ISSUE 79: WEEK OF April 6, 2020
Recent News
Regional News


  • 2019 SC Forest Products Export Report
  • UPDATE: International Smoke Symposium Moves to Virtual Space
  • Virginia Tech Extension Offers Online Learning Options for Woodland Landowners
  • NCSU to Host Online Timber Sales Webinar
  • JOE Article: Exploring Forest Health Gaps: A Needs Assessment of Tree and Forest Health Extension Education
  • NC State Publishes New Blog on Social Distancing and Hygiene for Prescribed Burning 
  • Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
  • Forestry Webinars & Other Online Resources from Region Compiled For Online Teaching
  • Quick Cruise Technique Profiled in New Extension Publication from UT
  • UF to host “Focusing on the Future of Ecosystems Services” Conference



National News

  • How the Forest Industry Survives Down Markets, COVID-19 Crisis
  • Forest Economics Advisors Webinar: COVID-19 Impact on Forestry Will be Significant, Followed by Strong Bounce Back

  • 2020 Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals Award Winners
  • IMPLAN Webinar: Analyzing the Economic Impacts of the Coronavirus
  • Forest Service Citizen Science Program
  • Final Call for Proposals for Wildland Fire Strategy Workshop 
  • Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar



Funding Opportunities

  • USDA Rural Development Launches COVID-19 Resource Webpage
  • NC Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Grant Applications Available

Job Opportunities

  • FIA Interim Forester at Tennessee Division of Forestry
  • Mississippi State University Professor of Forest Business
  • UF Extension & Teaching Forest Economist
  • Clemson University Forestry Biometrics Assistant Professor 
Regional News
2019 SC Forest Products Export Report
The South Carolina Forestry Commission recently published a factsheet on forest products exports from South Carolina in 2019, available  here .  The SCFC also developed an interactive dashboard on exports, which is available  here .


UPDATE: International Smoke Symposium Moves to Virtual Space
The International Association of Wildland Fire, in partnership with NWCG Smoke Committee, the UC Davis Air Quality Research Center, the UC Davis Office of Research, and the UC Davis School of Medicine, are presenting the 3rd International Smoke Symposium.  Important Update: After careful consideration amid the Coronavirus outbreak, the hosts have decided to present the conference 100% virtually, April 20-24, 2020; however, all presentations will be recorded and available for up to one year. The conference will feature the integration of a new online learning component, which supports active connection with the audience and allows remote participants the ability to view the presentations live and interact with the presenter. The symposium will be an international nexus of research, management, and policy with a target audience of governmental air quality regulators; land managers and fire practitioners; research and extension communities; public health professionals; air quality and fire weather forecasting communities; and climate change researchers. To find out more about this update and about the conference, please visit  here.

Virginia Tech Extension Offers Online Learning Options for Woodland Landowners
Virginia Tech Extension Forestry is offering a 12-week self-paced online course teaching the fundamentals of forest management to forest landowners.  Topics include setting management goals and objectives, forest history, stewardship and sustainability, marking your boundary lines, and locating, reading, and understanding your deed, using maps, photos, Google Earth, and soil surveys, forest ecology and management, and sources of assistance and planning options. Upon completion of the program, participants will have a draft forest management plan. Natural resource professionals serve as mentors and the class ends with an optional end-of-the-semester hands-on field trip. There are two levels of participation: basic level, which requires completing reading assignments, quizzes and evaluations (1-2 hours per Module) and advanced level, which includes all of the basic level requirements, plus field activities (3 or more hours per Module, depending on the size of the property. Participants can choose to complete none, some, or all of the advanced level activities. All students will receive three books: “Common Forest Trees of Virginia”, “American Forests: A History of Resiliency and Recovery”, and “Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Area”. Access to an on-line tree identification module will also be provided. To find out more about this program, please visit  here . 

