Short workshop for forest landowners offered
Landowners interested in learning about sustainably managing their forest resources have the opportunity to attend a day-long workshop at the Eastside Community Enhancement Center in Petersburg.
“This short course will help ensure that our forests continue to provide natural resources and environmental benefits to our society in the future,” Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Tech faculty member and coordinator at the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program said. “Since non-industrial private forest landowners possess almost 65 percent of Virginia’s forests, it is important for them to maintain a basic understanding of the principles and practices of forest management.”
Topics for the workshop include principles of sustainable forestry, boundary lines and deeds, conservation strategies, pine and hardwood forest ecology and management, and wildlife responses to forestry. Using topographic maps, soil surveys, and aerial photos will also be discussed. The workshop will also help landowners gain a working knowledge of basic forest and woodland management principles including management planning, obtaining professional and financial assistance, and tools to assess the landowner’s resources.
With the support of the South Centre Corridors Resource Conservation and Development Council, Virginia State University Small Farmer Outreach Program, Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program, and numerous other sponsors, the cost of the Aug. 20 retreat is $10 per person and includes workshop participation, lunch, refreshments, and a comprehensive course notebook containing practical information on forest management.
The deadline to register is Aug. 15, 2008. Contact Patrick Vincent at (804) 732-4375 to register, to obtain more information, or if you have a disability and need assistance.
