Timber Tax Tips for 2009

The USDA Forest Service has release their annual Tax Tips for Forest Landowners quick fact sheet for the 2009 tax year.  The big change for 2009 is that all timber sales now require the landowner receive a 1099S.  To view the tax tip sheet click here.

For all your timber tax management questions for forest landowners go to the National Timber Tax Website.

Addressing Logging Aesthetics

Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering a great November and December line-up in the ForestConnect webinar series on logging aesthetics.  November will bring a presentation by Dr. Andy Egan, Paul Smith's College, on the technical aspects of timber harvesting aesthetics from a woodland operations perspective.  December will bring a presentation by Drs. Shorna Broussard Allred, Cornell University, and Shannon Rogers, Purdue University, on owner and public perceptions about timber harvesting aesthetics.

A free, one-time ForestConnect registration is required to receive notice of the connection details. Registration assures notice of the connection details, but "seating" is available first-come first served. Details on the webinar series, access to archived webinars, and registration information is available by clicking here.  Webinars are live at noon and 7PM (eastern) the dates listed below.

November 18th: Timber Harvesting Aesthetics Part 1. Timber harvesting options to improve aesthetics. Presented by Andy Egan, Paul Smiths College.

December 16th: Timber Harvesting Aesthetics Part II. Perceptions of woodland owners and the general public about harvest aesthetics. Presented by Shorna Broussard Allred, Cornell University, and Shannon Rogers, Purdue University.

A great publication for professionals and landowners entitled "A Guide to Logging Aesthetics: Practical Tips for Loggers, Foresters, and Landowners" can be ordered for $7.00 per copy through the Natural Resource, Agricluture, and Engineering Service (NRAES).   This publication was awarded a blue ribbon in the 1993 ASAE Educational Aids Competition.  The publication addresses planning and conducting a timber harvest to minimize the disruptive effects of cutting and removing trees on a forest. Topics covered include concerns, solutions, truck roads, landings, skid trails, tree felling, administration and planning, and costs. Also included are fifty full-color photos.  I highly recommend it if you are planning on conducting a timber harvest.  To order publication click here.

Ash Borer Found in Juniata County Pennsylvania

This one is hitting close to home.  Pennsylvania has added another county to the list that have discovered emerald ash borer infestations.  The insect has now been identified in Milford Township, Juniata County, bringing to 11 the number of Pennsylvania counties where the ash tree-destroying pest has been identified.  To read the full story go to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's web site news release: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?Q=153457&A=390

I realize this is kind of late notice since the first webinar in the series has already run on November 5th, but the USDA Forest Service, Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, and Purdue University are collaborating to present a series of webinars about Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).


Dubbed Emerald Ash Borer University, this is a series of webinars that will offer people the opportunity to learn a great deal of information about EAB without the costs of travel. All of the webinars are free, although registration is required to access them. Names and contact information can be found on the home page if you have questions.

To register and learn more visit: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/eab_university.cfm

Forest Management and Regeneration Webinar

The Pennsylvania Forests Web Seminar Center is pleased to announce the November on-line program. Susan Stout, Project Leader, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, will be presenting live Forest Management and Regeneration on Tuesday, November 10th at noon and again at 7 p.m. Each seminar lasts approximately one hour. ( http://rnrext.cas.psu.edu/PAForestWeb/)

When managing a forest stand, thought must be given to the forest left behind after activities take place and the forest that will begin anew when we modify light conditions through harvesting. So often, forest management focuses on that which is to be removed. Shifting focus to what remains and the next forest, and undertaking activities to enhance these two resources, allows landowners to demonstrate their stewardship ethic and focus their goals on a sustainable forest resource....a sustainable outcome.

This seminar counts towards 1.0 credit of Category 2 SAF CFE credits.

To participate in the live seminars you must register and have a "Friend of Penn State" user ID. The "Register Now" page on the website will walk you through this process. If you are a member of the Penn State community, you already have your User ID, but we would ask you to register on the website so that you can receive reminders of upcoming programs.  You only have to register once. To register visit the site at http://rnrext.cas.psu.edu/PAForestWeb/.

Participation in the web seminar does not require any special software. To view live and previously recorded seminars all you need is a high-speed Internet connection and sound.