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Calendar of Events

RIFCO'S WOODLAND OWNER'S WORKSHOP SERIES
2010 SERIES INCLUDES UPDATED TOPICS

Dates

Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010

8:30am - 12:00 noon

OPTIONAL: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Field trip, weather permitting, at the RIFCO Demonstration Woodlot
 

Location

Hope Community Center
Hope Village
Scituate, RI
DIRECTIONS
 

Description

The RI Forest Conservator's Organization (RIFCO) will be presenting its popular four-morning series of workshops on woodland management topics this coming winter on four successive Saturday mornings beginning January 30th. This year's sessions include information on new and emerging markets, including biomass harvesting and carbon credits, as well as a new session on invasive plants.

Each workshop in the series features presentations on various land management topics, including planning, surveying, soils and mapping, wildlife habitat, invasive plants, the art and science of silviculture, the correct ways of going about the process of conducting timber harvesting, as well as a session on the safe use of chain saws in your woods. The topics will be presented by local scientists and professionals in the field, including foresters, biologists, a surveyor, a soil scientist, and state forestry officials. An optional field trip will be offered, weather permitting, on February 27 at the RIFCO Demonstration Woodlot, located on Howard Hill Road in Foster. Some of the workshop topics will be demonstrated at the woodlot.

According to Paul Boisvert, president of RIFCO, "the workshops will help you realize more profit and enjoyment from your woodlands. We hope this learning experience will encourage future conservation of Rhode Island's forest resource."

CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA
 

Registration

Pre-registration for the workshops is requested, along with a fee of $15 per workshop or $50 for all four. For RIFCO members, the fee is $10 per workshop or $30 for all four. The February 27 outdoor workshop is available free of charge, even if you haven't attended any of the indoor sessions.

For more information and a registration form, please call RIFCO at (401) 568-3421.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

SCITUATE RESERVOIR WATERSHED
PUBLIC FIELD TOUR

Date

Saturday, February 20, 2010

9:00am - 12:00 noon
 

Location

We will meet at 9:00 AM in the parking lot on the south side of the road across from Trinity Church at 251 Danielson Pike, 0.5 mile west of the intersection with Route 116. A portable restroom will be available.

Description

Have you or your family ever wanted to see more of the forest around the Scituate Reservoir or wondered about the logging and other activities going on there? Providence Water is beginning a series of seasonal field tours that are free and open to the public. Each of these tours will visit a different part of the property and combine an outdoor walk with information on topics including current land management projects, natural history and the environment, and past settlement & land use history.

The first of these tours will take place in the forest on the west side of the Horseshoe Dam near the village of North Scituate. A sugarbush has been established here to collect maple sap for making maple syrup. At this time of year the sap will be flowing, so we will get a full tour of the maple tapping operation. We'll share more information about what this area used to be like before the reservoir system was established and point out signs of historic settlement. We will then hike along a woods road to the site of a current timber harvest and discuss the forest management goals we are trying to accomplish with this project.

The length of the walk is approximately 2.5 miles and participants should wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for being outdoors in winter weather.

Both adults and children are welcome, but no pets please.

Participants will need to sign a liability release. In case of heavy rain or snow, the field tour will be postponed to the same time on the following Saturday, February 27. Registrants will be notified if the event is postponed with an email or phone call by 4 PM on Friday, February 19.

The public watershed lands near the Scituate Reservoir are closed to unauthorized access for security reasons.
 

Registration

Reservations are required to join the field tour and can be made by registering online at the Providence Water website ( http://www.provwater.com) or by calling Forest Supervisor Christopher Riely at (401) 521-6300 x 7313. An email address or phone number for each participant group is required in case it is necessary to contact registrants with additional information regarding the event.


RIFCO RECENT EVENTS ...

