in AL

National News

• SFI Launches 2025-2030 Strategic Direction
• State of Voluntary Carbon Market 2024 Report
• American Planning Assoc. Publishes “Recommendations for a Successful Urban Tree Planting Initiative”
• Resources for the Future Releases Article Detailing the Effects of Timber Markets on land Use Change
• FIA Science Symposium Call for Submissions
• Urban & Community Forestry Society Seeking Nominations for Board Members 
• Endowment Releases 2023 Nursery Landscape Assessment & Demand Assessment Module
• Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Statement of Policy and New Principles for Voluntary Carbon Markets
• NE Forest Carbon Program Releases New Durable Wood Calculator
• Carbon Storage in Forests Animation
• NOAA Announces 9 Projects to Train a Climate-Ready Workforce
• New Discovery by UMaine and UMass Improves Knowledge of Carbon Cycling in Aquatic Environments
• NCSU and OS Hosts 2024 Urban Wood Drying Workshop

Webinars

Access previously listed webinars here.

• Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States - The Importance of Persistence
• Southeast Climate Series
• Co-Production with Indigenous Peoples
• The Fundamentals of Workforce Development in Forestry
• Improving Electricity Affordability in the Clean energy Transition
• Developing prescribed biochar for lead ion retention
• CFLRP Peer Learning Session: Demystifying Reporting
• SAF Forest Pollinator Webinar Series
• SAF Urban Wood Network Webinar Series
• 2024 Designation Cycle Sentinel Landscapes Spotlight
• Building Brands that Build Movements
• Where Do You Find Clients and Who Can Help You? Forest Economic Development Allies
• Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Headed: The Direction of Municipal Tree Care & Management
• AICUZ and REPI Partnerships for Enhanced Land Protection
• Navigating Military Readiness Through Responsible Project Execution
• Water Cooler Talk: Community Science Tool to Track Stream Health
• Prescribed Fire as a Forest Management Tool
• Eradication Efforts and Research Successes (and Failures) in the Ongoing Battle Against the Asian Longhorned Beetle in South Carolina

Funding Opportunities

• Climate Hub Partnership Program Request for Proposals
• National Forest Foundation 2024 Collaborative Capacity Program Nationwide Grant Opportunity
• Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program 2024 Request for Proposals
• Southeast Aquatics 2024 Request for Proposals
• USDA Announces New Forest Landowner Support Funding for Tribes
• USDA to Invest $50 Million Through Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership
• 2024 Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund
• USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

Job Opportunities

• Assistant/Associate Professor – Silviculture (Mississippi State University)
• Operations Forester (Ridgway, Pennsylvania)
• Agribusiness Lecturer (Clemson University)
• R&D Test Engineer (Phoenix, Illinois)
• Urban & Community Forestry Case Manager (Remote)
• USDA Forest Service Data Science Research on Spatially Explicit Timber Products Demand (Durham, NC)

Collaborative Research by UT and USFS Reveals Tick’s Preferred Habitats

Over the past 8 years, researchers from the US Forest Service’s (USFS) Southern Research Station and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) have been analyzing ticks collected by Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) crews in the Southeast. With the research being led by Drs. Rebecca Butler and Rebecca Trout Fryxell from UTIA, the data they collected will help identify habitat characteristics that predict when and where people are most likely to encounter ticks. This research is especially important now as vector-borne diseases are on the rise, especially those that are transmitted by blood-feeding insects like ticks. Findings show that ticks prefer edge habitats between open areas and biodiverse forests. To learn more about this research, click here.

UF Requests Feedback Bolster Regional Invasive Species Mgmt Efforts

The University of Florida’s (UF) Invasive Species Extension Program is requesting feedback to inform  project in development that is being planned to bolster regional invasive plant management efforts. The goals for the proposed project are to: 1) build a citizen science program that will provide

land managers with the invasive species data they need to make good treatment decisions;

and 2) provide land managers with the tools and training they need to make data driven

treatment decisions. They also aim to track not only volunteer hours and surveyed/treated acres but also economic and environmental impacts, demonstrating cost savings and reduced infestation levels. The purpose of the survey is to better estimate stakeholder/partner needs and project outputs. Visit this website to share feedback. To see more details about this project, click here. Questions can be directed to UF’s Invasive Species Extension Coordinator, Deb Stone, at debitharp@ufl.edu. 

