FEDERAL UPDATES

SHELBY SPEAKS TO FLORIDA DELGATION

Association Executive Vice President Alan Shelby participated in a panel discussion hosted by Florida's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., last week.

Among other items of note, he shared the impact that Hurricane Michael has had on the forest industry in the Panhandle and the need for immediate relief. He explained that with the equivalent of 2.5 million log trucks' worth of wood on the ground as a result of the hurricane, debris management is a serious issue for both reforestation efforts and the mitigation of increased wildfire threats. 

He also stressed that local economies depend on the forest industry. Reforestation is needed to ensure the future sustainability of the consuming mills, the local economies and their way of life. 

In addition, he discussed the negative impacts the Chinese retaliatory tariffs are having on forestry exports in the Southeast and noted that the tariffs should be removed.

Fellow panelists were Ag Commissioner Nicki Fried, Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick and Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner.

DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE COMING SOON?

Hope is strong that a disaster relief package will be successfully negotiated and approved by both the US Senate and House of Representatives before the Memorial Day recess begins.

The House has already passed multiple versions of disaster aid, but none has met with broad-based support from the Senate or White House.

However, both sides have now indicated that they are closing in on a deal. It is expected that the Senate would take up the agreed-upon legislation first and then send it to the House.

SOUTHERN PINE LUMBER INCLUDED IN NEW TARIFFS

Southern Pine lumber exports to China will face a 20% import tariff, rising from the current 10%, effective June 1st. Other species as well as OSB and softwood plywood will face a 25% tariff.

Learn more.

 

SUSPENSION OF TRUCK WEIGHTS ENDS

The suspension of truck weights for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting Hurricane Michael damaged timber and other silviculture products has ended.

SILVICULTURAL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD: DEADLINE EXTENDED

Nominations for the "Silvicultural Contractor of the Year Award” are being accepted through May 31, 2019 . The award honors the dedication, hard work and challenges of those individuals whom we depend on for professional silvicultural services.

Learn more.

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.

 

Click here for details  or contact Mike Branch (850.222.5646 or  [email protected] ).

CAREER CENTER:

Available positions throughout the industry are listed in our online Career Center!

LAND STEWARD CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

See what's happening on the Land Steward's Calendar of Events.

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