Florida Land Steward Update, September 9. 2022

Agricultural producers and landowners in Florida are encouraged to apply to participate in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by September 30, 2022 for the program’s current funding cycle. Through this voluntary conservation program, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can provide agricultural producers and landowners with financial resources and one-on-one assistance to plan and implement improvements, or conservation practices that address resource concerns. for more information and to get started on the application process, contact your local USDA NRCS office

Tropical storm activity is on the increase. Keep a close eye on the forecasts and make sure you, your family, and your property are ready for the next storm headed our way. Our recorded webinar series on Hurricane Preparation and Recovery, as well as links to all the materials, are all available at our Florida Land Steward events and webinars page – see 2021 Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Webinars..

Don’t wait until after a disaster to get your farm records filled out with USDA Farm Service Agency. Get your farm records completed with USDA ahead of time. You’ll be ahead in the queue for assistance and will receive E-notifications about recovery programs from FSA after the storm. If you already have farm records in, review them and make sure they are complete and up-to date. Find your USDA Service Center here to get started.

Prescribed fire practitioners and enthusiasts are encouraged to join us for the 2022 Fall Symposium! The Symposium will take place October 11-12, 2022 at the UF Stern Learning Center at the Austin Cary Forest Campus. Get the latest on prescribed fire practice in Florida, fire weather and planning tools, ecosystem restoration, liability and insurance issues, Southern Fire Exchange resources, and more. This event is approved for a total of 10.0 Cat. 1 SAF CFEs! It will also satisfy the 8 hours of continuing education required every 5 years for certified prescribed burners to maintain their certification. 2022 Fall Symposium details and registration here!

Family forest owners are invited to join the American Forest Foundation’s (AFF) brand new virtual community, The Family Forest, a home for family forest owners and the people who support them. The Family Forest is a dedicated online space where people who care for family forest land can connect with others who share the same goals and aspirations. Learn more about AFF’s Family Forest Virtual Community.

Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.

See our Events Calendar and News page for upcoming events, webinars, and event materials.

Access the current and back issues of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here.

Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris Demers at cdemers@ufl.edu.

The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts please consider a gift.