FORESTRY 411
STATE LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP
Budget issues sent Florida's legislative session into overtime. It ended on Saturday, May 4, with the passage of a $91 billion budget.

Lobbyist Jim Spratt reports a significant lack of drama or conflict between the two chambers this year, crediting that in part to an adjustment to a new governor; he also notes that it is yet to be seen how Governor Ron DeSantis will handle his first experience with the veto pen.

FEDERAL UPDATES

DISASTER RELIEF
The House is slated to vote on  H.R. 2157 , the Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act, on Friday. Forestry-related provisions include the following:

$480 million for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program -  for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Michael and Florence, wildfires occurring in 2018, and other natural disasters. Funds to remain available until expended.

$12 million for State and Private Forestry - for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as 2018 wildfires.

$1 million for Forest Rangeland Research - for necessary expenses for Forest Inventory Analysis and the collection and analyses of post-storm damage by state forestry agencies.

$85 million for the National Forest System -  for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as 2018 wildfires. $21,000,000 shall be used for hazardous fuels management activities.

The bill also includes language which provides the USDA's Secretary of Agriculture flexibility in providing $3 billion in block grants to states. Even though the term “forest restoration” is included in that language, we have been told that that landowners of destroyed timber crops are ineligible for funds under a block grant because they don't qualify for crop insurance. We continue to work with congressional leaders for inclusion.
FLORIDA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO MEET ON DISASTER RELIEF, TRADE, AND HEMP
Association Executive Vice President Alan Shelby will participate in a panel discussion hosted by Florida's congressional delegation to discuss disaster relief, trade issues and hemp. The event will be held on May 16 in Washington, D.C.

Panelists include:

Nikki Fried, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Alan Shelby, Florida Forestry Association Executive Vice President
John Hoblick, Florida Farm Bureau President
Mike Joyner, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President

SENATOR MARCO RUBIO RELEASES HURRICANE MICHAEL VIDEO
After days of touring the Panhandle and talking to residents, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has released a video featuring Hurricane Michael survivors telling their personal stories and asking Congress to put politics aside and do its job. 


SAFE ROUTES ACT OF 2019
Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has introduced the Safe Routes Act of 2019 (H.R. 2453). This legislation would allow logging trucks that meet state-determined legal requirements to travel up to 150 air miles on the federal interstate highway system. A pilot program has shown that this could greatly reduce both fatal accidents and fossil fuel usage.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) has committed to introducing a companion bill in the Senate.
NBC AND ABC COVER HURRICANE MICHAEL TIMBER DAMAGE
Field Operations Chief Johnny Sabo and Communications and Public Relations Coordinator Monica Corbin of the Florida Forest Service, along with Association Executive Vice President Alan Shelby, spent time in the Panhandle this week with a video journalist from NBC News, touring hurricane-impacted areas and interviewing landowners and others.

In addition, ABC News released a story this week on the delay in federal aid after the hurricane, featuring Association member Philip McMillian of Neal Land & Timber.


"This issue is definitely worthy of national attention," said Shelby. "Our members in the Panhandle have shown extraordinary grit and determination in the aftermath of one of the biggest storms to ever hit our country. But they need help. And the more we can do to bring attention to that, the better."
FORESTRY FORWARD
TOURS NESTLE WATERS
On May 8th, Forestry Forward Class 11 had the opportunity to tour Nestle Waters North America's facility in Lee, FL.

The group visited nearby Madison Blue Springs, saw the pumping facility and walked the floor of the bottling factory.

Many thanks go to Nestle Waters North America and to George Ring for leading the tour, as well as to AgAmerica for sponsoring lunch!


SILVICULTURAL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD: DEADLINE APPROACHING
Nominations for the "Silvicultural Contractor of the Year Award” are being accepted through May 14, 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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