The International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) of the USDA Forest Service, the Jamaica Forestry Department (JFD), and the Puerto Rico Conservation Foundation (PRCF), is pleased to announce the 13^th Caribbean Foresters’ Meeting to be held, this year, in Kingston, Jamaica.  The biennial meeting brings together natural resources managers of the Caribbean region for one week to discuss a pre-selected forestry theme, and to develop strategies for cooperation aimed at improving management activities.  The theme for this year’s gathering is, “POSSIBILITES AND APPROACHES TO IDLE LANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN”.  It will be held from June 12-16, 2006 at the Hilton Caribbean Hotel.

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to attend the meeting.  Please visit our web page http://www.caribbeanforesters.org/.  A block of rooms has been reserved at the hotel for the meeting attendees.  The daily rate is US$120.00 for single occupancy or US$135.00 for double occupancy.  These prices include breakfast and are subject to 10% service charge, 8.25% government tax and energy surcharge of US$4.00 per room, per night.  You may call, fax or e-mail the Puerto Rico Conservation Foundation/Esther Rojas to make your reservation (erojas52@aol.com or fundacionpr@tld.net).

The meeting will begin on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. The meeting presentations and discussions will focus on idle lands.   In addition to the country reports, we have invited guest speakers to address the idle land theme.  The mid-week field trip will take us to the Duns River Watershed area.  This site visit will give participants the opportunity to learn about the innovative ways in which Jamaica is addressing idle land management.  Topics include the study of forest plantation on public and private lands” and “History of ownership, involvement and community groups within the watershed and potential uses”.  As traditional, on Thursday evening, the farewell dinner will be held.

All the co-sponsors of this meeting are working very hard to organize it, and make it one that will be productive to everyone.  We look forward to your participation in this event.

Contact Information:

Esther M Rojas

Puerto Rico Conservation Foundation

382 Ave San Claudio PMB 97

San Juan Puerto Rico 00926-4107

Tel. (787) 760-2115; Fax (787) 760-2070

E-Mail: erojas52@aol.com or fundacionpr@tld.net