Workshops/Meetings/Information

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FORESTRY PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS

A reminder . . . for those of you who know teachers, consider suggesting that they attend the 2015 Forestry Program at the RAM Center, sponsored by the Michigan Forest Association. 

22-26 June.  It's just around the corner.  Spread the word.

http://michiganforests.org/mfa-teacher-workshop/

Bill Botti is the contact:  miforest@acd.net

[Ron Scott]

RE:  CLIMATE CHANGE FOREST ADAPTATION PROGRAMS

Climate Change Adaptation for Forestry Professionals
8-9 June, Gaylord
11-12 June, Houghton
Cost: $40 10.5 CFE credits, category 1
Contact: Stephen Handler at sdhandler@fs.fed.us or 906-482-6303 x21.

http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/calendar.htm

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FORESTRY PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS

A reminder . . . for those of you who know teachers, consider suggesting that they attend the 2015 Forestry Program at the RAM Center, sponsored by the Michigan Forest Association.   Forest industry has stepped-up to the plate to help pay for some of the costs . . . if we can sign-up the teachers. 

22-26 June.  It's just around the corner.  Spread the word.

http://michiganforests.org/mfa-teacher-workshop/

Bill Botti is the contact:  miforest@acd.net

[Ron Scott]

Stream Crossing Permit Application Training

On June 23, 2015 the DEQ, in cooperation with the Dickinson County Conservation District, will be providing a stream crossing permit application training session in Norway, MI.  The goal of this training will be to discuss the Joint Permit Application and other components of the DEQ permitting process as it relates to logging road stream crossings.  Forest product industry personnel interested in learning about stream crossing permit applications are encouraged to attend. 

The training session will include both classroom and field components:

-          Indoor discussion (approximately three hours)

o   Joint Permit Application form

§  Application sections relevant to stream crossings

§  Application figures

o   Permit categories

o   Application checklist

o   DEQ permit application review process

-          Outdoor site visits

o   Data collection

o   Application figures

Please send an email to WilsonK17@michigan.gov if you are interested in attending.  Attendance for this session will be capped at 25 people and spots will be assigned on "first come, first served" basis.  Also, please pass this email on to anyone you know who may be interested in attending. 

This training session has been approved for 8 hours of MI Sustainable Forestry Initiative continuing education credits and for 6 Category one credits by the Society of American Foresters .

The Dickinson County Conservation District will be providing a morning snack and a field lunch for attendees!

When: June 23, 2015 8 am – 4 pm CST

Where: Norway City Hall, 915 Main Street, Norway, MI

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FOREST CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE

The MSAF and the MFA will be co-sponsoring this fall conference
24-26 September 2015, Bay City
Doubletree Hotel and Delta College Planetarium
Information Flyer

A conference to make your own connections with forest owners, professionals, and enthusiasts in the Saginaw Bay region!

Thursday's theme: Watersheds and watershed management (organized by the MSAF)
Friday morning's theme: Forest health, exotic invasives and fire management (MSAF)
Friday afternoon's theme:  Exotic invasive species control and natural community restoration for landowners
Saturday morning's theme: Timber & nontimber products, wildlife management, assistance programs

All are welcome to any or all portions of the conference!
Rooms available at the Doubletree Hotel.

Need more information? Contact:

Debra Huff
517-651-5401
huff.debra@gmail.com

Jason Darling
517-243-2000
darlingjasonw@gmail.com

[Ron Scott]

5-Day Lumber Grading Short Course Now Available in Michigan

The lack of certified lumber graders in Michigan has been a major concern for wood product manufacturers, as they cannot find the necessary skilled labor in the current labor pool. To help meet this skills gap, the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium (MWNEMC), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are sponsoring two 5-day lumber grading short courses. The first is in Roscommon, August 31- Sept 4, and the second is in Hillman, September 21-25.

By bringing this training to Michigan, employers will be able to save on the expenses of sending employees to training elsewhere (lodging, meals and travel costs). This training will allow Michigan businesses to expand, remain stable, hire, and sustain workers. All sawmills, lumber yards and loggers in Michigan are welcome to have employees participate in the training, as well as individuals.

Founded in 1898 with the purpose of creating a uniform set of grading rules, the National Hardwood Lumber Association seeks to offer several opportunities both domestically and internationally for instruction of the basics of the NHLA grading system. The lumber grading short course plays a vital role in the industry benefitting anyone who has an impact on the buying or selling of hardwood lumber. These courses are perfect for salesmen, purchasing agents, sawyers, edger and trimmer operators, and yard managers.

