Friday, May 30, 2014

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 5/30/14

LONGLEAF PINE LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications from Private Forest Landowners Will Be Accepted May 19-June 27
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Longleaf Pine Landowner Incentive Program. The sign-up period will run from May 19-June 27 and is available for non-industrial private forest landowners.
“Longleaf pine forests once covered a vast range from Texas to Virginia but that has been greatly reduced,” said Commissioner Putnam. “With the help of private landowners across Florida, we can work together to restore the environmental benefits and natural beauty that come with this important natural resource.”

Longleaf pine forests are highly valued for their resistance to damage by insects, disease, wildfire and storms. They are also favored for their yield of high-quality wood products, biological diversity and scenic beauty. The goal of this program is to increase the acreage of healthy Longleaf pine ecosystems in Florida by helping non-industrial private forest landowners make the long-term investment required to establish and maintain this valuable ecosystem.
The Longleaf Pine Landowner Incentive Program is offered for private lands in Florida counties located west of the Apalachicola River and counties adjacent to the Ocala or Osceola National Forests. (See a map of eligible counties.)
The program provides incentive payments for the following:
  • Improving timber stand
  • Controlling invasive species
  • Conducting prescribed burning operations
  • Planting Longleaf pine
  • Establishing native plant understory
  • Conducting mechanical underbrush treatments
To obtain an application form, contact a local Florida Forest Service office or visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for funding approval. This program is supported through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with funding from the Southern Company, the U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS TO INSTALL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
Apply by July 18, 2014 for Gulf of Mexico Initiative
Farmers and ranchers in the Escambia River or Middle Suwannee River Area watersheds may be eligible for financial assistance to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on cropland, pastureland and forestland. The deadline is July 18 to sign up for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Gulf of Mexico Initiative.
In Florida, the initiative will make available more than $1.4 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) financial assistance funds in those two priority watersheds during fiscal year 2014.

“This effort to improve the health of the Gulf Coast region will benefit Florida citizens by producing cleaner water, more abundant wildlife and healthier fisheries,” said Russell Morgan, Florida state conservationist. 

The priority watersheds include the Middle Suwannee River area in parts of Suwannee and Lafayette counties and the Escambia River in parts of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.  Landowners can view maps to see if their property lies within one of the announced watersheds. 
Practices include:
  • Installing grade-control structures to stabilize eroding gullies
  • Implementing precision agriculture to reduce chemical application overlap and protect sensitive environmental areas
  • Adopting residue and tillage management, cover crops and conservation crop rotations to reduce sheet and rill erosion and improve soil organic matter, which results in cleaner runoff and improved water quality
  • Planting grass and trees to stabilize eroding areas
  • Installing cross-fences and watering facilities to facilitate grazing distribution
  • Controlling cattle access to streams to improve water quality and stream bank stability
  • Planting and managing native plant species to improve wildlife habitat and assist with restoration of a multitude of declining species
  • Promoting energy conservation by eliminating the need for annual mechanical removal of sediment from split ditches
  • Implementing grazing management
  • Installing heavy-use area protection pads
The initiative helps agricultural producers in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas improve water quality and ensure sustainable production of food and fiber.  It was developed by NRCS and conservation partners in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and President Obama's call to restore the waters, shores and wildlife populations along the Gulf Coast. This effort incorporates what the public and communities have requested through their input into the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Strategy to restore the Gulf Coast.
For more information about signing up for the initiative, contact your local NRCS office.

NEW FARM BILL PROGRAM PAYS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Sign up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program by June 6
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is now accepting applications for its new Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP)  that provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to establish conservation easements.  The deadline for applications is June 6.

Two components comprise the program. Agricultural easements protect land devoted to food production.  Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible. Wetland reserve easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.
The ACEP combines NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection, Grassland Reserve and Wetlands Reserve programs. Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Agreements will be evaluated starting in late August. For more information on agricultural easements contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554. Contact Crenel Francis, 352-338-3508 for information about wetland easements.

