Webinars
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Forest*A*Syst: A web-based tool for natural resource professionals
By participating in this webinar professionals will learn about a tool they can use to assist landowners in better understanding their land. The tool is the web-based application Forest*A*Syst. Participants will learn how to use this tool to assist landowners in making informed decisions about the goals and objectives they have for their property. Participants will receive a brief history and learn the purpose of Forest*A*Syst. They will be introduced to the various components and function of the website. During this presentation participants will explore the interactive features of the website. These features include: the ability to easily print aerial images, link with the NRCS Web Soil Survey to generate information about the soils found on a specific tract of land, a survey to collect data used in the process of identifying landowner objectives, and facilitation of communication between the landowner and resource professional (foresters, wildlife biologists, etc.) who can provide technical assistance.
Changing Roles: Why we need you at the table? and How do you get to the table? Land-use planners' perspectives
This session's speakers will highlight the growing need for natural resource professionals to become active participants in local planning processes. The presentation will provide an overview of the key elements of local planning, explain how and when resource professionals can become engaged in the process, and discuss what is expected of participants. Craig and Jim will provide examples of successes and failures and different scales.
How to claim a timber casualty loss.
Damage and destruction of timber due to weather events, such as the recent storms, is considered a casualty loss. Claiming a timber casualty loss on the federal tax return is not as simple as determining the fair market value of the damaged timber. As a capital asset, the loss is determined by the loss in fair market value or the basis in timber, whichever is less. Determining the proper amount of loss to claim generally requires the assistance of a forester. In this webinar, Dr. Deborah A. Gaddis, Mississippi State University Extension Forestry’s timber taxation specialist, will explain basics of tax valuation of the loss and the correct way to take the deduction. The program is suitable for forest landowners, foresters, and tax preparers.
How to claim a shade tree casualty loss
Claiming a casualty loss on an individual’s federal income tax return for damaged shade trees is possible—but only if the proper valuation techniques are used. Taking a loss requires knowledge of the value of the trees destroyed, before and after values of the property, and/or clean up costs. Dr. Deborah A. Gaddis, Mississippi State University Extension Forestry’s timber taxation specialist, will explain how to claim a shade tree casualty loss.
Absentee Forest Landowners: Part 3
Part 3: After the Workshop: Evaluation, Reflections, and What’s Next September 15, 2010 12:00 pm to 1:00pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - noon (Central) Presented by: Wayne K. Clatterbuck Professor, Silviculture & Forest Management Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries University of Tennessee, Knoxville wclatterbuck@utk.edu To provide natural resource and Extension professionals with the knowledge and tools to deliver educational and management information to absentee forest landowners This last presentation (Part 3) will cover: 1)Evaluation, 2) Motivating & Empowering Attendees, 3)Pertinent subjects of Interest, and 4) Developing a local landowner association.
Reaching the South's Absentee Forest Landowners: Part 1 of 3
Recent information (2008) from the National Woodland Owners Survey indicates that 2 out of every 5 acres of family forest land are owned by absentee landowners. Three webinars are scheduled on how to promote, develop, and evaluate absentee forest landowner workshops in metropolitan areas. Part I covers: 1) Who are absentee forest landowners? 2) What are their demographics? and 3) Developing marketing strategies to contact and coalesce absentee landowners. The objective of these webinars is to provide natural resource professionals with the tools, knowledge and resources to deliver educational and management information about forest resources to absentee landowners. The ultimate goal is that these landowners will be more informed about management options for their property and they will know who to ask when they have specific questions or need advice.
An Explanation of Defects in Hardwood Timber
August 17, 2011 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Mountain) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Pacific) What you will learn: Hardwood defects include any feature that reduces the grade and ultimately lowers the utility or commercial value of a standing tree or log. Lumber graders know this too well, but expertise in the woods is often lacking. Some hardwood defects are on the surface and are more easily observed; others are interior and become apparent once timber is cut down and the surface on the log end is observed. This presentation lists a number of defects, their characteristics and cause, and whether or not their effect can be offset by adjustments in scaling. Having a solid grasp on hardwood defects is essential when appraising, selling or purchasing timber and logs.
An Update on National and Regional Extension Natural Resource Issues & Activities
Topics covered include: The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (The "Farm Bill"), an RREA update FY2007-2010, social marketing, peer-to-peer learning, Women & Working Lands, the ECOP Forestry Task Force Transition, an SREF office & project update, and "Environmental Scan"
Announcement: New Conservation Stewardship Program
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 NOON to 1:00 PM (Central Standard Time) Presented by Jeanna Childers This is a presentation regarding the sign-up for the new Conservation Stewardship Program to assist agricultural and forestry producers. CSP is a new program authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. Details of the program as well as eligibility and the application process will be discussed. State Forester, USDA-NRCS
Basics of Timber Basis
This special one-hour program will discuss calculating and adjusting a timber basis, walk participants through the key points and misunderstandings of basis for landowners and professionals. With hurricane season upon us and other disasters occurring on a frequent basis there's no time like the present to document your or your client's basis before your next timber sale or a disaster strikes!
Biomass Removal Case Studies: Lessons Learned and Strategies for Success
Dr. Zander Evans, Research Director at the Forest Guild, will discuss the lesson learned from collecting and analyzing 45 case studies of biomass removal from across the country. The biomass removals include fuel reduction treatments, stand improvement harvests, habitat improvement projects, and extraction of fuel for biomass energy plants. The discussion will focus on the importance of early and substantial public involvement, partnerships with efficient contractors, existing markets, and harvest mechanization.
Carbon Trading 101
This special one-hour program will discuss the basics of forest carbon offset projects, how landowners might qualify, and how carbon credits are sold on various markets.
