Maryland Forests Association, Inc.

MFA Executive Director steps down after 16 1/2 years

2011-05-30T10:45:00.001-04:00

Karin Miller Leave a Legacy ~ As I write to you for the last time, I find it fitting that this issue of THE CROSSCUT includes Champ’s address from this year’s Arbor Day celebrations. When I look back over the 16 years that I have served as your Executive Director, and only staff for MFA, I see many parallels in my experience and that of a tree. As a graduate forester (SUNY

SFI Applauds USDA Announcement Promoting Wood in Green Building

2011-04-26T12:08:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update and some reminders, as we make final preparations for MFA’s Annual Conference, November 5&6 at the Gaylord National in Prince George’s County. This year we are focusing on Maryland’s Working Woodlands.

MFA’s 2010 Host Site Gaylord National Hotel

2010-08-31T17:15:00.004-04:00

Room block extended to OCTOBER 16thConcerned private landowners increasingly face questions such as: What are my rights,

ATA’s On-Line Q&A on HR 1799

2009-09-01T15:03:00.001-04:00

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) have published an excellent defense of Rep. Mike Michaud’s HR 1799 in the form of a Question-and-Answer document, “Dispelling the Myths: the Truck Weight Debate.” This document, posted at , responds directly to a “Fact Sheet” on the Michaud bill put out by the so-called safety advocacy

Maryland Woodland Stewards Training

2009-09-01T14:59:00.001-04:00

Since 1990, 389 people owning over 68,000 acres have been trained through this program. Maryland Woodland Stewards across the state have reached out to thousands of Marylanders with information and resources to encourage sound forest and wildlife stewardship.This year's workshop will be held September 17-20 at Camp Pecometh, north of Centreville on the Eastern Shore. The Maryland Woodland

Maryland Forestry Summit

2009-09-01T14:54:00.003-04:00

Upcoming Events Maryland Forestry Summit ~ Monday, October 5thThis past spring, 155 leaders and stakeholders were invited to answer the survey that was used to spark the discussion in the 5 listening sessions held across the State in May and June.For results from these listening sessions, click hereHow can we best focus limited resources on the most important issues facing forestry and

Obama Administration Announces Direction for Forest Management

2009-09-01T13:26:00.000-04:00

from AF&PASecretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack gave his first major speech on forests on August 14, laying out the direction that the administration will take on managing the nation’s public and private forests. Vilsack announced that the administration will defend the 2001 roadless rule by appealing an injunction issued earlier this summer (see related article) and, if roadless area protection

National Issues Update from AF&PA

2009-07-28T16:19:00.000-04:00

Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Climate HearingThe Senate Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Tom Harkin (D-IA), held a hearing on July 22 examining the role of agriculture and forestry in climate change legislation. Harkin stated his desire to see a central role for agriculture and forestry in a climate bill as a strategy to earn income for producers while reducing the economic costs of

Ecosystem Market News

2009-07-28T15:59:00.000-04:00

Ecosystem markets are emerging from the shadows and challenges of the early wetland banking projects to reach respected status as a highly effective-and essential-conservation strategy for protecting habitat, water quality, and carbon storage by forests. Why? Here's what some 200 experts from conservation, government, business and academia found most interesting at a recent convening by the

National Issues Update from Maryland Farm Bureau

2009-07-28T15:56:00.001-04:00

The Climate Change Legislation This bill passed the House and is currently pending in the Senate. Maryland Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation opposed this bill. Congressman Bartlett was the only member of the House Delegation to oppose the bill on final passage. · Farm Bureau opposes Climate Change legislation and argues that

Truck Weight Coalition Membership Reaches 100

2009-07-28T15:54:00.000-04:00

Rockville, MD - Membership in the Agricultural Transportation Efficiency Coalition (AgTEC), which supports increasing the overall gross vehicle weight limits for trucks, reached one hundred on July 20, with the addition of Evergreen Packaging and Columbia Forest Products. The Coalition now represents 55 associations and 45 businesses."As the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Schrader and Walden Announce Formation of Bipartisan Healthy Forests Caucus

2009-07-28T15:46:00.001-04:00

Democrats and Republicans from across the country have been invited to join them in advocating for healthy forest policies.(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Congressmen Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Greg Walden (R-OR) joined together today to form the bipartisan Congressional Healthy Forests Caucus.The caucus is designed to advocate for the implementation of forest policies that recognize the important role America

HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

2009-06-30T14:37:00.001-04:00

The House just voted (219-212) to approve climate legislation, HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, and we have some good news to report. The bill that passed does include significant new opportunities for family forest owners to participate in energy and carbon markets-a goal we have been working on for nearly two years. Thank you

Update on House Energy/Climate Bill

2009-06-30T14:34:00.001-04:00

This morning, the American Clean Energy & Security Act will be considered on the House floor. The Rule for the bill, if adopted, adds an amendment from Rep. Waxman making further changes in the bill. The Waxman changes include the amendment from Rep. Peterson (attached). In particular, the language that AF&PA and others had proposed regarding the phrase “residues or byproducts from wood, pulp,

