PFLA NEWS UPDATE
May 2020
PFLA News
CEO Update
Like the rest of the province, the PFLA has recently had to adjust to the challenges of COVID-19. However the structure of the PFLA is a flexible one and the transition was relatively easy, thanks to our small but efficient staff and contractor community.  
 
COVID-19 has had unprecedented impacts on your operations, and in some cases, long term impacts on our provincial and federal economies. While continuing to carry out the daily business of the PFLA, we are focused on protecting your rights as private managed forest land owners, at the municipal, provincial and federal government levels. For example we continue to advocate for private land forestry operations as part of the solution to economic stimulation from COVID-19 impacts. 
 
In this time of 'virtual meetings', we look forward to meeting with you at our PFLA Virtual Townhall Meeting June 4, 2020 (4pm-5pm), to provide an update and answer your questions. See details below on how to participate.  
 
Stay well,  
Megan Hanacek
PFLA CEO
PFLA Government Outreach: Log Export Restrictions
PFLA BC logo
The PFLA continues to focus on the interests of PFLA members in its government outreach efforts.
 
The PFLA recently contacted Prime Minister Trudeau with a formal letter to request the lifting of Log Export Restrictions (LERs) and Notice to Exporters (N.102), in order to provide economic support to B.C. private forest land operators affected by COVID-19.    
 
The PFLA's communication to the Prime Minister's office described the restrictions on access to global markets, and skewed export log prices that LER's and N102 create. It also described the reduction in harvesting, employment, government tax revenues and GDP that are consequences of LERs and N102.
 
PFLA members whose businesses are negatively impacted by LERs and N102 are encouraged to contact their local government representatives (federal and provincial) to share their experience and perspective on the implications of these restrictions. Please contact us at info@pfla.bc.ca or 250-642-4300 if you'd like to talk further.  
 
The PFLA Factsheet below provides a description of the many steps (and additional costs) required to export logs from private forest lands in B.C. A full-sized version of this Factsheet is available here on the PFLA website.
 
 
BC Coast Log Exports: The Private Land Perspective
Download this Factsheet   
   
PFLA Virtual Townhall Meeting - June
Join us for a Virtual Townhall Meeting on June 4, 2020, 4pm-5pm. 
 
The goal of this meeting is to provide updates and insights into PFLA government and community outreach, and to identify challenges and opportunities we are all facing.

The PFLA Townhall Meeting will be a GoToMeeting. Download the app beforehand, and be ready when the meeting starts. The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing afterwards behind the PFLA website member sign-in area.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when the meeting starts:
  • Step One: Before the meeting, download the free GoToMeeting app- https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/740073165
     
  • Step Two: On June 4 at 3:55pm, join the meeting by launching your GoToMeeting app. You'll be asked for a password. The password is PFLA2020. The meeting access code is 740-073-165.

    You can use audio on your computer or phone, or can dial in using your phone. Canada: +1 (647) 497-9373 <tel:+16474979373, 740073165> 
COVID-19: Supports for B.C. Businesses
The B.C. Government has released three guidance documents on the provincial approach to gradually and gently easing restrictions focused on maintaining public healthAs you know, B.C.'s approach at the start of the pandemic was to require safe operation of a broad range of services designated as essential services to
protect our health care system and maintain access to key services and
supplies - forest sector included.
 
 
_______________________ 
 
The B.C. Government's list of Supports for Businesses and Individuals in B.C. has also been updated. It is a comprehensive guide to income supports, tax relief and funding for people, businesses and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The list was last updated on May 7, 2020, and is available here.   
 
Open Burning Restrictions
prescribed burning photo 2
Most open burning activities throughout B.C. are now prohibited. Open fire prohibitions came into effect noon on Thursday, April 16, 2020.  

The following activities are prohibited: Category 2 open fires; Category 3 open fires; Resource Management open fires; the use of fireworks; the use of sky lanterns; and the use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description (except when used for a campfire). Restrictions will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified.
 
These prohibitions apply to all public and private land within B.C., unless specified otherwise (e.g., in a local government bylaw). A map of the affected areas is available here.
New Wildfire App
wildfire photo from Bc gov't website
The official BC Wildfire Service mobile app is now available, providing real - time wild- fire information and an interactive map that users can customize to display a variety
of fire related dat a.  It is free to download in the
App Store and Google Play
 
For more details about the BC Wildfire Service mobile app, refer to the online reference guide: http://ow.ly/dZkr30qDdfM  
Reminder of Annual Dues
A gentle reminder that PFLA Annual Membership fees for 2020 are now due. Don't hesitate to contact us if did not receive a mailed copy of your invoice, or have questions about your dues.
Phone: 250-642-4300  
 
And a gracious thank you to those who have already paid. The PFLA annual conference, government outreach, website, and education on the benefits of private forest land management, would not be possible without the support of members. 
Contact Us
PFLA BC logo


Private Forest Landowners Association 
PO Box 764 STN A, Nanaimo BC, V9R 5M2  
Tel: 250-642-4300  Toll Free: 1-888-994-8518
Email:  info@pfla.bc.ca
Online: www.pfla.bc.ca
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