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PINES AND NEEDLESPINES AND NEEDLES
www . F l o r i d a F o r e s t . o r g
Summer 2016 Volume 71, Issue 2
FEDERAL LEGISATIVE UPDATESupport H-2B ProvisionsOur partners at the Forest Resources Association (FRA) report that the congressional appropriations process is reaching a critical stage:
The H-2B visa program enables guestworkers, mostly from Central America and Mexico, to enter the U.S. for several months of the year for manual treeplanting work. Experience for several decades has established that U.S. workers are not interested in this work.
Although we expect most of the improvements to the program contained in last year’s Appropriations bill to be renewed in the FY 2017 Appropriations bill, one important provision will need a special push if it is to be renewed: the exemption from the 66,000-worker annual cap for returning H-2B workers. “Returning workers,” as defined in last year’s Appropriations bill, are workers who have entered the U.S. on an H-2B visa in any of the past three years and have already undergone the program’s rigorous screening process.
Without this provision, we may lose the returning-worker exemption. We may also lose the right to use private surveys to determine H-2B worker regional wage levels. These provisions are crucial for reforestation contractors who use H-2B workers.
Timber Innovation ActSenate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Stabenow, along with Sens. Crapo, Klobuchar, Daines and Cantwell, has introduced the Timber Innovation Act (S. 2892), a bill designed to further the research and technology for tall wood buildings and provide grants and technical assistance to builders, architects, governments and private sector partners to support building taller with wood.
The bill would:• Establish performance driven research and development program for advancing tall wood building construction in the United States;• Authorize the Tall Wood Building Prize Competition through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) annually for the next five years;• Create federal grants to support state, local, university and private sector education, outreach, research and development, including education and assistance for architects and builders, that will accelerate the use of wood in tall buildings; and• Authorize technical assistance for USDA, in cooperation with state
foresters and state extension directors (or equivalent state officials), to implement a program of education and technical assistance for mass timber applications.
NATIONAL LOGGER OF THE YEAR: M. A. RIGONI, INC. M. A. Rigoni, Inc., has been named National Outstanding Logger of the Year by the Forest Resources Association (FRA). The award recognizes its winners for outstanding performance in a variety of categories, ranging from years of service, professionalism, involvement in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s Master Logger program and engagement in state and national issues, among others.
To make it to the national competition, the company first won on state and regional levels. The state award was presented in August 2015 at the Florida Forestry Association’s Annual Meeting in Panama City Beach, FL; the regional award in March 2016 at an FRA meeting in Gainesville, FL.
The Perry-based logging company, represented by owners Gary Brett and Rodney Schwab, was recognized for their national win at the FRA Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs, CO, in May 2016.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE!Do you feel the need for speed? Then join us on the fast track for our Accelerated Membership Drive!
Sign up new members between June 15 and August 1, 2016, and earn your chance for a place in the winner’s circle! For each $100 in new member dues that you successfully recruit, your name will be included in a drawing for your choice of a complimentary registration to our 2016 Annual Meeting, two free room nights at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort during the meeting OR a $250 gift card!
Also, when you sign up five new members in any category, you will receive an exclusive Yeti tumbler with the Association’s logo.
Membership applications can be found on the Association website (www.FloridaForest.org). Please put your name on the “Recommend-ed for Membership” line so we know who gets the thanks! You may also contact Debbie Bryant (850.222.5646 or [email protected]) to request a new member dues invoice be sent to your membership prospect(s); she will make sure you get credit for the recruitment(s)!
With your help, your Association can cross the finish line in style!
2016 Annual Meeting
Details Inside
Gary Brett and Rodney Schwab
Working Forests CaucusThe newly created Working Forests Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members of the U.S. House of Representatives who seek to promote the economic, environmental and social benefits of private timberlands that comprise 74% of all working forests in the United States.
The Working Forests Caucus will provide a forum for members and their staffs to discuss the unique impacts that federal policies have on private working forests in the U.S. The Caucus plans to help facilitate discussions about the issues important to the sustainability of working forests, includ-ing the long-term economic investment required to maintain forests in a healthy and productive condition; the critical role of markets to keep-ing working forests from being converted to other economic uses; and the environmental and social benefits that working forests provide to citizens and communities across the country.
