FORESTRY 411
COMMISSIONER FRIED RELEASES FDACS & BIDEN ADMINSITRATION PARTNERSHIP PLAN
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried has released the FDACS Biden-Harris Administration Partnership Plan: Keeping Florida America Growing, a state-federal partnership plan.

The plan outlines areas of future collaboration between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the White House, and federal agencies including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and others.

The 30-page plan, developed by the FDACS Office of Federal Affairs and Office of Strategic Initiatives with input from the department’s 19 divisions, details various state and federal policies that would promote Florida’s farmers and American-grown crops, address climate change, improve water quality and conservation, modernize cannabis policy, advance renewable energy and energy efficiency, help children and families access nutrition and fight hunger, strengthen rural communities, protect consumers from fraud, expand voting rights, and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion across government and society.
AN INTRODUCTION FROM CONGRESSWOMAN KAT CAMMACK
This Congress, I'm proud to serve as the U.S. Representative from Florida's Third Congressional District, working hard for the farmers and ranchers in my district and across the state. I grew up on a small cattle ranch in Colorado and understand the importance of agriculture to our state's economy, which passed tourism in 2020 as the state's number one economic driver.

As the only Florida Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, I'll be a strong advocate for Florida's timber farmers, striving to support the hardworking men and women who make this industry so special. Never hesitate to reach out to me or my team when we can be of assistance to you and your colleagues. Stay up to date with us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or reach out to me and my team on our website.
SWCS STUDENT LEADER PROJECT INTERN OPPORTUNITY
The Soil and Water Conservation Society, in partnership with the Association of Retired Conservation Service Employees, is looking for an intern to assist in the operations and logistics of the 76th SWCS International Annual Conference and development of a nonprofit program. Intern tasks may include resource creation and design, communications support, market research, Website, Facebook and other media editing, logistical support for executing an annual conference, assisting with various administrative tasks, and more.

The intern will gain professional work experience, interact with national leaders in agriculture and natural resource conservation, and learn about the operations of an international nonprofit. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will participate in the virtual 76th SWCS International Annual Conference and experience a professional conference as both an organizer and participant.

The application deadline is March 5, 2021. Please share the attached Internship Announcement with those who may be interested. Intern must have the ability and equipment to work virtually.
2020 COSTS & TRENDS OF SOUTHERN FORESTRY PRACTICES SURVEY
If you own forestland in southern states, please help improve information for forest landowners by participating in the 2020 Costs and Trends of Southern Forestry Practices Survey. The responses from this survey are important in shaping the narrative of forestry practices in the south and influencing policy decisions that affect private forest landowners. 

USDA UPDATES PROGRAM GUIDE TO AVAILABLE FUNDING
It can be difficult to navigate the wide range of USDA resources and stay up to date with program changes after each Farm Bill.

Thanks to the newly updated Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities, producers, researchers, nonprofits, and landowners can easily find USDA programs that can help them achieve their goals.

2021 WOMAN LANDOWNER WORKSHOPS
Women landowners are invited to a series of workshops to equip them with resources, knowledge, and confidence to be engaged in land management. Topics will include land management necessities, harvesting basics, reforestation techniques, and more.

HURRICANE MICHAEL EFRP APPLICATIONS DEADLINE APPROACHING
Registration for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), available to forest landowners who suffered damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018, has been re-opened until March 11, 2021. To register for EFRP, contact your local Farm Service Agency.


Applications are also still being accepted for the Timber Recovery Block Grant Program as funds allow.

Register here to begin the application process. For questions about the registration or application process call the Florida Department of Emergency Management hotline at 850.270.8317.  

USDA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS AND AG PRODUCERS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE SALLY DEADLINE APPROACHING
Farmers and forest landowners in four Florida Panhandle counties can begin applying for additional Hurricane Sally assistance through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Enrollment for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) runs through March 4, 2021.

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.
 
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY 17, 2021
10 AM EST
Executive Committee Meeting
Zoom

FEBRUARY 27, 2021
8 AM-12 PM EST
Master Logger CLE Training
Zoom

MARCH 10, 2021
10 AM EST
Board Meeting
Zoom

MAY 5, 2021
10 AM EDT
Executive Committee Meeting
Location TBA

MAY 12, 2021
11:30 AM
Membership Meeting
Hal Y. Maines Community Center
Lake Butler, FL

MAY 13, 2021
8 AM-12 PM EDT
Master Logger CLE Training
Zoom

JULY 15, 2021
8 AM-12 PM EDT
Master Logger CLE Training
Zoom

JULY 29-30, 2021
Master Logger 2-Day Training
Lake City, FL

AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
Annual Meeting
Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort
Panama City Beach, FL

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
4-5 PM CDT
Board Meeting
Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort
Panama City Beach, FL
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