Learn How to Read RADAR In Video from National Storm Chaser

In a recent post from the Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast Newsletter, climatologist Pam Knox shared a video that explains how to read RADAR. In a recently published  this video, published by YouTube channel “Watch Chris Chase" on Youtube, Chris, a nationwide storm chaser, published a video explaining what RADAR is, how it works, and how it’s used by weather professionals. Radio detection and ranging (RADAR) is one of the most commonly used tools by forecasters and meteorologists to analyze real-time weather events. RADAR sends out an energy beam that can detect where precipitation is and predict how it will move over time. Newer RADAR can even detect wind speeds, which allows weather professionals to identify severe weather events like tornados. To watch this video, click here.

NWOA Partners with ABAC to Develop Forestry Workforce Training in South Georgia

The National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA), a non-profit organization established to deliver research-based information to woodland owners, will be partnering with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, Georgia to create a Pilot Education partnership-guide. This guide will enhance participants’ awareness of forest/woodland opportunities to underserved landowners, expand workforce development, and provide outreach to the Tifton area. These efforts will be accomplished, beginning in fall 2024, through a variety of methods including webinars, email newsletters, social media, and more. To sign up to receive email updates about this project, click here. Visit this website to learn more about NWOA.

Texas A&M’s The Land Steward Podcast

Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute’s (NRI) The Land Steward Podcast shares relatable conversations about land and wildlife stewardship for conservation-minded individuals. Hosted by program manager for partnerships at Texas A&M NRI, Brittany Wegner, this podcast has been publishing episodes since October, 2023. In the newest episode, “Episode 6 - Small Acreage Management," Wegner, and guest Ph.D. candidate in rangeland wildlife and fisheries management at Texas A&M, Chase Brooke, discuss valuable resources for everyday land stewardship in Texas. This information applies especially to new and small-acreage landowners. This podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To view transcripts of this podcast and previous podcasts, Click here.

TN DOF to Increase Urban Greenspaces using USFS Funding

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TN DOF) is helping dozens of Tennessee towns to foster and preserve urban landscapes using funding from the US Forest Service (USFS). This is part of the Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program. Grants are being distributed to a variety of entities including rotary clubs, government bodies, and non-profits to establish tree-planting programs, educational initiatives on tree care, and cultivate food forests. Click here to read more.

GFC Hosts GA Forestry Forum Podcast

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has launched a new podcast titled "Georgia Forestry Forum” where they cover topics that affect Georgia forests. With the first episode released in late 2023, the podcast currently has 5 episodes, with a new one being released monthly. Listen to learn how trees impact every portion of daily life and the products we use each day. Their latest episode, “Southern Pine Beetle Predictions,” discusses the damage southern pine beetles can cause, what foresters can do to combat them, and hotspot areas. This episode also lightly touches on blue stain fungus, other pine beetles, different types of pines, and much more. Click here to listen to this podcast.

Grand Opening of Peak Renewables BioEnergy in AL

A partnership between Rex Lumber and Brian Fehr Group has led to the grand opening of Peak Renewables BioEnergy in Dothan, AL. Their objective is to manufacture utility wood pellets as an eco-friendly alternative to non-renewable energy sources like coal. In addition to reducing non-renewable fuel consumption, the pellet creation process also reduces waste by using discarded wood shavings to create the pellets. Wood shavings from Rex plants in Florida and Alabama will contribute the feedstock for these pellets. To read more, click here.

SFI Launches 2025-2030 Strategic Direction

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) released its 2025-2030 Strategic Direction at this year’s SFI Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA. The SFI’s Theory of Change consists of 4 main ideas, 1) promote responsible forestry and sourcing, 2) provide nature-based solutions on the SFI footprint, 3) create positive change with diverse communities, and 4) foster a lifetime of learning. For each idea, SFI a short summary of the idea, explains the strategy, why it matters, and desired outcomes, and. This new strategic direction furthers their sustainability agenda by highlighting actions needed to responsibly manage forests for present and future generations. Read the original news release here.

