Things are looking up. Despite the sluggish economy, timber sales exceeded $1 billion in 2011. One of the leading indicators for our state's timber market is housing construction. Housing construction in the country is up from the low of 478 thousand units in 2009 to 607 thousand in 2011. Housing starts for January rose 1.5% to an annual rate of 699,000, according to the Commerce Department. Building permits rose 0.7% to a 676,000 rate in January. Both totals were higher than expected, which indicate a continued increase for Mississippi timber products. Additionally, Blueprint Mississippi—a major statewide initiative to create a strategic plan for Mississippi—has listed natural resources, timber and energy as potential growth areas in the future.

We are excited about the opportunities for natural resources and are pleased that the state's leaders recognize the importance of our resources in the future economic development of the state. The Blueprint for the Future report cited the construction of Kior and other industries that turn wood into energy as a positive example. Mississippi has plentiful supplies of natural resources to use in these industries and the future looks bright for Mississippi's forest landowners.

We have been busy in the College of Forest Resources, preparing the next generation of leaders for this exciting future. Our student numbers continue to grow and we appreciate your support in this endeavor. With so many individuals unemployed, it is interesting to note that natural resources is among the fields with the lowest unemployment rates—lower than business, engineering, law and several others. This is based on a report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. The future also looks to be promising according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture which found that the agriculture, food, and renewable natural resources sectors of the U.S. economy will generate more jobs than qualified graduates in the next few years. The report did highlight the need for graduates to have professional experience as a part of their resume. The College of Forest Resources actively promotes professional experience for our students and we need your help. We have a jobs board on the CFR website. Would you consider hiring a student intern and posting the position on the jobs board at www.cfr.msstate.edu/jobs? Also, if you find yourself looking for employment or other opportunities, please visit our jobs board or give us a call.

On the research front, we are actively involved in a project to assist the American Lumber Standards Committee in recommendations to determine the strength of southern yellow pine. Pine trees are grown differently now than they were when the standards were first written, some 30 years ago. Through an industry supported project, we are testing different dimensional sized pine lumber to provide scientific data as to its strength rating. This study could have implications for the future and we look forward to the outcome. We have also been involved in national research that summarizes and analyzes the most recent science regarding forest and carbon accounting, biomass use, and forest carbon offsets. Meanwhile, our wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture faculty and students have developed a software program, Buckscore, that has recently been licensed to a company. The software estimates age and antler scores of white tailed deer from trail camera photographs.

These are just a few examples of the exciting projects in which we are involved. All of the research that takes place in the Forest and Wildlife Research Center is a direct result of our state funding. We leverage our state funding with extramural grants to increase the investment. The Forest and Wildlife Research Center has been very successful in this endeavor, with a return of $1.43 for every state dollar received in fiscal year 2011. This was done with no earmarks, I might add. In the past, earmarks have been an important component to our research and development, adding nearly $2 million to our budget. Our faculty have been extremely productive in applying for and receiving extramural grants to replace the lost earmarks. We have also been fortunate to receive support from the Mississippi Legislature as we try to recover from the 15% cut in funding since 2008. I am hopeful that we will receive new funds this year. Please ask your representative in the Legislature for improved funding for the Forest and Wildlife Research Center this year.

Finally, thank you for your support as we move forward. We are so thankful to the many alumni and friends who speak on our behalf and support our faculty and students through gifts. I am grateful to all of you, hope to see you soon.

The College of Forest Resources selected Marion V. Cooley as the 2011 Alumni Fellow. Cooley is a 1958 forestry graduate. He was employed in the forest industry for 25 years managing 100,000 acres of land and timber. He has been a registered certified forester and land surveyor for nearly 50 years.

The 2012 Alumnus of the Year is Larry Castle. Castle is a 1978 wildlife graduate. He has worked for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks since his graduation and currently directs technical programs, overseeing state wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries.

College of Forest Resources faculty and staff won several awards from the Mississippi Wildlife Federation this year. Steve Grado, forestry professor, has been named the Federation's Forest Conservationist of the Year. Extension associate Leslie Burger and Extension professor Jessica Tegt were named Educators of the Year. The duo have created a science program for 4th and 5th graders in Starkville Schools.

