Hofmann Forest Letter from Dean Mary Watzin

Posted on January 23, 2013 by

The following letter was emailed to College of Natural Resources alumni on January 22, 2013.

Dean Mary Watzin

A Message From Dean Mary Watzin
January 22, 2013

I write to let you know that the Natural Resources Foundation Board of Directors has unanimously recommended the sale of the Hofmann Forest in its entirety, assuming price and other considerations can be met, for the specific support of the mission of the College of Natural Resources.

I also want to reassure you that any sale of the Hofmann will be consistent with the values of the College, which include retaining the name in recognition of the legacy of the Forest to the College. The goal is to sell the property as a working forest. The College hopes to retain access to the property by faculty and students for teaching and research. My commitment to forestry education, research and outreach as core elements of the programming of the CNR is strong.

In deciding about the future of the Hofmann, the Foundation (and the College) has considered which options would provide the greatest good for the largest number of CNR students, our faculty and staff, and our professions, over the long term. The College is currently experiencing significant growth and has strong ambitions. Keeping current programs strong and leveraging new opportunities for the College will only be possible with additional cash flow. A more diversified portfolio of investment could provide a higher and more consistent level of support to the College.

The Hofmann Forest is a tremendous asset to the College of Natural Resources, and I understand some of you have fond memories of your time there. As you will recall, the Hofmann was acquired shortly after the forestry program at NCSU was founded and it was named in honor of the program’s founding dean. Initially, the Forest was used for teaching purposes, with students spending a summer in eastern North Carolina at the Hofmann to learn forestry. In the late 1950’s, summer camp was moved permanently to Hill Forest near Durham. Last year, the College invested about $1.5 million in upgrading the facilities at Hill Forest. Today, a relatively small number of CNR faculty and students use the Hofmann Forest for teaching and research. The low rate of use is in part because of the distance of the Hofmann Forest from the campus.

Currently, the primary role of the Hofmann Forest is as an investment, with earnings supporting scholarships and the academic and research programs of the College. It is managed by the Natural Resources Foundation as a commercial forest. Although the Foundation staff has done an outstanding job of managing the Hofmann Forest over the last decade, we are at a competitive disadvantage compared to large commercial operations, which have greater resources to manage in the face of a changing business climate.

The current rate of return from the Hofmann is less than what might be achieved from a diversified investment portfolio. A diversified portfolio would also lessen the risks associated with fires, hurricanes, droughts, and invasive species.

The mission of CNR is teaching, research and outreach. While we cherish our history with the Hofmann Forest, the reputation of the College is not based on this land ownership; it is instead the direct result of the stature and quality of the faculty and the teaching, research, and outreach programs we deliver.

I ask for your patience and your trust as we move forward with this process, which will unfold over the coming months.

With best wishes,

Mary C. Watzin
Dean, College of Natural Resources
North Carolina State University

Helping Others See the Forest for the Trees

Posted on January 22, 2013 by rwgonzal

Have you ever met a natural-born leader? You know…someone who, just from his unassuming but confident manner, lets you know everything is under control and that you matter? The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is very fortunate to have many student leaders, but none stand out more than Austin Heine, a senior in Forest Management. During his academic career at NC State, Austin has held several leadership roles in student organizations and has been the recipient of many scholarships and awards. Recently, Austin was awarded the Ben Meadows Natural Resources Scholarship for Academic Achievement. Only two students in the country are named to the Ben Meadows scholarship each year, and only one receives the academic achievement award. But for all of his scholastic success, it turns out that Austin’s character is what best reveals him as a true leader.

Earning and maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average is an impressive feat under any circumstance, but Austin has done this while…now get ready for this… working for the NC State Tree Improvement Program, holding Secretary and Vice President positions in the State College Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, being President of the NC State Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), peer tutoring in dendrology class, and mentoring incoming students in a special topics course. This last course was developed by the department just this year to help enhance relationships between experienced students and new students. “Austin’s consistent good will, patient personality, and clear thinking have gone a long way toward helping us meet that objective,” said Dr. George Hess, professor and co-instructor of the special topics course. “In peer reviews from fellow students, Austin was universally admired for his leadership, encouragement, and ability to provide guidance while still letting others set their own direction.”

Knowing how to let others discover their own confidence in a subject is a rare talent. For Austin, this occurs in a very natural and genuine way. “The most rewarding thing about my education in forestry at North Carolina State University has been my dendrology course with Dr. Braham,” relayed Austin in an interview. “I have enjoyed many courses at NC State, but this class was special to me because it really changed the way I look at the woods.” That love of being able to newly go through the forest and appreciate it for all of its complexity was passed along to the students that he tutored during the 2011 Fall semester. “He is always respectful and displays considerable grace,” observed the dendrology professor, Dr. Richard Braham.

