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West Virginia is the nation's third most heavily forested state by percentage forest cover and contains some of the finest natural hardwood species in the world. In addition, these forests serve as important habitat for abundant game and nongame wildlife species as well as some wildlife species of concern.
With private forestland owners responsible for almost 80% of West Virginia's forests, it is particularly important to develop forest and wildlife management education programs specifically for this audience.
While there are a number of resources available to landowners around the state, very few landowners utilize this assistance and have very little basic knowledge about forest management and harvesting, personal opportunities on their property, and where they can get assistance.
The TIMBER program will provide woodland owners a better understanding of timber harvesting strategies, the equipment and road systems used, how timber harvests are carried out, and the wildlife habitats produced by timber harvest. In addition, this program will educate landowners in the sound application of forest and wildlife management practices and direct them to available resources and assistance programs in woodland management.
The evening workshop will further educate West Virginia landowners on the specifics of various timber harvest strategies, what to expect during a timber harvest, and the resulting impacts on wildlife. First Dr. David McGill will introduce the common types of timber harvesting used to regenerate or otherwise improve the growth of forests.
Second, Dr. Ben Spong will discuss the equipment used and what to expect during a timber harvest. Finally, Dr. Sheldon Owen will discuss the unique habitats produced by each type of timber harvest and benefits to associated wildlife species.
The workshop will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 6:00 p.m., at the Gilmer County Recreation Center. The programs will cost $5 to assist with covering meal cost. Please RSVP by Friday, February 13, 2015, to WVU Gilmer County Extension Office, 304-462-7061 or email daisy.fryman@mail.wvu.edu
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