RIFCO ANNUAL DINNER

Date

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Location

Elks Hall
Rte. 3
West Greenwich, RI

Description

To be posted

Registration

To be posted

Contact

For more information:
Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

FAMILY LAND CONVERSATIONS
Effective Communication Strategies for Estate Planning
and Inheritance Decisions

Date

Saturday, November 14, 2009
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location

Hotel Northampton
36 King Street
Northampton, MA
413-268-8219

Description

With Olivia Boyce-Abel of Family Lands Consulting
This seminar will be a rare opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field about how to manage family communication issues in estate planning and land conservation conversations. The principal audience for the workshop is landowners and their family members, though land trust staff, board members, foresters, and anyone interacting with landowners will learn valuable strategies for how to encourage healthy communication and trust in making decisions about family lands, as well as:

  • How to initiate family conversations about the transfer of your land
  • Different ownership and management structures that work over the long haul
  • Where to go for help & which professionals you need on your team
  • How to lay out a plan to keep your land in your family

Olivia Boyce-Abel has over 25 years of experience working with individuals and families across the country on issues of estate planning and land transfer. Ms. Boyce-Abel has in-depth experience dealing with property stewardship, multiparty ownership and dispute resolution, and excels in working with family dynamics to foster creative solutions.

This conference is sponsored by UMass Extension, The Trustees of Reservations Highland Communities Initiative, Mount Grace, the MA Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and MA DCR.

Registration

$20 per person, $50 per family. Pre-registration required.
For more information or to download a registration form,
visit
www.masswoods.net.

RI TOWER DAY

Date

Saturday, October 17, 2009
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location

Chopmist Fire Tower
Scituate, RI

Contact

For more information:
401.647.3367

RI TREE FARM PROGRAM'S ANNUAL FALL TOUR
In Conjunction with the RI Coverts Project

Date

Saturday, October 17, 2009
8:30 AM

Location

25 Hartford Pike (Route 101)
Foster, RI

Contact

More information & directions
CLICK HERE

RI SAF WALK IN THE WOODS

Date

Thursday, October 15, 2009
9:00am - 12:00 Noon

Location

Scituate Reservoir
Scituate, RI

Contact

For more information:
401.647.3367

WALKTOBER OPEN HOUSE

Date

Saturday, October 10, 2009
8:00am - 2:00pm

Location

Hull Forest Products
Pomfret, CT

Contact

For more information:
Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

RIFCO'S SUMMER TWILIGHT WOODS WALK
HABITAT RESTORATION AT TILLINGHAST POND MANAGEMENT AREA

Date

Thursday, August 6, 2009 @ 6:30pm

Location

Tillinghast Pond Management Area
Plain Road
East Greenwich, RI
Map & Directions

Description

The RI Forest Conservator's Organization is conducting its annual Summer Twilight Woods Walk at the Tillinghast Pond Management Area on Plain Road in West Greenwich. The meeting site is the new parking area for the pond's access ramp and trailhead.

The event will include a walk into an area that is currently being treated to provide habitat diversity and to restore some declining habitat types, such as pitch pine scrublands. Tree identification and wildlife topics will be covered during the walk.

This year's guest speaker and walk leader is Bruce Payton, a forester with the RI DEM, Division of Forest Environment, and Tim Mooney, Preserve Manager with The Nature Conservancy.

The Tillinghast Pond Management Area was purchased in 2007 by The Nature Conservancy, the State of Rhode Island, and the Town of West Greenwich. It is managed by a multi-agency council according to a Forest Stewardship Plan. This habitat cut is the first operation on the Management Area, besides the installation of parking sites and access trails.

The program is free of charge, and there is no need to register.

Contact

For more information:
Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

RIFCO SPRING PROGRAM

Date

Saturday, May 9, 2009 @ 9:00am (rain date: May 16)

Location

Hillsdale Road, West Kingston, RI
Map & Directions

Description

Walk through Millar family's woodlands, currently undergoing Timber Stand Improvement work by Dana Millar. USDA funding being provided for TSI and road work. Various stages of the process available for viewing, as well as equipment utilized, and a portable sawmill will be present.

Registration

Contact:
Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

Contact

For more information:
Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

WINTER WORKSHOP ON WOODY BIOMASS

Date

Saturday, February 21, 2009
8:00am - 2:00pm

Location

Ponaganset Middle School
Glocester, RI

Description

Presentations, Lunch, and Tours of Wood-Burning
Heating Plant
Generation of heat and electricity utilizing woody biomass is part of our alternative energy future, as well as our history. The issues surrounding the use of wood for energy will be the subject of several presentations at RIFCO's Woody Biomass workshop.

