OVERTON - Pest control in pine forests has changed and along with it, the methods modern foresters use, said a Texas Cooperative Extension expert.
For example, new methods include herbicides that specifically target unwanted vegetation, preservation of hardwoods in pine forests, and management practices that focus on wildlife, recreation and esthetics as well as timber, said Dr. Eric Taylor, Extension forestry specialist.
To train foresters and others involved in natural resource management, Extension will host the Pesticide Education and Re-certification for Forest Ecosystems Training on Dec. 15.
Set at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center at Overton, the day-long training will offer continuing education units to:
Holders of Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicators licenses.
Foresters certified by the Society of American Foresters.
Professional loggers certified by the Texas Forestry Association.
Each professional category will be eligible for 7.5 continuing education units.
Program topics will include: “Herbicide Application Technology, Pesticide Toxicity, Exposure and Human Health,” “Pheromone Strategies for Bark Beetles,” “Pesticide Label – It’s the Law,” “Integrated Forest Vegetation Management,” “Mid-rotation Herbicide Release in Loblolly Pine Plantations,” and “Urban Tree Problems and Control.”
Registration is $50 for the general public and $25 for state employees. For registration methods and more details on the meeting, go to http://extensionforestry.tamu.edu/
Maps and detailed directions to the Overton center can be found on the Internet at http://overton.tamu.edu/maps.htm .
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