James Cummins (wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture 1987) was elected to the Board of Directors of the Boone & Crocket Club. He also is one of "The 100" Regular Members of B&C, a stipulation by Theodore Roosevelt when he started the Club 124 years ago.

The head of Mississippi State's wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture department is a new Fellow in The Wildlife Society. Bruce D. Leopold has been recognized for exceptional service to the wildlife profession. He long has been active in several professional organizations, including service in 2009 as The Wildlife Society president.

Steve Dicke received the 2011 Mississippi Forestry Association Meritorious Service to Forestry Award. Dicke is an Extension Forestry Professor and 1984 forestry alumnus. Charles Dismukes, a 1961 forestry alumnus, was named the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year by the MFA.

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Wild Turkey/Small Game Program Coordinator Dave Godwin walked away with the National Bobwhite Technical Committee's annual award for "outstanding efforts and contributions" to the conservation and management of bobwhite quail. Godwin is a 1991 Wildlife and Fisheries graduate.

Tamara Cushing received the Young Forester Leadership Award from the Society of American Foresters. Cushing is a 1999 Forestry graduate. The Young Forester Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership by a young forestry professional in the development and promotion of an individual program or project, or for a sustained leadership role benefiting the practice of forestry and SAF. Cushing is an assistant professor and extension forestry specialist in forest economics and business at Clemson University.

We have received several new scholarships in the last few months. A special thanks to our friends and supporters who have provided these funds.

• Drew St. John established the The Drew St. John Endowed Scholarship in Environmental and Wildlife Conservation. This scholarship will be open to students in the Wildlife Agriculture Conservation Option as well as the Environmental Conservation Option. Drew is the Owner of New South Mats, Inc., and All Terrain Bridge, Inc.
• Mark Worthey established The Clarence M. Worthey and Billie Ann Worthey Endowed Scholarship in Wildlife Fisheries and Aquaculture. This scholarship is open to all upper-classmen.
• The Forrest-Lamar County Forest Association Endowed Scholarship was also created. This scholarship in the Department of Forestry is first open to students from those counties and then to all other CFR students.
• Peggy Matthews, Boo Matthews and Beverly Cunningham established a memorial endowed scholarship for summer camp awards. The Gerald A. Matthews Endowed Scholarship for Forestry Summer Camp at Mississippi State University was established to honor Mr. Matthews' love of forestry and his appreciation for the outdoors. Proceeds will annually be divided and distributed equally among three to five forestry recipients to help defray the costs of necessary summer camp equipment.
• A gift from Johnny Ray was used to create the John W. Ray, Jr. and John W. Ray, III & Family Deer Management Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship will be open to students studying whitetail deer in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture.
• The Thomas A. Plein Foundation endowed a scholarship in waterfowl and wetland ecology and conservation. The Thomas A. Plein Endowed Graduate Student Scholarship will be open to graduate students studying waterfowl and wetland resources that have volunteered with Ducks Unlimited.
• The Mississippi Forestry Foundation recently made a commitment to fund the The Mississippi Forestry Foundation Endowed Scholarship. This prestigious award will go to juniors and seniors in any major at the CFR. Applicants must have strong academic credentials and go through a rigorous application process. The Mississippi Forestry Foundation will also award a separate award with The Mississippi Forestry Foundation Summer Camp Leadership Award.

6 Category I Professional Logger Management Hours
April 19 | Grenada
April 26 | Verona
April 28 | Purvis
June 19 | Crystal Spring

This class is designed to familiarize feller buncher operators and logging business owners with thinning concepts that will help them make decisions while harvesting. This will improve their efficiency and improve the residual stand. Visit the website for more information and to register.

4 CFE, Category I
April 19 | Belden
May 2 | Batesville
May 8 | Collins

Land as an asset for future generations is one of the major objectives of many forest landowners. Proper planning is required to ensure an efficient transfer of land and timber to the next generation, and can protect your treasured family forest from misuse or loss. This course is designed for landowners and their potential heirs - for example, spouses, siblings, parents and children. Participants who attend by themselves are less likely to receive the fullest benefit of the information. Download the brochure for more information and to register.

