ISSUE 59 : WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2019
Recent News
Regional News

  • VA Cooperative Extension to Host Generation NEXT Workshops
  • Skills For Engaging Effective Dialogue (SEED) Facilitation Course for Natural Resource Professionals Offered Fall 2019
  • July Edition of Driptorch Digest Now Available
  • Florida Land Steward Releases June Update
  • America's Longleaf Restoration Institute Releases 2018 Range-wide Accomplishment Report
  • FL Forestry Assoc. Opens Applications for Forestry Forward Program
  • SFE Releases Webinar Recording on Fire History
  • SFE Announces Upcoming Webinar: Prescribed Fire and Wild Turkeys

SREF News

  • Communication Theme at SGSF's Annual Meeting
  • SREF's Forestry Webinar Portal Has More than 700 Archived Webinars

National News
  • Safety, Health and Consumer Council Releases Wildfire Safety Guide for Homeowners
  • National Agroforestry Center Releases Agroforestry Strategic Framework
  • National Woodland Owners Association Releases New Report
  • Call for Nominations - 2019 Family Forests Education Award

Funding Opportunities

  • USDA Announces Availability of $12.5K in CIGs
  • USDA Seeking Agroforestry Proposals
  • AR Forestry Commission Opens 2019 Urban Forestry Grant Applications
  • TX NRCS Announces Deadline for Conservation Assistance Funding
  • Florida Forest Service Announces Longleaf Pine Incentive Program
  • USDA Announces Funding for Feral Swine Eradication Pilot Programs

Job Opportunities

  • VDOF: Utilization and Marketing Project Developer
  • TN Division of Forestry: Area Forester Type III
  • Auburn: Asst. Professor & Extension Specialist of Forest Resources
  • Stephen F. Austin State University: Asst. Professor of Human Dimensions in Natural Resources
  • Texas Longleaf Implementation Team: Coordinator

Regional News
VA Cooperative Extension to Host Generation NEXT Workshops
The Virginia Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), will host Generation NEXT workshops beginning in August. Generation NEXT is an award-winning and nationally recognized program that helps guide landowners through the process of transferring property. Speakers include legal and financial experts experienced in estate planning, as well as natural resource professionals who work with landowners to conserve land and plan for the future. Learn more and register here.

Skills For Engaging Effective Dialogue (SEED) Facilitation Course For Natural Resource Professionals Offered Fall 2019
Skills for Engaging Effective Dialogue (SEED) is a facilitation course being offered by Laura Calandrella Consulting in fall 2019. This blended platform course is being offered via five weekly online training sessions as well as a 3-day in-person training session. The focus of this course is to help natural resource professionals gain the skills needed to achieve collaborative results, take collective action and strengthen sustainability leadership. It would especially be beneficial for natural resource professionals that coordinate or lead multi-stakeholder dialogue and/or community engagement. See the course brochure here , and find the course website here . 

July Edition of Driptorch Digest Now Available
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension and Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) have released the July 2019 edition of Driptorch Digest. This newsletter reports on current news stories, online resources of interest, trainings, and webinars - all with a focus on prescribed fires in the South. Check out the newsletter here.

Florida Land Steward Releases June Update
The Florida Land Steward released their June update. The report details current forestry news, available funding, and regional events and programs. The Florida Land Steward is a collaborative effort from national, state, and local agencies and organizations; it seeks to share management and conservation information for landowners throughout Florida. Check out the update here.
America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative Releases 2018 Range-wide Accomplishment Report
America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative (ALRI) released a report detailing the progress made in longleaf pine restoration over the past year and the past decade. This new publication is also looking forward and showcases what can be done to reach ALRI's goal of planting 8 million acres of longleaf pine habitat by 2025. Learn more about ALRI's impacts here.

Florida Forestry Association Opens Applications for Forestry Forward Program
The Florida Forestry Association (FFA) opens applications for their Forestry Forward program. This program provides up and coming FFA members an opportunity to learn more about leadership roles in the Association. Participants have access to Board and committee meetings, legislative events, educational sessions and tours, and unique networking opportunities. Learn more and apply here.

SFE Releases Webinar Recording on Fire History
The Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) released a webinar recording that took place last month. Dr. Kevin Robertson, Fire Ecology Program Director at the Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, discussed fire history paradigms in North America. View the webinar.

