More 2009 Convention Concurrent Session

Exploring New Project Learning Tree (PLT) Programs

Presented by Jackie Stallard

Project Learning Tree is one of the most widely used environmental education programs in the United States and abroad, and continues to set the standard for environmental education excellence. In this session, you will have the opportunity to learn about some new PLT programs – like GreenSchools! and our Early Childhood Environmental Experiences (designed for ages 3-6) – as well as how PLT materials are being adapted and used by community leaders, land-use planners, and natural resource professionals to help them make informed decisions in their own work. This session will be a great way for you to learn about the many ways you can engage with your community to create opportunities for learning about the environment across all age groups. Note: This is a 90 minute session. Jackie's Presentation

Jackie is the Manager of Education Programs for Project Learning Tree (PLT) and has been with the American Forest Foundation (AFF) for three years. She graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude, from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, and holds a BA in Environmental Studies, as well as minors in Political Science and Philosophy. Jackie became familiar with the field of Environmental Education through her eight-year relationship with Creek Connections, a watershed education program housed by Allegheny College. Before becoming a part of the AFF team, Jackie held various positions with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Alaska Wilderness League, and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Meadville.

Conservation Easements and Forestry

Presented by Donald VanHassent and Tom McCarthy

This session will discuss the standard requirements in Conservation Easements held by the Maryland DNR and how those terms affect commercial forestry on the encumbered property. Forest Legacy Easements will also be discussed.

Don is a native of New Jersey, a graduate of the University of Maine and has been with the Maryland Forest Service for almost thirty years. He began as a utilization forester working with sawmills across the state. His next assignment was Project Forester in St. Mary’s County; working with private landowners, preparing management plans, doing Tree Farm inspections and suppressing fires. He took the opportunity to move into headquarters where he became Program Supervisor for several programs over the years including Utilization and Marketing, Resource Protection and Forest Stewardship. In 2001 he became Associate Director of Statewide Programs, functioning as chief of staff with responsibility for the major programs (Fire, Stewardship, Urban & Community Forestry and Watershed Forestry). He is also responsible for coordinating the development of and responses to legislation during Maryland’s General Assembly.

Tom is the Southern Regional Program Manager and statewide Federal Grant Coordinator in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Land Acquisition and Planning Unit. Tom coordinates Program Open Space land purchases and Rural Legacy conservation easements, and liaises with Federal agencies that offer grant funding to states for land acquisition. The Southern Region includes Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties. Tom joined DNR in September of 2006.

Succession Planning: Preserving Your Family Forest Through the Generations

Succession Planning: Preserving Your Family Forest Through the Generations

Passing along the family forest intact to the next generation or “step-generation” provides unique benefits for the family, the forest, the community, and the environment. This program looks at tools and resources to help you plan a smooth and successful generational transition.

Robin was born in Maine into a wood-lot owning family. The absence of succession planning parted the family and their woods years ago. Today, Robin holds the A.E. Coleman chair in family Business and is the director of the Austin Family Business Program at Oregon State University in Corvallis Oregon. As a founding owner of Optimus Consulting, Robin provided advising for family businesses. She has authored books, articles, and a newspaper column on strategic management, and is a frequent conference speaker. She served on the faculties of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, and Pennsylvania State University. Robin holds a doctorate from the Wharton School, an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, and an MA and BA from the University of Rochester.

Engaging Your Family

Presented by Mary Sisock

Many landowners postpone family conversations about the future of their land because these discussions can raise strong emotions including sadness and anger. In this session you will learn skills and strategies to initiate productive and caring conversations with your family about the future of your land. Mary's Presentation

Protecting Your Trees from Invasive Insects and Diseases

Presented by Frank Lowenstein

Many landowners postpone family conversations about the future of their land because these discussions can raise strong emotions including sadness and anger. In this session you will learn skills and strategies to initiate productive and caring conversations with your family about the future of your land.

Frank is Director of Forest Health for The Nature Conservancy’s North America Conservation Region. In this role he heads the organization’s work to address invasive insects and diseases. During his nearly 16 years with The Nature Conservancy, Frank has worked to conserve forestlands and wetlands in many geographical areas, including the Selva Maya of Mexico, the Tumbesian dry forests of Ecuador, pine forests of the Bahamas and the deciduous forests of the Northeastern U.S.

Forest Adaptation to Climate Change

Presented by Drue DeBerry

Forest adaptation is a growing concern as climates across the nation and world continue to fluctuate. This session will explore local examples of changing climates, anticipated future trends, and what states are doing to help manage forests in the face of such changes. Additionally, learn more about the American Forest Foundation’s policy work on adaptation funding.  Drue's Presentation

Drue is the Senior Vice President, Conservation, for the American Forest Foundation.  Over the past 9 years, he has advanced family forest conservation projects in 18 states in partnership with a diverse range of national, state, and local organizations. Before joining AFF, Drue worked as a biologist for the USDA Forest Service in California and Montana.  He also served in the US PeaceCorps as an aquaculture and agroforestry agent in Cameroon.  Drue holds an MFS from the Yale School of Forestry and a BA in Biology and Environmental Conservation from the University of Colorado at Boulder.