EMERALD ASH BOERE

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: NEW
• Funding Source: RREA
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1015384
• Project No.: OHOX12345
• Project Start Date: Jan 24, 2018
• Project End Date: Dec 30, 2021

Project Director
Folck, AL, .

Recipient Organization
Central State University
1400 Brush Row Rd.
Wilberforce,OH 45384

Performing Department
Cooperative Extension

Non Technical Summary
This project is proposed in recognition of the widespread loss of ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Prevalent in 31 eastern and mid-American states, this problem has led to the death of millions of ash trees, the predominant feature of many residential and urban landscapes across the country. Areas blighted by the loss of large numbers of trees signify decay and the reduction of curb appeal leading to reduced property values. When combined with other factors, this results in an increase of the number of vacant and neglected houses, thus accelerating urban decline.Moreover, healthy trees are representative of the health of the community. Healthy trees positively moderate microclimate by providing shade, oxygen and add ecological balance by support of nesting for birds, habitats for communal neighborhood wildlife such as squirrels and beneficial insects.The Emerald Ash Borer Infected Tree Replacement Pilot Project will provide strategic removal of unhealthy ash trees and replacement with tree species recommended by arborists, landscape consultants and regional extension specialists that are:Climate HardyResistant or Immune to EAB InfestationSetting AppropriateThe goal of this project is to provide removal and replacement of small caliper trees and various species, along with planting material supplies such as organic mulch, fertilizer and soil amendment additives, hand tools, digging equipment, signage and printed materials for public awareness and educational campaigns.A small sign will be posted near each replaced tree to provide an explanation of the EAB infestation crisis, recommended insect-resistant tree varieties, measures to prevent EAB proliferation, referrals to tree maintenance specialists and brochures to request additional information with provisions for the public to submit general comments and offer feedback.This will increase public understanding of the infestation problem and may be the basis for expansion and duplication of this program across many of the 31 states in America that are impacted.

Animal Health Component

0%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
124	0530	3020	100%

Knowledge Area
124 - Urban Forestry;

Subject Of Investigation
0530 - Parks and urban green space;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;

Keywords

emerald

ash

borer

infested

tree

project

Goals / Objectives
This project is proposed in recognition of the widespread loss of ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation. Prevalent in 31 eastern and mid-American states, this problem has led to the death of millions of ash trees, the predominant feature of many residential and urban landscapes across the country. Areas blighted by the loss of large numbers of trees signify decay and the reduction of curb appeal leading to reduced property values. When combined with other factors, this results in an increase of the number of vacant and neglected houses, thus accelerating urban decline.Removal and proper disposal is the only 100 percent effective tool for preventing larval development in infested trees. The population of EAB in a community will tend to decrease as more ash trees, the food source for the larvae, are removed. With infected tree reduction and insecticide treatment, mortality rates can be slowed and removals can be planned.Infected tree removal will be an unavoidable reality of year-to-year urban forestry maintenance as EAB-infested trees decline or become unsafe. It is important to condemn and remove trees that are known to be infested and will not or cannot be treated. An infested tree that is allowed to linger can become a hazard by dropping limbs or falling over. A tree exhibiting more than 30 percent dieback of canopy should be considered for removal, as EAB has significantly damaged its ability to move water, nutrients, or insecticides.The gradual removal of infected trees in a community prior to EAB infestation will accustom residents to tree removal in general, and spread the cost of removal over time. When deciding which trees to remove, the rule should be "the worst first." Trees that already are declining for other reasons have a lowered value to the urban forest and should be the first to be removed. As part of the removal process, proper wood utilization and disposal are critical. Proper disposal by chipping or burning within quarantine zones ensures that larvae are destroyed and that the tree can no longer support larval development.Number One: The identification of 20 to 30 trees located in an urban environment that are infested by the EAB.Number Two:Removal and replacement of infested trees with healthy trees that are EAB resistant and site-appropriate.Number Three:Provide public education of the extent of the EAB crisis, methods to be adopted to reduce the spread of the EAB, and its eventual elimination from various landscapes.

