ISSUE 111: WEEK OF August 2nd, 2021
Recent News
Regional News

  • SGSF: 10 Things You May Not Know About Wildfire Deployments 
  • Helping Landowners Learn More with the Florida Land Steward Partners Web Map 
  • Virginia Urban Wood Group Publishes 8th Newsletter 
  • 12th Annual Great NC Tree Conference 
  • Support Strategies for Socially Marginalized Neighborhoods Likely Impacted by Natural Hazards 
  • Louisiana Passes State Logger Relief 
  • SC to Ban Sale of Invasive Bradford Pears
  • 2021 Southern Area Interagency Prescribed Fire Training for Burn Bosses & Agency Administrators 

National News

  • Forest2Markets Series on Forestry Perceptions, Markets & New Markets for Wood Products Help Preserve Forests for Future Generations 
  • How Wood Products Could Lower the Cost of Forest Management 
  • USFS Chief's Wildland Fire Priority Letter 
  • 9th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress, and Call for Proposals 
  • Vibrant Cities Lab Releases Climate & Health Action Guide, Urban Forestry Toolkit 
  • EPA, USFS Update AirNow Fire and Smoke Map 
  • New Carbon Credit Opportunities for Landowners 
  • USFS Releases New Monitoring Guides Emphasizing Tracking Individual Trees to Create Longitudinal Urban Forestry Data 
  • Registration Open: “The Woods in Your Backyard” Online Course 


Webinars

  • Interested in more webinars on-demand? Check out the Forestry Webinar Portal! Click here to subscribe.



Funding Opportunities
  • DOD 2021 REPI Challenge Grants Announced 
  • Timber Haulers and Harvesters Eligible for USDA Pandemic Relief 

Job Opportunities
  • NCFS Longleaf Program Coordinator 
  • OSU: Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology and Management 

Regional News
SGSF: 10 Things You May Not Know About Wildfire Deployments 
The Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) recently published an article highlighting 10 lesser-known facts about wildfire deployments. This was written as a response to the U.S. moving into Wildfire Preparedness Level 5, reflecting the highest possible level of severe wildlife activity. Combined with limited resources and a fatigued workforce, it is more important than ever to bring awareness to the challenges that wildland firefighters are facing this season, which is why SGSF has chosen to highlight lesser-known facts and challenges about wildfire deployments with this article. Click here to read more.

Helping Landowners Learn More with the Florida Land Steward Partners Web Map 
In 2018, the Florida Land Steward Partnership (FLSP) and Peninsular Florida Landscape Conservation Cooperative (PFLCC) launched a web map tool to assist landowners in making conservation decisions on their land. It also assists landowners in learning more about their property and the surrounding watershed. Users can use the map to find local, species-specific conservation programs. The map also allows for comparisons between watersheds, estimating urban development, and viewing projected sea level rise. Users can also save their search to generate a detailed PDF report. Click here to learn more and access the web map. 

12th Annual Great NC Tree Conference 
The 12th annual Great NC Tree Conference will take place September 16th-17th in Durham, NC. This conference is hosted by the North Carolina Urban Forest Council. This conference is meant for forestry professionals, architects, and other professionals who work with or around urban forests. It will focus on the benefits of urban trees and green spaces, and the importance of accessible green spaces for all residents. There will also be a field day with in-person demonstrations of tree climbing, pruning, and soil remediation. A variety of continuing education credits will be available. Click here to learn more. 

Louisiana Passes State Logger Relief 
This month, the state of Louisiana passed legislature to create the Louisiana Loggers Relief Program. This program will issue a total of $10 million in grants to timber harvesting and hauling businesses. Individual businesses can receive up to $25,000. 2020 was a difficult year for Louisiana’s logging industry due to severe storms and pandemic concerns, which prompted the development of this program. Click here to learn more. 

2021 Southern Area Interagency Prescribed Fire Training for Burn Bosses & Agency Administrators 
Interagency prescribed fire training will be held in Chattanooga, TN, November 30th- December 2nd, 2021. Federal, tribal, state, academic, and non-governmental organizations are all welcome to participate. RT-300 (Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Refresher) training will be available alongside a variety of informational sessions. Over 120 classes will be offered, covering 28 topics relating to prescribed burning and the forestry industry. Poster and informational booth contributions are also welcome until October 30th. Click here to learn more. Click here to contribute a poster or informational booth. 


Virginia Urban Wood Group Publishes 8th Newsletter 
Recently, the Virginia Urban Wood Group published the 8th edition of their newsletter. This newsletter is put together by Joe Lehnen of the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). It covers all things relating to forestry within the state of Virginia. This month, the newsletter features a special section titled “Building Furniture for Outdoor Use”. This includes the art of Shou Sugi Ban, a wood treatment process that results in unusual black colored wood. Click here to read the newsletter. 
 
