BLACKSBURG, Va., Sept. 28, 2004 – Virginians interested in natural resources have the opportunity to see wise resource management in Bedford County during the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Department of Forestry annual Forestry and Wildlife Field Tour, Friday, Oct. 15.
"The tour is designed to show forestry and wildlife management opportunities, acquaint participants with public and private sources of technical and financial management assistance, and demonstrate multiple-use, sustainable, forest management practices," said Shawn A. Baker, coordinator of the Virginia Forest Landowner Education program of Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech. The participants will see private, industry, and public lands and hear talks on how to manage the property by foresters, wildlife specialists, and owners. The programs focus on multiple-use management opportunities, Baker said.
"Learning about our natural resources is for all ages, so bring your family," Baker said, "and dress comfortably for the weather and walking in the woods. The tour will go in rain or shine."
Individuals can register in advance by contacting the registrar, Scott Baker, Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent, 122 East Main St., Suite 102, Bedford, Va. 24523-2035, prior to the tour date. Cost is $35 for those registered in advance and $40 when paid on the program date. Participants meet for registration at 8 a.m.; the tours start at 8:30 a.m. and end no later than 5:30 p.m.
The Bedford County tour will start at the Wal-Mart parking lot at the U.S. 460 bypass east of the U.S. 122/U.S. 221/U.S. 460 bypass intersection. Participants will view an example of the integration of forest and wildlife habitat management practices at the Bill Clayton property on a walk led by Department of Forestry forester Bob Kennedy.
The group will hear about Georgia Pacific Corporation’s by-product pollution abatement program at its Big Island corrugated medium pulp mill. After a catered lunch at the Clayton Nature Study Center near the Peaks of Otter, participants will tour the Center to hear about bottomland hardwood afforestation, wildlife plantings, and other research projects. The group will visit Johnson’s Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery.
This annual education program is offered in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Forestry Association, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Georgia Pacific Corporation, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, International Paper Corporation, Virginia Tree Farm Committee, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Virginia Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Resource Management Service, Inc., Forest Landowners Association, Inc., Mountain Forest Products, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Powell River Project, Forestland Group, New River/Highlands and South Centre Corridors RC & D.
Tours of the same style will be offered at Dickenson County Friday, Oct. 8, Fauquier County, Friday, Oct. 22, and Sussex County, Friday, Oct. 29.