Project Methods
Step One:A survey of specific regions with indications of EAB infestation.Step Two:Identification of EAB resistant and site-appropriate replacement tree species as recommended by arborist, landscape, and extension specialist(s). Affix public educational signage that the tree(s) is infected before any removal actions are taken.Step Three:Selection of specific individual trees for removal and replacement.Step Four:Execution of said tree removal and replacement.Step Five:Placement of signage that the said tree(s) were replanted, including a description of the nature of EAB infestation prior to the replanting, and what steps the general public may take to prevent its spread of other trees in the same condition.Step Six:Gather public feedback for future planning.

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Our key target audiences include: woodland owners, forest and natural resource management partners and professionals, youth, and other forest stakeholders, all with a primary focus in Appalachian Ohio. CSUE has also started programming focused toward women through SE Ohio Women Owning Woodlands (WOW): we support women in forest leadership, women who own and manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests. WOW is part of a national effort: http://www.womenowningwoodlands.net/. Changes/Problems:Continuing the changes outlined in the FY 2019 report as Emerald Ash Borer is no long a natural resources and forestry focus in Ohio. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Forest Outreach Coordinator attended the virutal Society of American Forester Meeting. Much professional development was postponed because of COVID-19. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Spotted Laternfly fact sheet has been published on the Central State University Extension website at: https://www.centralstate.edu/academics/cse/agriculture/im/pdf/Be-Alert-for-Spotted-Lanternfly.pdf. The virtual programming that has been held because of COVID 19 has been recorded and made available through online videos with links on CSU Extension as well as OSU Extension websites. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Program planning sessions are being held to develop virtual programming for the COVID-19 period. Some in-person classes are being planned for summer and fall and will be held if considered safe by the state health departments. Additionally, the newly hired Extension educators, will be trained on forestry topics and receive curriculum to begin forestry programming the the four regions of Ohio.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We changed the proposal to focus more on the target audience of forest landowners in southeast Ohio (where EAB is not the immediate priority). EAB has infilitrated the entire state of Ohio and is no longer a priority as the damage has already happened. The revised goals were submitted in the 2019 Progress Report. The accomplishments for these updated goals: . Number One: Identify highest priority information needs and audiences through collaborative processes with various partners. Number Two: Initiate development of factsheets and related programming. Number Three: Imbed these outreach materials into established programs, such as: A Day in the Woods, Call Before You Cut, and Project Learning Tree. Number Four: Expand program offerings, such as Woodland Walks and Forestry Days in new or revived areas; add Women Owning Woodlands programming; consider other underserved targets; connect landowner/adult programming with youth & family programming opportunities. What was accomplished under these goals? In FY2020, the Forest Outreach Coordinator continued to represent CSUE as one of the partner agencies that comprise the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team. Member agencies include the USDA Forest Service (Northern Research Station, Wayne NF, State & Private Forestry Morgantown Field Office), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Divisions of Forestry & Wildlife), The Ohio State University and Central State University (Cooperative Extension Programs). This team is focused toward improved forest health and reversing the decline of oak ecosystems in southeast Ohio. Participation in this team will help CSUE to select audiences most in need and tailor messages accordingly through this awesome collaborative effort. A fact sheet entitled, "Be Alert for Spotted Laternfly" was developed to help woodland owners to become aware of a potential invasive specie for Ohio. The fact sheet was published online in 2020 and has provided a resource for woodland owners. As of September 30, 2020, the Spotted Laternfly had not been found in Ohio, but was present in neighboring Pennsylvania. RREA funds in FY2020 were used to purchase equipment needed for forest outreach programming. Central State University Extension, a new-formed Extension program, began programming in four regions in Ohio. Purchases were made to provide equipment for forestry training for new hires to develop local training and workshops for woodland owners.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Dahl., J., A. Kulhanek, (2020)Be Alert for Spotted Laternfly,Central State University Extension Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.centralstate.edu/academics/cse/agriculture/im/pdf/Be-Alert-for-Spotted-Lanternfly.pdf

Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Our key target audiences include: woodland owners, forest and natural resource management partners and professionals, youth, and other forest stakeholders, all with a primary focus in Appalachian Ohio. CSUE has also started programming focused toward women through SE Ohio Women Owning Woodlands (WOW): we support women in forest leadership, women who own and manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests. WOW is part of a national effort: http://www.womenowningwoodlands.net/. Changes/Problems: Noted in the FTE area that we have a person who is focusing on Extension programming 60% of her time. The Extension programming support is from RREA. Project goals changed in FY 2019to better serveforest landowners in Ohio. Summary and revised goals are below. Non-Technical Summary We changed the proposal to focus more on the target audience of forest landowners in southeast Ohio (where EAB is not the immediate priority). The new proposal is below: Ohio's forestlands cover 8.1 million acres. The forest industry contributes an estimates $22 Billion to the state's economy, not including additional major revenue builders such as tourism and recreation. Eight-six percent of the forestland in Ohio is held in private ownership. Seventy-two percent of our total forestland is actually in family forest ownership, with about 336,000 family forest owners holding about 5.8 million acres across the state. These family forests face many significant challenges, including: urbanization and fragmentation, poor stocking of commercially valuable trees in some areas, issues recruiting young oaks resulting in projected species shifts toward maple and other non-oak species. Invasive plants and insect and disease problems also present significant challenges across the state. In current inventories oaks represent 35 percent of the trees 20 inches and larger in diameter but only 5% of the trees in the 2 to 4-inch diameter classes. Oak is fundamentally important to many different species of wildlife and the forest industry in Ohio. To date, Extension programming targeting southeast Ohio has been limited. Central State University (CSU) is working to partner with the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team, Ohio State University Extension, and other partners to expand program materials and offerings for southeast Ohio. There are a number of specific target audiences and topics that this team will be focused toward, including: oak ecosystems and management fact sheets; forest legacy planning; Women Owning Woodlands targeted programming; youth and family education related to woodlands and oak. It is also important to note that many woodland owners and residents in southeast Ohio are often underserved and face economic and social barriers. Additional work is needed to better understand different segments of our woodland owner population, so that we can best target messaging towards each group. RREA funding will be used to gather supplies needed for program delivery. Funds may also go toward the costs of printing factsheets and presentation materials. The goals would be to help develop materials and programs with consistent messaging for Ohio woodland owners. Topics would include: an oak overview; oaks and wildlife; encouraging oak regeneration; harvesting; oak wood products; forest legacy planning; Woman Owning Woodlands programming; oak ecosystem programming for youth, families, and educators. Goals / Objectives This project would strive to develop materials and programs with consistent messaging for Ohio woodland owners. Together Central State University Extension (CSUE) and Ohio State University Extension would lead efforts related to communication and outreach, on behalf of the Interagency Forestry Team and its many partners. We would hope to increase the number of landowners and partners reached with various forest stewardship messages. We would also ultimately hope to continue to increase the numbers of acres treated. Number One: Identify highest priority information needs and audiences through collaborative processes with various partners. Number Two: Initiate development of factsheets and related programming. Number Three: Imbed these outreach materials into established programs, such as: A Day in the Woods, Call Before You Cut, and Project Learning Tree. Number Four: Expand program offerings, such as Woodland Walks and Forestry Days in new or revived areas; add Women Owning Woodlands programming; consider other underserved targets; connect landowner/adult programming with youth & family programming opportunities. What was accomplished under these goals? In FY2019, the Forest Outreach Coordinator continued to represent CSUE as one of the partner agencies that comprise the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team. Member agencies include the USDA Forest Service (Northern Research Station, Wayne NF, State & Private Forestry Morgantown Field Office), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Divisions of Forestry & Wildlife), The Ohio State University and Central State University (Cooperative