Diane Haase, western nursery specialist, and Kasten Dumroese, national nursery specialist and research scientist, recently supported a two-week program in Bolivia, “Nursery Technology Training to Support Plant Production and Academic Research.” Haase and Dumroese led several training sessions, visited nurseries and field sites, and met with students and professors from various institutions to discuss research topics and methods. The trip, which concluded May 19, was coordinated by International Programs.

Since international cooperation is necessary to sustain the ecological and commercial viability of global forest resources and to conserve biodiversity, the Forest Service has a robust history of collaboration with international agencies and partners. One such partner is Miguel Ángel Sánchez Fajardo, a researcher from Bolivia, who invited Haase and Dumroese to travel to his country provide technical assistance pertaining to nursery production and outplanting of seedlings.

While in Bolivia, Haase and Dumroese led two technical training workshops.  These took place at the Sapecho Agriculture Extension Station and the Catholic University of Bolivia–Carmen Pampa. Workshop topics included seed collection, pest management, culturing techniques, seedling quality, nursery environment, out-planting strategies and more. Each workshop was attended by 30–40 local growers, students, professors and agronomists.

Additionally, the specialists led a seminar for members of the College of Agricultural Engineers of Bolivia, a professional society for specialists. This session included an overview of the history and current practices of forest and conservation seedling production in the United States.

Sánchez was an international fellow at the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon, in 2015. Dumroese and Haase are part of the Forest Service’s Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources; the center’s primary mission is to transfer technology about growing and planting native species for ecosystem restoration, reforestation, soil stabilization, agroforestry, wildlife habitat and urban beautification.

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