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Exciting Upcoming ONLINE
Educational Programs for the Public and Land Managers
Central Pine Barrens Prescribed Fire Program
An Evening Presentation for the Public
Date: March 24, 2022
Time: 7:00 p.m.
via Zoom & Commission YouTube Channel

SYNOPSIS

Spring marks the beginning of prescribed fire season, and this year is an exciting time of engagement within the forests of the Central Pine Barrens as a new prescribed fire management program is being implemented to improve forest health, strengthen resiliency to pests and disease and reduce wildfires within this regionally-valued ecosystem. Spearheaded by the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, this important forest management program has been made possible thanks to a five-year, $1.25 million grant provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to build capacity within the Commission and within the Long Island region to allow for the planning and implementation of prescribed fire. 

Please join Commission staff members Bob Panko, Fire Management Specialist and Polly Weigand, Science and Stewardship Program Manager as they discuss why prescribed fire is the most beneficial and effective management for the Central Pine Barrens; the steps that have been implemented in developing this new management program; where prescribed fire operations will be occurring this spring and seasons onward; how you can receive notifications of these operations, and how you can improve wildfire protection around your homes and businesses.

Ways to view this live presentation:


Meeting ID: 856 8572 3809
Passcode: 574829
       +1 929 205 6099
        +1 312 626 6799
        
Live YouTube Broadcast:

Recording of this presentation will be posted to our You-Tube Channel.

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For more information on the Commission and our prescribed fire program
please visit:

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LINPI & LIISMA Native Plant and Invasive Species Symposium

Resilient Long Island:
A Symposium on Invasive and Native Species
for Long Island's Future

Date: April 7, 2022
Time: 8am-5pm

Register HERE

Click here to view the full agenda.

SYNOPSIS

Join the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) and the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) in their first ever joint symposium, centered around the future of native plants and invasive species across Long Island NY and beyond.

Over 20 presenters will cover topics ranging from invasive plant management, native landscaping, solar energy and restoration, ecosystems at greatest risk and value, climate change, tick management, pollinator conservation, and more.

But that's not all– a poster slam, networking opportunities, and even snack boxes will bring the community together around a shared cause.

This event welcomes the public and professionals to engage on these diverse topics.

Some of the speakers include:

Heather Holm (Keynote) - Biologist, Author
"Creating and Managing Landscapes for Native Bees"

Fran Chismar - Pinelands Nursery
"Bring on the Bugs! The importance of Native Plants & How to Get Your Neighbors on Board"

Uli Lorimer - Native Plant Trust
"How Local is local enough? Importance of Native Ecotypes"

Dr. Christopher Neill - Wood Well Climate Research Center
"The Science Behind Yard Management to Increase Plant, Insect and Bird Biodiversity"

Nancy Pau - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
"Perennial Pepperweed in MA"

Moses Curcura - Entomologist. Suffolk County Department of Public Works
"Landscape Management for Ticks"

CECs offered including NYSDEC Pesticide, ISA, LACES, and CNLP

Please visit Symposium.LIISMA.org for more information.

Workshop:
Southern Pine Beetle Management

Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022 
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST



SYNOPSIS
This three-hour virtual workshop is designed to make practical plans and establish a community of practice around pitch pine barren management in light of southern pine beetle (SPB). Participants will use resources for developing management plans for at-risk pitch pine stands across the northeastern U.S. and share information about applications of thinning and prescribed fire. John Wernet, Regional Forester for NYSDEC and Polly Weigand, Science and Stewardship Program Manager for the Central Pine Barrens Commission will share their experiences in SPB management on Long Island.

Sessions include:
  • Current state of the problem
  • Needs and challenges to future action
  • Resources and examples
  • Wrap-up and looking ahead

A follow-up workshop on May 12 will enable participants to “woodshed” their individual management plans.
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WORKSHOP DETAILS

There is no fee for participation.

All registrants will be asked to review pre-workshop background materials before the workshop begins.

Registration closes on April 27 at 4:00 PM.

Information on the follow-up workshop on May 12, including the meeting link, will be shared with registrants after the April workshop.
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Please contact us with any questions at [email protected].

Central Pine Barrens Join Planning and Policy Commission
624 Old Riverhead Road
Riverhead, New York 11978