April 2025 Newsletter

Last Tuesday, the Wisconsin Forestry Center and leadership from the College of Natural Resources and UW-Stevens Point joined our partners at Northcentral Technical College (NTC) for the ribbon cutting ceremony of their new sawmill. The new mill is a one-of-a-kind facility aimed at providing industry standard training in wood science and sawmill technology.

Located in Antigo, Wisconsin, the new sawmill is the only commercial scale training sawmill in the United States, and advances the Wisconsin Forestry Careers Coalition's mission of addressing the urgent need for skilled workers in the foresty industry. By providing students with the opportunity to train without the pressure of production, students will learn how to use equipment safely and efficiently, while engaging in best practices that align with industry's high standards.

The sawmill features state-of-the-art equipment, including a head saw, resaw, optimized edger, and scanner, allowing students to use precise technology as they expand their knowledge and prepare for a career in the wood manufacturing industry.

NTC's Wood Technology Center of Excellence offers several programs that will utilize the Sawmill, including a Wood Science Associate degree, a Wood Technology Technical diploma, and multiple certificate and training programs. Credits can also transfer from NTC to UWSP for students wanting to pursue a university degree.

This project was made possible through the Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development .

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SUGARBUSH MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

Managing maple stands for sustainable sap production presents unique challenges. The sentiment that you “don’t cut sugar maple” could use some critical thinking and review. In this workshop, we will explore maple sugaring, state and federal policies regarding sugarbush management, and timber marking for sugar maple stand improvement.

WHEN: Thur., May 8, 2025; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

WHERE: Gresham, Wis.

COST: $35, Register by Friday, April 28.

Funding is available to reimburse Tribal members and Tribal staff members from Tribes in Wisconsin for registration fees through the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council. Eligible participants interested in registration reimbursement will be contacted by WTCAC to arrange payment.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: This workshop has been pre-approved for CEUs and CFEs. Please visit the website for more information.

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FORESTRY FOR BIRDS WORKSHOP

Forestry for Birds

WHEN: Thur., May 15, 2025; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

WHERE: Rib Lake, Wis.

COST: $75, includes lunch

CONTINUING EDUCATION: This workshop counts towards the Forest Management for Wildlife Certificate and we are seeking pre-approval for CEUs and CFEs. Please visit the website for more information.

In this workshop, we focus on the biology, habitat requirements, and tools to implement forest management that enhances habitat for neotropical migratory birds. By focusing on a handful of important species, we’ll walk through their identification, habitat needs, and ideal silvicultural prescriptions. Through a combination of presentations, case studies, and field tours, we will cover: basic biology of neotropical birds; forest habitat considerations; early- and mid-successional forest habitat management; and adapting silvicultural prescriptions to benefit specific bird species.

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APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SILVICULTURE WEBINAR SERIES

Northern Pine System Restoration

Foresters and land managers are increasingly entrusted with implementing forestry practices that meet a variety of ecological objectives. Applied Ecological Silviculture is the toolbox managers can use to maintain the structure, composition, function, and dynamics of natural forest ecosystems.

Join us for insightful discussions with national experts as we expand our understanding of silviculture based on natural disturbance models and ecological principles.

This six-part webinar series will culminate with follow-up workshops to review on-the-ground examples that utilize these principles. Recordings of previous webinars are available.

NEXT TOPIC: Northern Pine System Restoration with Brian Palik, Ph.D., Forest Ecologist at American Nature Solutions

WHEN: Wed., May 21, 2025; Noon-1 p.m. CT

WHERE: Online

COST: Free! Registration is not required.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Webinars have been pre-approved for CEUs and CFEs. Please visit the website for more information.

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This series is possible through a grant from the Wisconsin SFI® Implementation Committee. The Mission of the Wisconsin SFI® Implementation Committee (WI SIC) is to promote and enhance SFI and sustainable forestry practices within Wisconsin through grassroots collaboration with stakeholders, partners, and those who benefit from managed forests. With a focus on SFI’s core SIC’s priorities, the WI SIC ensures that forests and their many benefits will perpetuate into the future.

PRESCRIBED FIRE WEBINAR SERIES

FIRE AND CARBON

A free webinar series on Prescribed Fire for Forest Management continues on May 7 at 10:30 a.m. CT.

Join us for an interesting look into the complex relationship between fire and carbon with Jed Munier, Ph.D., Ecologist and Research Scientist within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry.

In this series, we hear from national experts as we discuss forest management using prescribed fire. Learn some of the practical knowledge of where, when, why, and how to apply fire in forest ecosystems. Recordings of previous webinars are available.

WHEN: May 7 from 10:30-12 p.m. CT

WHERE: Visit our website and click the join button.

COST: Free! Registration is not required.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: CEUs and CFEs have been pre-approved. Please visit the website for more information.

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SILVICAST PODCAST: MY BUCKTHORN CHIA PET

My Buckthorn Chia Pet

Buckthorn has been the bane of many foresters and forest landowners throughout eastern North American. This long lived, woody plant is capable of forming dense thickets, degrading native understory plant communities and impeding tree regeneration. While herbicide control measures can be effective, managers have struggled for long-term control of this prolific plant.

Tune in to My Buckthorn Chia Pet for a conversation with Dr. Mike Schuster, Researcher at the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, as we explore ways to disrupt the buckthorn cycle.

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This month's episode of SilviCast sponsored by:

SPONSOR SILVICAST

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

The WFC offers a variety of on-demand continuing education options, including SilviCast podcast episodes and online on-demand courses. They are pre-approved for SAF and WI-DNR Cooperating Forester credits.

SILVICAST