Support Strategies for Socially Marginalized Neighborhoods Likely Impacted by Natural Hazards 
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNCCH) published a report titled “Support Strategies for Socially Marginalized Neighborhoods Likely Impacted by Natural Hazards”. The Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) initiative, a part of FEMA, aims to proactively mitigate some of these risks while improving resiliency. This is especially important for marginalized communities, as evidence suggests they are disproportionally impacted by natural disasters. Many communities also have barriers to resiliency such as lack of inclusion in policy making and limited access to technology. These issues and more can be addressed through policy changes. These changes include improving the accessibility of BRIC proposals, partnering with other federal agencies, and improving communication and inclusion between agencies and communities. Overall, this report aims to support the creation of national policy for federal organizations, particularly policy that supports marginalized groups, promotes community resiliency and federal investment, and increases the efficacy of federal investments. Click here to read the report in its entirety. 

South Carolina to Ban Sale of Invasive Bradford Pears 
Starting on October 1, 2021, the sale of Bradford pear, a popular but invasive species used in landscaping, will be banned in the state of South Carolina. Three species of Elaeagnus, commonly known as Silverberry, will also be banned. The ban will make these plants illegal to sell or trade within South Carolina. However, it will not be illegal to possess them or keep existing plants. Bradford pears are capable of hybridizing, allowing them to spread and contribute to an extremely damaging invasive species, the Callery pear. The Callery pear crowds out native species, and can damage machinery, livestock, and more with its extremely sharp thorns. Banning Bradford pears will help to reduce the spread of this invasive species. Click here to read more. 

Pine Straw Production: Stand Management & Economics Workshop
Dr. David Dickens and Dr. David Clabo, of the University of Georgia, will be hosting a pine straw production workshop October 12-13. This workshop will be virtual. Continuing education credits will be available for Forestry Education, Logger Education, and GA Pesticide Applicators. Additional details and registration information can be found here.  




National News
Forest2Markets Series on Forestry Perceptions, Markets & New Markets for Wood Products Help Preserve Forests for Future Generations 
Recently, Forest2Market published a new article discussing the use of new wood product markets to preserve forestland. Wood product markets saw a drastic shift in 2020. The demand for printing and writing papers declined by 20% and is expected to continue declining 6% annually. Two other forest products, containerboard and wood pellets, saw a notable increase in demand. The wood pellet market in particular has opened up new markets for smaller-diameter timber, encouraging landowners to keep their woodlands forested for longer periods of time. Click here to read more. 

9th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress, and Call for Proposals 
Registration is now open for the 9th annual International Fire Ecology and Management Congress. The theme is “Life with Fire: Prescriptions for Resilience”. The congress is designed for fire and ecology professionals interested in furthering their knowledge in the fields of fire ecology and management. Proposals for oral presentations and discussion sessions are open until August 15th. Proposals for poster presentations and attached meetings are open until August 30th. The congress will take place November 30-December 4. In-person content will take place at Miramar Beach, FL. Click here to learn more and register. Click here to submit a proposal. 


Vibrant Cities Lab Releases Climate & Health Action Guide, Urban Forestry Toolkit 
Vibrant Cities Lab, a partnership between the United States Forest Service (USFS), American Forests (AF), and the National Association of Regional Communities (NARC), recently released a Climate Health & Action Guide. This guide is designed for forestry professionals who are interested in using urban forestry to improve climate resiliency, mitigate carbon, and protect human health. Topics covered include the benefits of urban forestry, assessment of climate impacts and risks, and how to create a monitoring plan. An urban forestry tool library is also available, providing foresters with access to additional tools and applications. Click here to view the Climate & Health Action Guide. Click here to view the urban forestry toolkit. 

EPA, USFS Update AirNow Fire and Smoke Map 
This month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Forest Service (USFS) released a series of updates for the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. AirNow serves as a hub for air quality data in the U.S. The Fire and Smoke Map shows air quality, fire information, and smoke plumes. The 2021 update adds a dashboard, enabling users to quickly access information. The map was also revised to be more mobile-friendly for smartphone users, and will be added to the AirNow mobile app in the coming weeks. These updates will make the map more accessible for fire and air quality professionals, especially those who are working in the field and do not have access to a desktop. Click here to learn more and access the map. 


Registration Open: “The Woods in Your Backyard” Online Course 
Registration is now open for the fall session of “The Woods in Your Backyard”, an online course hosted by the University of Maryland Extension. This is a self-directed, non-credit course. It is designed for landowners interested in enhancing their stewardship of natural areas, from yards to woodlands. Activities will include how to map habitat areas, choosing and implementing habitat management projects, and measuring your projects’ progress. Online discussion groups will be available so that participants may interact with their peers and ask questions. The course will run for ten weeks, September 6th to November 15th. Click here to learn more or register. 



