Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The New Jersey RREA Program primarily targets private, nonindustrial forest landowners, to encourage them to be more actively involved with stewardship of their forest resources. Forest resources management professionals are a second target audience, as they are vital in New Jersey for working with landowners and advocating sustainable management practices. Christmas tree growers are a third target audience because Christmas tree production is often a viable land management alternative for landowners that should be implemented in a sustainable, stewardship manner. Landowners of less than 5 acres, homeowners, and others constitute a fourth target audience added in FY15 & 16. It is important that this audience gain an appreciation and understanding of, and develop support for, forestry and natural resources. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Workshops, meetings, field days, demonstrations, and newsletters/other educational materials. The Forest Management and Stewardship Program reached approximately 195 landowners through five presentations, field days and evening workshops primarily targeting private woodland owners. The sixth NJ Woodlands Stewards Program graduated 22 volunteers. "Backyard Forestry in 90 Minutes", a monthly program targeting owners of less than five acres, homeowners, and others, reached 430 people. For the 5-year project, 10.01.11 - 09.30.16., the Forest Management and Stewardship Program reached approximately 1,284 landowners and 137 master gardeners through 34 presentations, field days and evening workshops primarily targeting private woodland owners. The NJ Woodlands Stewards Program graduated 76 volunteers. In two years the monthly program, "Backyard Forestry in 90 Minutes", reached 430 owners of less than 5 acres, homeowners, and others. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
An estimated 120,000 landowners own approximately 805,000 acres of forestland in New Jersey, yet only about 15 percent of those owners actively manage their forest lands. Because of increasing developmental pressures, the increasing value of the state's forests for open space, water, wildlife, energy and quality of life, as well as traditional forest products, and the increasing threat of invasive species, it is more important than ever that these private lands are actively and sustainably managed. The purpose of this program is to increase active management on private, non-industrial forest lands to increase returns and benefits to the landowner, enhance the resource, and ultimately retain New Jersey's forest resource in a healthy, productive state. Christmas tree production is included in the program because it is a potentially viable management alternative for many New Jersey landowners that can achieve income and open space goals, but requires efficient implementation of the most current cultural practices. The purpose of the program is to encourage implementation of the latest cultural techniques to increase product quality and marketability. For FY16, under the program goal, "Insuring Healthy Ecosystems", The Forest Management and Stewardship Program (FMSP) made one presentation on emerald ash borer and gypsy moth to 50 woodland owners. Under the program goal of "Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests", the FMSP reached approximately 195 landowners through five presentations, field days, evening workshops and Tree Farm Day, primarily targeting private woodland owners. Topics included native bats, timber stand improvement, tree identification, lumber production, forest stewardship programs and farmland assessment. Under the goal there were 675 direct and indirect contacts who increased their awareness of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices, and 195 direct contacts who increased their knowledge of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices. Presenting pertinent, readily adapted/applied management information and alternatives can help provide incentives for landowners to sustainably maintain their open space and woodlands through active forest management. With the average size of forestland ownership in NJ of 15 to 20 acres, some 2,925 to 3,900 acres are benefiting from more knowledgeable landowners, subsequent better management, and a higher likelihood of remaining forested. Under the program goal, "Building Capacity Through Enhanced Connections", the sixth NJ Woodlands Stewards Program graduated 22 volunteers. The potential impact of the new volunteers is significant: each volunteer is expected to spend 30 hours during the following year promoting forestry in NJ. At the federal volunteer rate of $20.85/hour, their efforts will be valued at over $13,700. In addition, "Backyard Forestry in 90 Minutes", a monthly program targeting owners of less than five acres, homeowners, and others, reached 430 people. In FY16, 5 newsletters were produced for two different audiences, and over 5,000 copies of the book, "My Healthy Woods", were distributed. The following are the major accomplishments for the 5-year project, 10.01.11 - 09.30.16. Goal 1. Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: 9 educational events totaling 320 (including 137 master gardeners) direct and indirect contacts; Goal 2. Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests: 28 educational events were conducted resulting in 5,525 direct and indirect contacts who increased their awareness of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices, and 1,249 direct contacts who increased their knowledge of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices, potentially resulting in improving forest management on 19,747 acres. Six educational events were attended by 245 Christmas tree growers. With the average Christmas tree farm size of eight acres, production was potentially improved on 484 acres; Goal 3. Building Capacity Through Enhanced Connections: five NJ Woodland Stewards Programs have resulted in one media site developed and 76 volunteers graduated; each volunteer is expected to volunteer 30 hours promoting forestry, which, at the federal volunteer rate of $20.85/hour, is valued at over $47,450. In two years, the monthly program, "Backyard Forestry in 90 Minutes", has reached 790 owners of less than 5 acres, homeowners, and others. For the 5-year project period, one fact sheet on soil fertility for Christmas tree growers was co-authored; 24 newsletters produced for Woodland Stewards; 6 newsletters produced for the NJ Forest Stewardship Program; and over 5,000 copies distributed of the co-authored book, "My Healthy Woods".
