“Eastern Red Cedar: From Peril to Profit” Conference to Highlight New Uses for Eastern Red Cedar Trees

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK— A two-day seminar, “Eastern Red Cedar: From Peril to Profit” will be held July 8 and 9, 2008, at the Moore-Norman Technology Center located at 13301 South Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. The conference will highlight recent scientific studies and emerging technology that shows Eastern Red Cedar trees have a variety of unique uses valuable to our society.

Experts in natural resources, forestry, entrepreneurship, economics and medical industry will provide information on different Eastern Red Cedar management techniques, marketing opportunities, health concerns and resource issues.

“Eastern Red Cedar trees are actually being under-utilized,” said Dr. Tom Lucas, coordinator for the High Plains Resource Conservation and Development Council, based in Buffalo, Oklahoma. “They have more to offer than many people realize. A recent study shows by-products from the trees can actually be marketed for profit for landowners, business owners, entrepreneurs and communities.”

The High Plains RC&D is the host for the conference, and spear-headed an Eastern Red Cedar study with grant funding from Forestry Services of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry.

Speakers at the From Peril to Profit conference will present findings of the recent USDA Red Cedar Study, as well as economic development project ideas, how to manufacture cedar products for profit and new business development using red cedar. Scientist and health professionals will also discuss the benefits to society from the removal of Red Cedar, and it’s affect on wildlife, water supplies and the health of Oklahomans.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is the most common and widespread of the five junipers found in Oklahoma. Studies have shown the Eastern Red Cedar is a source of a wide variety of valuable by-products, including bio-fuel.

“This is good news for everyone,” Lucas stated. “Land owners now have the opportunity to receive income for the cedar trees on their land to help offset the high cost of their removal. This can also open the door for entrepreneurs and existing businesses to take advantage of the by-products.

“Additionally, communities benefit from the increased water supply and economic boost,” he says.

Landowners, business owners, entrepreneurs, medical field specialists, extension & university staffs, federal & state agency employees, forestry industry representatives, elected officials and decision makers from all states and communities affected by Easter Red Cedar are encouraged to attend this first-of-its-kind conference.

Registration deadline is June 20, 2008. Registration is $50 for both days and includes three meals. Guest registration, which is for meals only, is available for $35. Registration is available through the High Plains RC&D at 580-735-2023, x4 or register online.

The Ramada Limited, located at 7400 S. May Ave. in Oklahoma City is the host hotel, offering a special rate of $55 for conference attendees.

Sponsors of the conference include the USDA- NRCS, Forestry Division, Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food, & Forestry, Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce, NRCS, Chesapeake Energy, City of Oklahoma City, and Department of Water & wastewater, City of Oklahoma City, Dewey, Ellis, and Woodward County Conservation Districts, High Plains RC&D, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Environmentally Correct Concepts, inc., Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Commissioners of the Land Office, Chesapeake, Oklahoma Economic Development Authority, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, RedGold Cedar Fiber, Inc., Brix-Berg International, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, USDA-Agriculture Research Service, and the National Grazinglands Laboratory.

Fact Sheet About Eastern Red Cedar

All programs and services of the Natural Resources Conservation Service are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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