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Agenda - Friday, 30 October

10:00AM - 1:00PM ET

Innovation Zone Presentations 10:00AM - 10:30AM ET

Fuels Treatment Effectiveness—Active Vegetative Management that Makes A Difference

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Overview
Fuels Treatment Effectiveness—Active Vegetative Management that Makes A Difference

Company: US Forest Service

Overview of the Wildfire Risk to Communities Interactive Website  

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Overview
Overview of the Wildfire Risk to Communities interactive website 

Company: US Forest Service

Innovation Zone Presentation 10:00AM - 11:00AM ET

Using Esri Technology for Forest Inventory: Providing Scalable, Affordable, and Cloud-Based Solutions

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Overview
Mark Books (Landmark Spatial Solutions, LLC) and Kerry Halligan (Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc.) discuss and demonstrate how their integrated, Esri-based solutions are helping foresters across the United States be more accurate and efficient in the field and office.   

Companies: Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. & Landmark Spatial Solutions, LLC

Concurrent Poster Chat Sessions 10:00AM - 11:00AM ET

R1-PC2: Poster Chats

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Overview
10:01AM ET - Forest Certification’s Twenty Five Year Legacy
Speaker: Sidney Balch, Balch Forestry Consulting

10:10AM ET - Instructing Undergraduate Spatial Science Students in Land Cover Change Detection within an Urban/Rural Interface Habitat
Speaker: Daniel Unger, Stephen F. Austin State University Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

10:19AM ET - White Pine Needle Damage Detection and Quantification through Satellite Remote Sensing
Speaker: Aaron Meneghini, University of Maine 

10:28AM ET - Developing a Citygreen Cover Type Model for the Stephen F. Austin State University Campus
Speaker: Daniel Unger, Stephen F. Austin State University Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

10:37AM ET - Modeling Growth and Stem Profile of Oak Trees in Arkansas
Speaker: Ouname Mhotsha, University of Arkansas at Monticello

10:46AM ET - Identifying the Location of Crapemyrtle Using Drones, Google Earth Pro, and Pictometry Data
Speaker: Daniel Unger, Stephen F. Austin State University Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

R2-PC2: Poster Chats

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Overview
10:01AM ET - Marteloscopes: A Tool for Practice and Study
Speaker: Christel Kern, USDA Forest Service

10:09AM ET - Spatial and Structural Characteristics of Red Spruce-Northern Hardwoods Mixedwood Forests in NY and NH
Speaker: Jordan Luff, University of Vermont

10:17AM ET - Effects of Forest Management on Tree Growth and LAI in a Post-Agricultural Forest in Ohio
Speaker: Samuel Harbol, Cleveland State University

10:25AM ET - Evaluating Challenges Faced by Land Managers and Landowners in Establishing Wiregrass
Speaker: Tyler Carney, University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation

10:33AM ET - Growth and Plot Demographics of a Northern Hardwood Forest under Selection Cutting
Speaker: Christel Kern, USDA Forest Service

10:41AM ET - Impact of Oak Silvicultural Treatments on the Regeneration Layer in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Speaker: Christen Beasley, Virginia Tech

10:49AM ET - Recent Harvests at the 90+ Year Old Partial Cuttings Study, Dukes Experimental Forest
Speaker: Christel Kern, USDA Forest Service

R3-PC2: Poster Chats

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Overview
10:01AM ET - Assessing Ecological Benefits of Trees in Five Urban Parks in Baton Rouge, LA
Speaker: Simbrey Majors, Southern University

10:10AM ET - Vegetation Health, Biomass, and Landuse Change of Wax Lake Delta and Barataria Bay
Speaker: Hande Suslu, Southern University

10:19AM ET - Assessment of Urban Ash Tree Management Options in New Jersey
Speaker: Nazia Arbab, Rutgers University

10:28AM ET - Roadkill in Texas Measured in iNaturalist
Speaker: I-Kuai Hung, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

10:37AM ET - Comparative Soil Carbon and Nutrient Analyses of Barataria Bay and Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana.
Speaker: Simbrey Majors, Southern University

R4-PC2: Poster Chats

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Overview
10:01AM ET - Spatial Distribution of Chesapeake Bay Riparian Hemlock Forests Threatened by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Speaker: Mary Ann Fajvan, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station

10:10AM ET - Longleaf Pine and Payments for Watershed Services
Speaker: Sean Sellers, University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation

10:19AM ET - Assessment of the Economic and Ecosystem Service Contributions of Landowner Assistance Programs in the US
Speaker: Jacqueline Dias, University of Massachusetts Amherst

10:28AM ET - Estimating Heat Tolerance of Southeastern USA Tree Buds
Speaker: Adam McClure, Virginia Tech

10:37AM ET - DirtTreesWildlife.org: A New Online Tool for Making Wildlife Habitat Management Decisions Based on Soil Data
Speaker: Brendan Pusik, University of NH

10:46AM ET - Species Distribution Modeling for Arid Adapted Species in Zion National Park
Speaker: David Kulhavy, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

R5-PC2: Poster Chats

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Overview
10:01AM ET - A Quantitative Assessment of Watershed Total and Reactive Phosphorus Concentration and Suspended Solids Particle Size
Speaker: Jason Hubbart, West Virginia University

10:10AM ET - Assessing Environmental Flows Targets Using Pre-Settlement Land Cover: A SWAT Model Application
Speaker: Sean Zeiger, Lincoln University of Missouri

10:19AM ET - Response of Soil Chemistry to the Simulated Bark Beetle Infestation of a Southeastern Pine Forest
Speaker: Kimberlyn Pace, Mississippi State University Department of Forestry

10:28AM ET - Can Managed Fire Prevent Soil Erosion on Archaeological Sites in Southwest Jemez Mountains, New Mexico
Speaker: Caio Vissicaro, Northern Arizona University

10:37AM ET - A Nested-Scale and Paired Watershed Investigation of Manganese and Land-Use Practices
Speaker: Jason Hubbart, West Virginia University

10:46AM ET - Effects of Forest Canopy Cover on Splash Erosion in Upland Hardwoods of Mississippi
Speaker: Will Kruckeberg, Mississippi State University

Concurrent Professional Development Seminars and Interactive Discussions 11:00AM - 12:30PM ET

LS2-3: Is Grad School For You? A Panel Discussion Designed to Help You See the Forest for the Trees!

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Overview
A session to help you consider graduate study as a means of building your skillset and/or advancing within your profession. We will discuss grad school options, the different programs available, and show you options to fit your desired outcome.

Speakers
Sam Cook, North Carolina State University
Thomas RaShad Easley, Yale University
Melissa Kotacka, Duke University
Justin Kunkle, Michigan State University
David Rothstein, Michigan State University

LS3-3: The Tree Equity Score, Transforming Urban Forestry

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Overview
Across American cities, there are dramatic disparities in tree canopy that track on economic lines. American Forests is tackling this issue head on with its Tree Equity Score, a methodology combining socioeconomic and climate data to prioritize tree planting locations. Rhode Island is the first state to adopt it.

