Small Farmer Tour a Huge Success

The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and Falkland Farms partnered with NRCS, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Department of Forestry and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to host the first “Small Landowner Forestry and Wildlife Field Tour” in late February.  Approximately 55 participants from Southside Virginia boarded vans to learn about the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, forestry and more.  Farmers and landowners were able to get a first-hand look at various sites while learning more about forest resource management and conservation programs.

Agency experts led discussions and provided information to landowners on cost-share programs and benefits associated with forestry, wildlife and timber sales.  The group participated in tree planting demonstrations and visited prescribed burning sites.  Landowners asked interesting questions about resource planning and utilizing cost-share to reach their conservation goals.

When participants were asked to evaluate the trip, they all said that they now had a better understanding of tools and funding sources they could utilize in their operations.  With the success of this tour, two additional tours will be planned in other parts of the state for later this year. 

For more information on the tour, contact Raymond Cocke, 434/476-1931. 

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