[Iesaf_selkirk] 2007 IESAF/ MTSAF Joint Annual Conference

[Jennifer Costich-Thompson]

“The Changing Role of Forestry in the Inland Northwest”

          Joint 2007 Inland Empire/ Montana SAF Annual Conference
                     April 26-28, Coeur d’ Alene Idaho

      The role of forestry is changing, and we need to change with it or be
left behind... Join us for the 2007 IE/MT SAF Joint Annual Conference. Hear
the latest science and statistics regarding our forests and their changing
dynamics.  Participate in breakout sessions to help develop an agenda of
what needs to happen in the world of policy and management from a
professional forestry perspective.
      Because both Montana and the Inland Empire are experiencing similar
challenges and changes, it only makes sense for our two state societies to
work together toward exploring the issues and finding effective solutions.
Some of the most pressing issues we face revolve around urban sprawl,
changes in land tenure and use, changes in social values, and climate
change. National and regional experts on these topics have been invited to
present their research.  Below is the tentative agenda. We will send out
the final agenda and registration flyer to all Montana and Inland Empire
SAF members during the first week of March, but mark your calendars nowto
be part of this important meeting for the future of the forestry
profession!

Thursday, April 26, 2007
1200-1500   Concurrent State Society EC Meeting

1530-1730   Conference registration/ check-in

1800-2030   Appetizer and no-host cocktail social/mixer in main foyer.


Friday, April 27
0700-0800   Conference check-in continues; Continental breakfast

0800-0830   Welcome;  Where are we now, where are we going, and how do we
get there? Peter Kolb, Montana State Chair
0830-0915   Urban sprawl, fragmentation, and changes in land tenure.  Ralph
            Alig, USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station
0915-0945   The Rise of Conservation Easements and Land Trusts.   Chris
            DeForest, INW Land Trust

0945-1000   Break

1000-1100   TIMOs, REITs, and other future means of managing private and
            industrial forestlands. Invited speaker:  Tom Tuchmann, US
            Forest Capital LLC
1100-1130   Wood Products Infrastructure: Where are we now, and what does
            the future hold?  Chuck Keegan, UM BBER

1130-1300   Lunch   Invited Speaker: Michael Goergen, SAF Executive V-P &
CEO

1300-1345   Climate effects on NW forests.  Ron Nielson, USDA Forest
            Service
1345-1415   A perspective of historical climatic events in the Inland NW as
            recorded in alluvial fans. Jennifer Pierce, Boise State
            University
1415-1500   Restoring fire and thinning to fire prone forests: Creating
            nested landscapes.  Paul Hessburg, USDA FS PNW

1500-1700   Breakout sessions—  Determine top three issues threatening
            forestry and top three potential solutions
1700 – 1730 Breakout Groups report findings for master list.

1800-1830       Social

1830-2100   Awards Banquet and Speaker: TBD  Invited speaker:  Don Jones,
            Nature and Wildlife Photographer

Saturday, April 28, 2007

0700-0800   Buffet breakfast and sessions with state societies
0815-0845   Conference conclusion—Breakout summary list is prioritized by
participants.
0900-1000   Invited policy makers are asked to comment about or answer
            questions as to how to move forward on identified issues.
1015-1530   Field trip—urban fragmentation, conservation easements, access
management.


The Coeur d’Alene Inn- Best Western has reserved a limited number of hotel
rooms with a special rate for SAF attendees. They will only hold those
rooms at the early-bird rate ($69/night plus taxes) until March 23rd, so
register early and reserve your room today! You can reserve your room at
the Coeur d’Alene Inn by calling 1-800-251-7829; just mention you’re part
of the Society of American Foresters’ meeting.

Remember, April 27th is Arbor Day, and what better way to spend it? Let’s
all work together to help guide the profession of forestry toward a
brighter future! I look forward to seeing you all there.

Jennifer Costich-Thompson
IESAF, Chair-Elect
PO Box 508
Sagle ID  83860
208-255-2056