The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will cosponsor a first-ever private forest landowner conference focusing on conservation and management of privately owned woodlands across the state. The two-day event begins May 10 at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona.

“Past regional and local private forestland conferences have targeted primarily private forest landowners, both industrial and non-industrial,” said DCNR Secretary Rick Allan. “This event is expanded to include a wider range of landowners with outdoors interests and a commitment to sustaining healthy forests. We invite recreation-related businesses, timber interests, family forest owners, policy makers, and all others with an interest and stake in private forest land stewardship.”

The “2013 Private Forest Landowner Conference: the Future of Penn's Woods” will focus on the conservation and management of healthy forests with the intent of bringing together landowners who want to demonstrate commitment to forest sustainability.

“Whether a person owns five or 500 acres, they are among nearly 740,000 Pennsylvania woodland owners who make decisions about the health and well-being of nearly 12 million acres of private forests,” Allan said.

Regionally and nationally recognized experts will offer presentations on a variety of topics including conservation options, invasive species, taxes, water quality, woodland care, water quality, wildlife, and backyard woodlots.

Exhibitors will offer informational and resource displays, and demonstrators will be on hand to showcase tools and services.

On Friday morning, May 10, optional tours will address wind energy and forests, invasive species control, vernal ponds, and early successional wildlife habitat. These tours will take place before the conference officially starts at 1 p.m. with general and concurrent sessions. Friday night offers an optional banquet with keynote addresses.

The program continues from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, with more general and concurrent sessions.

The registration fee is $75. Registration details and other information can be found at the Conference webpage.

(Reprinted from DCNR's January 23 Resources newsletter.)

1/28/2013