| NEWS & INFO BRIEF
CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE AND PAT OWENS, 2017 FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF THE YEAR
George Owens is a fourth-generation farmer in Washington County, Florida. Growing up in the farming business and involved in the 4-H Program and Future Farmers of America, he carries on the agricultural legacy of his family and land. George C. Owens Farm is recognized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Century Pioneer Family Farm. This program honors family farms that have been maintained for at least 100 years of continuous ownership, and recognizes these pioneers as the original stewards of the land in preserving environmental resources, and for helping foster the state's agricultural industry.
George C. Owens Farm has become one of the most renowned silvopasture operations in the Southeastern United States. Silvopasture combines timber and livestock forage production on the same acres. The trees are managed for high-value saw logs and at the same time provide shade, shelter, and forage for livestock, reducing stress and increasing forage production. This is an intentional, integrated and intensively managed system designed to optimize timber, forage and livestock production from the same acreage, at the same time. Silvopastoral systems offer distinct economic and environmental benefits. Among the most important is the potential for annual revenue, and therefore improved cash flow compared to what can be expected from timber production alone. Other advantages from the timber management perspective include: vegetation control under tree canopies by grazing, and increased tree growth as a by-product of forage fertilization and animal waste recycling. Silvopastures provide benefits to livestock management as well. There is a longer grazing period compared to open pasture due to earlier green-up and delayed forage maturity under tree canopies. Trees offer shelter to livestock from heat and inclement weather. Florida Land Steward Partners strive to assist landowners in achieving their forest, wildlife and agricultural goals for their properties. George C. Owens Farm demonstrates that environmental and economic sustainability walk hand in hand in good stewardship. Join us for a tour of George Owens Farm on March 14, 2018: https://fsp-tour031418.eventbrite.com
START 2018 WITH A PLAN REVIEW AND APPLY FOR, OR RENEW, YOUR GREENBELT
The start of the new year is a good time to dust off your management plan and give it a review. As you review:
- Make notes on the activities you did in 2017. Include information like the date completed, description of what was done and where, and any permits, contracts or other paperwork.
- Update your activity schedule if you had to postpone any tasks. Include notes on the reason for the delay and the updated timeline for completion.
- Record changes in the condition of your land. For example, was your land impacted by storms, floods, fires, etc.? Document where the changes or damage occurred and any follow up tasks associated with that damage.
Apply for or Renew Your Greenbelt: In most counties, growing timber qualifies for agricultural classification for property tax assessment. This REQUIRES AN APPLICATION to your county property appraiser. In order to have your land considered for agricultural classification (greenbelt), you must apply to the property appraiser no later than March 1 of the year for which the classification is being sought. This is done by filling out and submitting the proper form, available at your county Property Appraiser's Office. Find your County Property Appraiser at: http://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/LocalOfficials.aspx If you already have Greenbelt your County Appraiser will send a letter regarding renewal for the year. See our short Greenbelt video.
2018 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD CALENDARS AVAILABLE
The annual Florida Land Steward wall calendar features beautiful photography, habitat management tips, landowner and management highlights, resource contacts and more. First come, first serve to Florida Forest Stewards, Tree Farmers, other interested landowners. Request yours by sending an email to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, with your mailing address. We'll have them available at events this winter and spring as well.
TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2017 TAX YEAR
Specific federal income tax laws and rules apply to timber related income and expenses. Dr. Linda Wang's annual tax tips bulletin is intended to assist timber owners, foresters, loggers and their tax preparers in filing the 2017 tax returns. This bulletin, information on timber casualty loss from storm damage, and more is available at https://timbertax.org/
2018 AG LAND CONSERVATION EASEMENT SIGNUP
Application Deadline is Feb. 16, 2018
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year.
Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement.
NRCS provides financial assistance to conservation partners for purchasing an Agricultural Land Easement that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland. Applications are available online. For wetland easements, contact Crenel Francis, (352) 338-9508 for questions and submissions. Contact Nina Bhattacharyya, (352) 338-9554 for questions and submissions about agricultural land easements.
REPORT QUAIL AND OTHER WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
To help restore the state's northern bobwhite quail populations, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking private landowners to report sightings of bobwhite quail on their land. Report northern bobwhite quail sightings at MyFWC.com/QuailSighting
The FWC also seeks reports of these species:
SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES? - CHECK OUT THE NEW DIAGNOSTICS FORUM
Hosted by a group of forest and tree health specialists with Southeastern universities and agencies, we are here to help identify pests and diseases in your forest or your backyard, and to recommend a solution, if appropriate. Join the group and report your tree health issue! Visit the new Forest Health Diagnostic forum on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SouthernTreeHealthDiagnostics/
INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available at the University of Florida IFAS on the EDIS publication site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Wow, there's a publication about that?
HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu
More news and info at the Florida Land Steward Blog
| *** | EAST FLORIDA (Madison County, east and south) | | January 19-20 | Transforming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future Conference (link), The Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960. This important conference will educate constituents and stakeholders about how we can help move the Indian River Lagoon communities toward a sustainable future. See link above for details and registration. | | January 26 | UF/IFAS Extension Workshop: Is a Conservation Easement Right for Your Land? (link), 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Office, Kissimmee, FL. This workshop will explain how conservation easements work, and the potential benefits to landowners. Conservation easements allow landowners to protect the agricultural and/or conservation uses of their property into the future. Easements can also reduce the amount of estate or inheritance tax that their heirs must pay. They are voluntary agreements that keep land as rangeland, agricultural land, open space or natural habitat. Register at https://conservationeasements.eventbrite.com/ or call Jessica Sullivan at (321) 697-3040. | | January 30 | Herbicide Use in Natural Areas Workshop (link), 9 am - 4 pm, UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Building. Provided by Osceola County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. The workshop will cover interpreting an herbicide label, herbicide chemistry, mixing and safety as well as mixing math and much more. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a clean and sanitized backpack sprayer for participation in the calibration session. Free. Lunch will be provided courtesy of our generous sponsors and core CEUs will be available upon approval. See link above to register. For more information about this workshop please contact Cody Miller at cody-marie.miller@tnc.org | | February 5-7 | 2018 Urban Forestry Institute Conference: Natural Disaster Preparation and Response (link), UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL 33598. Provided by Florida Urban Forestry Council. From identifying what pre-storm data will help with cleanup to navigating the FEMA reporting process, this conference will provide attendees with valuable management insights from an international panel of experts. See link above for details and registration. | | February 9 | Small Scale Mushroom Production (link), UF/IFAS Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, Live Oak, FL. To register online click here or for more information contact SVAEC at (386) 362-1725. | | February 21 | 3rd Annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference (link), UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, FL. Network with researchers, ag producers, agribusiness leaders, natural resource managers, and political leaders. Discuss important policy issues facing Florida agribusiness and gather valuable economic insight helpful for making informed business and policy decisions. $50 registration includes conference attendance and a catered lunch. See link above for more details and registration. | | February 23 | Forest Stewardship Tour at South Prong Plantation, property of Doug Moore, Baker County, FL (pdf link), morning tour at 9:00 am or afternoon tour at 11:30 am ET, South Prong Plantation in Baker County. Join us to learn about integrating high quality wildlife habitat management with timber production, and network with other landowners and the forestry and natural resource professionals that can assist you. $10 fee covers lunch and materials. See link above for details. Register for the morning or afternoon tour online at https://fsp-tour022318.eventbrite.com or contact the UF/IFAS County Extension Baker County at (904) 259-3520, and pay at the event with cash or check payable to University of Florida. | | February 23 | State of the GTM Research Reserve, (link), Environmental Education Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. See link above for details and registration. Feel free to reach out with any questions (Kaitlyn.dietz@floridadep.gov, (904) 823-2291. | | March 9 | 2018 Florida Forest Stewardship Landowner Short Course (link), 8:30 am to 3:00 pm ET, Austin Cary Forest, near Gainesville, FL. Join us for a new workshop format featuring 5 concurrent topic sessions including forest health, timber marketing and forest certification, wildlife management, tree identification, and prescribed fire. Choose 2 topics (1 morning, 1 afternoon) to customize your day. $10 fee includes lunch and materials. Register online at https://fsp-shortcourse030918.eventbrite.com/, or contact Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375. | | March 21 | Invasive Species and Control Workshop (pdf link), 9am to 3 pm ET, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Auditorium, 5339 County Rd 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Provided by Suncoast Invasive Species Management Area and Florida Forest Stewardship Program. FDACS pesticide applicator CEUs and SAF CFEs will be pending approval. Cost is $10 per person, lunch and materials included. Register on-line at https://fsp-workshop032118.eventbrite.com/ or call Sharon Stinson, (863) 534-7074. | | April 4-6 | Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Annual Meeting (link), Melbourne, FL. Details to be posted at link above. | | April 11-13 | Florida Chapter of the Wildlife Society Annual Meeting (link), Crystal River, FL Details to be posted at link above. | | May 7-10 | 42nd Annual Aquatic Weed Control Short Course (link), Fort Lauderdale Coral Springs Marriott, Coral Springs, FL. Register at the early rate of $250 and save $50! Early rate ends Feb. 26. See link above for details and registration, or contact kimmer72@ufl.edu, (352)-294-3576. | | WEST FLORIDA (Jefferson County and west) | | January 26-28 | Camp Conservation Exhibit, Walton County, 8 am to 4 pm (12 pm Sun), Lake DeFuniak, 96 Circle Drive DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435. The Florida Forest Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and University of Florida IFAS Extension Walton County host displays and information about rural woods, urban forests, and the animals that use them. Participating agencies will be on hand to assist with information from your yard to the rural forest. Details to be posted at http://www.floridachautauquaassembly.org/ | | January 27 | Red Hills Fire Festival (link), 11 am to 3 pm ET, Tall Timbers Research Station, 13093 Henry Beadel Drive, Tallahassee, Florida, . Join us for this free celebration of prescribed fire as a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health, and reduce wildfire risk. For More Information Contact: Brian Wiebler,(850) 893-4153, ext. 345, bwiebler@talltimbers.org | | February 19 | Panhandle Fruit and Vegetable Conference 2018 (link), University of West Florida Conference Center, 11000 Conference Parkway, Building 22, Pensacola, FL 32514. See link for details and registration. | | March 14 | Silvopasture Tour at George Owens Farm, 2017 Florida Land Steward of the Year, Washington County, 9 am to 3 pm CT, meet at the UF/IFAS Washington County Extension Office, 1424 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428. Mark your calendar and take this opportunity to see and learn about the economic and environmental benefits of the silvopasture system - combining timber and livestock forage production on the same acres. Register online at https://fsp-tour031418.eventbrite.com .or reserve a space by contacting UF/IFAS Washington Extension at (850) 638-6180, and pay at the event with cash or check payable to University of Florida. | *** |
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