the expo is free - texas a&m forest servicejoin us for the texas forest expo. exhibitors and...

The EXPO is FREE The EXPO is FREE Open to the Public and Family FriendlyOpen to the Public and Family Friendly

EXHIBITORS AND SPEAKERS FROMALL AROUND TEXAS!

LODGING - FOOD - SHOPPING!!!Welcome to the Lake Conroe Area! After the Texas Forest EXPO, relax on beautiful Lake

Conroe, tee up on our challenging golf courses, take in a show at the Crighton Theatre, shoptil you drop at the Outlets of Conroe or visit Historic Montgomery -- the birthplace of the

Texas Flag. Enjoy the restaurants, theatres and recreation that Conroe has to offer. For special rates on lodging mention the Texas Forest EXPO when reserving a room!

www.lakeconroecvb.org

texasforestexpo.tamu.edu

• Get answers to your natural resource questions from experts

• Learn how to protect your home and land from wildfire

• Receive gardening and tree care tips

• Attend any of more than 20 workshops over two days

• Check out home, garden and farm equipment

• Purchase native plants and other items

• Bring the kids to the Children’s Exploration Room

• Have your picture taken with Smokey Bear!

SATURDAY COURSESROOM

ROOM

TIME

9:00-9:45

10:00-10:45

11:00-11:45

11:45-1:00

1:00-1:45

2:00-3:30

3:45-4:30

San Jacinto 1

Texas Forest EXPOSan Jacinto 2

Timber Taxationand EstatePlanning

Common Tree Health,Disease, and Insect

Problems

Trees and EnergyConservation

ConservationEasements

Better Plants forFirewise Landscapes

How to Plant andCare for Your Trees

Family Fire Safetyand Fire Prevention

Quiet Invasion- InvasiveSpecies Taking Over Bird Watching 101 Small Tract

Management Wildlife Management

How to Become a Firewise Community

USA

Using Woody Biomass andOther Renewable Natural

Resources for EnergyBird Watching 101 Pond Management Wildlife Management Native Plants

Native Plants

The Texas TrailsNetwork

Mushrooms- A WalkThrough the Fungal

Jungle

How to ControlUndesirableVegetation

Nature Realized-Connecting Your

Children to the Land

Wildscaping-Attracting birds,

butterflies and bees



Feral Hogs and OtherNuisance Animals


Landscape Designwith Trees in Mind

Chainsaw/EquipmentSelection, Usage and

Maintenance


Maintenance

Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break

Yellow Rose 1 Yellow Rose 3 Yellow Rose 5 Stage

SUNDAY COURSES

11:00-11:45

1:00-1:45

2:00-2:45

3:00-3:45

San Jacinto 1 San Jacinto 2 Yellow Rose 1 Yellow Rose 3 Yellow Rose 5 Stage

Native Plants


Maintenance

Landscape Designwith Trees in Mind

ConservationEasements

Timber Taxationand EstatePlanning

Wildlife Management




Bird Watching 101

Mushrooms- A WalkThrough the Fungal

Jungle

How to Plant andCare for Your Trees

Quiet Invasion- InvasiveSpecies Taking Over

Small TractManagement

The Texas TrailsNetwork

How to ControlUndesirableVegetation

Pond Management

Trees and EnergyConservation

Common Tree Health,Disease, and Insect

Problems

Better Plants forFirewise Landscapes

Family Fire Safetyand Fire Prevention

Safe Outdoor BurningPractices

2008 Texas Forest Expo

TEXAS FOREST EXPO 2008 OVERVIEWJust when we thought there was no new territory in

Texas to discover, a new land has immerged, and alongwith it a new type of landowner. The urban wildlandinterface (UWI), where urban development meets

untamed, wild land, is springing up all over Texas, resultingin challenges for new UWI landowners as well as TexasForest Service, the agency responsible for protecting andconserving the state’s trees and forests.

