2nd Annual SFLR Joint Regional Conference Booklet by PVAMUCAHS

AUGUST 30–31, 2022 Hosted by Prairie View A&M University and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff joint Regional Conference 2ND SustainableAnnual Forestry African American Land Retention

This publication is the intellectual property of Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. It was created and designed by IIC Graphic Designer Ebony Ohen, under the leadership of IIC Asst. Director, Tucker Wilson. Please request permission to reproduce or redistribute this publication (or any part of its contents) by contacting Ms. Angela Moore in Agriculture and Natural Resources within the Cooperative Extension Program at (936) 261-5002 or via email at almoore@pvamu.edu.

Welcome ............................................................................... 4 About PVAMU .............................................................. 10 About CAHS .................................................................. 14 About UAPB ................................................................... 16 About SAFHS .............................................................. 20 Agenda .............................................................................. 26 Speakers’ Bios ............................................................. 28 joint Regional Conference 2ND SustainableAnnual Forestry African American Land Retention Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 3

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 4

The PVAMU College of Agriculture and Human Sciences has a rich history of serving our stakeholders through our commitment to academic excellence, relevant research, and impactful community outreach. We continue that tradition as the co-host of this conference.

Joint Regional Conference 5

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 5

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land

On behalf of the Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, I welcome you to the 2nd Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference. It is indeed an honor to co-host this conference with University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and to welcome you, virtually, to Prairie View A&M University.

Enjoy this year’s SFLR Joint Regional Conference and take full advantage of the wealth of knowledge offered over the next two days. I look forward to interacting and learning with you.

Sincerely, Gerard E. D’Souza, Ph.D. Dean, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Director of Land Grant Programs Retention

This year’s conference is poised to rival the success we realized last year as it showcases a cadre of forestry and land retention experts and remains a valuable resource for all participants. The agenda is filled with presentations that reinforce the conference’s purpose: to promote Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention. Your attendance at this conference is both, an investment in yourself, and a fulfillment of our commitment to you.

Please enjoy the 2nd annual SFLR program, and I hope it is insightful and relevant to your Thankneeds.you, Clarence Bunch, Ph.D. Program Leader, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 6

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention (SFLR) Joint Regional Conference.

Over the next day and a half, you will hear from subject-matter experts and officials at the highest levels of national, regional, and state government to speak on the topics of forestry, land retention, and heirs’ property to provide insight into retaining land and growing profits for landowners. You will hear from many distinguished guests, including Prairie View A&M University President Ruth J. Simmons, Ph.D., PVAMU College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D. You will also hear from UAPB Assistant Dean of Extension and Outreach, Obadiah Njue, Ph.D., and many more as you learn about property laws, forest management, and sustainability efforts.

The SFLR program is part of the Small Farm Institute within PVAMU’s Cooperative Extension Program’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (AgNR) unit. For more information about the Small Farm Institute and how you can participate, please contact us at: (936) 261-5117.

Sincerely, Henry English, Ph.D. Small Farm Program Director

Once again, welcome to the conference. Anyone interested in learning more about the program or becoming a participant, please contact the UAPB Small Farm Program.

Our outstanding SFLR Team (Coordinator, Staff, Conservation Consultants, and Foresters) is dedicated to helping landowners maximize their land’s economic potential to build generational wealth. The team also helps landowners identify and implement conservation practices to promote healthy forests.

I welcome you to the Second Annual Sustainable Forestry and African Landowner Retention (SFLR) Joint Regional Conference. The conference is sponsored by Prairie View A & M University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This conference will highlight the SFLR Network, its funders, partners, and landowners to individuals unaware of the program. However, program participants will gain additional information and training in forest management, carbon credits, conservation practices, and heirs’ property.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 7

For now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the conference.

Elliott Washington, Ph.D., Forester

Prairie View A&M University

2ND ANNUAL JOINT REGIONAL CONFERENCE Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 8

Angela L. Moore, Co-Chair/Conference Organizer Program Coordinator, Prairie View A&M University

Ebony Ohen, Graphic Designer, IIC Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University

Conroy Stewart, IT Support Specialist, AITC Prairie View A&M University

Clarence Bunch, Ph.D., Program Leader

Prairie View A&M University

Brandon Hawkins, Ext. Agent, Bowie County Prairie View A&M University

Pascale Mondesir, Communication Specialist II, IIC

LaBeaula Times, Communications Specialist II, IIC Prairie View A&M University

Ashwani

Srivastava Director, AITC

Tucker Wilson, Assistant Director, IIC Prairie View A&M University

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Kandi Williams, Co-Chair/Conference Organizer

KIITF Outreach Coordinator, UA at Pine Bluff

Deceiper Creek Forestry Services

TaskOne Consulting, LLC

Foote Conservation Consulting, LLC

Evette Browning, Outreach Coordinator AR Department of Agriculture (ADA)

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 9

Levell Foote, Conservation Consultant

Joseph Friend, Forester UA at Pine Bluff

Karen Lee, Program Specialist SFP UA at Pine Bluff

Justin Mallett, Forestry Consultant

Alicia Dorn, Communications Director UA at Pine Bluff

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Charley Williams, Conservation Consultant

Henry English, Ph.D., Director, Small Farm Program UA at Pine Bluff

ESTABLISHMENT – 1876 ENROLLMENT OF THE FIRST STUDENTS – 1878 Prairie View A&M University, the first state supported college in Texas for African-Americans, was established during the Reconstruction Period after the Civil War. This was an historical period in which political and economic special interest groups were able to aggressively use the Federal Government to establish public policy in an attempt to “alter or reshape the cultural milieu of the vanquished southern states.” The University had its beginnings in the Texas Constitution of 1876, which, in separate articles, established an “Agricultural and Mechanical College” and pledged that “Separate schools shall be provided for the white and colored children, and impartial provisions shall be made for both.” As a consequence of these constitutional provisions, the Fifteenth Legislature established “Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth” on August 14, 1876.

The Board of Directors purchased the lands of the Alta Vista Plantation (1388 acres), from Mrs. Helen Marr Kirby, the widow of the late Col. Jared Ellison Kirby, for the establishment of the State Agriculture & Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth. The College was named “Alta Vista Agriculture & Mechanical College for Colored Youth”. The A&M Board of Directors was authorized to appoint a President of A&M College and Alta Vista College with an assigned principal station at Alta Vista to administer the college’s day-to-day affairs. Confederate President Jefferson Davis recommended Mr. Thomas S. Gathright of Mississippi, also from Mississippi, and he brought Mr. L.W. Minor, of Mississippi to serve as Principal. Eight young African-American men, the first of their race to enroll in a state-supported college in Texas, began their studies on March 11, 1878. VIEW UNIVERSITY

Excerpts taken from: “Prairie View, A Study In Public Conscience” by Dr. George Ruble Woolfolk – “A Centennial History of Texas A&M University, 1876-1976, Vol. II” by Henry C. Dethloff, Edited by Frank D. Jackson

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 10

GENERAL INFORMATION: PRAIRIE

A&M

THE PVAMU STORY

The Fifteenth Legislature August 14, 1876 established “Alta Vista Agriculture & Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth”; The Sixteenth Legislature April 19, 1879, established “Prairie View State Normal School” in Waller County for the Training of Colored Teachers; The Twentieth Legislature in 1887 established the Agriculture & Mechanical Department to Prairie View Normal School; The Twenty-sixth Legislature in 1899 changed the name to “Prairie View State Normal & Industrial College”; The Fortyninth Legislature June 1, 1945 changed the name to “Prairie View University”; The Fiftieth Legislature March 3, 1947, established “The Texas State University for Negroes (Texas Southern University) and changed the name of Prairie View University to “Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas”; The Sixty-third Legislature in 1973 changed the name to “Prairie View A&M University.”

Legislature March 3, 1947, established “The Texas State University for Negroes (Texas Southern University) and changed the name of Prairie View University to “Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas”; The Sixty-third Legislature in 1973 changed the name to “Prairie View A&M University”

NAMES GIVEN TO THE UNIVERSITY – 1998

The University’s original curriculum was designated by the Texas Legislature in 1879 to be that of a “Normal School” for the preparation and training of teachers. This curriculum was expanded to include the arts and sciences, home economics, agriculture, mechanical arts and nursing after the University was established as a branch of the Agricultural Experiment Station (Hatch Act, 1887) and as a Land Grant College (Morrill Act, 1890). Thus began the tradition of agricultural research and community service, which continues today. The four-year senior college program began in 1919 and in 1937, a division of graduate studies was added, offering master’s degrees in agricultural economics, rural education, agricultural education, school administration and supervision, and rural sociology.

The Forty-ninth Legislature June 1, 1945, changed the name to “Prairie View University”; The Fiftieth

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 11

In 1983, the Texas Legislature proposed a constitutional amendment to restructure the Permanent University Fund to include Prairie View A&M University as a beneficiary of its proceeds. The Permanent University Fund is a perpetual endowment fund originally established in the Constitution of 1876 for the sole benefit of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. The 1983 amendment also dedicated the University to enhancement as an “institution of the first class” under the governing board of the Texas A&M University System. The constitutional amendment was approved by the voters on November 6, 1984.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 12

In 1981, the Texas Legislature acknowledged the University’s rich tradition of service and identified various statewide needs which the University should address, including the assistance of students of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to realize their full potential, and assistance of small and medium-sized communities and businesses in their growth and development.