Extension Programs). This team is focused toward improved forest health and reversing the decline of oak ecosystems in southeast Ohio. Participation in this team will help CSUE to select audiences most in need and tailor messages accordingly through this awesome collaborative effort. RREA funds in FY2019 were used to purchase equipment needed for forest outreach programming. Key purchases included: various forestry tools and safety equipment, a color printer, a digital camera, a notepad (Ipad), equipment to support webinars. Funds were also used toward travel to deliver forest outreach programs and to gain professional development and training. Impact Statement- Seventy-two percent of Ohio's forestlands are in 'family forest' ownership, that means that they are not managed by the government but rather individual families in Ohio. Also, 66% of Ohio's forests is in Appalachian Ohio. It is crucially important that these landowners understand the resources available to help them to sustainably manage their woodlands. CSUE is partnering with the Interagency Forestry Team and Ohio State Extension to help further leverage resources and ultimately reach more people and landowners, particularly in southeast Ohio. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Women Owning Woodlands workshop at SAF National Convention (Oct. 2019) NEFREC- Northeast Forest Resources Extension Committee Meeting (Dec. 2019) Outreach and Engagement Conference, The Ohio State University (January 2019) Allegheny Society of American Foresters meeting (Feb. 2019) Ohio Forestry Association, Annual Meeting (March 2019) Ohio SAF, Winter Meeting (March 2019) Ohio Forest Tax Law Training (April 2019) A Day In the Woods - Tree ID program- (May 2019) Tree Farm Inspector Training (July 2019) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been disseminated to communities of interest via many of the programs and partnerships mentioned in this report. Key programs for disseminating information have been: use of the SE Ohio Woods web page/blog; Tree Talk video episodes with OSU South Centers; the start of Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) programming; and the SE Ohio WOW Google group, and the A Day in the Woods Series. Through these programs and many key partnerships the Forest Outreach Coordinator has been able to raise greater awareness about CSUE and its forest outreach programs. Key external partners include: The Ohio Interagency Forestry Team, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the USDA Forest Service, Ohio State University Extension and Researchers, The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, The Ohio Society of American Foresters, the Ohio Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Southeast Ohio Woodland Interest Group, Southern Ohio Forestland Association, Women Owning Woodlands and Rural Action, among others. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?(See updated goals in first response box) In FY 2020, CSUE will continue to focus in on the development of factsheets and related programming targeting landowners in southeast Ohio. One key topic area will continue to be oak ecosystems. In FY 2020 we will also focus more on legacy planning. CSUE will work with partners to imbed these outreach materials into established programs, such as: A Day in the Woods, Tree Talk, Women Owning Woodlands, Call Before You Cut, and Project Learning Tree. In 2020 CSUE plans to expand program offerings. Particular focus will go towards broadening our reach for Women Owning Woodlands programming. We hope to have a WOW program every 1-2 months and include some webinars. CSUE will also consider other underserved target audiences. Additionally, the Forest Outreach Coordinator will continue to look for opportunities to connect landowner/adult programming with youth & family programming opportunities.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We changed the proposal to focus more on the target audience of forest landowners in southeast Ohio (where EAB is not the immediate priority). The new goals are below: This project would strive to develop materials and programs with consistent messaging for Ohio woodland owners. Together Central State University Extension (CSUE) and Ohio State University Extension would lead efforts related to communication and outreach, on behalf of the Interagency Forestry Team and its many partners. We would hope to increase the number of landowners and partners reached with various forest stewardship messages. We would also ultimately hope to continue to increase the numbers of acres treated. Goal Number One: Identify highest priority information needs and audiences through collaborative processes with various partners. Goal Number Two: Initiate development of factsheets and related programming. Goal Number Three: Imbed these outreach materials into established programs, such as: A Day in the Woods, Call Before You Cut, and Project Learning Tree. Goal Number Four: Expand program offerings, such as Woodland Walks and Forestry Days in new or revived areas; add Women Owning Woodlands programming; consider other