Florida Land Steward News and Information

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 5/5/16

SPRING-SUMMER ISSUE OF FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
In this issue: U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Standards Now Include Tree Farm and SFI Certified Wood, State Agencies Partner with New NRCS Program to Enhance Private Landowner Assistance, Online Burn Request System Saves Time, FORCES Program Provides Assistance to Forest Landowners in Vicinity of Military Bases, National Private Lands Partners Day in Sebring, FL, Timber Price Update,Certified Forest Stewards and Tree Farmers, Events Calendar. Current and back issues of the Florida Land Steward here.

COGONGRASS TREATMENT COST-SHARE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications for the program will be accepted through July 29, 2016.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced that the Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program. Applications for the program will be accepted through July 29, 2016.

Cogongrass is an invasive, non-native grass that occurs in Florida and several other southeastern states. Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior.

The Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program, which is supported through a grant from the USDA Forest Service, is offered for non-industrial private lands in all Florida counties. It provides reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost to treat cogongrass infestations with herbicide for two consecutive years.

To obtain an application form or to learn more about program requirements, contact a local Florida Forest Service county forester or visit the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program webpage. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval.

2016 FLORIDA SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECAST
By Chris Pearce, Florida Forest Service
A pheromone trap survey was conducted in March 2016 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 2016 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the surveyed counties is low. See full report here.

SIGN UP FOR USDA NRCS AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Application Deadline is May 11
Applications are being accepted until May 11 for Agricultural Land Easement applications from Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial assistance to partners for purchasing agricultural land easements that protect the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland. Applications are available online. Contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554 for questions and submissions.

STATE LOOKING FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS, FORESTERS WANTING TO PERMANENTLY PRESERVE WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Application Deadline is May 16
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will invest $35 million toward the protection and preservation of working agricultural lands in Florida and invites agricultural land owners to apply to the conservation program. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which is administered by the department, partners with Florida's agricultural landowners to develop perpetual conservation easements that protect important natural resources while allowing landowners to maintain ownership and use of the land. The program is accepting applications through May 16, 2016.

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program focuses on maintaining the agricultural land base in Florida and recognizes that a thriving rural economy with a strong agricultural base and viable rural communities is essential to Florida's future. Since the program's inception, more than 14,500 acres of Florida ranches and farms threatened by development have been approved for conservation. These lands will be forever protected from conversion to other uses such as residential and commercial development.

To learn more about the program and to obtain application form, please visit the program page at FreshFromFlorida.com.

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 free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

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?

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

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/

Friday, April 22, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 4/22/16

EARTH DAY GREETINGS
A big thanks and salute to all of you for whom every day is Earth Day: farmers, forest landowners, foresters, wildlife biologists, natural resource professionals, extension agents, conservationists, volunteers, advocates and all who work every day toward environmental stewardship.

ONLINE BURN REQUEST SYSTEM SAVES TIME
By John Saddler, Prescribed Fire Manager, Florida Forest Service
On average, the Florida Forest Service (FFS) issues just over 80,000 open burn authorizations each year. When conditions are right for burning, the phone lines are flooded with requests for authorization. For burners, this can mean being put on hold or even having to call back when lines are open.

In an effort to reduce the number of telephone calls, the FFS has implemented a web-based open burn authorization system called WebOBA. Using this system, certified burners can go online and place a request for a burn authorization. Once the request is placed, our field staff will be able to view the request and authorize the burn without having to talk to the burner. This system will increase the efficiency of the authorization process.

WebOBA is only available for certified acreage burners and certified pile burners. More information can be found on the FFS WebOBA page.

SIGN UP FOR USDA NRCS AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Application Deadline is May 11
Applications are being accepted until May 11 for Agricultural Land Easement applications from Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial assistance to partners for purchasing agricultural land easements that protect the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland. Applications are available online. Contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554 for questions and submissions.

STATE LOOKING FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS, FORESTERS WANTING TO PERMANENTLY PRESERVE WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Application Deadline is May 16
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will invest $35 million toward the protection and preservation of working agricultural lands in Florida and invites agricultural land owners to apply to the conservation program. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which is administered by the department, partners with Florida's agricultural landowners to develop perpetual conservation easements that protect important natural resources while allowing landowners to maintain ownership and use of the land. The program is accepting applications through May 16, 2016.