In 1945, the name of the institution was changed from Prairie View Normal and Industrial College to Prairie View University, and the school was authorized to offer, “as need arises,” all courses offered at the University of Texas. In 1947, the Texas Legislature changed the name to Prairie View A&M College of Texas and provided that “courses be offered in agriculture, the mechanical arts, engineering, and the natural sciences connected therewith, together with any other courses authorized at Prairie View at the time of passage of this act, all of which shall be equivalent to those offered at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas at Bryan.” On August 27, 1973, the name of the institution was changed to Prairie View A&M University, and its status as an independent unit of the Texas A&M University System was confirmed.

In January 1985, the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System responded to the 1984 Constitutional Amendment by stating its intention that Prairie View A&M University become “an institution nationally recognized in its areas of education and research.” The Board also resolved that the University receive its share of the Available University Fund, as previously agreed to by Texas A&M University and the University of Texas.

In October 2000, the Governor of Texas signed the Priority Plan, an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights to make Prairie View A&M University an educational asset accessible by all Texans. The Priority Plan mandates creation of many new educational programs and facilities. It also requires removing language from the Institutional Mission Statement which might give the impression of excluding any Texan from attending Prairie View A&M University.

The University’s enrollment now exceeds 8,000 including more than 2,000 graduate students. Students come from throughout the United States as well as many foreign countries. In the last five years, 5,970 degrees were awarded, including more than 2,400 graduate degrees. During the University’s 130-year history, some 46,000 academic degrees have been awarded.

Source: Prairie View A&M University website OUR MISSION

It seeks to invest in programs and services that address issues and challenges affecting the diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population of Texas and the larger society, including the global arena. The University seeks to provide a high-quality educational experience for students who, upon completion of bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees, possess self-sufficiency and professional competence. The experience is imbued by the institution’s values including, but not limited to, access and quality, accountability, diversity, leadership, relevance, and social responsibility.

Prairie View A&M University is a state-assisted, public, comprehensive land grant institution of higher education. The university was designated in a 1984 amendment to the Texas Constitution as an “institution of the first class.” It is dedicated to achieving excellence and relevance in teaching, research, and service.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 13

GENERAL INFORMATION: COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION AND HUMAN ECOLOGY CAHS programs and education impact some of the largest industries, make invaluable strides in the areas of nutrition, food science, and dietetics.

EXTENSIONCOOPERATIVEPROGRAM CEP delivers practical researchbased knowledge to small farm producers, families, aspiring entrepreneurs and youth in 35 Texas counties.

RESEARCHAGRICULTURALCOOPERATIVECENTER

The rich tradition of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) dates back to 1879. We’re leaders in the true land-grant tradition of academics, extension, and research.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 14

The CARC component helps Prairie View A&M University fulfill its land-grant mission of teaching, research and service.

The Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC) is the unit within the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences that plays an important role in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. Agricultural research in the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center is divided into the following areas: Animal Systems, Plant Systems, Food Systems, Natural Resources, and Environmental Systems and Social Systems and Allied Research. Viewed as a trusted resource for information, Cooperative Extension Program agents and specialists respond not only with answers, but meet people where they are and move them along to the next level. We offer programs that work for people in the areas of 4-H & Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR), Community and Economic Development (CED) and Family and Community Health (FCH). With high impact practices, professional development activities, experiential learning activities, and an array of concentrations available for undergraduate programs in human nutrition and foods, agriculture, and agribusiness, as well as graduate programs in human sciences, the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology turns out productive people who excel as park rangers, veterinarians, food inspectors, and dietitians.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 15

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public comprehensive HBCU 1890 Land-Grant Institution. The University embraces its land-grant mission of providing cutting edge research, teaching, outreach, and service programs that respond to the social and economic needs of the state and region. Its mission is to promote and sustain excellent academic programs that integrate quality instruction, research, and student learning experiences responsive to the needs of a racially, culturally, and economically diverse student population. Ultimately, the University is dedicated to providing access and opportunity to academically deserving students and producing graduates who are equipped to excel through their contributions and leadership in a 21st century national and global community. INFORMATION: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 16

MISSION STATEMENT

GENERAL

In 1873, State senator John Middleton Clayton sponsored a legislative act calling for the establishment of Branch Normal College, but it was not until 1875 that the state’s economic situation was secure enough to proceed with it. That year, Branch Normal was established as a branch of Arkansas Industrial University, now the University of Arkansas (UA) in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 17

Its primary objective was educating black students to become teachers for the state’s black schools. Governor Augustus Hill Garland, Arkansas Industrial University board chairman D. E. Jones, and Professor Wood Thompson hired Joseph Carter Corbin in July 1875 to make a determination about locating Branch Normal in Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) because of the town’s large black population and its place as the major economic center in southcentral Arkansas. Corbin was subsequently elected as principal at a salary of $1,000 a year. The first class consisted of seven students. During the year, seventy-five to eighty students were enrolled, but the average attendance was forty-five to fifty the last three months of the school year. Several setbacks occurred that delayed the actual opening of the school. The first building was an old frame house in need of much repair, but repairs were delayed because of illness among the workers. Lumber and furniture were ordered for the new building, but the boat carrying them sank in the river. The first location for the Normal School was a one-story frame house built to serve as a barrack and located on the corner of Lindsey and Sevier streets (now Second Avenue and Oak Street). The school opened on September 27, 1875, with seven students in attendance. Corbin described these students as scholastically heterogeneous - one could read very well but not write legibly. Others knew enough mathematics to cipher through ratio and proportion but were reading at less than first grade level. The students entering Branch Normal College were certainly disadvantaged since: 1.) They and their parents were just ten years removed from slavery and 2.) “Few” if any preparatory schools of proper character had existed prior to this time in the State.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

In June 1882, after seven years, Corbin reported with great pride that “The first colored student that ever graduated and received a college degree in the State was graduated from Branch Normal College. Between 1882 and 1895 ten students would receive the Bachelor of Arts degree before the reduction of the collegiate program at Branch Normal.

OTHER MILESTONES Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 18

1915 – Jefferson Ish became the first Arkansan to be named head of the school. The school was organized into departments and intramural sports were initiated.

1943 – Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Sr. was named head of the college at age 29, then the youngest college president in the United States

1911 - After Fisher’s resignation, W.S. Harris and Frederick T. Venegar both led the institution. During their administration in 1914-1915, a student strike occurred and lasted for more than two weeks, which led to the school closing and ending the Harris-Venegar administration.

1928 – The first intercollegiate sports teams were organized. The Lion became the school mascot.

1882 – Corbin and his students moved to a new structure, a 20 acre plot on the west side of the city between West Second and Fourth Avenues.

1972 – AM&N merged with the University of Arkansas system, thus becoming the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

1927 – Branch Normal College name changed to Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N). 1928 – John Brown Watson was elected as head of the college and hired a strong faculty.

1947 – W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower was built. 1949–1968 – A time of unprecedented growth for the university as new facilities were built to accommodate student, faculty, and staff. Among these new buildings were: The L. A. Davis, Sr. Student Union, Hazzard Gymnasium, Woodard Hall, Larrison Hall, the infirmary, two dormitories, the library and, the Fine Arts Center.

1922 – Robert Malone was named superintendent and developed the school as a multipurpose institution.

1892 – Branch Normal was designated as a Land Grant Institution under the Morrill Act of 1890.

1929 – On December 15, Watson and his students moved to the new campus (UAPB’s current site). Eight new buildings were constructed.

1902 – Isaac Fisher, a graduate of Tuskegee Institute and a disciple of Booker T. Washington, headed the institution until 1911.

1972 – Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Sr. assumed role as UAPB’s first chancellor. Dr. Davis resigned in 1973 after having served 30 years as head of the institution.

1974 – The campus underwent a major renovation. Several older buildings were demolished, and KountzKyle Science Hall was constructed to house the Department of Biology. 1986-1991 – Under the direction of Chancellor Dr. Charles Walker, the Center of Excellence in Fisheries Biology on Education, Diagnostic Chemistry and Education Opportunities was established.

1991 – UAPB football program is restored, leading to two national championships. 1997 – A new home for the School of Business and Management is built (Henderson-Young Hall) along with the SJ Parker 1890 Extension Complex. 2001-2002 – Dawson-Hicks and Caine-Gilleland Halls are built.

1991 – Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr. was unanimously elected chancellor of UAPB.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 19

2013 – Dr. Laurence B. Alexander is selected as UAPB’s next Chancellor, making him the first permanent chancellor since Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr. who served for 21 years. 2014 | STEM Building is completed 2017 | An annex to the Delta Housing Complex is completed

1991 – Following the resignation of Chancellor Charles A. Walker during the summer of 1991, Dr. Carolyn Blakely served as interim chancellor, becoming the first female to head UAPB in its 130th history. Dr. L. A. Davis, Jr. was appointed chancellor in November 1991.

