Forest Landowners Retreat to the Woods   Richmond, VA (July 21, 2016) - Western Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forestlands during the annual Forest Landowners’ Retreat, to be held September 23-25 at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Center in Abingdon. Topics will include forest stewardship planning, hardwood management, timber sales, wildlife management, forest health and more. A tour of Channels State Forest and nearby properties will showcase management in action. Sponsoring partners for the retreat are Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program. To register online or to download a brochure, visit www.forestupdate.frec.vt.edu. The deadline to register is September 9. “This program provides a great introduction to forest management issues, especially for those new to land ownership,” said Ellen Powell of the Virginia Department of Forestry. Jennifer Gagnon of Virginia Tech’s Forest Landowner Education Program said, “We use a combination of classroom and field sessions, taught by experts, to get participants fully engaged in learning.  The weekend retreat format also enables people to share their experiences with other landowners.” Several price options are available for the retreat. Full registration with Friday and Saturday lodging and all meals is $75 per person or $150 per couple. Registration with all meals and Saturday lodging is $60 per person or $120 per couple. For those who live nearby, a commuter option with all meals, but no lodging is $35 per person or $70 per couple. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540-231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu. Persons with disabilities who desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity may also contact Jennifer between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations, no later than September 9. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

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