Many efforts have taken place in Michigan to find more value in ash and other dead urban trees following the outbreak of the emerald ash borer. The Southeast Michigan RC&D Council is now hosting "EAB & Beyond: Finding Value in Urban Trees," a conference to showcase wood recycling opportunities for communities and industries.

This event will give participants the chance to learn more about wood utilization options for municipalities and businesses by providing in-depth discussion on successful uses, developing markets, technology, regulatory issues, and planning. Presentations will feature both national experts in urban wood reclamation and local success stories.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Community leaders, urban foresters, wood industries, resource professionals, conservation organizations, & other interested groups.

WHEN/WHERE:

May 23, 2007 - 8:00 - 5:00
Presentations at Weber's Inn, Ann Arbor, MI

May 24, 2007 - 8:30 - 4:30
Tour of urban wood processing & retail sites, field instruction on evaluating trees for reuse

For the complete conference agenda and registration materials, please visit: http://semircd.org/ash/news/AshUtilConfInfo.pdf

Please register by Wednesday, May 16th to reserve your space for the conference and tour. Registration costs are $75 to attend both days. Individual registrations are also available - $50 to attend the May 23rd workshops or $30 to attend only the tour on May 24th.

For questions about the event, please contact:

Jessica Simons
Natural Resources Specialist
Southeast Michigan
Resource Conservation & Development Council
7203 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103-9506
Phone: (734)761-6722 X 105
Fax: (734)662-1686
Web: http://www.semircd.org/

This event is funded by the USDA Forest Service Wood Education & Resource Center. Additional technical support is provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.