NACD-NASF 2021 WEBINAR SERIES
The NACD Forestry Resource Policy Group‘s (RPG), in conjunction with the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Forest Resource Management and Forest Markets Committees, has organized a day-long series of webinars.
The four webinars will be held on June 22. Each 50-minute Zoom session will feature guest presenters and a Q&A with attendees. Sessions are open to all conservation district staff and forestry partners interested in attending.
Information for each session and how to register can be found below:
Understanding forest markets and their importance to forest landowners
June 22 – 11 a.m. ET
This session will explore the latest forest markets developments, with ideas for how America’s conservation districts may assist in supporting and promoting local markets.
Presenter: Brian Brashaw, Assistant Director, Wood Innovations, U.S. Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Program supports wood product market-based approaches to support long-term, sustainable management of National Forest System lands and other forest lands. This team is working collaboratively and strategically with Wood Innovations regional specialists, Forest Products Lab researchers, and external partners to advance forest products markets to support sustainable forest management, carbon-storing building materials, and economic development. Emphasis areas are mass timber/CLT, renewable wood energy, and emerging products like biochar and cellulosic nanomaterials.
Presenter: Rick Cantrell, CEO, BlackBriar Environmental LLC
Rick has worked for academic institutions, government agencies and NGOs. He helped establish the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., eventually joining the organization as one of its first staff members and ultimately serving as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Rick is the CEO of BlackBriar Environmental LLC, an international natural resources consulting firm. Working with the National Association of State Foresters, Rick publishes a weekly “Forest Markets” newsletter distributed worldwide. Since its inception, Rick has been involved with Keeping Forests. He supports the overarching partnership strategy and administers the promoting forest products team.
Assisting underserved landowners with clear title
June 22 – 12 p.m. ET
Obtaining clear title can be a laborious and costly endeavor. Underserved landowners often need guidance when navigating this process.
Presenter: Marc Thomas, Director of Field Operations, Fort Valley State University-Cooperative Extension
Marc has an extensive background in educational programming having worked at Florida A&M University (FAMU), Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), and Fort Valley State University (FVSU). In his current position he is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the County Operation Unit including the supervision 13 county extension agents and program assistants. Marc served as the Project Director for the Landowners Initiative for Forestry Education (LIFE) Project. This project focused on the overall goal of increasing outreach, awareness and technical assistance to minority and limited resource farmers/landowners in the areas of sustainable natural resource practices and effective estate planning.
Presenter: Kenneth Dunn, Forester, Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation
Kenneth Dunn, a 2020 Masters of Forestry graduate from NC State University, works for the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, a non-profit legal firm that works to resolve the legal issue known as heirs’ property for underserved populations in South Carolina. With experience in forestry economics and agroforestry, he provides management recommendations to his clients to enhance the productivity and financial returns of his landowners.
Taking the right approach to carbon messaging
June 22 – 2 p.m. ET
Increasing carbon storage and harvesting for wood products are not mutually-exclusive landowner goals. How forestry and conservation professionals communicate this to landowners and the general public is critical in ensuring both carbon and forest health objectives are met.
Presenter: Whitney Forman-Cook, Communications Director, National Association of State Foresters
Prior to joining NASF in January 2018, Whitney was the communications director for the National Association of Conservation Districts and a reporter for Agri-Pulse, a Capitol Hill-based news outlet. She holds two Master’s degrees – one in Forest Resources Management from SUNY ESF (located in Upstate New York) and one in Public Administration from Syracuse University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Theory from Michigan State University and is a proud Michigander.
Presenter: Rae Tamblyn, Communications Director, #forestproud
With a background in sociology, anthropology, and anti-poverty work, Rae’s experiences give insight into the connection between people, society, and the ways in which we interact with and manage our natural resources, and how we communicate to impact behavior and perceptions. She has a strong belief in the need for efficient communication and collaboration between organizations working on different aspects of a single greater goal: keeping forests as forests.
Understanding what motivates woodland owners
June 22 – 3 p.m. ET
There is a growing push to increase tree plantings, which will require the participation of non-industrial private landowners. But what will convince them to participate? This session will provide insight on the needs and interests of woodland owners.
Presenter: Dr. Brett J. Butler, Research Forester, U.S. Forest Service
Dr. Butler is a national and international expert on family forest ownership who has authored over 100 articles and reports on this topic. For over 20 years, he has been a research forester with the UDSA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Inventory and Analysis program, and he is an adjunct professor in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He coordinates the National Woodland Owner Survey, co-directs the Family Forest Research Center, a joint project between the Forest Service and the University of Massachusetts, and co-leads the Tools for Engaging Landowners Effectively Initiative.