Shortleaf Pine Conference- November 2025- Registration still Open

The Shortleaf Pine Initiative has regrouped over the past 18 months and is hosting the 6th Biennial Shortleaf Pine Conference in Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama November 11-13, 2025. Registration is still open for this program which features a great mix of presentations and panels, networking opportunities, and field tours on November 12 with stops at both state-managed and private restoration sites. This conference is geared towards landowners, foresters, research scientists, and conservation partners from across the 22 state range of Shortleaf Pine. The goal of the conference is to bring everyone together to share and learn about restoring and managing shortleaf pine and related open pine ecosystems. Register here: https://shortleafpine.org/

UT Researchers Highlight How Higher Lumber Tariffs May Not Help U.S. Forestry

In a recent article in online publication, The Conversation, University of Tennessee (UT) researchers studying the forest sector & international trade discuss the complexities related to substituting domestic lumber for imports. Softwood lumber, mainly used in U.S. home construction, is largely imported—about 40%, with over 80% coming from Canada. In 2025, new U.S. tariffs raised duties on Canadian lumber imports to over 45%, escalating a long-standing trade dispute rooted in U.S. claims of unfair Canadian subsidies. The current government administration aims to reduce reliance on imports by boosting domestic production through regulatory rollbacks and targeted executive orders, including a goal to increase domestic timber output by 25%. Despite abundant U.S. Forest resources, replacing imports isn’t straightforward due to differences in wood quality, higher domestic costs, and limited labor and manufacturing capacity. U.S. lumber types, particularly in the South, differ from Canadian species, impacting construction preferences. Builders prioritize particular wood characteristics and costs, complicating any shift away from Canadian sources. Read the article here.

Study Finds that Preserving Forests Reduces Drinking Water Treatment Costs

In a recent study by researchers from North Carolina State university, US Forest Service Southern & Rocky Mountain Research Stations & the University of New Hampshire assesses the potential impact of forest loss on drinking water treatment costs. This study links ecological and economic models to estimate potential avoided drinking water treatment costs by analyzing water quality impacts of projected land use change via changes in nutrient concentrations. Using data from the Southeastern U.S., study results suggest that small improvements in water quality (e.g., 1% reduction in turbidity or TOC) can modestly lower treatment costs. However, a 1% loss in forest cover could raise costs by 1.7%. Overall, most utilities would see less than a 10% cost impact from future land use changes. The findings suggest that preserving forests can offer economic benefits to water utilities and support strategies for protecting source water through forest management. Read the study here.

SGSF Highlights the Impact of Southern Forests for National Forest Products Week

National Forest Products Week (October 19–25, 2025) celebrates the economic and environmental value of the U.S. South’s forests, which produce over half of the nation’s sustainable timber and generate $251 billion annually while supporting 1.1 million jobs. A recent blog post from the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) celebrates the impact of southern forest products. Beyond traditional goods like lumber, paper, and furniture, southern forests supply wood-derived materials for unexpected uses. Cellulose from wood pulp is used in pharmaceuticals to stabilize tablets and form vegan capsule shells & rayon, a textile is made from regenerated cellulose. Terpenes recovered during pulping are purified for use in fragrances, flavors, and household products. Those are just a few of the products you can read about here.

MS State Examines Loblolly Pine Planting Densities and Growth Reduction Due to Blight

In recent Southwest Mississippi Forestry Newsletters, from Mississippi State University (MSU) Forestry Extension examines planting density and disease management decisions in southern pine forests depend on economic, environmental, and operational factors as well as growth reduction due to brown spot needle blight. Higher planting densities increase costs for seedlings, labor, and herbicide use but can yield faster pulpwood production where pulpwood prices are strong. In states with low pulpwood prices, such as Mississippi and Texas, lower densities—around 454 seedlings per acre—are recommended to reduce costs, promote larger, higher-quality trees, and improve long-term revenue. Lower densities also enhance understory vegetation and wildlife habitat while reducing chemical use. A separate concern is brown spot needle blight (BSNB), a growing issue for loblolly pine. Although it can cause significant defoliation and reduced growth, mortality appears limited unless defoliation persists for several years. Given high reforestation costs and weak markets, clearcutting and replanting affected stands—especially those under 13 years old—is not generally advised unless growth losses are extreme. Landowners should weigh existing investments, reforestation risks, and uncertain seedling resistance before starting over. Overall, moderate planting density and cautious management provides the best financial and ecological balance under current market and disease. Find out more here and here.

