FORESTRY 411
USDA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS AND AG PRODUCERS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE SALLY
Farmers and forest landowners in four Florida Panhandle counties can begin applying for additional Hurricane Sally assistance through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Enrollment for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) runs through March 4, 2021.

HURRICANE MICHAEL EFRP APPLICATIONS RE-OPENED
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 for a 60-day period beginning today (January 19) and ending March 11. 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.  

COGONGRASS FUNDING AVAILABLE FROM TNC
Do you have a cogongrass problem on property in Calhoun, Gadsden, or Liberty Counties? The Nature Conservancy (TNC) North Florida Program has funding for 120 total acres of cogongrass treatment in counties surrounding the Apalachicola National Forest.

Private landowners in Calhoun, Gadsden, and Liberty Counties who would like to be considered for this funding should contact Brian Pelc, 850.222.0199 x103.
100 OUTSTANDING FOREST LANDOWNERS RECOGNIZED IN FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE VIDEO AND FLORIDA FORESTS MAGAZINE
In celebration of the National Association of State Forester’s 100th anniversary, the Florida Forest Service (FFS) recognized 100 outstanding forest landowners throughout the state who have exemplified exceptional forest management practices, public outreach and conservation efforts. Honorees were nominated by their local FFS county forester, and they represent 66 of Florida’s 67 counties. 

Recognizing landowners from every corner of the state is a symbol of the Florida Forest Service’s appreciation for their stewardship and commitment to ensuring Florida’s greatest natural resources are protected while continuing to provide economic and environmental benefits for future generations.


UF LAUNCHES NEW FIRE UNIVERSITY PODCAST
The University of Florida's Disturbance Ecology and Ecological Restoration (DEER) Lab has launched a new podcast, Fire University.

The Fire University podcasts are available here and on all major podcasting platforms.
BINDERHOLZ GROUP WINS AUCTION OF NC KLAUSNER LUMBER TWO
The Austrian binderholz Group, headquartered in Fügen, has purchased all assets of Klausner Lumber Two LLC, headquartered in Enfield, Halifax County, North Carolina, at the virtual auction held on Thursday, December 10, 2020. In the auction, binderholz prevailed over Mayr Melnhof Holz and was awarded the contract at USD 83.4 million. The transaction is expected to close this month.

In August 2020, binderholz already expanded outside Europe for the first time with the purchase of Klausner Lumber One in Live Oak, Florida. This will now be followed by the second American sawmill in Enfield, North Carolina. The technical equipment and performance of the two sawmills are similar.

LOWRIMORE SWORN IN AS GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION DIRECTOR
Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Georgia forestry veteran Timothy M. Lowrimore to serve as State Forester and Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Lowrimore assumed his new duties on January 16, 2021.

THE VICE PRESIDENT'S PROMISE
Contributed by Dr. J. Scott Angle
Acrid smoke, the roar and crackle of flame, and the sudden intensity of heat have taught Hope Miller a great deal. Namely, that they’re elements of a great day at the office.

As she goes through her senior year at the School of Forest Resources and Conservation at the University of Florida’s
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Hope is looking to
join a fire crew for a gap year before pursuing graduate studies.
She’s seeking what she calls an “adrenaline-filled environment” for that first job out of college.

I’ll put the classroom education Hope is getting at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences up against any in the nation.

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.
 
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY 17, 2021
10 AM EST
Executive Committee Meeting
Zoom

FEBRUARY 27, 2021
8 AM-12 PM EST
Master Logger CLE Training
Zoom

MARCH 10, 2021
10 AM EST
Board Meeting
Location TBA

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
Unsubscribe: Please note that if you unsubscribe to Forestry 411 via the link below, you will be unsubscribed from all of the Association's emails. If you wish to be removed from the Forestry 411 mailing list only, please email your request to Lee Ann Fisch by clicking here.