The morning workshop will be followed by lunch, and attendees will be able to view the new woodchip burning heating system recently installed at the new middle school serving the towns of Foster and Glocester.

Featured speakers include state forester Catherine Sparks, who will speak at a general session, regional experts on air quality and market trends, as well as local residents involved in the inclusion of the biomass heating system in the construction of the Ponaganset schools. There are two tracks of half-hour presentations, one geared for the general public and a more technical track for professionals in the wood industry.

The workshop is being co-sponsored by RIFCO, the RI DEM, Division of Forest Environment, the RI Resource Conservation & Development Council, and the RI Tree Farm Program.

CEU's available.

RIFCO is a private, non-profit forest landowner's association dedicated to the protection of Rhode Island's forest resources.

Registration

Registration for the workshop is required, along with a $30 registration fee ($25 for RIFCO members).

Contact

For more information:
Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

TREE FARM FALL TOUR

Date

Saturday, October 25, 2008
9:00 AM

Location

West Greenwich, RI

Description

The Rhode Island Tree Farm Program is conducting its annual Fall Tour at a Tree Farm in West Greenwich this year, in conjunction with the RI Coverts Project. The tour, hosted by Steven & Patricia Wright, will begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2008. The meeting site for the tour is the Plain Meeting House parking lot at the intersection of Plain Road and Plain Meetinghouse Road, west of Route 102, in West Greenwich.

View Map 

The tour is free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary.

The Wrights are cooperators of the RI Coverts Project, where woodland owners are trained in wildlife habitat enhancements on forested land. They will be leading participants on a tour of the property to showcase the actions they have taken to improve forest conditions for wildlife habitat, as well as other forestry and natural resource conditions. Kate Giorgi, a biologist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, will be on hand to talk about the habitat improvements and funding programs available at the NRCS.

Other sites in the general area that will be accessible for viewing as part of the Tree Farm Fall Tour include the nearby Liberty Tract, a white pine stand owned by the State of Rhode Island as a forest demonstration area, and the Tillinghast Pond Management Area.

For more information, contact RIFCO at (401)568-3421 or visit www.ritreefarm.org.

The RI Tree Farm Program is part of the American Tree Farm System, promoting the sustainable management of our forests for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation since 1941. The RI Tree Farm Program sponsors annual tours to highlight the work that certified Tree Farmers do to protect and manage Rhode Island's woodlands. The Rhode Island program is co-sponsored by the RI Forest Conservator's Organization (RIFCO), the RI DEM's Division of Forest Environment, and Providence Water.

The Rhode Island Coverts Project is an initiative of the Rhode Island Resource Conservation and Development Area Council (RIRC&D) through a Conservation Innovation Grant provide by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Anyone interested in participating in the program, or who would like more information, should contact Paul Boisvert, RI Coverts Project Coordinator, at the RI RC&D Area Council, 60 Quaker Lane, Suite 45, Warwick, RI 02886. Telephone: 401-568-1610 or email sneforest@sneforest.necoxmail.com.

Registration

No registration or fees.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

RIFCO ANNUAL MEETING & SILENT AUCTION

Date

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Location

Chelo's Restaurant
Warwick, RI

Description

More info to be posted.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

COMPLETION OF SHELTER TO BE CELEBRATED AT RIFCO'S SUMMER TWILIGHT WOODS WALK

Date

Thursday, August 7, 2008
6:00 PM

Location

RIFCO's Merriman Demonstration Woodlot
Howard Hill Road
Foster, RI
(at the end of Brigg's Road, west of Route 102)

Description

Come join us for a free cookout at RIFCO's Merriman Demonstration Woodlot as we celebrate the completion of the Adirondack shelter there on Thursday, August 7, starting at 6:00 p.m. The next day is the rain date for the event in case of inclement weather.

We will be christening our new shelter, which will provide covered space for educational activities at the woodlot. The event will include a woods walk along the woodlot's trails to view the growth progress in the 2-acre clearcut area, as well as our progress in controlling the invasive plants on site. Tree identification and wildlife topics will be covered during the walk. As always, the walk will be led by foresters, and a wildlife biologist will also be participating.