Climate Change and Managing Forests: New Models and Tools
What You Will Learn: Uncertainty abounds when it comes to predicting how and how much the climate will change, and how it will affect forest health. Fortunately, models and tools are available to guide managers' activities to promote healthy forests and make forests more resilient to the coming changes. By participating in this webinar you will learn about these tools and current climatic patterns. You will also hear about the upcoming National Workshop on Climate and Forests where you can explore these tools and models in more depth. The workshop will be held in Flagstaff, Arizona, from May 16 to 18. Participant's orientation starts at 10:50 am (Central) and 11:50 (Eastern)
Climate Change in Texas: Rising Above the Noise Level
Thursday, September 9, 2010 3:00 - 4:00 PM (Central) Presented by John W. Nielsen-Gammon Professor and Texas State Climatologist Climate change takes place on many time scales, and both natural and anthropogenic factors are seen to be at work. This webinar will examine the decade-scale and longer-term variability of temperature and precipitation in Texas, using a stable network of climate stations. The data will be compared to climate change projections based on a single anthropogenic factor: greenhouse gases. The outlook for future precipitation is unclear, but temperatures (and resulting drought stress) are likely to increase dramatically over the next several decades.
Communicating about Climate Change: An Extension Forestry Perspective on Problems and Solutions.
April 20, 2011 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Mountain) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Pacific) What you will learn: Science-based information is the foundation for management of forests and we rely on researchers and educators to communicate this information for practical use. On the topic of Climate Change however, communication from research to practice is difficult because climate science is so complex, uncertain, and controversial. In this webinar you will learn about problems and solutions in communicating about climate change based on our experience in Extension Forestry. You will learn about strategies for integrating climate science and climate change with more traditional environmental information to provide the foundation for sustainable forest management. Presented by Glenn R. Ahrens, Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Faculty, Oregon State University Extension Service, Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, Astoria, Oregon. Brad Withrow-Robinson, Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Faculty, Oregon State University Extension Service, Polk, Marion, and Yamhill Counties, McMinnville, Oregon.
Southern Pine Bark Beetle 101
September 25, 2009 NOON to 12:45 PM Central Standard Time 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM Eastern Time Presented by Michael Murphrey - Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Forester, Texas Forest Service This special combination program will first provide participants with a thorough understanding about the description, damage, prevention, and control of the five common pine bark beetles found throughout the South. Following this introduction, the complete details about the very successful Texas SPB Prevention Program will be discussed. Clear instructions will be provided on how participants may qualify and sign up for this cost-share program.
Texas SPB Prevention Program
September 25, 2009 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM Central 1:45 PM to 2:30 PM Central Michael Murphrey Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Forester, Texas Forest Service This special combination program will first provide participants with a thorough understanding about the description, damage, prevention, and control of the five common pine bark beetles found throughout the South. Following this introduction, the complete details about the very successful Texas SPB Prevention Program will be discussed. Clear instructions will be provided on how participants may qualify and sign up for this cost-share program.
Timber Tax Tips for the 2010 Tax Season
The webinar will cover tax filing tips for timber transactions for the 2010 tax season. Presenters will discuss * Tax tips * New tax forms * Incentives * Latest IRS regulations on timber This webinar will be of interest to Foresters, Landowners, Government agency staff and program leaders, Extension agents, and tax professionals
Using Remote-Sensing Cameras in Wildlife Management
Billy Higginbotham Professor and Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM (Central) 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Eastern)
Current Status of Carbon Credits for Texas Landowners
This special 60-minute segment will provide an update of carbon trade for forest landowners in Texas, including the latest developments and the current conditions of the markets, and how a forest landowner can determine if their forestlands are a good candidate for the program.
CVal: A Carbon Valuation Tool for Foresters and Private Forest Landowners
This presentation will introduce participants to a just-released Carbon Valuation Spreadsheet and accompanying General Technical Report (GTR) written by Ted Bilek, Peter Becker, and Tim McCabee (2008). The spreadsheet is a powerful and valuable tool available to the forestry community (target audience: consulting foresters, state foresters) to be able to interface with private landowners and help them make sound, transparent decisions as to whether participation in the voluntary carbon market is an attractive option based on a full accounting of variables.
Diameter Limit Cutting and Exploitation
An unsustainable forest harvesting practice, diameter-limit cutting, has been recognized in several scientific studies for its exploitive effects on forest growth and productivity. The webinar will address the correct role of silviculture relative to the negative impacts of diameter-limit cutting on forest growth, yield, and value.
Dove Biology and Management in Texas
May 19th, 2011 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (Central) 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (Eastern) Presented by: Dale Rollins, Ph.D. Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Changing Roles - Emerging Issues: Green Infrastructure
At the wildland urban interface, both people and wildlife are at risk -- people risk losing lives and property from wildfire while wildlife lose habitat as development encroaches into areas that were once rural or undeveloped. This risk is expected to increase as land development continues into previously undeveloped landscapes. Forest fragmentation from land development is one of the top threats facing the Southern Region and the rate of fragmentation is increasing. Sprawl-patterned development is putting increased pressure on natural systems that we rely on for clean water, air quality and wildlife habitat. This webinar session will: • describe the reasons, processes, and approaches for identifying and evaluating a community’s natural resource assets and how to conserve them. • demonstrate why a green infrastructure planning approach is a useful way to conserve critical natural assets while channeling growth and development to more appropriate areas. • describe the role played by local governments and county foresters in natural resource assessment and stewardship. • suggest how to apply natural resource asset maps within a locality's existing land planning tools and regulations to conserve key forest resources in developing landscapes.
