CALHOUN, La. – A host of topics important to current and future forest landowners will be featured at a forestry forum Jan. 16 starting at 8 a.m. at the LSU AgCenter Calhoun Research Station.

“While new concepts related to forestry will abound at the 2010 Calhoun Research Station forestry forum, 50 years’ worth of research also will be addressed,” said Dr. W. Allen Nipper, director of the LSU AgCenter North Central Region.

The morning program will feature presentations by faculty members from the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Tech University along with representatives of private companies and associations.

“The program will conclude at noon, and at 1:30 p.m. attendees will have two optional events to attend,” Nipper said. “A walking tour of forestry research plots and laboratories at the Calhoun Research Station will be available, or a free ticket will be provided for admission to Ag Expo.”

An agri-business trade show to educate the public on the many ways agriculture touches daily lives, Ag Expo will be held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. It is a program of the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council.

Topics at the LSU AgCenter forum will include new value-added chemical products from recycled wood, planting and thinning effects on wood quality, dealing with nuisance wildlife on timberlands, choosing and managing advanced loblolly pine seedlings, effects of genetics and soil fertility on form and physiology of clonal loblolly pine and an update on forestry issues important to Louisiana landowners.

The program is aimed at current land and timber owners as well as family members or heirs of current owners, Nipper said. Registration fees are set to encourage participation by these future owners.

The fee is $20 for current landowners, $15 for spouses and $10 for other family members if paid before Jan. 8. After that date, participants will need to add $5.

Checks should be made payable to the LSU AgCenter and mailed to Calhoun Research Station, 321 Highway 80E, Calhoun, La. 71225.

For a registration form or for more information, call  Vonnie Jordan or Nipper at the Calhoun Research Station, 318-644-5980.