During NCSU SAF Wilderness Management Expedition, Glacier National Park

With the National Wild Turkey Federation, Austin helped organize Turkey Hunters Care that donates turkeys to those in need, including the Raleigh Rescue Mission. In his role as president of the NC State Student Chapter of SAF, he helped plan a 2012 pre- SAF conference wilderness excursion the students took to Glacier National Park in Montana. “One of the reasons this trip was so enjoyable,” stated Austin, “was because we had a really great group!” His consensus building and organizing skills are once again in use as several students are preparing for the next professional development opportunity at the Appalachian Society of American Foresters 2013 Meeting in Charlotte, NC, later this month.

“Austin has all the makings of one of the great future leaders for the Forestry Profession,” said Dr. Joe Roise, professor and faculty advisor for the NCSU Student Chapter of SAF. “Austin was recognized by his classmates when they voted him to be the NCSU SAF President last year. I didn’t know much about him at that time,” continued Dr. Roise, “but I trust the insight of students when they choose a leader, and they certainly reinforced my trust when it came to electing Austin. Since becoming Chapter President he has been getting a lot of things done using a quiet, thoughtful yet professional style.”

Leading while learning at the same is truly the art of being able to see the forests for the trees. Austin seems to be a natural at this. “The first thing that got me interested in forestry is that I have always loved being outdoors. I wanted to be in a profession where I would love to go to work every day, and I knew that forestry would enable me to do this,” explained Austin, adding that Doug Smith, a timber company owner and family friend, also fueled the flame by taking him to a forest tract when he was in high school.

Perhaps one reason Austin is such a good leader is because he, himself, is so open to being mentored, as is clear from the many responsibilities he has taken on and relationships he has built over the past few years. As Austin considers the next few years, he may have his compass set for graduate school. We know he will find what he seeks and, along the way, will help guide others to find their own paths to the future.

Dig Deeper:

Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology December Newsletter Released

Posted on December 6, 2012 by

Don’t miss the December issue of the NCSU Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology program newsletter.
In this Issue –

Nature Research Center in Raleigh highlights FWCB research
Wildlife surveys in South Mountain State Park
wMammal project documents wildlife with citizen science
Dr. Paul Krausman delivers 2012 Barkalow Distinquished Conservationist Lecture
and more exciting FWCB news!

Read the complete issue (pdf)

Say Hello to 2012 Rolleo!

Posted on November 2, 2012 by rwgonzal

NC State Forestry Club Members Pair up for Jack & Jill Crosscut at 2010 Rolleo

On Saturday, November 17, North Carolina State University’s Forestry Club will host the 2012 Rolleo at Schenck Memorial Forest in Raleigh, NC. The NC State Forestry Club has a long tradition of organizing this fall forestry and timbersports competition to help sharpen their skills in preparation for Southern Forestry Conclave in the spring. Having just hosted the 2012 Southern Forestry Conclave on campus in March, the NC State Forestry Club is poised to put on the best ever Rolleo this year. This will be the third year that it will be held at Schenck Memorial Forest, which has been very popular because of its close proximity to NC State’s campus, great event staging, and ample parking (sorry, no dogs are allowed at Schenck Forest).

Haywood Community College Woodsmen’s Team Prepares for Log Roll at the 2009 Rolleo

“We are excited to host Haywood Community College, Montgomery Community College, University of Tennessee, and Virginia Tech as our guests at Rolleo this year,” said Travis Howell, President of the NC State Forestry Club. “We are seeing a growing interest in joining the Forestry Club from NC State students and for competing at Rolleo from other schools,” he added.

That is largely due, no doubt, to the superb job they did hosting the 2012 Conclave and the tremendous showing that NC State students have had during the past few years in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Collegiate Series, which is aired on TV. Victor Wassack (’12 Forest Management) won the Southern Collegiate Championship in 2012, and Logan Scarborough (’10 Forest Management) took the 2010 Southern and National Collegiate Championship titles and is now pro status.

Logan Scarborough (left) and Victor Wassack behind the scenes at the 2012 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Southern Qualifier hosted by NC State. Victor won the collegiate competition, giving much thanks to his friend and mentor, Logan, who competed as a Pro.

“We are very proud of Victor and Logan,” said the club’s faculty advisor, Dr. Joe Roise. “NC State is the home of timbersports champions, and our current students will be an exciting group to watch over the next few years, because they are very focused and cohesive.”

Rolleo pits the competing schools’ teams against each other in a variety of events. Academic/technical events include dendrology, timber volume estimation, photogrammetry and more. Physical events include archery, axe throw, cross-cut saw, underhand chop, and many other old-fashioned lumberjack skills.

