FORESTRY 411
H-2B SUPPLEMENTAL VISAS FOR FY 2022
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have announced an additional 20,000 H-2B visas during the first half of 2022. These visas will be set aside for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or before March 31, 2022.
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S TRUCKING ACTION PLAN
Our partners at the Forest Resources Association report that the Biden-Harris administration has outlined actions to strengthen the trucking workforce. The plan identifies four actions that will take place over the next 90 days.
  • Take steps to reduce barriers to drivers getting CDLs: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will provide over $30 million in funding to help states expedite commercial driver licenses (CDLs).
  • Accelerate the expansion of Registered Apprenticeships:  Implement a national effort to recruit employers interested in developing new Registered Apprenticeship programs and expand existing programs to help put more well-trained drivers on the road in good trucking jobs.
  • Conduct veterans-focused outreach & recruitment: The DOL Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will work with Veterans Service Organizations, Military Service Organizations, unions, industry trucking associations, training providers, and private partners to enable transitioning service members and veterans to attain good jobs in the trucking industry. 
  • Launch joint DOT-DOL Driving Good Jobs initiative: DOT and DOL are launching the joint Driving Good Jobs initiative that will engage drivers, unions, industry, and advocates on how to best implement the research and engagement efforts in the Infrastructure Law.
TEAM SAFE TRUCKING RELEASES LATEST SAFETY SHEETS
Team Safe Trucking has released their latest safety sheets. Topics include Alcohol and Drugs, Driver Condition and Driver Fatigue.

Click on the individual links above to view and/or download each safety sheet.
COMMISSIONER NIKKI FRIED, FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE HIGHLIGHT BENEFITS OF PRESCRIBED FIRE AS WINTER BURNING BEGINS
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Forest Service Assistant Director Johnny Sabo held a press conference at Point Washington State Forest to discuss the importance and benefits of prescribed fire in Florida as winter burning begins.

“Thank you to the entire team at the Florida Forest Service and all our partners, landowners, and certified burners. We are grateful for the work you do to protect our communities and natural resources,” said Commissioner Fried. “Florida knows the power of prescribed fire, and we are committed to continuing a practice that was established by those who came before us and is critical to the future of Florida.”

“It’s important for everyone to know that prescribed fire is the most valuable tool we have to manage Florida’s fire-dependent and fire-prone landscapes,” said Assistant Director Sabo. “Public as well as private partners, like Tall Timbers Research Station and the Florida Forestry Association, have been key to prioritizing this practice that protects Florida’s residents, communities, wildlife habitats and natural resources.”
NAME RECOGNITION: FGC DEDICATES PUBLIC SAFETY SCHOOL TO AVERY AND TWYLA ROBERTS
Reprinted with permission from the Lake City Reporter

The Florida Gateway College Foundation honored the dedication, partnership and commitment of longtime supporters Avery and Twyla Roberts Thursday morning.

The foundation dedicated a school on the FGC Olustee Campus in the name of the husband and wife team during a ceremony with close to 100 people in attendance, including state and local political dignitaries, FGC officials, community business representatives, college students and friends and family members.

The FGC Olustee Campus now serves as home to the Avery and Twyla Roberts School of Public Service...
THE BEST GIFT OF ALL
Christmas came early for Association Office Administrator Krista Harvard and her husband, Staige. Miles Oliver arrived on December 17, making the holidays very merry and memorable for the first-time parents.

Mom, Dad and Baby Miles are all doing well!
LOOKING TO SAVE SOME BUCKS?
Partnering with Outdoor Underwriters, Inc., the Association offers our members special reduced rates for liability insurance for hunting leases and timberland.
 
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BOARD MEETING/CAPITOL VISIT
January 19, 2022
Carriage House @ Goodwood Museum
Tallahassee, FL

AG HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BANQUET
February 15, 2022
State Fairgrounds
Tampa, FL

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
February 16, 2022
State Fairgrounds
Tampa, FL

MASTER LOGGER CLE TRAINING
February 26, 2022
8 AM-12 PM Eastern
Branford, FL
Unsubscribe: Please note that if you unsubscribe to Forestry 411 via the link below, you will be unsubscribed from all of the Association's emails. If you wish to be removed from the Forestry 411 mailing list only, please email your request to Lee Ann Fisch by clicking here.