The cookout will include a variety of items, and refreshments will be provided. Potluck contributions will be gladly accepted. Directions to the site are available by calling RIFCO at (401) 568-3421.

Registration

No registration or fees.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

SPRING PROGRAM IN PAWTUXET RIVER
WOODLAND AREA

Date

Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Location

Hope Village area
Scituate, RI

Description

RIFCO will conduct its Annual Spring Program in the Hope Village area of Scituate, along the Pawtuxet River. The Program is being hosted by the Hope Associates at their Trott/Perry Land Preserve, and will be held rain or shine. There is no charge for participating. The woods walk will begin at the parking lot for the town beach and barn facility at the end of Ryefield Road, which is located just downhill from the Hope Library. The tour will highlight the historic and natural features of the landscape, and the current forestry practices, of the lands that are owned and managed by the Hope Associates.

The forestry walk, led by local foresters, including Hans Bergey, will examine the past management activities of the Trott and Perry families that established spruce and pine stands, as well as recent activities related to the insect defoliations of oaks in the area. The natural land formations along the river provide interesting terrain, and a large field is maintained for bird habitat.

The RIFCO Spring Program is free and open to the public. This year's program is being co-sponsored by the Woodscape Program, a water quality protection outreach effort by Providence Water through the No. RI Conservation District and the Southern New England Forest Consortium. Directions to the site are available below or by calling RIFCO at (401) 568-3421.

Directions

Ryefield Road
Hope, RI
Map & Directions

Registration

No registration or fees.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

WOODLAND OWNER WORKSHOP SERIES

Dates

Saturdays 8:30 am to 12:00 noon
 February 9, 2008
 February 16, 2008
 February 23, 2008
 March 1, 2008
 

Location

Scituate Community House
No. Scituate, RI
 

Description

RIFCO will be hosting its popular four-morning series of workshops on woodland management topics at the Scituate Community House in North Scituate Village.

The workshop series will feature natural resource professionals, with take-home materials to inform attendees on topics ranging from estate and tax planning, locating boundaries and working with maps, forestry and wildlife habitat management options, to soils, insects and diseases, and chainsaw safety. An optional field trip will be offered, weather permitting, at the end of the series to the RIFCO Demonstration Woodlot, which is located on Howard Hill Road in Foster.
 

Schedule

February 9
Forest Mgmt. Planning: Marc Tremblay (RIFCO, Forestry Consultant)
USDA Cost-Share Programs: Mike Merrill, USDA Natural Res. Cons. Service
Estate Planning: Jane Gurzenda, Gorham & Gorham, Attorneys at Law

February 16
Where Is It? Property Boundaries: TBA
Soils & Mapping: Jim Turreen, Soil Scientist, USDA Natural Resources Cons. Service

February 23
Wildlife Habitat: Paul Ricard, RI DFE
Coverts Project: Paul Boisvert, RIFCO

March 1
Silviculture, Harvesting Timber: Chris Modisette, RI RC&D Coordinator (forester) and Tom Abbott, forester, RI DFE
Chain Saw Safety: Paul Dolan, forester, RI DFE
 

Registration

Pre-registration for the workshops is required, along with a fee of $15 per workshop, or $55.00 for the four-workshop series. RIFCO members get a $5.00 discount for each workshop.
REGISTER NOW
 

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

RIFCO ANNUAL MEETING & SILENT AUCTION

Date

Friday, November 9, 2007
6:00 PM

Location

Chelo's Banquet Facility
Warwick, RI

Description

Our annual meeting will include the Silent Auction, Tree Farmer of the Year Award, RIFCO Awards & Elections, and good food and friends! Please note that this year's meeting is on a Friday evening.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

POST & BEAM CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP

Date

Saturday, October 27, 2007
9:00 AM

Location

Merriman Demonstration Woodlot
Foster, RI
Map & Directions
 

Description

We've been talking about this one for a while, so here we go! The Adirondack shelter we've been working on is ready for framing, thanks to the efforts of Bill Fortune and his volunteers.