The new UWI territory is populatedby home, land and business ownersmany of whom typically have notowned forestland before. And, it is theresponsibility of the Texas ForestService to identify and reach out tothese landowners living, working andgrowing in the urban wildland interfaceand offer nearly a century of expertisein forest, land and natural resourcemanagement.

Of particular concern is the morethan 15,000 miles of urban-ruralinterface and the population of 5.6million people in Southeast Texas -identified by the Southern WildfireRisk Assessment as one of the highestrisk regions for wildfire in the state.

The Texas Forest EXPO will be held

to teach and inform land and homeowners about new andinnovative ways to protect their families, properties andcommunities from wildfire as well as sustain theirforests, trees and natural resources in a healthy mannerfor themselves and future generations to come.

Tips for enjoying the EXPO• Participate in dynamic, informative classes on the latest topics inland management and wildfire prevention and preparedness• Visit the “Ask the experts” question and answer booth for one-on-oneadvice and recommendations from top professionals and consultantson a variety of topics. Bring your tree questions and if you wantadvice on choosing the right tree for your yard it is helpful to know thesize tree you want and the amount of space available• Plan to come and stay a while• There’s something for adults and kids• Concession stand available • Classes repeated daily Saturday and Sunday• Door prizes given out all day Saturday and Sunday • Items for sale by vendors including plants; native and ornamental• Fill out a survey card and get a chance to win prizes!

Who should attend EXPO?

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Angie Soldinger Is the ConservationEducation StateCoordinator for the TexasForest Service. She isCo-Coordinator of TexasProject Learning Tree andresponsible for the StateArbor Day Poster Contest.

Anita AshfordIs a certified Texas MasterNaturalist and specializesin installing wildscape andpollinator gardens for thepurpose of education anddemonstration to adults andchildren. “Ash” as herfriends call her was one ofthe first TMN to completeadvanced-training tobecome a Tree Tender.

Mark KlymWorks for the Texas Parksand Wildlife Department,is renown on native plantsand animals both in thebackyard setting and inthe wild, and the elementsthat make up a healthyhabitat. He has authoredor co-authored numerouspublications and books.

Matt WardIs a graduate of TexasA&M with a bachelors inbiology and masters inbiochemistry. Matt worksfor Total LakeManagement in Bryan,Texas.

Dr. Linda WangForest Tax Specialist for the USDAForest Service. With over 12 yearsextensive experience covering topicssuch as estate planning, foresttaxation and property taxation. Shewill explain the latest developmentin timber tax law and rules, new taxlegislation's from 2007 to 2008,proposed IRS regulation, tax policy,and forest transaction with exampleof filled-in Form T will be covered.

Teri MacArthurIs a certified Texas MasterNaturalist, and was a Finalist(Individual Category) for theTCEQ's Texas EnvironmentalExcellence Awards in 2007.Terri is one of the region’spremier environmental educatorson mushroom and other fungus.She is one of the first TMN tocomplete the advance-trainingcourse on the Jones State Forest– Tree Tenders.

Bud MeltonVice President of Dallas-based Bowman-MeltonAssociates, is a pedestrian andbicycle mobility specialistwho for more than forty yearshas worked with the public innumerous industry andorganizational roles. He is afounding board member ofTexas Trails Network and isChair of Texas BicycleCoalition.

Jason McKenzieIs the owner of ThePineywoods Nursery &Landscaping inShenandoah, Texas. Hespecializes in native plantsof the Southeast andparticularly focuses onreforestation of woodlandand native habitat gardening.

John WarnerIs a certified forester, masternaturalist and arborist and isthe urban district foresterwith the Texas ForestService. He has 18 yearsexperience in designingand installing landscapeswith an emphases ondesigning around trees.

Mickey MerrittBayou Region UrbanForestry Coordinator, workswith communities andorganizations in the Bayouregion in developinglong-term sustainableforestry and tree careprograms. Mickey is acertified forester.

Wayne PflugerA graduate of Texas A&MUniversity with a B.S. inForest Science, is co-ownerof Lone Star Forestry, LLCa forestry consulting firmin Conroe, Texas.

