FORESTRY 411
STATE LEGISLATIVE REPORT

The Florida legislature met last week in continuing preparation for the upcoming session, which begins January 14, 2020.


The Association participated in the "Taste of Florida" legislative reception, hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Farm Bureau on Tuesday, December 10. In addition to educational information about forestry and our branded giveaways, seedlings from Andrews Nursery proved to be a highlight of our exhibit.

Also that day, the Working Forest Partners, a coalition of members of the forestry community, environmental advocacy groups and governmental agencies united in their recognition of the importance of Florida’s working forests, gathered at Goodwood Museum in Tallahassee to discuss issues of mutual importance.


HURRICANE RECOVERY UPDATE
The  U.S. Department of Agriculture  Florida Farm Service Agency State Committee authorized an extension to the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) late filed period. This allows timber producers impacted by Hurricane Michael to apply for assistance under EFRP if the application is received by the new deadline of April 30, 2020 .
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHARTS THE COURSE
The Association's Governmental Relations Committee met recently in Lake City. Chaired by Jimmy Bielling, the committee’s primary function is to recommend the Association’s position and priorities on issues expected to arise and issues to carry forward that affect forestry in Florida. The slate of recommendations will be released pending approval by the Executive Committee.
REPRESENTATIVE JASON SHOAF VISITS FOLEY MILL
Representative Jason Shoaf, R-Perry, and his staff met with senior leader­ship at the Foley Cellulose mill on December 2, 2019. Fatima Perez, Koch Regional Manager of Government Affairs, joined Representative Shoaf for the visit.

The agenda and discussion focused on the economic impacts of forestry in Taylor County, cellulose production, and an update on the Fenholloway Water Quality Project. Afterwards, Scott Barton provided the group an in-depth tour of mill facilities and answered questions about the facility, operations and the industry.

“I appreciate the opportunity that Georgia Pacific provides our families in North Florida,” said Rep. Shoaf. “They are investing millions of dollars into our local economy and working hard to improve the environment. I look forward to helping them continue to provide good jobs for many years to come.”

To share news of legislative visits to your company or property, please email information and photos to LeeAnn@ForestFla.org .

*Photo courtesy of Georgia-Pacific
STATE FORESTERS HONOR KEY LAWMAKERS BEHIND DISASTER RELIEF FOR FORESTLAND OWNERS
The National Association of State Foresters presented Senator Marco Rubio (top photo) and Representative Neal Dunn of Florida with 2019 Bernard L. Orell Awards, commemorating their leadership in achieving—for the first time—insurance for timber losses as a result of natural disasters.

MEMBERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Association Past President Lynetta Usher Griner was recognized by Florida Trend as one of its " 11 Florida Women in Leadership Roles."

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL & GRADUATION
Association Executive Vice President Alan Shelby recently attended the dedication of the wildland firefighter memorial to honor Florida’s fallen wildland firefighters.

Four wildland firefighters who gave their lives in the line-of-duty were added to the memorial: Scott J. Maness and Beau W. Sauselein –  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ; Robert D. Tabor –  Rayonier ; and Randy R. Henderson –  U.S. Forest Service .
Following the dedication, there was a graduation ceremony to celebrate the newest Florida Certified Wildland Firefighters. The 29 graduates completed over 570 hours of intensive training.

"Attending these two ceremonies was a very humbling experience," said Shelby. "The brave men and women who risk their lives in service as wildland firefighters deserve our utmost respect and gratitude."

*Photos courtesy of the Florida Forest Service
CABINET RECOGNIZES FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE'S WAYNE RUSHING

The Florida Cabinet has honored Roy “Wayne” Rushing, Jr. of the Florida Forest Service with the Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding leadership and dedication to protecting Florida’s natural resources.


*Photo courtesy of the Florida Forest Service
GROUNDBREAKING OF NORTH FLORIDA MEGA INDUSTRIAL PARK RAIL SPUR
Association EVP Alan Shelby was on hand as dozens of business and economic development leaders, site selectors, and elected officials celebrated the groundbreaking of a new rail spur segment at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park in Lake City.

Pictured from left: Alan Shelby, Greg Galpin (Weyerhaeuser), Jessica Norfleet (Congressman Ted Yoho's office), and Jimmy Bielling (Bielling Site Prep & Reforestation)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 9, 2020
10 AM
Executive Committee Meeting
Association Office
Tallahassee, FL

January 14, 2020
Legislative Session Begins

January 23, 2020
10 AM
Eyster Auditorium
Florida Forest Service
3125 Conner Blvd,
Tallahassee, FL 

March 4, 2020
11:30 AM
Membership Meeting
Lake Butler Community Center
Lake Butler, FL

March 18, 2020
11:30 AM
Membership Meeting
Coastal Plywood Company's Magnolia Lodge
Quincy, FL


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