underserved targets; connect landowner/adult programming with youth & family programming opportunities. FY 2019 Accomplishments One key accomplishment in FY 2019 is that leaders of the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team signed a cooperative business plan at The Ohio State University Farm Science Review. The Plan will direct work over the next five years to collectively manage forests and sustain healthy, oak-dominated forests in Southeast Ohio. The Ohio Interagency Forestry Team consists of agencies with a forest management mission in Ohio, including the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Forest Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Ohio State University Extension, and Central State University Extension. This Interagency Forestry Team helps to direct and prioritize much of our Forest Outreach work at CSUE. This team also provides CSUE's forest outreach efforts with incredible leverage, contributing about 10.2 million dollars annually! CSUE recruited partners and led the charge to start a chapter of Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) in SE Ohio. We held the first WOW meeting in May 2019. The Ohio WOW effort is being led by CSUE, Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District, and ODNR's Division of Forestry. Other partners that have stepped up to help with WOW have included: Rural Action, the USDA Forest Service, and OSU Extension. WOW programming made about 50 direct contacts in 2019. Other accomplishments have included: -Continued contributions to the A Day in the Woods Programming, put on by OSUE and many other partners, including CSUE. CSUE helped lead the 2nd Annual Family Day in the Woods and plans to continue as a lead on this event in FY 2020. -Tree Talk- a monthly discussion on various forest-related topics that is filmed by OSUE South Centers. This is a collaboration between OSUE and CSUE. CSUE participated in 5 episodes in FY2019, with over 400 views. -SILVAH: Oak- the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, OSUE and CSUE partnered to provide Silviculture of Allegheny Hardwoods: Oak at Vinton Furnace State Forest, OH. This 3-day training is for professionals who work with oak ecosystems in Ohio. Thirty professionals took the training. -CSUE and OSUE have partnered on some needed fact sheets and publications. One factsheet focused on OAK is in draft form and more factsheets about oak ecosystems are underway. OSUE and CSUE delivered several talks in FY19 about the Interagency Forestry Team and Ohio's oak ecosystems. -CSUE and OSUE also partnered on a Spotted Lanternfly Factsheet, which is also in draft form.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: The Future of Oak is in Our Hands, Appalachian Green Teachers The Ohio Interagency Forestry Team: Partnering to Enhance Resiliency through Shared Stewardship, Outreach and Engagement Conference, The Ohio State University, Dave Apsley and Jamie Dahl- 5 minute Ignite session on the Interagency Forestry Team and oak conservation efforts (January 23, 2019).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Woodland Tips - Dave Apsley & Jamie Dahl- Overview of various woodland owner tips related to managing your woods. Includes basics on why you need a forester and where to find one as well as overview of basic educational resources (Feb 12, 2019).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: The Baileys Trail System at Southeast Ohio Woodland Interest Group meeting- Baileys and Forest Plan Revision Overview with the Wayne National Forest, USDA FS (March 18, 2019).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Updates on Training and Information from Cooperative Extension & Women Owning Woodlands, SEOWIG Newsletter Contribution (May, 2019).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: The Future of Oak is in Our Hands, Appalachian Green Teachers Conferencetrained educators on environmental education activities, Project learning Tree and an update on oak ecosystems in SE Ohio (Nov, 2019).
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Landowner Focus Group and first test pitch - meeting with 9 southeast Ohio woodland owners to discuss motivations/objectives, better understand active woodland owners, initial test of oak messaging (Feb. 25, 2019).
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2020 Citation: Be Alert for Spotted Lanternfly, Fact Sheet (DRAFT)- Ashley Kulhanek (OSU) and Jamie Dahl (CSU).
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ecosystem Sustainment of the Appalachian Forest Regions under Natural Gas Exploration in Ohio, Jamie Dahl.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2020 Citation: OAKS were here in the past, and they are here now- Help us make sure they are here in the FUTURE, Fact Sheet (DRAFT), David Apsley (OSU) and Jamie Dahl (CSU).
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: CSUE provides regular content contributions to SEOHIOWOODS: Just for woodland owners and enthusiasts in SE Ohio (https://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods) administered by Dave Apsley and Ohio State University)