Changing Roles- Emerging Issues: Forest Cooperatives
Fragmentation, parcelization, and conversion have produced substantial changes in many forested landscapes, making working forest conservation more difficult. An additional trend affecting forest conservation efforts has been an influx of newcomers, who have proven to be difficult for traditional extension and industry programs to reach. New messages and new messengers are key components of any strategy geared to reaching these new landowners. Forest cooperatives have emerged as those new messengers in many areas of the US, growing steadily and partnering with landowners to provide a suite of services and take care of tens of thousands of acres of forestlands. This webinar session will: • highlight examples of how cooperatives are bringing more landowners into forestry, coordinating cross-boundary projects to enable treatment of small-acreage parcels, and maintaining stewardship continuity across generations. • share information about the progress of a national roundtable of forest cooperative leaders who are working together to share lessons learned. • describe how cooperatives are facilitating peer-to-peer learning, assisting landowners with climate change adaptation, and exploring ways to sustainably aggregate biomass. • describe how cooperatives and other conservation and natural resources professionals can work together to conserve working forests and re-weave forested landscapes parcel by parcel.
Changing Roles- Emerging Issues: Ecosystem Goods and Services
Ecosystem services have recently been promoted as a strategy for conserving forests, a means for quantifying benefits to people, and a term that describes the importance of nature. However, the recent rates of urbanization, the lack of prioritization of forest conservation by local and regional governments, and different uses of this term by land managers often brings into question the utility of this concept. Nonetheless, there is growing appreciation for the role ecosystem services play in maintaining ecosystem functioning upon which human life depends. Tune in to learn more about this new environmental buzzword. This webinar session will: • discuss the varied definitions of ecosystem services and the role of economic valuation. • provide examples of how the ecosystem services concept applies to the wildland-urban interface. • examine case studies in which this approach has been used to address land management issues associated with urbanization. 1 CFE for the Society of American Foresters has been approved for this program.
Changing Roles- Climate Change
An introduction to climate change and a discussion of the interactions between climate change and other environmental stresses on US forest health will be presented. This webinar session will: • provide an introduction to climate change • discuss interactions between climate change and other environmental stresses on US forest health including increasing climate variability, bringing more intense precipitation events, doughts, and heat waves. These changes will then affect soil erosion, sedimentation, and wildfire. • discuss potential changes in insect and disease outbreak. • discuss long-term climate change leading to changes in ecosystem composition fisheries, and wildlife habitat, forest and range land productivity, and stream flow.
Feral Hog Management
Feral hogs continue to expand their range and populations across the United States. Landowners often bear the brunt of the damage caused by feral hogs, including depredation of newly established pine plantations, row crops, pastures and even livestock.
Forest-based Bioenergy - A National Perspective
There has been unprecedented interest in renewable energy the last several years due to factors such as increasing energy prices, environmental concerns, and national security. Now, with sustained high-energy costs and the additional impact of Federal and state incentives and legislation, wood-using energy projects are rapidly being planned and constructed through out the nation creating demand for woody biomass. Attendees will be presented with an overview of forest-based bioenergy, woody biomass utilization, and sources of federal and state assistance.
Forest Certification Applications and Impacts for Small Private Forest Landowners
This webinar will discuss research that the presenters have performed on the impacts of forest certification for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and American Tree Farm System (ATFS). The new program that is being developed by FSC for small landowners and the new ATFS standards and group certification and their application to small landowners will be summarized.
Forest Conservation Strategies in Chile
This webinar will present information on the following topics: Native forest management and conservation –Pablo Donoso, Univ. Austral de Chile Achieving old-growth conditions through uneven aged silviculture – Scott Sink, NCSU Dept. of Forestry & Env. Resources Forest ecosystem services as an economic opportunity – Erin Sills, Associate Professor, Forest Economics, NCSU Dept of Forestry and Env. Resources Case studies of conservation efforts in Southern Chile (10 mins each): Community-based watershed conservation – Michelle Moorman, NCSU Dept. of Forestry and Env. Resources Reaching out to conserve forests: forestry extension in Southern Chile – Susan Moore, Extension Associate Professor, NCSU Forestry Extension Chile’s national monument: conserving the endangered Alerce forests – Doug Frederick, Forestry Professor, NCSU Invasive species impacts on native forest conservation by Anibal Pauchard, University of Concepcion, Chile
Forest Management During Climate Change
Climate change is expected to have significant effects on the condition and function of forested ecosystems; however, the exact nature of the stressors, their intensity, and the ensuing impacts on forests are quite uncertain. Forest managers will need to cope with this uncertainty, balancing the paucity of detailed information on future conditions against the demands of active and sustainable resource planning and management. In this context, sustainable forest management must recognize the need for ecosystems to adapt to changing climatic conditions in order to achieve desired objectives including, among other things, maintenance of habitat, production of wood, and mitigation of increased levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases. This presentation synthesizes available information on forest management options in the northeastern United States to provide a background for working with an uncertain climate future.
Forest Pond Management
Many forestland owners are also pond owners. Acre for acre, these ponds represent some of the most aesthetically, ecologically and economically valuable resources present on the landscape.
Forestry in the 2008 Farm Bill
What you will learn: This presentation examines the potential to tap into Farm Bill programs by expanding the capacity of the federal agencies charged with administering programs ranging from forestry practice cost share to wetland easements.
Getting the Attention of Family Forest Owners: Lessons from Social Marketing Research
This special one-hour program will discuss social marketing as an approach to reaching family forest owners to positively influence their attitudes and behaviors toward stewardship of their lands. Dr. Butler and Ms. Tyrrell will present results from the Sustaining Family Forests Initiative.
"Green" Forest Certification & Labeling Competitive Advantage in Global Markets
December 3, 2009 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (Central) FSC? SFI? PEFC? Chain-of-Custody? Controlled Wood? Product Claims & Labeling? These are some of the terms you have heard in relation to “Green” forest certification. Like many, you are probably overwhelmed by what the different Standards are and what the terms mean.
