Friday, April 10, 2020

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 4/10/20


STEWARDSHIP AND CONNECTION CONTINUE
As we continue our social distancing and remote work activities to the extent those are possible, our land stewardship and connection also carry on.  

 Helen Roth, 2015 Florida Land Steward of the Year, has posted some great photos of the beautiful and unique plants in bloom at her Spring Canyon property in the Apalachicola ravines region of Gadsden County. If you are on Facebook, see her posts on the progression of spring blooms at https://www.facebook.com/helen.roth.77/posts/2957631867649279. You'll learn some new plants too.

 Keep getting out in woods and on the water and share those experiences with us. Land stewardship activities, news, information, and opportunities are being shared on our Florida Land Steward Facebook page.
Please stay safe and avoid large gatherings according to local, regional, and national guidance. For the latest on the situation follow recommendations from trusted sources for up-to-date information on how to keep your family, friends and yourself in good health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site has the latest information and tips for preventing spread and staying healthy: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
The UF College of Medicine has put together page with helpful resources and services to help everyone stay healthy and appropriately distanced: Resources to Promote Well-Being during Covid-19 Outbreak


FOREST AND TREE HEALTH DIAGNOSTICS CONTINUE ONLINE

By Sarah Tobing, ProForest and UF/ IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation

Is something bugging your trees? The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension offices closed to the public on March 16, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But there is a place open 24 hours a day where you can ask tree and forest health questions - Southern Forest Tree Health Diagnostics is a group on Facebook. The group is open to anyone with a Facebook account. It is managed by professionals in forestry, extension, entomology and forest health in the southeastern U.S. Here is the full web address: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SouthernTreeHealthDiagnostics/. 

 How does it work? First, you encounter the unknown, it could be a new insect or an unexplainable ooze leaking from your tree. Then you snap a couple of photos of the unknown tree or forest health issue. Next, you join Southern Forest Tree Health Diagnostics on Facebook. Then you post your photos along with a detailed description of what’s happening, where, and questions. Within hours, a local expert or two will respond to your post with an answer and a recommendation for a solution.
Photo by Jiri Hulcr
Here’s an example. Question: What is this funky looking orange squiggly blob on this sand pine branch? Answer: That’s fusiform rust, a native fungus-caused disease. My management recommendation depends on where this tree is in the landscape, please follow-up with more photos.

Beyond being an online space to ask experts diagnostic questions, Southern Forest Tree Health Diagnostics is a place to virtually gather with other forest and land stewards. As of April 2020, the group has over 1,200 members. These members include foresters, consultants, state employees, educators, state agents, students, ranchers, and more.

 If like me, you are shy on social media, that is not a problem. I am a self-admitted “lurker”, someone who hangs out in the group’s page but does not post questions or answers. I still find a lot of value in being a part of the group because I have learned about tree diseases and insects by looking at photos and questions that other group members post.

 In Florida, spring is a great time to be outside. If you notice something weird or unexplained on your tree or forest, snap a photo, hop online and post it on the Southern Forest Tree Health Diagnostics Facebook page. During this time of social isolation, we still have options to reach out and interact with experts in tree and forest health. 

 Sarah Tobing is the program coordinator for ProForest, a multi-institutional collaborative that working to get ahead of threats to forest health and resilience through research, extension and education. Find out more here http://proforesthealth.org/.

 
 TRANSITION SARASOTA CONNECTING LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS WITH CONSUMERSTransition Sarasota and UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County are teaming up to celebrate local producers by helping them get the word out about available products and services as we navigate to keep everyone safe with COVID-19. Check out their efforts at http://www.transitionsrq.org/.
TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2019 TAX YEAR
As of the latest news, we will have an additional three months to file taxes amid the coronavirus pandemic. The US treasury secretary said today that the tax filing deadline is July 15 . The Federal income tax laws contain forestry-specific provisions that are important for those managing and conserving timber. This publication provides forest owners, foresters, loggers, and timber businesses a guide to the applicable Federal income tax laws, including the latest tax law changes, for filing 2019 tax returns. The information is not intended to render legal or accounting advice and is current as of September 30, 2019. Access the 2019 timber tax tips and more related information at https://www.timbertax.org/