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2016. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. Semi-monthly.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2016. Stewardship leaves forests for the future. A newsletter for the NJ Forest Stewardship Program, State Forestry Services. Spring.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The New Jersey RREA Program primarily targets private, nonindustrial forest landowners, to encourage them to be more actively involved with stewardship of their forest resources. Forest resources management professionals are a second target audience, as they are vital in New Jersey for working with landowners and advocating sustainable management practices. Christmas tree growers are a third target audience because Christmas tree production is often a viable land management alternative for landowners that should be implemented in a sustainable, stewardship manner. Because it is important to develop a broad stakeholder base, landowners owning less than five acres of woodland, homeowners and others interested in forestry and natural resources are a fourth target audience. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Workshops, meetings and newsletters/other educational materials. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To accomplish the goals during the next reporting period, for "Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests", under the objective/issue "Forest stewardship and health", five to seven educational programs will be conducted for forest landowners and managers to encourage improving the health and sustainability of their forest resource. Under the objective/issue "Invasive species", one to two educational programs will be conducted for landowners, managers and others. For 'Building Capacity through Enhanced Connections', a sixth three-and-a-half-day Woodland Stewards training and twelve monthly Backyard Forestry in 90 Minutes programs will be conducted. To help accomplish these goals during the reporting period, six to eight newsletters for forest and woodland stewards will be published.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
An estimated 120,000 landowners own approximately 805,000 acres of forestland in New Jersey, yet only about 15 percent of those owners actively manage their forest lands. Because of increasing developmental pressures, the increasing value of the state's forests for open space, water, wildlife, energy and quality of life, as well as traditional forest products, and the increasing threat of invasive species, it is more important than ever that these private lands are actively and sustainably managed. The purpose of this Program is to increase active management on private, non-industrial forest lands to increase returns and benefits to the landowner, enhance the resource, and ultimately retain New Jersey's forest resource in a healthy, productive state. Christmas tree production is included in the Program because it is a potentially viable management alternative for many New Jersey landowners that can achieve income and open space goals, but requires efficient implementation of the most current cultural practices. The purpose of the Program is to encourage implementation of the latest cultural techniques to increase product quality and marketability. Under the program goal of "Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests", The Forest Management and Stewardship Program reached approximately 170 landowners through four presentations, field days, evening workshops and Tree Farm Day, primarily targeting private woodland owners. Under the first objective/issue of "Forest stewardship and health" topics included farmland assessment, tree identification, avian habitat, timber stand improvement, timber salvage, and forest management plans. One program was presented under the second objective/issue, "Invasive species", on southern pine beetle, emerald ash borer, sirex wood wasp, viburnum leaf beetle, and thousand-canker disease to 60 master gardeners. Under the goal there were 747 direct and indirect contacts who increased their awareness of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices, and 230 direct contacts who increased their knowledge of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices. Presenting pertinent, readily adapted/applied management information and alternatives can help provide incentives for landowners to sustainably maintain their open space and woodlands through active forest management. With the average size of forestland ownership in NJ of 15 to 20 acres, some 2,550 to 3,400 acres are benefiting from more knowledgeable landowners, subsequent better management, and a higher likelihood of remaining forested. Under the program goal, "Building Capacity through Enhanced Connections", the fifth NJ Woodlands Stewards Program graduated 16 volunteers. The potential impact of the new volunteers is significant: each volunteer is expected to spend 30 hours during the following year promoting forestry in NJ. At the current federal volunteer rate of $20.85/hour, their efforts will be valued at over $10,000. Under Backyard Forestry in 90 Minutes, twelve programs were held attended by 25 to 45 people per program, for an average total of 360. Program topics included winter and summer tree ID, insect and disease issues for trees, backyard wildlife, firewood handling and seasoning, proper pruning, purple martins, thinning forest stands, My Healthy Woods, and wreath-making from native materials. Attendees will be surveyed in 2016 to assess changes in knowledge and awareness.
