Working Lands Service Provider Grant Provides Online Resources to Strengthen Vermont’s Forest Economy
By Clare Salerno, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Forests provide vital economic and recreational resources for Vermont, as well as serving as a key element of our state’s identity. Despite its importance, the forest sector often lacks visibility among the public, and forest professionals have an ongoing need for updated and accessible continuing education resources.
Funded in part through a $19,965 Working Lands Enterprise Fund’s service provider grant in FY 2019, Vermont foresters looking to meet continuing education requirements have a new, free, and accessible online option thanks to UVM Extension’s new On-Demand Forestry Webinar Library. The library launched just in time to provide a much-needed online resource for Vermont’s foresters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project leveraged additional funds from USDA Forest Service.
In addition to the webinar library, UVM Extension used Working Lands funds to produce a five-part podcast series called Heartwood: Stories from the Vermont Woods. Kate Forrer, UVM Extension community forestry specialist, and Lisa Sausville, Executive Director of Vermont Coverts, co-host the series.
“These innovative online tools meet several critical leverage points of the forest economy, including workforce development, relationship building between different sectors along the value chain, and greater public awareness about the value of forestry and wood products industry to Vermont's rural economy,” says Kate Forrer, who led both projects.
Since its creation, the On-Demand Forestry Webinar Library has provided 945 educational credits to Vermont foresters, far surpassing an initial goal of 100 credits. Over 170 foresters have used the online library and report over 1,160,130 acres of Vermont under improved management thanks to continuing education credits received.
Nearly all foresters that participated in webinars said that the library directly reduced costs for continuing education credits that are required to maintain a forester’s license in Vermont. All participants identified the new library as an essential resource for meeting credit requirements. Online courses saved foresters valuable transportation time and provided a safe option during the pandemic. The library is available free of charge to the public at: http://www.ourvermontwoods.org/vtforestrywebinarlibrary.
In addition to the webinar library, the Heartwood podcast provides an accessible way for everyone to learn about the importance of forestry and wood products to Vermont’s people, history, and economy. Podcast episodes, which have been streamed over 1,000 times, feature an array of perspectives, including landowners, forestry service providers, wood harvesters, processors, and retailers. Despite their unique stories and relationships to trees and forests, storytellers share a deep connection to the woods and are passionate about ensuring forest ecosystems and economies in Vermont continue to thrive.
“Trees and woodlands are important for many reasons -- they offer us materials that keep us safe and warm and a deep connection to the world outside our windows. Forests provide solace -- a place to escape from the chaos of our current world,” observes co-host Lisa Sausville. Heartwood delivers a variety of information about resources available to landowners who may be wondering what the difference is between a consulting forester and a county forester and what services each provides. The podcast also offers information and stories for consumers of all kinds of forest products, from wood chips to mass timber to furniture. The podcast reminds Vermonters of the wealth both economic and spiritual that forests provide for us.
To listen, visit ourvermontwoods.org/heartwood. Anyone with a question about Vermont's forests or a story to share about a special tree or favorite woods is invited to call the storyline, hosted by UVM Extension. The number is (802) 476-2272, ext. 210. Callers are asked to leave their name (include spelling), town of residence and a brief message (two minutes or less) outlining their question or story.
The mission of the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is to strengthen and grow the economies, cultures, and communities of Vermont's working landscape. Funding opportunities will re-open in fall 2022 for businesses, producer associations, and service providers. Please visit workinglands.vermont.gov for more information.
Caption: Image from grantee below: Gabe Freitag, who owns and operates Central Vermont Logging and Forestry, LLC. Gabe is standing in front of hardwood saw logs on a job in Tunbridge, VT. He is one of the many small forestry businesses that obtains the required continuing education credits and knowledge to care for the health of Vermont’s forests, through the On Demand Forestry Webinar Library.