2012 – Ground is broken to build the STEM Academy and Conference Center. 2012-2013 | Dr. Calvin Johnson is appointed Interim Chancellor.

GENERAL INFORMATION: SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND SCIENCES

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 20

HUMAN

The School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS) lives up to its motto. Our goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to live and work effectively and successfully. The School is an integral part of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and fulfills its 1890 Land-Grant mission through education, research, Extension and public service. With an emphasis on rural development, the School strives to help improve the quality of life for people in Arkansas, the nation, and the world. The Office of International Programs, within SAFHS, is vital to achieving global effectiveness and success.

With an emphasis on rural development, the School strives to help improve the quality of life for people in Arkansas, the nation, and the world. The Office of International Programs, within SAFHS, is vital to achieving global effectiveness and success.

Agriculture is a scientific discipline that involves research and its application to agricultural problems.

The UAPB Department of Agriculture prepares graduates to be employed in all areas of the food and fiber system , from researchoftheandagricultureproductiontobankingbusiness,managementsupplychains,applications and graduate study. The Department offers a bachelor’s degree with four program options, a regulatory science degree with three program options and a master’s degree in agricultural regulations.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 21

The Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence is a research and extension center dedicated to the development and transfer of timely, problem-solving information. The primary mission is to respond to immediate and future needs of the state’s aquaculture industry, and fisheries and aquatic resource managers through quality research and extension programs. The primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Center are aquaculture producers, aquaculture support industries, private pond owners, county Extension personnel, state and federal natural resource agencies, and undergraduate and graduate students of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries. UAPB is the only state-supported institution of higher education in Arkansas that has statewide responsibility for both research and extension in aquaculture and fisheries. The Center and Department are dedicated to (1) applied and basic aquaculture and fisheries research; (2) dissemination of scientifically proven results through extension and advanced educational techniques that contribute to the economic development of the Delta region and the state; (3) the aquaculture industry of Arkansas; 4) undergraduate and graduate aquaculture and fisheries education; and (5) the responsible management and conservation of aquatic resources in Arkansas. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

AQUACULTURE/FISHERIES

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 22

The Center of Excellence was created in 1988 to combine resident instruction, research, and extension responsibilities into one comprehensive unit. Our faculty, staff and students work together, across disciplines and functions to offer research-based scientific solutions to make a difference in Arkansas and throughout the U.S.

The Department of Human Sciences’ mission is to provide quality education and scientific knowledge to students (individuals), families and communities through teaching, research and meaningful outreach opportunities, while preparing graduates for careers, graduate studies and leadership roles in a competitive global environment. Bachelor of Science degree in Human Sciences is offered with the following concentrations: Department UAPB The Center Department

The

operates the

of Human Sciences is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. HUMAN RESTAURANTFOODSCIENCESSERVICE/MANAGEMENT HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT TEXTILESMERCHANDISING,ANDDESIGN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 23

is accredited by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. The

Child Development Center for ages 18 months to 4 years.

Refrain from doing other your meetings. Attending or conducting meetings in a quiet place will allow you to keep your attention on the meeting and reduce distractions for other Makeparticipants.sureyour background (physical or digital) is work appropriate. during a meeting, place yourself on mute. Doing so can ensure your microphone does not pick up any background noise or feedback on your end. your technology is working can delay the meeting or interfere with your Allotparticipation.timebefore the meeting to troubleshoot any technical issues. tasks during the meeting. Multitasking takes your attention away from the meeting and may be distracting to others.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN SCIENCES VIRTUAL MEETING BEST PRACTICES Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 24

FIND A QUIET PLACE TO CONNECT. Find a place free of distractions to conduct PLACE YOURSELF ON MUTE WHEN YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING. If you are not speaking

MEETINGS.DURINGMULTITASKINGVIRTUAL

TEST YOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ADVANCE. Waiting until the meeting time to determine if AVOID

TURN YOUR CAMERA ON DURING A MEETING. Your camera should be turned on during

ENSURE YOUR ATTIRE IS PROFESSIONAL & WORK APPROPRIATE. Virtual meetings are an

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 25

USE YOUR LAPTOP OR DESKTOP FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS. USE YOUR CELL PHONE AS A LAST RESORT. the meeting. A part of effective communication is allowing other meeting attendees to pick up on nonverbal Refraincues.from turning your camera on and off repeatedly during the meeting to avoid distracting others. Upload a professional photo of yourself to the platform so participants won’t just see your initials if your video is paused. It helps participants to easily see who is attending the meeting. extension of the office. Make sure you are dressed as you would be if you were conducting/attending your meeting in the office. Your laptop or desktop provides more stability for your camera and keeps your hands free for taking notes. If you have to use your cell phone, place it on a stable surface so your hands can be free.

Rob Ziehr, Assistant State Conservationist for Partnerships and Initiatives, USDA NRCS - Texas

College of Agriculture & Human Sciences, PVAMU Kelly Adkins, State Executive Director Farm Service Agency

Ruth J. Simmons, President Prairie View A&M University Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D., Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs

Alphonse Davis, Interim Director Texas A&M Forest Service

2:35OPERATORSP.M.ADVANCING CIVIL RIGHTS, EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY IN USDA PROGRAMS

2:00 P.M. BREAK9:40 A.M. COMMUNITY FOREST PROJECT: JOURNEY FROM “S.E.E.D. TO TREES”

1:30 P.M. CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE, WATER SECURITY, CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Dionne Toombs, Ph.D., NIFA Acting Director

3:30 P.M. SPEAKER

Mavis Gragg, Director, Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Project American Forest Foundation

Josh F. Walden, Chief of Operations

12:00 P.M. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT: FORESTRY, CLIMATE RESILIENCE, AND EQUITY

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

John K. Littles, Executive Director McIntosh SEED Cheryl Peterson, Assistant Managing Director McIntosh SEED

HoraceMODERATORHodge,USDA Liaison, Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement

2ND Annual Sustainable

9:30 A.M. SFLR OVERVIEW

Retention Joint Regional Conference

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Henry English, Ph.D., Director, UAPB Small Farm Program

10:15 A.M. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO TACKLING THE HEIRS’ PROPERTY PROBLEM

The Center for Heirs Property Preservation

11:45 A.M. BREAK

Homer Wilkes, Ph.D., Under Secretary Natural Resources and Environment

Jennie L. Stephens, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer

9:00 A.M. GREETINGS

Lori Ziehr, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs

USDA NRCS, Texas Astor Boozer, Regional Conservationist

Ali Fares, Ph.D., Endowed Professor of Water Security and WaterEnergy-Food Nexus, PVAMU

3:50 P.M. CLOSING REMARKS

Clarence Bunch, Ph.D., SFLR Project Director, Program Leader, AgNR, PVAMU Henry English, Ph.D., Director, UAPB Small Farm Program Forestry and African American Land

OPENING REMARKS

Thomas W. Mitchell, J.D., Professor of Law Boston College

11:00 A.M. UNIFORM PARTITION ACT

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 26

2:05PRODUCERSP.M.NRCS

Clarence Bunch, Ph.D., SFLR Project Director, Program Leader, AgNR, PVAMU

Monica Rainge, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

Chester Fort, Vice President, U.S. Lumber Operations

The Center for Heirs Property Preservation

3:05 P.M. DOING BUSINESS WITH LUMBER

1:00 P.M. NIFA: PROGRAMS FOR AGRICULTURAL

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 27

Joe Friend, Forester

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Henry English, Ph.D., Director, UAPB Small Farm Program

Clarence Bunch, Ph.D., SFLR Project Director, Program Leader, AgNR, PVAMU

1:00 P.M. MAKING THE CONNECTION

Alvin Peer, NRCS Arkansas Outreach Coordinator

2ND Annual Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference

TIMBERLAND PROPERTY TAXATION IN TEXAS

11:00 A.M. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVE

Justin Mallett, Forester Elliott Washington, Forester

10:45 A.M. BREAK

Barbara Lange, SFLR Advisory Board

Obadiah Njue, Ph.D., UAPB Professor/Assistant Dean for Extension and Outreach

11:30PROGRAMA.M.NEW DOCUMENTATION ACCEPTED FOR OBTAINING A FARM 12:00 P.M. UNLOCKING HEIRS PROPERTY

9:00 A.M. GREETINGS 9:30 A.M. FILLING THE GAPS (SHORTAGES)

10:00 A.M. LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND THE FORESTRY

12:30 P.M. UAPB, KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Ken Bragg, AR State Representative Joe Holcomb, RPA, Agriculture and Timberland Appraisal

Debra E. Thrower, KITTF, Landowner

Joe Fox, AR State Forester Michael Sullivan, AR State Conservationist Michael Blazier, Ph.D., UAM Forestry Business Center

12:50 P.M. PANEL DISCUSSION Q&A

Levell Foote, Keeping It In the Family (KIITF)

Charley Williams, Conservation Consultant

Lorri Sloate, County Executive Director, Drew/Bradley/Calhoun Counties FSA Arkansas Amy Pritchard, Legal Consultant

BelindaMODERATORDemmings,USDA Liaison, Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement

DECEIPER CREEK FORESTRY SERVICES, LLC AND UAPB PVAMU,CONSULTANTAGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

10:15CAUCUSA.M.