NCSU to Host Online Timber Sales Webinar
The NC State Extension Forestry is hosting a live online webinar, titled “Woodland Owner Lunch and Learn - Timber Sales: Is it time to sell?” on April 9, 2020 at 12:00 pm US/Eastern time. Webinar attendees can expect to learn how timber is sold and tips on seeking professional help, as well as how markets work and insight on managing for flat timber prices. NCSU Extension specialists Drs. Robert Bardon and Dr. Rajan Parajuli will be presenting information. This webinar can be a useful tool for many, as learning from experience can be very expensive when it comes to timber sales, many of which are once- or twice-in-a-lifetime occurrences.  By using this information, attendees can make their next (or first) timber sale both a pleasant and profitable experience. The webinar will be recorded and posted back to the Webinar Portal for on-demand viewing within a week. CEUs are available for on-demand webinars when applicable. To find out more, please visit  here . 
JOE Article: Exploring Forest Health Gaps: A Needs Assessment of Tree and Forest Health Extension Education
A recent study in the Journal of Extension (JOE) from University of Florida and Clemson University, investigated the gaps in tree and forest health Extension education. There is growing demand for a broader concept of tree and forest health by commercial and private timberland owners, however, there has been little research to comprehensively capture and represent Extension agents' needs, concerns, and perceived barriers as they respond to client questions and requests regarding tree and forest health topics. The purpose of the study was to determine the educational material needs of county Extension agents who guide clients on issues related to tree and forest health. Study findings concluded that given the economic and ecological importance of the forestry sector to the southeastern United States and the growing threats to tree and forest health, there is an increasing demand by landowners and land managers for information on appropriate, effective tree and forest health management, especially regarding pest identification and treatment options. However, significant barriers and gaps remain in tree and forest health education, and that there are opportunities for increased communication with subject specialists to improve the efficacy of material outputs. To read the full study, visit  here . 

NC State Publishes New Blog on Social Distancing and Hygiene for Prescribed Burning 
North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) Southeast Prescribed Fire Update Blog  has published a new article providing tips and guidance on social distancing and hygiene for prescribed burning during the current COVID-19 outbreak. While many prescribed burn programs are currently on hold due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, many other agencies and private entities, such as NGO’s and private landowners, continue to burn. It is essential that personnel practice proper social distancing and hygiene before, during, and after the burn. The guidance provided includes hygiene tips for personal use and for meetings and group activities, as well as for the handling and disinfecting of facilities and equipment. Individuals and groups continuing to burn during this time are encouraged to plan ahead and utilize these tips to ensure the safety and health of all individuals involved. The full article of guidelines and tips can be found  here  on NC State’s website.

Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
The Southeast Regional Climate Center, in conjunction with the US Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service, and The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), is hosting The Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar, to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 10 am ET/9 am CT. These webinars provide the region's stakeholders and interested parties with timely information on current and developing climate conditions such as drought, floods, and tropical storms, as well as climatic events like El Niño and La Niña. Speakers may also discuss the impacts of these conditions on topics such as wildfires, agriculture production, disruption to water supply, and ecosystems. Presenters will include Sandra Rayne of the Southeast Regional Climate Center, Florida State Climatologist David Zierden, and Kenneth Kunkel of the North Carolina Climate Science Report. To register for this webinar, please visit  here . This webinar will be recorded and registered parties who cannot make the live time will be sent a link afterwards.
National News
  How the Forest Industry Survives Down Markets, COVID-19 Crisis
Pete Stuart, Founder, President, and CEO of Forest2Market, a forest and wood products data site, has written a detailed article describing the current COVID-19 global crisis and the forest sector’s position and future outlook within it. Here is a sample: “Just two months ago, Americans watched cautiously from a distance as the COVID-19 contagion caused a nearly unimaginable scenario by upending China’s entire economy and social structure….COVID-19 seemed an unlikely hazard to derail the strongest economy in history, yet we’re reeling from its effects after just a few weeks. There is a silver lining here, however, and it will benefit the forest industry in the long term. As an industry, the forest sector very much mirrors the steadfast fortitude of American culture. Tissue and towel demand is through the roof, and manufacturers are able to react to entirely different market signals and scale production to meet what surely must be historic levels of demand. As we continue to navigate through the uncertainty associated with the current pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also identified the wood products industry as an “essential critical infrastructure workforce” in the nation’s response to solving the crisis. Homeland Security designated “Workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including, but not limited to timber, paper, and other wood products” as essential.” To read the article in full, please visit  here .

F orest Economics Advisors Webinar: COVID-19 Impact on Forestry Will be Significant, Followed by Strong Bounce Back
On March 25, The Forest Economic Advisors (FEA) hosted a webinar on the effect of COVID-19 on the US economy, housing and wood product markets. Here is a brief summation of the information presented: Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the long-awaited US housing boom had finally arrived, with housing starts in the 1.6 million range. But that’s moot now, with the US effectively in recession already—as measured by the depth and dispersion of the decline in economic activity. Although the duration of the recession is a big unknown, the US economy, as measured by GDP, is expected to shrink 3.5 percent over four months, followed by a transition quarter of low growth and then two quarters of high growth. Reductions in US housing starts are expected, however, overall the housing sector is expected to outperform the wider economy, due in part to its ‘essential industry status’ in some states. 2020 lumber consumption is expected to decline but is expected to gradually increase such that at year end it will be near the same level as prior to the crisis, with a strong bounce back expected in 2021. OSB demand is expected to plummet in Q2, before rebounding over the next two quarters, followed by an expected strong recovery in 2021 with growth in the 15%-18% range. Similarly, plywood, particleboard and MDF demand will be down in 2020 and then up again in 2021. Although income will suffer in 2020, no immediate impact is anticipated on the underlying value of timberland. To access the full webinar or for more information on FEA, contact Dave Battaglia at  [email protected]. Find a more in-depth summation of the webinar  here. 