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www . F l o r i d a F o r e s t . o r g
SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECAST The Florida Forest Service reports that a pheromone trap survey was conducted in March 2016 as part of an ongoing program to monitor the populations of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and its associated predators. The purpose is to provide an early-season prediction of the potential level of SPB activity in select Florida counties and identify areas that may be at increased risk for an outbreak.
The 2016 survey results suggest that SPB activity will remain low at all but one trap location in the 26 counties surveyed across Northern and Central Florida. Both the total number of SPB/trap/day and the percent-age of SPB remained static from 2015 in a majority of counties surveyed. This suggests that the generally low levels of SPB activity that the state has experienced since 2003 will continue.
Putnam is the one county in which the trap results predicted moderate SPB activity. Putnam County was shown to have a modest increase in amount of trapped SPB per day and has already experienced SPB activ-ity for 2016. Additionally, there were four southern pine beetle infesta-tions located within Putnam County last year, the highest amount of SPB infestations per county for 2015. The Forest Health section will continue to monitor Putnam County and the Northeastern Florida region closely throughout the season for any possible developments.
Low/Static SPB predictions do not guarantee that troublesome infesta-tions will not develop on a local or limited basis in some counties. Activ-ity predictions are likely to be more accurate for the 5-mile radius region around each trap than for the county as a whole. Given the limitations of the forecast, the recent drought and/or flooding experienced by some areas in the state, and the potential for environmental conditions to change after the survey, areas of suspicious pine mortality should be promptly inspected for evidence of SPB in the coming months.
Sign-up for FFS’s SPB Assistance and Prevention Program is open until July 29, 2016. The program offers partial cost reimbursement or incen-tive payments for:
• first pulpwood thinning
• prescribed burning
• planting longleaf and/or slash pine
• mechanical underbrush treatments
For more information, contact your local county forester. You can find your forester’s contact information under the Resources tab on our website (www.FloridaForest.org).
TIMBER THEFT TASK FORCEMembers of the Association recently worked with the Florida Forest Service (FFS) to review the state’s timber theft system. After review and study, the task force did not see a need to change any of Florida’s timber theft laws. Instead, they created a guide to assist timberland owners in preventing timber theft and also in managing their forests. The guide is now featured on the Florida Forest Service web site.
We want to give a special thanks to Michael Dooner and the task force members, including FFS’s Jim Karels, Sherman Wilhelm, and Brad Ellis for their contributions to the Timber Theft Task Force and the posting of the Landowner’s Guide on the FFS web site.
SAVE ON HUNTING LEASE INSURANCEPartnering with Outdoor Underwriters, Inc., FFA offers reduced insurance rates for hunting leases. For details, visit the Association’s website at www.FloridaForest.org or contact Mike Branch (850.222.5646 or [email protected]). Liability and fire insurance are also available.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW MANUALS The Association’s Environmental Law Manual has been transformed!
By going digital, we have created a system that automatically updates itself. It is much more efficient and easier to maintain, and it is now free and accessible to everyone!
Rules and regulations previously referenced in our printed manual are now on our website (www.FloridaForest.org), under the Resources tab at the top of any page.
If you have any questions, please contact Mike Branch (850.222.5646 or [email protected]).
FLORIDA FORESTS TEACHERS’ TOURThe 2016 Florida Forests Teachers’ Tour (FFTT) is an annual event that gives the forest industry the opportunity to tell forestry’s story to edu-cators from around the state. Teachers take back the information and insights they learn in this four-day hands-on experience and incorporate them into their curriculum during the school year. This year’s tour will be held June 21-24, based in Fernandina Beach, FL.