USDA ANNOUNCES SIGNUP FOR CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
The application deadline for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is June 1, 2020. Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques.
Changes in the 2018 Farm Bill authorizes NRCS to accept new CSP enrollments from now until 2023, and it makes some improvements to the program. These updates include: NRCS now enrolls eligible, high-ranking applications based on dollars rather than acres; for fiscal 2020, NRCS in Florida can spend up to $7 million in the program, which covers part of the cost for producers implementing new conservation activities and maintaining their existing activities; higher payment rates are now available for certain conservation activities, including cover crops and resource conserving crop rotations; the annual payment limitation of $40,000 no longer applies.
While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their applications are considered for 2020 funding. For additional information about CSP, contact your local USDA service center.  Offices are currently operating by phone only. https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus

 2020 AG LAND CONSERVATION EASEMENT SIGNUP EXTENDED TO MAY 6
Applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida are now being accepted until May 6 (deadline extended). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs: Agricultural Land Easements and Wetland Reserve Easements. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year. Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. NRCS provides financial assistance to conservation partners to purchase an Agricultural Land Easement that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland.
Contact Crenel Francis at 352-338-9508 for questions and submissions.

HURRICANE RECOVERY: EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Florida Farm Service Agency State Committee authorized an extension to the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) late filing period. This will allow timber producers impacted by Hurricane Michael to apply for assistance under EFRP if the application is received by the new deadline of April 30, 2020. Find your USDA Service Center here.

HURRICANE RECOVERY: EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Florida Farm Service Agency State Committee authorized an extension to the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) late filing period. This will allow timber producers impacted by Hurricane Michael to apply for assistance under EFRP if the application is received by the new deadline of April 30, 2020. Find your USDA Service Center here.


CAMP KIDS IN THE WOODS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA'S AUSTIN CARY FOREST
Is your 10-14 year old child looking for fun adventure this summer? Consider Camp Kids in the Woods! Campers will conduct various field explorations led by local scientists from forestry, wildlife, and water resources. Highlights include activities in fishing, wildlife handling, tree identification, fire ecology, exploring local ecosystems, a trip to a spring, camping out one night at the Austin Cary Forest, building wildlife nesting boxes, and participating in games and scavenger hunts. After a week of fun in the forest, campers gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation of their natural world and what is required to be a good steward of the environment. Camp Kids in the Woods summer program is a collaborative effort between the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation and the USDA Forest Service.

Dates: Session 1: June 1-5; Session 2: June 8-12; Session 3: June 22-26 
Ages: 10-14 year olds
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Free extended hours available to help fit your schedule.
Location: Austin Cary Forest, 10625 NE Waldo Rd, Gainesville, FL 32609. Shuttle service that picks up and drops off at Westside Park available for a small fee.
Cost: $275/Session. If you sign up for two sessions, we offer a 10% discount. We also have partial scholarships available, please contact Molly Disabb for more information.
For more information visit: www.campkidsinthewoods.org  and to register visit: http://reg.conferences.dce.ufl.edu/Basic/1400075863To contact the Camp Director Molly Disabb, email kidsinthewoods@ifas.ufl.edu or call 352-378-2451. ​ 


2020 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD WALL CALENDARS
Just a few left.... The annual Florida Land Steward calendar features beautiful photography, habitat management tips, landowner and management highlights, resource contacts and more. These make a great gift and have become a regular part of homes and offices across Florida. First come, first serve to Florida Forest Stewards, Tree Farmers, and other interested landowners. Request your calendar by sending an email to cdemers@ufl.edu  with your mailing address.

YOU CAN HELP us to report impacts and continue this wall calendar project. If you have received and used the calendar in recent years, we would like to know how it has been helpful. This will also help us to justify this project in coming years. Please help us by filling out this quick 2-minute questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6HKR82F


$380 MILLION IN BLOCK GRANTS FOR TIMBER RECOVERY APPROVED
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated $380.7 million in federal block grant funding for Florida farmers devastated by Hurricane Michael, including direct relief for timber producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will administer the USDA block grants alongside the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

The funds will compensate timber producers for lost value of their crops damaged by Hurricane Michael, helping them clear downed trees and replant. About $10 million of the funding will also help agricultural producers repair and replace irrigation infrastructure damage from Hurricane Michael. The application process for timber producers to receive the grant funding is being hammered out now. We will share the latest in Florida Land Steward updates. More on this from FDACS


