News Release Distributed 01/24/11
WEST MONROE, La. – Diversifying efforts needed to protect and maintain economic interests while sustaining forest productivity were the focus of the 2011 Ag Expo Forestry Forum presented by the LSU AgCenter Jan. 15 at the West Monroe Convention Center.
Agritourism can be practiced in forestlands, said LSU AgCenter agritourism coordinator Dora Ann Hatch. She listed hiking and nature trails, scavenger hunts with GPS units, horseback riding, four-wheeling, camping, wildlife viewing, bird watching and farm stays as opportunities.
“There is nothing prettier than walking through trees,” Hatch said. “A lot of agritourism is about slowing down and appreciating what God has given us.”
She said some successful agritourism ventures have included opportunities for identifying animal footprints, climbing tree houses and posing at cutouts for picture taking. “You might get a swing and tie it to a tree and let people enjoy it.”
Hatch told the group about MarketMaker, an online tool launched by the LSU AgCenter that links producers to consumers and has a special section for agritourism. “It markets your business 24-7,” she said, adding that it is free.
LSU AgCenter forest economist Mike Dunn addressed current economic factors, saying sawtimber prices are low because of supply and demand. “No one is building houses.”
Dunn said 70 percent of structural softwoods and 50 percent of structural hardwoods are used in residential construction. “We won’t be able to increase the housing market until people are back to work and comfortable in the economy.”
Invasive species are causing problems in forestlands, said LSU AgCenter weed scientist Dearl Sanders. He said Chinese privet, Chinese tallow and Japanese climbing fern are difficult to control and that the LSU AgCenter is evaluating ways to manage them.
Other speakers at the meeting covered biofuel potential, biomass pellets operations and oil and gas leasing.
Mary Ann Van Osdell