Justice JonesMitigation and PreventionCoordinator with the TexasForest Service, Division ofForest Resource Protectionworks with communities,community leaders and otherstakeholders to reduce therisk of losses of life propertyand natural resources towildland fire.

Estate Planning & Timber TaxationPlanning today will leave a legacy for your family and thenext generation. Without proper estate and tax planningforced liquidation of family forests or severe disruptionon planned forest management activities is a distinctpossibility.How to control undesirable vegetationParticipants of this class will learn the most efficient andeffective methods of managing and controlling unwantedvegetation. Practices such as mulching (mowing),prescription burning, selective thinning, and single-stemchemical application techniques will be discussedFeral hogs and other nuisance animalsNative and feral animals, such as beavers and hogs, canalso wreak havoc on the environment if they are notmanaged properly.Pond managementHow do I get rid of the green scum in my pond? Why aremy fish small? Why is my water mucky and how can Iclear it up? These are common questions most farmpond owners ask themselves at one time or another.Proper stocking of the right species and number, abalanced harvest of mature fish, proper fertilization,water quality management, and aquatic weed control arebasics all pond owners should understand. Forest managementMost studies show that the trend towards smallerownership is increasing. As a landowner, how can smallscale forest management be implemented? Whatchallenges will you face as a small scale family forestowner? Come learn about small scale harvestingsystems to overcome this obstacle. This is also a greatsession for private sector business entrepreneurs togain awareness of the need for vendors in this emergingmarket.Chainsaw and other equipment selection, usage and maintenance Chainsaws are common tools used by forest landownersto accomplish a variety of chores. Whether it's clearingbrush, harvesting timber, cutting firewood, or cleaningup storm debris, they are efficient machines that cansave an enormous amount of time when used properly.Chainsaws can, however, be very unforgiving whenhandled carelessly.Conservation EasementsWork to protect stream and river corridors, propertieswith significant habitat values and provide wildlife witha home-preserve where they can be undisturbed bytraffic, lights and noise. Conservation easements workwith willing landowners who agree to permanentlyprotect their lands from future development and byeducating the public.Using Woody Biomass and OtherNatural Resources for EnergyIn an economy already burdened by the cost of increasingscarce fossil fuels, the technological solution of ourtimes is Renewable Energy. Everything that we dependupon fossil fuels for today can be obtained fromRenewable Natural Resources. We will discuss howwoody biomass and other RNRs may help meed ournations energy demand.Designing your landscape with trees in mindUsing simple how-to steps, learn the basics of designinga landscape that is beneficial to birds, butterflies andother pollinators. Understand what, where and when toplant as well as designing principles used in Firewiseand Wildscape. Wildscaping – attracting birds, butterflies and beesLearn the basics of designing and installing a garden forwildlife, pollinators and birds.

Mushrooms – a walk through thefungal jungleDiscover the important roles mushrooms play inmedicines, foods, and as decaying organisms. Bird watching 101 The objective is to be able to recognize the birds whenwe see them, to become as familiar as possible withtheir habits, haunts, and seasons, to find out what andhow many species are to be found in a region or locality,and perhaps take photographs of them.Wildlife managementLandowners, land managers, hunters and other outdoorenthusiasts will benefit from this course. Learn how toenhance your wildlife habitat, manage populations, andincrease diversity through this introductory course forlandowners and land managers. Trees and Energy Conservation Everyone knows to sit in the shade to cool down on ahot day but your house can’t move. Learn how you cansave not only 20-50% on your home cooling cost butalso 10-15% on your home heating cost by a properlydesigned and maintained landscape.Common tree health, disease andinsect problemsThe best way to protect a tree from pests includingdisease and insects is to have a healthy tree. Howeverwhen trees become sick, learn about the 50 most importantinsects and diseases that can be prevented or knowwhen it is best to remove the tree and replant.How to plant and care for you treesThink of the tree you just purchased as a lifetime investment.How well your tree, and investment, grows depends onthe type of tree and location you select for planting, thecare you provide when the tree is planted, and follow-upcare the tree receives after planting.How to become a Firewise Community USATexas is a wildfire state. From January 1, 2008 to April1, 2008 almost 1 million acres and 557 structures havebeen lost in Texas. These wildfires aren’t just a ruralTexas problem, 85% of the fires start within 2 miles of acommunity. There are things that you can do to reducethe risk that wildfire poses to your home, neighborhoodand community.Family Fire Safety and Fire PreventionLearn from the leaders of fire prevention in Texas whatyou can do to prevent fires from occurring and keepyour family safe when they do occur.Distinctively Better Plants for Firewise Landscapes Wildfires are a more common occurrence in East Texasthan most people realize. The biggest risk thathomeowners face may not be from the large expansesof forest but actually what is right out their front door.Learn design practices and plant selection that will helpprotect your home. Quiet Invasion - Invasive Species takingover the Texas landscapeInvasive species were a problem long before Chinesetallow tree appeared in Houston and will be an evengreater threat in the future when new plants escape intothe wild. Learn how to identify these plants before theybecome a problem and most cost effective ways of dealingwith them.

