FORESTRY 411
FEDERAL DISASTER AID PACKAGE BLOCKED...

After prolonged and contentious negotiations, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives announced yesterday (May 23) that they had arrived at a deal on providing relief to those impacted by hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters. President Donald Trump has indicated his support as well.

The Senate overwhelmingly approved the $19.1 billion relief package shortly after the announcement. Congress intended to follow suit by passing the measure this morning by consent. However, a Rep. Chip Roy, R-TX, objected, causing a hold-up until the House returns from recess.
SAVE THE DATE: GOPHER TORTOISE MEETING
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Alliance of Forest Owners will host a meeting on Thursday, July 11, in Jacksonville, FL, regarding the Species Status Assessment (SSA) of the gopher tortoise.

The goal of the meeting is to bring together a group of stakeholders, especially private forest landowners, to receive an update on the status of the SSA and discuss a request for the best available information on the status of the species.

Details will be forthcoming.  

FORESTRY FORWARD
Forestry Forward, the Association's leadership development program, toured some of American Forest Management’s property on Wednesday. The group ventured to multiple timber stands affected by Hurricane Michael and were able to see different management practices being utilized in those areas.

We would like to thank American Forest Management for hosting us and a very special thank you to Danny Duce, Ray Sharp and Joe Karels who were such excellent tour guides and teachers! Thanks also to American Forest Management for the DELICIOUS seafood lunch after the tour!


FOREST STRONG MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
The Association kicked off its Forest Strong Membership campaign last week! The stronger we are, the stronger YOU are! (Also, the top recruiter has a choice between two great prizes!)

SILVICULTURAL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD: DEADLINE EXTENDED
Nominations for the "Silvicultural Contractor of the Year Award” are being accepted through May 31, 2019 . The award honors the dedication, hard work and challenges of those individuals whom we depend on for professional silvicultural services.

WANT MORE BUCKS?
 Saving money is always a good thing!

Partnering with Outdoor Underwriters, Inc., the Association offers our members special reduced rates for liability insurance for hunting leases and timberland.
 
Click here for details  or contact Mike Branch (850.222.5646 or  Mike@ForestFla.org ).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 5-6, 2019
8 AM (EDT)
Master Logger 2-Day Training
Lake City, FL

July 16, 2019
10 AM (EDT)
Executive Committee Meeting
Location TBA

July 18, 2019
8 AM (CDT)
Master Logger CLE Training
DeFuniak Springs, FL

August 20-22, 2019
Annual Meeting
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Miramar Beach, FL

August 21, 2019
4 PM (CDT)
Board of Directors Meeting
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Miramar Beach, FL

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