Well-trained employees help provide a more carefully manufactured product, a more profitable yield from the log, and a better sense of the value of the lumber being handled. This 5-day workshop will include a thorough study and explanation of the NHLA Rules Book, emphasizing the basics of hardwood lumber inspection. This popular workshop gives yardmen, sawyers, edgermen, sales and office staff, and management level personnel an introduction to lumber inspection. Classes will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. EDT. The 5-day lumber grading short course runs $400/per person and includes registration fee, course materials, NHLA Rules Book, lunch and a Certificate of Completion.

As lumber grading is a high-demand occupation in northeast Michigan, some participants may be eligible to have the cost of the course covered. To learn more about financial aid, contact your local Michigan Works! office at 1-800-285-WORK.

For additional information on the course itself, contact Aleece Hodges at 989-705-3733 or email at ahodges@nemcog.org.

To register for the course, please visit http://www.nhla.com/calendar.

[Ron Scott]

RE:  MSAF FALL CONFERENCE

The MSAF and the MFA will be co-sponsoring this fall conference.
Date: 24-26 September 2015, Bay City, MI
Location: Doubletree Hotel and Delta College Planetarium in Bay City, MI

Registration & agenda  http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/calendar.htm

A conference to make your own connections with forest owners, professionals, organizations and enthusiasts in the Saginaw Bay region!

Thursday's theme: Watersheds and watershed management (organized by the MSAF)
Friday morning's theme: Forest health, exotic invasives and fire management (MSAF)
Friday afternoon's theme:  Exotic invasive species control and natural community restoration for landowners.
Saturday morning's theme: Timber & non-timber products, wildlife management, assistance programs.

All are welcome to any or all portions of the conference!
Rooms available at the Doubletree Hotel.

Need more information? Contact:

Debra Huff
517-651-5401
huff.debra@gmail.com

Jason Darling
517-243-2000
darlingjasonw@gmail.com

[Ron Scott]

RE:  MFA ANNUAL MEETING IN  MUNISING

The Michigan Forest Association is hosting a two day, annual meeting in Munising 14-15 August.  All are welcome to learn about forests and habitat.  Presentations and the indoor discussions will take place at the Alger Centennial Ice Area on Friday morning. 

Speakers from the DNR, MTU, USFS will discuss topics such as Michigan Bats and White Nosed Syndrome, Michigan Biomaterials Imitative, and large mammal predators in the Michigan Forests.  Friday afternoon will include a tour of Dukes Experimental Forest to view various management practices on the ground, and a tour of Neenah Papers or Hiawatha Log Homes.   On Saturday, the group will visit an active timber sale in the morning, and learn about timber planning and harvesting.  Dinner banquets are included in registration prices.

Michigan Forest Association is a non-profit organization that represents non-industrial forest owners and also focuses on providing outreach and education regarding forestry in Michigan.   For more information, please visit the website at:  www.michiganforests.org   

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FORESTRY NETWORK MEETINGS

"Measure What You Manage: Inventories, Urban Tree Canopy Assessments,  iTree Demystified" is the topic for the free education sessions to be held as part of the Saginaw, Grand Traverse Bay and Lower Grand River Watershed Forestry Network Meetings to be held on August 11 in Midland, August 12 in Traverse City and August 25 in Caledonia. Lee Mueller, Urban Forestry Consultant for the Davey Resource Group will discuss the common urban forestry tools -- from tree inventories to urban tree canopy assessments -- and explore the uses, costs, and benefits associated with each.  Educational sessions are free and open to all.  To register or for more information contact Melinda Jones at mjones@ReLeafMichigan.org

More information at:
MSAF Calendar:  http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/calendar.htm
Pathways Calendar:  http://miforestpathways.net/1-Calendar.htm

[Ron Scott]

Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) Conference

ACF and other Natural Resource Professionals:

The 2016 Michigan Association of Consulting Foresters Conference is being held on Monday February 15th and Tuesday February 16th at Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, MI.  Address:  Lakeview Hotel at Summit Village: 5780 Shanty Creek Rd • Bellaire, MI 49615.

