CCE in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceforestconnect/2026/05/11/free-online-webinar-june-17-2026/

How to Weigh a Forest: Precision Forestry with LiDAR Technology.
Presented by: Dr. Xiangtao Xu, Cornell University, Dept Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Wednesday June 17, 2026

Presentations at 12:00 to 1:00 PM and again at 7:00 to 8:00 PM (webinars may run long with questions)

Accurately estimating forest biomass is essential for effective forest management and smart land stewardship, yet traditional inventory methods are labor-intensive and often fall short of providing the precise data needed for decision-making. This webinar addresses the real-world challenges of biomass estimation and introduces a way forward using LiDAR technology. We will explore how modern tripod and backpack LiDAR systems allow foresters and forest owners to capture precise data, streamline field inventory, and move toward precision forestry practices.

Instructions:
1. Read all these instructions.
2. You need to register for each monthly webinar. There is unlimited space for participants, the ID simply provides you the necessary access. Obtain your registration ID via: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5IRFqn7oSYm5D-Vyqb8-3Q If prompted for a password use “Cornell”.
3. The registration page prompts you for information if you want CEU credits. You must register and attend the webinar > 20 minutes if you want to receive documentation for CEU credits.
4. After registration you will receive the link to the webinar and a password. Your registration is valid for either the noon or 7PM presentation. It should go without saying that you should retain that email.
5. The registration email you receive provides the link you will use the day of the webinar.

https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceforestconnect/2026/05/11/free-online-webinar-may-20-2026/?preview_id=1872&preview_nonce=9241fcbad2&_thumbnail_id=-1&preview=true

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Managing White Pine Health in New York Forests.

Robert Cole, Supervising Forester, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation – Forest Health Laboratory

May 20, 2026
Presentations at 12:00 to 1:00 PM and again at 7:00 to 8:00 PM (webinars may run long with questions)

Eastern white pine has played an important role in North American forests and culture for thousands of years. Rapid changes in land use over the past few centuries and the lack of a cohesive management strategy has led to white pine often growing off-site, in dense stands, and filled with individuals of poor form and weakened defenses. This presentation will cover land use history, and site characteristics needed to regenerate, establish, and grow quality white pine. There will be a focus on insects and diseases that negatively impact growth and form, as well as silvicultural methods for reducing those impacts. Low density management and growing large, old white pine will also be discussed.

Free online webinar May 20, 2026: Managing White Pine Health in New York Forests. | ForestConnect Free online webinar May 20, 2026: Managing White Pine Health in New York Forests. Managing White Pine Health in New York Forests. Robert Cole, Supervising Forester, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation – Forest Health Laboratory May 20, 2026 Presentations at 12:00 to 1:00 PM and again at 7...

https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceforestconnect/2026/05/11/free-online-webinar-may-20-2026/

SAF CFE credits have been requested or have been approved. You are able to request CEU credit documentation via the registration link below. You must connect as a participant to one of the live webinars. The webinar documents the duration of your participation. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.youtube.com/ForestConnect

Fundamentals of Northeastern Forest Pathology
Dr. Nicholas J. Brazee, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
March 18, 2026
Presentations at 12:00 to 1:00 PM and again at 7:00 to 8:00 PM (webinars may run long with questions)
Forest pathogens are important components of our ecosystems, yet many people are unfamiliar with their basic features and how they impact trees. This talk will highlight the fundamentals of forest pathology in the northeast. Specific topics will include recognizing symptoms and signs of disease, how environmental conditions influence disease development, the cascading effects of certain insect and disease outbreaks, and diseases that may appear this spring season.

Instructions:
1. Read all these instructions.
2. You need to register for each monthly webinar. There is unlimited space for participants, the ID simply provides you the necessary access. Obtain your registration ID via: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5IRFqn7oSYm5D-Vyqb8-3Q If prompted for a password use “Cornell”.
3. The registration page prompts you for information if you want CEU credits. You must register and attend the webinar > 20 minutes if you want to receive documentation for CEU credits.
4. After registration you will receive the link to the webinar and a password. Your registration is valid for either the noon or 7PM presentation. It should go without saying that you should retain that email.
5. The registration email you receive provides the link you will use the day of the webinar.

