National forestry organization now headquartered at MSU

Contact: Bob Ratliff

The Southern Forest Economics Workers organization now is located at Mississippi State University.

Formerly at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, SOFEW currently has more than 600 active members around the world.

"Our organization brings together representatives of industry, private consulting firms, academia, and federal and state agencies to discuss current issues in the economics of forestry, timber markets, timberland investments, and the forest products trade," said MSU forestry professor and SOFEW chair Steve Bullard.

Bullard said the organization will hold its annual meeting in Atlanta during the 2001 spring semester. Participants will be sharing information on such topics as the financial aspects of timber management and utilization, supply and demand, international trade, and forest policies and law, among others.

"Our meetings are open to anyone with an interest in forest economics and Southern forestry," he added. "Membership also is open to all who desire to keep current on industry issues."

For more information on the organization, telephone Bullard at (662) 325-2781 or view SOFEW's electronic newsletter at http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/sofew/.