Publications
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Svenson, S., M.C. Vodak, and M. DiMartino. 2015. My healthy woods A handbook for family woodland owners in New Jersey. NJ DEP State Forest Service, publisher; grant support from Aldo Leopold Foundation & American Forest Foundation. 84pp.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2015. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. Semi-monthly.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2015. Stewardship leaves forests for the future. A newsletter for the NJ Forest Stewardship Program, State Forestry Services. Spring.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The New Jersey RREA Program primarily targets private, nonindustrial forest landowners, to encourage them to be more actively involved with stewardship of their forest resources. Forest resources management professionals are a second target audience, as they are vital in New Jersey for working with landowners and advocating sustainable management practices. Christmas tree growers are a third target audience because Christmas tree production is often a viable land management alternative for landowners that should be implemented in a sustainable, stewardship manner. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Workshops, meetings and newsletters/other educational materials. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? To accomplish the goals during the next reporting period, for "Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests", under the objective/issue "Forest stewardship and health", five to seven educational programs will be conducted for forest landowners and managerers to encourage improving the health and sustainability of their forest resource. Under the objective/issue "Invasive species", one to two educational programs will be conducted for landowners, managers and others.To accomplish this goal during the reporting period, six to eight newsletters for forest and woodland stewards will be published.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
An estimated 120,000 landowners own approximately 805,000 acres of forestland in New Jersey, yet only about 15 percent of those owners actively manage their forest lands. Because of increasing developmental pressures, the increasing value of the state's forests for open space, water, wildlife, energy and quality of life, as well as traditional forest products, and the increasing threat of invasive species, it is more important than ever that these private lands are actively and sustainably managed. The purpose of this program is to increase active management on private, non-industrial forest lands to increase returns and benefits to the landowner, enhance the resource, and ultimately retain New Jersey's forest resource in a healthy, productive state. Christmas tree production is included in the program because it is a potentially viable management alternative for many New Jersey landowners that can achieve income and open space goals, but requires efficient implementation of the most current cultural practices. The purpose of the propram is to encourage implementation of the latest cultural techniques to increase product quality and marketability.Under the program goal of "Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests", The Forest Management and Stewardship Program reached approximately 235 landowners through six presentations, field days, evening workshops and Tree Farm Day, primarily targeting private woodland owners. Under the first objective/issue of "Forest stewardship and health"topics included timber stand improvement, tree identification, lumber production, forest stewardship programs and farmland assessment. One program was presented under the second objective/issue, "Invasive species", on southern pine beetle, emerald ash borer, sirex wood wasp, viburnum leaf beetle, and thousand canker disease to a total of 35 landowners. Under the goal there were 1,592 direct and indirect contacts who increased their awareness of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices, and 235 direct contacts who increased their knowledge of the benefits and opportunities of forest sterwardship practices.Presenting pertinent, readily adapted/applied management information and alternatives can help provide incentives for landowners to sustainably maintain their open space and woodlands through active forest management. With the average size of forestland ownership in NJ of 15 to 20 acres, some 3,525 to 4,700 acres are benefiting from more knowledgeable landowners, subsequent better management, and a higher likelihood of remaining forested. Christmas tree production: presentations on insect and disease identification and control and demonstrations of proper shearing techniques were given to a total of 95 growers at a twilight field meeting and an annual winter meeting. With the average Christmas tree farm size of eight acres, if one-quarter of the attending growers utilized the information, this program potentially benefitted 184 acres. Under the program goal,"Building CapacityThrough Enhanced Connections", the fourth NJ Woodlands Stewards Program graduated 21 volunteers. Thje potential impact of the new volunteers is significant: each volunteer is expected to spend 30 hours during the following year promoting forestry in NJ. At the current federal volunteer rate of $20.85/hour, their efforts will be valued at over $13,135.