On Saturday morning, October 27, we'll have a free public workshop to demonstrate the mortise and tenon techniques, featuring Phil Hauser, local sawmiller and P&B builder. Our goal will be to raise the frame for the shelter that morning.

The workshop will start around 9am, and will run for a few hours until we get the timbers set in place. There is no set schedule, so you can arrive and depart at your convenience.

The Merriman Demonstration Woodlot is located on Howard Hill Road, at the end of Briggs Road, which runs off of Route 102 about one mile north of Plainfield Pike. For more information, call us at 568-3421.

Registration

No registration or fees.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

2007 Forestry and Wood Expo2007 FORESTRY
& WOOD EXPO

Date

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Location

Crowne Plaza at the Crossings
801 Greenwich Avenue (Rte. 5)
Warwick, RI

Description

The Forestry & Wood EXPO is an educational and business-to-business event with a goal of promoting the use of locally-grown forest products in the building and manufacturing industries, along with the promotion of small enterprises that utilize local forest products.

This year's event is being held in conjunction with the RI Office of Energy Resources Energy Expo. Both events will focus on the theme of Energy Efficiency Products, Alternative Energy Products, and Forest & Wood Products.

The event will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and will be open to the general public. The Expo will offer educational sessions on forest stewardship and forest-business topics, as well as vendors, exhibitors, and demonstrations on a variety of subjects.

This event has been organized by the RI Forest Conservators Organization, Inc., the RI Office of Energy Resources, RIDEM - Division of Forest Environment, The University of Rhode Island, the RI Rural Development Council, the RI Resource Conservation & Development Area, and the RI Tree Farm Committee.

Exhibitor Info

$200 for 10'x10' booth
Electricity for booth, outdoor exhibit space for equipment demonstrations, and product demonstration time on show floor available.

  • REGISTRATION FORM

Sponsorship Info

Two sponsorship levels available.
Sponsorships include an exhibit booth, two registrations, and signage for the sponsored event. Event sponsors have logos on banners and in advertising for the event. All sponsors are listed in the event Program publication.

  • SPONSORSHIP FORM

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

WAYS OF THE WOODS EXHIBIT

Date

Saturday, October 13, 2007
9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON

Location

Scituate Farmer's Market

USDA/NRCS WORKSHOPS ON COST-CARE
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Schedule

Tues., Oct. 9, 2007 @ 4:00 PM
Laurel Grange, Snake Hill Rd., Harmony, RI

Wed., Oct. 10, 2007 @ 4:00 PM
ERICD office, 2490 Main Road, Tiverton, RI

Thurs., Oct. 11, 2007, 4:00 PM
Richmond Grange, Route 138, Kingston, RI

Description

These workshops, sponsored by the Conservation Districts, will provide information and assist with the application process for the various programs that provide funding for agricultural and forest management improvements.

Application deadline for 2008 funding is November 1, 2007.

Contact

For more info, contact NRCS at 828-1300.

ANNUAL FALL TREE FARM TOUR

Date

Saturday, October 6, 2007
8:45 AM

Location

652 Gardner Road
Exeter, RI

Description

The Rhode Island Tree Farm Committee is conducting its annual Fall Tour at a Tree Farm in Exeter this year, with a focus on the management activities of last year's Outstanding Tree Farmers. The tour, hosted by John & Patience Ericson, will begin at 8:45 AM on Saturday, October 6, 2007. The tour is free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary.

The Ericsons have intensively managed their forested property and over the past fifteen years have conducted three timberharvest operations. These operations have resulted in not only financial returns but have silviculturally improved the forest, created and maintained wildlife habitat, invigorated natural regeneration, and created access roads and trails.

With two ponds fed by a natural spring and adjacent open fields, the homesite is frequented by a myriad of native wildlife. The 37 acres of Tree Farm have produced a total of 224,675 board feet of sawlogs and over 100 cords of fuelwood.

On the walking tour we hope to see examples of forest pests, white pine blister rust and beech bark disease. A chain saw safety and operation demonstration by DEM Forester Paul Dolan is an added feature.

Directions

The Ericson's Tree Farm is located at 652 Gardner Road, about 1/2 mile south of the old town house building on Ten Rod Road, in Exeter. Signs will be posted.

