2011 National Tree Farmer Convention Concurrent Sessions Presentations
Am I Responsible for That?: Woodland Owners and Legal Responsibility
This session explores the issues of landowner liability, including background and history, general claim review, insurance, and other ways to protect your timber investment. Hosted by Ed Wilson, Vice President, Outdoor Underwriters
Cameras & Critters: Attracting and Viewing Wildlife on Your Tree Farm
Trail cameras are the rage the days, and they are no longer just tools for hunters. We will discuss different uses for trail cameras and how to set them up to tape optimal photographs. We'll cover specific lures, scents and techniques to attract diverse wildlife species including deer, turkeys, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, wild pigs and others. We'll view oodles of critter shots depicting "How To" and even some "How Not To." Hosted by Gil Lackey, Tennessee Outdoors Writers Association
Creating and Running Successful Family Meetings
Wondering if you need to have a family meeting? Don't know where to start to organize a family meeting? Looking for ideas to make your meetings better? Come to this lively and informative session where Clint Bentz, CPA, 2002 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, will share valuable insights and suggestions based on his experiences with his own family and in helping the families of his clients with their family meetings. Hosted by Clint Bentz, Chair, AFF Board of Trustees
PEFC: The Certification System of Choice for Family Forest Owners
Family forest owners around the world are obtaining certification for their good management practices, yet the benefits of certification are not immediately obvious for every forest owner. This session by PEFC will explore some of the direct and indirect benefits of certification, and why PEFC, together with ATFS, is the certification system of choice for small forest owners. Hosted by Sarah Price, PEFC International
Share Your Passion: Organize a Walk in the Forest!
Part 2: Share Your Passion: Organize a Walk in the Forest!
This session is designed to motivate Tree Farmers to host a tour of their property and share their knowledge, experiences and passion for the forest. It will include an overview of the Walk in the Forest handbook, a tool for organizing events on your Tree Farm. Presenters will focus on hosting for landowners and events for students. Hosted by Chris Erwin, Director of Education and Outreach, Alabama Forestry Association & Salem Saloom, 2010 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year
Should You Set Up an LLC or Family Partnership for Your Woodlands?
Why should you form a business entity to hold your woodland? What is a Limited Liability Corporation? What is a Family Limited Partnership? Which one is better? What are the income and estate tax consequences? What are the tricks, traps and costs in setting one up? A nationally recognized expert in income tax and estate planning for woodland owners will answer these questions and more in this session. Hosted by Clint Bentz, Chair, AFF Board of Trustees
Spreading the Seeds About Tree Farm
Have you ever been asked, "What does that green and white diamond sign mean?" Or talked to members in your community about Tree Farm? Have you ever wished that you had a bit more information to share in those conversations? Then this session is for you! Tree Farmers like you are a dedicated and passionate group who care about their woods and who want to share the important message about forest stewardship. In this session, we will provide you with some additional tools and resources to help you promote the value of being a certified Tree Farmer in the ATFS network to your community. Hosted by Caroline Kuebler, Outreach Manager, American Tree Farm System
Tales From the Trenches: Forests and The Farm Bill
While not without glitches, Farm Bill programs have continued to be an important resource to give woodland owners the tools they need to achieve their management goals. AFF's 2011 Farm Bill Progress Report states that 3.5 million acres of private forestland were improved or conserved in 2010 involving nearly 40,000 private landowners. In terms of actual programs, some experienced forestland participation increases, but other programs are declining in terms of participation. How are forests really faring in the Farm Bill? This session hopes to answer that question in detail while highlighting Farm Bill stories from your fellow Tree Farmers. Hosted by Christine Cadigan, Public Affairs Manager, American Forest Foundation
Tree Farmers in the 21st Century: Social Media & Blogging 101
With more than 700 million users combined, Facebook and Twitter are two colossal community-building and story-telling platforms. Together, we will discuss how you can cut through the "noise" online to maximize these tools to tell your story. We will also explore the value of blogging which, combined with social media outreach, will help amplify your story and connect you to one another. Hosted by Amanda Cooke, Media & Marketing Manager, American Forest Foundation
What Women Want: Changing Roles and Challenges Facing Women with Working Lands
The number of farms, ranches, and forest lands managed by women has increased dramatically over the past few decades. This session will present the perceptions of women with working lands in Arkansas, Mississippi, Oregon, and Minnesota. These women discussed their roles in management, barriers to success, educational needs, and views about conservation and sustainability. We will share recommendations, based on the information provided by these women, on how to better serve their needs. There will be time for audience discussion. Hosted by Tamara Walkingstick, Associate Professor - Forestry Extension, University of Arkansas
You Want Me To Do What? Tree Farmers CAN Change Public Policy
We don't have to take outrageous steps to make a difference as advocates on issues that impact Tree Farmers. Learn how you can take a few simple steps and persuade your elected officials to support tax policy changes, programs that provide technical service, and green building policies that recognize your Tree Farm certified wood. Hosted by Melissa Harden, Public Affairs Manager, American Forest Foundation
