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Central Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forest lands during the 11th annual Forest Landowners’ Retreat, to be held Oct. 22-23 at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center near Appomattox. Topics will include forest management planning, timber sales, wildlife management, basic tree identification and measurement skills and more. A tour of the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest will showcase pine and hardwood management strategies that woodland owners can use.

Sponsoring partners for the retreat are Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program. “This program provides an excellent introduction to forest management issues, especially for those new to land ownership,” Ellen Powell of the Virginia Department of Forestry said.

“We use a combination of classroom and field sessions, taught by experts, to get participants fully engaged in learning,” Jennifer Gagnon of Virginia Tech’s Forest Landowner Education Program said. “The retreat format also allows people to share their experiences with other landowners.”

The program starts early on Friday, so Thursday night lodging is available and encouraged. Two registration options are available, with Thursday and Friday night lodging at $95 per person or $170 per couple; or a commuter option without lodging at $55 per person or $90 per couple. Meals included with all options are Friday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Saturday breakfast and lunch.

To register online or download a brochure, visit https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/landownerprograms/retreats.html. The deadline to register is Oct. 8. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.

Persons with disabilities who desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity may also contact Jennifer during the hours of 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations no later than Oct. 8. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.