2020 Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals Award Winners
The Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP)’s Awards Committee has announced the winners of the 2020 ANREP Awards. This awards program is intended to foster high standards within the membership, recognize significant achievement, and expand the use of high quality, innovative materials and programs by honoring the outstanding members and partners who developed them as award winners. The opportunity to receive national recognition for project work is considered one of the benefits of being an ANREP member. Click here to find the full awards announcement including a description of the project receiving the award.
IMPLAN Webinar: Analyzing the Economic Impacts of the Coronavirus
IMPLAN presented a webinar on March 26, “Analyzing the Economic Impacts Of The Coronavirus” in order to illustrate the process of performing and reviewing the results of economic impact analyses and common examples of COVID-19 economic effects. In the 1-hour webinar, IMPLAN’s Jenny Thorvaldson, Ph.D, Chief Economist, and Jimmy Squibb, Technical Product Manager and Economic Consultant, presented approaches to modeling and examining the economic effects of the Coronavirus. Economic analyses common to modeling Coronavirus impacts are covered, including industry shutdowns, employment changes, adjustments in household spending, decreased international demand, potential effects of an economic stimulus, and a brief discussion of the environmental impacts. To access the full webinar, please visit  here. 

Forest Service Citizen Science Program
CitSci Fund, an initiative of the USDA’s Forest Service (USFS), has selected multiple projects to receive up to $30,000 through their Citizen Science Competitive Funding Program. With the funds available, the Ecosystem Management Coordination was able to fully fund eleven projects totaling $199,092. This initiative supports collaborative citizen science efforts where partners, volunteers, and the Forest Service work together in the pursuit of sound science and meaningful community and volunteer engagement. 2020 submissions totaled 62, with 11 ultimately funded from a base fund of $200,000 available. One funded project is based in Kentucky. Previously, a total of 4 projects were recipients of the CitSci Fund Incubator. To find the full list of projects funded and more information about each one, visit  here . 

Final Call for Proposals for Wildland Fire Strategy Workshop 
The International Association of Wildland Fire, in partnership with the Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC) and the Western, Southeast and Northeast Regions of the Cohesive Strategy, invites proposal submissions for a workshop session at the 4th Annual National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop to be held October 26-30, 2020 in Asheville, North Carolina. The event is intended to facilitate greater understanding and application of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Organizers are designing this workshop to be an innovative, constructive and thought-provoking learning event for practitioners and decision-makers and will center around this year’s theme: “Hard Truths, Fantastic Failures and Magnificent Successes of Cross-Boundary, Landscape Level and Community-Wide Implementation.” The focus for this workshop will be on interactive sessions which actively engage participants, organized around compelling objectives for learning that leave participants with the information that can help them implement tactics and strategies that increase the understanding and use of the Cohesive Strategy Guiding Principles and Management Options. Proposal submissions should identify what format is being proposed for the session, and each session must go beyond the standard presentation format to include audience participation as a tool for shared learning. Proposal submissions are due by June 15, 2020. To find a detailed list of proposal subject ideas and possible format options, please visit  here .

Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
The Southeast Regional Climate Center, in conjunction with the US Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service, and The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), is hosting The Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar, to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 10 am ET/9 am CT. These webinars provide the region's stakeholders and interested parties with timely information on current and developing climate conditions such as drought, floods, and tropical storms, as well as climatic events like El Niño and La Niña. Speakers may also discuss the impacts of these conditions on topics such as wildfires, agriculture production, disruption to water supply, and ecosystems. Presenters will include Sandra Rayne of the Southeast Regional Climate Center, Florida State Climatologist David Zierden, and Kenneth Kunkel of the North Carolina Climate Science Report. To register for this webinar, please visit  here . This webinar will be recorded and registered parties who cannot make the live time will be sent a link afterwards.
Funding Opportunities
USDA Rural Development Launches COVID-19 Resource Webpage
The USDA’s Department of Rural Development has launched a COVID-19 resource page to keep customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated on actions taken by the Agency to help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. This webpage includes links to pages covering the latest news and information updates from the CDC and the USDA on their actions and/or responses to COVID-19, as well as factsheets and FAQs relating to this ongoing crisis and notifications for stakeholders. Click  here  to access the COVID-19 resource page.  


