The 26th Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Society of American Foresters, to be held at the Louisiana Conference Center at Woodworth June 9-11, will present some of the issues and concerns the forestry community has with education. Presentations will also include public education opportunities, highlighting past examples that were successful.

The event will open with a choice of golfing, skeet shooting, or trailwork for participants the first day. Clyde Todd has arranged for a golf tournament to be held at the Alexandria Country Club on June 9. To participate, contact Mr. Todd at the Louisiana Forestry Association office 443-2558.

Marq Webb is organizing a skeet shoot at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries range in Woodworth on June 9. Contact him at the U.S. Forest Service office 473-7160. John Martel of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry will be coordinating trailwork on the LASAF Nature Trail at the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf the same day. Participants should bring their own tools for clearing and grubbing or shoveling. After these events, a social will be held at the Museum in Long Leaf for everyone beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Forestry education, a standard that is maintained by the Society of American Foresters, will be highlighted at the June 10 meeting, which opens with presentations by foresters and educators on public education projects that have been successful.

"I hope we can inspire other foresters in the state to conduct some of the same events," said moderator, Holly Morgan. "Without public support, nothing we do counts." Many of these programs are directed at school children, since opinions are formed early in life. Other events are for landowners and others who are interested in forestry.

After lunch on the first day, Brian Chandler will host a segment on continuing education for foresters. There are currently several opportunities for foresters to receive continuing education, which is important for maintaining certification. In addition, State Chairperson Bill Weiger, will present ideas for creating short versions of Continuing Education courses and Kerry Livengood will demonstrate how some courses can be accessed through the Internet. Closing this session will be a presentation on good leadership for all foresters.

On Friday, representatives from LSU and Louisiana Tech will present their forestry undergraduate programs, followed by perspective from industry and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry on hiring needs. A panel discussion will end the session.

The Awards Banquet will be held Thursday June 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf.

Rooms are available at the Louisiana Conference Center in Woodworth, Louisiana by calling (318) 449-4500. Registration forms and directions are available on the LASAF website at www.lasaf.homestead.com.

Back