1:20 P.M. CLOSING REMARKS

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 28

SFLR Project Director, Program Leader AgNR, ClarencePVAMUBunch

PROGRAM SPEAKERS: BIOS

Clarence Bunch, Ph.D.

Henry English, Ph.D. Director, UAPB Small Farm Program

Henry English is the director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). The Small Farm Program targets small, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers (SDPs) in eastern and southwest Arkansas. The program offers education, training, and technical assistance with farm financial planning, crop and livestock production, marketing, the use of USDA Programs (conservations, loan, disaster, and safety net), heirs’ property, and a special emphasis on helping small farmers diversify by adding vegetables or fruits. The Small Farm Program also provides risk management training and beginning farmer training for SDPs. The UAPB Small Farm Program is also one

is currently the Agriculture Natural Resource Program Leader for Prairie View A&M University, where he has expanded the Cooperative Extension Program Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit from six to 50 counties. He has developed nine agriculture programs to educate landowners in Texas. He is creating a Smal Farm Institute to service socially disadvantaged producers through several signature agriculture programs such as Urban Agriculture, Wildlife Management (Feral), Sustainable Forest and African Land Retention, Livestock Management, and Sustainable Agriculture. He is the former Associate Director of Extension at Central State University, where he created Central State University as the 18th 1890 Land Grant Institution. He developed Central State University Cooperative Extension Service. (CSUE). In addition, Dr. Bunch is the former Senior Pastor of the City of Zion, former USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist, RC&D Coordinator, State Outreach Coordinator, State Conservation Innovation Grants Coordinator. He has provided statewide administration, strategic direction, program development, and visionary and contemporary leadership during his tenure. Furthermore, Dr. Bunch has built partnerships and provided leadership with local, federal, state, and county agriculture organizations. He has served in numerous roles with community, civic organizations, such as Executive Board Member of the NAACP, Board Member of the Sandusky Citizen Coalition, member of the Ohio NRCS Civil Rights Committee, National Employee Development, and served as an Assistant High School Football Coach. Finally, Dr. Bunch holds an Associate Arts degree in Agricultural Industrial Technology, a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Economics, a Master’s in Management, and a Ph. D. in Leadership and Change.

of the eight state programs that has a Sustainable Forestry Land Retention Program (SFLR) Dr. English has received several awards including the UAPB University Outreach and Engagement Award, the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Black Farmers & Agriculturalist Association of Arkansas, the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame Award, the 2014 Association of Extension Administration Award, the 2014 Reginal Award for Excellence in Extension. He has also served on the Advisory Committee for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers for three years (1999 2005), he currently serves on the Natural Resources Conservation Services State Technical Committee, and he is a member of the Jefferson County Conservation District Board of Directors. Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference

Sustainable

Horace was recently awarded the FFA Honorary Lone Degree by the Texas FFA Association. In 2008, Horace received the Secretary of Agriculture Honor Award, the highest award in USDA. He loves fishing and giving back to his community.

USDA Liaison Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement

Horace worked as a soil conservationist in Linden, San Benito, and Greenville, TX. Prior to becoming the USDA/1890 Program Liaison at PVAMU, Mr. Hodge was employed with Soil Conservation Service as District Conservationist in Navasota, TX. As 1890 Program Liaison, Mr. Hodge provides coordination between USDA and PVAMU on special projects. He also recruits high school students, counsel students on USDA employment opportunities and develop new approaches for USDA to reach small-scale, limited resource and minority farmers. He currently manages a 2 million dollar USDA Scholarship Program at Prairie View A&M University.

Mr. Hodge is a Life member of the PVAMU National Alumni Association, Life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Life member of the National Organization of Professional Black Natural Resources Conversation Service Employees, Life member of the Fairview Jr. and Sr. High School reunion Corporation and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Two of Horace’s proudest moments was when he was elected to serve as President of his high school FFA Chapter and President of PVAMU Collegiate FFA Chapter.

Horace D. Hodge is the USDA Program Liaison serving at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) in Prairie View, TX. He has held this position since 1989. He is an employee of the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, 1890 Programs Division, Washington, DC. Horace is also serving as acting USDA Liaison at Lincoln University. Mr. Hodge holds a B.S. and a M. Ed. degree in agriculture from Prairie View A&M University and he has completed 45 years of federal service.

Horace Hodge

Ruth J. Simmons PrairiePresidentView A&M University

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 30

Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D. is the Dean of the Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences and Director of Land Grant Programs. In this role, he is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the college’s academics, research, and extension mission areas. Before joining PVAMU, D’Souza served as professor and director of the Division of Resource Economics and Management at West Virginia University. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Paraguay, visiting scholar in Costa Rica, and at the Wallace Institute, Greenbelt, Maryland. He held sabbatical appointments in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. He has served as an investigator on grants totaling more than $5 million and published over 150 scholarly works including as co-author of five books and 30 journal articles. He is also an avid mentor to students, providing academic guidance to hundreds of students throughout his career. D’Souza

Ruth J. Simmons serves as President of Prairie View A&M University. She was President of Brown University from 2001-2012. Under her leadership, Brown made significant strides in improving its standing as one of the world’s finest research universities. A French professor before entering university administration, President Simmons held an appointment as a Professor of Comparative Literature and Africana Studies at Brown. After completing her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures at Harvard, she served in various faculty and administrative roles at the University of Southern California, Princeton University, and Spelman College before becoming president of Smith College, the largest women’s college in the United States. At Smith, she launched a number of important academic initiatives, including an engineering program, the first at an American women’s college. Simmons is the recipient of many honors, including a Fulbright Fellowship to France, the 2001 President’s Award from the United Negro College Fund, the 2002 Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal, the 2004 Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal, the Foreign Policy Association Medal, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the Centennial Medal from Harvard University. Simmons is a member of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the Council on Foreign Relations, and serves on the boards of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Holdsworth Center. Awarded numerous honorary degrees, she received the Brown Faculty’s highest honor: the Susan Colver Rosenberger Medal in 2011. In 2012, she was named a ‘chevalier’ of the French Legion of Honor.

Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D. Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs College of Agriculture & Human Sciences, PVAMU

Kelly Adkins State Executive Director

Robert Ziehr is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has 25 years of service with NRCS. As a NRCS conservationist Rob has had the privilege to work with private landowners and operators in 5 states. As Assistant State Conservationist for Partnerships and Initiatives, Rob works closely with partners to identify private lands conservation opportunities. Rob’s staff leads outreach, urban and coastal conservation planning efforts for NRCS in Texas. Rob and his wife Lori have 5 children and live in Temple, Texas. Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 31 earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, India. He received his Master of Science and doctoral degrees in Agricultural Economics from Mississippi State University.

Kelly Adkins was appointed by the Biden Administration to serve as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Texas in May 2022. Adkins is a native of Haskell, Texas, where he was raised on a small family farm. He has operated his own agricultural operation in Randall and Haskell counties consisting of wheat, hay and pastureland. Adkins has enjoyed a long career with FSA serving the farmers and ranchers of Texas. He has held a variety of positions with FSA including County Executive Director in Grimes and Randall counties, District Director, Director of the Texas Association of FSA County Office Employees, Mediation Coordinator, and as a County Office Trainee Program Trainer and Instructor. Previously, Adkins served on the board of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Amarillo, where he held the positions of Vice President and Treasurer. He was also President of the Nominating Committee for the Consumers Coop. Adkins is a member of Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Wheat Producers and Consumers Coop. Adkins was recognized by Randall County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension with the Outstanding Demonstrator/Top Hand Award for his work in the community. Adkins earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting and economics with a minor in agriculture from Texas Tech University. In college, Adkins worked at the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Experiment Station where he gained a deeper knowledge of agriculture. Adkins currently lives in Canyon, Texas, and spends his time.

Rob Ziehr

Assistant State Conservationist for Partnerships and Initiatives USDA NRCS - Texas

Farm Service Agency

Al Davis Interim Director Texas A&M Forest Service

Al Davis is currently serving as Interim Agency Director for Texas A&M Forest Service. Prior to assuming his current duties on June 1, 2021, he was the Deputy Agency Director & Chief of Staff of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) since April 1, 2014. Al Davis has been employed with TEEX since 2005and has served in several capacities to include, Director of the National Emergency Response and Recovery Training Center. He is a 2019-2020 recipient of the TAMUS Board of Regents Fellows Service Award. Davis is the immediate past chairman of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC), co-founder and principal emeritus of the National Cyber Security Preparedness Consortium (NCPC), and a former advisory board member of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4). Prior to joining the Texas A&M University System, he worked as a consultant with United Water and served as a chief executive of the Public School District in New Orleans. He is a 27 year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring at the rank of colonel. Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the National Defense University, Washington, D.C.; and a master’s degree of business administration from Averett University, Danville, Virginia.

