Wednesday, August 14, 2019: 1:30 PM-5:00 PM
M100, Kentucky International Convention Center
Organizer:
Adam O. Maggard
Family forest landowners (FFLs) are frequently unaware of ecosystem management and revenue generating opportunities and often struggle with making land management decisions, even when the health of their forest is at risk. Research to this point has determined that some of the reasons for this difficulty include lack of financial incentive, lack of information, and fear of damage to the ecosystem. This research has provided insight into what drives landowner motives, interests, and actions as well as their knowledge about forest health and forest management. These important landowners typically do not manage their land intensively, own smaller acreages, and have varying attitudes towards management. Further, FFLs often do not seek advice or plan for other land management priorities.
Effectively engaging, educating, and motivating FFLs about the importance of managing their land is critical for improving health and resiliency of forests, promoting wildlife species and their habitat, and meeting current and future demands for timber products. Educating FFLs on sustainability of their forest resources and improving income-generating opportunities through alternative markets, business management, and planning will contribute to overall economic well-being and provide opportunities for revenue that can support their overall goals and desires as forest landowners as well as improve health and sustainability of their forest resource.
In this organized session, we will merge several key areas of expertise to evaluate and improve native ecosystems and natural resource enterprises. To do so, research, education, and extension professionals will present opportunities to restore native ecosystems and improve the health of forests as well as provide presentations focused on business models that encourage utilization and capitalization of those natural resources. Talks will have a special emphasis on the development of natural resource enterprises that promote income generation and workforce development as well as ecosystem restoration and forest health. In addition, we propose talks on the opportunities for curriculum development and other educational materials beneficial for engaging and educating the next generation of natural resource professionals, educators, and landowners. The goal of this proposed organized session is to bring together people from these various fields in an effort to better serve forest landowners.