Hardwood Regeneration Options for Private Woodlands
Properly regenerating natural hardwood stands is a key to ensuring long-term sustainability. Historically, hardwood stands have often been mistreated and mismanaged. Often selective harvesting has hurt the species composition and future value of the trees left standing and has decreased the regeneration important species for timber and wildlife. The ultimate and most intensive regeneration method is clearcutting. However, in some if not many instances, clearcutting will NOT automatically regenerate the proper species and due to a variety of reasons many landowners would not want or will not allow a clearcut. However, there are many regeneration alternatives that are compatible with a multitude of private woodland owners objectives. Understanding these techniques provides valuable tools to properly manage hardwoods. This session provides useful “rules of thumb” and techniques for regenerating hardwoods including oaks and will provide participants with a clear understanding of how to regenerate hardwoods in ways that are compatible with private woodlands ownerships
Holistic Dollar-Valuation of Urban Forest Functions to Support Resource Conservation and Management
September 21, 2011 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Mountain) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Pacific) What you will learn: In an arena of ever-shrinking government budgets that must make decisions on what programs to fund or cut based on competitive comparisons, obtaining funding and public support for managing urban forests can be at a disadvantage because the direct benefits of urban forest resources are often difficult to quantify. Use of a variety of computer-based forest functional analysis programs, combined with traditional tree appraisal techniques, can help a jurisdiction to determine the real-dollar values of functions provided by their urban forest. Readily available dollar-valuation strategies exist for functions that include increased property values, increased local commerce, carbon sequestration, air pollution abatement, stormwater management, temperature moderation and traffic calming. For many of these benefits, use of trees is often as or more cost effective than traditional engineering options. Implementing a holistic system for valuing the urban forest in a given jurisdiction as its "green infrastructure" will assist public decision makers with identifying appropriate funding to maintain the urban forest canopy, as well as identifying opportunities to use tree plantings as an alternative to other construction, management or planning efforts. Examples will be presented that range in size from an entire county (primary evaluation using CityGreen), a small municipality (primary evaluation using iTree), to individual park properties (mixed evaluation methods). Methodologies will be presented along with findings and lessons learned.
Timber Tax Tips for the 2010 Tax Season (repeat)
The webinar will cover tax filing tips for timber transactions for the 2010 tax season. Presenters will discuss * Tax tips * New tax forms * Incentives * Latest IRS regulations on timber This webinar will be of interest to Foresters, Landowners, Government agency staff and program leaders, Extension agents, and tax professionals
Improving Hardwoods through Crop Tree Release
Improvement in growth and value of individual trees is one of the cornerstones of hardwood silviculture. Maximizing growth and potentially value is based upon providing adequate free growing space to individually selected hardwoods. Crop tree release is often the method of choice for controlling growing space in hardwoods and can be used in with stands of almost any age and specie composition to improve their ultimate value. While the crop tree release concept is simple to grasp there are a number of specific details that must be understood to know when to properly use the practice and to ensure its maximum effectiveness. This webinar will provide information that will help those using the technique to determine: the proper degree of release based on species, the number of crop trees per acre, how to determine when and if a stands needs crop tree release, and how to apply a crop tree release treatment.
Interactions Between Carbon, Climate, and Forests
This presentation will set the stage for a broader discussion on climate change and forests by briefly examining interactions between climate change, carbon cycling, and forest sustainability. First, we’ll cover some key mechanisms and major trends in climate change, and then explore forecasts of future climate and associated uncertainty. Next, we’ll survey the global carbon cycle and the distribution of carbon in major forest ecosystems. We’ll then consider several general ecophysiological concepts and how projected changes in climate may interact with forest ecophysiology. Finally, we’ll discuss how all these considerations may combine to affect forest carbon storage and productivity in the Lake States and Northeast.
Wildland-Urban Interface Land-Use Planning and Policy (Module 3)
October 13th, 2009 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Eastern) As natural resource professionals, we tend to enjoy working outside in rural areas and attempting to help landowners better manage their land for wildlife or habitat health. We didn't get into this profession to live in cities and work in meeting rooms. However, our constituents have changed and the methods we use to influence land management have changed as well. We can no longer ignore the urban / urbanizing areas. Additionally, we are being asked to do more with less, so efficiency is critical. By working with planners and policy makers, we can impact the landscape on a grand scale.
Making Google Earth Work for Land Management
Google Earth (GE) is an easy-to-use but powerful tool that land managers can use to assist landowners see their land and understand it better. This leads to improved land management decision making and information sharing. This webinar will discuss and demonstrate basic GE setup, exploration, navigation, menus, data creation, and production. The outcome is that participants should be able to help landowners use GE in making land management decisions. Continuing education credit from SAF has been applied for.
Managing the Family Forest: The Importance of Family Meetings
Professionals, forestry consultants, accountants, attorneys, estate planners, and others, who work with landowners know their clients are becoming older. These advisors may be aware that their clients have considered or may be considering how to arrange the future of their estates before they die. However, many professionals will not recognize that research indicates over 60% of forest landowners have not talked with their heirs about forestry in general and less than 35% have shared a forestry management plan with their heirs.
Wildland Urban Interface: Issues and Connections (Module 1)
September 14, 2009 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Eastern) In the field of natural resource management, we are increasingly hearing terms such as exurbia, urban sprawl, and rural fringe. What is this area often referred to as the wildland-urban interface (WUI)? We’re facing new challenges including population growth, rapid land-use change, and forest fragmentation. What are the key issues that natural resource professionals are facing in this changing environment and how are they interrelated?
National Update - Federal Biomass Definitions and The American Clean Energy and Security Act
Currently Congress is considering The American Clean Energy and Security Act (Waxman-Markey Bill) that include proposed biomass definitions. In this 2-hour webinar, we will review House and Senate biomass definitions and hear comments from a stakeholder panel from various sectors of the forestry community. Participants will have an opportunity to address speakers and panelists through questions or comments.