Speakers
Chris Davis, American Forests
Molly Henry, American Forests
Rachel Calabro
Shaun O'Rourke

LS4-3: Charting a Path Forward to Update Key Forest References

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Charting a Path Forward to Update and Improve the Silvics of North American Handbook

11:45AM ET - Charting a Path Forward to Update SAF's Forest Cover Types of North America
Silvics of North America Handbook is one of the most used and cited forest science sources in the world. Knowledge about species and characteristics related to silvics, climate, damaging agents, and other factors has changed since the 1990 edition was published. US Forest Service Research and Development is reaching out to stakeholders, potential contributors, and end users across North America to better understand needed updates and how best to curate the information for optimal use in the 21st century. SAF published the first Forest Cover Types of North America in 1929, with subsequent major revisions in 1945, 1954, and 1980. It would be possible to capture synergies by revising both reference books in a coordinated, consistent manner. If the user community believes that revisions are needed, your voices must be heard.

Speakers
Thomas M. Schuler, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station
Richard Guldin, Society of American Foresters
Laura Kenefic, USDA Forest Services
Steve McNulty, USDA Forest Services

Science Flashes 11:00AM - 11:50PM ET

R1-3: Science Flashes

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Improved Forest Management as a Natural Climate Solution – Gaps, Opportunities and Soil Carbon
Speaker: Lilli Kaarakka, University of Colorado, Boulder
Description: This project assesses the potential for improved forest management to contribute to increasing carbon stocks in the working forests of the Great Lakes region. In doing so, this research project addresses a critical gap in translating climate adaptation methods into practical forest management. 

11:10AM ET - Hunting Activities of Forestry Undergraduates in Mississippi
Speaker: Darcey Collins, Mississippi State University
Description: Since 1995, a hunting survey has been distributed to undergraduate students in the Forest Recreation Management course within the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State. The data from this small subset of students is analyzed and compared to hunting trends within the greater population. 

11:20AM ET - Preferences of Private Forest Landowners and Hunters for Biomass Production in the Southeastern United States.
Speaker: Benjamin North, University of Florida
Description: Semi-structured interviews and online questionnaires with private forest landowners and hunters in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia were conducted to understand: (1) the motivations and preferences of private forest landowners and hunters for harvesting biomass; (2) and hunters’ willingness to pay for hunting on lands with different biomass harvesting practices.

11:30AM ET - Fast Growing Species for Storing Carbon in the Northeast
Speaker: David Maass, Independent Consultant
Description: We believe the Northeast should not be overlooked for fast growing plantations for carbon storage.  Regionwide, land is potentially available for planting and longterm management.  Further, local markets enable producing wood from plantations with a joint objective of storing carbon while paying for land management.

11:40AM ET - Architect Awareness and Opinions Regarding Sustainable Design and Engineered Wood Products in Arkansas
Speaker: Matthew Pelkki, University of Arkansas at Monticello
Description:  A major opportunity for expanding wood markets lies in using engineered wood products like cross-laminated timbers in multi-story residential and non-residential green building construction.  Architects in Arkansas were surveyed regarding green building design and the impacts and quality of engineered wood products meeting design objectives.

11:50AM ET - Bird Abundance and Diversity across a Twenty-Year Chronosequence of Reforested Urban Sites
Speaker: Sabrina Jacobs, University of Kentucky
Description: Urban reforestation may provide important habitat for local wildlife. This study suggested that greater reforested area and canopy closure were associated with higher richness and abundance of bird species. These data emphasize the importance of well-planned, coordinated, and managed urban reforestation programs for enhancing urban bird habitat.

Concurrent Scientific & Technical Sessions 11:00AM - 12:30PM ET

R2-3: Of Relevance to Consulting Foresters

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Does Money Really Grow on Trees?: Ecology & Economics of TSI
Speaker: Mackenzie Kalp, University of New Hampshire
Description: A case study focusing on the impacts of TSI on eastern white pine. Analysis includes data from timber and ecosystem services - when outcomes are combined is it worth the investment? Projected versus actual timber prices and interest rate sensitivity are considered for further understanding of possible outcomes.  

11:30AM ET - Keeping on Track: Can Single-Wheel Attachable Tracks for Skidders Mitigate Soil Compaction?
Speaker: Taylor Richmond, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Description: This presentation will address a new technology for skidders that could reduce the impact of skidder tires on forest soils. We will review the research and compare impacts of skidders with bare tires vs. chains vs. single-wheel attachable tracks on soil compaction, rutting, and displacement.

12:00PM ET - 2020-2025 American Tree Farm System Standards of Sustainability Revision: What Does it Mean to You?
Speaker: Kaytlyn Brinkman, American Forest Foundation
Description: The American Tree Farm System will be rolling out the revised Standards of Sustainability to inspectors and landowners nationwide starting in 2021. What does this mean for inspecting foresters and their clients?

R3-3: Climate Change and Carbon

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Designing an Effective Program to Both Store More Carbon in the Forest and Maintain Harvest
Speaker: Robert Alec Giffen, New England Forestry Foundation
Description: In response to the Maine Climate Council’s request for ideas on how to mitigate Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades, the New England Forestry Foundation has developed an innovative proposal for a program to pay landowners to increase in-forest carbon storage while addressing leakage by maintaining harvest.

11:30AM ET - In Great Lakes Region Mesic Forests, Southerly Stands Are Most Vulnerable to Climate Change
Speaker: Scott Warner, Michigan State University
Description: Due to climate change, a better understanding of how climate affects tree growth is needed. We correlated climate with tree-ring width in nine species across Indiana and Michigan. Species at all sites were limited by excessive heat and insufficient precipitation in summer, but the signature was strongest in the south.

12:00PM ET - Using a Climate Adaptation Lens to Identify Trade-offs and Opportunities for Biodiversity Protection and Carbon
Speaker: Caitlin Littlefield, University of Vermont
Description: In the forests of the northeast, strategies for keeping carbon on the ground may not always align with specific habitat provisioning objectives. Applying the lens of climate change adaptation on a landscape scale may help uncover these trade-offs and illuminate paths forward that jointly support carbon storage and biodiversity.

R4-3: Inventory & Biometrics

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Quantifying Loss of Vegetation from Surface Mining in the Eastern Kentucky Area
Speaker: Bishwa Acharya, Earth Mapping International Inc.
Description: This presentation will discuss the techniques used for quantification of loss of vegetation due to surface mining in the seven counties of eastern Kentucky: Floyd, Martin, Magoffin, Pike, Knott, Perry, and Letcher. Updated to 2020 baseline data will be modeled to quantify the loss of vegetation from the surface mining.

11:30AM ET - Comparison of Small Area Estimation Methods Applied to Biopower Feedstock Supply in the Northern U.S.
Speaker: Michael Goerndt, Missouri State University
Description: The primary objective of this research was to adapt empirical methods of small area estimation (SAE) to predict potential for forest feedstock supply for electric power plants in the Northern U.S. region. Multiple SAE methods demonstrated high precision of estimation for biomass at relatively low sampling intensities.