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2014. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. Semi-monthly.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2014. Stewardship leaves forests for the future. A newsletter for the NJ Forest Stewardship Program, State Forestry Services. Spring.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The New Jersey RREA Program primarily targets private, nonindustrial forest landowners, to encourage them to be more actively involved with stewardship of their forest resources. Forest resources management professionals are a second target audience, as they are vital in New Jersey for working with landowners and advocating sustainable management practices. Christmas tree growers are a third target audience because Christmas tree production is often a viable land management alternative for landowners that should be implemented in a sustainable, stewardship manner. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Workshops, meetings, and newsletters/other educational materials What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? To accomplish the goals during the next reporting period, for "Enhancing resource management on working forests", under the objective/issue"Forest stewardship and health", six to eight educational programs will be conducted for forest landowners and managers to encourage improving the health and sustainability of their forest resource. Under the objective/issue "Invasive species", one to two educational programs will be conducted forforest landowners, managers and others. To accomplish this goal during the reporting period, six to eight newsletters for forest and woodland stewards will be published, and three to five fact sheets updated.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
An estimated 120,000 landowners own approximately 805,000 acres of forestland in New Jersey, yet less than five pecent of those owners actively manage their forestlands. Because of increasing developmental pressures, the increasing value of the state's forests for open space, water, wildlife, energy and quality of life as well as traditional forest products, and the increasing threat of invasive species, it is more important than ever that these private lands are actively and sustainably managed. The purpose of this program is to increase active management on private, non-industrial forest lands to increase returns and benefits to the landowner, enhance the resource, and ultimately retain New Jersey's forest resource in a healthy, productive state. Christmas tree production is included in the program because it is a potentially viable management alternative for many New Jersey landowners that can achieve income and open space goals, but requires efficient implementation of the most current cultural practices. The purpose of this part of tne program is to encourage implementation of the latest cultural techniques to increase product quality and marketability. Under the first program goal of "Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests" the Forest Management and Stewardship Program reached approximately 77 master gardeners/volunteers, and 315 landowners through nine presentations, field days and evening workshops primarily targeting private woodland owners. Under the first objective/issue of "Forest stewardship and health", topics includedfire management, timber stand improvement, tree identification, lumber production, forest stewardship programs and farmland assessment. Two programs were presented under the second objective/ issue, "Invasive species", on southern pine beetle and emerald ash borer to a total of 80 landowners and master gardeners. Under this goal there were 1,473 direct and indirect contacts who increased their awareness of the benefits and opportunities of forest stewardship practices, and 392 direct contacts who increased their knowledge of the benefits and opportunites of forest stewardship practices. Presenting pertinent, readily adapted/applied management information and alternatives can help provide incentives for landowners to sustainably maintain their open space and woodlands through active forest management. With the average size of forestland ownership in NJ of 15 to 20 acres, some 4,725 to 6,300 acres are benefiting from more knowledgeable landowners, subsequent better management, and a higher likelihood of the acres remaining forested. Christmas tree production: presentations and demonstrations of proper shearing techniques and sprayer calibration were given to a total of 80 growers at a twilight field meeting and an annual summer meeting. With the average Christmas tree farm size of eight acres, if one-quarter of the attending growers utilized the information, this program potentially benefitted 160 acres.Under the program goal, "Building capacity through enhanced connections", the third NJ Woodland Stewards Program graduated seven volunteers. Six stewards attended a training program on hurricane damaged forests and salvage. The potential impact of the new volunteers is significant: each volunteer is expected to spend 30 hours during the following year promoting forestry in NJ. At the current federal volunteer rate of $20.85/hour, their efforts will be valued at over $4,375.