Progress 01/24/18 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience: Landowners, forest and natural resource management partners and professionals, youth, and other forest stakeholders, all with a primary focus in Appalachian Ohio. Some programming will target woman owning woodlands. Changes/Problems:We changed the efforts to focus more on the target audience of forest landowners in southeast Ohio (where EAB is not seen as immediate priority for the REA efforts). The new proposal is below: To date, Extension programming including the focus on Renewable Resources and Energy issues targeting southeast Ohio has been limited. Central State University (CSU) is now working to partner with the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team, Ohio State University Extension, and other partners to expand program materials and offerings for southeast Ohio. There are a number of specific target audiences and topics that the RREA efforts will be focused toward, including: oak-hickory ecosystems and management fact sheets; forest legacy planning; Women Owning Woodlands targeted programming; youth and family education related to woodlands and oak. It is also important to note that many woodland owners and residents in southeast Ohio are often underserved and face economic and social barriers. Additional work is needed to better understand different segments of our woodland owner population, so that we can best target messaging towards each group. We plan to focus on these needs. RREA funding will be used to gather supplies needed for program delivery. Funds may also go toward the costs of printing factsheets and presentation materials. The goals would be to help develop materials and programs with consistent messaging for Ohio woodland owners. Topics would include: an oak overview; oaks and wildlife; encouraging oak regeneration; harvesting; oak wood products; forest legacy planning; Woman Owning Woodlands programming; oak-hickory programming for youth, families, and educators. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Professional Development: In September, The Forest Outreach Coordinator completed week long SILVAH Oak training in Brookville, Pennsylvania. SILVAH is a decision management tool and system sued for making forest management decisions. SILVAH refers to Silviculture in Allegheny Hardwoods and Mixed Oak Ecosystems. (Silviculture is the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis, Dictionary of Forestry). We were immersed in discussions and hands-on training on practices to promote and retain oak regeneration, as well as tools to determine when a stand is ready for harvest. In 2019, the Forest Outreach Coordinator plans to join the instructor team and help deliver SILVAH Oak training to other natural resources professionals and partners in Ohio. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been disseminated to communities of interest via the programs mentioned above. Additionally, the Forest Outreach Coordinator has been able to raise awareness about CSUE and its forest outreach programs via newsletters such as the Southeastern Ohio Woodlands Interest Group (SEOWIG); the SE Ohio Woods webpage through Ohio State University; as well as through participation in numerous partnership meetings and events. These efforts will expand further in FY19. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In FY 2019, CSUE will focus in on the development of factsheets and related programming targeting landowners in southeast Ohio. Initial topic areas will be oak-hickory and legacy planning. CSUE will then work with partners to imbed these outreach materials into established programs, such as: A Day in the Woods, Call Before You Cut, and Project Learning Tree. In 2019 CSUE plans to expand program offerings. Particular focus will go towards establishing Women Owning Woodlands programming. CSUE will also consider other underserved target audiences. Additionally, the Forest Outreach Coordinator will look for opportunities to connect landowner/adult programming with youth & family programming opportunities.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Ohio's forestlands cover 8.1 million acres. The forest industry contributes an estimates $22 Billion to the state's economy, not including additional major revenue builders such as tourism and recreation. Eight-six percent of the forestland in Ohio is held in private ownership. Seventy-two percent of our total forestland is actually in family forest ownership, with about 336,000 family forest owners holding about 5.8 million acres across the state. These family forests face many significant challenges, including: urbanization and fragmentation, poor stocking of commercially valuable trees in some areas, issues recruiting young oaks resulting in projected species shifts toward maple and other non-oak species. Invasive plants and insect and disease problems also present significant challenges across the state. In current inventories oaks represent 35 percent of the trees 20 inches and larger in diameter but only 5% of the trees in the 2 to 4-inch diameter classes. Oak is fundamentally important to many different species of wildlife and the forest industry in Ohio. To date, Extension programming targeting southeast Ohio has been limited. Central State University (CSU) is working to partner with the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team, Ohio State University Extension, and other partners to expand program materials and offerings for southeast Ohio. There are a number of specific target audiences and topics that this team will be focused toward, including: oak-hickory ecosystems and management fact sheets; forest