Future Webinars
• April 15 – Kelsey McLaughlin NYSDEC. Adapting to Beech Leaf Disease: Understanding the Biology, Impacts, and Future of New York’s Forests
• May 20 – Rob Cole NYSDEC. Managing Eastern White Pine Health in New York
• June 17 – Dr. Xiangtao Xu Cornell University. How much does a forest weigh – applications of terrestrial LIDAR (working title)
• July 15 - TBD
• September 16 – Dr. Pete Clark, Univ VT. Ecological Aspects of Tree Planting (working title)

A NY woodland owner's guide to the 480a updated regulations.
Presented by Jason Drobnack, NYSDEC
Wednesday February 25, 2026

A single presentation from 10:00 am to noon

The NYSDEC updated the regulations for how the NYS Forest Tax Law 480a is implemented and those changes take effect March 1, 2026. These changes include, for example, the timing of updates and flexibility in the work schedule. The changes in the regulations create some improved opportunities for woodland owners to obtain the benefits of the reduction in assessed value of their forest land. The legislation has not changed so legislated requirements of 480a such as the 50-acre minimum and 10-year commitment have not changed. While this webinar is designed for NY forest owners, foresters may benefit by hearing the presentation oriented to an owner’s perspective. More information about 480a is available here https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/private-forest-management/480a-forest-tax-law

Foresters are required to take a special training about the revised regulations to be eligible to write 480a plans. This webinar does not qualify as the required forester training, but several in-person training sessions are being offered throughout the state.

https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceforestconnect/2025/10/09/forestconnect-webinar-coming-up-wed-oct-15-2025/

480a Forest Tax Law To encourage the long-term management of woodlands to produce forest crops and thereby increase the likelihood of a more stable forest economy, in 1974 the State of New York enacted the 480a Forest Tax Law to qualifying owners.

We're super excited for the upcoming Master Forest Owner Volunteer Training sessions! Check it out and join us!

Forest Connect Program presents:

FREE WEBINAR FROM FORESTCONNECT!!!
Habitat Management for Forest Birds: Landscape & Stand Level Conservation Strategies.
Presented by Claire Mann, NY Audubon Forest Program Senior Associate
January 21, 2026
Presentations at 12:00 to 1:00 PM and again at 7:00 to 8:00 PM (webinars may run long with questions)

This post includes details on how to connect to the forthcoming ForestConnect Webinar. The instructions below include the process for you to obtain your unique “registration id” for this month’s webinar. Note that webinars are live at noon and 7PM, for an hour each, but the meeting space is reserved from noon until 8PM. Your registration allows participation in either or both the noon and 7PM webinar, and from any computer.

SAF CFE credits have been requested or have been approved. You are able to request CEU credit documentation via the registration link below. You must connect as a participant to one of the live webinars. The webinar documents the duration of your participation. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.youtube.com/ForestConnect

Habitat Management for Forest Birds: Landscape & Stand Level Conservation Strategies.
Presented by Claire Mann, NY Audubon Forest Program Senior Associate
January 21, 2026
Presentations at 12:00 to 1:00 PM and again at 7:00 to 8:00 PM (webinars may run long with questions)

This webinar will examine forest bird population declines and Audubon’s approach to assessing habitat quality at both the landscape and stand level. Participants will learn how landscape context, forest structure, and stand conditions influence breeding bird communities. The presentation will highlight practical silvicultural treatments that promote ideal conditions for priority forest bird species, including strategies that can be applied in both commercial and non-commercial forest settings. The webinar will conclude with an overview of financial assistance opportunities available to help landowners and land managers implement bird-focused forest management practices. Note that webinars are live at noon and 7PM, for an hour each, but the meeting space is reserved from noon until 8PM.

Your registration allows participation in either or both the noon and 7PM webinar, and from any computer.

Instructions:
1. Read all these instructions.
2. You need to register for each monthly webinar. There is unlimited space for participants, the ID simply provides you the necessary access. Obtain your registration ID via: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5IRFqn7oSYm5D-Vyqb8-3Q If prompted for a password use “Cornell”.
3. The registration page prompts you for information if you want CEU credits. You must register and attend the webinar > 20 minutes if you want to receive documentation for CEU credits.
4. After registration you will receive the link to the webinar and a password. Your registration is valid for both the noon or 7PM presentation. It should go without saying that you should retain that email.
5. The registration email you receive provides the link you will use the day of the webinar.

https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceforestconnect/