Arkansas Agriculture Edition 25 : Page 24
Ag Profile Arkansas Forestry Commission Growing and protecting Arkansas’ forest land by gregg patterson Arkansas Forestry Commission The Arkansas Forestry Commission is a state agency dedicated to working with agencies, communities, organizations and residents to prevent and suppress wildfires; control forest insects and disease; grow and distribute trees for planting; and gather and disseminate information concerning the growth, use and renewal of forests. It got its start in 1931 and is now part of the Arkansas Agriculture Department. The Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) State Forester is the agency’s top position. Joseph Fox was recently hired as its eighth-ever State Forester. Wildfire suppression is a major activity for AFC. Since 1935, its crews have suppressed more than 225,000 wildfires. Fire safety is a critical education component, and AFC forest rangers conduct programs with school children, teaching them how to prevent wildfires. The agency also assists some 1,000 rural volunteer fire departments, helping them with organization, training and equipment. As part of this service, AFC administers federal grants and provides interest-free loans for purchasing equipment to these rural fire departments. Rangers also partner with AFC county foresters to work with private landowners to help them manage forested property. Following a forest management plan improves the health and vigor of trees. Forest management plans identify landowner goals and objectives, as well as specific forest practices to reach them. Landowners can make money through timber sales and/or provide improved wildlife habitat, as well as other benefits. AFC foresters have worked with more Friend or foe? Fighting destructive forest fires and using fire as a forest management tool are both part of the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s job description. Forest fires destroy millions of dollars worth of timber each year. However, the wise use of fire as a management tool, like in this photo, to prepare a site for regeneration of trees is also useful. than 1,150 landowners since 1991, helping them earn Forest Stewardship recognition. This service is free. Other services like prescribed burns, timber marking and construction of fire breaks are fee-based. Natural resources professionals from other state and federal agencies also can provide help. A registered professional forester should be part of all forest management plan development. Another important AFC service is its nursery tree program. Landowners can order low-cost tree seedlings from AFC’s Baucum Nursery in North Little Rock. AFC has distributed more than 1.23 billion trees since 1935. Go to forestry.arkansas.gov and click on “AFC Seedlings” for ordering information and deadlines. ŒŒŒ* 24 Arkansas Agriculture
Ag Profile
Gregg Patterson
Arkansas Forestry Commission<br /> <br /> Growing and protecting Arkansas’ forest land<br /> <br /> The Arkansas Forestry Commission is a state agency dedicated to working with agencies, communities, organizations and residents to prevent and suppress wildfires; control forest insects and disease; grow and distribute trees for planting; and gather and disseminate information concerning the growth, use and renewal of forests. It got its start in 1931 and is now part of the Arkansas Agriculture Department.<br /> <br /> The Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) State Forester is the agency’s top position. Joseph Fox was recently hired as its eighth-ever State Forester.<br /> <br /> Wildfire suppression is a major activity for AFC. Since 1935, its crews have suppressed more than 225,000 wildfires. Fire safety is a critical education component, and AFC forest rangers conduct programs with school children, teaching them how to prevent wildfires. The agency also assists some 1,000 rural volunteer fire departments, helping them with organization, training and equipment.<br /> <br /> As part of this service, AFC administers Federal grants and provides interestfree loans for purchasing equipment to these rural fire departments.<br /> <br /> Rangers also partner with AFC county foresters to work with private landowners to help them manage forested property. Following a forest management plan improves the health and vigor of trees. Forest management plans identify landowner goals and objectives, as well as specific forest practices to reach them. Landowners can make money through timber sales and/or provide improved wildlife habitat, as well as other benefits.AFC foresters have worked with more Than 1,150 landowners since 1991, helping them earn Forest Stewardship recognition. This service is free.<br /> <br /> Other services like prescribed burns, timber marking and construction of fire breaks are fee-based. Natural resources professionals from other state and federal agencies also can provide help. A registered professional forester should be part of all forest management plan development.<br /> <br /> Another important AFC service is its nursery tree program. Landowners can order low-cost tree seedlings from AFC’s Baucum Nursery in North Little Rock. AFC has distributed more than 1. 23 billion trees since 1935. Go to forestry.arkansas.gov and click on “AFC Seedlings” for ordering information and deadlines.
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