Contact

Paul Drysdale, CF & ACF
231-779-2989
paul@drysdaleforestry.com
www.drysdaleforestry.com

[Ron Scott]

RE:  2016 PRIVATE FOREST LAND WORKSHOPS

Registration is now open for the 6 "private forest land workshops" to be held around the state in March.  We have several new locations (cities and places), so please see attached flyer for more details.  Please email me to confirm your spot so I can have enough handouts, free lunch, and Tree Farm 75th anniversary shirts at each location.  The agenda may look familiar, but there is lots going on so please join us to voice your input about good forestry on private lands!

March 14 – Lansing – Royal Scot
March 15 – Cadillac – Carl Johnson Center
March 16 - Gaylord – Jay's Sporting Goods
March 29 – Newberry – American Legion
March 30 – Escanaba – Bay College MTEC
March 31 – Houghton – MTU ATDC

Contact:  Mike Smalligan at smalliganm@michigan.gov 

More information on the MSAF calendar:  http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/calendar.htm

[Ron Scott]

RE:  CHAINSAW WORKSHOP

The Mason-Lake Conservation District, Manistee Conservation District, and the Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) will be hosting a chainsaw safety workshop in Ludington on Saturday, 12 March.  The workshop will be taught by Chuck Oslund, retired firefighter and surveyor for the U.S. Forest Service.  Chuck has more than 25 years of professional chainsaw experience so therefore has much knowledge to share!  The workshop will be from 8:00 to ~5:00, which includes a 1/2 hour lunch.  We will meet at the Pere Marquette Township Hall in Ludington at 8:00am, where there will be several hours of discussion and presentation by Chuck pertaining to important safety considerations when operating a chainsaw.  After the presentations and lunch, we will travel to a nearby property managed by Mason-Lake Conservation District, where Chuck will demonstrate how to properly take down a tree with a chainsaw.  You will not take down your own tree during this one day workshop, but you will learn a great deal of valuable information that you can take home with you when operating your own chainsaw.  You may attend the indoor component, the outdoor component, or both!  If you attend the outdoor component, please bring your own hard hat and safety glasses. 

THIS WORKSHOP IS FREE, INCLUDING THE LUNCH.  PLEASE RSVP BEFORE FEBRUARY 26TH, 2016, AS SPACE WILL BE LIMITED.  To register, please contact Dani McGarry at the Mason-Lake Conservation District (Office Phone 231-757-3708; Email dani.mcgarry@macd.org), or Josh Shields, FAP Forester with Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts (Mobile Phone 989-220-9236; Email joshua.shields@macd.org).


Posted on the MSAF calendar:  http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/calendar.htm
Posted on the Pathways calendar:  http://miforestpathways.net/

[Ron Scott]

Michigan SAF Spring Conference

CONFERENCE MATERIALS & INFORMATION

Registration is now open for the Michigan SAF Spring Conference, 17-18 March, titled "People in the Forest" in Houghton, MI.  A block of rooms are being held at the meeting place hotel until 29 February. See the registration forms for more information – on the MSAF website calendar.

*Students*Please note!! There was an error in the flyer in the mail, but when registering online or with your forestry club, student registration is $10.  Student Forestry Clubs, please bring your merchandise to sell! 

http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/calendar.htm

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FOREST STEWARDS GUILD NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Forest Stewards Guild – National Conference
13-15 July
Duluth, Minnesota

From July 13th - 15th, the Forest Stewards Guild conference we'll be in Duluth, Minnesota. The Lake Superior region is a  perfect location for Guild members and fellow professionals from throughout the United States and Canada to gather, learn and strengthen the bonds among all of us working for healthy forests.   You're invited to join us.   CEU's will be available for this meeting.

The Forest Stewards Guild is a unique organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forestry through research, education, and professional practice.  "Guild" members include academics, researchers, policy experts, and practicing professionals in a variety of disciplines who all share a mission of protecting our forested landscapes, and "Putting the Forest First".  Guild events mix quality learning with outdoor experience and great personal connections.  They're always a good time, and they're open to everyone.

The Guild's 2016 National Meeting is an opportunity to explore sustainable forestry in practice, set amid rugged beauty of America's "Third Coast".  Our program this year is bringing together foresters, conservationists, and land restoration professionals to explore how different organizations and disciplines work together to maintain healthy forested landscapes.  There is no better place than the Lake Superior country to showcase that kind of partner-driven work.