FUNDING AVAILABLE TO COVER CONSULTANT FOREST STEWARDSHIP MANAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATIONThe Florida Forest Service has received funding to help cover the costs for private natural resource consultants to write Forest Stewardship plans covering hurricane resiliency and/or longleaf pine management. Eligible Stewardship plans must include information and recommendations related to: forest resilience and recovery following hurricanes, forest and landowner preparedness for hurricanes, and/or resources available to assist private forest landowners following hurricanes and/or longleaf pine establishment, restoration, improvement, and management for landowners with longleaf stands or those who want to establish longleaf pine on appropriate sites.
Compensation rates and additional information are provided in the Forest Stewardship Program Consultant Plan Preparation Agreement available at: https://forms.freshfromflorida.com/11268.pdf. This form also serves as the application for reimbursement. All applications that meet requirements as described above will be considered in the order in which they are received. Please contact Jennifer Tucker-Jenks at Jennifer.Tucker-Jenks@FreshFromFlorida.com or your county forester for more information. Find your county forester at https://www.freshfromflorida.com/CountyForester


PRESCRIBED BURN ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM ATTACK-ONE FIRE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, TALL TIMBERS RESEARCH STATION, AND ALACHUA CONSERVATION TRUST
These organizations are available to meet onsite with landowners to discuss their goals and assist with prescribed burn prescription and implementation.
Attack-One Fire Management Services is grant-funded to assist landowners with current NRCS contracts with prescribed fire planning and implementation throughout Florida and Georgia. We can also assist landowners who have former NRCS contracts with prescribed fire consultation, planning and implementation with active Gopher Tortoise habitat present. For more information email Kevin Carter, kevin@attack-one.com or John McGuire, jmcguire@attack-one.com or call (850) 926-6534

Tall Timbers Research Station is now funded by a Longleaf Legacy Landscape project to provide fire consultation, planning, and implementation to private landowners in the Florida Panhandle from Pensacola to Lake City and in west Georgia as far north as the Chattahoochee Fall Line (Columbus, GA). Contact Jeremiah Cates, jcates@talltimbers.org, (850) 381-8707

Alachua Conservation Trust has a prescribed fire specialist available to assist private landowners with burn planning in Alachua, Putnam, Marion, Levy, Bradford, Clay and portions of Flagler, Volusia, Lake, Sumter, and Citrus Counties. Contact Barry Coulliette at act.barryc@gmail.com


FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PARTNERS WEB MAP TOOL
Use this web tool to identify resources at a local watershed scale. The map is at this link: http://viewer.apps.pflcc.databasin.org/v1/index.html. More about this effort and how to use the tool here.



ONGOING INITIATIVES / SERVICES / OPPORTUNTIES
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FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PARTNERS WEB MAP TOOL
Use this web tool to identify resources and assistance at a local watershed scale. The map is at this link: http://viewer.apps.pflcc.databasin.org/v1/index.html.



REPORT BOBWHITE QUAIL AND OTHER WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
To help restore the state’s northern bobwhite quail populations, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking private landowners to report sightings of bobwhite quail on their land. Report northern bobwhite quail sightings at MyFWC.com/QuailSighting
The FWC also seeks reports of these species:

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES? - CHECK OUT THE FOREST AND TREE HEALTH DIAGNOSTICS FORUM
Hosted by a group of forest and tree health specialists with Southeastern universities and agencies, we are here to help identify pests and diseases in your forest or your backyard, and to recommend a solution, if appropriate. Join the group and report your tree health issue!
Visit the new Forest Health Diagnostic forum on Facebook:

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:

GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available through UF/IFAS on the EDIS publication site:  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/  Wow, there’s a publication about that?

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION EXTENSION PROGRAMS

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS
For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:

SOUTHERN REGION EXTENSION FORESTRY
See http://sref.info/ for the latest news, tools and offerings.

NEED A LOAN TO FUND CONSERVATION PROJECTS? CHECK OUT THE USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY'S GUARANTEED CONSERVATION LOAN PROGRAM
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) guarantees loans to promote conservation practices on farms and ranches that help protect natural resources. The goal of FSA’s Conservation Loan (CL) program is to provide access to credit for farmers who need and want to implement conservation measures on their land, but do not have the “up front” funds available to implement these practices. For more information see this Conservation Loan Program Fact Sheet. Also see this table summarizing FSA farm loan opportunities.

The Conservation Contract Program is a program for eligible landowners that protects important natural resources and other sensitive areas while providing a debt management tool. A conservation contract is available to people with Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct loans secured by real estate. These individuals may qualify for a reduction of their FSA indebtedness in exchange for a conservation contract with a term of 50, 30 or 10 years. The conservation contract is a voluntary legal agreement that restricts the type and amount of development that may take place on portions of the landowner’s property. Contracts may be established on marginal cropland and other environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, recreation and wildlife purposes. For more information see this Conservation Contract Program Fact Sheet.

The FSA provides several types of farm loans. For more information on these opportunities, see the Florida FSA Website or contact your local FSA office to speak with a local representative.
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