Coverts Project Seeks Motivated Forest Landowners
The enclosed materials describe a volunteer training program in forest and wildlife management named the COVERTS PROJECT. The program is sponsored by private donations, the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Highstead. The program is seeking woodland owners who want to learn more about their forest, and the wildlife that reside there, in exchange for a commitment to volunteer some time sharing information with others in their community.
The COVERTS PROJECT is designed to demonstrate that well planned forest management can improve wildlife habitat and provide other benefits as well. The objectives of the project are two-fold: 1) to help landowners understand why and how management can enhance habitat and improve forest health and productivity; 2) to inspire and help them to pass their knowledge on to their peers.
This September, an in-depth seminar on forest and wildlife management will be held at Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk, CT. A preliminary seminar outline is enclosed. All costs of the seminar (meals, lodging at the camp, reference and curriculum materials) are covered by the Project. In exchange, participants are asked to return to their communities and share what they have learned with others: to create opportunities for other landowners to get answers to their questions. Participants will receive the Coverts Project Newsletter and be kept supplied with reference materials that allow them to either answer questions on forestry and wildlife, or direct the inquiry to a professional who can.
Interested forest owners should fill out the enclosed nomination form and return it to thomas.worthley@uconn.edu and/or emily.kiesewetter@huskymail.uconn.edu . They will be sent a packet of materials explaining the Coverts Project and an invitation to apply.
