Room block deadline approaches for MFA annual conference

Annapolis Awaits!Annapolis

Our conference site, the beautiful Loews Hotel Annapolis is located on West Street in the Historic District. In walking distance to quaint shops, the waterfront, the Naval Academy and much more.

Room Block deadline is October 3rd. To receive the best rate possible please contact Loews directly by October 3rd to reserve your room for our October 31-November 1st event.

Traditional Single or Double ~ $135 plus tax
Loews Annapolis Hotel
126 West Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Phone: (410) 263-7777



Dear MFA Members and Friends


September is speeding along, and so is the countdown to MFA's 2008 Conference on Renewable Energy and the Role of Forests and Forestry.

  • Have you made your hotel reservations and sent in your conference registration? If so, forward this email to a friend with an invite to attend the conference along with you.
  • If not, please don't procrastinate any longer. Deadlines are approaching quickly and we don't want you to miss out on what will be a great educational and networking opportunity.
  • The conference is open to all and includes time to visit exhibits, for Q&A with the speakers, and networking with other attendees. The meeting has earned CFEs for Licensed Professional Forester and Master Loggers.

Pre-registration is required. Full agenda, registration brochure, plus speaker and hotel details are on the MFA website at http://mdforests.org/AM2008.htm

Registration deadline is October 17th

If you have any questions or concerns about the event, or special needs that need to be addressed please contact me at the MFA office at 301-895-5369 or mdforests@hereintown.net

Annapolis is beautiful in the fall. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Karin Miller, Executive Director
Maryland Forests Association

PSF to host listening sessions on SFA 2009

October the 23-24 at Partnership for Sustainable Forestry PSF) office in Annapolis office
contact Gary Allen to rsvp and for directions

PSF like your input on the elements on the proposed Sustainable Forests Act for 2009.
download
SFA Whitepaper, and SFA 2009 bill draft

MFA in conjunction with the Partnership for Sustainable Forestry (PSF) has been working on this legislation as a result of the outcomes of numerous forest commissions and reports. This is our opportunity to significantly impact the future of all Maryland's working landscapes. We need quality constructive input from all areas of interest in the long-term maintenance of our forests.


These listening sessions are your opportunity to ask questions and receive further infornaton on this legislative initiative. Please send your comments to Gary Allen, coordinator for the PSF and copy MFA too.

Thank you for helping to keeping our forests in forest.

Are you registered to vote this November??

Voting is a right and the ultimate expression of our freedom.

But you can’t vote if you’re not registered. Are you and your family members registered to vote?

In Maryland, you must be registered to vote by 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 to be able to vote in the 2008 Presidential Election. Registering is easy and takes only a few moments. You can get all the information and download a registration form and absentee ballot applications by visiting our website at http://www.marylandprosperity.org.

Make sure your voice counts on Election Day!

Make a Difference – Vote!


Make a Difference – Vote!


Our system of government has served as a model for democracies around the world. Even so, only about half of those eligible in the United States regularly use their most powerful tool: the right to vote. Translation? Only about half of us decide who will represent all of us.

· EVERY VOTE REALLY DOES MATTER Many fail to understand how critical each vote can be. Consider this: in the 2000 elections, fewer than 10,000 votes determined control of the entire U.S. government. That's only about 2 votes per elected state or federal official!

· MAKE A DIFFERENCE Because the cornerstone of our system is a government of the people, increased voter participation can and will improve how that system performs for each of us.

· STAND UP FOR OUR INDUSTRY Our industry has much at stake in this election. On Nov. 4, 2008, voters will elect thousands of state and local leaders, 11 Governors, 435 Members of Congress, 35 Senators and a new President. Each and every one of these elected officials has the ability to positively or negatively shape legislation affecting each of us, our company, and our communities.

· BECOME INFORMED We encourage you to visit www.growthevote.org for general information that will help you prepare for the upcoming elections. This website is designed to encourage individuals, regardless of political affiliations, to exercise their civic duties to learn about political issues and to vote their conscience on Election Day. This website does not endorse any specific political candidates, parties or causes.

Maryland Agricultural Commission Public Meeting and Tour Slated for Oct. 9 in Kent, Queen Anne’s Counties

MEETING NOTICE

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept. 17, 2008) – The Maryland Agricultural Commission will hold a public meeting in conjunction with its annual fall agricultural tour of Kent and Queen Anne’s counties on Thursday, October 9.

The public meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Kent County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 400 High Street in Chestertown. (Parking will be available in rear of building on Calvert Street off Mill Street.) Anyone interested in farming and rural topics is encouraged to attend the meeting and have an opportunity to discuss issues and policy affecting agriculture and rural communities, exchange ideas, get better acquainted with the role of the Maryland Agricultural Commission, and meet the Commission members.

The Maryland Agricultural Commission is presently made up of 30 members who represent commodities and organizations across the state and serve as an advisory body to Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture. As a group, the members address legislative and policy issues that affect Maryland agribusiness.

For further information, please call Florence Jordan or Buddy Bowling at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 410-841-5882.