State of Voluntary Carbon Market 2024 Report

Recently, Ecosystem Marketplace (EM), a non-profit and leading global source of information on environmental finance, markets, and payments for ecosystem services, launched its annual flagship report, On the Path to Maturity: State of the Voluntary Carbon Market 2024 available for download in both English and Spanish. This report has been published yearly for almost two decades now. EM held a recorded launch webinar as well. In 2023, the voluntary carbon market (VCM) saw a 56% drop in transaction volume, with carbon credit prices averaging $6.53 per ton CO2of emissions, a slight decrease from 2022. Early 2024 carbon credit prices appear to be recovering from their 2023 dip. The largest gross declines occurred among the Forestry and Renewable Energy credits, which is the most popular project type. The US compliance market, mandated by the US government to lower emissions, for carbon offsets through the California Air Resources Board stayed stable, with offset prices rising to over $40 per ton CO2 emissions from 2022 to 2023. 

American Planning Assoc. Publishes “Recommendations for a Successful Urban Tree Planting Initiative”

The Journal of the American Planning Association recently published an article titled “Beyond the Golden Shovel: Recommendations for a Successful Urban Tree Planting Initiative.” The article promotes the successful implementation of urban tree planting initiatives by offering recommendations for planting preparation, installation, and after-planting phases. They listed some overall suggestions to enable successful urban tree planting initiatives including: ensure adequate funding for each project phase, cultivate place-based landscape design, engage with the community, implement good planting practices, and adapt over time. These considerations are important to ensure the success of these projects as approximately 30% of urban trees die within 5 years of planting. To read the full publication, click here.

Resources for the Future Releases Article Detailing the Effects of Timber Markets on land Use Change

Resources for the Future (RFF), a nonprofit research institution committed to improving environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement, recently released a new report, “Effects of Wood Products Markets and Forest Policies on Land Use Change “ written by RFF’s Dr. David N. Wear. In the paper Dr. Wear models and compares interactions between wood product demands, timber prices, and land use decisions in the south. He further discusses how these variables influence afforestation and deforestation decisions by natural resource managers and landowners. Findings indicate that policies that increase timber demand without increasing demands for urban land are more than twice as effective for afforestation efforts as tree planting-subsidies . Additionally, results highlight how policies that increase forest profitability, like carbon offset markets, may also increase forested area in the south. Find the full paper here.

FIA Science Symposium Call for Submissions

The US Forest Service (USFS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Science Symposium is open for abstract submissions for virtual individual presentations. For this online event, the Symposium’s planning team is specifically seeking presentations that align with this year’s theme, ‘Toward Tomorrow’s Forests Together.’ Presentation types can be an oral presentation (15 min), speed presentation (5 min), virtual poster presentation, or digital demonstration (15 min). Presentation proposals are due August 2, 2024. To learn more about submission requirements and the symposium schedule for November 19-21, 2024 visit this website.

Urban & Community Forestry Society Seeking Nominations for Board Members 

The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) Nominations Committee is soliciting current UCFS Members and others to nominate qualified candidates for a board member position. The successful nominees will serve a 3-year term and can serve up to 2 consecutive terms. They must have a high level of understanding of UCFS’s policies and actively participate in UCFS activities. To see a full list of board member responsibilities, click here. To nominate someone, click here. Questions can be directed to Leslie Berckes, UCFS’s Executive Director, at LBerckes@ucfsociety.org.



New Discovery by UMaine and UMass Improves Knowledge of Carbon Cycling in Aquatic Environments

A new discovery from a collaboration between the University of Maine (UMaine) and the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) has revealed that shipworms, a family of mollusks, have a previously unknown sub-organ that can digest lignin. This sub-organ, called the typhlosole, has symbiotic microbes living within it that secrete an enzyme to break down the lignin in wood products. As a result, shipworms play a crucial role in cycling carbon through aquatic environments. This discovery will help climate change researchers refine models that predict how CO2 and other greenhouse gases are released into the environment. Read the article here.

Endowment Releases 2023 Nursery Landscape Assessment & Demand Assessment Module

Through the combined efforts of the US Endowment for Forestry Communities (Endowment) and the New Leaf Climate Partners (New Leaf), they have released a new comprehensive 2023 Nursery Landscape Assessment. Data used to create it was gathered using a range of sources, including the US Forest Service (USFS) Reforestation, Nurseries & Genetic Resources (RNGR) Nursery Directory. This assessment examines the financial challenges associated with increasing tree nursery production capacities to meet the ever-increasing demand for reforestation. Key topics in the report include location distribution, seedling volume, forecasted demand, workforce issues, and region-specific considerations. In addition to the 2023 Nursery Landscape Assessment, New Leaf has also released at companion module titled “Demand Assessment of US Land Restoration & Reforestation Value Chain”. This module explains the where and why of sustainable land use projects in order to better understand need for capital, seedlings, and other inputs. Access a downloadable PDF of the 2023 Nursery Landscape Assessment here. To view a summary, click here. To learn more about the Demand Assessment of US Land Restoration & Reforestation Value Chain Module, click here.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Statement of Policy and New Principles for Voluntary Carbon Markets

