ISSUE 50 : WEEK OF April 22, 2019
Recent News
Regional News

  • University of Florida to Host 46th SAF/SFRC Spring Symposium
  • Mississippi State to Host Rx Burn Short Course for Forestry and Wildlife
  • VA Extension to Host Drying Lumber with a Solar Kiln Workshop
  • VA Extension Releases Storymap of a EAB Program from 2008-18
  • ACES, AUFA to Host ISA Certified Arborist Preparatory Workshop
  • VA Extension's SHARP Logger Program to Host Next Training in May
  • TAMU Forest Service Rx Burn Manager Registration Deadline in May

SREF News

  • 2018-2019 Extension Award Winners- SREF Awards Program
  • SREF Awards Spotlight: Computer Software and/or Website & Video

National News
  • Happy Arbor Day from the Office of the Southern Regional Extension Forester
  • Leadership Nature Discusses Role of Women in Land Management
  • USFS to Host Next Webinar in Urban Forest Connection Series in May
  • New Study: Fewer Low Intensity Fires Makes for More Severe Wildfires
  • FPL Researchers Develop Affordable Residential Wood Tornado Shelter

Funding Opportunities

  • USDA Extends Conservation Stewardship Program Deadline
  • JFSP, BLM Announce Wildland Fire Funding Opportunity up to $500K
  • USFS, US Endowment Offer up to $1 Million for Mass Timber Grant
  • NIFA Offers $300,000 to Land-Grant University Programs for FY 2019

Job Opportunities

  • VSU Extension: Urban Forester Extension Associate
  • Tall Timbers Research Station: Outreach Specialist
  • Clemson University Seeks Full-Time Temporary Forester
  • Virginia Tech Extension Associate for Landowner and Logger Education
Regional News
University of Florida to Host 46th SAF/SFRC Spring Symposium
The University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) will host the 46th annual Society of American Forester (SAF) SFRC Spring Symposium from April 30 - May 1, 2019 in Gainesville, FL.Topics will include landowner associations, forest product markets, new landscape planning approaches, forest certification, economics, hurricane recovery, genetically improved southern pines, wildlife habitat provisions, inter-generational land transfer, and more. Cost for attending ranges from $125 to $175. Continuing Forestry Education credits available upon approval. Learn more and register for the symposium.

VA Extension to Host Drying Lumber with a Solar Kiln Workshop
The Virginia Cooperative Extension will host a workshop on drying lumber with a solar kiln in Blacksburg, VA from May 16-17, 2019. Solar lumber drying provides a safe and economical way to dry lumber given limited knowledge and experience.  This course is designed for the small-scale woodworking facility or hobby woodworker. Information presented by Dr. Brian Bond will discuss how to design, modify, build and operate a solar kiln based on the Virginia Tech design. Registration is required. Cost of attendance is $90. Learn more and register for the workshop.

ACES, AUFA to Host ISA Certified Arborist Preparatory Workshop 
The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) and the Alabama Urban Forestry Association (AUFA) will host a workshop in Mobile, AL from May 16-17, 2019. This two-day class will review the Arborist's Certification Study Guide. This class will combine lectures with sample questions to better prepare and test the knowledge of attendees. Cost of attendance is $50 or $30 for AUFA members. Learn more and register for this workshop.

TAMU Forest Service Rx Burn Manager Registration Deadline in May
The Texas A&M (TAMU) Forest Service will provide a Prescribed (Rx) Burn Manager Training in Lufkin, TX from June 3-6, 2019. The course will be open to the public, but pre-registration is required. The registration deadline is May 15, 2019. Limited seating is available. Students who pass the final exam will meet the education requirements for becoming a Texas Department of Agriculture- Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager in region 4 (East Texas). Learn more and register for the training.
Mississippi State to Host Rx Burn Short Course for Forestry and Wildlife
Mississippi State Extension will host a Prescribed Burning for Forestry and Wildlife Short Course in Kosciusko, MS on May 17, 2019. This short course is intended to inform participants of considerations that should be addressed prior to using prescribed fire in forestry and wildlife management. In addition, legal aspects, burn plans, permitting, etc. are discussed in detail. Registration is $30 per person and $45 per couple. Register by May 10, 2019. Learn more and register for the course.


