SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is hosting several forestry seminars at the 2023 New York Farm Show, which takes place February 23-25, 2023 at the Art & Home Center – Martha Eddy Room, New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY.
NYFOA is a non-profit member driven and volunteer led organization representing the woodlot and forest owners and enthusiasts in NY for over 60 years. This year’s seminars at the New York Farm Show will cover a variety of topics, including invasive species, maple syrup, timber production, wildlife management, and much more. The full agenda can be found below.
For more information about the New York Farm Show, click here. For more information about NYFOA, click here.
Thursday Feb. 23
A series of informal talks on the following subjects:
History of New York’s Forests
What You Need to Know About Your Land and Getting Advice
Just the Facts about New York’s Forests and Forest-Based Economy
Development of New York’s Wood-Based Economy
Friday Feb. 24
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Protecting Forests from Invasive Species
Megan Pistolese, Nature Conservancy
Whether you spend time outside in your woods, or just enjoy the beauty of your trees and wildlife from your window, you likely love your woods and want to keep them healthy. Invasive species can devastate your forests.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Managing your woodlot for timber production
Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
Sustainable timber management of your woodlot depends on careful attention to species, tree size and how dense the forest is. Achieving good regeneration depends on deer control and other factors.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Managing your forest for maple syrup production
Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
By removing some trees and giving room for others to grow you improve the overall health and resiliency of your woods and getting more sap for maple syrup.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Forest Owners
David Colligan, Esq. Attorney, Colligan Law Firm, Buffalo NY
Owning land brings certain legal responsibilities and possible liabilities. Learn what you need to know about maintaining boundaries, trespass, easements, zoning etc.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Managing Your Woods for Wildlife
Kaylee Resha, National Wild Turkey Federation
Wildlife are an important part of land management in New York. Many different species from deer to turkey to songbirds and others abound and with certain management practices you can improve their habitat.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Getting Financial Cost-Sharing for Woodlot Improvements
Michael Fournier, US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
There are several programs available to landowners for financial assistance to improve your property for timber, wildlife, watershed and other uses.
Saturday Feb. 25
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – History of New York’s Forests
Craig Vollmer, Executive Director, New York Forest Owners Association
From the large forest holdings of the Adirondacks to the mixed farm-forest landscape of central New York to the small patches of suburban forest in the Hudson and on Long Island our forests tell a rich history.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Changes in Forest Products and What it Means for Landowners
John Bartow, Executive Director, Empire State Forest Products Association
There are many different wood products from our forests and the markets are constantly changing. Landowners need to be aware of the different products and how changes in the economy affects their ability to manage their land.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Insects and Diseases in Your Woods
Kim Adams, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
An update on how to recognize the various insects that are invading the woods of New York and what can be done to save our trees.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Experiences of a Woodlot Owner
Harmon Hoff, Landowner
See the successes and difficulties one landowner has experienced over the years in having timber sales and other endeavors. Learn what you might be able to do or avoid.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Trees of New York: Identification and Growth Habits
SUNY ESF speaker TBA
Learn how to identify the common trees found in New York State and how they grow; what different species need to develop in a forest setting.
The New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is a non-profit member driven and volunteer led organization representing the woodlot and forest owners and enthusiasts in NY for over 60 years. Its members have been at the forefront of conserving the wooded landscape of NY by keeping its woodlots and forests working, wild, and productive for timber, wildlife, recreation, and more. Their mission is to promote sustainable forest management and enhanced stewardship, which they achieve as the leading organization in NY providing education and peer-to-peer learning to private woodlot owners and the public as well as serving as one of the leading voices of private landowners on forest related policy issues. To learn more, become a member, or donate, visit their website at www.nyfoa.org or contact them at 1-800-836-3566 or info@nyfoa.org.
–New York Forest Owners Association
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