2008 Texas Forest Expo CourseDescriptions

Have a question?Texas Forest Service has the answers.

Visit the “Ask the experts” question and answer booth forone-on-one advice and recommendations from top professionalsand consultants on a variety of topics.

TEXAS FOREST EXPO SPEAKERS

Speakers not pictured: Dawn Carrie, Diana Foss, Jerry Flake, Mary Ann Weber, and PJ Pearson


Texas Forest EXPO contact information:

[email protected]

936-273-2261

“Texas Wildscapes provide the essentialingredients for a variety of wildlife –food, water, shelter and space.”

Using native plants attracts a variety ofwildlife. Come learn from Texas Parks andWildlife experts how you can create abackyard habitat that can also adhere to

FireWise principles in preventing destructive wildfires.

drought-resistant, so they need little or no water orcare.

The Heartwood Chapter of the Texas MasterNaturalists in Montgomery County createdWildscape and Pollinator gardens along with an

education area on the W. Goodrich Jones State Forestnear Conroe. Open daily, educational tours and one-on-one hands-onexperiences are available by contacting the Texas Forest Service officeat 936/273-2261.

Texas Wildscapes is a habitat restoration and conservation plan for ruraland urban areas. It enables Texans to contribute to wildlife conservation bydeveloping wildlife habitats where they live, work and play.

Texas Wildscapes provide the essential ingredients for a variety of wildlife– food, water, shelter and space. The goal of Wildscape gardening is toprovide places for birds, small mammals, and other wildfire to feed anddrink, escape from predators and raise their young. This is done by plantingand maintaining native vegetation, installing birdbaths and ponds andcreating structure. Feeders can supplement native vegetation, but can neverreplace it.

Creating a “backyard habitat” by replacing part of your lawn with nativeplants not only benefits wildlife, but also it is less expensive and easier tomaintain. Less lawn means less mowing. Native plants are hardy and

Wildscapes… Gardening for wildlife in backyards.


Texas Forest Service was created in 1915 by the 34th Legislature as an integral part ofThe Texas A&M University System. It is mandated by law to “assume direction of all forest interests

and all matters pertaining to forestry within the jurisdiction of the state.”

http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu

Texas Forest Service is recognized as the leader in defining forestry of the future for Texas and the nationthrough its applied programs in forest and tree development; wildfire prevention, mitigation and protection; urban and

community forestry and a host of other innovative forest sustainability programs.

Texas Forest Service works toensure the state’s forests, treesand related natural resources areconserved and continue to providea sustainable flow of environmentaland economic benefits today and for

future generations.

Texas Forest Service is the leadagency for the state for all-hazardresponses, including suppressionof wildfires and the managementof state disasters such as the SpaceShuttle Columbia recovery andHurricanes Katrina and Rita.

ConservingForests & Trees

ProtectingLives & Property

LeadingThrough Technology

High-tech resources allow real-time,comprehensive,meaningful informationdelivery. Local governments, timberinvestment organizations, private

landowners, corporations, emergencyresponders and citizens depend on theagency’s ability to gather, analyze and

efficiently disseminate accurate information.

