The role that forests play in the water cycle is widely known and celebrated. Yet, many are unaware of the contributions of forest product markets in the forest/water relationship. March 21 was International Forests Day. The next day was World Water Day. In 2016, there will be no better opportunity to discuss the vital role that forests play in the global water cycle, and forestry organizations throughout the world are using the two days to draw attention to this important dynamic.

The facts, proliferated in blogs, tweets, webinars and infographics all underscore the same basic message. Forests are the lynchpin of the natural water filtration infrastructure and must be maintained to keep fresh water inventories stable, to say nothing of growing to meet an increased demand from a growing population.

Individual states have long set weight limits for their roads and highways. With the advent of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways (Interstate system), the Federal Government established its own weight limits for this system. Thirteen states have received various exemptions from these limits. Transit buses and fire and other disaster response vehicles have temporary exemptions pending studies of their weight and use, and many "new" sections of the federal Interstate Highway system have been "grandfathered" in to allow the existing state legal load limits prior to the roadway becoming a portion of the Federal Interstate Highway System.

April 1, 2016 – Rupert Community Center, Rupert, WV
April 14, 2016 – WVU-P, Workforce & Community Education, WCE Building, Parkersburg, WV

4.5 CFE Credits - Category 2

Morgantown—Tuesday, April 12, 2016; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Summersville—Thursday, April 14, 2016; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
2.0 CFE Credits - Category 1

Come to find out more about the American Tree Farm System!
Join us for an informative seminar and free lunch.
Presentations include:
* Bats, hogs and dogs: Important wildlife issues for WV woodland owners
Dr. Sheldon Owen
WVU Wildlife Extension Specialist
* Forest management—It’s for the birds!
Kyle Aldinger
WV Cerulean Warbler Partnership Coordinator
* Update on American chestnut in WV
Dr. Brian Perkins
Associate Professor of Forestry, Glenville State College

Please RSVP to WVFA at 304-372-1955 or WVFA@WVFA.org