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KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), with Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri (FWAM), will host the 2018 Missouri Tree Farm Conference in Kirksville on April 13-14.
The conference is open to Missouri landowners and others who are interested in learning more about the benefits of managing woodland areas on their properties. The focus of the conference will be on participation in the Tree Farm System, a national program for woodland owners who are committed to sustainably managing their forested property for wood, water, wildlife and recreation.
MDC Resource Forester Richard Nesslar says the Tree Farm Conference is a great opportunity to learn in a friendly, casual environment.
“Tree Farmers are a great bunch of people who are always willing to talk about their properties and share what they’ve learned,” said Nesslar. “If you’re already a Tree Farmer or thinking about joining the program, this is a great chance to meet others and compare notes.”
During conference sessions at the MDC Northeast Regional Office, attendees will learn about FWAM, the Tree Farm System, and financial planning for woodland property owners. There will also be sessions on forest health, white oak status, and chronic wasting disease (CWD) management. The field tour portion of the conference will focus on hardwood management, timber harvesting, timber stand improvement, food plots, and prescribed fire.
The conference will also recognize the 2017 Missouri Tree Farmers of the Year, Garry Gordon and Elaine De Jovin. The field tour will feature their property, located north of Kirksville in Putnam County. Garry and Elaine have been managing their woods for timber and wildlife for nearly 35 years. They have been in the Tree Farm System for 31 years and have worked tirelessly to improve the natural communities on their 142-acre property.
The Tree Farm Conference will be held rain or shine. There is a registration fee to attend, covering the conference sessions, the field tour of the Gordon/De Jovin property, a dinner banquet on April 13 and lunch on April 14. Registration is available at forestandwoodland.org/tree-farm-conference-registration.html. Contact FWAM coordinator Laurie Coleman at (573) 353-6436 for more information or additional details.