4 CFE, Category I
June 28 | Meridian

Timber markets have been depressed for several years due to the "Great Recession." Some landowners are wondering if the market will ever return to normal. This workshop provides an overview of forestland as an investment, and provides strategies to make land more profitable and enjoyable. Visit the website for more information.

2 CFE, Category 2 for MS BORF
3 CLE, Category 1 for professional loggers
May 5 | Caledonia

A workshop for private non-industrial forest landowners, loggers, and foresters. Download the brochure for more information and to register.

5 CFE Credits, Category 1-CF
May 8 | Coffeeville

This forest landowner short course covers prescribed fire control and use. Topics include legal issues concerning prescribed burning in Mississippi, fire weather, fire behavior and fuels, safety, smoke management, firing techniques, management, and planning and evaluation. A field session will provide practical experience to build upon lecture materials. Download the brochure for more information and to register.

1 CFE Credits, Category 1-CF
May 17 | Kosciusko

This is a basic course on forest regeneration designed to instruct the landowner in site preparation, artificial regeneration, natural regeneration and the economics of regeneration. Download the brochure for more information and to register.

3 CFE Credits, Category 1-CF
May 17 | Kosciusko

Download the flyer for more information and to register.

CFE Credits, Category 1-CF (to be determined)
June 1-2 | Vicksburg
July 13-14 | Mississippi State

The Managing White-tailed deer workshops have been expanded to include two days. Day two provides hands-on techniques for topics discussed in the first day. Participants receive materials, lunch and a t-shirt or cap, which you can select on the registration form. Visit the website for more information.

May 18 | Hattiesburg (business)
June 21 | Verona (business)
June 22 | Grenada (business)

This class is intended for loggers seeking to become qualified Professional Logging Managers in the state of Mississippi. Many mills in Mississippi require one person per logging crew to hold this qualification in order to deliver SFI certified wood. Visit the website for more information and to register.

May 14-17, 2012 | Mississippi State

The primary goal of this symposium is to synthesize effective approaches to prairie restoration and enhancement throughout the region by identifying broad-scale generalities in management practices and biota while recognizing differences at the specific ecosystem level. Visit the website for information and to register.

High school students entering the ninth grade in 2012 or older will not want to miss this camp sponsored by the CFR. The camp is designed to introduce students to the diverse world of natural resources and explore career opportunities in science and conservation. Space is limited. Visit the website for information and to register.

October 5-6, 2012 | Mississippi State

The next Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show is scheduled for October 5-6. Please mark your calendars and visit our website for the latest updates and show information.

October 20, 2012 | Mississippi State

Mark your calendars for the alumni homecoming tailgate reunion on October 20. The Bulldogs will be taking on Middle Tennessee. We plan to offer discounted tickets for the game. More information will be coming soon.

Mike Cranston, a 1992 Forestry alumnus, died March 29. Mike was employed at International Paper from 1992–2011. Mike was a licensed pilot who loved outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, kayaking, and bicycling. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was much beloved by his friends and family. Memorials may be made to the the 172nd Airlift Wing Family Relief Fund, 141 Military Drive, Jackson, MS 39232.

Don Nevels, a 1965 Forestry alumnus, died January 21. Don worked for the Mississippi Forestry Commission for 34 years. In 1999 he retired to Foley, Alabama.

Larry Clanton, 1969 Forestry alumnus, died away September 22. Larry served as County Forester for Webster, Calhoun and Montgomery Counties and as MS Forestry Commission's NW District Management Forester. He then left forestry behind to pursue his dream of farming, and so began Clanton Farms. He was Webster County's Young Farmer of the Year 1981, 2008 Conservationist of the Year for Webster County Development Council for his innovations in no-till cultivation and other farming practices, past president of Webster County Farm Bureau, FSA County COC Chairman and County Commissioner for NRCS.

Charles Burkhardt, 1980 Forestry alumnus, passed away September 9. Charles served as the schools forest supervisor since his graduation. He founded the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show in 1983. The passing of Charles has left a void in the college and school forest. A memorial fund has been established in the college. Memorials may be sent to Development Office; Box 9680; Mississippi State, MS 39762.