Forests and woodlands may not be among the first things that come to mind when people think about what grows in Iowa. But according to Billy Beck, assistant professor and Extension forestry specialist at Iowa State University, forests hold more value and potential than Iowans often realize.

“Forests are important for many reasons, including water quality improvement, wildlife, timber and aesthetics, and we need to be promoting them more,” Beck says.

Beck began his role in August, after completing his Ph.D. at ISU in 2018. He previously held forestry-related jobs in Michigan, Illinois and Kansas, and is excited about the opportunity to grow and promote the value of Iowa’s forestry. “I really want Iowans to realize that these woodlands are valuable to their property, and they’re a value to their farming enterprise,” he says.

Beck has been learning about the value of forestry since he was 10. One day, his father told him about forestry as a major, and that occasion led to a path that would become his education and career.

Like many students, he at first thought forestry careers were limited to a forester or park ranger. He soon realized that forestry jobs are much more diverse and include such places as state and federal government agencies, private industry, and nonprofits.

Although the bulk of his work is in ISU Extension, he also serves as an assistant professor and enjoys teaching students about the value of forestry.

Importance of trees, forests

One of Beck’s biggest passions is combining the hydrology and water quality benefits of trees, with the overall benefits of a healthy forest. His research shows that trees play an important role in water quality, whether they’re along streams and rivers acting as riparian buffers, in a separate woodland or in urban locations.

“I want to get forests on people’s radar, including their value to water quality and flood control, wildlife, and as a sustainable source of income,” he says. One place Beck is meeting Iowans is at the forestry field days in October. The events at various locations across the state are designed to explain current forestry issues and are a way for Iowans to meet and interact with forestry experts.

VALUABLE RESOURCE: “Trees, woodlands and forests are often vastly underutilized by Iowa landowners,” says Billy Beck, ISU Extension forestry specialist.

He looks forward to connecting with Iowans, including those who may not have historically been involved with forestry, or who haven’t really considered its economic value. “When forests aren’t valued, they are at so much risk for being degraded or being removed. I’ve seen it, and I want to prevent it,” he says.

Learn more about ISU’s forestry resources on the Natural Resource Ecology and Management website. Follow Beck on Twitter @ISU_forestry.

Source: ISU, which is responsible for information provided and is wholly owned by source. Informa Business Media and subsidiaries aren’t responsible for this content.