R5-3: Silviculture

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Rehabilitating the Northern Forest for Economic and Climate Change Resilience
Speaker: Jessica Charpentier, University of New Hampshire
Description: NH forests have reduced potential for producing timber products, may lack capacity to provide ecosystem services, be susceptible to forest health threats, and less resilient to the impacts of climate change without intervention. Our goals are to: improve AGS, increase the proportion of desirable species, and increase stand value.

11:30AM ET - Six Decades of Financial Returns and Stand Dynamics in a Silviculture Experiment in Northern Hardwoods
Speaker: Maeve Draper, Michigan Technological University
Description: Analysis of results from a long-term northern hardwoods partial cutting methods study in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan shows that cutting to lower residual basal areas may provide greater financial returns and higher average sawlog quality. This could have implications for many northern hardwoods stands currently managed with single-tree selection.

12:00PM ET - A Conceptual Framework for Identifying Silvicultural Practices for Temperate Mixedwood Management in Eastern North America
Speaker: John Kabrick, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station
Description: Mixtures of hardwoods and softwoods present management challenges due to silvical differences of the principal species and challenges associated with regenerating the softwood component. We provide a conceptual framework for identifying silvicultural practices for regenerating temperate mixedwoods across forest types of Eastern North America.

R6-3: Economics, Policy, and Law

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Understanding Climate Change Resiliency of South-Central Transitional Ecotone in US
Speaker: Bijesh Mishra, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, OK
Description: The south-central transitional ecotone of US provides numerous ecosystem services. However, the region is vulnerable to changing climatic conditions such as drought affecting its productivity and resiliency. This study accesses the economic return of ecosystem managed for various objectives resulting from the active management of ecosystems in the region.

11:30AM ET - Sustainability and Economics of White Oak (Quercus alba) Timber Supply in Kentucky
Speaker: Guarav Dhungel, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky
Description: White oak is a major commercial tree species and an important resource in Kentucky. This study assesses resource sustainability of white oak timber supply, and potential economy-wide implications of projected white oak timber supply under a range of growth and demand alternatives.

R7-3: Education and Extension

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Assessing Distance Learning in Urban Forestry during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Louisiana
Speaker: Kamran Abdollahi, Southern University
Description: This presentation will provide the results of a case study on urban forestry distance learning at Southern University and A&M College conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Louisiana.  

11:30AM ET - Getting Lost in the Woods, Emerging a Professional: Field-based Learning Experiences Bridge the Forestry and Natural Resources Professions
Speaker: Tara Bal, Michigan Technological University
Description: Field-based semesters have long been a tradition in Forestry and Natural Resource programs across the United States. We discuss some of the cultural and pedagogical advantages and challenges we, as instructors, face teaching Integrated Field Practicum at Michigan Tech as part of a contemporary curriculum, maintaining depth while expanding breadth.

12:00PM ET - Changing the Conversation: Enhanced Learning through Inclusion of Cultural Science
Speaker: Tish Carr, Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS)
Description: Responsible, forest stewardship includes diversifying the conversation to include cultural science (CS), also known as traditional ecological knowledge (TEK).  Research has shown that the addition and understanding brought by including CS in science education for Native and non-Native undergraduates provides a framework for enhanced learning and science applications.

R8-3: Forest Health & Genetics

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Through Space and Time: Predicting Numbers of an Eruptive Pine Tree Pest
Speaker: Holly Munro, University of Georgia
Description: Forest biotic communities are experiencing irreversible changes due to climate change. We developed a model with ~89% accuracy of predicting the effects of climate change on the species occurrence of an eruptive bark beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis. Results support past range expansion northward, thus we hypothesis this trend will continue in the future.

11:30AM ET - Oystershell Scale: An Emerging Invasive Threat to Aspen in the Southwest
Speaker: Connor Crouch, Northern Arizona University
Description: Oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) is an emerging invasive insect that threatens conservation of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the southwestern U.S. Using the best available scientific information, we outline oystershell scale’s biology, its current extent and impacts, potential management strategies and challenges, and implications of potential future spread.

12:00PM ET - Spruce Budworm Tree Host Species Mapping Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery
Speaker: Rajeev Bhattarai, School of Forest Resources, University of Maine
Description: This study is the remote sensing approach for the mitigation of ecological hazards, especially forest health hazards. It utilizes the recent advancements in the remote sensing technologies (availability of high-resolution open-source satellite data) to monitor the insect-borne diseases in northeastern U.S. and Canada.

R9-3: Managing Forests as Watersheds

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Managing Forests for Potable Water Treatability in Atlantic Canada
Speaker: David Foster, Dalhousie University
Description: Increases in lake concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) complicate treatment for water utilities. A national research network in Canada is looking at the role of forest management to reduce DOC export and mitigate costs of water treatment. An integrated modelling approach will inform forest managers to meet this challenge.

11:30AM ET - Sediment Breakthroughs Associated with Logging in the New York City Watershed
Speaker: Kristopher Brown, Watershed Agricultural Council
Description: This study tracked evidence of sediment delivery from skid trails to stream channels (aka sediment breakthroughs) for 43 recently harvested woodlots in the New York City Watershed. Study findings will help forest managers to anticipate where sediment breakthroughs are most likely to occur during the harvest planning stage. 

12:00PM ET - An Optimization Model for Prioritizing Land Parcels towards Conservation Easements in the Upper Chattahoochee Watershed
Speaker: Fabio Jose Benez Secanho, University of Georgia
Description: An optimization model using land value, provision of ecosystem services, and likelihood for future urban development is developed to locate land parcels for conservation easements within the Upper Chattahoochee Watershed, the main provider of drinking water to the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.

R10-3: Wildfire, Biochar, and Fiber Sourcing

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Overview
11:00AM ET - Using Enhanced Analytics to Improve Wildfire Decision Making: Assessing Forest Service Risk Management Assistance Efforts
Speaker: Chad Kooistra, Colorado State University
Description: We assess Forest Service Risk Management Assistance efforts to enhance decision making quality during wildfire events. Risk-informed decision making requires using advanced analytics, experiential knowledge, and other information to balance safety and social, ecological, and managerial considerations. Effective leadership and changes to organization culture can improve wildfire decision making processes.

11:30AM ET - Big Box Biochar Kilns for Hazardous Fuel Reduction, Resource Protection, and Carbon Sequestration
Speaker: Darren McAvoy, Utah State University
Description: Big Box biochar kilns are an accessible new approach to hazardous fuels reduction that protects air quality, soil health, and water quality while sequestering carbon.

12:00PM ET - Role of Sustainable Forest Initiative Fiber Sourcing Standard in Georgia: Loggers, BMPs, & Mill Consumption
Speaker: Parag Kadam, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia
Description: The results of this study will be applicable to other southern states, as Georgia shares a similar climate, social, cultural, economic, political, land ownership, and policy landscapes with them.

Innovation Zone Presentations 12:30PM - 1:00PM ET

Supplemental Remote Sensing Methods for the Annual Insect and Disease Survey

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Overview
Supplemental Remote Sensing Methods for the Annual Insect and Disease Survey

Company: US Forest Service

Undergraduate Research at SFA: Why it Matters

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Overview
Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture's curriculum. Two professors share examples of their student's novel research, as well as why these experiences are so integral to student development and success.