TO CERTIFY OR NOT: FLORIDA TREE FARM PROGRAM NEEDS TO DECIDE
Something that sets the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) apart from all other private land stewardship programs is forest certification.  ATFS Tree Farms are currently third party certified as sustainable (or “green”) and products can be sold as such at market.  Florida, along with the other states are now being presented with a choice to make: to either stay in or opt out of ATFS Certification status depending on the importance we see in it.  The Florida Tree Farm Committee will be required to make a formal declaration by December 31, 2015 of whether or not we want to continue as a state program of “third party certified” Tree Farms.  The alternative is to revert to a “recognition” program that no longer has a “certification” status.  As Tree Farmers, The Florida Tree Farm Committee would like your opinion of whether Florida should remain in a “certified” Tree Farm program, or drop the requirement for third party certification.  Please reply with any comments you may have on this to Phil Gornicki, State Tree Farm Coordinator at 850-222-5646 or phil@forestfla.org.   


ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

HELP STILL NEEDED - COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
The University of Florida is conducting a study of coyote dietary habits in Florida and needs YOU to donate your catch! We are especially interested in how coyotes are affecting white-tailed deer, turkeys, bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets! YOUR help is needed to obtain legally acquired coyote carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal weight/sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. Arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. 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!

Lauren N. Watine & Bill Giuliano
E-mail: LNWATINE@UFL.EDU
Office: 352-846-0575

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the new Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.
Run by forest health specialists at the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Department of Entomology and the Florida Forest Service, this is the fastest and the most accurate forest pest and disease diagnostics available in the State of Florida. It’s free, logging in is easy, and replies are prompt. We are also happy to examine your samples, or visit your site for a minimal fee. We are here to help you protect your trees!

"TIME TO THIN" VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
Not your usual instructional video - check it out! In just a little over two minutes, explains why thinning is important and how to get started, with a live link to more information. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBxGxeAagtE

PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FWC IMPERILED SPECIES ACTION PLANS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites your feedback on the Imperiled Species Management Plan, which will be the blueprint for conserving 60 species on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. Be a part the process. See http://www.myfwc.com/Imperiled to learn more and participate.

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

FWC WILDLIFE LEGACY INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER
See the latest news at: http://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/fwli/news/winter-2014/

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION EXTENSION PROGRAMS
See http://sfrc.ufl.edu/extension

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS
For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:
http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinar-calendar/month#.T-zLkBhgZys.blogger

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CONTINUING FORESTRY EDUCATION CLASSES
See http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/ for the latest offerings.

ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FORESTRY WEBINARS
See http://www.aces.edu/natural-resources/forestry/
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Friday, May 9, 2014

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 5/9/14


BEAR MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold six public workshops in April and May to discuss management of black bears in the eastern portion of the Florida Panhandle and how people can get involved in working with the FWC on local bear issues. Workshops will offer the public a chance to provide input on local bear issues and allow interested individuals to sign up to be active members of the East Panhandle Bear Stakeholder Group. The meetings will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. local time at the following locations:
  • May 13 – Perry, Forest Capital Hall, 204 Forest Park Dr.
  • May 15 – Carrabelle, city of Carrabelle Auditorium, 1001 Gray Ave.
  • May 20 – Port St. Joe. Gulf Coast State College, Gulf/Franklin Campus, 3800 Garrison Ave.
 The East Panhandle Bear Management Unit includes Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington Counties.

USDA EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM
The Emergency Watershed Protection Program addresses imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, wind­storms and other natural occurrences.  Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance, but must be represented by a project sponsor, such as a city, county, conservation district or any Native American tribe or tribal organization.
Visit a local NRCS office or check the website for more information about the Emergency Management Protection program. 

In Santa Rosa County contact Trent Mathews,  850-623-3229 x109;
Escambia County,  Josh McElhaney, 850-587-5404 x105;
Okaloosa County, Darryl Williams, 850-682-3714 x109;
Walton County,  Jason Hayford, 850-892-3712 x107;
Calhoun County Brian McGraw, 850-674-8271 x104;
Holmes County,  Greg Nolan, 850-547-2916 x116;
Jackson County, Mary Jane Nelson, 850-526-2610 x127;
Gadsden County, Karyn Ruiz-Toro, 850-625-6355 x106;
Jefferson County, Stephen Tuller, 850-997-4058 x105.

