US FOREST SERVICE 2022 LONGLEAF PINE CONE CROP REPORT
The US Forest Service’s 2022 longleaf pine cone crop report is now available. According to this year’s report, the regional cone crop is characterized as Fair for this year, with an overall average of 41 cones per tree. This year’s production is above the long-term regional average of about 28 cones per tree. Site-preparation treatments, to “catch” the upcoming seed crop that will fall in October, may be worth considering this summer. Cone collection, to replenish longleaf pine seed supplies, may also be worth considering.
The best cone production this spring was noted in Santa Rosa County, Florida (110 cones per tree = Bumper crop), Okaloosa County, Florida (86 cones per tree = Good crop) and Baker County, Georgia (62 cones per tree = Good crop). There is substantial variation in cone production among sites; therefore, you are encouraged to go to the woods with your binoculars and conduct your own cone counts on longleaf pine stands in which you have a specific interest.
Access the full 2022 Longleaf Pine Cone Report here.
SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE OUTBREAKS IN WAKULLA AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES
The Florida Forest Service (FFS) is responding to an outbreak of the Southern Pine Beetle within Franklin and Wakulla Counties. FFS conducts aerial survey flights each year during peak season to detect Southern Pine Beetle activity and assist landowners with suppression efforts. So far this year, a record 21 active outbreaks have been identified in Wakulla County, and 14 in Franklin County.
For information about the Southern Pine Beetle and current infestation activity in Franklin and Wakulla Counties, contact Emily Martin at Emily.Martin@FDACS.gov or (850) 597-6572.
For further information on the Southern Pine Beetle in other Florida counties, contact your local County Forester, which can be found at the Florida Forest Service County Forester webpage.
HURRICANE SEASON IS UPON US
Keep an eye on the tropics and make sure you, your family, and your property are ready for the next storm headed our way. Our recorded webinar series on Hurricane Preparation and Recovery, as well as links to all the materials, are still available. All materials are available at our Florida Land Steward events and webinars page – see 2021 Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Webinars..
Don’t wait until after a disaster to get your farm records filled out with USDA Farm Service Agency. You’ll be ahead in the queue for assistance and will receive E-notifications about recovery programs from FSA after the storm. If you already have farm records in, review them and make sure they are complete and up-to date. Find your USDA Service Center here to get started.
REPORT YOUR WILD TURKEY SIGHTINGS THIS SUMMER
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2022 wild turkey summer survey has launched! Landowners, citizen scientists, conservationists, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts are invited to take part in this important annual survey. More details and reporting options here.
CHECK OUT THE NEW FAMILY FOREST VIRTUAL COMMUNITY
Family forest owners are invited to join the American Forest Foundation’s (AFF) brand new virtual community, The Family Forest, a home for family forest owners and the people who support them. The Family Forest is a dedicated online space where people who care for family forest land can connect with others who share the same goals and aspirations. Learn more at AFF’s Family Forest blog post.
GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES
Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of this quarterly newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEBINARS
See our Events Calendar and News page for upcoming events, webinars, webinar and event materials.
ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Access the current and back issues of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here.
HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris Demers at cdemers@ufl.edu.
CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM
The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts please consider a gift.
Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here. Thanks!
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