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program focuses on maintaining the agricultural land base in Florida and recognizes that a thriving rural economy with a strong agricultural base and viable rural communities is essential to Florida's future. Since the program's inception, more than 14,500 acres of Florida ranches and farms threatened by development have been approved for conservation. These lands will be forever protected from conversion to other uses such as residential and commercial development.

To learn more about the program and to obtain application form, please visit the program page at FreshFromFlorida.com.

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S LEED STANDARDS NOW INCLUDE TREE FARM AND SFI CERTIFIED WOOD
From American Forest Foundation, April 6, 2016 release
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the governing body for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, recently announced that it will now begin encouraging responsibly sourced building materials through a new compliance path that includes wood from family forests certified by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

The new LEED credit path will encourage builders to use wood from all credible certification systems operating in the U.S. including ATFS, SFI, Programme for Endoresement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). More details about this and how forest landowners can show support for this breakthrough are at the American Forest Foundation site.

TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2015 TAX YEAR UPDATED For the die-hard procrastinators - USDA Forest Service National Timber Tax Specialist, explains the federal income tax laws on timber. The information is not legal or accounting advice. This has been updated and includes recent tax law changes. This publication and other related resources are available at http://www.timbertax.org.

Dr. Linda's recent Timber Tax Filing for the 2015 Tax Year webinar was recorded. The recorded presentation and materials are available at:
http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/timber-tax-filing-for-the-2015-tax-year

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 free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

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?

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Friday, April 15, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 4/15/16

SIGN UP FOR USDA NRCS AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Application Deadline is May 11
Applications are being accepted until May 11 for Agricultural Land Easement applications from Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial assistance to partners for purchasing agricultural land easements that protect the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland. Applications are available online. Contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554 for questions and submissions.

STATE LOOKING FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS, FORESTERS WANTING TO PERMANENTLY PRESERVE WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Application Deadline is May 16
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will invest $35 million toward the protection and preservation of working agricultural lands in Florida and invites agricultural land owners to apply to the conservation program. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which is administered by the department, partners with Florida's agricultural landowners to develop perpetual conservation easements that protect important natural resources while allowing landowners to maintain ownership and use of the land. The program is accepting applications through May 16, 2016.

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program focuses on maintaining the agricultural land base in Florida and recognizes that a thriving rural economy with a strong agricultural base and viable rural communities is essential to Florida's future. Since the program's inception, more than 14,500 acres of Florida ranches and farms threatened by development have been approved for conservation. These lands will be forever protected from conversion to other uses such as residential and commercial development.

To learn more about the program and to obtain application form, please visit the program page at FreshFromFlorida.com.

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S LEED STANDARDS NOW INCLUDE TREE FARM AND SFI CERTIFIED WOOD
From American Forest Foundation, April 6, 2016 release
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the governing body for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, recently announced that it will now begin encouraging responsibly sourced building materials through a new compliance path that includes wood from family forests certified by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

The new LEED credit path will encourage builders to use wood from all credible certification systems operating in the U.S. including ATFS, SFI, Programme for Endoresement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). More details about this and how forest landowners can show support for this breakthrough are at the American Forest Foundation site.

TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2015 TAX YEAR UPDATED For the die-hard procrastinators - USDA Forest Service National Timber Tax Specialist, explains the federal income tax laws on timber. The information is not legal or accounting advice. This has been updated and includes recent tax law changes. This publication and other related resources are available at http://www.timbertax.org.

Dr. Linda's recent Timber Tax Filing for the 2015 Tax Year webinar was recorded. The recorded presentation and materials are available at:
http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/timber-tax-filing-for-the-2015-tax-year

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 free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

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?

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Friday, April 8, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 4/8/16

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S LEED STANDARDS NOW INCLUDE TREE FARM AND SFI CERTIFIED WOOD
From American Forest Foundation, April 6, 2016 release
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the governing body for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, recently announced that it will now begin encouraging responsibly sourced building materials through a new compliance path that includes wood from family forests certified by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

The new LEED credit path will encourage builders to use wood from all credible certification systems operating in the U.S. including ATFS, SFI, Programme for Endoresement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). More details about this and how forest landowners can show support for this breakthrough are at the American Forest Foundation site.

TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2015 TAX YEAR
Federal income tax laws can influence a private woodland owner’s financial decisions about land management. Yet, special favorable tax provisions on timber that are intended to encourage private forest management and stewardship are commonly unknown. To help woodland owners in filing their 2015 tax returns, this publication, by Dr. Linda Wang, USDA Forest Service National Timber Tax Specialist, explains the federal income tax laws on timber. The information is not legal or accounting advice. This has been updated and includes recent tax law changes. This publication and other related resources are available at http://www.timbertax.org.