North Carolina Present Use Value Taxation and Recent Changes
Presented by Mark Megalos, Ph.D. Assistant Extension Professor of Forestry NC State University This webinar provides a brief overview of a complicated law, N.C. General Statutes 105-277.2 through 105-277.7, which is still evolving. Numerous legislative changes, court decisions, and property tax commission rulings have altered it over the years. In this webinar, participants can learn the major provisions of the law and the steps that must be followed to qualify for the tax savings offered through the forestry present-use program.
Introduction to the Interagency Fuels Treatment Decision Support System - IFTDSS
What you will learn: The web-based Interagency Fuels Treatment Decision Support System (IFTDSS) was designed to provide fire and fuels managers with a single software solution to manage the many data types, software applications, and tools available for fuels treatment planning.
Nutrition: The Pros and Cons of Supplemental Feed
February 17th, 2011 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM (Central) 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Eastern) Presented by: David G. Hewitt, Ph.D. Research Scientist and Professor Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas A&M University-Kingsville david.hewitt@tamuk.edu Provision of supplemental feed is a common management practice in Texas. Because all management practices have positive and negative aspects, it is important for deer managers to understand implications of supplementing deer if they are considering a feed program. This presentation reviews the pros and cons of providing supplemental feed to deer in Texas rangelands.
Pine Management in North Carolina
We will discuss pine management basics, the history of North Carolina pine forests, and how future markets should influence your management practices.
Pine Stand Establishment Part 2
Thursday, July 8, 2010 NOON to 12:45 PM (Central) Presented by Dr. Eric Taylor Texas AgriLife Extension We will discuss bareroot and containerized stock, planting densities, and planting season.
Pine Stand Establishment: Pest Considerations
Presented by H.A. (Joe) Pase III Entomologist, Texas Forest Service Regeneration pests can hinder the growth and survival of newly planted pine trees and cause economic losses. This presentation will discuss the treatments available to manage common insect pests that damage pine seedlings.
Prescribed Fire and the Public: Myths and Realities
November 16th, 2011 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Mountain) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Pacific)
Reaching the South's Absentee Forest Landowners: Part 2 of 3
12:00 noon Eastern (11:00am Central) Presented by Presented by Wayne Clatterbuck Professor of Silviculture and Forest Management University of Tennessee
Rio Grande Wild Turkey Biology and Management
October 21st, 2010 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM (Central) 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Eastern) Presented by: Jim Cathey, Ph.D. Assistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Service Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Thanksgiving is only a month away and most table-ready turkeys will come from the store; however, early Texans hunted and served the Rio Grande wild turkey and some still do! Join us for a lunchtime webinar, to learn more about the biology and management of this economically important game bird. Providing wild turkeys with great habitat, through active management, will insure that their populations will do well in the future.
Short-rotation forestry and growing biofuel crops between trees
October 20, 2010 12:00 (noon) - 1:00pm Eastern (11:00 Central) Presented by: Michael Blazier, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Forestry LSU Ag Center Hill Farm Research Station This presentation will provide an overview of the rationale for producing biofuels with forests as well as the current knowledge of planting, controlling competition, fertilization, and harvesting techniques for forest-based biofuels. Emphasis will be placed on cottonwood, eucalyptus, and switchgrass as forest-based biofuel crops.
Silvopasture: A Viable Agroforestry Enterprise System
Silvopasture systems intentionally combine timber, forage, and livestock enterprises on the same acres. This webinar will focus on issues and establishment practices that landowners and planners need to consider when converting their existing land management to silvopasture.
Southern Pine Beetle Prevention
Noon - 1:00pm (Central) Presented by Michael Murphrey, Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Forester Texas Forest Service.
Steps to Ensure Successful Hardwood Plantings (Artificial Regeneration)
This webinar will focus on the control of competing vegetation through: 1. Planting density (spacing) and design, 2. Herbicides used during site preparation and after planting 3. Use of ground covers Based on site conditions encountered prior to hardwood planting, several prescriptive alternatives are offered as guides for successfully planting hardwoods. The webinar is based on the UT Extension publication PB1783 entitled: Site Preparation and Competition Control Guidelines for Hardwood Tree Planting. The color publication (36 pages) can be downloaded and used as a reference and handout from the following website --- http://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1783.pdf
Biomass Crop Assistance Program Webinar
Presented by Micky D. Woodard, Chief Conservation Division, Texas State FSA Office and sponsored by Texas Forestry Association
The Carbon Impact of Forest Products
July 20th, 2011 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Mountain) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Pacific) What You Will Learn: Wood products from the eastern US hardwood forests have a number of potential ‘green’ advantages. Documenting and publicizing these merits will be important to the future competitiveness of the hardwood industry and the working forests on which it depends. Wood product manufacture requires fewer fossil fuel inputs than alternatives products made from concrete, metals or plastics. In addition, wood is composed of carbon that was recently removed from the atmosphere. These two effects – substitution and sequestration – are why the carbon impact of wood products is so favorable. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the standard method for evaluating the environmental impacts of processes and products. Among other functions, LCA can be used to quantify the carbon impact of wood products. We have been analyzing existing LCA datasets to determine the carbon impacts of a range of wood products. Information about the LCA methodology and how it is used to determine environmental impacts of wood products, the how net carbon factors are determined, and how wood products influence forest carbon balances will be presented
The South Rises Again: Industrial Forest Management in Chile
The recent free trade agreement with Chile creates new opportunities and challenges for the US forestry and environmental sectors. Relative to the southeastern US, Chile is highly competitive in the plantation forestry sector, faces many parallel environmental concerns, and serves as a laboratory for technical and policy responses to water scarcity. Four expert speakers will provide insight into the forestry sector in Chile and the implications for lessons, opportunities, and global competition.
Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnut: What Resource Professionals Need to Know
This webinar is intended to familiarize foresters with the new and threatening disease of black walnut called thousand cankers (TCD). The presenter will cover the present distribution of TCD and the biology of the walnut twig beetle and associated fungus Geosmithia. The presenter will discuss in detail the symptoms and signs that foresters need to know in order to identify potential TCD outbreaks.
Timber Owners and Oil & Gas Development
10 Essential Things for Timber Owners to Know about Oil & Gas Development October 14, 2010 12:00 (Noon) - 1:00pm (Central) Presenter by: Gregg Owens Hays & Owens L.L.P. Participants will learn some of the basics rules, red flags, and protocol that forest landowners must consider when dealing with Oil & Gas Development
Timber Tax Tips for the 2010 Tax Season
The webinar will cover tax filing tips for timber transactions for the 2010 tax season. Presenters will discuss * Tax tips * New tax forms * Incentives * Latest IRS regulations on timber This webinar will be of interest to Foresters, Landowners, Government agency staff and program leaders, Extension agents, and tax professionals
Timber Tax Update
The webinar will provide a timber tax update for the 2010 tax season, including the latest tax law changes. It provides tax tips for woodland owners and their tax advisors in the preparation of the 2010 individual tax return. Please be aware the information presented here is not legal or accounting advice. Consult your legal and tax advisors for more complete information.
Timber Tax Update
February 25, 2011 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (Central) What You Will Learn: We will discuss the latest changes to the timber tax laws that will help you prepare your 2010 tax return. The webinar will provide provides tax tips for woodland owners and their tax advisors in the preparation of the 2010 individual tax return. Please be aware the information presented here is not legal or accounting advice. Consult your legal and tax advisors for more complete information. Participant's orientation starts at 10:50 am (Central)
Timber Tax Update - Part I
This tax session highlights key timber tax issues faced by private landowners in time for the 2009 filing season. It is intended to provide a snapshot and basic understanding of the timber tax matters in a concise manner for forest and natural resource agency staff, directors, extension agents and program leaders, and foresters.
Timber Tax Update - Part I (Re-Cast)
This tax session highlights key timber tax issues faced by private landowners in time for the 2009 filing season. It is intended to provide a snapshot and basic understanding of the timber tax matters in a concise manner for forest and natural resource agency staff, directors, extension agents and program leaders, and foresters.
Timber Tax Update: Part II Casualty Losses in Timber: Determining a Deduction
This special one-hour tax program is two in a two-part program that provides an update on timber tax to assist landowners and foresters in the 2009 filing season. This presentation explains the role of basis, or investment value, in determining the allowed deductible loss, the role of the consulting forester in establishing basis and assessing loss in fair market value, and the role of the accountant/tax preparer in reporting the loss.
Trophy Quail Management
Presented by: Dale Rollins, Ph.D. Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Service Quail populations, and quail hunting, are "on the ropes" across much of Texas and the southeastern U.S. This webinar examines (a) similarities and differences between quail and deer hunting, (b) root causes of "quail decline", and (c) a primer on how to improve quail abundance.
Using Remote-Sensing Cameras in Wildlife Management
Billy Higginbotham Professor and Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM (Central) 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Eastern)
Using Smoke Prediction Models for Prescribed Burning Planning
October 19th, 2011 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Mountain) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Pacific) What You Will Learn: A variety of smoke management models are available for predicting emission production and smoke movement. These can be especially valuable for planning and conducting prescribed burns, yet few people are familiar with what different models can do and how or when to use them. This webinar will introduce the major characteristics of emission and smoke models such as the Fire Emission Production Simulator (FEPS), HYSPLIT, BlueSky, and VSmoke and will describe the uses and limitations of each. Data and computer requirements will be briefly mentioned, but the major focus will be on using the models for a series of case studies and applications. The webinar will be presented by U.S. Forest Service air resource specialists and will be an introduction to subsequent webinars or presentations by the Southern Fire Exchange that will focus on use of individual models. The primary objective is to increase the application of smoke science and prediction to prescribed burn planning across the South. This was identified as one of the highest priority needs in a survey of nearly 1000 southern fire managers and practitioners in 2009.
Using the Southern Fire Exchange Resource Center
September 28, 2011 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Central) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Mountain) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Pacific) What you will learn: This webinar is an introduction to the Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) Resource Center. The SFE is a regional fire science delivery program, for the southeastern United States and is a member of the national network of knowledge exchange consortia, funded by the Joint Fire Science Program. The Resource Center organizes southern fire information and enhances two way communications of fire science between scientists, managers and people on the ground. The Resource Center includes an online discussion forum, “ask the expert” services, calendars of workshops and events, and fact sheets and research syntheses reflecting the requests of fire users across the South. The web-based hub also provides links to existing fire science databases to provide you with complete access to the information you need. This webinar will teach you how to use the SFE Resource Center for you fire information needs.
Wetlands Management for Attracting Waterfowl
March 24th, 2011 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (Central) 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (Eastern) Presented by: Jim Cathey, Ph.D Assistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Service Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences jccathey@tamu.edu
Who Owns America's Forest?
This special one-hour program will discuss forest ownership patterns of the United States with an emphasis on family forest owners. Dr. Butler will use results from the most recent National Woodland Owner Survey to look at who family forest owners are, why they own their land, how they have used it, and how they intend to use it.
Wildland Urban Interface: Communicating with Interface Leaders and Residents (Module 4)
October 29th, 2009 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Eastern) This webinar will explore the communication skills and concepts that natural resource and extension professionals will find useful to resolve challenges in the wildland-urban interface.