VA Extension Releases StoryMap of a EAB Program from 2008-18
The Virginia Cooperative Extension has developed a StoryMap outlining the impact and response of the emerald ash borer (EAB) form 2008-2018. 2018 marks a decade from when the emerald ash borer (EAB) first established in northern Virginia. In that relatively short amount of time, EAB has spread throughout Virginia and to many other states across the U.S., pushing most native ash species to the brink of extinction. EAB presence has been confirmed in 71 counties across Virginia. This storymap outlines EAB impact and infestation and mitigation strategies. View the storymap

VA Extension's SHARP Logger Program to Host Next Training in May
Virginia Cooperative Extension will host their next SHARP Logger Training Program beginning on May 9, 2019 in Caroline County, VA. SHARP Logger is a free educational program designed to meet logger training requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. To achieve SHARP Logger standing, participants must complete a core program of 18 hours of classroom and field training. The core classes are held over three separate trainings with an emphasis on sustainable forestry, logging safety and BMPs/harvesting, respectively. To maintain their standing, SHARP Loggers must complete 12 credit hours of continuing education training during each three year period following the completion of the core program.  Learn more about SHARP Logger  , or  view their training schedule.
SREF News
2018-2019 Extension Award Winners- SREF Awards Program
The Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) announces winners to their regional Extension awards program. Awards are judged by a regional team in multiple categories ranging from Extension and journal publications to websites, youth education and more. Submissions included nearly 100 nominees and co-nominees. In the coming weeks, this newsletter will highlight many of the award-winning unique programs and products. Congratulations to all the winners. See the complete list of awards given .
SREF Awards Spotlight: Research Technology Transfer & Youth & Teacher Education
Each week Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) will be highlighting two of their SREF award program recipients. This week, we are featuring winners from the categories Research Technology Transfer and Youth & Teacher Education. One of our three winners for Research Technology Transfer goes to Dr. Elizabeth Benton and Dr. Richard Cowles from the University of Georgia for their outreach publication Optimized Insecticide Dosage for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Control in Hemlock Trees . The publication outlines the current threat to hemlock species from the hemlock wooly adelgid and provides insecticide and management recommendations for dealing with this pest. One of our three winners for Youth & Teacher Education are Renee Strnad, Hannah Thompson-Welch, and Laurel Kays from North Carolina State University for their Forest to Classroom 2018: Fire Focus program. This program connects educators with experts in the field to explore the history, culture and science of major fire events in North Carolina.  See the complete list of awards given .
National News
Happy Arbor Day from the Office of the Southern Regional Extension Forester!
In honor of of this tree appreciation day, please take a moment to look at how you can help the Arbor Day Foundation's Time For Trees Initiative .  The Foundation plans to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities around the globe by the 150th Anniversary of Arbor day in 2022. 
Leadership Nature Discusses Role of Women in Land Management
Former Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Forester Danielle Atkins was recently featured on the national podcast Leadership Nature to discuss the increasing role of women in land management. Atkins is now a Forester for Mcintosh SEED (Sustainable Environment & Economic Development). In her role, she supports landowners in the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention (SFLR) program through the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. Atkins educates landowners on their land options and provides hands-on assistance with outreach, workshops, technical assistance, management plan writing, publications, clustering projects, and special programs for women landowners.  Listen to the podcast.

New Study: Fewer Low Intensity Fires Makes for More Severe Wildfires
New research from scientists with The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Idaho showed a significant decrease in low-severity fire in the Pacific Northwest from 1984-2015 as compared to historical models. During that period, there have been more high-intensity wildfires than expected. Deficits were greatest in dry forest ecosystems adapted to frequent, low‐severity fire. When these dry forests do burn, we observed that 36% burned with high‐severity compared to 6–9% historically. The study’s authors recognize a return to past levels of burning would be unfeasible given the growth of human development and fire’s effects on communities. However, they emphasize the need for controlled burns and more environmentally friendly logging to improve forest health, especially since some of climate change’s future effects remain uncertain. Learn more and read the new study.
USFS to Host Next Webinar in Urban Forest Connection Series in May
The US Forest Service (USFS) will host the next webinar in thier Urban Forest Connection Series May 8, 2019 at 1:00 PM. The free one-hour and fifteen minute webinar More Than Good Looks: How Trees Influence Urban Stormwater Management in Green Infrastructure Practices is presented by Andrew Tirpak and Lyn Rutherford.
Tirpak will discuss recent research results from studies designed to characterize the health of trees in bioretention practices and the benefits they provide to urban stormwater management. Rutherford will share observations from managing bioretention and detention ponds, noting how design, installation, and maintenance practices affect tree health and water quality function. Learn more and register for the webinar.

FPL Researchers Develop Affordable Residential Wood Tornado Shelter
Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) researchers have developed a residential tornado shelter that meets industry safety standards and can be built into an existing home using readily available materials and tools. The 8-ft by 8-ft room can be built by a local contractor, or even assembled by a handy homeowner. The estimated cost of materials for the shelter is between $3,000 and $4,000, but costs can vary in different local markets. The shelter walls are constructed using three layers of 2-by-8-inch lumber nailed and glued together and stacked log-cabin style, then sheathed with three-quarter-inch plywood. A specifically designed roof and door, ventilation holes, and anchors into a concrete slab complete the shelter. The structure’s size makes the space suitable for other uses when not needed in an emergency. The FPL provides written guides and how-to videos to assist users. Learn more and start watching videos , or view the written guides.
Funding Opportunities
USDA Extends Conservation Stewardship Program Deadline 
The USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has extended their application deadline to May 10, 2019. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest up to $700 million for new enrollments and contract extensions in fiscal year 2019. CSP helps build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. The program is for working lands. It is the largest conservation program in the United States with more than 70 million acres of productive agricultural and forest land enrolled in CSP.  The USDA will help landowners create a custom schedule to assist in stewardship practices such as timely planting of cover crops, developing a grazing plan that will improve your forage base, or implementing a no-till to reduce erosion or manage forested areas in a way that benefits wildlife habitat. Applicants must meet the May 10 deadline to ensure funding for 2019.  Learn more about the CSP , or read detailed instruction on how to apply.

USFS, US Endowment Offer up to $1 Million for Mass Timber Grant 
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment) plan to award up to one-million dollars under the Mass Timber University Grant Program and related Request for Proposals (RFP). The intent of the Mass Timber Grant is to inspire interest in and support for mass timber products among the architectural, developer and building communities as well as the public, by showcasing them in highly-visible projects on university campuses. This grant is a cost share/matching program meaning that for every dollar awarded from the Mass Timber Grant, the recipient must match that same dollar amount. Submission are due by May 31, 2019. Learn more and view detailed instructions on how to apply.
JFSP, BLM Announce Wildland Fire Funding Opportunity up to $500K 
The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plan to award up to $500,000 to prioritize and provide sound scientific studies that support the land management agencies and other stakeholders in addressing issues associated with wildland fire. The objectives of this grant are to identify or develop metrics to assess fuel break and fuel break system performance, evaluate fuel breaks and fuel break systems against these standards, and identify necessary improvements in the implementation of operational fire behavior models. All proposals are to be submitted using the electronic submission process provided on the JFSP website. Proposals must be submitted by 7:00 PM. EST on May 16, 2019. Learn more about the program and how to apply.