How Wood Products Could Lower the Cost of Forest Management 
Recently, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) organized seven focus groups, exploring how to pay for forest management. One proposed solution that appeared in several groups was the usage of wood products to lower the costs associated with forest management practices, such as mechanical thinning or prescribed burns. Wood products could diversify the funding mechanisms while also boosting rural economies and providing new employment opportunities for the forest sector. As policymakers move forward, PPIC encourages them to consider several key recommendations generated by the focus groups. This includes actions such as investing in forestry training and infrastructure, and buffering against volatility in wood product markets. Click here to read more. 

USFS Chief's Wildland Fire Priority Letter 
Recently, the United States Forest Service (USFS) chief, Victoria Christiansen, released a letter detailing the priorities of the USFS as the fire year continues. The fire season in the western U.S. has been extreme and is expected remain as such over the coming months. Many fires have exhibited severe behavior that resists control effects. It is expected that demand for resources will outpace their availability, placing even more strain on an already fatigued workforce. Fire management work should be prioritized. Mission support supervisors should make all “red-carded” personnel available for fire assignments. Personnel and resources should be prioritized to sustain critical mission support to wildland fire response operations. Regional and local Certifying Officials are asked to consider granting a one-year certification for employees who hold expired Incident Qualifications & Certification system cards in non-operations and command positions when appropriate. All personnel are asked to continue using COVID-19 mitigation strategies to keep themselves and their peers from viruses. Measures are also being taken to combat fatigue. A three-day rest period has also been instated for personnel returning from 14-day fire assignments. A two-day rest period is required for those working 14 continuous and extended days. This shift in direction is difficult but necessary as we continue to follow the vision of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Click here to read the letter in its entirety. 

New Carbon Credit Opportunities for Landowners 
Tools for Engaging Landowners Effectively (TELE) recently released an article addressing two new carbon credit opportunities. The first of these is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the American Forest Foundation (AFF). This program, titled the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), is being piloted in Pennsylvania. Many landowners are hesitant to commit to carbon programs due to the long-term commitment required. FFCP has a shorter agreement period than most carbon programs – of 10-20 years – allowing landowners to ease into the idea while also getting paid over the life over the project. Alternatively, landowners who are okay with long-term commitment may consider the Forest Carbon Works (FCW) program. FCW is the first program to offer nationwide carbon payments. It lowers entry barriers by allowing landowners to determine their eligibility through an online quiz, and manages all transactions for the landowner. The time commitment for FCW is 125 years. Click here to learn more about these carbon credit opportunities, and others.

USFS Releases New Monitoring Guides Emphasizing Tracking Individual Trees to Create Longitudinal Urban Forestry Data  
The United States Forest Service (USFS) recently released a publication addressing their new monitoring guides, and how tracking individual urban trees can help to produce dynamic metrics of change. This comes from a 2020 effort in which USFS scientists created a suite of resources to help urban foresters better track and understand their trees. Unlike traditional monitoring protocols, which focus on static data and whole forests, these guidelines focus on longitudinal tree data and assessing changes over time. Examples of programs that could utilize these new guidelines include: yard and community tree performance outcomes, citizen science monitoring of young street trees, and climate-ready trees evaluations. Click here to read more about these guidelines. 
 
Webinars
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Interested in more webinars on-demand? Check out the Forestry Webinar Portal! Click here to subscribe.

Funding Opportunities
DOD 2021 REPI Challenge Grants Announced 
The Department of Defense (DOD) announced the recipients of their 2021 Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program grants recently. 2021 marks the tenth anniversary of the REPI program. The program aims to promote land conservation and management in and around military installations, with an emphasis on resiliency to climate change. 2021 REPI program recipients include the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (NC), Tyndall Air Force Base (FL), and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown (VA). The projects funded at these locations include living shoreline construction and the protection of family forests in the surrounding region. Click here to read more. 


Timber Haulers and Harvesters Eligible for USDA Pandemic Relief 
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that $200 million is available for timber hauling and harvesting businesses that experienced losses due to COVID-19. This will be administered through the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program (PATHH). Individual persons or entities can receive up to $125,000. Applicants must generate 50 percent or more of their gross revenue from timber activities such as cutting, transporting, or processing, to be eligible. Applications will be accepted through October 15th. Click here to learn more. 

Job Opportunities
NCFS Longleaf Program Coordinator 
The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) is hiring a Longleaf Program Coordinator. This is a grant-funded position, with funding currently secured through December 2022. The incumbent will serve as the project coordinator for the NC Woods for Wildlife Conservation Initiative, focusing on longleaf pine restoration programs. The position will be based out of Wake County or Jackson County, North Carolina. Applications close August 5th. Click here to learn more and apply. 


OSU: Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology and Management 
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is hiring an assistant professor of Forest Ecology and Management. This is a full-time, 11-month, tenure-track position. It is split between 70% teaching and 30% extension work. Applications close August 15th. Click here to learn more and apply. 

