FORDYCE, Ark. — Some of the most important issues affecting the Arkansas forest industry will be addressed in the Emerging Topics in Forestry seminar Saturday, March 8, at the Dallas County Courthouse in Fordyce, Ark.

The free, half-day seminar is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Multi-County Forestry and Wildlife Program.

Among topics guest speakers will address: biomass for alternative fuels; carbon offset uptake; the genetic improvement of trees and development of “super trees.” Other topics covered by county agents will be forest fertilization and alternative forest uses.

The speakers include Matthew H. Pelkki, an expert in resource economics management and policy, UAM School of Forest Resources; Lorrie Barr, program associate, Public Policy Center, Cooperative Extension Service; and George Rheinhardt with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly with the Arkansas Forestry Commission).

The seminar, from 9 a.m. to noon, is an educational project of the Extension offices in Bradley, Cleveland and Dallas counties. It will count as 2.5 hours of continuing education credits for foresters.

The Division of Agriculture offers the seminar to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, martial or veteran status or any other legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information should notify the county Extension office as soon as possible.

For more information, contact the Dallas County Extension office at (870) 352-3505. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.