CT Forest Forum Nov. 24th: Connecticut's Forests in a Changing World - from Global to Local

Interested in healthy, working forests and sustainable local economies? If your answer is "yes", please join us for the 5th Annual Connecticut Forest Forum on Tuesday, November 24th from 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. Check out the agenda and register today!

5th Annual Connecticut Forest Conservation and Research Forum

Connecticut's Forests in a Changing World - from Global to Local

Connecticut is a small, highly urbanized but heavily forested state with a proud history of pioneering forest and natural resource conservation. Our past Forums have highlighted several related forest conservation issues in Connecticut, including forest sustainability in an urbanizing environment, blending science and policy, and valuing ecosystem services in applied and practical ways.

This year, we build on these past programs by looking at Connecticut in the context of critical global and national issues. Bill Bentley and Dave Kittredge start us off with a look at the complex and rapidly changing global forces shaping Connecticut’s forests and economy. Doug Zehner reviews national forest policy, including the 2008 Farm Bill and its impacts on Connecticut forest landowners. We then turn to state level policy: hear about a new GIS-based state forest resource assessment, happening right now, and help us design a strategy to guide future use of state and federal funding. The morning concludes with a fresh look at forest ecosystem services, followed by ample time for questions.

The afternoon offers a choice of three concurrent sessions. The Private Forest Stewardship session delves into key current issues and their potential impacts on Connecticut forest owners, including climate change, carbon sequestration and details of  2008 Farm Bill programs. Forest Research and Forest Health provide four reports on research underway in the Highlands of western Connecticut. Urban & Community Forestry is examined in the context of the latest Smart Growth initiatives and Connecticut’s shifting political environment.

Each Connecticut Forest Forum provides a unique opportunity to gather with conservationists, municipal land use staff and volunteers, land trust leaders, foresters, forest owners and others to share perspectives and learn from one another. Please join us on November 24 for an interesting, provocative and participatory look at contemporary forest conservation issues.

To view the agenda and information on how to register, please review the 2009 Connecticut Forest Forum Brochure (PDF)