The Obama Administration Proposes Scaled-Down 18-Month Highway Reauthorization

2009-06-30T14:32:00.000-04:00

On June 17, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asked congress to postpone action on a large-scale, five-year Highway Reauthorization Bill for the period beginning this October 1 and instead present an interim 18-month spending bill, to help infrastructure projects to get through an anticipated budget gap, and implying postponement of the more substantive or strategic decisions in

HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

2009-06-30T14:30:00.000-04:00

Now, more than ever, we need your help. Our champions have introduced amendments to the climate bill, to address our concerns. If these amendments are not approved, family forest owners will have a VERY difficult time accessing these new and emerging carbon and energy markets created by the climate bill. We need your help to get these amendments passed on the House floor. Please CALL your

2008 SFI Progress Report

2009-06-30T14:21:00.000-04:00

2008 SFI progress report, Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Growing Stronger Together is now available online at www.sfiprogram.com/files/pdf/GrowingStrongerTogether_%20ProgressReport2008HR.pdfWhile the numbers show impressive growth, what impresses me most is the hard work and dedication behind them. Together, we are making sustainable forest management and responsible fiber procurement more

Sustainable forests at the root of achieving Bay's restoration

2009-06-18T10:15:00.001-04:00

from the Bay Journal ~ June 2009 Forum / By Gary Allen Maryland gained forefront status in the Bay watershed on May 7 with the signing into law of Senate Bill 549-the Sustainable Forestry Act of 2009-sponsored by Sen. Roy Dyson. This act is designed to realize one goal-the retention of privately owned forest lands within Maryland consistent with and responsive to the

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK NAMES NEW CHIEF FOR U.S. FOREST SERVICE

2009-06-18T09:51:00.000-04:00

Tom Tidwell brings 32 Years of Experience Working to Protect Our Nation's ForestsWASHINGTON, June 17, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Tom Tidwell will serve as the new Chief for the U.S. Forest Service."Tom Tidwell's 32 years of experience in our forests and impressive track record of collaboration and problem-solving will help us tackle the great challenges ahead,"

FRA "LOG TRUCKING PROFITABILITY" CD

2009-06-16T16:14:00.000-04:00

Rockville, MD - The Forest Resources Association has developed an Improving Log Trucking Profitability Workshop, in the form of a facilitated PowerPoint presentation, directed to loggers and log trucking managers. The CD-based Workshop reviews ways to ensure a full and legal load and presents tips and techniques for saving fuel, reducing truck tare weight, and deploying trucking assets more

AF&PA SCORES WIN IN SENATE COMMITTEE FOR INDUSTRY’S RENEWABLE ENERGY

2009-06-16T16:09:00.000-04:00

AF&PA advocacy efforts have resulted in an important victory in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with the approval of legislation making it possible for the renewable energy produced at forest products facilities to earn renewable energy credits (RECs) that can be sold on an exchange market to utilities that do not meet proposed new minimum requirements for renewable energy

NASF vice president Steven Koehn testifies on future of nation's forests

2009-06-16T16:04:00.000-04:00

Maryland State Forester and NASF Vice President Steven Koehn testified in Washington, DC, this week before the House Ag Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry. The object of the hearing was to discuss the future of forestry policy in the United States. "State Foresters believe it is important to reestablish effective programs that maintain and diversify markets

FAMILY FORESTS POLICY SNAPSHOT

2009-06-16T16:01:00.000-04:00

June 5, 2009 Climate Change Action continues in the House - Following the House Energy and Commerce Committee passage of HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the bill was referred to several other House Committees, including the House Agriculture Committee. The Agriculture Committee has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, June 11th at 2pm, and

Research Supports Truck Weight Increase

2009-06-16T15:53:00.000-04:00

Rockville, MD - The Agricultural Transportation Efficiency Coalition (AgTEC), which supports increasing the overall gross vehicle weight limits for trucks, has analyzed and made available eleven independent studies, affirming the safety and economic benefits of bringing U.S. truck-weight limits closer to Canadian and European standards, and quantifying the relationship between truck weights and

Who Will be MFA's Next Logger of the Year?

2009-06-03T15:09:00.003-04:00

Nominations needed by July 1st. Eligibility: The award program is open to all independent wood fiber harvesting or logging contractors. Preference will be given to those actively participating in the MD/DE Master Logger Program. (do not need to be a "Master Logger", but need to at least be actively working towards it.) Judging: The

MFA moves Hunting Lease Liability Program to new underwriter

2009-06-03T15:06:00.001-04:00

Outdoor Underwriters Endorsed by MFA's Board of Governors Over the past year there have been some changes within the Davis-Garvin Agency and their coverage for MFA Hunting Lease Liability Insurance Program. . As a result of these changes, MFA's Board of Governors reviewed the program and its coverage and looked at alternatives.As a result of that review, the Board voted to

YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED FOR MARYLAND FORESTRY SUMMIT

2009-05-19T16:53:00.005-04:00

Change is affecting every aspect of forests. Many forest landowners in Maryland are struggling to plan for the future of their family lands in the face of reduced timber values and increased regulation. But with change comes opportunity. New markets for sustainable forest products and environmental services offer new opportunities for

