New York Forest Owners Association Free Seminars On Forest Management

Friday February 23

10:00 – 11:00am

Best Practices on a Small Woodlot
Peter Smallidge | Extension Forester, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Small woodland parcels are endearing to the owners and provide many opportunities for activities to ensure they remain healthy and support the owner’s interests. There are several simple and basic actions that owners can take to be active in the small-acreage woods and enjoy the land to its fullest extent.

11:00 – Noon

Firewood from Private Woodlands: Techniques, Tactics, and Production
Peter Smallidge | Extension Forester, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Woodlot owners should consider their scale of production, what equipment they have or can borrow, what trees to select, how to fell trees to optimize production and safety, logistics and options for bucking and moving, and how to handle and store the wood.

1:00 – 2:00pm

Deer Management and Problems
Brendon Quirion | Big Game Biologist, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

White-tail deer can have a significant impact on forest ecosystems, but steps can be taken to mitigate the damage. This presentation will focus on DEC’s approach to managing deer populations and what deer management options are available to landowners who want to promote forest health.

2:00 – 3:00pm

Insects and Diseases in Your Woods
Kim Adams | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

There are many different insects and diseases that affect the growth and development of New York’s woods and forests. Recognizing signs of infestations by some of the typical invaders is the first step to controlling them and will lead to better management of your land.

Saturday February 24

10:00 – 11:00am

Maple Syrup Making for the Small Producer
Kristina Ferrare | New York State Maple Producers Association

Producing sweet maple syrup from your own sugar maple trees can be both fun and educational. Recent developments in equipment and techniques make it possible for landowners to make syrup from their own trees. From owning just a few acres to more extensive woodlands there are opportunities to make syrup for your own use or to sell.

11:00 – Noon

Supporting Pollinators in Woodlands
Lacey Smith | Biologist, Pollinator Partnership and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Native insects and birds (pollinators)provide vital ecosystem services and food security but are facing challenges from invasive species and habitat loss. This presentation will show how to support native pollinators with trees and shrubs and several cost-sharing programs through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that directly or indirectly support pollinators.

1:00 – 2:00pm

Landowner Liability in Rural New York
Brendan Conley, Esq. | Colligan Law Firm

There are several New York State laws relating to recreational use of private, rural lands, as well as properly posting private land. This presentation could be useful for forest owners, given the complexities and concerns involved in ownership and management of rural, expansive, and/or densely wooded property.

2:00 – 3:00pm

New Laws, Regulations, and Programs that Can Affect your Property
John Bartow | Executive Director, Empire State Forest Products Association

The New York State legislature and agencies tackle a wide variety of bills, regulations, and programs each year. Many of these can have a great impact on what you might or might not be able to do in your own woodlot. An update of the current activity in Albany will help you understand the changing political scene in contacting your elected representatives.

3:00 – 4:00pm

Communitree Steward Program
Leanna Nugent | Community Forestry Specialist, Onondaga Cooperative Extension

The CommuniTree Steward program is a volunteer, service-based program with Cornell Cooperative Extension where volunteers learn the basics about trees including urban forestry, and then assist in tree projects throughout the community.