University of Wisconsin - Extension

Nominees are being sought for the 2001 Wisconsin Woodland Leaders Institute, ?Enhancing Wisconsin?s Forest Resources Through Education, Leadership and Community Involvement.?

?Forests define the landscape of Wisconsin,? explains Lowell Klessig, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point/Extension forestry education specialist. ?Even in agricultural areas, trees punctuate the landscape. Private non-industry landowners own most of forestland in Wisconsin. Only these local landowners can provide the tender loving care that forests require.?

To help landowners manage forests to meet their objectives and provide benefits to their community, they need educational and organizational assistance. ?Homegrown leadership is the only effective way to represent the interest of landowners and provide credible advice from peers,? Klessig adds.

Decisions made by county boards, watershed teams and state agencies affect local forests. Special leaders are needed who are willing to share their time and talents on a broader scale. ?The Wisconsin Woodland Leaders Institute is designed for people who care enough about their forest and about their community to leave a lasting legacy with both,? Klessig says.

The institute employs a combination of reading, classroom activities and field experiences organized into a series of three seminars. At each seminar sharing among members provides additional insight and camaraderie. The three seminars are held consecutively in Central, Northern and Southern Wisconsin at retreat centers with opportunities to take field trips, enjoy natural beauty, exchange ideas and develop friendships.

To nominate someone, send a letter or e-mail to Barbara Borski, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, 1900 Franklin St., Stevens Point, WI 54481. An application form can be obtained by sending an e-mail to bborski@uwsp.edu. The deadline for nomination letters is Dec. 15. The deadline for application is Jan. 31.

The Planning Committee will make selections by Feb. 15. Selection for the program is based on past involvement in woodland management and on the potential for broader leadership. No more than 30 individuals will be chose per year.

Participants are charged $200 for four nights lodging, 15 meals, instruction and field trips. Some participants obtain financial support from a local landowner group or other sponsor. The actual cost for the three seminars is $550 per person. The program covers the difference.

Participants are expected to attend three seminars and read the seminar packet information prior to the seminar. Seminars will be held on a combination of weekdays and weekends to spread out disruption of work and family schedules.

For more information, contact Borski at (715) 346-3783.