Recently, the White House announced recommended policies and principles that are intended to strengthen voluntary carbon market offsets. The Joint Statement on Policy and New Principles for Responsible Participation in Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) codifies the U.S. government’s approach to advancing high-integrity VCMs. Offsets from the Voluntary Carbon Market already allow companies or individuals to buy credits for emissions reductions created by projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere. However, since they are voluntary, there have been no regulations or national guidance regarding how the markets should work. The new policy principles from the White House are not binding, nor regulatory, but suggest best management practices. This new statement from the white house represents the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing the responsible development of VCMs, with clear incentives and guardrails in place to ensure that this market drives ambitious and credible climate action and generates economic opportunity. There are seven principles for responsible participation listed that focus on what the carbon credits should do, how they can be used, and recommendations for transparency. The largest category of offsets is for forest carbon offsets, created when landowners agree to l modify their forest management to increase carbon sequestration. Voluntary carbon markets can help forest landowners, even small-acreage landowners to be financially reimbursed for increasing carbon sequestration or storage on their land. In addition to these principles and policies in the statement, this factsheet from the White House also lists information on many of the Biden-Harris’ Administration actions to develop VCMs, including information on requests for information relating to the protocols used in VCMs from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), investment in programs to accelerate carbon removal technologies, and an effort to lead international standards setting, as well as supporting international market development as well as enhancing measuring, monitoring, reporting and verification of the VCMs and more. To read the fact sheet released by the White House, visit this website.

NE Forest Carbon Program Releases New Durable Wood Calculator

Arbor Analytics, a forest analytics consulting company, has created a new durable wood calculator for the Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program. Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program is a cooperative effort among several northeast state forestry offices to secure as much private forest carbon in the region as possible within a 3-year period (2021-2024). This calculator allows landowners to determine how long harvested timber will store carbon until it is released into the atmosphere. Input variables include forest type (oak-pine, spruce-fir, etc.), wood product type, and volume harvested of a selected unit, and more. Access the calculator here.

Carbon Storage in Forests Animation

Near the beginning of the year, YouTube channel “About My Woods,” an effort of the Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program, a cooperative effort of several northeast state forestry offices, released an informative short animation about carbon storage in forests and forest environmental benefits. This video can be used as a helpful tool to aid communicating about carbon storage in forests and the related benefits. Watch the video, “Understanding Forests, Carbon & Climate,” here.

NOAA Announces 9 Projects to Train a Climate-Ready Workforce

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) held a media teleconference on June 11 to announce nine projects across the United States that will build a climate-ready workforce. Sixty million dollars is being invested in these projects to train and place Americans in well-compensated positions that advance climate resilience in communities, especially costal and disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Potential jobs include water and wastewater specialists, electricians, hydrologists, and construction workers trained to address climate impacts in their fields. Learn more here.

NCSU and OSU Hosts 2024 Urban Wood Drying Workshop

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Wood Products Extension and Oregon State University's (OSU) Oregon Wood Innovation Center are partnering to offer a 2.5-day urban wood drying workshop on July 29-31 in Oregon City, OR. Proper drying is key to processing freshly milled boards & slabs into valuable, high-quality, marketable products. This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge to better control drying in urban wood operations & resources to develop a strategy & implement best practices. The workshop includes lectures, hands-on activities & labs. For more information, click here.

Southeast Climate Series: 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook

Join this webinar to learn about co-production with Indigenous Peoples best practices for engaging with Indigenous communities, respecting their knowledge systems, and ensuring reciprocity in co-production efforts. Register here.

Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States - The Importance of Persistence

This virtual event is sponsored by Southern Regional Extension Forestry. Having an available workforce is integral to creating new forestry markets. Successful forestry markets require loggers, forestry technicians, truck drivers, and other employees with similar skills to those in other manufacturing industries. Rebecca Hunt will share her research into these forestry challenges and identify solutions. Additionally, Stephanie Fuller will provide her insights as a director of a non-profit organization that focuses on developing essential forestry workers. This is the third webinar in a four-part series on Wood-based Economic Development. Click here to join.