American Forest Foundation Mavis is a seasoned attorney and conservation professional with nearly two decades of experience in real estate, conﬂict resolution, estate planning, and probate. Mavis serves as the Director of the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Project at the American Forest Foundation. Prior to this role, Mavis founded the Gragg Law Firm, PLLC in which she assisted her clients in estate planning, estate administration, and heirs property matters. Drawing from her experience, in 2020 Mavis co-founded HeirShares, which is developing an app designed to empower landowners to manage complex heirs property ownership. Mavis was serves as the Chair of the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority and serves on the Board of Directors for Triangle Land Conservancy. With her sister, Mavis co-founded Black Women Drone and the Gragg Family Fund. A native of Black Mountain, North Carolina, Mavis is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A., Industrial Relations) and Pepperdine University School of Law (Juris Doctor and Master of Dispute Resolution).

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 32

Mavis Gragg Director, Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Project

Joint

McIntosh Sustainable Environment and Economic Development

Sustainable Forestry and African

Cheryl has worked at McIntosh SEED since 2008. Cheryl’s work focuses on youth leadership and development, community outreach and engagement, organizational development, voter outreach and engagement, landowner and farmer support and regional grassroots’ organizational development.

Edited by Mathie, A. and Gaventa, J. Citizen-led Innovation for a New Economy. Cheryl has provided technical assistance to local and regional grassroots groups and facilitated grassroots training workshops for Southern Partners Fund Annual Grantee Gathering (Atlanta, GA) and Annual Grantee Gatherings for The Conservation Fund’s Resourceful Communities (N. Carolina). Cheryl has presented at Senate Briefing for the Farmers Market Promotion Program, Washington D. C., been a plenary presenter at “Rooting Wealth

That Sticks” Forum in partnership with the Aspen Institute, USDA, and the Delta Regional Authority and a workshop presenter for “Citizen-Led Sustainable Change” at Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, Canada Cheryl is currently co-managing McIntosh SEED’s Sustainable Forest and Land Retention Program, oversees program development and assists with the management of the 1148+ acres of the McSEED Community Forest.

Cheryl Peterson Assistant Managing Director

John K. Littles Executive Director McIntosh SEED Executive Director of McIntosh Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (McSEED) since 2000. John provides technical assistance to grassroots organizations in management, asset based economic development, food systems, education systems, land preservation and retention, farmer development and capacity building, and urban-rural market development. As Executive Director, John has generated over $9 million in funding for the organization. John served as the recent past Board Chairman for Southern Partners Fund Foundation, which managed over $20 million in assets and provided funding to organizations in 13 southern states. John served on the Advisory Board for GE Capital’s Rural Community Investment Fund. John has participated on the White House Rural Council and presented during a Senate Briefing on the USDA Community Food Program. John worked to build agricultural value-chains in the Deep South: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. John is an Outreach Provider for United States Department of Agriculture (NRCS) for Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. John serves as Chairman, of the newly created, Georgia Minority Outreach Network (MON), which is working to provide technical American Land Retention Regional

Cheryl has worked on a project to build local food systems and agricultural value-chains in the Deep South: Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, which has been featured in the following publications and case studies: Ratner, S. Wealth Creation: A New Framework for Rural Economic and Community Development (2019)

Conference 33

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 34 support, resources and outreach for landowners, farmers, ranchers and veteran farmers. John manages over 1148+ acres of forested land at McIntosh SEED’s Community Forest John serves on the Leadership Team for the Sustainable Forest and Land Retention Network, which is an 8-state collaborative of partners working with minority landowners to reduce land loss and promote conservation and sustainable forest management and practices.

Joshua F. Walden was born in Mt. Airey, North Carolina but has lived in South Carolina since 1979. He grew up in Chapin, South Carolina approximately 20 miles outside of Columbia. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The University of South Carolina in 1996. Mr. Walden earned his Juris Doctorate from The University of South Carolina School of Law and was admitted to practice law in 2000. Mr. Walden, is a member of the South Carolina Bar and Charleston Bar Associations and has practiced primarily in the fields of real property and estate planning/probate law. He has served as a Guardian Ad Litem in the family court for SC Department of Social Services and SC Department of Juvenile Justice cases and is a South Carolina Board Certified Civil Court Mediator. Mr. Walden joined the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation located in Charleston, SC in September of 2009 as the Supervising Attorney. During his tenure at the Center, he’s served as the Director of Legal Services and is currently the Chief Operating Officer.

Jennie L. Stephens has served as the chief leader of the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation™ (the CHPPTM) since its inception in 2005. At the CHPPTM, she is responsible for overall strategic planning and resource development. She has worked more than 30 years in the nonprofit field in such positions as fiscal director at a community action agency, sponsored programs director at a historically black college, and senior program director at Coastal Community Foundation. She also has several years of experience in consulting as a program reviewer, strategic plan facilitator, and grants writer. More recently, Jennie had the pleasure of being a speaker at TedXCharleston with a talk titled, “Heirs Discover Money Does Grow on Trees” and has been selected to be a BALLE Fellow, a member of 25 brilliant leaders who are building healthy and equitable rural economies across US and Canada. In celebration of the CHPPTM’s 15th Anniversary – and the 35th anniversary of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, which helped spark the CHPPTM’s start-up, Jennie spoke and presented at the national virtual symposium, ‘All Land is not Creating Equal: Unleashing Family and Community Wealth through Land Ownership’. And in March

The Center for Heirs Property Preservation

Jennie L. Stephens, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer The Center for Heirs Property Preservation

Joshua F. Walden Chief of Operations

Homer Wilkes, Ph.D., a native of Port Gibson, Mississippi, currently serves as Under Secretary for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources and the Environment, where he oversees the work of the U.S. Forest Service. He previously served as Director for the Gulf of Mexico

Professor Mitchell is a graduate of Amherst College, the Howard University School of Law, and the University of Wisconsin Law School where he received an LL.M. and served as a William H. Hastie Fellow.

Homer Wilkes, Ph.D. Under NaturalSecretaryResources and Environment

Thomas W. Mitchell, J.D. Professor of Law Boston College

Thomas W. Mitchell is a professor at Boston College Law School where he holds the Robert F. Drinan, S.J. Endowed Chair and serves as the Director of the Initiative on Promoting Land and Housing Rights. He is a national expert on property issues facing disadvantaged families and communities and has published leading scholarly works addressing these matters. Professor Mitchell has engaged in extensive law reform and policy work, most prominently serving as the principal drafter of a model state statute named the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA), which is designed to substantially enhance the ability of disadvantaged families to maintain ownership of their property and their property-related generational wealth. States with a majority of the U.S. population – including 9 southern states thus far – have enacted the UPHPA into law, making it one of the most successful uniform acts the Uniform Law Commission has promulgated in recent times. He also has helped to develop federal policy proposals to help disadvantaged farmers and property owners. In 2020, Professor Mitchell was named 1 of 21 recipients of the MacArthur Fellowship in recognition of the substantial impact his overall professional work has had in assisting disadvantaged farmers and property owners. In 2021, he was awarded the Howard University Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement, an award that Thurgood Marshall and Vice-President Kamala Harris, among other Howard luminaries, also have received.

Photo credits: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation - used with permission

Jennie received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Charleston/University of SC and earned a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. Jennie’s passion in life is to help people help themselves.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 35

of 2021, Jennie was featured in the BET documentary series ‘Disrupt and Dismantle’, with Soledad O’Brien.

Dionne Toombs Acting NationalDirectorInstitute of Food and Agriculture

Dionne Toombs is currently the Acting Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) extramural grant funding agency for agricultural research, education, and Extension programs across the nation. Previously, Dr. Toombs was Director of the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS), where she provided leadership on a wide range of issues affecting science programs and science policy in agricultural research, education, and economics. She directed and coordinated activities of OCS to strengthen science and science leadership, improve national coordination, and enhance outreach and awareness. Dr. Toombs provided scientific leadership and coordination to the White House, Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Science and Technology Council working groups, across USDA and other federal agencies, and the agricultural community. As director, she managed the information OCS provides the Secretary of Agriculture and USDA science agencies, ensuring the scientific research and advice are held to the highest standards of intellectual rigor and scientific integrity. She spearheaded collaboration with USDA advisory boards and builds partnerships with the scientific community.

With over two decades of USDA service, Dr. Toombs has significantly contributed to USDA’s agricultural research, education, and Extension services while serving in various leadership roles, including heading the Division of Nutrition at NIFA. In this role, she led USDA nutrition science leaders who helped steer science policy and program development to ensure America’s food supply is safe, nutritious, and accessible to all citizens. Dr. Toombs has been repeatedly featured as one of USDA’s most impactful woman scientists and recognized by the Secretary of Agriculture for outstanding leadership. Additionally, Dr. Toombs served as the National Program Leader (NPL) for NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), leading large competitive grant programs to fund research into nutrition, food science and technology, and food

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 36 Ecosystem Restoration Team, where he was responsible for overseeing the rebuilding of the Ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico after the BP Oil Spill of 2010. He has also served as the Acting Associate Chief of USDA/ Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Washington, D.C. Wilkes’ tenure with the USDA spans over 41 years. During his tenure he has served as State Conservationist for Mississippi; Chief Financial Officer for NRCS in Washington, D.C.; and as Deputy State Conservationist for Mississippi. Wilkes proudly served as Naval Supply Officer in the United States Navy Reserves from November 1984 – April 2007. He received his bachelor’s degree, MBA, and Ph.D. in urban higher education from Jackson State University. Also, he successfully completed the USDA Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SES CDP) through American University’s Key Executive Leadership Certificate in Public Policy. Wilkes and his wife, Kim, currently reside in Ridgeland, Miss. They have three sons: Justin, Austin, and Harrison. He enjoys restoring classic automobiles in his spare time.

