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June 19, 2024

 

I'd like to focus on several pieces of legislation this week that are important to our industry. Please see the updates below and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.


Have a great week!

H-2B Fix in House DHS Spending Bill

Our industry counterparts were successful in implementing an amendment to the existing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that would direct DHS to release the maximum number of supplemental visas once the visa cap is reached. By changing one word from "may" to "shall", supplemental visas can now be immediately released vs. leaving it to the discretion of the DHS in cooperation with the Department of Labor. This change will expedite the process in learning whether or not you'll receive workers in a timely manner and will reduce uncertainty as businesses are planning out their projects.


Mature and Old Growth Forests Threats Analysis

Recently, the U.S. Forest Service released the final mature and old-growth threats analysis report that addresses threats to old-growth forests on federal lands. The report is in response to the Executive Order issued by President Biden that directed the agency to inventory, identify, and protect mature and old-growth forests on federal lands. The industry is continuously following this issue and will continue to submit comments on this matter as needed.


Farm Bill Framework Released

Last week a framework for the Farm Bill was released, including the Forestry Title, which aims to modernize the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, providing tools for the Forest Service that will improve efficiencies in managing federal forestlands. It also serves to bolster community wood facilities and wood innovation programs to accelerate the use of wood in the built environment. 


EUDR

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and Executive Office of the President sent a letter to the European Commission’s (EC) executive vice president urging the commission to delay the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR). The letter cites several critical challenges for U.S. companies in complying with the regulations by December 30, 2024. These concerns echo those of a letter that FRA endorsed, along with several other associations, and was sent to the EC in April.


Sponsorships Now Open!


This year's annual meeting has several sponsorship opportunities available - please see below! If you are interested in being a sponsor this year, all logos and ads are due to us by August 1.

Secure Your Spot Today!
 

In Case You Missed It...


Last Saturday Josh Bledsoe, NC FFA Association, NCFA Board of Directors, was featured in a forestry education segment, which aired during On Carolina Soil on WNCN-TV 17 and WNCT-TV 9. You can catch two more segments about NC forestry throughout the 9 a.m. newscast on June 22 and 29. Way to go, Josh!

Watch it Now!
 
 
 
Download Flyer

Group Health Plans Available


Earlier this year, NCFA teamed up with Cobbs Allen insurance agency and Blue Cross NC to offer exclusive health plans to our members who operate a forestry-related business and have one common law employee. Click the link below to learn more about available plans and eligibility before enrollment opens this fall.

Visit Website
 
 

Temporary Bridges for Forestry Crossings Program


The NC Forest Service has opened applications for its Temporary Bridges for Forestry Crossings Program. Click the link below for eligibility requirements and instructions to apply! The application deadline is July 31.

Learn More!
 

NCFA Annual Meeting | Sep. 25 & 26


This year's annual meeting theme is Forestry Horizons: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities. Our website has everything you need to plan your trip to Wilmington this fall. Click the link below to check out this year's agenda, learn about important dates, registration, accommodations, sponsorships, and more!

Register by Aug. 25 & Save!

Calling all ProLoggers: 12 Days Left

Don't Miss the June 30 Deadline!

To ensure all certified ProLoggers are up-to-date on recent issues and education, each ProLogger must invest in annual continuing education to remain in good standing. All ProLoggers must complete Module 24 and pay their ProLogger dues ($130) by June 30. You can access Module 24 here - click the link and you'll see a "LOGIN" button in the upper right part of the screen. Click that button and then enter your login details to access the course.


Questions? Contact Mike Powell at

(919) 834-3943 ext. 4.

The education team has just begun its busy season here at the NCFA! With the Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience right around the corner (only about a month away!) and a forestry course to launch this fall, we are hustling behind the scenes to make sure all the pieces are in place to prepare NC educators for success.

This Week...


...you can find us out West at Haywood Community College hosting our very first Professional Development Workshop for teachers who will be teaching the new AN53 Natural Resources II: Forestry course in the 2024-2025 school year.


Next Week...


...you can find us exhibiting at the NC FFA Career Show & Expo at the Raleigh Convention Center, June 25 & 26.

PAC Tickets


If you have sold PAC tickets this year, please return your sold tickets to the NCFA office by September 16 to be entered into our drawing for a cash prize. If you need to pick up PAC tickets, please contact Jill Bite at jbite@ncforestry.org

 

Make a Difference:

Donate to the FFPAC


It's an election year, which means there couldn't be a better time to make a difference with a donation to the Friends of Forestry Political Action Committee (FFPAC). Your support of FFPAC will ensure that NCFA continues to support legislators who will vote in our best interests. If you are interested in donating, please reach out to Jill Bite (jbite@ncforestry.org).

Donate Today!

Employee Retention Credit Opportunity


The NCFA has partnered with Delta ERC to help members take advantage of the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) – a refundable tax credit for businesses and tax-exempt organizations. You are eligible if you kept 5-500 people employed throughout the pandemic.


Delta ERC is available to guide you through the application process. For more information, click the button below.

Click Here

Account Login

Renew with Us

Discount Codes


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