Join Resources for the Future (RFF) in this zoom webinar, the next event in their Exposure 2024 webinar series on environmental justice. An expert panel, moderated by RFF’s Director of Government Affairs Brad Harris, will explore the step energy providers take to address electricity affordability. This webinar will be recorded and available to view after the event ends. Register here.

Developing prescribed biochar for lead ion retention: using this biochar instead of that one

This peer learning session, hosted by the National Forest Foundation (NFF), is designed to bring current and alumni participants in the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) together to reflect on CFLRP annual reporting and updates. Click here to register.

SAF Forest Pollinator Webinar Series: Effects of Landscape Context, Tree Composition, and Fires History on Forest Pollinator Diversity across the Southeastern United States

Keeping Forests invites participants to join them for a presentation by 3 experts with background in branding, storytelling, visual communication, and behavior change marketing. Learn how to engage audiences and form lasting relationships. Register here.

SAF Urban Wood Network Webinar Series: Different Materials to Incorporate into Urban Wood

Where Do You Find Clients and Who Can Help You? Forest Economic Development Allies

SAF Forest Pollinator Webinar Series: Pollinators in the Woods? The Place of Wild Bees in a Changing Forested Landscape

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Prescribed Fire as a Forest Management Tool

2024 Designation Cycle Sentinel Landscapes Spotlight

Water Cooler Talk: Community Science Tool to Track Stream Health

SAF Urban Wood Network Webinar Series: Second Life of an Urban Tree - Work Competitively in Collaboration

SAF Forest Pollinator Webinar Series: Restoring Bee Communities in Harvested Forests

Join Rich Hauer, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, as he outlines what we know about the state of municipal forestry, and what we hope to learn with the 2024 Urban & Community Forestry Census of Tree Activities. Click here to pre-register.

SAF Urban Wood Network Webinar Series: Urban Wood and Climate

SAF Forest Pollinator Webinar Series: Bringing Forest Ecology to Bumble Bee Conservation

Eradication Efforts and Research Successes (and Failures) in the Ongoing Battle Against the Asian Longhorned Beetle in South Carolina

AICUZ and REPI Partnerships for Enhanced Land Protection

SAF Urban Wood Network Webinar Series: Funding, Grants, and Investors

Navigating Military Readiness Through Responsible Project Execution

SAF Urban Wood Network Webinar Series: USRW Standards

Climate Hub Partnership Program Request for Proposals

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced their 2024 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program. The goal of this program is to invest in agricultural production research, education, and extension projects to produce more sustainable, productive, and economically-viable plant and animal production systems. Applications that address climate change, food, and nutrition security, expanding markets for producers, Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and equity for underserved producers are welcome. Approximately $300 million has been made available for programs included in the FY 2024 AFRI Foundational and Applied Science (FAS). See pages 4 and 5 to see priority areas and application deadlines. Deadlines range between August 2024-October 2024.

National Forest Foundation 2024 Collaborative Capacity Program Nationwide Grant Opportunity

The National Forest Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024 funding round of the Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities (CCP). Financial awards available through the CCP will provide resources, invest in skills and tools, and support activities that make collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and co-stewardship with Tribes for forest stewardship successful. Eligible applicants must describe how investments in collaboration will support a long-term strategy for achieving stewardship outcomes into the future and how these outcomes benefit National Forest System lands. Nonprofits, local governments, Tribes, and colleges and universities are eligible to apply. The National Forest Foundation has provided a quiz to determine eligibility for this funding. One quiz is for federally-recognized Tribal Applicants and one for All Applicants. July 12, 2024 is the deadline for CCP Applications. Click here to learn more.

USDA to Invest $50 Million Through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be investing $50 million in the 2024 fiscal year through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). The goal of this funding is to support conservation partners with local projects that help protect, restore, and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. This is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to mitigate climate change. Proposals are capped at $10 million and will be accepted until August 16, 2024. This NRCS bulletin contains information on how to apply. To read the original press release, click here.

2024 Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund

The Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund, established by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was designed to support projects that will assess, remove, and dispose of marine debris in, and around coastal communities impacted by hurricanes and other severe storm events. The Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund will be awarding up to $6 million in grants to projects that will remove marine debris and prevent further harm to fish and wildlife populations. Eligible projects are focused on coastal counties in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian and Nicole and Typhoon Merbok. Proposals are to be submitted by July 26, 2024 at midnight. Click here to learn more.

