Rural Action to offer free conservation tech assistance
The sustainable forestry team, working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, is providing assistance on forest farming, invasive species removal, silvopasture and sustainable forest management.
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Rural Action is offering free site visits and conservation technical assistance to landowners and landholders in 44 Ohio counties including all counties in Appalachian Ohio, thanks to two major grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Through the organization’s sustainable forestry and watersheds programs, landowners can receive personalized guidance on forest farming, silvopasture, reforestation, wildlife habitat enhancement and water-quality protection.
The sustainable forestry team, working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, is providing assistance on forest farming, invasive species removal, silvopasture and sustainable forest management. The watersheds team is working under a cooperative agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to help landowners address streambank and floodplain reforestation, habitat improvements and water-quality concerns.
“Nontimber forest product species such as American ginseng, black cohosh and goldenseal are becoming increasingly rare due to overharvesting and habitat loss,” said Andrea Miller, sustainable forestry program director. “Forest farming offers a sustainable way to cultivate these species, generate supplemental income and reduce pressure on wild populations.”
“Healthy forests are key to healthy watersheds,” said Ryan Gilliom, watersheds project specialist. “Vegetation along streams and rivers helps filter pollutants, slow floodwaters and create vital habitat for wildlife.”
During a site visit, Rural Action staff will walk the property with the landowner to discuss goals and identify opportunities for sustainable land management. Participants will receive a written summary of the visit to support future planning or funding applications. Evaluations may include tree planting opportunities, invasive species management, silvopasture development, wildlife habitat improvements, erosion concerns and more.
There is no minimum acreage required to qualify. Forestry site visits are available in all Appalachian counties. Watershed site visits are available in both Appalachian counties and several additional counties throughout Ohio.
To request a site visit or learn more, fill out the online intake form at tinyurl.com/ra-land-intake. For forestry inquiries email Miller at andrea@ruralaction.org. For watershed inquiries email Gilliom at ryan@ruralaction.org.
