Timber University

Forestry Tech Talk with Dr. Michael Crosby | Episode 42

Show Notes Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions, and connect field observations to landscape-scale patterns. Dr. Crosby is an Associate Professor in Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, where his work connects forestry, spatial modeling, forest health, invasive species, weather, and climate. He has also co-authored Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers, a textbook focused on helping foresters and land managers apply GIS to real-world data and management problems. In this conversation, we discuss why GIS matters in modern forestry and how mapping tools can move beyond "pretty pictures" into practical decision support. Dr. Crosby explains how spatial data can help answer questions about forest condition, access, disturbance, risk, invasive species, and management planning. The episode also touches on how students and working professionals can build confidence with GIS, even if they are not coming from a technical background. We also discuss the growing role of remote sensing, aerial imagery, and spatial analysis in forestry education and practice. From identifying patterns on the landscape to supporting better field decisions, these tools are increasingly important for foresters, land managers, consultants, researchers, and students preparing to work in natural resources. This episode is a useful listen for forestry students, consulting foresters, land managers, extension professionals, GIS users, and anyone interested in how spatial tools are changing the way we understand and manage forests. You can contact Dr. Michael Crosby at mcrosby@LATech.edu [mcrosby@LATech.edu] Additional resource: Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers Dr. Crosby co-authored this GIS textbook for foresters and natural resource managers.

Hurricanes and Forest Ecology with Dr. Jeffrey Cannon | Episode 41

Hurricanes are often seen as purely destructive, but new research reveals their vital role in shaping longleaf pine ecosystems. Dr. Jeffrey Cannon from the Jones Center at Ichauway joins the Timber University podcast to discuss how his research explores how these storms influence forest structure, stimulate reproduction, and act as natural restorers. Discover how hurricanes increase biodiversity, create complex forest structures, and reinforce fire regimes, offering ecological benefits often overlooked. We also discuss how remote sensing tools like LiDAR are transforming our understanding of storm impacts, from tree architecture adaptations to fuel patterns affecting fire behavior. Dr. Cannon provides practical advice on managing forest diversity to bolster resilience against future hurricanes, crucial for landowners and restoration practitioners. This episode is perfect for land managers, conservationists, and anyone interested in the nuanced role of disturbances. It challenges conventional views and sparks innovative thinking about storm ecology and forest resilience. You can contact Dr. Cannon directly at jeffery.cannon@jonesctr.org [jeffery.cannon@jonesctr.org] A tutorial on using Lidar tools for forestry data https://lab.jonesctr.org/cannon/resources/ [https://lab.jonesctr.org/cannon/resources/] If you want to hear a broader discussion with Dr. Cannon and others on research needs for hurricane-disturbed forests, click below. https://forestrywebinars.net/webinars/future-directions-for-hurricane-disturbed-forests/?sr=wp~ondemand [https://forestrywebinars.net/webinars/future-directions-for-hurricane-disturbed-forests/?sr=wp~ondemand]

Evaluating Ice Damaged Timber Stands and Next Steps | Episode 40

In this episode, Brady and Shaun talk about the recent ice storms across much of the Eastern US, with some states reporting substantial timber damage. They discuss how landowners can assess damage from the ice storms and what the next steps are for their forest property. As always make sure to reach out to private consultants, Extension, and your State forestry comission for help in taking those next steps. See the link for some leads on assistance in the wake of the storms https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12644 [https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12644]

Possible Scenarios for Dealing with the Small Diameter Timber Surplus | Episode 39

Today we discuss arguably the most important topic facing our working forests, that of the excess supply of small-diameter timber. Shaun and Brady are joined by Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Director of the Center for Forest Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He discusses the consequences of not finding market outlets for this material, both economic and ecological, and walks us through several alternative futures that could help in dealing with this wicked problem that will require multiple solutions to ultimately bring our forests back in balance in the near and longer term. The purpose is to provide the listener with items that they promote to their policymakers and legislators to help smooth the expansion of existing and creation of new end use markets that utilize already developed technologies that are ready to scale. For More on UAM''s Center for Forest Business, please click the link below. https://www.uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/acfb.html [https://www.uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/acfb.html]

Raking Pine Straw for Non-Timber Income | Episode 38

On this episode, Brady and Shaun are joined by Dr. David Clabo from the University of Georgia to discuss pine straw raking as an alternative income source for forest landowners. Dr. Clabo is an Associate Professor of Silviculture Outreach, who did his degree training at the University of Tennessee. To contact Dr. Clabo with questions or clarifications please see his information at the following link. https://warnell.uga.edu/directory/people/david-c-clabo-phd [https://warnell.uga.edu/directory/people/david-c-clabo-phd] For more on pine straw, follow this link https://www.bugwood.org/forestry.cfm [https://www.bugwood.org/forestry.cfm]