Sponsors are vital to the success of this program! Each $500 sponsorship allows one teacher to participate at no cost to him/herself beyond travel to and from Fernandina.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this important event possible:
Ann Hutchinson Duff, Callahan Timber Co, LLC, Coastal Plywood Company, Cochran Forest Products, Dave Norton and Diann Douglas, Florida Chapter Association of Consulting Foresters, Florida Division Society of American Foresters, Florida Forest Service, Forest Invest-ment Associates, Four Rivers Land & Timber, Georgia-Pacific WFS LLC, Greg and Martina Driskell, Mike Gaff, Packaging Corporation of America, Phillip Allen, Rayonier Advanced Materials, Rayonier Community Fund, Rex Lumber, Register Family Partnership, Southeastern Society of American Foresters, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, WestRock, West Fraser Whitehouse Lumber Mill, West Fraser-McDavid Lumber Mill and Weyerhaeuser.
YOU’RE INVITED!Longtime Association member, supporter and friend Harold Mikell will soon be celebrating his 90th birthday, and you are invited to celebrate with him!
The party will be held at the Austin Cary Learning Center in Gainesville, FL, on July 23, 2016, from 1 – 3:30 PM. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Please text, call or email his daughter Patti (850.545.8887 or [email protected]) to RSVP. No presents, please -- your presence is the best gift of all!
SUSTAINABLE FORESTER AWARDAudubon Florida is seeking nominations for its Sustainable Forester Award, which will be presented at FFA’s annual meeting:
Criteria: Florida Based Forester, Forestry Family or Forestry Business, with demonstrated improvements in bird and wildlife habitat and water resources through forest management practices.
Easy Nomination: Letter with photographs and supportive documen-tation of sites managed and improved results. Please include contact information for nominated forester and nominator. Supportive letters appreciated but not necessary. *Please limit to five pages or less.
Send to: Eric Draper, [email protected], Executive Director Audubon Florida
Deadline: July 31, 2016
Selection committee: Florida Forestry Association and Audubon Florida
For more information, please contact Jonathan Webber at 850-999-1030.
Seeking Nominations for Audubon Florida’s
FLORIDA
www . F l o r i d a F o r e s t . o r g
SCHEDULE Tuesday, August 30, 2016
10:00 AM–5:30 PM Trade Show Set-Up 1:00 PM–6:00 PM Registration Desk Opens 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Forestry Council Meeting 3:00 PM–5:00 PM Forestry Forward Tour (Tentative) 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Registrant Reception/Exhibitor Meet & Greet
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
6:30 AM–6:00 PM Registration Desk Opens 6:30 AM–8:00 AM Early Bird Coffee 6:30 AM–9:00 AM Trade Show Set-Up 6:45 AM–7:45 AM Tee-Time Coffee & Golf Registration 8:00 AM–Finish Golf Tournament Shotgun Start 9:00 AM–7:00 PM Trade Show and Silent Auction Open 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Roundtable Discussions: Alan Wilson – Tips for a Successful Pine Stand Pat Minogue – Insights into Site Preparation 12:00 PM–2:00 PM Lunch on your own 12:00 PM–2:00 PM UF SFRC Alumni Lunch 2:00 PM–4:00 PM General Sessions: Pete Stewart – Forestry Forecast for the Southeast Jeff Vowell & Scott Sanders – Wildlife BMPs Mark Holder – Railroad Crossings 4:00 PM–5:00 PM Board Meeting 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Welcome Reception/Exhibitor Meet & Greet 9:00 PM–12:00 AM Karaoke
Thursday, September 1, 2016
6:45 AM–12:00 PM Registration Desk Open 6:45 AM–7:45 AM Early Bird Coffee 8:00 AM–10:00 AM Awards Breakfast10:00 AM–4:00 PM Trade Show Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Silent Auction Open10:15 AM–11:15 AM General Session: Tyson Johnson – Affordable Care Act Today 11:30 AM–1:00 PM Lunch on your own11:30 AM–1:00 PM Master Logger Luncheon:* Jimmie Locklear – Team Safe Truck 1:15 PM–2:15 PM General Session: Ethan Pardue – Power Line Safety 2:30 PM–4:00 PM Trade Show Social 5:00 PM–6:00 PM President’s Reception and Silent Auction final bidding6:00 PM–8:00 PM President’s Dinner 8:00 PM–9:00 PM Auction Item Pickup & Trade Show Teardown *THE MASTER LOGGER LUNCH IS OPEN TO EVERYONE. HOWEVER, ONLY MASTER LOGGERS REGISTERED FOR THE FULL MEETING MAY ATTEND AT NO CHARGE. OTHERS WISHING TO ATTEND MUST PURCHASE A TICKET BY AUGUST 15, 2016.