View Map 

Registration

No registration or fees.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

SUMMER TWILIGHT WOODS WALK

Date

Thursday, August 9, 2007
6
:30 PM
Rain or shine

Location

Liberty Demonstration Woodlot
West Greenwich, RI
Map & Directions
 

Description

The newest addition to the RI Statewide Demonstration Woodlot Network will be the focus of a summer twilight woods walk. The Program will be held rain or shine, and there is no charge or pre-registration required for participating.

The Liberty Demonstration Woodlot is located on Liberty Hill Road, west of the Plain Meetinghouse Church, located about three miles west of Route 102.

The woods walk is being held cooperatively by the RI Forest Conservator's Organization, Inc. (RIFCO), and the RI DEM, Division of Forest Environment (RI DFE). DFE forester Bruce Payton will be the walk leader, and he will be explaining the thinning demonstration project being developed in the white pine woodlands of the demonstration forest. Other foresters and a wildlife biologist will also be participating. Refreshments will be provided.

Registration

Not required.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org


RIFCO SPRING PROGRAM

Date

May 12, 2007
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Rain or Shine

Location

Peeptoad Road
Scituate, RI
Map & Directions
 

Description

The woods walk will begin at the Providence Water gate located on Peeptoad Road in Scituate, and will highlight the historic features of the landscape and the current forestry practices of the lands that are managed by Providence Water. The forestry walk, led by foresters from Providence Water and RIFCO, will examine the result of recent thinnings and harvests of the Red pine and White pine stands that were established in the old fields in the 1930's. An old mill water supply trench is present in this area, which transported water from the Peeptoad Pond to the North Scituate Cotton Mills. An added feature of the walk will be a short hike to measure a large white pine for potential inclusion on the state's Champion Tree inventory.

Registration

Not required.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org


ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

Date

Saturday, March 10, 2007
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

Location

Shaub Lodge
Canonicus Conference Center
54 Exeter Road
Exeter, RI
Map & Directions
 

Description

Estate Planning Techniques presented by John T. Howard, Farm Family insurance & Arthur Read, J.D.
Conservation Easements by James V. Aukerman, J.D.

Agenda

CLICK HERE

Registration

Registration and fee of $10.00 is required by March 3, 2007 to reserve your spot. Space is limited, so register today. Registration fee covers up to two people of the same family.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org


RIFCO ANNUAL MEETING & SILENT AUCTION

Date

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Location

Chelo's Banquet Facility
Warwick, RI

Description

Details to be posted.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org


TREE FARM ANNUAL FALL TOUR

Date

Saturday, October 14, 2006
9:00 AM

Location

Scituate Reservoir Site
P-2 Gate on Tunk Hill Road
Scituate, RI

Description

The state's largest Tree Farm is celebrating its recertification as a Tree Farm this year by hosting the annual Tree Farm Fall Tour. The tour, sponsored by the RI Tree Farm Program and the Providence Water Supply Board, is free and open to the public.

Participants will have the opportunity to walk through some of the woodlands behind the gates and fencing that are being managed for timber and the protection of water quality that ends up in the reservoir. You'll have access to the historic Tunk Hill Fire Tower, a 100-foot tower built in 1935, and some of the Red Pine stands that have been harvested in recent years.

"This is an opportunity to see how Providence is managing the woodlands that protect the drinking water quality of 60% of the state's residents," said John Macera, Chair of the RI Tree Farm Committee. Mr. Macera is a Tree Farm member that lives on a 40-acre woodlot in Scituate. "There's been a long history associated with the reservoir here in town, and their forest management program is a big part of that."

One of the tour's highlights will be a look at some invasive plants that have become established in some of the area's woodlands. Participants will learn how to identify these plants and what control measures are available.

The RI Tree Farm Program sponsors annual tours to highlight the work that certified Tree Farmers do to protect and manage Rhode Island's woodlands.

The RI Tree Farm Program is part of the American Tree Farm System, promoting the sustainable management of our forests for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation since 1941. The Rhode Island program is co-sponsored by the RI Forest Conservator's Organization (RIFCO), the RI DEM's Division of Forest Environment, and Providence Water.

