Alabama Forestry Field Days Improve Land Management

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Forestry, General, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

forestsUSDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, the Alabama Natural Resources Council, Alabama State Tree Farm Committee, and other conservation partners are sponsoring three regional field days to promote forest stewardship.


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AUBURN, Ala, September 26, 2014 – The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Alabama Natural Resources Council (ANRC), Alabama State Tree Farm Committee, and other conservation partners are sponsoring three regional field days to promote forest stewardship.

“This is an excellent opportunity for landowners to learn how to manage their land resources in a sustainable way,” said NRCS Acting State Conservationist Ben Malone. “Landowners will have the opportunity to visit one-on-one with local staff and network with other landowners.”

Forest lands cover more than 210 million acres in the southeastern United States, and there are 21 million acres of forest in Alabama alone. Over 95 percent of Alabama’s forest lands are privately owned.

Landowners need quality land and wildlife resource training opportunities so they can manage their properties effectively. Dr. Gary Lemme, Alabama Extension Director and Chair of the ANRC, says Alabama landowners can learn about a variety of management techniques by attending a Regional Forestry Field Day.

“Participants will learn how to manage Alabama’s forests for a variety of uses,” said Lemme. “These events will feature experts in forest and wildlife management resources as well as a tour of a certified TREASURE Forest or Tree Farm.”

The three regional Forestry Field Days will be held in October. Registration for these free events begins at
8 a.m. and lunch will be served. Call the appropriate regional field day contact to confirm your spot and to obtain directions.

North Alabama – Oct. 2 – Burgess Farm in Colbert County

Agenda:
• Predator Solutions; Trapping
• Mulching Timber & Creating Wildlife Openings
• Thinning, Prescribed Burning & Timber Markets
• Pine Plantation Establishment & Invasive Species Control
Contact: Johnnie Everitt – (256) 383-4376

Central Alabama – Oct. 9 – Charles Holmes Property in Perry County

Agenda:
• Agri-Tourism
• Wild Pig Management
• Longleaf vs Loblolly Pine Management
• Stream Crossing
Contact: John Ollison – (334) 683-6888

South Alabama – Oct. 16 – Newman Property in Coffee County

Agenda:
• Dove Field Management
• Hardwood Management
• Mid Rotation Release
• Wetland Management
Contact: Mary McLean – (334) 894-5596

The Alabama Natural Resources Council’s primary mission is to promote the stewardship of Alabama’s forest resources. These regional forestry field days are just one of the Council’s outreach efforts. For more information, visit the ANRC’s website at: http://www.aces.edu/forestry/anrc.