Company: Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

1:00PM - 6:00PM ET

Friday Focus Ons1:00PM - 2:30PM ET

Eastern White Pine: The Tree That Made a Nation

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Overview
When astonished Europeans first spotted the vast pine forests of eastern North America, containing an estimated 600 billion fbm (3.4 billion m3) of lumber – forests teeming with trees twice as tall as even the tallest pine trees in England – the economic and military potential was immediately evident. This iconic species, ranging west from southeastern Canada and Maine to Minnesota, and then south along the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia, played a pivotal role in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries in the building of a nation, the growth of a conservation ethic, and a profession. This session will initially explore the encompassing influences of history and the ecology of eastern white pine. It will then transition to a broader discussion of white pines across North America. White pines are a key to many systems playing foundational roles in ecosystem function, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and economics. Our panel will discuss current and contemporary silvicultural practices that are aimed at keeping white pine a part of our forests, in light of current forest health issues and the emerging impacts of climate change.

Speakers
Maria Janowiak, USDA Forest Service
Andrew Vietze, Author
Kristen Waring, Northern Arizona University
Marcella Windmuller-Campione, University of Minnesota
Christopher Woodall, USDA Forest Service

Natural Capital Markets for Every Acre in America

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Overview
In the last decade, some large landowners have made more money selling carbon offsets than they have selling timber. The regulatory carbon market is just the first in a wave of emerging natural capital markets, but many questions remain about how these markets will be structured to deliver real value for consumers and landowners, both rural and urban. This panel will discuss some challenges faced by existing carbon markets and explore paths for expanding participation while improving capital efficiency. Valuation of wildlife habitat, fire risk, and water quality will be covered as well. By valuing all of the services a well-managed forest provides, natural capital markets will help American foresters and landowners get paid for their responsible stewardship of the land.

Speakers
Damian Adams, University of Florida
Marley Gray, Microsoft
Eric Hallstein, The Nature Conservancy
Patricia Manley, USDA Forest Services
Zack Parisa, Silvia Terra
Roger Williams, Blue Source

Science, Trees, and Quality of Life: Humanity Needs Foresters!

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Overview
Trees provide a wealth of environmental services. Research shows that they also encourage a wide range of human health and wellness co-benefits. Physical, mental, and social benefits are proven outcomes of having trees and forests in our communities. But not everyone has access to leafy green! How might communities plan and manage the urban forest to make better health happen for everyone? Dr. Wolf will share the latest research about the links between nearby nature and human health and propose how tree canopy makes lives better for all. Having trees in cities? It doesn't just happen! Urban forest systems must be planned, planted, and maintained to produce the rich ecosystem services we need and desire. The questions at the heart of urban forest management are: what activities and practices will yield the results we want, and which are red herrings that distract managers? Based on data obtained through survey work with northern Ohio communities, Alan will share results that are being used to strengthen and focus urban forestry programs across Ohio.

Speakers
Alan Siewert, Ohio Division of Forestry
Kathleen Wolf, University of Washington

Innovation Zone Presentation 2:30PM - 3:00PM ET

Leveraging ArcGIS Hub for Forestry Engagement

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Overview
The easily configurable ArcGIS Hub can be a valuable tool for forest agencies and departments. By leveraging existing data, ArcGIS Hub can be used to track a program's progress and improve outcomes, while improving collaboration with stakeholders and creating vibrant communities.

Company: Esri

People, Policy & Popcorn 3:00PM - 4:00PM ET

LS1-4: A Conversation with the Chief

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Overview
Join USDA Forest Service Chief Christiansen as she highlights accomplishments, challenges, and vision for the agency. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how SAF and other professional organizations support agency personnel and realizing the mission of the agency.

Speaker
Victoria Christiansen, USDA Forest Service

Concurrent Professional Development Seminars and Interactive Discussions 3:00PM - 4:30PM ET

LS2-4: SAF Student Chapter Workshop

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Overview
This workshop will provide tools and perspectives for SAF students looking to expand or improve their chapters. Hear from professionals, the SAF Student Executive Committee, and fellow students as they explore chapter accomplishments and what they've learned along the way.

LS3-4: Women in Forestry V: Paying it Forward - A Facilitated Discussion

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Overview
You asked for it, and we are delivering! Join us for our fifth annual discussion surrounding issues women in natural resources face in the contemporary workplace.  Help devise solutions that "pay it forward," making natural resource-related professions an even better place for women to contribute their talents into the future.

Speakers
Beth Brantley, Barlett Tree Experts
Stephanie Chizmar, North Carolina State University
Simbrey Majors, Southern University and A&M College
Rachel Reyna, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry
Pat Stephens Williams, Stephen F. Austin State University

LS4-4: Rethinking and Integrating Emerging Mensuration Technology

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Overview
A panel of experts from North America will convene to discuss opportunities related to scientific advancements in applied forest mensuration. The discussion will culminate in a review of what foresters should be thinking about when implementing emerging technology and tools when managing forests.

Speakers
Songlin Fei, Purdue University
Cristian Montes, University of Georgia
Stephanie Patton, Rayonier, Inc.
Nan Pond, Silvia Terra
Jacon Strunk, USDA Forest Service

Science Flashes 3:00PM - 4:10PM ET

R1-4: Science Flashes

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Overview
3:00PM ET - Creating Connections between Healthy Forests and Healthy Water for K12 Educators
Speaker: Kate Flick, LEAF--WI K12 Forestry Education Program
Description: Water health and forest ecosystems go hand-in-hand, and school sites and school forests provide many opportunities for engaging students in learning about their environment. We showcase how we make these connections from an individual tree to a watershed scale for K12 educators, with an ROV to see underwater to boot.

3:10PM ET - Effects of Urban Riparian Reforestation on Soil Chemistry and Streamwater Quality
Speaker: Kenton Sena, Lewis Honors College, University of Kentucky
Description: The Reforest the Bluegrass program has established reforested sites across Lexington, KY, over the past twenty years. This study suggests that reforested areas demonstrate improved soil chemistry (e.g., increased soil carbon) over time, as well as some water quality improvements in reforested riparian sites.  

3:20PM ET - Communicating about Emerald Ash Borer in the News Media: Dominance of Militaristic and Fatalistic Language
Speaker: Mysha Clarke, University of Florida
Description: Newspaper coverage of an invasive species, emerald ash borer, was analyzed. Most articles used a militaristic or fatalistic framing. Articles with fatalistic framings portrayed a general hopelessness towards EAB management. As expected, most articles represent only expert voices, few included the public. We raise concerns about the dominant frames used and limited voices consulted.

3:30PM ET - Building the Next Generation of Urban Foresters: Using Community Tree Maps as an Educational Tool
Speaker: Kate Flick, LEAF--WI K12 Forestry Education Program
Description: The Wisconsin Community Tree Map is a compilation of city and township tree inventories from around Wisconsin that help make urban and community make management decisions.  We explain how we made the tool accessible to K12 educators as a tool to help build the next generation of urban foresters.