Linda's recent Timber Tax Filing for the 2015 Tax Year webinar was recorded. The recorded presentation and materials are available at:
http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/timber-tax-filing-for-the-2015-tax-year

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 free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

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?

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Friday, April 1, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 4/1/16

PARTNERS FOR CONSERVATION HOST SOUTHEAST FOREST LANDOWNERS PARTNERSHIP FORUM IN PENSACOLA
Partners for Conservation, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, hosted a private lands partnership forum in Pensacola, Florida on March 1 and 2. The majority of the 75 plus participants from across the range of longleaf pine were landowners. The session was convened primarily to hear from landowners on what was working, what could be working better and what, if anything, was missing regarding public-private partnership efforts in the region. The facilitated session received high marks from participants as both a good use of time and as something worth repeating. A report on the event including recommendations drawn from the landowners in attendance is available here.

APRIL 2016 ISSUE OF FIRELINES NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
The April 2016 edition of the Southern Fire Exchange's monthly newsletter is now available and includes these research highlights: Variability Is Key for Promoting Wildlife Foods in Longleaf Pine, Longleaf Pine Management and Southeastern Fox Squirrels.

Also in this issue: New Synthesis: Effects of Drought, A Tribute to Kent Hanby, Mark Your Calendars for Spring SFE Events, Southeastern Region Cohesive Wildland Fire Strategy Update, 2015 Incident Review Summary, International Smoke Symposium: Call for Presentations Now Open, Fire Behavior Fuel Model Guide-book-Database and Workshops,Fire Ecology Database: Are You Using It? Let Us Know!

The current and back issues of Firelines are at::
http://www.southernfireexchange.org/SFE_Publications/Newsletter.html

TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2015 TAX YEAR UPDATED
Federal income tax laws can influence a private woodland owner’s financial decisions about land management. Yet, special favorable tax provisions on timber that are intended to encourage private forest management and stewardship are commonly unknown. To help woodland owners in filing their 2015 tax returns, this publication, by Dr. Linda Wang, USDA Forest Service National Timber Tax Specialist, explains the federal income tax laws on timber. The information is not legal or accounting advice. This has been updated and includes recent tax law changes. This publication and other related resources are available at http://www.timbertax.org.

Linda's recent Timber Tax Filing for the 2015 Tax Year webinar was recorded. The recorded presentation and materials are available at:
http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/timber-tax-filing-for-the-2015-tax-year

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 free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

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?

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Friday, March 18, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 3/18/16

US FOREST SERVICE ENTERS FOREST STEWARDSHIP PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) and the US Forest Service (USFS) finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on forest stewardship efforts across the U.S. to protect and conserve the clean water and air, wildlife habitat and wood supply we get from our family-owned forests today and for future generations to come.

With the growing challenges to forest ownership and management – invasive species, catastrophic wildfires, changing climate, development pressures and more – it is critical that we work to engage the 22 million families and individuals who own the largest portion of forests in our country in order to sustain this important resource. Additionally, conservation will not continue unless we work with educators and partners to ensure the next generation is equipped to take on these challenges as well. To get to this large scale, collaboration is key.

The USFS has held a long-standing partnership with AFF, helping support nearly all its programs, from forest stewardship through the American Tree Farm System to environmental education through Project Learning Tree, to AFF’s work in places such as Wisconsin, Oregon, Alabama and more. As the American Tree Farm System and Project Learning Tree both hit noteworthy anniversaries this year (75 and 40 years, respectively), the USFS and AFF, seeing great value in the partnership, have reaffirmed it for an additional five years. More information at the AFF website

FUNDING HELPS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IMPROVE WORKING LANDS
Application Deadline March 31 for Conservation Stewardship Program
Agricultural producers can now sign up for funding available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), a conservation program that helps improve the health and productivity of private and tribal working lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to add an estimated 10 million acres to the rolls of CSP during fiscal 2016.

NRCS accepts applications for CSP throughout the year, but producers should submit applications by March 31 to USDA service centers to be considered for enrollment in 2016. Participants with existing CSP contracts that will expire on Dec.31, 2016, have the option to renew their contracts for an additional five years if they agree to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of conservation on their lands. Applications to renew are also due by March 31. In Florida, producers can participate through CSP in the regional landscape-level Longleaf Pine Initiative.

