Meeting scheduled to discuss Eastern redcedar

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Eastern redcedar trees litter much of Oklahoma’s countryside and pastureland. Turning this invasive species into a profitable natural resource is a priority for the Aromatic Cedar Association.

“As we look around today we can see a number of existing industries or operations potentially coming to the state that would utilize the redcedar,” said Craig McKinley, ACA board president and retired Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension forestry specialist. “We currently have very successful mulch operations and there are several entities looking at pellet production, methanol/ethanol production and charcoal facilities.”

In an attempt to boost the industry and educate landowners on the opportunities and options available, the ACA is hosting its annual Cedar Summit Oct. 18 at the Fairview Community Center in Fairview, Oklahoma.

“Given our stated goals and the resource at hand, we all know the potential for economic growth and benefit is right here, right now,” McKinley said. “We also know that if the redcedar resource is going to be utilized to its fullest extent, a great deal of effort and dedication to that goal is required.”

The cost to attend the summit is $20 for ACA members and $30 for nonmembers, with continental breakfast and lunch included. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the opening session beginning at 8:30 a.m. The summit will continue until around 1 p.m.

Topics for the summit will include redcedar water usage, redcedar supply chain and the redcedar oil study. Those interested in attending can register by calling Debbie Prescott at 580-233-4232 or emailing her at Prescott@GrowEnid.com.

“We believe the information presented will benefit the whole range of individuals interested in redcedar, from landowners to producers to marketers,” McKinley said. “Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and hear experts, as well as interact with other individuals. Those people interested in utilization of an abundant natural resource will find the day most interesting.”