August 3, 2005

Timber management program benefits wildlife

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Landowners interested in maintaining or providing forest wildlife habitats can learn more about managing their forested land through the Indiana Coverts Project.

Indiana Coverts will sponsor this year's annual Indiana Coverts Program on Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center near Trafalgar, Ind.

"Many people believe that managing and harvesting timber conflicts with wildlife," said Brian MacGowan, a Purdue University Extension wildlife specialist and coordinator of the project. "In fact, properly planned timber management can improve habitats and increase the value of the timber."

The three-day Indiana Coverts Program takes place in a camp environment and in surrounding forested land. Training includes sessions on ecology and forest and wildlife management.

There is no registration deadline for the seminar, but space is limited. Registration costs are $40. The fee includes meals, lodging and reference materials. Registration can be completed online or by calling MacGowan at (765) 647-3538.

In addition to the training, each participant will receive reference materials and become part of a network of woodland owners who communicate regularly and have access to forestry and wildlife professionals throughout the state. In exchange, participants are asked to spend at least one year actively promoting forest wildlife management in their community.

"It's kind of a train-the-trainer approach because then participants can answer other woodland owners' questions or direct them to an appropriate resource professional," MacGowan said.

Funding for Indiana Coverts is provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation, Indiana Division of Forestry and the Renewable Resources Extension Act.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Brian MacGowan, (765) 647-3538, macgowan@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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