USDA INVITES STATES TO PARTICIPATE IN MARKETING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the availability of approximately $1 million in matching grant funds through the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). AMS is requesting grant proposals from state departments of agriculture, state colleges and universities, and other appropriate state agencies. Funds will support research projects to address challenges and opportunities in marketing, transporting, and distributing U.S. agricultural products domestically and internationally. Federal funds awarded must be matched dollar-for-dollar by non-federal funds and/or in-kind resources.  Proposals that address issues of importance at the state, multi-state, or national level are encouraged, including projects that:

• Assess challenges and develop ways to assist local and regional producers in marketing agricultural products that meet the mandates of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
• Have the potential to create economic opportunity in rural communities through research relating to marketing in local and regional food systems, and value-added agriculture.
• Contribute to the strategy of a designated Promise Zone.
• Demonstrate sound methods for processing, packing, handling, transporting, storing, distributing, and marketing agricultural products.
• Determine the costs of marketing agricultural products in their various forms and through various channels.
• Assist in the development of marketing methods, practices and facilities to bring about more efficient and orderly marketing, and reduce the price spread between the producer and the consumer.
 • Develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.
• Eliminate artificial barriers to the free movement of agricultural products in commercial channels.
• Foster new or expanded markets and new uses of agricultural products.

Applicants must submit proposals through the federal website www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 16, 2014. The request for applications, which describes details about the grant opportunity, including eligibility, application requirements and an outline of the review process, is available at www.ams.usda.gov/FSMIP, and is linked with the FSMIP opportunity posted on www.grants.gov.

A one-hour teleconference is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at 2 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the 2014 program and give potential applicants the opportunity to ask questions about the request for applications. If you are interested in participating, please send a message to janise.zygmont@ams.usda.gov before the teleconference date to receive instructions.  

NEW FARM BILL PROGRAM PAYS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Sign up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program by June 6

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is now accepting applications for its new Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP)  that provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to establish conservation easements.  The deadline for applications is June 6.

Two components comprise the program. Agricultural easements protect land devoted to food production.  Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible. Wetland reserve easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. The ACEP combines NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection, Grassland Reserve and Wetlands Reserve programs.

Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Agreements will be evaluated starting in late August.  For more information on agricultural easements contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554. Contact Crenel Francis, 352-338-3508 for information about wetland easements.
 
2014 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECAST
The results of the 2014 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the majority of the surveyed counties is low. Read the full report here.

TO CERTIFY OR NOT: FLORIDA TREE FARM PROGRAM NEEDS TO DECIDE
Something that sets the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) apart from all other private land stewardship programs is forest certification.  ATFS Tree Farms are currently third party certified as sustainable (or “green”) and products can be sold as such at market.  Florida, along with the other states are now being presented with a choice to make: to either stay in or opt out of ATFS Certification status depending on the importance we see in it.  The Florida Tree Farm Committee will be required to make a formal declaration by December 31, 2015 of whether or not we want to continue as a state program of “third party certified” Tree Farms.  The alternative is to revert to a “recognition” program that no longer has a “certification” status.  As Tree Farmers, The Florida Tree Farm Committee would like your opinion of whether Florida should remain in a “certified” Tree Farm program, or drop the requirement for third party certification.  Please reply with any comments you may have on this to Phil Gornicki, State Tree Farm Coordinator at 850-222-5646 or phil@forestfla.org.


ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

HELP STILL NEEDED - COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
The University of Florida is conducting a study of coyote dietary habits in Florida and needs YOU to donate your catch! We are especially interested in how coyotes are affecting white-tailed deer, turkeys, bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets! YOUR help is needed to obtain legally acquired coyote carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal weight/sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. Arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. 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!

Lauren N. Watine & Bill Giuliano
E-mail: LNWATINE@UFL.EDU
Office: 352-846-0575

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the new Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.
Run by forest health specialists at the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Department of Entomology and the Florida Forest Service, this is the fastest and the most accurate forest pest and disease diagnostics available in the State of Florida. It’s free, logging in is easy, and replies are prompt. We are also happy to examine your samples, or visit your site for a minimal fee. We are here to help you protect your trees!

"TIME TO THIN" VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
Not your usual instructional video - check it out! In just a little over two minutes, explains why thinning is important and how to get started, with a live link to more information. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBxGxeAagtE

PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FWC IMPERILED SPECIES ACTION PLANS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites your feedback on the Imperiled Species Management Plan, which will be the blueprint for conserving 60 species on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. Be a part the process. See http://www.myfwc.com/Imperiled to learn more and participate.

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

FWC WILDLIFE LEGACY INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER
See the latest news at: http://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/fwli/news/winter-2014/

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION EXTENSION PROGRAMS
See http://sfrc.ufl.edu/extension

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS
For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:
http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinar-calendar/month#.T-zLkBhgZys.blogger

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CONTINUING FORESTRY EDUCATION CLASSES
See http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/ for the latest offerings.

ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FORESTRY WEBINARS
See http://www.aces.edu/natural-resources/forestry/
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

USDA FLOOD ASSISTANCE AND MARKETING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

USDA EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM PROVIDES FLOOD AND OTHER ASSISTANCE

GAINESVILLE, FL, May 5, 2014—Tropical storms in Florida do a lot of damage in a very short time.  In June, 2012, Tropical Storm Debby dumped almost 30 inches of rain, flooding Florida’s panhandle and spawning tornados. 

In the small coastal community of Shell Point in Wakulla County the storm washed out a roadway, downed trees and exposed utilities. Canal water was washing soil out from under 2,200-feet of Walker Creek Drive, which is the only access to about 30 homes. 

The Wakulla Board of County Commissioners contacted the Natural Resources Conservation Service for financial assistance through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to repair the damages.  NRCS provided 75 percent of the estimated $500,000 to stabilize approximately 2,200 feet of canal bank using sheet pilings, turf reinforcement mat and sod.  And just last week, workers swept up the road and picked up the last of the trash left by construction, finishing the job.

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program addresses imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, wind­storms and other natural occurrences.  Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance, but must be represented by a project sponsor, such as a city, county, conservation district or any Native American tribe or tribal organization.

Brent Pell, the county’s assistant project manager said they couldn’t have afforded to fund a permanent repair without the assistance.  “This is a huge benefit to the community and the taxpayers of Wakulla County,” he said. 
 
Visit a local NRCS office or check the website for more information about the Emergency Management Protection program. 

In Santa Rosa County contact Trent Mathews,  850-623-3229 x109; Escambia County,  Josh McElhaney, 850-587-5404 x105; Okaloosa County, Darryl Williams, 850-682-3714 x109; Walton County,  Jason Hayford, 850-892-3712 x107; Calhoun County Brian McGraw, 850-674-8271 x104; Holmes County,  Greg Nolan, 850-547-2916 x116; Jackson County, Mary Jane Nelson, 850-526-2610 x127; Gadsden County, Karyn Ruiz-Toro, 850-625-6355 x106; Jefferson County, Stephen Tuller, 850-997-4058 x105.

 
USDA INVITES STATES TO PARTICIPATE IN MARKETING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the availability of approximately $1 million in matching grant funds through the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). AMS is requesting grant proposals from state departments of agriculture, state colleges and universities, and other appropriate state agencies. Funds will support research projects to address challenges and opportunities in marketing, transporting, and distributing U.S. agricultural products domestically and internationally. Federal funds awarded must be matched dollar-for-dollar by non-federal funds and/or in-kind resources.

“These grants provide our state partners with matching funds to explore new and innovative approaches to marketing U.S. agricultural products,” said AMS Administrator, Anne Alonzo. “We’re really looking for proposals that demonstrate collaboration among state agencies, universities, producers and other stakeholders. We have seen some creative work in expanding and exploring new markets as a result of these kinds of partnerships.”
Proposals that address issues of importance at the state, multi-state, or national level are encouraged, including projects that:

• Assess challenges and develop ways to assist local and regional producers in marketing agricultural products that meet the mandates of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
• Have the potential to create economic opportunity in rural communities through research relating to marketing in local and regional food systems, and value-added agriculture.
• Contribute to the strategy of a designated Promise Zone.
• Demonstrate sound methods for processing, packing, handling, transporting, storing, distributing, and marketing agricultural products.
• Determine the costs of marketing agricultural products in their various forms and through various channels.
• Assist in the development of marketing methods, practices and facilities to bring about more efficient and orderly marketing, and reduce the price spread between the producer and the consumer.
• Develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.
• Eliminate artificial barriers to the free movement of agricultural products in commercial channels.
• Foster new or expanded markets and new uses of agricultural products.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

Applicants must submit proposals through the federal website www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern
time on June 16, 2014. The request for applications, which describes details about the grant opportunity, including eligibility, application requirements and an outline of the review process, is available at www.ams.usda.gov/FSMIP, and is linked with the FSMIP opportunity posted on www.grants.gov.