More on Sustainable Forestry Act

2009-05-04T12:05:00.001-04:00

The bill was signed by the Governor on Thursday, May 7th in Annapolis.The Sustainable Forestry Act of 2009 ~ Senate Bill 549 (passed) seeks to encourage sustainable management of the State’s forest resources. Among other things, the bill:requires local agricultural preservation advisory boards and forest conservation district boards to meet annually with each other;modifies right-to-farm

News from Annapolis

2009-05-04T12:01:00.002-04:00

Four bills with direct impacts on forests and forestry made it through the Senate and House and are on their way to the Governor for his signature. Bill signing is set for May 7th in Annapolis.Sustainable Forestry Act (SB 549) - Passed w/amendments Natural Resources - No Net Loss of Forest Policy - Forest Conservation Act (SB 666) - Passed w/amendmentsNatural Resources - Roadside Trees -

Maryland DNR Forest Service Announces Online Public Meeting Public can comment on State Forest annual work plans

2009-05-04T11:44:00.002-04:00

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service is conducting an online public meeting for 30 days to solicit comments on the proposed 2010 fiscal year work plans for four State Forests: Green Ridge, Pocomoke, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River State Forests. recently developed by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. PPublic input will help us to ensure that

The American Forest Foundation is now accepting comments on the REVISED Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification on Private Lands

2009-05-04T11:40:00.002-04:00

Washington, D.C. - AFF is now accepting comments on its revised Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification on Private Lands (2009-2013) beginning today, Friday, May 1st through Monday, June 29, 2009 at 5:00pm (EDT).The AFF Standards are the basis for its forest certification program, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS. The revised Standards were developed by the Independent

PRODUCTIVITY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED

2009-04-01T09:33:00.001-04:00

Congressman Michaud Introduces H.R. 1799 as transportation professionals move on WashingtonProductivity, safety, and competition in the world of trucking transportation all got a boost this week when Congressman Mike Michaud introduced H.R. 1799, the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009.H.R. 1799 would give the option to individual states to increase their allowable weight on a

Martin Named CEO of AFF

2009-03-31T12:49:00.001-04:00

Tom Martin Named President and CEO of the American Forest FoundationMarch 30 - Washington, D.C. - AFF announced today that Tom Martin was unanimously elected by its board of trustees to succeed Larry Wiseman as president and chief executive officer. Wiseman, who founded the organization as its first president, has led AFF since 1983.Martin is well-known from several

National Issues Update

2009-03-31T12:41:00.003-04:00

Your Source for information on the forest products industry Renewable Energy—Grassroots Activity on RES In advance of Senate consideration of energy legislation in coming weeks, AF&PA is working with member companies, state associations, and allies in the industry, labor, and environmental communities to advance industry priorities. In particular, we are working to alter the proposed

Take Action:

2009-03-23T12:26:00.002-04:00

Ask the Senate to advance renewable energy goals that don’t harm our industry The Senate is likely to consider energy legislation this spring. The centerpiece is expected to be a mandate on utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewable resources, such as biomass, by 2021. This proposal is known as a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), and creates winners and losers

MDE Hearing on March 18 re Outdoor Wood Furnaces

2009-02-24T15:49:00.002-05:00

Public hearing on the proposed action will be held on March 18, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, 1st Floor Aqua Conference Rooms, Baltimore, Maryland 21230-1720.The proposed action is briefly described below: 1. Wood Boilers Amend Regulations .01, .04, .06 and adopt new Regulation .11 under COMAR 26.11.09 Control of Fuel-Burning Equipment,

Invest in green infrastructure

2009-02-23T10:59:00.001-05:00

By Tom Horton ~ February 19, 2009 ~ for THE BALTIMORE SUNThe stimulus package President Barack Obama signed Tuesday contains tens of billions of dollars to repair and expand the nation's "infrastructure" - its networks of highways, bridges, rail and power lines. Renewing the transportation infrastructure alone will provide some $800 million in Maryland

MPT February 21st ~ "Sprawl: The Tipping Point"

2009-02-17T08:54:00.001-05:00

This Saturday Maryland Public Television is airing a great documentary on the impacts of land use decisions on Maryland's environment and its communities. "Sprawl: The Tipping Point" provides a lucid and visually compelling overview of growth and development issues in the state and profiles some key projects, including Terrapin Run, the Baltimore City Westport project, and BRAC. The documentary

Save the forests and you might save the Bay

2009-02-10T16:09:00.001-05:00

By Craig Highfield This month marks the completion of my first year coordinating the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay's Forestry for the Bay, an education and outreach program that promotes sustainable forest management to private landowners. Although I have been steeped in Bay issues for many years, 2008 has given me the opportunity to delve into an area that I believe has not received

Green legislation [seeks] to include tree farmers

2009-02-10T14:10:00.002-05:00

Tess Hill ~ Cumberland Times-News February 09, 2009 10:36 pmCUMBERLAND — Delegate Wendell Beitzel has teamed up with District 33 Sen. Janet Greenip in support of a piece of legislation that will expand the High Performance Buildings Act to include two systems commonly used by Maryland tree farmers.Senate Bill 243/House Bill 226 will “alter the definition of high performance building