AR Center for Forest Business Publishes 2025 Economic Impact of Forest Products Industry in Southeast Factsheet

The Arkansas Center for Forest Business part of the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has published a fact sheet titled “2025 Economic Contributions of the Forest Products Industry in the Southeast United States.” The fact sheet highlights the vital economic role the forest products industry plays in the Southeast and includes IMPLAN data from calendar year 2023. IMPLAN is a service which provides data based on specific categories of industry, and then the data is analyzed in specific ways for economic contribution reports. The forest industry directly employs 513,100 people, which generates $39.5 billion in labor income and contributes $74 billion to the region’s gross domestic product (GDP). When including indirect impacts from related sectors and household spending, the industry supports a total of 1,315,600 jobs, $94 billion in labor income, and $173 billion in GDP contribution. This figure accounts for 40.5% of the country’s forestry-related economic activity. The pulp and paper industry is the largest contributor to regional GDP at $33.6 billion, while the solid wood products industry leads in employment with 190,923 direct jobs. A figure often reported in many forestry economic impact factsheets is the total output contribution, which was valued at $405 billion in this analysis. However, the author of the factsheet noted that the true economic activity isn’t output, its value added. Value added is the money from which we pay employees, send profits to shareholders and business owners, pay taxes, and pay other fees like royalties to people who have invented technologies. Find the factsheet here. For more information on interpreting Forestry Economic Contribution reports, click here.

FSC US to Host Southeast Regional Stakeholder Event

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) US is hosting a Southeast Regional Stakeholder Event November 11-12, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. The purpose of FSC Southeast Regional Stakeholder Events is to bring together forest landowners, managers, and industry partners to share updates, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaboration around sustainable forest management and certification in the Southeast. Registration is open to all, and participants will gain the latest industry insights, new peer and market connections, and a clearer roadmap for certification and premium markets in the Southeast. Day 1 will feature a networking dinner and discussion around certification opportunities and how FSC adds value for landowners. Day 2 will highlight the organization’s 2026-28 strategy, updates on approved FSC standards, and how Verified Impacts can elevate forest management and market. View the full agenda and RSVP here. Contact Chloe Nelms, c.nelms@us.fsc.org with any questions.

2025 Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator Program Launched by GA Forestry Foundation

Started by the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, the Softwood Lumber Board, and other partners, the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator is a competitive grant and technical assistance program designed to help development teams assess and integrate structural mass timber systems into early-stage projects. The Accelerator seeks to jumpstart sustainable development across the state and foster innovation in wood design by offering architects, engineers, and developers technical assistance and funding grants to integrate low-carbon mass timber building practices into their projects. The 2025 program will select a maximum of four (4) private development projects to receive $25,000 in grant funding to offset early planning and design costs, as well as technical assistance. Project teams will provide a final case study/report to inform future projects in Georgia. Read the 2025 Accelerator program description here.

2nd North American Forest Communicator’s Network Workshop

The 2nd North American Forest Communicator’s Network Workshop will take place in Ottawa, Canada, during the week of March 23, 2026, near the International Day of Forests. The event will bring together forest communicators to exchange best practices and address global challenges related to wildland fire and sustainability. Participants can expect training sessions, guest speakers, peer learning, networking opportunities, and hybrid participation options. Topics will include climate change, sustainable forest management, fire risk reduction, indigenous knowledge, and global initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Grow the Solution Campaign. Interested attendees may join virtually or in person, contact Kate McCaffrey, kathryn.mccaffrey@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca if you have any questions and/or you plan to attend the workshop. In your email, please indicate if you will attend virtually or in person. More information will follow once your participation is confirmed.