NC Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Grant Applications Available
The NC Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program is accepting applications for its annual program that provides grant funding for projects enhancing the benefits and sustainable management of urban forests in North Carolina communities. Projects should encourage citizen involvement in creating and sustaining urban and community forestry programs and should be completed within an 11-month project schedule beginning September 2020 and ending July 31, 2021. Projects considered include tree inventories and canopy cover assessments, management plan development, ordinance development, professional staff and development, and education and training. The grants are open to local and state government entities, public educational institutions and nonprofit 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations. Applicants can request anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 in grant funding, and the grants will provide 50% of project costs and require matching funds or in-kind efforts. The deadline for application submissions is April 30, 2020, 5:00 p.m. EST. To learn more about this program, please visit  here.
Job Opportunities
FIA Interim Forester at Tennessee Division of Forestry
The Tennessee Division of Forestry is seeking entry-level candidates to fill a FIA Interim Forester position in the Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program, with options of a Crossville or Knoxville base-station location. Following one year of satisfactory performance and FIA certification, the individual may be reclassified as FIA Forester. This FIA unit is part of a nationwide U.S. Forest Service program that collects, processes, analyzes, evaluates, and publishes comprehensive information on forest resources. 
The position works in a two-person crew and reports to the FIA Program Specialist. Possible applicants must be willing to work in challenging terrain, travel to remote plot locations (sometimes overnight), and plan their work according to weather conditions. The work schedule has built-in flexibility during the Monday-Friday work week to accommodate weather-related impediments, and some weekend and overnight travel may occur. Standards of performance must be demonstrated annually to maintain data collection certification. Position requirements include graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in forestry.
The application registry, found  here , will be open until April 18, 2020.

Mississippi State University Professor of Forest Business
Mississippi State University (MSU) is currently seeking applications for a Professor of Forest Business position in the Department of Forestry within the College of Forest Resources and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center. Responsibilities will include participation in the Department’s teaching, research, and service activities, which will include both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in forest business for on-campus and Distance Education programs.  The successful candidate will also be expected to conduct an extramurally funded research program in the specialized field of forest business covering the items listed above. A Ph.D. with a specialization in forest business, timberland investment, timber procurement, forest operations, forest real estate management, forest taxation, and/or closely related fields. All but dissertation (ABD) applicants will be considered. Preferred candidates should have a strong record of scholarly publications, have the potential to secure extramural funding, and show demonstrated experience in teaching both traditional and Distance Education courses. To find out more about this position or apply, please visit  here . Job posted March 27, 2020.
UF Extension & Teaching Forest Economist
The University of Florida School of Forest Resources is hiring a non-tenure track Extension Forest Economist for a position that is 60% Extension and 40% teaching. Qualifications for the position include a masters degree and 10 years of experience or a doctorate. Other qualifications include excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal relationships. To find out more, click here. Applications will be reviewed starting May 15.

Clemson University Forestry Biometrics Assistant Professor 
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (FEC), at Clemson University is seeking to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with a specialization in Forest Biometrics. The position is a 12-month appointment with responsibilities in teaching (75%) and extension (25%). The anticipated starting date is August 15, 2020, in Clemson, South Carolina. The successful candidate is expected to develop a collaborative extension program in the field of forest measurements, commensurate with the appointment, especially as it applies to forest management, growth and yield, forest inventory, and big data in forestry and natural resources. To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted  here  by April 15, 2020. The position will remain open until filled. To learn more about this position, visit  here . 


Upcoming Events:

POSTPONED OR CANCELLED

May 3-6, 2020 | Bend, OR
The Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals bi-annual conference will be held in Bend, OR and hosted by Oregon State University Extension team. The conference will include field trips, interactive sessions, presentations and more.

June 4, 2020 | Jasper, GA  |  September 30, 2020 | Tifton, GA 
Georgia Prescribed Fire Council
The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council will host its annual meetings in Jasper and Tifton, GA, respectively.  The North Georgia Meeting will be held in Jasper, Georgia on Thursday, June 4, 2020. Their annual state-wdie meeting will be held in Tifton, Georgia, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. These meetings provide an excellent networking opportunity for Georgia Prescribed Fire Burners. For more information contact Frank M. Riley at  [email protected] .

VIEW FULL CALENDAR:
Southern Regional Extension Forestry | www.sref.info | [email protected]