3:40PM ET - Estimating Annual Functional and Structural Values of the Clemson University's Urban Forest
Speaker: Puskar Khanal, Clemson University
Description:  Urban forests are a complex human-environment system that requires an understanding of the management of urban ecosystem services to ensure sustainable urban planning. Understanding urban forest’s structure, function, and value can promote management decisions that will improve human health and environmental quality.

3:50PM ET - Sugar Pine: The King of the White Pines
Speaker: John R. Mount
Description: This paper will discuss the history of Sugar Pine utilization including harvesting practices, silvicultural practices, and mismanagement of the species by federal and private forest and owners.

4:00PM ET - Rummaging through the Toolbox: A Practical Exercise in Replicating and Appreciating the Brandis Hypsometer
Speaker: David Wohlers, US Forest Service
Description: This paper will discuss the history of Sugar Pine utilization including harvesting practices, silvicultural practices, and mismanagement of the species by federal and private forest and owners.

Concurrent Scientific & Technical Sessions 3:00PM - 4:30PM ET

R2-4: Of Relevance to Consulting Foresters

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Overview
3:00PM ET - Nonnative Invasive Plant Management in Eastern North American Forests: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Speaker: Lauren Pile, USDA Forest Service
Description: We provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the nonnative invasive plant (NNIP) management literature for eastern North American forests. We report on key findings for treatment outcomes on invasive plant control and the effects to native plant and tree regeneration as the result of NNIP management and potential for secondary invasions.  

3:30PM ET - Decision Tree for Managing Eastern White Pine Stands at Risk from Invasive Glossy Buckthorn
Speaker: Theodore Howard, University of New Hampshire
Description: With a focus on eastern white pine, we present an evidenced-based decision tree for managing stands invaded by glossy buckthorn.  Considerations include forest type, level of invasion, land use history and soil type and drainage.

4:00PM ET - Women Owning Woodlands: Empowering Women in Forest Stewardship
Speaker: Amanda Mahaffey, Forest Stewards Guild
Description: The national Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) program supports women-focused programming and a network of professionals who empower women landowners to steward their forestland. This presentation will explore the role of women woodland owners in private forest stewardship and offer case studies of approaches to effective outreach across the country.

R3-4: Carbon Matters

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Overview
3:00PM ET - Is Forest Management Carbon Neutral? A Life Cycle Inventory and Analysis of a Harvesting Operation
Speaker: Joshua Weyrens, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Description: A cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Inventory and Analysis (LCIA) conducted on a forest harvest producing clean chips for paper and hardwood sawlogs. A full account of carbon in the fossil fuels used to harvest and deliver wood products to their markets and carbon stored in pre-processed wood.

3:30PM ET - Economics of Carbon Sequestration Potential and Pricing in the Forests of Georgia, USA
Speaker: Madisen Fuller, University of Georgia
Description: This study performs an economic analysis using market rates and growth and yield data of the trees in Georgia, USA. We determine a per-unit cost of CO2 stored in the different regions and forest types of Georgia to assess the cost-competitiveness of Georgia’s forestlands in mitigating carbon emissions.

R5-4: Silviculture

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Overview
3:00PM ET - Forest Management Strategies to Increase Stand and Species Diversity and Enhance Ecosystem Services in Alaska
Speaker: Robert Deal, USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station
Description: Stand reconstruction is used to develop management options in older natural forests and younger managed forests in Alaska.  Management strategies using light partial cutting in older forests, and inclusion of alder in conifer dominated forests provide the greatest biodiversity and stand complexity that are an important for these forest ecosystems.

3:30PM ET - Species Complementarity and Climate Influence Growth, Mortality, and Recruitment in Quaking Aspen Communities
Speaker: Christopher Looney, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
Description: Species mixtures may help sustain forest productivity under climate change. We examined species complementarity effects on individual-tree growth, mortality, and recruitment in drought-affected, aspen/mixed-conifer forests of the Interior West, USA. Species mixtures generally altered growth, but not mortality, while recruitment response depended on climate. 

R6-4: Forest Taxation Research

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Overview
This session presents themes related to the property and income taxation of forestlands, forest resources, and forest-related services, in the United States.

3:05PM ET - Characteristics of Landowners and Forest Land Enrolled in State Forest Property Tax Programs
Speaker: Michael A. Kilgore
Description: We developed a national characterization of family forest owners who enrolled land in state preferential forest property tax programs. Analyses were conducted to identify statistical differences between high and low enrollment states with respect to owner characteristics. These analyses, and their implications for forest property tax program design, will be discussed.

3:27PM ET - Lessons Learned from State Property Tax Research: A Review and Meta-analysis
Speaker: Gregory Frey, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station
Description: I will review the literature on property taxes and of specific property tax programs targeted to forestlands and describe key findings, controversies, and contradictions.

3:49PM ET - Update to Ag. Handbook 731, “The Forest Landowner’s Guide to the Federal Income Tax”
Speaker: Gregory Frey, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station
Description: We will discuss changes to the tax code since the last version of “The Forest Landowner’s Guide to the Federal Income Tax,” in particular due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and our approach to updating the guide.

R7-4: Education and Communication

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Overview
3:00PM ET - Philmont Scout Ranch Visiting Foresters – Inspiring Action and Careers
Speaker: Mary Stuever, New Mexico Forestry Division
Description: The Visiting Forester program at Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico hosts approximately 40 professional foresters from across the country to spend a week sharing their expertise. This presentation shares lessons learned from this informal forestry outreach program, including successful recruiting of forestry students.

3:30PM ET - The Great Lakes Silviculture Library: Insights into a Case Study Platform
Speaker: Robert Moser, University of Minnesota
Description: The Great Lakes Silviculture Library is an open-access resource to share silvicultural treatment outcomes in a case study format. This peer-to-peer exchange between natural resource professionals represents an exchange of knowledge that transcends organizational boundaries while providing field level data for practitioners that address a wide variety of management goals.

4:00PM ET - Celebrating Oregon's Forest Work Force Professionalism through Public Recognition of Exemplary Work
Speaker: Paul Clements, Oregon Department of Forestry
Description: The Oregon Department of Forestry "Operator of the Year" program provides annual recognition of innovative and exemplary forest practices to urban audiences through social media, videos and news releases. This presentation considers the standards and practices of the program, and values created.  

R8-4: Conifer Ecosystems Health across the United States

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Overview
Conifer ecosystems make up a significant portion of the forest types in the United States and are an important component of landscapes that drive many of our ecosystem services, ranging from wildlife habitat to clean air and water resources. Unfortunately, our conifer forests are threatened by native and non-native insects and diseases in addition to abiotic disturbances. This is the first of 3 sessions focused on the diverse research currently under way to understand more about the biology and ecology of these threats and management strategies that can be used to protect our conifer forest types.

3:00PM ET - Interactions of Bark Beetles, Dwarf Mistletoe, and Fuels in Climax Lodgepole Pine Forests of Oregon
Speaker: David Shaw, Oregon State University Dept. Forest Eng., Res., Management
Description: Climax lodgepole pine forests of Oregon are very unique. Mountain pine beetle strongly influences fuels dynamics. Dwarf mistletoe is also common, and influences stand structure and fuels. The interactions of biotic and abiotic factors result in a mixed fire severity regime.