2025 NAFO Report Highlights Contributions to Forest Sustainability

The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) 2025 Environmental Benefits Report is available for download on the NAFO website. The report highlights the critical role private forest owners play in conservation and climate solutions. Key data points from the report include: NAFO members manage 43 million acres of U.S. working forests, planting 400 million seedlings and regenerating 1.4 million acres annually; their stewardship protects 187,790 miles of streams, 3.7 million acres of streamside zones, and provides 25 trillion gallons of clean water each year; and over 200 at-risk fish and wildlife species benefit from 536 conservation projects on 11 million acres. Other data show NAFO forests sequester 69 million metric tons of CO₂ annually and store 13,000 million metric tons long-term, with harvested wood products adding another 100 million metric tons. In showing leadership in sustainable forestry, NAFO members invest $63 million in forestry research annually that directly benefits communities, wildlife, and the planet. Download the full 2025 Environmental Benefits Report here.

Climate Central Develops New Interactive Tool which Allows U.S. Residents to Monitor Their Local Climate

A new interactive tool developed by a group of scientists called Climate Central, allows U.S. residents to explore how climate change affects their regions, showing data on rainfall, sea levels, heat, and other environmental factors. Climate Central is an independent group of scientists and communicators who research and report the facts about changing climate and how it affects people’s lives. They use science, big data, and technology to generate thousands of storylines and compelling visuals that make climate change personal and who what can be done about it. They also collaborate widely with TV meteorologists, journalists, and other respected voices to reach audiences across diverse geographies and beliefs. Residents in the U.S. may click on Explore your Climate Story, type in their location and immediately see changes in the climate in their location regarding rainfall, sea level rise, heat waves, crop stress, fall color and more.

UVM Tracks a New Forest Pathogen Killing Beech Trees

The University of Vermont is tracking a pathogen in Vermont’s forests. Beech trees are facing two major threats: beech bark disease (BBD) and beech leaf disease (BLD). BBD, introduced in the late 1800s, is caused by a scale insect and fungus that kill most mature beeches over time, leaving behind dense clusters of saplings. The newer BLD, caused by a microscopic nematode, spreads more rapidly and kills young trees first, threatening the species’ future seed sources. Researchers are tracking the spread of BLD and studying how the nematode moves—possibly through wind, water, animals, or human activity. They are also exploring how chemical signals might be used to attract or repel the pest, with hopes of developing low-risk control methods. Scientists are cautious about taking drastic management actions before fully understanding the disease. They emphasize monitoring, maintaining forest diversity, and identifying naturally resistant trees to build long-term resilience. Though the outlook is uncertain, Vermont’s relatively recent exposure to BLD offers valuable time to study the pathogen and develop strategies. Find out more here.

New Report on Tribal Co‑Management of Federal 

Lands Available for Download

The Yale Center for Environmental Justice (Yale Center) recently released a report “Tribal Co-Management of Federal Lands: Challenges and Opportunities,” which summarizes key findings from the 2023 Tribal Co-management Symposium. Symposium participants call for urgent reforms to federal land management practices, and the report outlines how Tribal Nations and federal agencies can work together to co-manage public lands. Using case studies, the report shows opportunities and challenges in tribal co-management of federal lands and identifies three approaches to successful co-management: contracting under the Indian Self-Determination Act; cooperative agreements such as memorandums of understanding (MOU); and treaty-based rights. The full report can be downloaded here.

