A workshop is planned in Brookhaven to help local residents and area officials better prepare for future storms and severe weather.

The event will be held Thursday, July 17, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Brookhaven Recreation Department building at 689 Highway 51 N.

The workshop is designed to help area citizens and citizens prepare for the next storm. Trees and landscapes play an important role in response, recovery and costs, and Brookhaven has recently completed a Gulf Coast model storm plan with strategies to address these issues. This model is available to all Mississippi communities to replicate. Many of the model’s practices can also be useful to land owners, according to a press release on the event.

Speakers for the workshop will include Dr. Buck Abbey, Louisiana State University; Andy Parker, arborist, city of Hattiesburg; Donna Yowell, Mississippi Urban Forest Council; and Donna Beliech, Mississippi State University Extension.

Topics to be discussed at the workshop will include:

• How to reduce damage by better planning

• Review of planning steps and strategies

• How to recognize a hazard tree and what to do about it

• Who does what before, during and after a storm.

• When to remove, repair or replace damaged property.

• Storm resistant trees- faster recovery

• Best management practices.

The workshop is recommended for city personnel and citizens who manage property and trees. Continuing education credits for arborist, Master Gardeners, Landscape architects and others are available. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP is not required but those interested in attending can reserve a spot by calling (601) 835-3460.

The model plan is a collaboration of multiple cities and agencies. The project is made possible by a USDA Forest Service Grant administered by the Mississippi Forestry Commission, in partnership with the Mississippi Urban Forest Council and the city of Brookhaven.