The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will hold three public information webcasts next week to provide information and answer questions about its proposal to list the Northern Long-Eared Bat as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Webcasts are scheduled for:

- Tuesday, August 19, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern;
- Wednesday, August 20, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern; and
- Thursday, August 21, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Anyone interested can join the 1-hour information sessions by calling a toll-free number and joining a web conference to view a presentation and participate in a facilitated question-and-answer session.

NCASI recently posted a new report, Technical Bulletin No. 1022, on its website at www.ncasi.org. Member company employees, as well as government and academic personnel, may request a printed complimentary copy of this report by replying to this message or calling 352- 331-1745.

Many companies engaged in timber production and/or wood procurement are participating in sustainable forestry certification programs that include requirements related to conservation of biodiversity. In order to meet these requirements, managers of forest certification activities need to be knowledgeable about ongoing conservation programs.

This report is a compendium of information about biodiversity conservation programs in the United States. Programs were selected for inclusion based on their relevance to wood procurement and timberland operations. Managers and technical specialists with responsibilities for sustainable forestry and wood procurement will find this report useful in gaining a general understanding of the scope and content of biodiversity conservation programs and in identifying specific programs that are most relevant to their companies.

The material in this report updates the information in NCASI Technical Bulletin No. 982, which was published in 2011. The primary author is Carolyn A. Mehl of the Ecosystem Management Research Institute (EMRI). Dr. Ben Wigley and Philip R. Weatherford of NCASI collaborated with EMRI staff in development of the report.

Peter Howell, Workshop Director of the Valley Woodworkers of West Virginia, made a thoroughly interesting presentation at the WVFA annual meeting about the toys that they make from our members' donated wood. He was kind in thanking those members who donated hardwood lumber for their 2013 Salvation Army Christmas Toy Project. From it, they produced numerous doll cradles, alphabet block sets and cars. They plan to be just as successful with their project this year and hope that WVFA members can help them again.

Valley Woodworkers of West Virginia was formed in February 1991. Members exchange woodworking ideas, tips, techniques, and sources on such topics as project design, planning, tool use, finishing, refinishing and joinery. The club maintains a library with many books, magazines and project plans available to members. Membership is open to all persons with an interest in woodworking regardless of skill level. Beginners, amateurs and professionals are all welcome.