HOTEL INFORMATION Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort39 Beach Lagoon RoadAmelia Island, FL 32034
Reservations: 1.888.261.6161Group Name: Florida Forestry AssociationReservations may also be made online. Please visit the Annual Meeting tab on our website (www.FloridaForest.org).
Rate: $129 + $7 resort fee Reserve now! The room block is filling up quickly!
TIMBER TOPPERS GOLF CLASSICAll the golfers will be happy to hear that the 2016 Timber Toppers Golf Classic will be played on the fabulous Oceans Links course! Join your associates for a day of play and net-working that you will not soon forget.
Tee-time is 8 AM on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. Golf is open to all Association members and guests. Meeting registration is not required to play in the Classic; however, for logistical reasons, all golfers must register to play in the tournament. So register today to reserve your space on the course!
2016 ANNUAL MEETINGAUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2016OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORTJoin your friends and business associates at the beautiful Omni Amelia Is-land Plantation Resort for three days of networking, learning and celebrat-ing another year in the amazing forest industry! The majestic Atlantic Ocean pairs with Florida’s beautiful forests to serve as the backdrop for this exciting event.
The state’s largest forestry trade show is held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting, featuring exhibits by the industry’s cutting edge equipment and service providers. Don’t be left behind – schedule time to meet with all the representatives to find out the latest and greatest developments for forestry professionals in today’s marketplace!
This year also commemorates the 30th anniversary of our Silent Auction! We are expanding our base of donors for this “Diamond and Pearls” event. You will be the envy of your friends and associates when you walk away with the top bid on any item in our slate of auction offerings!
The schedule below outlines all the events as well as our session topics and speakers. A registration form is available under the Annual Meeting tab on our website (www.FloridaForest.org) or by calling the Association office (850.222.5646).
Register now for the best rates!
BronzeAkerman LLPAmerican Forest Management, Inc.ArborGen Inc.F&W Forestry Services, Inc.F4 TechFincher Timber CompanyFulghum Fibres, Inc. Gainesville Renewable Energy CenterGeorgia-Pacific WFS LLCGuest Forestry ServicesInternational PaperKlausner Lumber One, LLCNature Coast Timber, LLCNeal Land & TimberOutdoor Underwriters, Inc.Packaging Corporation of AmericaRayonierRing Power CorporationThe Lyme Timber Company Thompson Tractor Company, Inc.Timber Mart-SouthWest Fraser, Inc.WestRock
Friend of ForestryBielling Site Prep & ReforestationBioResource Management, Inc.Callahan Timber Co, LLC Coastal Plywood CompanyCochran Forest ProductsCrop Production ServicesEnviva Pellets Cottondale, LLCFlorida Farm Bureau FederationFlorida Forest ServiceForest Investment AssociatesGreat South Timber & Lumber, LLCHancock BankLand & Timber Management, Inc.M. A. Rigoni, Inc.Miami CorporationOldcastle Lawn & GardenPinova, Inc.Pritchett Trucking, Inc.Resource Management ServiceRobbins Forestry, Inc.Southeastern Wood Producers AssociationSuperior Trees, Inc.The Hutson Companies & Elkton GreenThe Langdale CompanyUsher Land & Timber, Inc.Van Aernam Timber Management, Inc.