USDA Announces New Forest Landowner Support Funding for Tribes

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently announced that the Forest Service will have at least $20 million from the Inflation Reduction Act available to federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native corporations and villages. The goal of this funding is to help recipients overcome barriers to accessing private markets for forest resilience or climate mitigation. Eligible applicants are federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native corporations and villages, and tribal organizations as defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S. Code § 5304). Tribal leaders who are interested in this opportunity are encouraged to attend a live webinar on March 6, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 pm EST. Advanced registration is required for this webinar. Eligible applicants may each submit one proposal request for up to $20 million. Proposals are due by August 21, 2024. Learn more and apply here. To register for the webinar, click here.

Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program 2024 Request for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for projects that voluntarily restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams and provide habitat for diverse native bird and aquatic species populations. The goal of this program is to improve the quality of forest and adjacent freshwater habitats to increase the distribution and abundance of birds, fish, and other wildlife species. Approximately $3.5 million is available this year by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Forest Service (USFS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Proposals are due July 18, 2024 before midnight ET. Learn more here.

Southeast Aquatics 2024 Request for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for projects from private landowners that voluntarily restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams by private landowners in the southeast and Texas. Approximately $8.45 million has been made available. The funding will be used to support projects that improve water quality, water quantity, instream condition, and riparian condition through technical assistance. Proposals are due July 18, 2024 before midnight ET. Learn more here.

USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grants. Grants will be awarded to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and qualified private organizations for projects that help non-profit housing and community development in low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes. The minimum grant award is $50,000 and the maximum is $500,000. The matching fund requirement is equal to the amount of the grant funds received. Electronic applications are due July 10, 2024. Paper applications are due July 15, 2024. To learn more about applying and state specific information, click here.

Assistant/Associate Professor – Silviculture (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State University is hiring an Assistant/Associate Professor. The minimum qualification for this position is a Ph.D. in Forestry or a related field. The successful candidate will initially teach current courses and eventually develop graduate courses in their area of expertise. This is a tenure-track, full time, 9-month teaching/research appointment. To read the full job description and apply, click here.

Operations Forester (Ridgway, Pennsylvania)

LandVest is hiring for an Operation Forester position in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. Qualifications for this position include a bachelor's degree in forestry or equivalence in certification and experience. A minimum of three to five years of similar work experience is expected. This is a full-time salaried position with a mix of field (85%) and office (15%) work for various clients. Field duties primarily consist of timber sale administration, green certification compliance, inventory management and more. Office duties include record and report maintenance, updating maps, timber sale paperwork and more. Those with a passion for the forestry profession and a desire to work in all weather conditions (often alone) are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume here.

USDA Forest Service Data Science Research on Spatially Explicit Timber Products Demand (Durham, NC)

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applicants for Forest Service data science research on spatially explicit timber products demand position. The successful candidate must have data science knowledge and be able to use a statistical programming language. The project goal is to assimilate a national scale time series database of forest product mills based on publicly available data. All materials are due August 16, 2024 at 3pm. Click here to learn more and apply.

Agribusiness Lecturer (Clemson University)

The Department of Agricultural Sciences (AS) at Clemson University, is seeking to fill a

position at the Lecturer level in Agricultural Business. This is a non-tenure 9 month appointment with the possibility of promotion to senior or principal lecturer. The successful candidate for this position will help teach undergraduate curriculum that focuses on the application of economic analysis to decision problems in agriculture, agribusiness, finance, and natural resources economics. The minimum required qualifications are an M.S. in agricultural business, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, or a related field. All materials are to be submitted by August 5, 2024. For application instructions, click here.

R&D Test Engineer (Phoenix, Illinois)

Sterling Site Access Solutions LLC is accepting applications for a R&D Test Engineer position. This position involves working closely with teammates to create, implement, analyze, and improve the research and development of Sterling products, processes, and equipment. Minimum qualifications for this position include a bachelor’s degree in science of Wood, Engineering, Data and Analytics, or relevant formal education and at least five years of experience within a similar environment and position. To learn more about this position, click here.