Wildland Urban Interface: Managing Interface Forests (Module 2)
September 30th, 2009 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Eastern) This Webinar will introduce management practices desired by owners of forests located in the wildland-urban interface. It will begin with an overview of the big picture challenges and solutions of developing a forest industry to service interface forests. The bulk of the webinar will then focus on active forest management practices that 1) produce high-value amenity resources such as scenery, privacy and hiking and 2) increase confidence in and respect for forest service professionals. Specific vegetation management practices and job planning guidelines will be discussed.
Wildlife for Lunch - Aquatic Weed Control in Texas Farm Ponds
Participants will learn identification of various aquatic plants and the chemical, mechanical and biological control options available for each. Also, information on calculation of pond size and volume for chemical treatment rates will be discussed.
Wildlife for Lunch - Feral Hogs
June 17, 2010 12:00 noon - 1:30pm (CENTRAL) Billy Higginbotham Professor and Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Feral hogs continue to expand their range and populations across the United States. Landowners often bear the brunt of the damage caused by feral hogs, including depredation of newly established pine plantations, row crops, pastures and even livestock. This presentation offers detailed information on the life history and expansion of feral hogs in the United States while providing landowners with viable control alternatives to abate the damage they cause on privately owned lands. Participants are eligible to receive one hour of Laws and Regs ceu credit toward their TX pesticide license.
Wildlife for Lunch: Managing Farm Ponds for Largemouth Bass
Acre for acre, these ponds represent some of the most aesthetically, ecologically and economically valuable resources present on the landscape. This presentation will show the pond owner how to manage their ponds for increased recreation, nutrition and in some cases, income. Assessments to develop a sound management plan will consist of evaluations of landowner goals, habitat and fish populations.
Wildlife Tax Valuation
January 20th, 2011 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM (Central) 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Eastern) Presented by: Jim Cathey, Ph.D. Assistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Service Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences jccathey@tamu.edu Interest in wildlife management for fun or profit has gained tremendous momentum in the last few years in Texas. Some landowners are surprised to learn that wildlife management is a form of agriculture, having special tax provisions. For this webinar, we will discuss the process for developing a 1-D-1 Open Space Agricultural Valuation and the qualifying practices for wildlife management.
Woodland Steward Series Landowner Education Curriculum Training - Part 1
The first in a two-part series. The intent of this training is to educate outreach professionals, educators, and other natural resource professionals in the use of the Woodland Stewardship Series (WSS) curriculum, a curriculum that engages woodland owners in the management of their land. The intent of the WSS is to bring innovative forest management concepts and approaches to landowners of small woodlands in order to help them realize the full potential of their land and utility of their natural resources. This webinar session will: discuss the learning outcomes of the Woodland Steward Series program. share what it means to participate in the program from a landowner's perspective. provide an introduction to and demonstrate the Woodland Steward Series curriculum. introduce you to Woodland Steward Series web resources. There are no continuing education credits being offered for this webinar.
Woodland Steward Series Landowner Education Curriculum Training - Part 2
This is part 2 of a two-part series. The intent of this training is to educate outreach professionals, educators, and other natural resource professionals in the use of the Woodland Stewardship Series (WSS) curriculum, a curriculum that engages woodland owners in the management of their land. The intent of the WSS is to bring innovative forest management concepts and approaches to landowners of small woodlands in order to help them realize the full potential of their land and utility of their natural resources. This webinar session will: discuss the learning outcomes of the Woodland Steward Series program. share what it means to participate in the program from a landowner's perspective. provide an introduction to and demonstrate the Woodland Steward Series curriculum. introduce you to Woodland Steward Series web resources.
Woody Biomass Energy in North Carolina
Topics include: "Why woody biomass?," "What is woody biomass?," "How is woody biomass produced?," "How markets can help you and your land," "Benefits to Landowners," and "Issues & Concerns."
Wildlife for Lunch: Understanding Your Remarkable Riparian Areas
Why would you want to know about this? Creeks, Rivers and Riparian areas are special and they are often misunderstood. Much damage is done by well meaning uninformed people acting on wholehearted belief in a few myths. This presentation will offer practical tools for dissecting some of the most common myths into truth and fiction so that better decision making will result.
Wildlife for Lunch: Conservation & Income through Nature Tourism, ie Guest Operations
This Presentation provides an overview of the opportunities and economics of nature tourism in Texas. Terms, Concepts and Resources for development of nature tourism operations will be addressed along with operation examples. There will also be opportunity for live questions and answers.
Longleaf Container Grown Seedlings: What's Good? What's Bad? What to Look for in Your Seedling Shipment.
What you will learn: During the 2011-2012 planting season somewhere between 80 and 100-million longleaf pine seedlings will be planted across the Southeastern, US. Approximately 90% of these seedlings will be grown in containers and shipped as plug or containerized. Most of these shipped seedlings will be acceptable or 'target' grade seedlings. However, grades or categories of longleaf that one may find at varying percentages in a shipment include: weeds in plug, hybrids, floppies, doubles, dry plugs, previously frozen plugs, unacceptable root orientation, diseased plugs, dead seedlings, alternate pine species, and other grades or categories of container-grown longleaf. This webinar will help the participant (forest landowners, tree planters, foresters, consultants, and other interested parties) to identify the various categories or grades of longleaf seedlings and to recognize the costs or benefits associated with their planting. The instructor and participants will also examine data from survival and growth studies that have been installed across the Southeast, with the express purpose of demonstrating how various categories or grades of seedlings perform in survival and growth when compared to target grade seedlings.
The Most Prevalent Invasive Plants in Southern Forests: Part 2 – Non-Woody Plants
Nonnative plants continue to invade and spread through forests in the South. These infestations increasingly erode forest productivity, hinder forest use and management activities, and degrade diversity, habitat, and our recreational experiences. Managers and landowners need to recognize and be able to identify these threats. In the second of two webinars, we will introduce you to a new book that we co-authored, which is available free from the Southern Research Station, entitled “A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests” (General Technical Report SRS-119). Part 1 will focus on the most prevalent invasive trees and shrubs that plague southern forests and where they occur. Part 2 will cover the prevalent invasive vines, grasses and canes, ferns, and forbs. The latest SRS Forest Inventory and Analysis maps will show their zones of occupation to alert you to those occurring around you and those spreading toward you. A webinar in September will present control and management approaches.
