FORESTRY 411
2021 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS
The state legislative session officially convened on Tuesday, March 2. Association lobbyist Jim Spratt reports that after the opening ceremonies were completed, committees quickly got to work addressing several issues of importance to Association members.
ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP SHARES FORESTRY STORY IN LAKE CITY
Association President Carlton Jones and Executive Vice President Alan Shelby shared the forestry story in Lake City last week with a presentation to the local Rotary Club.

For Jones, who has been a Rotary member for 28 years and has also served as president of that organization, it was a natural match.

“I’m proud to be part of both groups,” Jones said. “I believe we need to be innovative and stay positive, especially in these challenging times..."

"The Florida Forestry Association and Lake City Rotary Club live out that philosophy every day,” he said. “They’re both committed to making things better.”
RAYONIER RELEASES FIRST CARBON REPORT
This week Rayonier Inc. released its first Carbon Report, which details the positive net carbon impact generated by the Company’s forestry operations. 

“As a company whose core business is maintaining healthy ecosystems that support both sustainable forestry and its associated carbon sequestration benefits, we recognize the importance of protecting the climate and our natural environment,” said David Nunes, President and CEO. “Rayonier’s business model provides a natural climate change solution: our trees remove carbon from the atmosphere during their growth cycle, and after harvesting, a significant portion of this carbon remains stored for an extended period of time within downstream wood products. Our inaugural Carbon Report demonstrates the important role that working forests play in fighting climate change.”

FFS LAUNCHES "BE WILDFIRE READY" CAMPAIGN
The Florida Forest Service has launched a wildfire prevention initiative aimed at educating residents impacted by Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle. The “Be Wildfire Ready” campaign is designed to increase the public’s awareness of how they can help prevent and prepare for a wildfire.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, there is still a threat to life, homes and communities – a wildfire threat. More than 2.8 million trees were destroyed during the October 2018 Category 5 storm and much remains on the ground today, ready to burn.

“Our Panhandle communities are part of the wildland-urban interface, areas that are near forests and wooded areas, which increases the wildfire threat,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “It is absolutely critical for residents to be vigilant and educate themselves on wildfire prevention. Together, we can work toward protecting these communities from any further devastation.”


HURRICANE MICHAEL EFRP APPLICATIONS DEADLINE 3.11.21!
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.  

LET'S TALK TURKEY ABOUT REDUCED RATES
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
MARCH 10, 2021
10 AM EST
Board Meeting
Zoom

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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