legacy planning; Women Owning Woodlands targeted programming; youth and family education related to woodlands and oak. Goals / Objectives This project would strive to develop materials and programs with consistent messaging for Ohio woodland owners. Together Central State University Extension (CSUE) and Ohio State University Extension would lead efforts related to communication and outreach, on behalf of the Interagency Forestry Team and its many partners. We would hope to increase the number of landowners and partners reached with various forest stewardship messages. We would also ultimately hope to continue to increase the numbers of acres treated. Number One: Identify highest priority information needs and audiences through collaborative processes with various partners. Number Two: Initiate development of factsheets and related programming. Number Three: Imbed these outreach materials into established programs, such as: A Day in the Woods, Call Before You Cut, and Project Learning Tree. Number Four: Expand program offerings, such as Woodland Walks and Forestry Days in new or revived areas; add Women Owning Woodlands programming; consider other underserved targets; connect landowner/adult programming with youth & family programming opportunities. What was accomplished under these goals? One key accomplishment has been that Central State University has hired a Forest Outreach Coordinator, for CSU Extension and McIntire-Stennis Research to focus on forestry outreach efforts. This position started in mid-July of 2018. CSUE RREA accomplishments presented here are compiled from just 3 months of FY18. The Forest Outreach Coordinator will represent CSUE as one of the partner agencies that comprise the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team. Member agencies include the USDA Forest Service (Northern Research Station, Wayne NF, State & Private Forestry Morgantown Field Office), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Divisions of Forestry & Wildlife), The Ohio State University and Central State University (Cooperative Extension Programs). This team is focused toward improved forest health and reversing the decline of oak-hickory ecosystems in southeast Ohio. Participation in this team will help CSUE to select audiences most in need and tailor messages accordingly through this awesome collaborative effort. Impact Statement- Seventy-two percent of Ohio's forestlands are in 'family forest' ownership, that means that they are not managed by the government but rather individual families in Ohio. Also, 66% of Ohio's forests is in Appalachian Ohio. It is crucially important that these landowners understand the resources available to help them to sustainably manage their woodlands. CSUE is partnering with the Interagency Forestry Team and Ohio State Extension to help further leverage resources and ultimately reach more people and landowners, particularly in southeast Ohio. Major Activities Completed In August, The Forest Outreach Coordinator participated in 2 separate A Day in the Woods, forestry extension programs. A Day in the Woods (2nd Friday Series) are sponsored by the Education and Demonstration Subcommittee of the Vinton Furnace State Forest, in cooperation with Ohio State University Extension with support from about 15 other partners, now including CSUE. One workshop, Woodland Stewardship Opportunities, was an inquiry-based woodlands discussion. OSU and CSU Extension plan to further develop this inquiry-based approach for future use by other natural resources professionals. Partners also hosted the first ever A Day in the Woods: Family Forest Day. This youth focused event included several hands-on activities, including: hay wagon forest tours, rattlesnake research, a sawmill, tree cookies, insect netting, and many more! The Forest Outreach Coordinator was also able to attend Farm Science Review and set-up a booth at the Gwynne Conservation area. We conservatively estimated at least 70 indirect contacts at the booth. CSUE was able to increase awareness about McIntire-Stennis research related to water and wetland resources at Farm Science Review. The Forest Outreach Coordinator also delivered Your Land, Your Legacy Woodland Legacy Planning, a program adapted from Penn State and Ohio State Extension, which 8 landowners attended. It is also important to note that many woodland owners and residents in southeast Ohio are often underserved and face economic and social barriers. Additional work is needed to better understand different segments of our woodland owner population, so that we can best target messaging towards each group. RREA funding will be used to gather supplies needed for program delivery. Funds may also go toward the costs of printing factsheets and presentation materials. The goals would be to help develop materials and programs with consistent messaging for Ohio woodland owners. Topics would include: an oak overview; oaks and wildlife; encouraging oak regeneration; harvesting; oak wood products; forest legacy planning; Woman Owning Woodlands programming; oak-hickory programming for youth, families, and educators.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2018 Citation: Through partnerships, CSUE has already helped to enhance and present the following program/products: -Your Land, Your Legacy Woodland Legacy Planning presentation (adapted from Penn State and OSU) -Woodland Stewardship Opportunities, an inquiry-based woodlands discussion (adapted from Penn State and OSU) -Presentation materials in collaboration with the CSU McIntire-Stennis research efforts, related to simultaneously optimizing oil and gas production, forest health, and agriculture production