Selecting a Tree for your YardWhether your yard is the size of a postage stamp or several acres, there is a tree

for you! Whether your yard has heavy clay or sandy loam soil, there is a tree for you!Whether you live in southeast, northeast, or central Texas, there is a tree for you!Whether your yard is full sun or shady, there is a tree for you! Whether you wantprivacy from your neighbors or shade from the summer sun, there is a tree for you!

You’ve heard the expression, “location, location, location” mentioned by realtors, wellthat also applies to trees.The Texas Forest Service will have tree professionals availableduring the Texas Forest Expo to answer your questions concerning selecting theperfect tree for your yard’s growing conditions.Trees come in all shapes and sizes;tree placement, soil conditions, deciduous or evergreen and fall color are just a few ofthe factors homeowners can ask the experts.

Texas Tree Planting Guide – Tree Selector will assist you in finding that ideal tree.All too many times homeowners spend hundreds of dollars selecting a tree for theiryard only to see it showing decline each year. They then may spend hundreds of dollarstrying to keep it alive one more season. Avoid the expense and headache, by followinga few simple guidelines offered by the pros in tree care and maintenance.

Let the experts help you take the guess work out of finding a tree that will thriveand tell a story for many generations to come.

Visit the Texas Tree Planting Guide at http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/


Over the last several years, Texas has experiencedtremendous losses of life and property due to wildland fire. Just this year over 1,300,000 acres haveburned and 600 homes have been lost to wildlandfire. You may have heard about wildland fires on thenews or even witnessed one in person but did youknow that you can affect yourhome’s ability to withstand awildfire.

When adequately prepared,a house can even withstand awildland fire without theintervention of the fire service.In fact, a house and itssurrounding community can

be both Firewise and compatible with the area'secosystem. The Firewise Communities /USArecognition program enables communities toachieve a high level of protection against wildland/urban interface fire as well as sustainable ecosystembalance. Firewise Communities /USA programprovides residents of the wildland/urban interfacewith the knowledge and skills necessary to make ithappen.

Firewise Communities /USA is a unique opportunityavailable to America's fire-prone communities. Itsgoal is to encourage and acknowledge action thatminimizes home loss to wildfire. It teaches you toprepare for a fire before it occurs. The programadapts especially well to small communities,developments and residential associations of all

types. Firewise Communities/USA is a simple,three-legged template that is easily adapted

to different locales. It works in the followingway:

* Wildland fire staff from federal, state orlocal agencies provide a community withinformation about coexisting with wildfirealong with mitigation information tailored to

that specific area.

* The community assesses its risk and creates itsown network of cooperating homeowners, agenciesand organizations.* The community identifies and implements localsolutions.Some of the benefits associated with becomingfirewise include• National Recognition as a Firewise CommunityUSA• Priority for funding of projects identified by thecommunity.Join the other Texans, the Texas Forest Service andlearn how your home and community can preparefor a wildland fire.

www.texasfirewise.org

Don’t miss the Firewise Community

session

Saturday,September 27

2- 3:30 p.m.

Firewise Communities/USAMake no mistake about it, Texas is prone to wildland fires.

Children’s Exploration Room

Get ready to explore a forest maze filled with hands-on activities and crafts. Aroundevery corner you will find something awesome to see and touch.

Start your adventure through the forest maze by signing up for a chance to win oneof many cool door prizes. Then follow your feet to the left or to the right and seewhat’s waiting just around the bend! Will it be a turtle to touch or paper to make?Could it be learning about different tracks critters leave behind or the life cycle ofbutterflies through time? Keep walking and meet new friends like Casper the FriendlySnake and Smokey Bear. Smokey’s friends will help you learn all about fire safety.While Casper’s friends from Stephen F. Austin State University known as the Friendsof the Forest (Los Amigos Del Bosque) will teach you all about reptiles and amphibians.Learn about trees and the many forest products we get from them. Then make yourvery own tree cookie name tag. Just a bit farther and you will find some featheredfriends from the forest. Learn about birds with a “Just Ducky Migration Game” andget up close with a live screech owl from the Houston Audubon Society. Then tiptoe andwatch your step as you enter into insectopia! Big bugs, small bugs, making bugs!

