ORONO – The public is invited to attend seminars on forest resources planned in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the University of Maine’s forestry programs. Beginning on Feb. 17, speakers from universities around the country will address issues ranging from tourism and timber supply to forest biology.

The seminar series will highlight the work supported by the McIntire-Stennis program, which provides federal funds for forest resources research at universities in the United States. The series will begin on Feb. 17 and culminate this summer with a dinner recognizing Maine’s role in the creation of this landmark federal legislation.

Five seminars have been scheduled, with a sixth to be announced. All seminars will be held at 3 p.m. in 100 Nutting Hall:

. Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Dr. Richard Brinker, dean and professor of forest engineering, Auburn University, “McIntire-Stennis forestry research funding – An investment in scientific discovery: An A-TR’s perspective.”

. Monday, Feb. 23 – Dr. Craig G. Lorimer, professor of forest ecology and management, University of Wisconsin-Madison, “Learning from natural disturbance regimes: prospects for a multi-cohort forest management.”

. Thursday, April 8 – Dr. Stephen McCool, professor of wildland recreation management, University of Montana, “Devils, details and dilemmas in the search for sustainable tourism.”

. Thursday, April 15 – Dr. Karen Potter-Witter, professor of forest economics, Michigan State University, “From poplar to parcelization: 20 years of timber supply research.”

. Thursday, April 29 – Dr. Jeffrey Dean, associate professor of forest biotechnology, University of Georgia, “Forest biology, biotechnology and forest products production.”

More information is available at http://www.forest-resources.umaine.edu or by contacting Dr. William Livingston at 581-2990.