Upcoming Events:



August 5th, 2021 | Virtual
Pine Seedling Genetics and Nursery Update Workshop 
Dr. David Dickens and Dr. David Clabo, of the University of Georgia, will be hosting a pine seedling genetics and nursey update workshop on August 5th, 2021. This workshop will be virtual. Continuing education credits will be available for Forestry Education and Logger Education. Additional details and registration information can be found here.  

August 1-6, 2021 | Flagstaff, AZ
64th SWST International Convention
The 64th International Society of Wood Science and Technology Convention will be held August 1-6, at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona USA . The overall theme is “Value from Wood Resources through Innovation”. Preview the agenda and/or register here.

August 12-13, 2021 | Jekyll Island, GA
Georgia Climate Conference 
The Georgia Climate Conference will be hosted on August 12-13, 2021, on Jekyll Island, GA. This conference is hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It will feature keynote speakers Roy Richards Jr., and Representative Lynn Smith. CEUs will be available for certified planners, floodplain managers, attorneys, and professional engineers. Additional details can be found here. 

September 16-17 | Durham, NC 
12th Annual Great NC Tree Conference 
The 12th annual Great NC Tree Conference will take place September 16th-17th in Durham, NC. This conference is meant for forestry professionals, architects, and other professionals who work with or around urban forests. A variety of continuing education credits will be available. Click here to learn more. 


October 4-6, 2021 | Dallas, TX
Advancing Mass Timber Construction Conference 
The 2nd annual Advancing Mass Timer Construction conference will be taking place in Dallas, Texas, October 4-6. A wide variety of content will be available including two content tracks, six workshops, over fifty speakers, and dozens of hours of networking opportunities. This is an in-person event. Register before June 18th and save up to $500 on registration fees. Additional information can be found here. 

October 4-6, 2021 | State College, PA
National Extension Energy Summit & National Sustainability Summit 
The National Extension Energy Summit (NEES) and the National Sustainability Summit (NSS) will be hosting a joint conference this October, at Penn State University. The focus of this conference is Extension and research strategies used to strengthen the community of practice and collaborations, and to share experiences as sustainability and energy educators. Additional information can be found here. 

October 4-8, 2021 | Asheville, NC
4th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop
The 4th National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop will be hosted on October 4-8, 2021 in Asheville, NC. The proposal deadline for those w. Click here for workshop details.

October 12-13, 2021 | Virtual
Pine Straw Production: Stand Management & Economics Workshop
Dr. David Dickens and Dr. David Clabo, of the University of Georgia, will be hosting a pine straw production workshop October 12-13. This workshop will be virtual. Continuing education credits will be available for Forestry Education, Logger Education, and GA Pesticide Applicators. Additional details and registration information can be found here.  


October 12-13th, 2021 | Gainesville, FL 
SAF Florida Division and UF FFGS Symposium Announced 
This fall, the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Florida Division and the University of Flordia’s (UF) School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatic Sciences (FFGS) will host a joint symposium October 12-13th in Gainesville, FL. The event will discuss a broad array of topics relating to Southern pines including genetics, health, management, and market status. Program and registration details will be available soon. 

November 3-6 | Virtual
SAF 2021 Virtual Convention
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) will host their 2021 convention November 3rd-6th. This convention will be virtual. The theme is “Forests for All”. Click here for additional details and registration information. 

November 30-December 4 | Miramar Beach, FL & Virtual
9th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress, and Call for Proposals 
Registration is now open for the 9th annual International Fire Ecology and Management Congress. The theme is “Life with Fire: Prescriptions for Resilience”. The congress is designed for fire and ecology professionals interested in furthering their knowledge in the fields of fire ecology and management. Proposals for oral presentations and discussion sessions are open until August 15th. Proposals for poster presentations and attached meetings are open until August 30th. Click here to learn more and register. Click here to submit a proposal. 


December 6-7, 2021 | Athens, GA
Southern Forestry & Natural Resource Management
GIS Conference
The University of Georgia and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources will be hosting the 13th Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management GIS Conference on December 6-7, 2021 at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens, Georgia. Click here to learn more.

December 7-9, 2021 | Virtual 
ACES 2021 Conference
The 2021 A Community on Ecosystem Services conference has been rescheduled for December 7-9, and will be a virtual event. The focus of the conference is to link state-of-the-art science, practice, and decision making by bringing together the ecosystem services community and decision makers from around the United States and the globe. In partnership with Ecosystem Markets and the Ecosystem Partnership (ESP), the conference will engage leaders across all fields to advance the use of ecosystem services science and practice in resource management. This is a broad event geared towards individuals with interests such as resource management, policy, government, business, conservation, and urban and non-urban development. Click here for additional information. 


Southern Regional Extension Forestry | www.sref.info | lboby@sref.info