A one-hour teleconference is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at 2 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the 2014 program and give potential applicants the opportunity to ask questions about the request for
applications. If you are interested in participating, please send a message to
janise.zygmont@ams.usda.gov before the teleconference date to receive instructions.
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Jefferson County Farmers Discover “The Cover”

NRCS RELEASE, GAINESVILLE, FL, May 5, 2014— It had just started raining when Kirk Brock walked into his waist-high field of soybeans on his 1,000-acre farm nine miles northeast of Monticello, Fl. The rain gauge at the edge of the field showed only ¼-inch of water, yet as he watched, the rain was already flowing down the clean, cultivated rows, even though the slope was no more than two percent. Something was going to have to change.

That was 2001, when Brock, a second generation farmer who grows corn, soybeans, peanuts and cotton quit using the disc to plow up his fields and started using a combination of strip- and no-till methods to keep the soil relatively undisturbed when he planted. The next year he planted cover crops so the residue would help keep the rain from running off. He got the erosion under control, but that wasn’t the only benefit. Cover crops reduced pests, helps water get into the soil profile and modulated the soil temperature extremes, which is important in Jefferson County where it rains a lot in short periods with long stretches of hot dry temperatures in between. “No-till is important for keeping nutrients where we need them,” he said.

Changing his approach to farming wasn’t simple. Brock started by contacting the Georgia Conservation Tillage Alliance for information. He worked with USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, applying for cost share funding and getting technical assistance from the local service center. Equipment had to be modified for planting the proper depth and planting the cover crop. Trial and error has determined the proper timing and best cover crops for the climate; the timing for the following cash crop and Florida’s sandy soils is an ongoing experiment. His dad Gene modified an old harrow machine by replacing the discs with rollers that push the cover crop down prior to planting the cash crop. The neighbors call it the “Brock Annihilator.”

Working with the University of Florida extension scientists he has experimented with various combinations of cover crop plants, with and without nutrients and herbicides, year-to-year to determine the optimum benefits in building soil health and increasing his crop volume.

Brock has monitored soil temperature within controlled areas using cover crops showing a cool 85 degrees compared to bare soil areas well over 100 degrees. He said plant growth and microbial growth slow above 95 degrees. Brock primarily uses two varieties of rye grain for cover crops and has tried bitter blue lupine, daikon radishes and sun hemp. He wants to figure out how to best use legumes to increase the nitrogen contribution to the cash crop. “Fuel is only going to go up,” he said.

Now that his farm is completely converted, Brock said he doesn’t miss the four to five weeks a year he used to spend hauling his dirt back up to the fields. “I don’t worry about crop failure or soil erosion,” Brock said. His next big challenge is coordinating the timing of harvesting the cash crop with planting the cover crop. “It keeps it interesting,” he said.

Next door to Brock, seven miles northeast of Monticello, Fulford Farms has adopted the same no-till and cover crop farming on the 2,000 acres where they grow soybeans, cotton, peanuts and grain sorghum. Stephen Fulford is a fourth-generation farmer.  After working in North Carolina as an extension agent, he knew he wanted to convert the farm to no-till farming and using cover crops when he returned home in 2004. Fulford Farms share the same highly erodible soil with the Brocks, and field stability is Fulford’s primary concern. “I didn’t want to chase topsoil downhill anymore,” he said.  By 2006 he converted the farm, and it worked.  After significant rainfall events, Fulford said he had no erosion. What is next?  Along with Brock, he is looking at increasing cover crop diversity to gain more nutrients.  “Everybody puts mulch on their flower garden; we are basically doing the same,” he said.

 

NRCS provides technical assistance and programs with cost share funding to help agricultural producers get started with cover crops and no-till farming. Learn more about soil health on the website.

 
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Thursday, May 1, 2014

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 5/1/14

SPRING / SUMMER ISSUE OF FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NOW AVAILABLEInside:
  • To Certify or Not: Florida Tree Farm Program Needs to Decide
  • 2013 Tree Farm Tour Highlights
  • New Austin Cary Forest Learning Center Unveiled
  • Friends of Florida State Forests
  • Animal Invasion - Tegu Lizard
  • Timber Price Update
  • Certified Forest Stewards and Tree Farmers
  • Events Calendar

 
NEW FARM BILL PROGRAM PAYS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Sign up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program by June 6
 
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is now accepting applications for its new Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP)  that provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to establish conservation easements.  The deadline for applications is June 6.

Two components comprise the program. Agricultural easements protect land devoted to food production.  Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible. Wetland reserve easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.