There is no registration required. For more information, contact RIFCO at (401)568-3421.

Directions

Providence Water's P-2 gate is located about ½ mile west of Matteson Road, or about 1 ½ miles east of the Potterville Fire Station, on Tunk Hill Road, or RI Route 12, in Scituate. Signs will be posted.

View Map 

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org


SUMMER PROGRAM: FORESTRY WALK

Date

Thursday, August 3, 2006
6:30 PM

Location

Borders Farm Woodlot
31 North Road
Foster, RI

Description

The development of a Forest Stewardship Plan for the Borders Farm woodlot will be the focus of the summer twilight woods walk. The woods walk is being held cooperatively by the Borders Farm Preservation, Inc., the RI Forest Conservator's Organization, Inc. (RIFCO), and the RI Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (RI SAF).

The tour will be led by Marc Tremblay, a forestry consultant who developed the Forest Stewardship management plan for the Borders Farm woodlands, and Catherine Sparks, acting Chief of the RI Division of Forest Environment. Other foresters may also be participating. A Forest Stewardship Plan looks at the resources on a property and develops forestry, wildlife management, and other land stewardship recommendations, according to the interests and objectives of the property owner. Catherine and Marc are both members of the RI SAF and RIFCO.

Development of these plans can be cost-shared through the USDA's Forest Land Enhancement Program, which is administered here in Rhode Island by the state's DEM, Division of Forest Environment. According to Catherine Sparks of the Division, they are accepting applications for the program from woodlot owners of more than 10 acres. For more information on the FLEP program, attend the woods walk at the Borders Farm, contact Tom Abbott of the RI DFE at 539-2356. MORE INFO

The program will be held rain or shine, and there is no charge or pre-registration required for participating. Refreshments will be provided.
Map & Directions

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org


SPRING PROGRAM: FORESTRY WALK

Date

Saturday, May 20, 2006
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

Location

Arcadia Management Area
Exeter, RI

Description

RIFCO's Annual Spring Program - Forestry Walk will feature a fire equipment demonstration.

The program will be held rain or shine, and there is no charge for participating. The woods walk will begin at the DEM check station located just east of Mount Tom Road, and will highlight a fuel-hazard mitigation project being conducted by the RI Division of Forest Environment and the J. Thompson Native Lumber Co.

The RI DFE forest fire crews will have some of their fire-fighting equipment on hand, and will conduct demonstrations of how they draw from water sources to fight woods fires. The Division is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with their forest fire control function a major part of their history and tradition.

The fuel hazard mitigation project is a special program funded through the US Forest Service to reduce hazardous conditions in forest stands, and this particular 90-acre pine plantation along Mount Tom Road is being thinned of its highly flammable thickets to reduce fire hazards. The plantation was established after a severe burn in the 1950's.

The RIFCO Spring Program is free and open to the public.
Map & Directions

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org


FORESTRY & WOOD EXPO

Date

April 7 & 8, 2006

Location

2006 Forestry and Wood Expo Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI
DIRECTIONS

Description

RIFCO is leading the effort to put on a Forestry & Wood EXPO at CCRI's Warwick Campus. This event will feature Seminars, Workshops and Business Luncheons.
PROGRAM & SEMINAR SCHEDULE

There will also be a raffle featuring items donated by our exhibitors and sponsors -- including a chainsaw from Stihl Corp.

Admission

Friday & Saturday General Admission
$10 per person; $15 per family

Friday Business Luncheon
12:00-1:30 PM
$25 per person
Guest Speaker: Gov. Donald Carcieri

Exhibitor Info

Your choice of 10'x10' or 10'x15' booths. Exhibitor fee includes a two-day meal and refreshment package for two. Electricity for booth, outdoor exhibit space for equipment demonstrations, and product demonstration time on show floor available.

Sponsorship Info

Four sponsorship levels available. All sponsorships include an exhibit booth, two registrations, and signage for the sponsored event. Event sponsors have logos on banners and in advertising for the event. All sponsors are listed in the event Program publication.

Contact

Marc Tremblay, RIFCO Outreach Coordinator
401.568.3421
info@rifco.org

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