The Master Tree Farmer Program (MTF), which concluded in March, was a resounding success! Missouri ranked second in participation among the 14 states taking part in the satellite-downlinked program offered by Clemson University to 12 sites in Missouri. According to John Dwyer, acting state extension forester, over 300 forest landowners, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension personnel, resource professionals from the Missouri Department of Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association attended. The popularity of this course was evident by the fact that some of the participants traveled 60 miles, one-way, to attend the sessions!
The 7-week program, held once a week, focused on educating landowners about forest management. Subjects included forestry terms and concepts; forest finance; taxation and estate planning; pine and hardwood management; timber sales and marketing; and agency assistance and government cost-share programs available for forest landowners.
An advanced six-week course is being considered for next winter. If you would like more information about the Master Tree Farm Program, contact John Dwyer at: Forestry Department, 203 ABNR, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65203. The program is a collaborative effort between University of Missouri Outreach and Extension specialists, resource professionals from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association. Without their unselfish help and dedication to the Master Tree Farmer Program, its success would not have happened!