University of Wisconsin - Extension

A conference on the Future of Food, Fiber and Conservation will be held Jan. 29 and 30 at the House on the Rock Inn in Dodgeville, Wis.

The two-day meeting, sponsored by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, (SWCS), will feature a variety of speakers from the University of Wisconsin and from state agencies and other organizations concerned with the production of food and fiber and conservation of natural resources. Partners in SWCS include University of Wisconsin-Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Southwest Badger Resource, Conservation and Development Council.

Featured topics and speakers are:

-- A review of Wisconsin's unique environmental policy presented by George Meyer, environmental advisor, visiting professor at Lawrence University, and former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

-- "Wood-Based Aspects of Timber Production and Wood Utilization," by Terry Mace, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

-- "Urban Agriculture and Food Distribution Networks for Small Farmers," by Will Allen, of Growing Power, a nonprofit organization and land trust supporting people from diverse backgrounds and the environments they live in through the development of Community Food Systems.

-- "Eating is a Moral Act," with Robert Gronski, policy coordinator for the National Catholic Rural Life Conference.

-- "Wisconsin's Green Tier Program," with Mark McDermid, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, discussing this non-regulatory environmental program of environmental, green star logo and state grants to reward farmers who go beyond the minimum.

-- "Managed Forest Law and Conservation of Wisconsin's Resource Base," State Senator, Dale Schultz.

-- "Public Land Policy and Changing Social Values: Where does Conservation Fit in?" presented by John DuPlissis, forestry outreach specialist, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources.

SWCS will also hold its council meeting and a strategic planning session, facilitated by Paul Ohlrogge, UW-Extension community resource development agent, Iowa County.

For a flyer containing more information about the conference and registration details, please contact Peggie James, NRCS Iowa County, 608-935-2791 ext. 3, peggie.james@wi.usda.gov .

There is a registration fee of $20 for SWCS members and $25 for non-members. Students and retirees may attend for $15. A banquet ticket is $10 extra. Make checks payable to "Wisconsin Chapter SWCS," and mail to Peggie James, NRCS, 138 South Iowa Street, Suite 3, Dodgeville, WI 53533