Changing Roles: Why should we be at the table? Natural resource managers' perspectives
This session will begin with an interactive exercise in which participants will explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with considering natural resources in land-use planning. Next, Susan Stein will discuss findings from the Forest on the Edge project including the impacts of increased development surrounding both private and public forestlands.
An Update on USFS-Coop Forestry and SGSF Private Forestry Activities
This program will provide the participant with an update on relevant private forest management initiatives that affect the productivity of their duties as Extension Forestry Specialists.
Timber Tax Update for 2011 Tax Filing Season
The tax rules for timber differ significantly from the general tax rules for other activities. Learn the federal income tax laws on timber transactions that affect your 2011 tax return filing. We will explain the tax laws on timber income and deductions, provide practical tips, and answer your questions.
Wildlife for Lunch: Texas Deer Lease
In this webinar information will be presented that includes the items that should be addressed during the hunting-lease negotiations. This list of items is not pro-hunter or pro-landowner, it is a list of issues that need to be settled before a hunting lease is entered. The second part of the presentation describes the landowners' responsibility for the safety of hunters and other guests on the property. The presentation will end with how the landowners may reduce their legal liability to hunters and guests within the constraints of the law.
Ecological services as an incentive for forest management
The Mountain Association For Community Economic Development (MACED) has successfully developed a managed forest carbon offset program in central Appalachia that offers landowners the opportunity to earn money for carbon sequestration. So far MACED has 48 landowners and 30,000 acres enrolled and has paid out over $100,000 dollars. Scott Shouse, the Forestry Program Manager at MACED, will give a presentation on the key aspects of project development and carbon aggregation as it relates to the management of natural forests in central Appalachia.
Large Flower Partridge Pea in Longleaf Pine Plantings: The Plant, Issues and Answers
What you will learn: Large flower partridge pea - Chamaecrista fasciculata aka Cassia fasciculata, is a native, annual legume occurring across the native range of longleaf pine. It has been utilized widely in food plots for quail, and cultivars have been included in many native herbaceous seed mixes that have been broadcast or drilled into young longleaf pine plantations across the southeast. Because partridge pea is highly competitive in these young stands, many longleaf pine plantings have failed. In this webinar, we will examine how partridge pea grows, reproduces, and spreads. We will also examine potential means of controlling partridge pea with both mechanical and herbicide treatments. We will look into how: partridge pea kills young longleaf seedlings, which cultivars are most risky to utilize, and we will present several alternative species that should be considered as logical and desirable native legumes that could be substituted in native seed mixes to replace large flower partridge pea.
State of the Science
The International Panel on Climate Change concluded that as the atmosphere warms the potential for more frequent and potentially more severe events increases. Following the hottest year ever recorded on Earth, the US is now experiencing numerous extreme events such as a record month for number of tornadoes (April) , a record for loss of life from a single tornado (the May F5 tornado in Joplin MO), a record amount of wildfire acreage burned to date, record drought in New Mexico and Oklahoma, and record snows causing record flooding in the Midwest. But how do we differentiate weather (even extreme weather) from climate and climate change? Additionally, what about associated stresses such as insect and disease outbreaks, forest fragmentation, multiple resource use, and other factors? How can we manage our forests to reduce risks to forest health, even if we do not know what, when or where these risks will occur? In truth, foresters always have, and always will need to assess risk as part of their forest management planning and practice. Climate change will likely add to and increase some risks to forest health, but there are many new tools that are becoming available to assist the land managers in coping and adapting to these risks. This presentation will discuss the potential threats associated with climate change to eastern US forests, and provide a list of tools to assess and address these developing risks.
Misconceptions about Global Warming and Climate Change
In this webinar, Heather Dinon, an Applied Climatologist with the State Climate Office of North Carolina, will present the science used to debunk common misconceptions about Global Warming and Climate Change.
Forest Farming Non-Timber Products: Opportunities and Challenges
Forest farming, the cultivation of understory plants and fungi with economic value, may be a way for small-scale forest landowners to realize greater benefits. The forests are host of a tremendous diversity of economically important plants. Eighty percent of the land base of the Appalachian forest region is in private ownership, and the majority of this is in family forests. These holdings are typically small in size, and maintained for reasons other than timber production. A great diversity of native plant species are harvested for their value in the medicinal, culinary, craft, and other product markets. Most of the plants used for their non-timber values are harvested from the wild, with little or no consideration for the long-term impact on the natural resources. The market potential for many non-timber forest products is significant, but the economic viability of producing them through forest farming is a major challenge. Farming these valuable plants in a forest setting could reduce pressures on natural populations, increase biodiversity and forest health, while diversifying income portfolios. Yet, production methods and yield estimations are challenges that may thwart landowner efforts. Recent government initiatives, such as ‘Know-Your-Farmer, Know-Your-Food, could spur efforts to develop forest farming in the region. Efforts are needed to get forest farming recognized in future government programs, such as the next farm bill. This presentation examines opportunities for forest farming in the region, and challenges that could frustrate efforts to diversify forest operations.
Deer Population Survey Methods: Which One is Right for You?
Participants will learn how to conduct several types of surveys: incidental, spotlight, aerial, and camera. Pros and cons of each will be discussed as well as types of situations in which each would be most effective. Limitations, accuracy vs. precision, GPS/GIS integration, and means to achieve objective data will be discussed with application to each method’s overall value in deer management.
