News Release Distributed 03/05/15
DERIDDER, La. – The LSU AgCenter has scheduled two events for the forestry industry – a feral hog management workshop in April and a prescribed burning workshop in May.
In addition, the LSU AgCenter and the Southwest Louisiana Forestry Association will present a program on March 14 to help landowners manage woodlands more effectively.
The free feral hog workshop will be held April 11 from 9 a.m. until noon at the War Memorial Civic Center, 250 W. Seventh St. in DeRidder. Topics will include estimated monetary damage caused by wild pigs, and various methods of controlling them including the use of sodium nitrite.
The prescribed burning workshop will be at the War Memorial Civic Center from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on May 7-8, and 8 a.m. until noon on May 9. Topics will include fuels, burning techniques, tools, optimum weather, smoke management, liability, fire behavior and planning.
The cost for the prescribed burning workshop is $130, and the class is limited to the first 25 applicants. Checks payable to the Southwest Louisiana Forestry Association should be mailed to the LSU AgCenter, P.O. Box 609, DeRidder, LA 70634.
LSU AgCenter representatives also will participate in the Southwest Louisiana Forestry Association Annual Meeting and Forum on March 14 at the Exhibition Hall at Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds in DeRidder.
AgCenter presentations will include feral hog control and an overview of how the Louisiana Forest Products Development Center helps forest landowners. Buck Vandersteen of the Louisiana Forestry Association will talk about issues facing the state’s forestry industry, and Corby Moore of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide details about current NRCS forestry programs.
Cost of attending the forum is $25 per person and includes annual membership in the Southwest Louisiana Forestry Association and attendance at future workshops.
More information is available from LSU AgCenter agent Keith Hawkins at 337-463-7006 or by email.
Bruce Schultz