FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 5/1/12

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FLRegister now for this great event! An annual tradition, this event provides farmers with up-to-date, research-based, in-depth educational information. The conference aims to facilitate solutions-based collaboration by encouraging networking and an open dialog among members of Florida’s small farms community. Additionally, the conference is an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of Florida’s small farms industry, which organizers accomplish by including participation from decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector. Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

TIMBER PRICE UPDATE, 1ST QTR 2012:
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/files/timber_price_update121.pdf

USDA AND US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ANNOUNCE WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE COST-SHARE PROGRAM
Private landowners are eligible to receive funds specifically for managing gopher tortoise habitat. Of the $33 million mentioned in the press release below, approx. $6 million is reserved for improving gopher tortoise habitat throughout its range. The goal of this new funding initiative is to help reverse the decline of 7 critical species. The deadline for landowners to submit applications is May 30, 2012. Information on how to apply is included on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website at http://www.fws.gov/workinglandsforwildlife.html. Landowners can contact their local NRCS office for more information. Find your local contact here: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, you can contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu).  If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup.  Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level).  We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law.  We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

LEON COUNTY EXTENSION ANNOUNCES PERMACULTURE COURSES - SUMMER QUARTER
See the course flyer at:http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu/Flyer_Permaculture%20Course%202012_ver3.pdf. To register, contact Genice Harris at (850) 606-5202, or Will Sheftall at Sheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES ONLINE DEER STEWARD COURSEThe program is self-paced and conducted online. It is a convenient way to learn everything about white-tailed deer from the leading experts! You will register for the program through the QDMA but will view all the program materials through Clemson University.  Foresters earn 4 hous of Category 1 CFEs and 10 hours of Category 2 CFEs without ever leaving your office. You will watch videos from the comfort of your home or office and take exams, all online! This is a great opportunity to earn CFE credits on your own time! Register or learn more about QDMA and the Deer Steward Online program here:
http://www.qdma.com/programs/certify/deer-steward-courses/online-deer-steward/.

REPORT FOX SQUIRREL SIGHTINGS
The fox squirrel, named for its fox-like tail, is a charismatic mammal approximately twice the size of the common gray squirrel. The coloration of the fox squirrel is highly variable, ranging from a creamy tan to all black. In Florida, the fox squirrel can be found in almost every county, but the distribution is patchy and not well understood. To better understand fox squirrel distribution, A research project, conducted by the University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is asking the public across the state to report their fox squirrel sightings at the following website:
https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/foxsquirrel/GetLatLong.aspx

Thanks for your help! Questions? Please Contact Courtney Hooker foxsquirrel@ifas.ufl.edu

WANT TO CUT BACK ON PAPER MAIL?
If you receive the Florida Land Steward Newsletter by mail and prefer to get the publication online via a link provided in regular email updates, let us know. Contact Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375

ONLINE EVENTS / EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/online_events.html