CHADRON, NE – On Saturday, November 3, 2012, a segment of the workshop series TODAY’S FOREST will be held at Chadron State Park near Chadron.

This free educational event is open to the public with a special invitation to all who experienced the devastating wildfires of 2012. The topic is titled “Best  Management Practices”; top notch speakers from South Dakota State University will include Dr. John Ball (extension forester) and Howard Woodard (soil scientist).

“Wildfire is fresh in everyone’s mind, especially after what happened to us this summer,” said Doak Nickerson, Northwest District Forester for the Nebraska Forest Service. “The huge footprints left by these fires on the Pine Ridge landscape could have significant impact on watersheds, specifically soil and  ash erosion downstream. If the wrong kind of rainstorm occurs, the result could be impaired surface water quality for rural and community residents alike.”

This workshop will focus on forestland treatment options after the fire. On tap will be best management practices (BMP’s), which are measures that can help minimize the impact on soil and water. Discussion will include forestry tools of the trade, including buffers, culverts and roads.

The workshop is sponsored by the Nebraska Forest Service as part of a cooperative effort with Wyoming State Forestry and South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Future workshops will include markets/ certification/contracting and stewardship planning/assistance.

The workshop will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 3 in the Central Building, Chadron State Park, 8 miles south of Chadron, NE on Hwy. 385. Nebraska Tree Farm System will cover the cost of the 1-day Park entry permits for all attendees and refreshments will be served.

For those unable to make the Nebraska event, on Friday, November 2 the workshop will debut at the Hudson Street Hall, 222 West Hudson St., Spearfish, SD with a start time of 8:00 am. It will be repeated on Saturday, November 3 at the Custer State Park Headquarters on Hwy. 16 about 1 mile north of the  Game Lodge with a start time of 8:00 am. These ½ day workshops will begin with an indoor session and then move into the forest for some “hands on” discussion.

The workshops will proceed rain or shine, so people are encouraged to dress for the weather.

For more information, please contact Fred McCartney at 308/432-8158 or [email protected].