SFE Announces Upcoming Webinar: Prescribed Fire and Wild Turkeys
The Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) announced an upcoming webinar that will explore the influences of prescribed fire on the ecology of wild turkeys. Dr. Michael Chamberlain, from the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, will present the results of research projects throughout the southeastern United States focused on understanding how wild turkeys respond to prescribed fire. The webinar will be hosted on August 1, 2019 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST. Registration is required. Learn more and sign up here.
SREF News
Communication Theme at SGSF's Annual Meeting
SREF Coordinator, Leslie Boby, attended the Southern Group of State Foresters' (SGSF) annual meeting in Franklin, TN the week of June 17th. SGSF is a non-profit organization composed of all of the state foresters from the thirteen states in the southern region. They work together to enhance and support the forested acres throughout the South. SGSF focuses on all aspects of forestry including forest management, fire, utilization, marketing, urban forestry, water resources, GIS, forest health, and communications through committees. These committees include members of each state organization and encourage joint problem solving, shared resources, and work on behalf of the entire region. The theme of this year's meeting was communication. Presentations covered the importance of story telling from Andy Goodman of the Goodman Center , communication insights from Teri Moore of the Center for Food Integrity, information to better understand generational differences from Amy Lynch of Generation Edge, as well as a summary of the marketing work of #ForestProud from Will Novy-Hildesley. These presentations were recorded and will be made available soon. Find more information about SGSF here .
SREF Forestry Webinar Portal Has More than 700 Archived Webinars
The Forestry Webinar Portal hosts live webinars for a variety of partners and collaborators, but also stores more than 700 archived webinars. Continuing Education Credits are available for Society of American Foresters, International Society of Aboriculture, and more. Typically CEU's are available for the webinar within the first year after it was live. In addition to forestry webinars, NRCS hosts the conservation webinar portal and there are specific climate change and bioenergy portals too. All can be accessed at forestrywebinars.net.
National News
Safety, Health and Consumer Council Releases Wildfire Safety Guide for Homeowners
The Safety, Health, & Consumer Council (SHCC) has released a new wildfire safety guide. This publication details how homeowners can prepare for a wildfire in their area. It includes topics such as: designing an emergency plan, finding shelter, driving in a wildfire, promoting pet and livestock safety, what to do after a fire has occurred, and smoke management. Find the guide here.

National Agroforestry Center (NAC) Releases Agroforestry Strategic Framework
The National Agroforestry Center (NAC), in cooperation with the USDA Interagency Agroforestry Task Force, has prepared a new Agroforestry Strategic Framework. This 5-year plan will help guide NAC and their partners in the advancement of agroforestry. Find the strategic framework here.



National Woodland Owners Association Releases New Report
The National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA) released a new report entitled: The Top Ten Family Forestry Issues, 2019 . This document highlights the needs of private, family-owned forests in the U.S. The top three issues in the 2019 report include: (1) Market viability, (2) Extension education and service forestry, and (3) Invasive species and forest health. Learn more about the issues facing private landowners.  

Call for Nominations - 2019 Family Forests Education Award
The National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA), in cooperation with the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP), are seeking nominations for the 2019 Family Forests Education Award. The award will be presented to educational institutions deemed to have delivered the most effective education program benefiting family forest owners over the past five years. The deadline for receiving all application materials is September 20, 2019. Learn more about award requirements and nominate a candidate here.


Funding Opportunities
USDA Announces Availability of $12.5K in CIGs
USDA announces availability of $12.5 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIGs). CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests. All U.S.-based, non-Federal entities and individuals are invited to apply. Applications are due July 14, 2019. Learn more and view detailed instructions on how to apply.

USDA Seeking Agroforestry Proposals
The USDA National Agroforestry Center is requesting proposals to create regionally-applicable and practice-specific agroforestry educational materials based on producer production information, experiences and testimonies. awardees will produce a suite of science-based technology transfer materials on alley cropping, forest farming (multi-story cropping), or silvopasture for one specific region of the United States. Proposals must be submitted by July 15, 2019. Learn more about this funding opportunity.

AR Forestry Commission Opens 2019 Urban Forestry Grant Applications
The Arkansas Forestry Commission is accepting 2019 Urban and Community Forestry Program grant applications through July 20, 2019. Grants are available to fund community projects that develop or improve public tree management and maintenance. Learn more and view the application.
TX NRCS Announces Deadline for Conservation Assistance Funding
The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas ann ounced the first application funding deadline of July 22, 2019 for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) under current approved Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects. View approved RCPP projects and view instructions on how to apply.

Florida Forest Service Announces Longleaf Pine Incentive Program
The Florida Forest Service announced that applications are now being accepted for the Longleaf Pine Private Landowner Incentive Program. The primary objective of the program is to increase the acreage of healthy longleaf pine ecosystems in Florida by helping non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners to make the long-term investment required to establish and maintain this valuable ecosystem. Applications will be accepted through August 2, 2019. Learn more and view instructions on how to apply.