Ali Fares, Ph.D.

Professor Fares is an expert in water-energy-food nexus, water security, and climate change impacts on agriculture, natural resources, and the environment. He contributed to Florida’s citrus nitrogen best management practices, Hawaii’s water use allocation, bioenergy mandate, and Texas’s future crop irrigation requirements under climate change scenarios. Dr. Fares has mentored tens of undergraduate students and chaired or served on tens of doctoral and M.S students in multiple U.S. academic institutions and internationally.

Dr. Fares has been exercising national leadership on educational and policy issues. He served on the 2021 Carbon Sequestration from the Ground Up Conference of the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference, East State Legislative panel. He contributed to the conversation about how natural and working lands can be part of the solution to the climate change crisis. Currently, He is serving as an author on the Southern Great Plains chapter of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5). Also, he is an affiliate member of the U.S. Dep. of the Interior South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center; the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center. He served on several working groups including the APLU-Board on Natural Resources-Working on Group Forest Heath Initiative. Dr. Fares is the Co-recipient of several awards. His research received $ 32 million in extra-mural funding. He is the Editor of several books: Climate Change and Extreme Events, Advances in Water Security Book Series. Dr. Fares published over 130 scientific articles that are well cited by the scientific community. He is a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America and the co-recipient of several national awards. Prof. Fares worked as Assistant, Associate and Full professor at the University of Hawaii. Also, He worked the University of Florida and at a private company in South Australia. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. Degrees from the University of Florida and his B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Tunisia. Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 37 safety. These research investments include helping rural, low-income, minority, and at-risk populations make more informed food choices and become more physically active. Prior to serving as NPL, Dr. Toombs was a Program Specialist for Food Science and Nutrition at the former USDA Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, now NIFA. She started at USDA as a student intern at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. Throughout her career, Dr. Toombs has helped her colleagues, staff, and students maximize their potential by bolstering their talents and developing their leadership skills. Always willing to champion the next generation of scientists, she often emphasizes the importance of relationship building, citing collaboration as a key to her success. Dr. Toombs earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Howard University, her Master of Science degree in Food Science from Alabama A&M University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bethune-Cookman University. She enjoys spending time with family, Pilates, participating in community service projects, and learning how to play golf.

Endowed Professor of Water Security and Water-Energy-Food Nexus College of Agriculture & Human Sciences, Prairie View A&M University

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 38

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

In February 2021, Monica Armster Rainge was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Deputy Assistant Secretary Rainge leads the enforcement of federal civil rights laws, regulations, executive orders, and departmental policies that protect the USDA’s workforce and customers from discrimination. Deputy Assistant Secretary Rainge is a globally recognized agricultural lawyer, mediator, and farm advocate. She is one of the most influential female leaders in agriculture today. For more than 25 years, her passion has been fighting for justice for underserved and marginalized communities in food, agriculture, land rights and natural resources management. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Director of Land Retention and Advocacy for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund where she led the development and management of outreach and technical assistance programs that support regional land retention and advocacy initiatives for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. She also directed the Regional Heirs Property and Mediation Center which provides USDA-certified mediation services in Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana. Deputy Assistant Secretary Rainge served as the inaugural Chair of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Ziehr currently serves as the Assistant State Conservationist (ASTC) for Programs in Texas, which consists of financial assistance programs, easements, partnership programs, watershed programs, and emergency watershed protection programs. Throughout her career, she has a variety of experiences with NRCS. She has served in technical positions such as rangeland management specialist and agronomist, in addition to technology and leadership positions. She has also served on details to national headquarters in Ecological Sciences and Programs; in addition, she has served as acting ASTCManagement &Strategy in Louisiana and acting State Conservationist in Montana and Ohio. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management. While at Texas A&M, she participated in the Honors Research Fellows Program culminating in an honors thesis on carbon sequestration in rangeland systems. Ziehr attained a Master of Science degree in Ecology from Texas Tech University, where she completed research on soil microbial functional biodiversity and productivity along a watershed gradient in addition to different tillage impacts on positive microbial and fungal impacts to cotton roots and production. She graduated from the Strategic Leadership Development Program through George Washington University. Lori enjoys spending time with her husband Rob, and their five kids who enjoy sports, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

Monica Rainge Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

Lori Ziehr USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant State Conservationist for Programs

Astor Boozer has served as the NRCS regional conservationist for the West Region since December 2011. He provides agency and natural resources leadership and support to state conservationists and partners and ensures states effectively manage an extensive portfolio of comprehensive conservation strategies—which includes implementing NRCS’s conservation technical assistance and financial assistance programs on private lands. Through his leadership, NRCS has addressed water quantity and quality issues and strengthened partnership collaboration and customer service throughout the region. Boozer works to improve private and public lands conservation and help landowners efficiently gain access to USDA

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 39

Regional Conservationist • West Region USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station (BAERS) Advisory Committee where she led the strategic planning process for the University’s historic development of 3800 acres of land in Brooksville, Florida. She also previously served as an executive board member and treasurer of the National Family Farm Coalition and served on the boards of the Southern Rural Development Center and Farmers Legal Action Group (FLAG). As an innovative agricultural strategist, Rainge is one of the nation’s most well-respected thought leaders on the development of farm bill policies which advance equity for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. She previously served as a policy adviser and research principal with the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University. A high energy professional and motivational leader, Deputy Assistant Secretary Rainge is a frequent keynote at major agricultural events across the country. Ms. Rainge holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a juris doctor from the University of Florida. She earned a Master of Laws degree in Agricultural Law from the University of Arkansas. Deputy Assistant Secretary Rainge is a native of Thomasville, Georgia. Chester Fort Vice President U.S. Lumber Operations Born in Bluff City, Arkansas. The youngest of eight children in a small Arkansas town. Finished High School in Prescott, Arkansas. Married to Loretta for 37 years. I have two children and three grandchildren. Started working in the lumber industry 39 years ago on a broom and shovel in Prescott, Arkansas. Promoted to the #2 position there over 19 years. Moved to Washington, North Carolina and became General manager for Weyerhaeuser and worked there for 6 years. Then I relocated to Phenix City, Alabama and became responsible for the Lumber business for West Rock. I started working for West Fraser in 2017 and now I am the Vice President responsible for our 22 Lumber Operations and support our 8 Oriented Strand Board Operations in the US. I love to support people and watch them accomplish their goals.

Astor Boozer

USDA Liaison Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 40

Belinda Demmings is the third United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) 1890 Liaison serving the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). She works with the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). Also, she served as the USDA/1890 Liaison at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Her job involves developing and maintaining partnerships focused on solving challenges facing rural and underserved communities and connecting those communities to their education, tools, and resources through USDA programs, services, and initiatives. As liaison to 1890 Historically Black LandGrant Universities, she ensures equitable participation in USDA programs and resources. Ms. Demmings has 36 years of USDA experience Before joining OPPE in 2015, she worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for 28 years. She started her career with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and later became NRCS as a soil conservationist technician trainee (Cooperative-Education) in Bloomington and Harrisburg, Illinois. In her journeyman level as a soil conservationist, she served the eastern counties in the Mississippi Delta region of Arkansas. She provided conservation planning and technical assistance to public/private landowners in getting conservation on the ground. Later, she became the first African American female District Conservationist in Arkansas. She served as a resource conservationist/ Social Scientist and a state agriculture economist while on the Arkansas Water Resource staff and the Ecological Science team. She worked as an interdisciplinary team leader for planning and developing flood prevention and protection and irrigation watershed projects for Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). A native of White Hall, Arkansas, Ms. Demmings received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a proud mother of two agriculture graduates from 1890 Land-grants universities. Some of the professional organizations she participated in were the Arkansas technical and financial assistance programs and services. He also helps leverage funding for boots-onthe-ground to deliver voluntary, science-based conservation. He’s passionate about employee development and works closely with NRCS national and state leadership to provide training, offer temporary careerenhancing assignments, and explore mentoring opportunities to develop future agency leaders. A native Texan and diehard Cowboys fan, Boozer grew up on a farm and ranch operation where he learned all about agriculture and caring for the land. During his 34-year tenure with NRCS, he has worked in eight states in a variety of state, regional, and national positions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. He appreciates the outdoors and loves to hunt, fish, and ride horses.

