FORESTRY 411
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Association lobbyist Jim Spratt reports that bills are already beginning to move through the process as the legislature begins its third committee week in advance of its general session in March.
CAMMACK ASSIGNED TO AG AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEES
Representative Kat Cammack has received her freshman committee assignments in the U.S House: Agriculture and Homeland Security.

A HIGHER PRICE OR THE HIGHEST PRICE? INSIDE THE FOREST CARBON MARKET
In January of 2020, Microsoft committed to invest $1 billion over the next four years as part of their Climate Innovation Fund. On June 23, 2020, Amazon commenced its $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund to further endeavors to become net zero by 2040. And on July 21, 2020, Apple committed to become 100% carbon neutral – across its entire business, supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030. 

These commitments and investments along with those of other corporates have created an important source of demand and funding for forest carbon. While much of this capital will be used and has already been used for other carbon removal strategies and technologies, a significant portion of it has been and should continue to be available for forest carbon.
FOREST CARBON: MATURING MARKETS AND GROWING PAINS
Words and their combinations are so interesting.

Ice is frozen water. Cream is the thick fatty liquid that rises to the top when milk is left to stand. Ice and cream, ice cream, is a delicious dessert, available in over 31 flavors, enjoyed in a cup, on a cone or floating on root beer. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

Forests are large areas covered with trees. Carbon is a nonmetallic chemical (atomic number 6!) found in its impure form in soot and coal. Forest carbon refers to the carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere by trees as they grow. The capturing of forest carbon can either be considered part of a broader climate change mitigation strategy or rather an idealistic institutional and policy-making shell game with few practical applications.
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.

ALC SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR
Upon the announcement of Danny Dructor's retirement, Anderson & Associates was hired to conduct a search for the Executive Director of the American Loggers Council (ALC). The ALC is the only national organization solely dedicated to representing the rights and interests of independent loggers and log truck contractors (members) on a national level.

Click here for a description of the position.


Doug Anderson
EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANT
ANDERSON & ASSOCIATES
704.347.0090 office
704.717.5182 direct
704.577.4126 cell
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SEEKING APPLICANTS
Volusia County is home to a unique and diverse environment, from inviting coastal beaches to dense forests and natural springs. Voters approved the Volusia Forever program in 2020 to fund the acquisition and improvement of environmentally sensitive lands. Volusia County is seeking interested applicants to serve on the Volusia Forever Advisory Committee. 
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.


Land & Ladies is the first forestry consulting business to focus on women landowners in the Southeast. Based in Georgia, and in partnership with Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources/UGA, Georgia Forestry Commission, and others, the company offers opportunities for women to be engaged directly in the management of their land.
REMINDER: HURRICANE MICHAEL EFRP APPLICATIONS RE-OPENED
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.  

REMINDER: USDA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS AND AG PRODUCERS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE SALLY
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
Location TBA

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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