Event to explore where trees belong in the Sunflower State

Where do trees belong in Kansas? This topic, "Role of Trees in Kansas," is the theme of the first Kansas Natural Resources Conference (KNRC) to be held at the Airport Hilton in Wichita on Feb. 21-23.

"KNRC is being organized and sponsored by the Kansas chapters of six professional natural resource societies,” said Dan Meyerhoff, steering committee chairman. “The sponsors represent a unique blend of disciplines promoting the wise use and management of Kansas’ natural resources. The conference sponsors invite anyone interested in this issue to join them.”

Sponsors include the Kansas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, the Great Plains Society of American Foresters, the Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the Kansas Section of the Society of Range Management, and the Kansas Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

“The conference is designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of people interested in environmental and natural resource topics,” said Meyerhoff. Plenary session speakers are Dr. Elliot West, distinguished professor of history at the University of Arkansas; Dr. Jim Sherow, professor of environmental history at Kansas State University; and Larry Rutter, retired from the Kansas State Historical Society.

Professionals and students are invited to present oral and poster presentations on the role of trees in the Sunflower State. Presentations related to one of the five following topics are especially encouraged:

• brush and woody debris-management, alternatives, costs, and benefits;
• design and benefits of stream bank and riparian corridor renovation and stabilization;
• invasive species management effects and control;
• conservation planning and managing of areas for multiple benefits;
• positive and negative effects of trees on wildlife; and
• other topics that would be of interest to conference attendees.

For more information on registration, session topics, and hotel reservations, contact Dan Meyerhoff at 785-625-2588 or email at dan.meyerhoff@ks.usda.gov. Information is also available online.

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