Belinda Demmings

Obadiah Njue received his Ph.D. in Horticulture from Mississippi State University in May 1995. He joined the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) in 2005 as the Extension Horticulture Specialist. He served in this role through 2012 when he was appointed the Chairman for the Department of Agriculture. He provided leadership for the department’s diverse degree programs in teaching, research and extension activities. He mentored and guided faculty and students. In August 2018, Dr. Njue was appointed to serve as the Interim Assistant Dean for Extension and Outreach in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS). In October 2020, Dr. Njue was confirmed as UAPB’s Assistant Dean for Extension and Outreach, a position he passionately serves to-date. Dr. Njue has a passion for Extension and he continues to develop and execute programs that focus on assisting small scale, socially disadvantaged, limited resource producers and gardeners. Dr. Njue’s current responsibilities include providing support to the Dean/Director, SAFHS in the administration, management and operation of Cooperative Extension programs and activities. UAPB’s extension programs include the Small Farm, the Family and Consumer Sciences, the 4-H and Youth, the Horticulture, the Animal Science and the Aquaculture and Fisheries.

UAPB Professor/Assistant Dean for Extension and Outreach

Obadiah Njue, Ph.D.

Levell Foote Keeping It In the Family (KIITF)

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 41

Levell Foote is a Conservation Consultant with the UAPB Small Farm Outreach Program. He is a retired district conservationist from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with over 40 years of service. He has extensive knowledge and skills in the in the planning and implementation of all NRCS conservation practices in the state of Arkansas. Including USDA programs such as CRP, CSP, EQIP, ACEP-(WRE), and RCPP. Levell achieved many awards for his service including the Harvey W McGeorge Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture in Arkansas from the Rotary Club of Pine Bluff, and the NRCS Conservation Service “And Justice for All” Award. He earned 15 Superior Performance Awards and 6 Outstanding Performance Awards over his career. In December 2017 he started his own business Foote Conservation Consulting LLC, which provides conservation consulting assistance to farmers, landowners, and organizations, to protect the environment, improve production and increase profit on the land. Razorback Chapter of the Soil and Water Society and chartering member of the Arkansas Chapter of the National Organization of the Professional Black Organization of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NOPBONRCS). She is also a chartering member of the Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporation.

Debra E. Thrower, Ph.D. KeepingLandownerItIn the Family (KITTF)

Barbara Lange Executive Director Langetree Retreat & Eco Center

“Outgoing”, “go-getter”, and “entrepreneurial” are three words that readily come to mind when you think of Barbara Lange. A petite beauty may not be what one thinks of when envisioning an agriculture worker, but she has spent decades building and growing Langetree Retreat & Eco Center in Liberty, Texas where guests can hold corporate/church/family retreats, experience the lybrinth, tour the grounds, and at the end of the day enjoy a peaceful night’s stay in a farmhouse style resort hotel. What started out as a quaint little B&B, now boasts of all of these things and educational courses for children, a makeshift petting zoo with goats, chickens, and ducks, and occasionally, includes live entertainment. A few years ago, Barbara also added Tiny Houses to the property a housing alternative to offer local military veterans in the area who are struggling with homelessness and, some of them, addiction. While that alone is impressive, in addition to managing and operating Langetree Retreat & Eco Center, Barbara also is the Executive Director of Landowners Association of Texas (LAT), a non-profit organization comprised of historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the State of Texas. For decades, LAT has partnered with Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) on several joint ventures in Agriculture and Natural Resources (AgNR) as well as Community Economic Development (CED). And, Barbara isn’t slowing down now. She and LAT are laying the groundwork to develop a Women in Agriculture (WIA) component to their existing services. And, we think Barbara is the perfect person to lead the charge as she exemplifies the very essence of what it means to be a successful WIA.

Debra E. Thrower worked as an Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Social Work at Saint Leo University. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from Walden University and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Evaluation from the University of South Florida (USF). As a former federal grant administrator, she has served in academic, administrative roles, including Coordinator of the Central Healthy Start Project at USF’s Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies, and Program Director at USF Institute on Black Life. Dr. Thrower has worked in other capacities to include direct practice, community outreach, consultation, program management and evaluation, and social work field education. Other focuses include conservation to promote and protect healthy forests. Dr. Thrower has presented at conferences and has published articles and book chapters on topics ranging from collaborative evaluation in practice to homelessness and mental health. She has served on local and state boards in Florida. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Her current research

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 42

As Arkansas’ State Forester, Joe Fox directs the Forestry Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. He joined the Division in May of 2012. Preceding the appointment to State Forester, he was the Director of Conservation Forestry for the Arkansas Field Office of The Nature Conservancy. There, he directed and promoted conservation forestry project development, conservation planning, and forest land acquisition throughout the state. Fox is a native Arkansan who worked as a procurement forester in a family-owned lumber business in Pine Bluff and Sheridan for over twenty years. Fox formerly served on the Jefferson County Conservation District Board and as the Forestry Committee Chair of the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts. He is a former president of the Arkansas Forestry Association and former chairman of the Arkansas Forestry Commission. He currently serves as the Past President of the National Association of State Foresters. He holds two bachelor degrees from North Carolina State University in forestry and agricultural economics. Joe is married to Louise with five grown children and ten grandchildren.

Joe Fox AR State Forester

Mike Sullivan AR State Conservationist Mike Sullivan has served as State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Arkansas since 2009 working leading and accelerating conservation activities helping agricultural producers to address priority natural resource concerns. He began his 40-year career with NRCS as a student trainee in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later served in several capacities in Arkansas, Mississippi, Arizona and in National Headquarters. Sullivan served as Mississippi River Basin Coordinator (2004-2009) developing the Mississippi River Healthy Watersheds Initiative, an $80 million per year initiative to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and maintain agricultural productivity in selected watersheds in the Mississippi River Basin. He spent two years (2002-2004) as the NRCS National Science and Technology Coordinator. Prior to that, he worked for seven years (19952002) in Little Rock, establishing and leading the NRCS National Water Management Center assisting NRCS employees nationwide in addressing complex water resource problems/projects. He has also served as: Assistant State Conservationist (Water Resources), State Conservation Engineer, and Water Resources Planning Leader in Phoenix, Arizona; Planning Engineer in Jackson, Mississippi; and Planning Engineer and Field Engineer in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sullivan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Land

focus is ethics curriculum requirements in undergraduate social work programs. Other scholarship focuses on university–community partnerships. Dr. Thrower was awarded Social Work Educator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, Florida, Tampa Bay Unit in 2021. Dr. Thrower and Christopher Dale Tatum have one daughter, Ashley Sha’Nail Benford, and one granddaughter, Kennedi Sha’Nail McDonald.

Retention Joint Regional Conference 43

Sustainable Forestry and African American

Ken Bragg State KenDistrictRepresentative15waselectedtohis

Michael Blazier is Dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He is also Director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. He began these appointments in July 2021. Michael earned a B.S.F. in forest management from Louisiana Tech University, an M.S. in forest ecophysiology from Oklahoma State University, and a Ph.D. in forest nutrition from Oklahoma State University. Prior to joining University of Arkansas, he had a 19-year career as Professor and Forestry Research Project Leader for the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, based at its Hill Farm Research Station in North Central Louisiana.

Michael Blazier, Ph.D. UAM Forestry Business Center

first term as State Representative in 2012, and is currently completing his fifth term representing District 15. Ken currently serves on the Education Committee, the Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee, the Joint Energy Committee and Arkansas Legislative Council. Ken is currently as an Arkansas legislator serving on the Energy Council. He was a former House Majority Leader and served two terms as an Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore. He currently is Co-Chair of the ALC Review Committee. Prior to serving in the Arkansas House of Representatives, Ken served on the Sheridan City Council and the Sheridan Water and Sewer Committee. He currently serves on the the Grant County Industrial Development Commission and the Grant County Chamber of Commerce Timberfest Committee, Ken retired as the Arkansas Region Manager for Resource Management Service. Ken and his wife Beverly are members of First Baptist Church in Sheridan where he serves as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Mission Team Leader. He and Beverly have two children – Aaron Bragg and Melissa Peacock – and four grandchildren, Presley and Hudson Peacock, and Austin and A.J. Bragg.