Patron A. W. Powers Forestry, Inc.BayerBrady Squires, CFP • Merrill LynchCitrus Mining & Timber, Inc. • Hollinswood RanchCooper Marine & Timberlands CorporationDow AgroSciencesDwight Stansel Farm & NurseryElwood GeigerFlint River TimberFord PropertiesFlorida Tree Farm ProgramGator Timber & Land, L.L.C.Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)John A. Cruce Jr., Inc.Jowett & Wood, Inc. Consulting ForestersKnight Farm, LLCLoncala, IncorporatedMulch Manufacturing, Inc.Roberts Land & Timber Investment CorporationSchool of Forest Resources & Conservation, UF/IFASSkipper HendersonSt. Joe Timberland CompanyStoutamire-Pavlik & Associates, Inc.The Forestland GroupWhitfield Timber CompanyWilliams Brothers Trucking, Inc.
SilverRex Lumber Weyerhaeuser
SPONSORSPlatinum
Gold
*sponsors as of 6/17/16
&
&
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These advertisers make this publication possible. Please support Pines & Needles by doing business with them!
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Alachua, FL 386-518-6344
Marianna, FL850-526-5110
www.AmericanForestManagement.com
Creating a Legacy Growing Your Future Since 1974!
NRPS Divisions: LEGACY FORESTRY SERVICES LEGACY WILDLIFE SERVICES LEGACY APPRAISAL SERVICES LEGACY ARBORIST SERVICES LEGACY REALTY SERVICES
Offices: Lake City (386) 438-5896 High Springs (386) 454-1124 San Antonio (352) 588-2580 www.NRPSfor est ers. com
Daniel Fussell Panama City 352.221.5560
flagcu.com
[email protected] (800) 458-3524 (850) 488-67813115 Conner Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32311
NOT ALL SEEDLINGS ARE CREATED EQUAL.
VISIT US ONLINE
INTERNATIONALFOREST.CO/PINES
www.ffbic.com
Earl Bacon AgencyInsurance • BondsJohn R. Nylen, Jr.
Account Executive
P.O. Box 12039 • Independent Insurance Agent3131 Lonnbladh Road • Professional Insurance AgentTallahassee, FL 32308 Business Phone: (850) 878-21211-800-369-0161 Fax: (850) 877-6396LUMBER • TRUSSES • WOOD PRODUCTS MFG. • SAW MILLS
South Eastern Timber Corp.
We buy hardwood logs for manufacture of timber mats
2939 E. Hartsock Sawmill Rd. Ph: 954-752-3800 Lady Lake, FL 32159 Fax: 954-340-5596www.crane-mats.com [email protected]
Formerly Known as Hartsock Sawmill
FARM CREDITProviding Foresters Credit For:
• Operating Expenses• Equipment Purchase/Lease
• Land Acquisition• Other Related Needs
www.FarmCreditFlorida.com1-866-824-5626
Silviculture Contractors DONALD ROBBINS 5299 Leo Barber Road Manor, Georgia 31550 E-mail [email protected]
Office/Home (912)285-4736 Mobile (912)337-7231 Mobile (912)337-7232
Fax (912)285-7224
Great South Timber and Lumber, LLCPhone: 386-755-3046Fax: 386-755-3048
PO Box 2249Lake City FL 32056
TIMBER PURCHASESLAND CLEARING (CHIPPING)MULCHING MOWING
M. A. RIGONI, INC.2365 NORTH US 19 • PERRY, FL 32347
Office 850-584-7030GARY A. [email protected]
MEEKS’ FARMS& NURSERY, Inc.187 Flanders Rd. • Kite, GA 31049
Deep Plug Container Pine SeedlingsImproved Longleaf, Advanced Generation Slash & Loblolly
Hardwoods & Seedlings Grown on ContractMICKEY PARKERPensacola, [email protected]
Office 850-476-4815Cell 850-572-3932
Blanton’sLONGLEAF CONTAINER NURSERY
MADISON - FLORIDAWe specialize in Top Quality Containerized Improved & Natural
Stand Longleaf / Improved Generation Slash & Loblolly /Hardwood Seedlings for Timber & Wildlife / Contract Growing
C.J. (Jay) Blanton III (Cell 850-566-1884) 1091 NE Daylily AveJason M. Blanton (Cell 850-566-7175) Madison, FL 32340
C.J. Blanton Jr. (Cell 850-673-7421) Phone/Fax 850-973-2967
Michael J. DoonerCertified Forester305 W. Shotwell St.Bainbridge, GA 39819229.246.5785850.567.2800 [email protected]
David S. Lewis, ACFCertified Forester
2897 S. Jefferson St.Monticello, FL 32344
850.997.6254850.510.0396 Cell
www.soforest.com
MariannaDan Brymer850.482.1834Lake CityJim Tilton386.972.3021
CrestviewBlayne Newsome
850.728.7300Clewiston
Donald Blanton863.514.6851
Formerly Hercules Inc.Florida Lighter Wood Stump Foresters
Serving the Forest Products Industry for over 30 years Office 850-997-2533
Ric Stoutamire [email protected] Cell 850-251-5704
Ryan Pavlik [email protected]
Cell 352-804-3374Representing BITCO Insurance Companies
P.O. Box 5014 Callahan, FL 32011-5014
Ralph Spencer PRESIDENT
(904) 879-2180Fax (904) 879-2283
e-mail: [email protected] • web page: www.mulchmfg.com
Mulch Manufacturing, Inc.
