Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center will be in the spotlight at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon at noon Oct. 27 in the SFA University Center Twighlight Ballroom.

Dr. James Kroll, director of the Center, will discuss how the center’s services and Web site can be used to support regional economic development.

“East Texas has not enjoyed the recent economic boom seen throughout the state and country,” Kroll said. “With mill closings and sell outs by timber companies, rural East Texas counties have been left to find new ways to support their local economies.”

Kroll said that using a remote sensing application to complete forest inventories will ensure that information regarding raw materials is available in a timely manner.

“New industries are looking for raw materials, manpower, transportation and other resources to relocate or create new businesses,” Kroll said. “Knowing where the various types of materials – saw timber, pulp wood, veneer logs, etc. - are located, when combined with the location of various types of transportation – rail, highway, load bridges – and potential workforce, will allow better decision-making and create interest for startup companies.”

Kroll said the information also will allow rural East Texas to compete with areas traditionally supported by technology, which keeps the region “out of the game” when it comes to attracting or creating new industries.

Kroll also will discuss ways small landowners can enjoy reasonable returns from their property ownership through carbon sequestration, provisions for biofuel production, or wetlands mitigation banking.

“Wetlands mitigation banking involves the development of wetlands or enhancing existing wetlands for the purpose of mitigating losses from industrial or lake development,” Kroll explained. “Recently, the Lake Naconiche project involved wetlands mitigation as part of the permitting process. East Texas holds considerable potential for this novel industry.”

For more information, call the chamber at (936) 560-5533. Reservations are required. Cost is $15 paid at the door, or $13 if paid at the chamber by Thursday, Oct. 26.