3:30PM ET - Fusarium Diversity in Conifer Tree Nurseries of the Contiguous U.S.A.
Speaker: John Dobbs, Colorado State University
Description: Conifer nursery pathogen diversity identification through soil and root sampling and genetic barcoding to identify pathogen spread and inform nursery management programs. This project will lead to the development of tools to quantify disease pressure by identifying pathogen populations and key mechanisms of disease development shared between different pathogen genera.

4:00PM ET - Defining and Diagnosing Emerging Diseases in Commercially Managed Southern Pines
Speaker: Caterina Villari, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia
Description: We are using leading edge molecular technologies to facilitate diagnosis and detection and guide the management of pitch canker and needle diseases in southeastern loblolly pine commercial forest plantations.

R9-4: Managing Forests as Watersheds

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Overview
3:00PM ET - Landscape-Scale Evapotranspiration in the New Jersey Pinelands: Density, Disturbance, and Recovery
Speaker: Bernard Isaacson, Rutgers University
Description: Forest disturbance decreases evapotranspiration, so reduced disturbance across the landscape should increase overall evapotranspiration.  Disturbance-dependent forest systems experiencing less-frequent disturbance may be negatively impacting available water resources.  Regulatory and administrative conditions established to safeguard the forest resource may thus be counter-productive for ensuring robust water provisioning.  

3:30PM ET - NIPF Landowners’ Willingness to Accept Payments for Improving Water Resources in the Floridan Aquifer
Speaker: Unmesh Koirala, University of Florida
Description: Upper Floridan Aquifer is facing a serious threat to water quality and quantity. There is a need for transformative watershed-scale modifications to the current land-use practices. This study examines the non-industrial forest landowners' willingness to pay for water conservation-based incentive programs. 

4:00PM ET - Changing Economic and Environmental Impacts of Cannabis Production in a Forested Watershed
Speaker: Erin Kelly, Humboldt State University
Description: Despite the prevalence of cannabis production in many watersheds of the US, most researchers have ignored its role. In this presentation, we explore the economic, cultural, and environmental intersections of the two sectors, one well-studied and visible (watershed restoration), the other understudied and largely invisible (cannabis production).

R10-4: Not There Yet: Addressing Forestry Challenges for African American Landowners and Communities in the South

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Overview
African American landowners, have faced unique challenges in forestland ownership and management, including discrimination and exclusion from programs, financial hardships, limited access to information and education, and lack of clear land title. This session brings together experts in forestry and social science to present research that addresses these topics in both rural and urban landscapes in the region, as well as community-based and legal contributions to addressing the issues.

3:00PM ET - Introduction
Speaker: Puneet Dwivedi, University of Georgia

3:05PM ET - African American Landownership and Forestry in Georgia: Challenges and Opportunities
Speaker: John Schelhas, USDA Forest Service
Description: Forestry is often an appropriate land use choice for African American families, yet it is hindered by heirs’ property, lack of knowledge, and poor access to assistance. Based on qualitative and ethnographic research, we discuss the diverse situations, challenges, and opportunities for engagement in forestry faced by African American landowners.

3:22PM ET - Does Forestry Pay?: Case Studies from Four African American Forest Landowners in Georgia, USA
Speaker: Noah Goyke, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
Description: We used case studies to investigate if African American forest landowners can meet their property tax obligations through forest income in two difference management scenarios. We found that management is more profitable than business as usual, but even more important was enrollment in current use property tax programs.

3:39PM ET - The Economic Impact of Heir Property on Forestland in Macon County, Alabama
Speaker: Robert Zabawa, Tuskegee University
Description: Heir property is a leading cause of African American land loss and decline in wealth. A significant portion of this land is in forestland. The purpose of this research is to compare forestland, as heir property and titled property, to determine any economic differences.

3:56PM ET - Engaging Underserved Populations in Community Tree Management Activities
Speaker: Jason Gordon, University of Georgia
Description: This presentation describes a research collaboration exploring how local values and attitudes affected perceptions of risks and benefits of trees in a historically African American neighborhood. Management implications suggest how disparities can be addressed fairly and with sensitivity to cultural norms with the goal of maximizing urban forest benefits.

4:13PM ET - Black Cultural Landscapes: Heirs’ Property among African American Landowners in the Southeastern U.S.
Speaker: Sarah Hitchner, University of Georgia
Description: Despite the cultural importance of land ownership for African Americans in the southeastern U.S., they continue to face constraints that restrict opportunities or lead to land loss, including lack of clear title due to heirs’ property. Documenting these challenges is vital to address issues of equity and sustainable land management.

Innovation Zone Presentations 4:30PM - 5:00PM ET

Optimizing Your Forestry Workflow - Hands Free

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Overview
We will explore the use of next generation wearable technology for forestry that provides hands free data gathering using voice recognition. Completely voice driven with heads up display, GPS navigation, photo and video capture, angle gauge and clinometer. Waterproof and dust proof with full shift hot swappable battery.

Company: Voice Directed Tally Systems, Inc.

Open Forests: Structure, Composition, Function, and Management

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Overview
Open forests: Structure, composition, function, and management. 

Company: US Forest Service

Leadership Reception - Invitation Only5:00PM - 6:00PM ET

Leadership Reception - Invitation Only

Overview
This is a private event, by invite only.

Concurrent Professional Development Seminars and Interactive Discussions 5:00PM - 6:30PM ET

LS2-5: Certification Cupcake Seminar

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Overview
Join the conversation on personal credentials to raise the bar on your professional presence and to establish direction of your learning journey. We will discuss SAF's personal certifications and state licensed and registered forester programs. We will explore how to get started, stay on track, and support those certified, licensed, or registered.

LS3-5: What Does It Take to Lead Innovation in Forestry?

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Overview
In this session participants learn how innovation happens at the personal and organizational level.  Innovation in the forestry sector is needed now to meet multiple challenges such as climate change.  This session will provide tools to spark innovation in your place of work.

Speakers
Robert Alec Giffen, New England Forestry Foundation
Robert Perschel, New England Forestry Foundation

LS4-5: Comparative Review of State Forest Property Tax Programs

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Overview
State programs for property taxation of forest lands lie at the intersection of realms of economics, law, and policy. We will explore a small sample of 6 states to discuss how well these are working.

Speakers
Tamara Cushing, Oregon State University
Adam Daigneault, University of Maine
Gregory Frey, USDA Forest Services
Lloyd Irland, The Irland Group
Michael A. Kilgore, University of Minnesota

Science Flashes 5:00PM - 6:20PM ET

R1-5: Science Flashes

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Overview
5:00PM ET - Thirty-two Years of Change in an Old-growth Urban Forest
Speaker: Lee Bridges, Mississippi State University
Description: This presentation will focus on stand dynamics of an old-growth urban forest through collaborative research efforts. Participants will gain an understanding of ecological changes in urban woodlands as well as the importance of building support for active management that resembles silviculture more than arboriculture.