P.O. Box 5700 Ocala, Florida 34478-5700
Pat Duane
Phone: 352-867-8018 Fax: 352-867-5311
Timberland Investment • Tmberland Acquisition • Timberland Sales
SUPERIOR TREES, INC.Phone (850) 971-5159 P.O. Drawer 9400 Fax (850) 971-5416 Lee, FL 32059
BAREROOT SEEDLINGS for reforestation, mitigation, wind-breaks, wildlife management & Christmas tree stock.
Genetically & Morphologically improved pine seedlings, Rust Resistant Slash & Loblolly pine seed sources. Longleaf pine bareroot & tublings. Redcedar, Cypress, many native shrubs & hardwood species.
LARGER PLANTS available in 1-30g containers. Native trees, shrubs, palms, wildflowers, vines & native grasses.
CONTRACT GROWING SERVICES AVAILABLE.
Gainesville • Jacksonville • Ocala • PerryLake City • St. Augustine • Tallahassee
Charlie Usina 850-509-4162
FORESTRY EQUIPMENT, PARTS & SERVICE
Timber Price Reporting Service
Email: [email protected]: 706-542-4756
Athens GA 30602 USA
www.TimberMart-South.com
ACREAGE . INVESTMENT . TIMBERProperties Across Florida
www.SwiftCreekRealty.net • (800) 833-0499Amber Roberts-Crawford
Austen RobertsOffice Locations: Lake City,
Lake Butler & Gainesville
GEORGE “CUB” SMITHAREA MANAGER
WAYCROSS WAREHOUSE2910 Fulford Road
Waycross, GA 31503
AMERICUS WAREHOUSE884 US Hwy 280 EastAmericus, GA 31709
(904) 463-8352 | [email protected] | www.rrsi.com
GEORGE “CUB” SMITH
3.5” x 2”
Steve SmithFinancial Advisor.
330 S W Main BlvdLake City, FL 32025386-758-6888
3.5” x 2”
Steve SmithFinancial Advisor.
330 S W Main BlvdLake City, FL 32025386-758-6888
“Working Together We Make a Difference”
ut of the WoodsARE YOU PAYING MORE THAN YOU SHOULD
FOR GOODS AND SERVICES?
Master Logger Continuing Education No Charge for Members
Major Discounts on Primex Forestry Tires and Baldwin Filters
SWPA INC.| www.swpa.ag Exec. Director: Tommy CarrollPO Box 9 Hilliard, FL 32046 Mobile: 478-952-2809 Phone: 904-845-7133 Fax: 904-845-7345 Email: [email protected]
BUCKEYE NURSERY, INC.CLINTON KEEN, President / GM
Slash / Loblolly Seedlings ~ Site Prep ~ Perennial Peanut Hay
850-838-2680 CELL: [email protected] FAX: 850-838-2681
www.buckeyenurseryinc.com
“The South’s Favorite Seedlings”
