What is a Forester?
Speaker(s): Austin Himes, Mississippi State University (Moderator); Tom Fox, Rayonier; James Lewis, Forest History Society; and Linda Nagel, Utah State University
Description: Many of us consider ourselves "foresters," but what does that really mean? Industry, government, and conservation groups all employ foresters to do different things. However, many people steward forest land who don't considered themselves foresters. In our pre-convention kickoff plenary session, panelists tackle the question, "What is a forester," and delve into how education, experience, and expectations have evolved over time, and how they continue to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of global change.
SAF CFE: 1.0 Category 1
ESA CEU: 0.25

A Forest Legacy - The Past, Present, and Future
Speaker(s): Thomas Jackson, Enviva (Moderator) and Kedren Dillard, Shipley Associates
Description: Kedren Dillard, a fifth generation forest landowner, shares her experience and ongoing journey of maintaining history while building for the future on her family farm in Southern Virginia. Her story of navigating family decisions, finding modern solutions to land management and upholding the property's legacy will resonate with all. Learn how one landowner works to maintain family forestland now and in the future.
SAF CFE: 1.0 Category 1
ESA CEU: 0.25

Moving Beyond "Traditional": Indigenizing Forestry at its Roots
Speaker(s): Krause, Michigan Technological University (Moderator); Serra Hoagland, Rocky Mountain Research Station; Dawn Blake, Yurok Tribe; Nisogaabokwe Melonee Montano, Great Lake Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
Description: Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) has recently been gaining attention throughout the world. However, local indigenous communities and the knowledges they hold have been in existence and evolving since time immemorial. Join this session as we elevate and listen to indigenous voices and discuss our ways of knowing through a forestry lens. Session panelists will discuss cultural and ecological significance of fire on landscapes, indigenizing forest management, building inclusive collaborations with indigenous partners, and respecting and valuing indigenous knowledges.
SAF CFE: 1.0 Category 1
ESA CEU: 0.25