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2012. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. Semi-monthly.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Newlon, C.J. 2013. Stewardship leaves forests for the future. A newsletter for the NJ Forest Stewardship Program, State Forestry Services. Spring.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: New Jersey's RREA Strategic Plan Issue is Forest Stewardship and Health, with the goal that private forest landowners and managers will improve the health and sustainability of their forest resource. In fiscal year 2012, six presentations and evening programs, and two field days were conducted or presented on forest stewardship for private, nonindustrial forest landowners. The second New Jersey Woodlands Stewards Program was conducted, a three-day program that graduated the second class of trained volunteers. Assistance was also provided for planning and conducting the annual Tree Farm Day. Growing Christmas trees is a land management option for landowners. One twilight meeting was conducted for Christmas tree growers. Two presentations on shearing, accompanied by a demonstration, were conducted at the twilight meeting and at the NJ Christmas Tree Growers Association's annual summer meeting. Four online newsletters were published for woodland stewards and one newsletter for Forest Stewardship woodland owners was published. PARTICIPANTS: The New Jersey RREA Program actively seeks partners to function more effectively and efficiently. In fiscal year 2012 the Program partnered with the NJ Forestry Association, the NJ Forest Service, NJ Tree Farm Committee, NJ Division Society of American Foresters, Natural Resource Conservation Service, NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife and the NJ Christmas Tree Growers Association to develop and implement its various programming events. TARGET AUDIENCES: The New Jersey RREA Program has primarily targeted private, nonindustrial forest landowners, to encourage them to be more actively involved with stewardship of their forest resources. Forest resources management professionals have been a second target audience, as they are vital in New Jersey for working with landowners and advocating sustainable management practices. Christmas tree growers have been a third target audience because Christmas tree production is often a viable land management alternative for landowners that should be implemented in a sustainable, stewardship manner. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Approximately 369 landowners attended the programs conducted on forest stewardship. Topics addressed included southern pine beetle, early successional wildlife habitat, best management practices, stream crossings, deer fencing, harvesting, timber stand improvement, tree identification, maple syrup production, forest stewardship programs, farmland assessment and emerald ash borer. Presenting pertinent, readily adapted/applied management information and alternatives can help provide incentives for landowners to sustainably maintain their open space and woodlands through active forest management. With the average size of forestland ownership in New Jersey of 15 to 20 acres, some 5,535 to 7,380 acres have benefited from more knowledgeable landowners, subsequent better management, and a higher likelihood of remaining forested. The potential impact of the 10 volunteers of the second graduating class of the New Jersey Woodland Stewards Program is significant: each volunteer is expected to spend 30 hours over the coming year promoting forestry in New Jersey. At the federal volunteer rate of $20.85/hour for volunteer time, their efforts will be valued at over $6,255. Approximately 30 Christmas tree growers attended the twilight meeting, and 40 attended the annual summer meeting. With the average farm size in NJ of eight acres, and if one-quarter of the attending growers adopted the shearing techniques presented at the twilight demonstration, 140 acres benefited both economically and environmentally.
Publications
- Newlon, C.J. 2012. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. February.
- Newlon, C.J. 2012. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. April.
- Newlon, C.J. 2012. Stewardship leaves forests for the future. A newsletter for the NJ Forest Stewardship Program, State Forestry Services. Spring.
- Newlon, C.J. 2012. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. June.
- Newlon, C.J. 2012. Woodland stewards reaching out on-line newsletter. August.
- Vodak, M.C. 2012. The extension forestry log, NJs southern pine beetle program. Stewardship Leaves Forests for the Future. Spring.
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