ANOTHER STORM ON THE WAY
I almost put away the generator last weekend. What was I thinking? After all the recent impacts from Hurricane Ian the timing of this could probably not be worse. As tropical storm Nicole approaches the east coast of Florida take some time (again) to prepare yourself, your family, and your property. For some guidance and helpful pre-storm preparation and recovery tips see Prepare Your Forest Property for Hurricane Season.
This storm is projected to gain hurricane strength before it gets here. Keep an eye on the forecasts and storm track at the NOAA Hurricane Center.
FALL-WINTER ISSUE OF THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
2022 Jon Gould Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year: Albert Fuller, Alachua County Trust Awarded Funding by USDA for Forest to Gulf Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Half a Century since the Clean Water Act Amendments: The Success Story of Forestry Best Management Practices in the Southeast, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Eastern Population of Gopher Tortoise does not require Federal Protection, Sign up for Florida Land Steward Email Updates, Timber Price Update, Certified Landowners. Access the current and back issues of the Florida Land Steward newsletter here.
CONGRATULATIONS ALBERT FULLER: 2022 FLORIDA JON GOULD OUTSTANDING TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR!
The Florida Tree Farm Program is proud to congratulate Mr. Albert Fuller of Levy County as Florida’s 2022 Jon Gould Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Mr. Fuller was selected for this award among other certified Tree Farm nominations in Florida, for implementing forest stewardship practices that protect and improve our forest resources and in recognition of his exceptional efforts to promote forest stewardship within his community. Read more about Albert Fuller in the Florida Land Steward 2022 Florida Outstanding Tree Farmer blog post.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FLORIDA AG LANDOWNERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IAN
Apply by November 15
Florida agricultural landowners and producers affected by Hurricane Ian can apply for emergency assistance through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program. NRCS can provide payments, through conservation program contracts, for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) conservation practices that address disaster related resource concerns on agricultural land. Interested landowners should apply by November 15, 2022.
The 28 Florida counties identified for EQIP emergency assistance are: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Volusia.
Interested agricultural producers and landowners can contact the NRCS State Office at (352) 338-9500 or email SM.NRCS.FL.DISASTERINFO@USDA.GOV to submit the following information to begin their EQIP application process: location where assistance is requested (county, city, and major crossroads), contact name and email address, phone number (state if mobile/cell; able to receive calls and/or text messages, nature of need for assistance.
2023 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD WALL CALENDARS AVAILABLE SOON!
It’s time to request your copy of the 2023 Florida Land Steward wall calendar. The annual Florida Land Steward calendar features beautiful photography, habitat management tips, landowner and management highlights, resource contacts, partnership opportunities, and more. These make a great Holiday gift for the land steward or outdoor enthusiast on your list. Request your calendar by sending an email to cdemers@ufl.edu with your mailing address. These are first come, first serve to interested landowners, while supplies last.
SIGN UP OPEN FOR USDA NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAMS
Apply by January 31, 2023
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values. The ACEP protects grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible grazing land. Under the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component, landowners restore wetlands impacted by agriculture. Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity, provide resilience to climate change, and provide opportunities for limited recreational activities.
Contact your local NRCS office to apply for ACEP by January 31, 2023 for FY2023 funding.
WOMENS OUTDOOR GROUP STARTING UP IN 2023
Ladies!! Are you ready to connect with each other to learn about land ownership, management, and outdoor education from a woman’s perspective? Come join us as we enjoy sharing and learning together! Please contact Allison Nash, nash.allison@gmail.com, (941) 725-1640 or Ginger Feagle, ginger.feagle@myfwc.com, (386) 586-8249 to learn more about this new ladies’ group. Our first event will take place in January! Details will be posted in Florida Land Steward email updates.
CHECK OUT THE 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 about AFF’s Family Forest Virtual Community.
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 the quarterly Florida Land Steward 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, 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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