It is time once again for the Warren County Forestry Association’s annual membership meeting. The CFA’s interim president Hunter Fordice and the officers and directors invite all forest landowners and individuals involved in the forestry industry to attend at the International Paper Company training facility on Highway 3 beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Cost of the meeting is $10 per person.

If you go

The Warren County Foresty Association’s membership meeting will be at International Paper Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The Warren CFA is an affiliate of the Mississippi Forestry Association and, as their by-laws state, serves as the voice of forestry in Warren County. Its purpose is to conduct public affairs, communications and educational programs that foster better forest management and use, as well as understanding of and appreciation for the forests and forest-based industries of Mississippi.

This past year, the Warren CFA sponsored several well-attended educational sessions including Timber Tax Fundamentals, the Master Tree Farmer mini-series, and a program on Biomass & BioEnergy production. In addition, members visited the state capital to participate in a legislative update to advise state lawmakers on forestry-related issues and legislation.

The meeting Tuesday will feature presentations by Drs. James Henderson and David Jones, both from Mississippi State University’s Forestry Department. Henderson’s specialty is forest economics and management, and Jones’ is forest products and wood science. In addition, Eleana Pope, representing the Mississippi Forestry Association, will be on hand to discussnts the benefits of joining the MFA. An evening meal will also be provided.

Following the educational presentations, there will be a brief business meeting, which will include the formal nomination and election of officers and directors for 2009. The nominating committee has agreed to present the following individuals as nominees to serve the CFA this year:

Bryan Brabston, Jr., past president; Hunter Fordice, president;  Thurman Nelson, vice president; Randy Sherard, secretary-treasurer and directors Landman Teller, Mike Mikell, Marcez Mitchell, Jim Horan, Glen White and Eddie Henry. 

The following individuals serve in an advisory capacity:

Tommy Walker, county forester; Rob Riggin, USDA Farm Services Agency County executive director; Raymond Joyner, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service District conservationist and John Coccaro, MSU Extension County Director.

I, too, hope all forest landowners will attend this year’s CFA meeting and also consider joining the Mississippi Forestry Association. The benefits are many. In fact, beginning this year, MFA members will receive discounts from participating businesses such as Forestry Suppliers. Forestry Suppliers is providing a 7% discount on purchases to MFA members. 

The Warren CFA has already begun making plans for programs and events for this year, which will include a Firewise program, a Global Positioning System Workshop and a legislative luncheon. Anyone planning to participate Tuesday evening is asked to call the Extension office no later than 5 p.m. Monday and reserve a seat.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu