News Release Distributed 12/09/10
Presentations on diversifying efforts needed to protect and maintain economic interests while sustaining forest productivity will be featured at the 2011 Ag Expo forestry forum presented by the LSU AgCenter.
Participants will learn how to make the most from timberland resource opportunities at the event to be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 15, at the West Monroe Convention Center.
Under current economic conditions, forest managers are emphasizing the biology and economics needed to make sound management and marketing decisions regarding renewable forest resources, said LSU AgCenter agent Steve Hotard. Having an active role in assuring all resources are used in an efficient, economic, safe and environmentally sound manner should be a goal of forest landowners, he said.
Presentations at the forum will include:
– Biofuel potential of forestlands by LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Michael Blazier.
– Agritourism by LSU AgCenter agritourism coordinator Dora Ann Hatch.
– Current economic factors affecting the forest industry by LSU AgCenter economist Mike Dunn.
– Biomass pellet operations by Robby Hanry, chief executive of NexGen.
– Oil and gas leasing by attorney Paul Spillers.
– Conservation stewardship programs by state conservationist Kevin Norton.
– Reasons and methods to control invasive species on forestlands by LSU AgCenter weed specialist Dearl Sanders.
Registration is $10 by Jan. 7 and $15 if postmarked after Jan. 6. Checks should be made payable to NELMG and be mailed to Forestry Forum, 704 Cypress St., West Monroe, LA 71291.
For more information, contact Steve Hotard at 318-323-2251 or shotard@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Mary Ann Van Osdell