Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The 2011 Starker Lecture Series at Oregon State University will begin in February, focus on the theme "Oregon's Place in World Forests and Forestry" and feature some international leaders in forest markets, biodiversity, urban forests, politics, resources and other issues.

The lectures, which are free and open to the public, will all be from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a field trip on Friday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Portland, on the topic of wood exports. Most of the lectures will be in Richardson Hall on the OSU campus.

This year's lecture series will recognize the major role that Oregon forests play in addressing global forestry issues, and the global context for how forestry is practiced in Oregon, organizers say. The United Nations has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness about sustainable management and conservation on all types of forests.

This year's topics and speakers include:

• Thursday, Feb. 3: "Will Tropical Forests Survive the 21st Century?" presented by Gary Hartshorn, president and CEO of the World Forestry Center in Portland, in Richardson Hall Room 107.

• Thursday, Feb. 17: "World Wood Markets: How do They Impact Oregon?" presented by Paul Owen, president of Vanport International of Portland, in Richardson Hall Room 107.

• Thursday, March 31: "Global Forest Resources and Market Developments," presented by Ed Pepke, forest products marketing specialist with UNECE Trade and Timber Division and FAO, of Geneva, Switzerland, in Richardson Hall Room 107.

• Thursday, April 7: "Connecting People and Forests: A Global Perspective on Urban Forestry," presented by Melanie Kirk, Extension urban forestry specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service of Dallas, Texas, in Miller Hall of the World Forestry Center in Portland.

• Tuesday, May 3: "Politics Impacting World Forests and Forestry," presented by Ben Cashore, director of the Program on Forest Policy and Governance of Yale University, in Richardson Hall Room 107.

The capstone field trip on May 20 will tour wood exporting companies in the Portland, Ore., and Longview, Wash., areas. A free lunch will be provided, but reservations should be made by May 13 by calling 541-737-1585.

The Starker Lectures are sponsored by the Starker family in memory of T.J. and Bruce Starker, prominent leaders in the development of the Oregon forest products industry. They are also supported by the OSU College of Forestry and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.

The lectures will also be accessible by a live video stream. More information on the presentations and other details can be obtained online at http://starkerlectures.forestry.oregonstate.edu/