Animals, plants, insects, and diseases can sometimes impede reforestation, wildlife habitat, or other forest stewardship goals. Current Topics in Forest Health is an annual program that updates forest owners, foresters, and others on methods to improve forest health. Topics to be covered this year include:

·  Snowshoe Hares – Biology and Management of Damage to Conifers: Chris Schnepf, University of Idaho Extension
· Ticks: Biology, Health Risks, and Preventative Responses: Ed Bechinski, University of Idaho Extension
· Current and New Geospatial Technologies for Monitoring and Assessing Mortality from Bark Beetles: Jeff Hicke, University of Idaho Department of Geography
· Management of Multiflora Rose and Rocky Mountain Maple: Tim Prather, University of Idaho Extension
· EDDMapS West – A Citizen Science Portal to Invasive Species Management: Tim Prather
· Biology and Biocontrol of Dalmation Toadflax: Mark Schwarzländer, University of Idaho Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences

Current Topics in Forest Health will be held in Coeur d'Alene, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19th, 2014 at the Coeur d'Alene Inn (located off Interstate 90 at Hwy 95 exit). The program is eligible for six Idaho pesticide license re-certification credits, five Society of American Foresters continuing forestry education credits, and five Idaho Pro-Logger continuing education credits. The program can accommodate up to 90 people. Participants should pre-register by Friday, December 12th, 2014 to ensure their place (registration forms are available at local University of Idaho Extension Offices). A $22.00 registration fee ($24 for online registration with a credit card) covers handouts and refreshments. Registration forms are also available at (http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/content/calendarofevents).Current Topics in Forest Health is an Idaho Forest Stewardship program, co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and many other agencies and organizations. For questions on the program, contact Chris Schnepf (208-446-1680).