Forum planned May 28 on woods management, conservation

WEST BROOKFIELD – UMass Amherst Forest Resources Specialist Paul Catanzaro will lead a Woods Forum at the West Brookfield Town Hall, located at 2 East Main St. (Route 9) in West Brookfield, on Thursday May 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Woods Forum brings together local woodland owners to share their experiences with woods management and conservation decisions.
“Many of us don’t think about our woods on a day-to-day basis, except to enjoy the privacy, scenery, and the tranquil environment to live in and raise a family,” says Paul Catanzaro. “However, at some point in every landowner’s life, questions arise about what to do with our woods, such as: should I harvest the woods on my land? How much are my woods worth? How do I address ice storm damage in my woodland? It’s important for woodland owners to know they have options and know where to find information.”
After a short presentation by Catanzaro, the Woods Forum will feature a discussion in which landowners can ask questions and get answers from one another about woods management and conservation. Local forestry experts and conservation professionals will supplement the discussion with their experiences.
The Woods Forum will focus on the communities of Brookfield, West Brookfield, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, Brimfield, Palmer, Warren, Ware, New Braintree and Oakham. However, anyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP by contacting Jay Rasku at 978-248-2118 or info@nqpartnership.org. A light dinner will be provided. The forum is sponsored by the East Quabbin Land Trust, the Opacum Land Trust and the Massachusetts Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).