CLIMATE CHANGE RELATED EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR FAMILY FORESTS
Climate and Agriculture Sessions
James Henderson
Associate Extension Professor
Mississippi State University
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Abstract
In the context of climate change, models suggest increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, tornados, wildfire, and drought events as having an increasing impact on forests. Risk management is a critical, but often overlooked, aspect of forest management. The recently developed Extension education program addresses strategies to plan for and mitigate the risk of extreme weather events impacting forests. Instruction includes face-to-face training (short courses), web-based instruction, and a series of new Extension publications on risk management of extreme weather events and forest management. The program explains how to use silvicultural practices and economic decision-making to reduce risk. Specific topics covered in the educational program include salvage of storm damaged timber, thinning and timber stand improvement, uneven-aged management, IRS timber casualty loss provisions, timber insurance, seedling survival, and the choice of whether to manage or regenerate a forest following an extreme weather event. This program expands Extension programming in an underdeveloped, yet much needed subject area as climate change related extreme weather events represent one of the single most costly risks facing family forest owners in the southeastern U.S. The Extension program and its implementation will be described.
Authors: Grebner, D.L., Henderson, J. E., Kushla, J.D., Gordon, J.S.
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Grebner, D.L. Professor, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, 38879
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Henderson, J. E. Associate Extension Professor, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, 39762
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Kushla, J.D. Associate Extension Professor, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, 38879
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Gordon, J.S. Assistant Extension Professor, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, 39762