Private landowners should attend forest wildlife meeting

CALDWELL, Ohio – A Forest Wildlife Conference will be held Jan. 20 at the Buckeye Joint Vocational School in New Philadelphia.

This Forest Wildlife Conference is planned for the private landowner. The conference will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Approximately 80 percent of Ohio forest land is owned by private woodland owners, said Edward L. Smith, district specialist, natural resources with The Ohio State University Extension.

Many of these woodland owners have an interest in managing their property for forest wildlife. These woodlands provide the raw materials for Ohio wood-based industries as well as many recreational, wildlife and aesthetic benefits.

Any landowner who has an interest in managing for forest wildlife species is welcome to attend this special conference.

The morning program will include an introduction to Ohio’s Forest Resources, an introduction to forest wildlife management, elements of wildlife habitat, and a presentation of forest songbirds.

In the afternoon, landowners will have the opportunity to select topics of their own choice. Several of these topics will be offered more than once. Some of the topics to be offered include:

* Grouse Management

* Deer Management

* Squirrel & Turkey Management

* Hunting Laws & Regulations

* How to Establish a Hunting Camp

* How to Establish and Maintain Wildlife Food Plots

A variety of forest wildlife resource people will present these topics and answer landowner’s questions. There will be resource material available. A number of the forest wildlife organizations and sponsors will have educational exhibits.

In order to attend this conference, participants must preregister by Jan. 10. The registration fee is $10.

For registration information, contact your local county Ohio State University Extension office, Soil and Water Conservation District office, Service Forester, District Wildlife offices, and/or Edward L. Smith at 16714 SR 215, Caldwell, OH 43724; phone 740-732-2381.