Funding is available for more than 100 kinds of enhancements to help participants:

Improve soil quality through use of cover crops, conservation crop rotations and other activities that increase soil productivity.
Use water wisely and improve water quality through enhancements such as more efficient irrigation systems and weather monitoring.
Restore habitat for wildlife and pollinators such as the greater sage-grouse, lesser prairie-chicken and monarch butterfly through the use of better grazing systems and improved plant management.

For more on technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Learn more at your local NRCS office.

TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2015 TAX YEAR UPDATED
Federal income tax laws can influence a private woodland owner’s financial decisions about land management. Yet, special favorable tax provisions on timber that are intended to encourage private forest management and stewardship are commonly unknown. To help woodland owners in filing their 2015 tax returns, this publication, by Dr. Linda Wang, USDA Forest Service National Timber Tax Specialist, explains the federal income tax laws on timber. The information is not legal or accounting advice. This has been updated and includes recent tax law changes. This publication and other related resources are available at http://www.timbertax.org.

Linda's recent Timber Tax Filing for the 2015 Tax Year webinar was recorded. The recorded presentation and materials are available at:
http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/timber-tax-filing-for-the-2015-tax-year

2016 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD CALENDARS - AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
The 2016 Florida Land Steward Calendars include beautiful photos, land management highlights, tips, partner resources and contacts. Email Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu to request your copy. Please include your mailing address when you drop a line.

RECORDING AND MATERIALS FROM THE DECEMBER 10 FOREST HEALTH UPDATE WORKSHOP AVAILABLE
Insects and diseases are natural components of the forest. Some of these insects and diseases can become pests when they inhibit tree regeneration and growth on a large scale. In addition to native pests, invasive exotic pests are a growing challenge, with new species being introduced every year. This workshop provides an update on current forest health issues and priorities across Florida with emphasis on proactive management and available assistance. Recorded presentations, materials and related links are all here.

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 free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

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?

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Friday, February 26, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 2/26/16

FEDERAL TAX INCENTIVES FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS MADE PERMANENT
Hailed as the most significant conservation legislation in 20 years by many private lands conservationists, the enhanced Federal tax incentives for conservation easement donations are now permanent! After bipartisan support in Congress, President Obama signed legislation in December that:

Raises the deduction a donor can take for donating a conservation easement from 30 percent of his or her income in any year to 50 percent;
Allows qualifying farmers and ranchers to deduct up to 100 percent of their income; and
Extends the carry-forward period for a donor to take tax deductions for a voluntary conservation agreement from 5 to 15 years.

Enacted as a temporary provision in 2006, the incentives are directly responsible for conserving more than 2 million acres of America’s natural outdoor heritage. The incentive grants certain tax benefits to landowners who sign a conservation easement. These private, voluntary agreements with land trusts permanently limit use of the land in order to protect its conservation value. Lands placed into conservation easements can continue to be timbered, farmed, hunted and managed based on the objectives of the landowner.

For more information about conservation easements, see our UF/IFAS Extension publication about them at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr149. For more about the incentive download the Land Trust Alliance's printer-friendly brochure (Using The Conservation Tax Incentive) for landowners, including frequently asked questions. Also, read a memo from the Internal Revenue Service (Internal Revenue Bulletin) offering guidance regarding deductions by individuals for qualified conservation contributions.

FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE OF FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
FLForestry News Issue 05

FUNDING HELPS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IMPROVE WORKING LANDS
Application Deadline March 31 for Conservation Stewardship Program
Agricultural producers can now sign up for funding available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), a conservation program that helps improve the health and productivity of private and tribal working lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to add an estimated 10 million acres to the rolls of CSP during fiscal 2016.

NRCS accepts applications for CSP throughout the year, but producers should submit applications by March 31 to USDA service centers to be considered for enrollment in 2016. Participants with existing CSP contracts that will expire on Dec.31, 2016, have the option to renew their contracts for an additional five years if they agree to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of conservation on their lands. Applications to renew are also due by March 31. In Florida, producers can participate through CSP in the regional landscape-level Longleaf Pine Initiative.

Funding is available for more than 100 kinds of enhancements to help participants:

Improve soil quality through use of cover crops, conservation crop rotations and other activities that increase soil productivity.
Use water wisely and improve water quality through enhancements such as more efficient irrigation systems and weather monitoring.
Restore habitat for wildlife and pollinators such as the greater sage-grouse, lesser prairie-chicken and monarch butterfly through the use of better grazing systems and improved plant management.

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=