PSU Conference to Explore Forest Economy
By Anonymous
More than 20 organizations with a focus on New England’s farms, forests and open spaces will be joining together in June at Plymouth State University to offer a two-day program designed to promote collaborative projects that make use of New England’s forest resources.
Geared toward landowners, farmers, foresters, loggers and agencies that serve them, the program, “Exploring Your Woodland Opportunities,” also will feature workshops designed to increase public appreciation for the value of forest resources and forest ecosystems.
Some 36 speakers will present information and ideas relating to forest opportunities that can be implemented by landowners and communities to find creative solutions to expand economic opportunity, implement new technologies for renewable energy, promote local self-sufficiency and sustainability, find new uses for forest products, cultivate local food production and preserve valued forest landscapes.
Among the presenters will be state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Taylor, Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald, Executive Councilor Ray Burton and Jane Difley, president of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
In addition to workshops and presentations, the conference includes an expo featuring products and services relating to energy, ecology, economy, entrepreneurship and agroforestry.
The conference is organized by the E4 Coalition, a network of institutions, communities, organizations and landowners cooperating to learn and apply technologies and practices that utilize forest resources for economic and societal benefits, conservation and energy self-reliance.
The four E’s refer to energy, ecology, economy and entrepreneurship.
Among the coalition’s members are the Plymouth State Center for Rural Partnerships and its Center for the Environment, the state Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, UNH Cooperative Extension, North Country Resource Conservation & Development and the Northern Forest Center.
For more information, visit e4coalition.com or e-mail Abby Holm, conference manager, at forest_e4@mail.plymouth.edu.
Copyright Business Publications Inc. May 25, 2007
(c) 2007 New Hampshire Business Review. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.