5:10PM ET - Species and Nursery Production Method Affect Street Tree Growth and Economic Return
Speaker: Tierney Bocsi, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Description: Street tree selection has been increasingly acknowledged among efforts to address biodiversity, tree establishment and growth, and ecosystem service provisioning in the urban environment. This session will demonstrate how both species and nursery production systems affect street tree success, urban forest benefits, and economic return on investment.

5:20PM ET - Crafting SMART Goals in Urban and Community Forestry
Speaker: Lee Mueller, Davey Resource Group, Inc.
Description: This talk uses case studies from across the United States to (1) articulate steps and considerations to develop community urban forestry goals, (2) craft key metrics to measure progress, and use these factors to design strategies to accomplish local objectives.

5:30PM ET - Current Status of Designed Soils for the Integration of Pavement and Urban Tree Longevity
Speaker: Jason Grabosky, Rutgers SEBS DEENR
Description: We provide an overview of the state of research in designed soils for pavement support and tree establishment. From this overview, the case study of McCarren Park in NYC is used as example of current understanding, and needed next steps, now that we have a 22 year old experiment entering its next 20 year phase.

5:40PM ET - Growth Rates of Street Trees in Urban Areas of Central New Jersey
Speaker: Richard Leopold, Rutgers University
Description: The goal of this study was to determine the impact of soil limiting areas of different urban planting designs on the growth rate of commonly planted tree species.

5:50PM ET - Quantifying Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance and Transpiration of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) in Response to Flooding
Speaker: Zhu Ning, Southern University
Description: To examine the physiological response of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) to flooding at different CO2 settings, saplings were imposed to cyclic flooding treatments. Net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rates were measured using LICOR 6400. This paper reports the major findings. 

6:00PM ET - Innovative Approaches in Urban Forestry to Enhance the Environmental and Community Health Around the World
Speaker: Kamran Abdollahi, Southern University
Description: This presentation will provide a comprehensive science-based summary of many innovative approaches in Urban Forestry for enhancing the environmental and community health around the world. Many diverse global urban forest ecosystems and innovative practices to remediate soil, water, and air pollutions will be discussed. 

6:10PM ET - Understanding Urban Tree Values and Attitudes of an Historic African American Neighborhood
Speaker: Jason Gordon, University of Georgia
Description: Environmental justice focuses on residents’ perceptions of urban trees in an historic African American neighborhood. Participatory methods are employed as different methods of understanding participants’ views and to promote empowerment. Results will show the opportunities and challenges to communicating tree benefits and services in a disadvantaged neighborhood.

Concurrent Scientific & Technical Sessions 5:00PM - 6:30PM ET

R2-5: Of Relevance to Consulting Foresters

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Overview

5:00PM ET - Two-Year Family Forest Succession Planning Education Campaign Achieves Surprising Impacts in Washington State
Speaker: Andy Perleberg, Washington State University
Description: Succession planning training was positively received by family forest owners throughout Washington State.  Workshops created awareness about intergenerational estate transfers of forests, enhanced knowledge and skills for communicating between owners and heirs, and broadened understanding of legal and financial tools for achieving ownership vision and reducing risk.  


5:30PM ET - Pioneering New Techniques in Forest Visualization
Speaker: Johnathan Tenny, Alpine Land Information Services
Description: Visual Forester is an ongoing development project focused on the use of computerized visualization to help people of many backgrounds to better understand and communicate complex forestry topics. Join us for an engaging exposition on the value of visualization and the far-ranging possibilities of today's technology.


6:00PM ET - Voluntary Forest Carbon Offset Markets: Innovative Solutions to Reduce Barriers to Entry for Smaller Landowners
Speaker: Caitlin Guthrie, Finite Carbon
Description: In a rapidly decarbonizing economy, demand is growing for forest carbon offsets. To date, most landowners have been effectively blocked from generating offsets due to barriers including high project costs. Learn about solutions to access carbon revenue, including legal agreements between aligned landowners and new technologies that significantly reduce costs.

R3-5: Bioenergy and Residue Utilization

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Overview

5:00PM ET - Wood Bioenergy for Rural Energy Resilience: Suitable Site Selection and Potential Economic Impacts in Kentucky
Speaker: Thomas Ochuodho, University of Kentucky
Description: Forest industry generates waste products which have few reliable market outlets. The objective of this study was to identify suitable priority sites for bioenergy production and assess its potential economic impacts.  Potential economy-wide impacts were assessed based on the feasible sites selected and quantity of potential biomass that could be regenerated.

5:30PM ET - Using Physiological Parameters to Refine Estimates of Populus Performance and Productivity at Contrasting Sites
Speaker: Heidi Renninger, Mississippi State University
Description: Eastern cottonwood and hybrid poplar have great potential as bioenergy crops. However, selecting superior varietals is difficult because growth differences in individual trials are impacted by specific site and environmental conditions. Therefore, we measured physiological functioning including photosynthetic capacity, water use and biomass to determine holistic functional properties of Populus varietals to refine bioenergy selections.

6:00PM ET - Replacing Georgia’s Coal-based Electricity with Biopower: An Environmental and Economic Assessment
Speaker: Md Farhad Hossain Masum, University of Georgia
Description: We developed an optimization model to satisfy bioenergy demand in the coal power plants of Georgia while satisfying the traditional timber demand in all the adjacent states, including Georgia. We reported optimal timber sourcing and allocation results along with net carbon savings in three scenarios based on timber use and coal replacement.

R4-5: Inventory & Biometrics

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Overview
5:00PM ET - Predicting Growth of Eucalyptus marginata in a Mediterranean Climate Using an Individual-Based Modelling Approach
Speaker: Shes Kanta Bhandari, The University of Western Australia
Description: Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest is one of the native forest types of Western Australia and has economic and ecological importance. This study aims to predict jarrah growth using tree-size and neighbourhood competition. We also wanted to investigate how many neighbouring trees or what neighbourhood distance needed to be considered when accounting competition.

5:30PM ET - Rethinking the Maximum Stand Basal Area and SDI from the Aspect of Stand Dynamics
Speaker: Dehai Zhao, University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
Description: The maximum stand basal area (BA) and maximum stand density index (SDI) are often used to express stand carrying capacity in forestry. But their definitions are inconsistent in the literature. From the respect of stand development, we clarify the definition of maximum stand BA and SDI and their relationships.

6:00PM ET - Modeling Crown Width of Urban Woody Plant Species in the U.S.
Speaker: James Westfall, US Forest Service
Description: Linear mixed-effect regression models were developed to predict crown widths for many species growing in urban environments across the U.S. Cities were specified as random effects to account for spatial variability and were statistically significant for 22 of 29 species groups.

R5-5: Silviculture

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Overview
5:00PM ET - Evaluating Wounding and Tree Quality Effects of Prescribed Fire in the Central Hardwood Region
Speaker: David Mann, Purdue University
Description: Prescribed fire is a broadly useful silvicultural practice, but concerns about wounding and tree quality effects on standing timber limit its use. In this region-wide study, we studied tree quality and wounding trends on sites with a wide variety of prescribed fire histories across the Central Hardwood Region.