Joe Holcomb RPA, Agriculture and Timberland Appraisal

Joe Holcomb is an Agriculture and Timberland Appraiser at the Property Tax Assistance Division of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. He is responsible for the appraisal of agricultural and timberland productivity values in regards to the Property Value Study. Along with from the University of Arkansas (1982) and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University (1993). He is a Registered Professional Engineer and is married with three children and five grandchildren. He is an Arkansas native from North Little Rock, Arkansas and enjoyed spending time on the family farm near Lonoke, Arkansas while growing up.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 44

Lorri Sloate County Executive Director, Drew/Bradley/Calhoun Counties FSA Arkansas Ms. Lorri Sloate is the Farm Service Agency - County Executive Director for Drew/Bradley/ Calhoun Counties. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provides programs and loans to help farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partner organizations provide food, fuel, and fiber to millions of people worldwide. Ms. Sloate has been employed with Farm Service Agency (FSA) for 22 years. She began her career as a Program Technician in the Lincoln County FSA Office in June 2000. She served farmers and ranchers in the county for more than 15 years. While working in that office, Ms. Sloate was the recipient of the 2013 Carpenter Family Customer Service Award, an honor given annually to a USDA employee. In 2016, she became the first female County Executive Director (CED) of the Arkansas County FSA Office. Arkansas County has over 343,000 acres of cropland; with much crop diversity. In 2018, Ms. Sloate spearheaded the inaugural “Arkansas County Women in Agriculture Conference” which is now an annual event. At this conference, the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award” is presented. Recipients represent all parts of the agricultural industry including cattle, vegetables, row crops, equine, and agriculture education and outreach. FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Conservation District, and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service work together to host this event. In 2020 she spearheaded the FSA Southeast Arkansas Virtual Outreach Conferences that continues thru today. With a goal to hold five of these meetings, these outreach meetings provide a diversified way to get information into the hands of our producers and have continued yearly. Ms. Lorri Sloate was most recently selected to head the Drew/Bradley/Calhoun Counties Farm Service Agency as the County Executive Director. Ms. Sloate is dedicated to the Farmers and Ranchers of these counties in Arkansas. valuations, he also responds to agricultural and timberland questions from taxpayers, appraisal districts, and government officials. Joe is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He has been employed by the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division for over 7 years. Before this, he was employed as a residential appraiser at McLennan County Appraisal District for four and a half years.

Alvin Peer NRCS Arkansas Outreach Coordinator

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 45

Alvin F. Peer is the State Outreach Coordinator for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Arkansas since May 2010. A native of Chicago, Illinois he earned his bachelor’s degree in Regulatory Science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1998. Alvin began his career with NRCS in 1998 as a Soil Conservation Technician. Since then he has served the agency in the following positions Soil Conservationist, and District Conservationist and currently State Outreach Coordinatoor. As Outreach Coordinator, he provides information and education on NRCS’ conservation programs to potential customers throughout the state. His motto is “Help me, help you, help you.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 46

Joe Friend GrewForesterup in NW Arkansas. BS-Forestry 1976 University of Arkansas- Monticello. Surveyor for the Arkansas Highway Department 1977-1979. County Forester for Arkansas Forestry Commission 1979-2003. District Forester for Arkansas Forestry Commission 2003-2014. Retired from the Arkansas Forestry Commission with 34 1/2 years of service. Elected Fellow with the Society of American Foresters 2011. Resident of Crossett since 1979. Forester for UAPB Small Farm Program, Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program. Arkansas Registered Forester Society of American Foresters Certified Forester. Serves on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Forestry Association. Active in the Society of American Foresters. Elder in the Pine Street Church of Christ in Crossett.

Legal

AttorneyConsultantAmyPritchard

runs the UAPB Keepin’ it in the Family legal program, which helps program participants address legal barriers to land retention. In her role as a law professor at UA-Little Rock Bowen School of Law, Pritchard developed the school’s heirs’ property clinic and initiatives to increase access to attorneys in rural Arkansas. Pritchard’s practice focuses primarily on protecting property ownership, preventing housing instability, and increasing neighborhood stability and economic opportunity. She was raised in rural Vermont and has called Arkansas home for over a decade.

JustinForesterMallett graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and an Associate of Science in Land Surveying Technology from University of Arkansas-Monticello in 2010. He has been a Registered Forester under the Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters since 2013. He was a County Forester for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture-Forestry Division for over 9 years. Since he has left the state government, he started his own company, Deceiper Creek Forestry Services, LLC where he manages timberland and assists private landowners, as well as doing consulting for UAPB’s Keep it in the Family Program. He has been an American Tree Farm Inspector since 2013 and is the current Secretary-Treasurer of Arkansas Tree Farm Committee and Co-Chair of the Arkansas Tree Farm Communications Committee.

Amy Pritchard

Justin Mallett

Elliott J. Washington has been a Extension Program Specialist Forester in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit at Prairie View A&M University since 2021. He received his Ph.D. in Urban Forestry and Natural Resources from Southern University and A&M College in 2015. He has extensive experience in forestry, environmental science and geographic information systems (GIS). His recent activities include working with forest landowners and agricultural producers throughout East Texas, working with state and federal agencies such as the Texas Forest Service, Farm Service Agency and the NRCS. Elliott is a member of the Texas Forest Association located in Lufkin, Texas. He also serves as the staff forester for the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program which assists African American forest landowners with heir’s property issues and forest stewardship in Texas. Elliott is a frequent speaker at multiple forestry functions and serves on several committees with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit at Prairie View A&M. He currently lives in Katy, Texas, with his wife and three daughters, and has an interest in flying drones, cyber security, urban agriculture and is trying to learn how to code.

Elliott J. Washington, Ph.D. Extension Program Specialist, Forester AgNR, PVAMU

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 47

Charley Williams Conservation Consultant Charley Williams is a member of the Spring 1975 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduating class, graduating with a degree in Agronomy. Immediately upon graduation, Charley began work with the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Charley received over 25 certificates of recognition for his work performance during his tenure. After 44 years of service, retirement began in January 2019. Charley held numerous positions during employment including: Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, Resource Conservation and Development Coordinator and StrikeForce Coordinator. Charley established TaskONE LLC in 2019 and now works as a Conservation Consultant with the University of Arkansas at Pine Small Farm Program. Charley was inducted into the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Hall of Fame in 2021. Charley is married to Lynn Williams for 43 years. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Charley attends Saint Vestal CME Church in El Dorado, AR. He serves as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, President-Trustee Board, Member- Steward Board and West District Lay Leader. Charley is Vice President of the Union County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter. Charley is President of Nu Gamma Alpha Fraternity, Iota Chapter.

PLANNING COMMITTEE A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE INDIVIDUALS BELOW FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM: Clarence Bunch, Ph.D. Program Leader Prairie View A&M (936)clbunch@pvamu.eduUniversity261-5117 Ashwani Srivastava Director, AITC Prairie View A&M (936)aksrivastava@pvamu.eduUniversity261-5140 Brandon Hawkins Ext Agent, Bowie County (AgNR), (903)brandonhawkins@pvamu.eduPVAMU628-6702 Alicia Dorn Communications Director UA at Pine (870)dorna@uapb.eduBluff575-8227 Justin Mallett Forestry (479)469-6341Servicesjustin@dcforestryservices.comDeceiperConsultantCreekForestry Angela L. Moore (936)almoore@pvamu.eduPrairieProgramOrganizerCo-Chair/ConferenceCoordinatorViewA&MUniversity261-5002 Elliott Washington, Ph.D. PrairieForesterView A&M (936)ejwashington@pvamu.eduUniversity261-5128 Henry English, Ph.D. Director, Small Farm Program UA at Pine (870)englishh@uapb.eduBluff575-7246 Kandi Williams (870)williamska@uapb.eduUAKIITFOrganizerCo-Chair/ConferenceOutreachCoordinatoratPineBluff571-9428 Tucker Wilson Assistant Director, IIC Prairie View A&M (936)tuwilson@pvamu.eduUniversity261-5116 LaBeaula Times Communications Specialist II Prairie View A&M (936)lstimes@gmail.comUniversity261-5138 Karen Lee Program Specialist SFP UA at Pine (870)leek@uapb.eduBluff575-7225 Levell Foote Conservation Consultant Foote (870)LLCfulltime3128@gmail.comConsultingConservation692-7535 Charley Williams Conservation Consultant TaskOne Consulting, (870)mytaskone@yahoo.comLLC866-7283Joseph Friend UAForesteratPine (870)friendj@uapb.eduBluff500-8454 Conroy Stewart IT Support Specialist. AITC Prairie View A&M (936)costewart@pvamu.eduUniversity261-5151 Ebony Ohen Graphic Designer, IIC Prairie View A&M (936)ebohen@pvamu.eduUniversity261-5146 Pascale Mondesir Communications Specialist II Prairie View A&M (936)pamondesir@pvamu.eduUniversity261-5155 Evette Browning Outreach Coordinator AR Department of Agriculture (501)Evette.Browning@agriculture.arkansas.gov(ADA)219-6385

Sandra Gonzales, PVAMU CAHS Delphia Esters, PVAMU OOTP Gwen Edmonson, USDA OASCR Danielle Saunders, USDA REE NIFA Amanda Lockwood, USDA OSEC Andrea Delgado, USDA OSEC Jeffrey Jasper, USDA OSEC Lauren Murphy, TAMFS Joshua Coleman, USDA FSA SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

NOTES Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 50

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 51 NOTES

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Joint Regional Conference 52 ag nrKeep up with www.pvamu.edu/cahs The Cooperative Extension Program does not discriminate against anyone regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity. Persons who require communication in a language other than English or with a disability who require alternative means of communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact Angela Moore at 936-261-5002 in advance. www.pvamu.edu/agnrevents www.pvamu.edu/sflrevents Agriculture and Natural Resources

2nd Annual SFLR Joint Regional Conference Booklet

Articles inside

About CAHS

About PVAMU

About UAPB

About SAFHS