FORESTRY 411
DATES HAVE CHANGED!
H-2B AND OTHER TEMPORARY WORKER VISAS SUSPENDED
This week President Donald Trump signed a proclamation suspending the issuance of new non-immigrant, temporary work visas, including those for H-2B seasonal workers in the forestry sector. Workers with visas on June 24 are exempt and can renew or transfer their visas at any time whether they are inside or outside of the U.S.

According to an analysis by the Forest Resources Association (FRA), the proclamation includes authority for the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to grant exemptions for workers deemed essential to economic recovery, although it does not define criteria for such a determination. The two Secretaries and the Secretary of Labor will review the Proclamation within the next 30 days and then every 60 days thereafter.

The Association has joined with FRA and other forestry organizations in requesting a national interest exemption for forestry-related work.

WOTUS UPDATE
The recent revision of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition became effective this week. Among other things, the revision corrects an over-expansion of the jurisdiction of the EPA's Clean Water Act over private forestry operations.

The revision is currently subject to 11 judicial challenges in ten different federal courts. We will keep you posted on the outcomes.
USMCA
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will go into force on July 1, 2020. It replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). USMCA provides updates and significant changes to some NAFTA provisions.
 
According to our colleagues at the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), USMCA represents mostly positive outcomes for the US pulp and paper sector. The agreement preserves duty-free trade in North America; raises standards with transparent, science-based regulatory practices; and commits the Parties to sustainable forest management and to combat illegal logging and associated trade. However, USMCA pares back investor protections contrary to the objective of a wide range of U.S. businesses, including AF&PA. 

MASTER LOGGER CLE COURSE JULY 16 WILL BE VIRTUAL!
The FL-SIC and the Florida Forestry Association have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 proceedings. Due to the current status, we will be hosting the July 16th Master Logger Continuing Logger Education course virtually using Zoom instead of hosting a traditional in-person class.  The course will run from 8 AM-12 PM EDT.

Participants must have access to a computer, attend the entire session, and pay any necessary registration fees with the Association to receive credit.

If you have already registered with the Association for this class, simply sign up on Zoom here to participate in the virtual class.

If you have already registered with the Association for this class but would like to cancel, please contact  Krista@FLForestry.org  for a refund or to reschedule.

If you have not already registered with the Association for this class and would like to do so, please contact  Krista@FLForestry.org.

More information will be forthcoming on the class once you have signed up on Zoom.  Thank you for your flexibility. We look forward to seeing everyone online!
FSA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
Forest landowners can become more involved with their local Farm Service Agency office by running for County Committee. Nominations are currently being accepted through August 1, 2020. Elections will take place beginning in November 2020.

Members of the County Committees will meet to advise the county and state offices on program guidelines and implementation. By serving on your local committee, you can represent forest landowners as important decisions are made about the kinds of programs that will be offered in your area and help ensure that FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.

This opportunity is available to all producers who participate in a Farm Service Agency program like those mentioned above.   Learn more here.  
 
If you are interested in participating and need any assistance, please contact Laura Bosworth, Director of Forestry & Regulatory Affairs, with the Florida Forestry Association at  Laura@FLForestry.org .
AMERICAN FORESTRY CONFERENCE
America’s working forests and forest product industries are poised to play a critical role in fueling the recovery of the U.S. economy – and, once again, fortifying our great nation.

On July 27-30, 2020, join national leaders and experts in forest business, economics, and public policy to gain critical insight into the current state of America’s forestry economy and the outlook for forestry investments.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 30, 2020
10 AM EDT
Executive Committee Meeting
Providence, FL

July 16, 2020
8 AM-12 PM EDT
Master Logger CLE
Online

September 1-3, 2020
Annual Meeting
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Amelia Island, FL

September 2, 2020
4 PM EDT
Board Meeting
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Amelia Island, FL

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