This is where it’s at! Whatever it is you find around the corner, you will have a greattime!

EXPLORE THE CHILDREN’S

EXPLORATION ROOM

SAT•10-3:30SUN • 11-3:30

Insects, Diseases and Invasive Plants, Oh My!Trees in Texas face many challenges in order to survive, grow and reproduce. Droughts, floods and wildfirestake their toll in forests. In urban settings, trees must overcome threats from soil compaction, constructionand the ubiquitous weed eater. Biological agents – various injurious insects, diseases and invasive plants –also may hamper a tree’s growth and survival.

In the Piney Woods of East Texas, pine forests are periodically attacked by various insect pests, including:• those that feed on the foliage (defoliators)• infest the inner bark (bark beetles)• bore into the wood (wood borers)One bark beetle in particular, the southern pine beetle, has been a notorious killer of pine trees, particu-larly when the trees are growing in unmanaged, overly-dense forests. Much of the damage caused by barkbeetles and other forest pests can be avoided if landowners take proven prevention methods to promote

vigorous tree growth. • Periodic thinning of dense pinestands, for example, reduces the likelihoodof tree loss from pine bark beetles aswell as fire. • In urban environments, keeping treeswell watered and avoiding injuries tothe trees will reduce pest occurrence.

A more recent concern in East Texas is

the establishment and spread of

non-native invasive plants. These are

plant species that are not native to

Texas, but have become established and

are spreading within the state, often jeopardizing native plants. Examples of well-established invasive

plants are Chinese tallow, Japanese honeysuckle and Chinese privet. More recently, populations of

cogongrass, Japanese climbing fern, giant Asian dodder and kudzu have been detected in East Texas.

Landowners and homeowners should learn to recognize these “aliens” and remove them from the land-

scape, wherever possible. When you establish a new plant on your property, be sure it is a “native Texan”

and not a non-native invasive plant. By planting the right (native) tree on the right site (one that meets

the tree’s soil, water, exposure and nutrient requirements), landowners can avoid many pest problems.

For more information on pest management visit http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=1168

For more information on selecting the right tree for your yard visit http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/

Commitment Runs Deep

Pursuit with Principledevonenergy.com


Proud supporters of the2008 Texas Forest Expo

Land Surveying and Mapping TechnologyBusiness and Social Sciences Division

936-273-7347

LoneStar.edu

What is Forest Management?If you were to ask a forester to define forest

management, he/she would probably tell yousomething like: “Forest management is theapplication of appropriate technical forestryprinciples, practices and business techniques tothe management of a forest to achieve theowner’s objectives.” Simply,forest management is providinga forest the proper care so thatit remains healthy and vigorousand provides the products andthe amenities the landownerdesires. Forest management isnot so much a subject or ascience as it is a process. Thinkof it as the development andexecution of a plan integratingall the principles, practices, andtechniques necessary to careproperly for the forest.

The Planning ProcessIt is often said that if you fail

to plan then you plan to fail.When considering your forestyou must have a course ofaction.

Good forest management canconsist of one or more of thefollowing objectives: source ofincome; tax shelter; productyield; soil stabilization;aesthetics; preservation; prideand self-satisfaction; speculation;

inheritance; security; wildlife habitat; recreation;increase species diversity; water quality; andexercise/hobby (Randall B. Heiligmann, OhioState University Extension). The benefits ofgood forest management are numerous, althoughdecisions can have long-term impact, it is importantto partner with a professional.

The Importance of Good Forest Management

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1. Outdoor burning at this time is ill-advised; it may alsobe illegal. Residents are urged to check daily for burnbans.