Contribute to an International Wildfire Resilience Study

Practitioner and academic experts are invited to contribute to an international study on “wildfire resilience,’ led by researchers at Princeton University with partners worldwide. While there is not, and should not be, a single strategy for achieving wildfire resilience across diverse pyro-geographies, valuable lessons can be drawn from international practices to strengthen resilience in fire-prone regions worldwide. This survey seeks place-based insights into how resilience is understood, enacted, and constrained in specific contexts. Therefore, we invite experts to draw on their knowledge and experience in fire-prone areas to help identify what has worked, what has not, and the enabling conditions, barriers, and temporal dynamics (e.g., political cycles, geopolitical relations, climate shocks, market volatility) shaping resilience-oriented decisions, as well as to highlight critical research and policy gaps. Where contextually appropriate, these grounded perspectives may inform mitigation and adaptation interventions in other fire-prone areas that respect historical fire regimes and sociocultural specificities, learning from international “best” practices. Study authors welcome contributions from experts (academic and practitioner) focusing on: (i) specific aspects of resilience (e.g., governance, policy, fuel management, insurance, urban design, infrastructure), or (ii) multiple dimensions of resilience within a single case study area. This survey has four sections: 1. Defining wildfire resilience 2. Identifying opportunities and challenges for resilience using a joint Social-Ecological Systems– Pyrogeographic (SESP) Framework 3. (Optional) Highlighting critical research gaps 4. (Optional) Reflecting on perceptions of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fire. It will take approximately 10–30 minutes to complete, depending on the level of detail participants choose to provide. Find the survey here. There are several 'Acknowledgement & Collaboration' options at the end of the survey which participants can choose from. Full details on the study’s motivation, SESP Framework (Fig 1. and Table 1), survey structure, planned outcomes, data security, and collaboration opportunities are included in the Participant Information Sheet found online here Survey deadline is November 23, 2025.

UNR and UW-Tacoma Collaborate to Improve Wildfire Models with NSF Grant.

Researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and the University of Washington Tacoma (UW-T) are developing new models to help land and fire managers better predict and manage wildfires. Supported by a $1.5 million NSF grant, the project aims to simulate how different climates influence fuel buildup and fire behavior. The Western U.S. faces increasingly severe wildfires due to climate change, with Nevada alone battling over 800 fires in 2024. The team will study diverse climates to refine predictive models that capture the slow accumulation of fuels and rapid combustion cycles and will collaborate with fire managers, ensures the models are practical for real-world use. Find out more here.

Webinars

Find the Full List of Upcoming Webinars and Events Here.

Improving Forestland for Wildlife

September 22, 2025 - April 30, 2026 | Virtual - Self Paced

A History of Scientific Forestry: From Extraction to Ecosystem Management

September 29 - December 4 | 12:00PM

Beaver Related Restoration Training Series

On Demand

Mapping Water's Forest Connection: Visualizing Volumetric Benefits Through Advanced Data Technologies

November 4 | 10:00AM

Identification and Management of Invasive Vine Species

November 5 | 1:00PM

Longleaf Pine as a Source of Food, Medicine, and Craft for Tribal Nations of the Southeast - Forest Stewards Guild

November 5 | 10:00

Reducing Woody Encroachment to Conserve Rangeland Production in the Great Plains

On Demand Webinar

Conservation Tools & Trends for Private Land & Working Forests

November 6 |Virtual Meeting 8:30AM

Beyond Carbon: Maximizing a Forest’s Full Benefits

November 10 | 1:00PM

Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism: Mangroves and Salt Marsh Habitats of the Estuary

November 12 | 7:00PM

Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning for Landowners, Farmers, Forest Owners, and Family Businesses.

November 10-19

Virtual Workshops | 3:00PM

The Evolving Story of Emydomycesca Using Shell Erosive Lesions in Turtles

November 14 | 2:00PM

Options for Managing Beaver Damage

November 20 | 12:00PM

Aldo Leopold & the Land Ethic: The Archival Record and Resources to Dig Deeper into the Making of A Sand County Almanac

December 4 | 1:00PM

2025 Timber Taxation Workshop

December 9 | 7:30AM

Disaster Response Protocol Facilitator

The Disaster Response Protocol Facilitator will lead a team of subject matter professionals to; 1) Develop disaster rapid assessment protocols that identify steps, timelines, and key personnel. 2) Develop and update a plan to ensure the protocols and key personnel identified remain in step with improved technologies and approaches and personnel changes. 3) Develop an annual communication plan to ensure mutual awareness and understanding of the protocols. This position is a remote position. Incumbent must reside in one of the 13 states that make up the Southern Group of State Foresters: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas or Virginia.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled; however, applicants should submit application by November 8, 2025, for full consideration. Find out more here.