The ACEP combines NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection, Grassland Reserve and Wetlands Reserve programs.

“This is an exciting new opportunity for even more people to get involved in conserving natural resources,” said Florida State Conservationist Russell Morgan. “We encourage Indian tribes, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and private landowners to contact their local NRCS office to find out how to apply.”

Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Agreements will be evaluated starting in late August.

 For more information on agricultural easements contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554. Contact Crenel Francis, 352-338-3508 for information about wetland easements.
 
2014 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECAST
The Florida Forest Service conducted a pheromone trap survey in March 2014 as part of an ongoing program to monitor the populations of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and its associated predators. The purpose is to provide an early-season prediction of the potential level of SPB activity in select Florida counties, and identify areas which may be at increased risk for an outbreak. The results of the 2014 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the majority of the surveyed counties is low. Read the full report here.

BEAR MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold six public workshops in April and May to discuss management of black bears in the eastern portion of the Florida Panhandle and how people can get involved in working with the FWC on local bear issues. Workshops will offer the public a chance to provide input on local bear issues and allow interested individuals to sign up to be active members of the East Panhandle Bear Stakeholder Group. The meetings will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. local time at the following locations:
  • May 6 – Tallahassee, Woodville Community Center, 8000 Old Woodville Highway
  • May 8 – Panama City, Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th St.
  • May 13 – Perry, Forest Capital Hall, 204 Forest Park Dr.
  • May 15 – Carrabelle, city of Carrabelle Auditorium, 1001 Gray Ave.
  • May 20 – Port St. Joe. Gulf Coast State College, Gulf/Franklin Campus, 3800 Garrison Ave.
The East Panhandle Bear Management Unit includes Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington Counties.

TO CERTIFY OR NOT: FLORIDA TREE FARM PROGRAM NEEDS TO DECIDE
Something that sets the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) apart from all other private land stewardship programs is forest certification.  ATFS Tree Farms are currently third party certified as sustainable (or “green”) and products can be sold as such at market.  Florida, along with the other states are now being presented with a choice to make: to either stay in or opt out of ATFS Certification status depending on the importance we see in it.  The Florida Tree Farm Committee will be required to make a formal declaration by December 31, 2015 of whether or not we want to continue as a state program of “third party certified” Tree Farms.  The alternative is to revert to a “recognition” program that no longer has a “certification” status.  As Tree Farmers, The Florida Tree Farm Committee would like your opinion of whether Florida should remain in a “certified” Tree Farm program, or drop the requirement for third party certification.  Please reply with any comments you may have on this to Phil Gornicki, State Tree Farm Coordinator at 850-222-5646 or phil@forestfla.org.


ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
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HELP STILL NEEDED - COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
The University of Florida is conducting a study of coyote dietary habits in Florida and needs YOU to donate your catch! We are especially interested in how coyotes are affecting white-tailed deer, turkeys, bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets! YOUR help is needed to obtain legally acquired coyote carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal weight/sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. Arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. 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!

Lauren N. Watine & Bill Giuliano
E-mail: LNWATINE@UFL.EDU
Office: 352-846-0575

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the new Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.
Run by forest health specialists at the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Department of Entomology and the Florida Forest Service, this is the fastest and the most accurate forest pest and disease diagnostics available in the State of Florida. It’s free, logging in is easy, and replies are prompt. We are also happy to examine your samples, or visit your site for a minimal fee. We are here to help you protect your trees!

"TIME TO THIN" VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
Not your usual instructional video - check it out! In just a little over two minutes, explains why thinning is important and how to get started, with a live link to more information. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBxGxeAagtE

PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FWC IMPERILED SPECIES ACTION PLANS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites your feedback on the Imperiled Species Management Plan, which will be the blueprint for conserving 60 species on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. Be a part the process. See http://www.myfwc.com/Imperiled to learn more and participate.

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

FWC WILDLIFE LEGACY INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER
See the latest news at: http://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/fwli/news/winter-2014/

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION EXTENSION PROGRAMS
See http://sfrc.ufl.edu/extension

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS
For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:
http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinar-calendar/month#.T-zLkBhgZys.blogger

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CONTINUING FORESTRY EDUCATION CLASSES
See http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/ for the latest offerings.

ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FORESTRY WEBINARS
See http://www.aces.edu/natural-resources/forestry/
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