FORESTRY 411
2020 ANNUAL MEETING & TRADE SHOW
The Association's 2020 Annual Meeting was held September 1-3 at the beautiful Omni Amelia Island Resort. A slate of outstanding speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, silent auction donors, and attendees combined to make this year's event a true success!


Much appreciation goes to our past president, Edward Cole (above right), and congratulations to our new president, Carlton Jones (above right)!

We'd like to give a final shout-out to our amazing sponsors and exhibitors!

Many thanks to all involved!
HURRICANE MICHAEL TIMBER RECOVERY BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
Registration for the Florida Timber Recovery Block Grant Program is now available to forest landowners who suffered damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018.

Registration is the first step toward receiving block grant funds and should only take a few minutes to complete. The deadline to register for these programs is Friday, November 20.

FOREST RECOVERY WEBINAR SERIES CONTINUES SEPTEMBER 24
Join our friends at the Florida Land Steward Program at 2 PM EDT on September 24 for the latest in their webinar series on restoring forestland after the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Discover important tips for success with longleaf pine and learn about an initiative underway to implement a longleaf restoration-oriented sourcing at the Enviva pellet mill at Cottondale.  


Webinar recordings, links, presentation slides, and supplemental reading material associated with this Forest Recovery Webinar Series (and other past and upcoming events) are all available at Florida Land Steward Events and Webinars.
2020 Florida Election Guide
This November, in addition to the Presidential contest at the top of the ballot, all 120 Florida House seats, 21 Florida Senate seats, and all 27 Congressional seats are up for election.

Additionally, there are six proposed amendments to the state's constitution. 

This week the Florida Chamber of Commerce released its 2020 Election Guide. This nonpartisan publication not only outlines the races but also provides concise information on the proposed amendments.
GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR/STATE FORESTER
The Georgia Forestry Commission has a rare opportunity for an individual to lead the agency as it takes on the challenges of a flourishing resource in changing times. While honoring its roots in protection from wildfire and sound land management for wood production and economic return, the GFC is seeking a visionary Director who personifies the mission: to provide leadership, service, and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia’s natural resources.

The Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission holds a myriad of critical responsibilities that directly impact millions of people and one amazing natural resource. Does that describe someone you know? Does that describe you?

If so, click here for more information. Application deadline: October 30.
CDL WAIVERS SET TO EXPIRE SEPTEMBER 30
The waivers granted for expired Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) and expired medical certificates are set to end on September 30, 2020.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has reported that more than 4,000 drivers have utilized the expired CDL waiver and more than 42,000 drivers have utilized the medical certificate waivers. As you can imagine, these numbers will cause a massive backlog at the driver license issuance offices if everyone waits until September 30, 2020, to renew or submit a current medical certificate.

You may renew driver licenses and update medical information online. Issuance offices are also open, mostly by appointment only.
CDL DRUG AND ALCOHOL CLEARINGHOUSE
Logging Industry - Have you signed up for the CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?

Since January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has begun requiring all CDL holders and companies who employ them to register themselves with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This clearinghouse was created in order to reduce the number of CDL drivers with a drug/alcohol violation who are operating in a different state than they are currently employed. So far, approximately 8,000 drivers with existing violations have been found, increasing the safety of our roads, reducing potential accidents and protecting both our industry and insurance rates. 

Employers are required to run a check on all employees prior to the close of 2020 and all drivers must be registered in order to have a check run.  Drivers and employers can learn more and register here.
MASTER LOGGER COURSES ONLINE
All Master Logger Continuing Logger Education (CLE) courses as well as the Master Logger 2-Day course will be virtual for the remainder of the year due to the current conditions with COVID-19. 

Master Logger CLE
*If you have already paid/registered for an upcoming class and you wish to remain in that class, no action is needed, as the class dates and time will remain the same. A Zoom registration link will be emailed to you before the class. 

*If you still need to register and would like to pay by credit card, you can do so online here or you can print and mail in the Master Logger CLE Registration form with a check to the Florida Forestry Association, PO Box 1696, Tallahassee, FL 32302. 

Please note, after payment you will receive the link for the Zoom registration. Please make sure you complete this step or you will not have access to the class.

* For those who are already registered but would like to cancel or change your class date, please contact [email protected].

Master Logger 2-Day Course
The 2-day course has been rescheduled for October 27th-28th on Zoom. You may register and pay online with credit card here or by completing the Florida Master Logger 2-Day (Initial Training) Workshop and mail it along with a check to the Florida Forestry Association, PO Box 1696, Tallahassee, FL 32302. 

We appreciate your flexibility during this time, please reach out to Krista Harvard at 850.222.5646 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 27-28, 2020
Master Logger 2-Day Course
Online

November 5, 2020
8 AM - 12 PM
Master Logger CLE
Online

December 10, 2020
8 AM - 12 PM
Master Logger CLE
Online
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