Red, silver and sugar maple trees, as well as the boxelder, are native to Ohio. These trees contribute a diverse range of environmental services, as well as provide economic and cultural value to local and regional economies. Learn from a diverse panel of experts who will share about the historical coverage of maples and projections for this family of trees within a changing climate. Panelists will describe life on maple tree farms to the daily tasks of running a maple-based business. Also, learn about an Ohio House Bill seeking to stimulate maple tree production.

In Good Taste Catering will be serving a delicious, maple-based breakfast. Registration, which includes breakfast, is $10, or free for Ohio State students. Registration required. 

Speakers

Dan Brown – president, Ohio Maple Producers Association and lifetime maple producer.

Rep. John Patterson – State representative, Ohio House District 99.

Dr. Sayeed Mehmood – Ohio State associate professor of natural resource economics.

Kathy Smith – Ohio State Extension forestry program director.

Agenda

8:10 am Jeff Sharp, Ph.D. will offer welcoming remarks, present SENR’s 50^th Anniversary Poster for Forestry, review the maple-based menu and introduce Dr. Sayeed Mehmood, program moderator.

8:15 am Mehmood will provide introductory comments on the topic of forest products as a tool for conservation, some economic data on the maple industry and introduce guest speakers.

8:25 am Kathy Smith will review historical and current coverage of maple trees in Ohio, expectations for future of maple productivity due to climate change, and the basics of maple “sap flow.”

8:35 am Dan Brown will share his story of growing up with maple and working hands-on in this industry for over 55 years and his perspectives on current opportunities and challenges in maple production

8:50 am Rep. John Patterson will overview a proposed Ohio House Bill seeking a property tax exemption for land used for commercial maple sap extraction and local government reimbursement, and will share some examples of small business development opportunities within the maple industry.

9:05 am Moderated Q&A with panel and audience

9:25 am Closing remarks

Parking is free with pass. Place on dashboard, whether parking across the street or behind the 4-H Center.