See our Conference Agenda

http://www.forestguild.org/sites/default/files/Forest%20Stewards%20Guild%202016%20National%20Meeting%20-%20Agenda%203-16-16.pdf

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FORESTRY SUMMER PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS

Know a teacher that might be interested in the Michigan Forest Association teacher-focused forestry program?  Consider encouraging them to apply.  It's a nice way to learn about forestry, have some fun, and take a "break" from the routine. 

Spread the words, as you can.

http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/160622-MFAteacher.pdf

20-24 June
RAM Center
$100/teacher

Contact:  Bill Botti at miforest@acd.net or 517-663-3423. 

[Ron Scott]

Kiln Dying Time Again

If you've been meaning to go to, or send employees to, a hardwood kiln-drying short course, you have that opportunity once again. For the sixteenth consecutive year, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry is holding its annual kiln drying workshop again next month. If you're drying hardwoods, or thinking of drying hardwoods. don't invest another dime until you've spent some time with Dr. Bill Smith and his team in Syracuse.

http://gowood.blogspot.com/2016/12/kiln-drying-time-again.html

cdr

Charles D. Ray, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Wood and Forest Science
The Pennsylvania State University
Room 205 FRB
University Park, PA  16802
Office: 814-865-0679
Fax: 814-863-7193
Email: cdr14@psu.edu
On the Web: http://extension.psu.edu/woodpro, http://gowood.blogspot.com/

[Ron Scott]

RE: MSAF Spring Conference - Call for Speakers and Posters

Michigan Society of American Foresters Spring Conference
Forests For Fish
30-31 March 2017
Marquette, Michigan

NEW! for 2017! Share and showcase your expertise March 30 in Marquette!  In a series of shorter "flash" talks (10 minutes or less), speakers can present on a successful project they might have implemented or new research.  Optionally, bring a poster  and get recognition from colleagues and take advantage of networking opportunities with working professionals in the state!  Speakers and poster presenters can come from all areas of academia (students or faculty), industry, agencies, or non-profit groups. 

Please fill out the online google form with your name, affiliation, and a brief description of your topic, by 31 January 2017.  The form indicates preference for poster or presentation.

Confirmed speakers at the spring conference include Jim Dexter, Michigan DNR Fisheries Chief as the keynote, as well as other representatives from the DNR, Forest Service, Michigan Tech, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, and industry!  There will also be an optional field tour at the Marquette Fish Hatchery.  Stay tuned for more details after the holidays.

Further notification of acceptance will be sent by 10 February 2017.  Please contact Tara Bal, UP Chapter Chair, tlbal@mtu.edu, if you have any questions.



                                                                               
Tara L. Bal,  PhD, CF
Research Assistant Professor
Master of Forestry Degree Program Director
School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Michigan Technological University
tlbal@mtu.edu, 906-487-1898, 906-281-6241

[Ron Scott]

RE:  LOG SCALING & GRADING COURSES

Free Log Scaling and Grading Courses - 2 Locations

16 March, Sunfield, 8:00-5:00
11 May, Newberry, 8:00-5:00

SAF CF credits will be available.  Great refresher class for foresters!
Call 517-853-8880 to register.  Limited class size.
Questions call Brenda at 989-732-3541 x 5043 or email at haskillb@michigan.gov

Brenda Haskill, Regional Forest Marketing and Utilization Specialist
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resource Division
Gaylord Customer Service Center
989-370-9557 cell
989-732-3541 x 5043 office
haskillb@michigan.gov

More info on next post***

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FREE Bucking for Scale and Grade/Maximizing Log Quality Class

8 SFI-SFE credits

Location 1

When:  16 March 2017, 8:00-5:00
Where:  Sunfield (30 minutes west of Lansing, off M43)
            8:00-12:00, Sunfield Community Center, 186 Main Street in Sunfield
            Just down the block from the Post Office, sign says "Village Offices"
            1:00-5:00, Quality Hardwoods log yard
Bring:  Hardhat and your own lunch (limited lunch options, small town)

Location 2

When:  11 May 2017, 8:00-5:00
Where:  Newberry (Eastern Upper Peninsula)
8:00-12:00, Pentland Township Hall, 1 mile west of M28/123 intersection
            1:00-5:00, Northland Harvesting log yard, 1/2 mile east of M28/123 intersection
Bring:  Hard hat and your own lunch (Subway, McDonalds, and Pizza Hut nearby)

MANDATORY PRE-REGISTRATION
Limited class size – don't wait!