NIFA Offers $300,000 to Land-Grant University Programs for FY 2019 
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is has released a Request for Applications (RFA) for their National Focus Funds project. The purpose of the grant program is to provide funds for pilot projects that address emerging forest and rangeland resource issues, have national or regional relevancy, or develop new and innovative projects that can be replicated at other institutions. Applications may only be submitted by 1862 and/or 1890 land-grant institutions Project Directors must have an extension appointment. Applications are due June 21, 2019 at 5:00 PM EST. Read detailed instruction on how to submit an application , or submit an application.
Job Opportunities
VSU Extension: Urban Forester Extension Associate
Virginia State University (VSU) is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Urban Forester Extension Associate in their Urban Forestry Program. The incumbent will engage in integrated urban forest management and education through the care and management of tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. The Urban Forestry Program advocates the role of trees as a critical part of the urban infrastructure. The Urban Forester Extension Associate is responsible for providing impact-driven, research-based extension and educational programs for a diverse group including adult and youth citizens, municipalities, organizations, and other stakeholders in Virginia. This position is open until filed. View the application.

Virginia Tech Extension Associate for Landowner and Logger Education
Virginia Tech Extension is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Extension Associate for landowner and logger education in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. The Extension Associate will work in conjunction with the Forest Operations Extension Specialist to coordinate the SHARP Logger Program. Primary job duties will relate to program administration, training coordination, serving as the primary point of contact for interaction with participants in the program, and maintenance of training records. Expectations include work on Extension research projects, writing and reviewing Extension publications, and creating other communications for loggers and forest landowners. Applications should be submitted by May 20, 2019. View the application.

Tall Timbers Research Station: Outreach Specialist
Tall Timbers Research Station is seeking a qualified candidate to fill their Outreach Specialist vacancy. The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for developing innovative and successful fire science outreach and communication programs that support the mission and goals of the Southern Fire Exchange (SFE). While the specific Outreach Specialist responsibilities may be adjusted to best align with the skills and strengths of the individual, tasks such as co-leading weekly updates to SFE social media programs, editing and publishing 3-4 SFE fact sheets per year, and coordinating several in-person fire science workshops per year in the Southeastern U.S. should be considered representative. This is a full time position available for 1 year, with continuation pending funding. Applications are due by May 3, 2019. View the listing.

Clemson University Seeks Full-Time Temporary Forester 
Clemson University is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Forester. This is full time temporary/time limited position. The forester performs professional forest management duties and assists staff to foster the development, protection and utilization of forest resources for Clemson University forest lands. The incumbent will implement current technology in management and environmental protection while providing natural resource teaching, research, and demonstration opportunities. Application deadline is May 17, 2019. View the application.

Upcoming Events:

April 30, 2019 | Tallapoosa Co, AL
Alabama Cooperative Extension invites you to learn about best management practices for planting trees and shrubs in the landscape. Participants will also discuss signs and symptoms of unhealthy plants.

May 2, 2019 | McRae, GA
Topics include: Forest Health, Stand management, Forestry economics & practices. The NRCS will discuss available programs. Forestry and Pesticide applicator credits available.

May 7-8, 2019 | Palatka, FL
Participants will develop a burn plan that focuses on specific land management goals and objectives. Topics include: Range Management, Ground Cover Restoration, Timber Management & Wildlife Management.

May 10, 2019 | Fairfax, VA
This round table will explore different outreach and educational projects throughout northern region. This agenda explains that the purpose of this event is for attendees to gather ideas for replication in their jurisdiction and to identify potential partnerships and volunteer opportunities. Registration fee for everyone is $10. Registration deadline May 6, 2019.

June 6, 2019 | Jasper, GA
The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council steering committee has assembled a great program of speakers for this inaugural meeting with a special emphasis on north Georgia and its unique terrain, population and forest types. This meeting will be the best chance to network with other prescribed fire practitioners and other experts in the use of fire. Registration deadline is May 31, 2019. Please see the agenda for more information. 
VIEW FULL CALENDAR:
MAY
Southern Regional Extension Forestry | www.sref.info | lboby@sref.info