| Contact Information | Date |
|---|---|
| For Immediate Release Contact: Neil Clark 757.657.6450 Ext. 406 |
June 2, 2008 VDOF-08018 |
Active Management of Woodlands is the Subject of a Weekend Educational Retreat for Forest Landowners
Virginia landowners interested in learning more about the value of their forest land and how to take a more active role in the management of their property have an opportunity during a weekend-long retreat at the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox.
“This first-of-its-kind retreat for forest landowners in Virginia will be an outstanding opportunity for people to learn the real value of their woodlands,” said Neil Clark of the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). “With the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest as our ‘classroom,’ participants will be fully engaged in this interactive learning experience that will help them deal with the many issues they confront on a daily basis.”
Topics for the retreat include: pine and hardwood management; timber appraisals and sales; wildlife habitat improvement; soil and water resource protection; land conservation strategies; alternative forestry crops, and more.
Ellen Powell, conservation education coordinator with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), said, “We developed this program solely to help private forest landowners reach the objectives they have for their woodland property. Whether they are interested in preserving the beauty of their land, harvesting timber, or enhancing wildlife habitat, this retreat has something for every forest landowner.”
Of Virginia’s 15.8 million forested acres, more than 12 million acres are the property of nearly 400,000 private landowners.
With the support of the Ballyshannon Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the cost for the Oct. 24 – 26 weekend retreat is just $35 per person or $50 per couple. This cost includes all educational sessions, materials, two nights’ lodging and five meals. Participants choosing not to stay overnight pay just $25 per person or $35 per couple. Financial assistance is available.
This program is open to all. If you have a disability and need assistance, please contact Neil Clark, Virginia Cooperative Extension, (757) 657-6450, Ext. 406, by Sept. 22, 2008.
The deadline to register for the retreat is Sept. 22, 2008. For more information or to register, contact Neil Clark at (757) 657-6450, Ext. 406.
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The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, there are Forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide service to citizens of the Commonwealth. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider.
With nearly 16 million acres of forest land and more than 184,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $29 Billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.
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