To register, call the SFI program line at 517-853-8880

Questions on the class:  Brenda at 989-732-3541 x 5043

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FROM THE GLTPA AND GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES

Contact:
Henry Schienebeck
715-282-5828
Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association

-Opportunity to earn four SFI Credits-

Join GreenStone to learn about their timber financing programs, equipment purchase and lease options, and hear industry updates from timber industry experts.

Join GreenStone at one of the two upcoming dates:

March 21, 2017
Terrace Bay Inn
Gladstone MI

March 23, 2017
Treetops Resort
Gaylord, MI

Agenda Topics (8:45 a.m. -1:00 p.m.)
•   Financing logging operations
•   Equipment financing
•   Business planning and strategy
•   Hiring the right employees
•   Industry panel and updates
Lunch will be provided and all attendees can earn four SFI Credits.

RSVP by March 10, 2017
To reserve a seat, please visit bit.ly/GreenStoneLoggingForum or call
GreenStone at 517-318-4132

[Ron Scott]

RE:  LOG SCALING AND GRADING COURSE

Spots still available!

Thursday, 16 March in Sunfield, Michigan
8:00-5:00, Instructor Jim Dougovito with 30 years' experience

Continuing education credits available for both SFI and SAF CF

No Charge!

To register call: 517-853-8880

Questions call or email Brenda:  989-732-3541 x5043, haskillb@michigan.gov

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FORESTRY TEACHER WORKSHOPS

If you know a teacher that might enjoy a forestry workshop, then please share the attached information with them.  The Michigan Forest Association has sponsored five of these workshops and they always need some help recruiting teachers.  The MSAF helps with financial support.  A flyer is attached.

http://michiganforests.org/the-summer-teacher-workshop-is-back-for-2017/

There's also a link on the MSAF calendar.    http://michigansaf.org/

[Ron Scott]

RE:  FOREST INDUSTRY AND STATE FOREST MANAGEMENT

Forest industry is invited to attend DNR and Michigan Association of Timbermen district meetings for updates on state forest management.  Forest pests and diseases, road inventory, and state forest management are among the topics that will be discussed at a series of meetings hosted by the Michigan DNR and the MAT.

The meetings are open to forest industry professionals and will be held at the following locations:

•            Gaylord, 11 April, 6:00-8:00, Jay's Sporting Goods large conference room (new location on I-75 business spur north of old location)
•            Marquette, 13 April 7:00-9:00, Marquette Township Community Center, behind Kohl's Department store
•            Cadillac, 17 April 7:00-9:00, Carl T. Johnson Center on M-55 in Cadillac
•            Newberry, 18 April 7:00-9:00., Pentland Township Hall, 1 mile west of the M-129/M-28 intersection.

Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss concerns and share ideas with DNR staff.
Refreshments will be provided by the Michigan Association of Timbermen.

For more information about the meetings, contact Dennis Nezich at nezichd@michigan.gov or 906-228-6561 x3051.

MSAF Calendar:  http://michigansaf.org/Calendar/calendar.htm

[Ron Scott]

RE:  TIMBER & TAX PROGRAM

Forest Taxes and You Workshop

28 April, MSU Kellogg Center, E. Lansing, MI
$25 registration fee
For more information: http://michiganforests.org
Contact: Debra Huff info@michiganforests.org or 517-651-5401

[Ron Scott]

The Michigan Chapter of the Walnut Council will be having a fall field day on October 14, 2017, at W. K. Kellogg Experimental Forest, 7060 N. 42nd Street, Augusta, Michigan 49012.

Agenda for the day
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.      Social time (coffee, donuts, water, etc. will be provided), safety overview and history                and goals of Kellogg Forest

10:00 a.m. – noon            Visit 3 or 4 walnut stands in various degrees of management and growth

                                       Discussion and tours of pine and hardwood parcels

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.             Bring your own lunch – We will be meeting in the large pavilion by the parking lot

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.               Machinery demonstrations   

More details will be sent later along with a summary of the upcoming Walnut Council National Meeting,  to be held June 11-14, 2017.

In addition, we will provide a listing of other activities in the area that may be of interest.


Mike Jones, President
Michigan Chapter Walnut Council
skpjones@aol.com
269-377-6199 (cell)
269-671-4898 (landline)