Urban & Community Forestry Case Manager (Remote)

GreenLatinos is looking to hire an Urban & Community Forestry Case Manager to work remotely. This position’s responsibilities are 10% program support, 50% project coordination and management, 20% compliance and reporting, and 20% relationship management. Minimum qualification for this role is a bachelor’s degree in urban forestry, ecology, environmental science, or related field and 3-5 years of project or case management experience, preferably with municipal or community experience. To lean more and apply, click here.

Heirs Property Summit

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Wood Products Extension and Oregon State University’s (OSU) Oregon Wood Innovation Center are partnering to offer a 2.5-day urban wood drying workshop. This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge to better control drying in urban wood operations & resources to develop a strategy & implement best practices. The workshop includes lectures, hands-on activities & labs. For more information, click here.

Great Plains Fire Summit 2024

The Northeast Regional Strategy Committee (NE RSC) has opened registration for their Northeast–Midwest Regional Prescribed Fire Science and Management Workshop. They will be hosting a myriad of presentations by state, federal, and tribal land managers as well as prescribed fire and fire ecology professionals to share Northeast-Midwest region-wide, science-based, fire ecology information. This information is oriented toward expanding and maintaining the use of prescribed fire across all landscapes, jurisdiction, and fire-dependent ecosystems. register before July 1 to receive the early rate! Click here for registration and more info.

Join the Society for Conservation GIS for their 27th Annual Conference. This year’s keynote speaker is Breece Robertson, a noteworthy conservation and restoration leader. Other activities include technical workshops, field trip excursions, presentations, networking, and more. Early registration ends June 30th. Visit this website to learn more. 

Hosted by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the 3rd biennial National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) invites you to discuss climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation, mitigation, actions, and the intersection of western science and adaptation strategies with Traditional/Indigenous Knowledges. The NTICC invites Tribal nations and Indigenous Peoples to attend, listen, learn, and share the important work being done to protect our culture, non-human relatives and environment. This year’s theme is "Shared Responsibility for Indigenous Climate Resilience." Click here to learn more.

Northeast & Southeast Regional Conference

Register for the 7th National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop to participate in expert run workshops all about wildlife fire management. In addition to the 4 day workshops, there will also be pre-workshop training on the 14th and 15th. Need-based travel scholarships are available on their registration page. Register before August 15th for the early bird rate. Click here to view the workshop agenda. Register here.

2024 Society of American Foresters (SAF) Convention

The National Association of State Foresters has opened registration for their 2024 Annual Meeting. This meeting promises to be an outstanding forum on forestry issues with breakout sessions, networking, field tours, exhibits, and much more. Register by July 31st for $100 off with the code EARLY24. Learn more and register here.

32nd Annual NAISMA Conference

International Conference on Chemicals and Products from Renewable Carbon

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) stands as a burgeoning industry in the southern United States, capitalizing on the abundant presence of southern pine and other softwoods found in the region. The utilization of CLT offers a myriad of economic and environmental advantages across various sectors of the supply chain, benefiting stakeholders ranging from landowners and foresters to developers, contractors, architects, and engineers.

Discover more about this innovative construction material and other sustainable mass timber products at this Auburn University-hosted CLT conference. Click here to learn more and register.

Join the University of Tennessee for their 2024 Oak Symposium! This symposium is a platform for exchanging information and building connections around oak ecology and management for a global audience. Click here for more information and registration.

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife (SEAFWA)’s 78th Annual Conference, hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR), is a forum for exchanging ideas and critical information regarding management and protection of fish and wildlife resources in the Southeast. Learn more here.

Extension Disaster Education Network has opened registration for their 2024 annual conference. Events include a tour of Utah Bishops’ Central Storehouse, professional development workshops, keynote speakers, and more. Early registration is recommended as prices will increase closer to the conference date. Click here to register.

The 2024 Science Symposium, coordinated by the US Forest Service (USFS), Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program, the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI), and the Society of American Foresters (SAF), has opened registration. This year’s symposium theme is ‘Toward Tomorrow’s Forests Together.’ Click here to learn more.

The A Community on Ecosystem Services (ACES) Conference provides an open forum to share experiences, methods, and tools for assessing and incorporating ecosystem services into public and private decisions. The goal of the conference is to link state-of-the-art science, practice, and decision making by bringing together the ecosystem services community and decision makers from around the United States and the globe. ACES will engage leaders in government, NGOs, academia, Native American tribes, and the private sector to advance the use of ecosystem services science and practice in resource management and other societal decisions. Visit this website for more info.

Coastal GeoTools

38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO