Timber University

Show Notes Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions, and connect field observations to landscape-scale patterns. Dr. Crosby is an Associate Professor in Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, where his work connects forestry, spatial modeling, forest health, invasive species, weather, and climate. He has also co-authored Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers, a textbook focused on helping foresters and land managers apply GIS to real-world data and management problems. In this conversation, we discuss why GIS matters in modern forestry and how mapping tools can move beyond "pretty pictures" into practical decision support. Dr. Crosby explains how spatial data can help answer questions about forest condition, access, disturbance, risk, invasive species, and management planning. The episode also touches on how students and working professionals can build confidence with GIS, even if they are not coming from a technical background. We also discuss the growing role of remote sensing, aerial imagery, and spatial analysis in forestry education and practice. From identifying patterns on the landscape to supporting better field decisions, these tools are increasingly important for foresters, land managers, consultants, researchers, and students preparing to work in natural resources. This episode is a useful listen for forestry students, consulting foresters, land managers, extension professionals, GIS users, and anyone interested in how spatial tools are changing the way we understand and manage forests. You can contact Dr. Michael Crosby at [email protected] Additional resource: Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers Dr. Crosby co-authored this GIS textbook for foresters and natural resource managers.

Hurricanes are often seen as purely destructive, but new research reveals their vital role in shaping longleaf pine ecosystems. Dr. Jeffrey Cannon from the Jones Center at Ichauway joins the Timber University podcast to discuss how his research explores how these storms influence forest structure, stimulate reproduction, and act as natural restorers. Discover how hurricanes increase biodiversity, create complex forest structures, and reinforce fire regimes, offering ecological benefits often overlooked.  We also discuss how remote sensing tools like LiDAR are transforming our understanding of storm impacts, from tree architecture adaptations to fuel patterns affecting fire behavior. Dr. Cannon provides practical advice on managing forest diversity to bolster resilience against future hurricanes, crucial for landowners and restoration practitioners. This episode is perfect for land managers, conservationists, and anyone interested in the nuanced role of disturbances. It challenges conventional views and sparks innovative thinking about storm ecology and forest resilience. You can contact Dr. Cannon directly at [email protected] A tutorial on using Lidar tools for forestry data https://lab.jonesctr.org/cannon/resources/ If you want to hear a broader discussion with Dr. Cannon and others on research needs for hurricane-disturbed forests, click below.  https://forestrywebinars.net/webinars/future-directions-for-hurricane-disturbed-forests/?sr=wp~ondemand

In this episode, Brady and Shaun talk about the recent ice storms across much of the Eastern US, with some states reporting substantial timber damage. They discuss how landowners can assess damage from the ice storms and what the next steps are for their forest property. As always make sure to reach out to private consultants, Extension, and your State forestry comission for help in taking those next steps. See the link for some leads on assistance in the wake of the storms https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12644

Today we discuss arguably the most important topic facing our working forests, that of the excess supply of small-diameter timber. Shaun and Brady are joined by Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Director of the Center for Forest Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He discusses the consequences of not finding market outlets for this material, both economic and ecological, and walks us through several alternative futures that could help in dealing with this wicked problem that will require multiple solutions to ultimately bring our forests back in balance in the near and longer term. The purpose is to provide the listener with items that they promote to their policymakers and legislators to help smooth the expansion of existing and creation of new end use markets that utilize already developed technologies that are ready to scale.  For More on UAM''s Center for Forest Business, please click the link below.  https://www.uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/acfb.html  

On this episode, Brady and Shaun are joined by Dr. David Clabo from the University of Georgia to discuss pine straw raking as an alternative income source for forest landowners. Dr. Clabo is an Associate Professor of Silviculture Outreach, who did his degree training at the University of Tennessee.  To contact Dr. Clabo with questions or clarifications please see his information at the following link. https://warnell.uga.edu/directory/people/david-c-clabo-phd For more on pine straw, follow this link https://www.bugwood.org/forestry.cfm  

In this episode of Timber University, Shaun and Brady welcome James Callicutt, Extension Instructor - Waterfowl, Upland Gamebirds, and Invasive Species at Mississippi State University, to discuss the intricacies of Green Tree Reservoirs (GTRs). James shares insights into the management and ecological significance of GTRs, particularly in the context of waterfowl habitat. For more info you can reach James at [email protected] Or contact Brady or Shaun at [email protected]  

In this episode, Dr. Tanger and Dr. Self are joined by Dr. Kevin Boston. They discuss the different US forest certification standards and the benefits of self regulation of the industry as a way to show good stewardship to potential and existing markets and to the general public.    Dr. Boston is an Associate Professor of Forest Operations at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and has written several books on various forest subjects.  For questions or comments, please email us at [email protected]

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristy McAndrew from Mississippi State University. Dr. McAndrew will walk us through the ins and outs of Brown spot needle blight, a fungal disease that infects pine needles, leading to premature needle loss, stunted growth, and long-term stress that increases a tree's vulnerability to other pests and pathogens, and provide an update on Emerald Ash Borer presence in the region.  Dr. McAndrew is a forest health specialist at Mississippi State University in the Forestry Department. Kristy has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Wildlife, both from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, and also completed a Master's and PhD at Mississippi State University in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology.  For more on brown spot needle blight, see this recent article and publication from the Arkansas Division of Agriculture. www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/august/08-18-2025-ark-UAM-needle-blight.aspx If you have questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]  

In this episode, we return to the mailbag to answer listener questions. Brady covers the current status of brownspot needle blight and thinning pines with herbicide applications as an alternative to commercial thinning in light of depressed markets. Shaun covers a combo question on replanting costs and how to treat those costs for tax purposes and how that may or may not affect a timber owners basis account. 

In this episode, Dr. Tanger and Dr. Self are joined by Dr. Bronson Strickland as they consider how wildlife objectives can influence thinning regimes in forest management. Dr. Bronson Strickland, the Godfather of Timber University and co-Host of Deer University, our sister program. Dr. Strickland is the St. John Family Endowed Professor of Wildlife Management at Mississippi State University. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].

​​Silvicultural methodology for longleaf pine is sometimes misunderstood by landowners and land managers. Join the Timber University team as they discuss longleaf systems and their management using current techniques with today's guest, Dr. John Willis, a research forester with the United States Forest Service.  For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].  

Today we discuss what's happening in the US south timber markets. We cover what drives lumber consumption, what to keep an eye on for housing, and discuss stumpage drivers and price expectations. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].

Today's episode, we explore what strategies landowners and managers can utilized when standard thinning operations cannot occur due to poor markets. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].

In today's episode, we go back to basics and map out for listeners the biological, operational, and economic considerations of thinning pine stands. For most in the southeast, markets are tough for pine thinning material, but we explore why it's so important to thin nonetheless. Remember if you don't thin your forest, mother nature will. Next episode: we'll touch on some alternatives you can explore in light of the depressed markets. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].  

In this episode we take a shot at listener questions, ranging from controlling tree of heaven to addressing the pros and cons of managing for longleaf as compared to loblolly pine. We also address on-site and off-site characteristics to keep in mind when buying timber property.  For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].

In this episode we speak with Dr. Kevin Boston from the University of Arkansas at Monticello to discuss a recent landmark Supreme Court decision Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024) that overturned a long-standing precedent for federal agency authority on interpreting intent of Congressional legislation.  Dr. Boston received a Ph.D. In Forest Engineering at Oregon State University (1996) and has a JD, from the Northwest School of Law at Lewis and Clark College (2016). Dr. Boston has been working in the field of forestry as a registered forester across the globe since the early 80s and has submitted an Amicus Curiae to the Supreme Court for Decker v. Northwest Environmental Defense Center case from 2012-2013.  For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].  

In this episode we circle back to carbon markets with a very special guest Dr. Gregory Latta, Associate Research Professor of Forest Economics and Director of Policy Analysis Group at the University of Idaho. Dr. Latta brings several decades of experience in research and practical experience in designing and evaluating carbon programs. He discusses some of the challenges currently facing carbon markets and provides some much-needed perspective on new markets.  For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].

Most people interested in management of forests are familiar with chemical site preparation as a management tool. However, many are not aware of other herbicide application options available for fine tuning management in later efforts of the rotation. Join Shaun and Brady as they discuss how herbaceous weed control, release, and mid rotation brush control as well as cut stump, basal bark, and stem injection treatments may fit into the later forest management work. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].  

Today, we are joined by a special guest Alicia Robbins, who is Vice President of Portfolio Analytics and Business Development with Weyerhaeuser. She discusses the basics of forestry carbon and the fledging forest carbon market. If you don't know anything about these markets this is the episode for you. It will be the first of many podcasts on the subject, as we dive into this new world that forest landowners are primed to take a leading role in.   For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]  

Approximately two thirds of Americans do not have a will and the implications of this can be far reaching. Join us as Dr. Rebecca Smith, Director of the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy, discusses basic estate planning and how it can help landowners. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]  

Join Timber University and special guest John Gruchy, a Wildlife Biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. John is the Coordinator of the Private Lands Program, including the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). John discusses the finer points of managing the forest with prescribed fire and gives some insights for where landowners can go to gain the needed skills to set burns with confidence.     John Gruchy [email protected] For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]  

This episode we are joined by Dr. Morgan Varner from the Tall Timbers Land Trust and Research Center. Dr. Varner discusses the benefits of fire on the landscape, a brief history of utilizing prescribed fire in the US south, and the consequences of using and not using prescribed fire to manage forests. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

Over the past few years, brownspot needle blight and an assemblage of other problematic pathogenic species have garnered increasing concern in pine systems across the South. Join us as we discuss these along with current research efforts centered on this problem with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

Pine beetle outbreaks are usually not the result of one stress factor, but the cumulative result of several possible variables that lower pine vigor. Join us, along with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University, as we discuss pine beetle biology and environmental conditions leading up to problems with pine beetles. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

This month is the first Q&A episode. Brady and Shaun get to listener questions they have received since the first episode. They discuss taxes, some hardwood silviculture, and the northern long-eared bat.  For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]  Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.  

Prior to active silvicultural management, natural regeneration propagated pine species across the South for millennia. Join the Timber University team and their guest, Dr. Michael Blazier with the University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss this and what options still exist for the land manager wanting to utilize developed silvicultural techniques available for naturally regenerating pines.    For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Pine regeneration efforts often deviate from work in hardwoods due to genetic advances we have made in available planting stock choices. For this reason, artificial regeneration is typically chosen by land managers wishing to regenerate pines. Join Shaun and Brady, along with their guest speaker, Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss history, current methodology, and what research tells us regarding artificial regeneration of pines.   For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Timber trespass, is the unauthorized removal of trees, and can occur unintentionally where property boundaries are unmarked, unmaintained, or remote. Join us as we discuss this far reaching topic with Dr. Eric McConnell, an associate professor of forest business at Mississippi State University to talk with us about how to mitigate trespass and theft and actions a landowner may take after the fact.    For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Several surveys indicate that non-industrial private forest landowners own land for reasons other than timber production. These reasons include aesthetics, wildlife-related recreation, and other natural resource-based activities.The term multiple use in natural resource management is straightforward: it is the management of lands for more than one purpose. Inherently, this management approach is more complex and requires forest landowners to understand and assess each additional use for its compatibility with their long-term forest-management goals. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Adam Rhonke, Assistant Extension Professor at Mississippi State University, to walk us through the complexities and opportunities Multiple Use Management provides to forest landowners.    For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

After a casualty event, a forest landowner must make many difficult decisions. We discuss topics such as what to do immediately following a casualty event and proper steps to take as you move forward in the salvage process.    For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Join Shaun and Brady as they offer advice on considerations for marketing your timber at harvest time. We briefly discuss sale preparation, the bidding process, reasons for using a consultant, and other topics in this episode of Timber University. Remember, it is incumbent upon you to ensure you get the most for your timber by employing appropriate marketing strategy. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

When natural regeneration options are off the table, artificial regeneration methods are the only option available to the landowner wanting to establish a hardwood forest. Join us as we discuss planting stock choices and what research tells us about their use. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

In this episode of Timber University, we discuss natural regeneration methodology in hardwood systems. When biologically possible, natural regeneration is the cheapest option available to the forest landowner wishing to regenerate a hardwood stand. However, considerable footwork is usually necessary to employ these techniques. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Forestland and its subsequent management are still sound investments! Join us in this episode of Timber University as we discuss some of the things you should consider when investing in natural resources. We also discuss how timber value varies depending upon a different location and onsite factors. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Forest tax is a very specialized area in the tax codes. Many forest landowners, CPAs, and lawyers are often not well versed with this type of taxation. This episode of Timber University is recorded with the intent of highlighting some of the more pertinent areas of tax law that concern landowners and their forest management. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

In this episode, we take on the difficult subject of casualty loss. This is a subject no landowner looks forward to, but planning for the worst is sound planning. Join us as we discuss what the IRS considers a casualty, how to determine your loss in the eyes of the IRS, and how best to move forward, from a Forest Tax perspective, after one occurs.   Resources: Tips for Landowners Attempting to Salvage Hurricane Damaged Timber    For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Join us in this episode of Timber University as we discuss the pros and cons of site preparation in forestry. Many forest managers are familiar with the various mechanical and chemical site preparation methods available, but may not know how they compare with each other in implementation and effectiveness. This episode is intended to familiarize you with the most commonly encountered treatments currently used in forestry. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]. Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Dr. John Auel is the Certification Programs Director for the Mississippi Forestry Association. Join us in this episode of Timber University as we discuss best management practices with John and how this style of management serves to maintain environmentally sound timber management. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]. For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Only a small percentage of landowners actually possess a written management plan for their property. This episode of Timber University details the benefits of having a management plan as well as commonly included components and their importance when writing a management plan. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]. For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

In this episode of Timber University, we discuss the importance of setting objectives and realistic goals for ownership of your property. Often forestland owners do not know where to start in their management efforts, this episode is intended to help you begin the management process by listing some things to consider before undertaking this exciting challenge. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]. For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

In this, the first episode of Timber University, we explain our goals for the podcast, what we intend on covering, and who would benefit from listening. We also discuss our backgrounds and career paths that led us to working for the Mississippi State University Extension Service. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected]. For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.