Clinical Assistant Professor in the Human Health Benefits of Outdoor Spaces

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia,

invites applications for a 9-month,

non-tenure clinical assistant professor with teaching (50%), applied research and outreach (45%), and service (5%) responsibilities. Successful candidates could come from a variety of

cross-cutting disciplines that study the multidimensional influence of forests, the environment, and access to natural areas on human health. Read more here.

Helene Mitigation Crew Leader

The North Carolina Forest Service is seeking a Helene Mitigation Crew Leader. The Lead will be

primarily focused on invasive species management, fuel mitigation, prescribed burning and wildfire control in

Helene impacted areas. They will assist with the supervision of Helene mitigation crew of up to 10 and be responsible for keeping track of crew work. Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of equipment and spray apparatus. The Lead will properly complete daily work logs and reporting logs for equipment maintenance hours and ensure time is submitted weekly as well as assume responsibility for crew safety, navigation, and training.

The Lead may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Find out more here.

Helene Mitigation Assistant Crew Lead

The mission of the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) is to protect, manage, and promote forest resources for

the citizens of North Carolina. The Helene Mitigation Assistant Crew Lead will assist the crew lead of the

Helene Mitigation Crew with primarily focused on invasive species management, fuel mitigation, prescribed

burning and wildfire control in Helene impacted areas. Assists with the supervision of Helene mitigation crew of

up to 10. Responsible for keeping track of crew work. Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of equipment and spray apparatus. Properly completes daily work logs and reporting logs for equipment maintenance hours

and ensuring time is submitted weekly. Assumes responsibility for crew safety, navigation, and training. Find out more

here.

UGA Deer Managment and Forestry BMPs - Self Paced Course

September 29 - December 30, 2025 | Virtual

UGA Forest Health Series

September 22, 2025 - June 5, 2026 | Virtual

Polk Landowner Expo

November 4 | Lake Wales, FL

Advanced and Fundamental Heirs’ Property Training November 4-5 | Oklahoma City, OK

4th Mass Timber Research Needs Assessment Workshop

November 4-6| Madison, WI

Mass Timber Hub in Atlanta

November 6 | Atlanta, GA

10th Annual South Carolina Rural and Limited Resource Landowner Symposium "Rooted in Legacy”

November 7 | Summerville, SC

Tomorrow’s Planet: Preparing Future Natural Resources and Forestry Leaders - Lecture

November 11 | Durham, NC - Zoom Option

The 83rd Professional Agricultural Workers Conference

Deadline for Proposals - October 3, 2025

November 16-18 | Montgomery, AL

2025 Partners in Community Forestry Meeting

November 19-20, | Henderson, NV

Forestry and Wildlife Management

December 3 | White Plains, GA

JCEP 2026 Extension Leadership Conference

Submission Deadline: October 17, 2025

February 4-5, 2026 | Savannah, GA

Inaugural Southeast Severe Weather Research Symposium

February 10 - 11, 2026 | Atlanta, GA

Municipal Forestry Institute Training

Application Deadline September 19, 2025

February 22-27, 2026 | Jekyll Island, GA

Be a WUI 2026 Speaker: Share Your Expertise! Wildland Urban Interface Conference

March 24-26, 2026 | Reno, NV

National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration

April 13-16, 2026 | Omaha, NE

2026 Extension Risk Management Education

National Conference

April 14 – 16, 2026

Salt Lake City, Utah

Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP) Conference

May 12-15, 2026 | Wilmington, NC

13th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae

Proposals Due October 31, 2025

October 25-29, 2026 | Cedar Rapids, IA

International Conference on Forest Fire Research

October 31 - November 6, 2026 | Coimbra, Portugal