Fellows Travel to Nevada for SAF Annual Convention

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Originally uploaded by World Forest Institute

Wild horses, cowboys, and yes, forestry, called Fellows to Reno, Nevada, for the 2008 Society of American Foresters annual meeting. The gathering, whose theme was “Forestry in a Climate of Change” provided diverse offerings that appealed to all Fellows, whose projects vary widely. “I was happy to have been able to join eminent forest practitioners and enthusiasts,” said Victor Kawanga. “Each provided valuable lessons on aspects of fire ecology, silviculture, and economics in forest restoration projects.”

Climate change, carbon trading, and biofuels headlined the conference, which was attended by over 1600 foresters. The current economic downturn was also a big topic, as US wood production is down nearly 35% from three years ago. The conference opened the day after election day, and there was much speculation about changes in energy and forest policy that will come with a new administration.

Driving 1200 miles obviously necessitated a few stops, and gave Fellows an impressive view of forest types crossing over the Cascade mountains. In Klamath Falls, Fellows visited with managers at Collins Products and toured their particleboard plant. Ponderosa pine shavings are obtained locally, and they are used to manufacture an FSC-certified product.

Crater Lake was a “must see” attraction on the return, but heavy snowfall left Fellows to appreciate the park’s forests, as the lake was nowhere to be seen. Everyone returned safe and sound with a greater appreciation for the diversity of forestry work in the US, as well as with a sense of comraderie after finding that foresters share similar values, no matter where they are from.

For more photos:
Convention
On the road
Crater Lake
Collins Products

All things salmon

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Originally uploaded by World Forest Institute

Fellows learned about fish management at Bonneville Hatchery, where workers extracted eggs for fall spawning. After watching artificial spawning, the group headed for a hike in Eagle Creek to see the real deal. Click on the group for more photos.