2. Welding and grinding are the frequent cause of largewildfires this season. Be sure to post a lookout and havewater handy.3. Avoid driving or stopping your vehicle in tall drygrass. Hot catalytic converters including automotivediesels (2007 and later start grass fires.

4. Wildfires are ignited frequently by human actionsalong roadsides. Flat tires and sparks from driving on atire rim start numerous wildfires. Sparks from draggingchains and carelessly discarding cigarettes are anextreme wildfire threat during this dry season.

5. Barbeque ashes and coals can stay hot for days. Soakwith water before disposing all ashes and coals.6. Any outdoor activities including mowing and shreddingcan cause wildfires during this drought. Be careful

when using any agriculture machinery. Sparks frommotors or blades striking metal or rocks, 7. Be aware that electric fences cause wildfires. Makesure the fence is tight and not sagging, and also keepvegetation and all other objects from touching theelectric wires. 8. Ranchers need to be extra careful – keep hay balersfree of debris and be sure a fire extinguisher is readilyavailable9. Obey burn bans – a high percentage of wildfires in thisarea are started by careless debris burning; followingbans eliminates these fires, allowing firefighters toconcentrate efforts on wildfires started by natural causes10. Safety is our NUMBER ONEPriority. The safest wildfire is theone that doesn’t happen.

The Top 10 Causes of Wildfires this Season

texasforestservice.tamu.edu

Give us a call today for a free, no obligation quote

or look us up on the web: www.agworkers.com.

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800-772-7424

INSURINGAGRICULTURALISTS

SINCE 1948INSURINGAGRICULTURALISTS

SINCE 1948

Montgomery-Harris County Forest Landowners AssociationMontgomery-Harris County Forest Landowners Association1279 Russell Lane � Conroe � Texas � 77304

E d u c a t i o n � S c h o l a r s h i p � S t e w a r d s h i p

Serving landowners since the 1980s

Thank youTexas Forest EXPO thanks theCity of Conroe – Parks &Recreation Department forhelping place banners andinformation throughout thecity and recreational facilities.

Texas Forest EXPO says thankyou to the volunteers whohelped make the EXPO asuccess!

• Heartwood Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists

• Montgomery County Master Gardeners and Junior Gardeners

• Montgomery County Beautification Association

• The Community Associations of The Woodlands – Parks and Recreation Department

“The work upon which this publication is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by the Southern Region, State and Private Forestry, US Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”

Forests provide numerous “ecosystem services” tosociety, including producing clean air and water,preventing flooding, recharging aquifers, and providinghabitat for wildlife. One of the most important servicesthey provide is helping maintain the carbon balance inthe earth’s atmosphere. There is concern thatincreased emissions of carbon dioxide and othergreenhouse gases (GHGs) may alter this balance,leading to negative consequences, such as temperatureextremes, drought and severe weather.

Healthy, growing trees remove carbon dioxide fromthe atmosphere, releasing oxygen and storing carbonin their wood. This can offset the effects of GHGemissions from the burning of fossil fuels for heating,energy generation and transportation.

Forest and woodland landowners can now profit fromthe carbon stored in their forestlands. Once theamount of carbon stored by the trees on a property isdetermined, it can be sold on the open market as “offset

credits.” The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX)allows these credits to be traded similar to the waystocks are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.CCX member companies that are unable to meetvoluntary annual GHG emissions reductions mustpurchase additional credits. These can come fromother companies or through offsets, such as those fromforests.

While increasing the amount of forest and woodland,promoting sustainable forests and encouraging carbonstorage in wood products, the carbon credits programis also proving to be very lucrative. Landowners cangenerate an additional $15-20 per acre in carbonrevenue from their forestlands - much higher thanmost hunting leases.

For more information on carbon credits, visithttp://txforestservice.tamu.edu/sustainable/ecosys-temservices

Marketing Ecosystem Services: The Texas Carbon Project

“Forest and woodlandlandowners can now profitfrom the carbon stored in

their forestlands.”

1600 Normal Park • Huntsvillewww.homelandprop.com


the expo is free - texas a&m forest servicejoin us for the texas forest expo. exhibitors and...

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