5:30PM ET - Long Term Changes in Fuelbed Characteristics after Fuel Reduction Treatments in Dry Forests
Speaker: George McCaskill, USDA Forest Service
Description: Research is needed to provide information to fill knowledge gaps on the rates of ground fuels accumulation after fuel reduction treatments in order to plan for retreatments. Thin, Burn, and Thin + Burn treatments have different rates of fuel accumulation. This presentation will address those differences and how they fit into management.

R6-5: Human Dimensions of Forest Policy

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Overview
5:00PM ET - Ensuring Sustainable Forest Management: Discourses Influencing State-level Policies
Speaker: Erin Kelly, Humboldt State University
Description: Policies for achieving sustainable forest management on private lands are primarily enacted at the state level. This research builds on discourse literature, or the ways that people frame issues, and a database of current policies, to develop a typology and analysis of the discourses shaping state-specific outcomes.

5:30PM ET - Analyzing the Media Coverage of Forest Certification in the United States
Speaker: Caroline Karnatz, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Dwivedi Forest Sustainability Lab
Description: This study analyzed American newspaper articles to determine disparities in media coverage of forest certification standards (Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Forest Stewardship Council, American Tree Farm System), specifically focusing on themes (economic, environmental, sociocultural) across national and regional levels. We found coverage was not homogenous, with different regions and levels favoring different standards and themes.

6:00PM ET - Does Collaboration Matter? An Evaluation of Pace and Scale of National Forest Management in Idaho
Speaker: Chelsea Pennick, University of Idaho, Policy Analysis Group
Description: This study addresses questions about the value and effectiveness of collaborative forest management and how it compares to more traditional public involvement and planning processes. Using Forest Service project-level planning and implementation data, we compare collaborative and traditional projects on a suite of metrics related to pace, scale, complexity and legal outcomes. 

R7-5: Education and Extension

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Overview
5:00PM ET - An Extension Program to Protect Forest Health in Hawaii
Speaker: JB Friday, University of Hawaii
Description: A disease called Rapid Ohia Death is decimating forests of Hawaii's native tree, ohia. We describe an extension program to 1) make landowners aware of the disease 2) decrease human movement of the pathogens and 3) increase public support for agency measures taken to limit spread of the disease.

5:30PM ET - Demonstrating the Public Benefit of Extension Forestry Programming through Transfer of Ecosystem Services Values
Speaker: Dan Goerlich, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Description: Cooperative Extension produces public value through educational programming that benefits society. Forests provide numerous societal benefits by providing ecosystem services. Extension programming positively impacts forest owners, who take actions that enhance ecosystem services. Applying ecosystem services values to Extension outcomes through benefit transfer can assist with organizational public value claims.

6:00PM ET - Online Learning in Applied Forestry (OLAF): An Education Tool
Speaker: Pete Bettinger, University of Georgia
Description: This presentation describes an internet-based education tool with a focus on land and tree measurements. Topics include tree and wood-related measurments, GIS, GPS, land survey systems, land measurements, sampling and basic statistics. The presentation will include a tool demonstration, and thoughts on how to gauge its effectiveness.

R8-5: Conifer Ecosystems Health across the United States

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Overview
Conifer ecosystems make up a significant portion of the forest types in the United States and are an important component of landscapes that drive many of our ecosystem services, ranging from wildlife habitat to clean air and water resources. Unfortunately, our conifer forests are threatened by native and non-native insects and diseases in addition to abiotic disturbances. This is the second of 3 sessions focused on the diverse research currently under way to understand more about the biology and ecology of these threats and management strategies that can be used to protect our conifer forest types.

5:00PM ET - How Available Data Can Be Used to Predict the Impact of Non-Native Forest Insects
Speaker: Angela Mech, University of Maine
Description: Although only a small proportion of non-native insects cause widespread ecological and/or economic damage to forest systems, the ability to predict their level of damage prior to arrival has eluded scientists for over a century. Using available data pertaining to currently established non-native conifer-specialist insects, we evaluated factors that could explain why some invading insects cause high impact while others are benign.

5:30PM ET - Will the Spiral Be Unbroken? Progress and Gaps in Understanding Forest Declines
Speaker: Kier Klepzig, The Jones Center at Ichauway
Description: In 1991 Paul Manion published a conceptual figure depicting the process of forest health declines that came to be known as the Manion decline spiral. Here we look for solid experimental evidence for the concepts therein, as well as gaps in our understanding. We explore examples of the heated arguments, revelatory research, and management needs that arise whenever trees begin spiraling downward in health, without an easy explanation.

6:00PM ET - It Takes Three to Tango: Interactions between Spruce Beetles, Tree Chemistry, and Symbiotic Fungi
Speaker: Thomas Davis, Colorado State University
Description: The spruce beetle is commonly associated with a symbiotic fungus (Leptographium abietinum); effects of the fungus on host trees are not well-studied but could be important for tree health and beetle success. This presentation examines a range of interactions between the symbiotic fungus and Engelmann spruce, as mediated by tree chemistry. 

R9-5: Managing Forests as Watersheds

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Overview
5:00PM ET - Incorporating Spatially Complex Objectives in Watershed-scale Restoration Evaluation, Planning, and Prioritization
Speaker: Jeffery B. Cannon, The Jones Center at Ichauway
Description: Restoration efforts are increasing in scale across the U.S., and it is becoming more important to develop tools to allow for evaluation, planning, and prioritizing these large-scale efforts. Here we demonstrate tools for simulating complex restoration treatments and their impacts on landscape-scale wildfire, prescribed fire use, and post-fire erosion.

5:30PM ET - Large-sample Forest Hydrology: Forest Inventory and Analysis Data Adds Value to Broad-scale Hydrology Datasets
Speaker: Sara Goeking, US Forest Service
Description: Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data can be combined with existing large-sample hydrology datasets to illuminate how water resources respond to forest disturbances and dynamics. An example from dozens of watersheds across the western US illustrates the value of such broad-scale analyses for providing context to managers of forested watersheds.

6:00PM ET - Importance of Forested Watersheds to Minnesota Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Occurrence
Speaker: Lisa Elliot, University of Minnesota
Description: We use a watershed perspective to explore impacts of forest land use, cover, and disturbance on brook trout occurrence in Minnesota’s Lake Superior basin, with emphasis on forest characteristics inside riparian areas versus within the entire watershed. Our goal is to prioritize watersheds for targeted forest and riparian management.

R10-5: Timber Harvesting Topics

View Session
Overview
5:00PM ET - Timber Harvesting Costs Associated with Commercial Thinning
Speaker: Ashish Alex, University of Maine
Description: The economic feasibility of a harvesting operation is primarily focused on the operation productivity and logging machinery utilized, which are directly linked to the silvicultural prescription. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost of a ground-based cut-to-length harvesting method in two different silvicultural prescriptions.

5:30PM ET - Predicting Uncertainties in Timber Harvesting Cost and Productivity: A Review
Speaker: Libin T. Louis, University of Maine
Description: Timber harvesting cost exhibits high degree of variability and is driven by many sites, stand, and machine configuration factors. This study attempts to investigate the effect of such factors and various market scenarios on the harvesting cost and explain the variability in the United States.

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