STAC Workshop: Healthy Forests: Proactive Strategies for Managing Threats and Promoting Conservation

This meeting is open to the public. Unless otherwise noted, it may be recorded for internal use.

Date and Time

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 9:00am - Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 5:00pm

Purpose

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) will host an in-person workshop in February 2026 to integrate insights from scientific research, expert testimony, and case studies to build a comprehensive framework of monitoring programs, adaptive management strategies, collaborative efforts, and other measures for achieving meaningful conservation outcomes. The main objectives of this workshop are:

  • Identify major stressors to forest health and resilience in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including from changing environmental conditions, land use change, non-native species, pests, diseases, and other stressors.
  • Evaluate whether and the extent to which the major stressors identified (and interactions between multiple stressors) may lead to declines in forest health through impairment of forest ecology.
  • Evaluate how impairments to forest ecology may impact the ability of forests to improve water quality, how these impairments may lead to forest loss, and the implications of these for meeting the Bay Program’s goals.
  • Develop actionable recommendations for improving forest health and resilience to enhance conservation outcomes through silvicultural practices, invasive species management, policy, community engagement, and other incentives, in addition to traditional conservation.

More information and materials can be found on the STAC workshop page.

Location

Video Conference

Related Files

Meeting materials will be posted as they become available.