USDA Announces Funding for Feral Swine Eradication Pilot Programs
The USDA announced funding for feral swine eradication pilot programs throughout the US South. This is a joint effort between the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Projects will consist broadly of three coordinated components: 1) feral swine removal by APHIS; 2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS; and 3) assistance to producers for feral swine control provided through partnership agreements with non-federal partners. Applications are being accepted through August 19, 2019. Learn more about this funding opportunity.
Job Opportunities
VDOF: Utilization and Marketing Project Developer
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is seeking a Utilization and Marketing Project Developer to assist the Utilization and Marketing Program Manager. The selected candidate will be the primary source of forest utilization, economics, and marketing information for the state of Virginia. They will be expected to assist in the collection, interpretation, and distribution of forest data. The deadline to apply is July 5, 2019. View the application.

TN Division of Forestry: Area Forester Type III
The Tennessee Division of Forestry is seeking to fill two Area Forester positions in Carroll and Dyer counties. Successful candidates will be responsible for professional forestry work of considerable difficulty in planning, directing, and administering forestry programs. Additionally, employees will be expected to either supervise professional staff at a state forest or perform advanced working level duties in a small county area, which may include a small state forest. The deadline to apply is July 23, 2019. View applications.

Auburn University: Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Forest Operations
Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences invites applications for an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist; this position will be 75% extension and 25% teaching. Knowledge and experience in areas of harvest practicing, logging training programs, trucking issues, safety, forest engineering, general forest operations and more is desirable. Apply by July 31, 2019. View the application.
Stephen F. Austin State University: Asst. Professor of Human Dimensions in Natural Resources
Stephen F. Austin State University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Human Dimensions in Natural Resources. The successful candidate will provide instruction on topics such as: global change, water, invasive plant and animal species, human/wildlife interactions, natural resources policy, or conservation leadership. This is a nine-month, tenure track. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2019. View the application.

Texas Longleaf Implementation Team: Coordinator
The Texas Longleaf Implementation Team (TLIT) is seeking to fill a coordinator position. TLIT focuses efforts and resources on a 12 county project area in east Texas covering over 5 million acres. The selected candidate will serve as the organization's leader in maintaining the vision and continued efforts of partnerships to restore longleaf pine in Texas. A BA / BS in forestry, wildlife, or natural resources is highly preferred, as well as five years of work experience. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. View the application.
Upcoming Events:

July 11, 2019 | Jacksonville, FL
This day-long event is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Alliance of Forest Owners. The purpose of the meeting is to bring together stakeholders, particularly private forest landowners, and discuss that Species Status Assessment (SSA) of the gopher tortoise. Registration for this event will soon be available.

July 13, 2019 | Waynesville, NC
NC State will be hosting a Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) workshop Thursday, July 13 from 8:30 AM to 4 PM in Waynesville, NC. The workshop is entitled: Managing for Pollinators and Native Species . Join other female landowners and land management professionals to grow your network and learn about the important of pollinators, how to create and enhance pollinator habitat, and available financial assistance programs.

July 23 - 25, 2019 | State College, PA
Sponsored by the Oak Woodlands & Forests Fire Consortium, the 6th annual Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference will be held July 23-25 at State College, PA. Participants can expect exciting management-focused classes and breakout sessions on fire topics, including: fire effects on wildlife and flora, expanding the 'burn window', and fire culture.

July 26 - 28 | Jekyll Island, GA
The Georgia Forestry Association (GFC) will be hosting the largest gathering of forest landowners and forestry professionals in Georgia. Learn and network with nationally and globally recognized experts in forest-product manufacturing, business, policy and economics.

September 19 - 21, 2019 | Providence Forge, VA
2019 Beginning Landowner Retreats
This retreat is hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Forestry. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of new landowners, and will provide information on both hardwood and pine management.

October 22 - 24, 2019 | Athens, GA
This workshop is sponsored by the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. The field of forestry is often described as a mix of science and art. Blending the needs of landowners, industry and society with the characteristics and potential of the land is a complex endeavor. The history of forestry in the Southeastern United States is rich and exciting, and has led to one of the most ecologically diverse and economically important regions in the country. These two courses will provide an introduction to forest management concepts, practices and relevant issues. Registration opens July 22, 2019.

November 18 - 22, 2019 | Tuscon, AZ
The 8th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress will be hosted by the Association for Fire Ecology in cooperation with the Southwest Fire Science Consortium. Workshops will cover a variety of fire-related topics, but will revolve around the theme of ecological pyrodiversity.
VIEW FULL CALENDAR:
Southern Regional Extension Forestry | www.sref.info | lboby@sref.info