Rolleo is fun for contestants and spectators, alike. The Forestry Club invites all students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends and family to join in the fun! Academic/technical events will begin around 8:30am, followed by the physical events. There is no cost for attendance, but you can purchase a Rolleo T-Shirt onsite to help support the club. Lunch will be available for $3, and if you are staying for dinner and the awards ceremony that evening, you may purchase a catered dinner at cost (estimated at $8-$10). Please contact Travis Howell (tlhowell@ncsu.edu) if you are planning to stay for dinner so that he can notify the caterer. The club wishes to thank Signlogic of Elizabethtown for help with the t-shirts and alumnus Fred Hardin for his help in obtaining wood for the competition.

If you are an alum and wish to compete with other alumni at Rolleo, please contact Travis for more information. Whether competing or just watching, the Forestry Club hopes everyone will come out and support forestry, timbersports, and all of the contestants!

Location:

Schenck Memorial Forest Location on Google Maps
Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607

Media Contact: Travis Howell, NC State University Forestry Club President

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar Addressed Global Concerns and Formed New Bonds

Posted on August 20, 2012 by rwgonzal

participants of Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar during fieldtrip to Outer Banks

Hiking up the beach on the Outer Banks as part of a visit to Oregon Inlet, where participants heard form engineers and geologists about the future of bridges and roads with sea-level rise and higher storm surges.

What do doctoral students studying psychology, meteorology, law, wildlife, engineering, economics, forestry and public health have in common? A lot, it seems, based on the recent experience of 15 doctoral students—5 each from NC State, the University of Surrey in England and the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil—who spent nine days together studying the topic of climate change. They participated in the inaugural Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar sponsored by the University Global Partnership Network, of which NC State is a founding member.

The seminar was organized and led by Larry Nielsen and Sarah Slover of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources on behalf of the NC State’s Office of International Affairs. “I have continued to work on these partnerships since returning to the faculty,” said Nielsen, former dean and provost, “and this has been the most rewarding experience so far.”

The goal of the interdisciplinary seminars is to bring breadth to the understanding of an important global topic that is being studied in depth by the doctoral students. NC State was the ideal host for the first seminar on climate change. Students and faculty from the

Seminar participants with Chancellor Woodson at The Point

Seminar participants enjoyed dinner with Chancellor Woodson at The Point.

three schools spent their first two days on our campus, studying the global context of climate change relating to food security, water resources and public health and the science of climate modeling—and enjoying a dinner with Chancellor Woodson at The Point.

They then traveled east for three days immersed in one of the nation’s regions most vulnerable to climate change—the Outer Banks. Students met with faculty of the UNC Coastal Studies Institute, scientists from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Nags Head town officials and residents to understand the meaning of climate change to local communities. The seminar concluded in Washington, DC, where students held discussions with climate change experts from the U.S., U.K. and Brazilian governments, advocacy organizations, think-tanks and leading universities. The final morning was an extended comprehensive discussion with Victoria Arroyo, Executive Director of the Georgetown University Center for Climate Resources. “It was a unique opportunity for us to see how other regions and countries are working diligently to solve a world challenge,” commented Laurie Gharis, doctoral student in Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State.

University of Surrey student Laura Cowen explains her dissertation research.

“It was unlike any seminar I’ve ever participated in,” said Sarah Fritts, doctoral student in the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology program at NC State. “Honestly, I did not feel like a student. I was, of course, learning every step of the way, but I was treated as a professional.” Students also appreciated the opportunity to learn about the topic in a much broader context than their disciplinary research allows. One student participant stated, “My research is more oriented to policy and regulatory analysis for climate change, so I enjoyed having more technical discussions to broaden my understanding about the problem.” Students in technical fields expressed the same view about learning more policy, sociology and economics regarding climate change. Participants also especially liked the chance to get to the coast to see climate change impacts personally.

Ms. Rascoe hosts participants at her historic beach home

Seminar participants were guests at the historic beach home of Ms. Nancy Rascoe, long-time resident of Nags Head.

“This was an outstanding opportunity to meet and interact with a terrific collection of experts and informed officials from the local, state, national and international level,” reflected Brian Bulla, participant and Forestry and Environmental Resources doctoral student. But the students’ favorite part of the seminar seemed to be meeting colleagues from other universities, disciplines and nations. “The benefits I gained by participating will extend for some time through the professional and personal contacts I made during the program,” said Bulla.

“We may have been lucky this time,” said Nielsen, “but this great group of students formed an immediate bond—a bond I’m sure will continue through time. They’ve already started Facebook pages and other means to stay in touch.”

Enjoying a traditional pork barbeque at the Outer Banks.

Seminar participants at Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria

Wildlife doctoral student Sarah Fritts plays a historical lute for her colleagues at the historic Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria.