Current Events & Issues 

The Current Events & Information section of the TFA website provides our members with the latest news, upcoming events and other information related to TFA.

Please check back often for event updates and important announcements

Master Logger Curriculum

01/17/2012 -

Please click here for this information in PDF format

The Tennessee Master Logger Program is designed to assist logging business owners and employees in their professional and education requirements focusing on water quality, safety, business management and sustainable forest management.  The course is comprised of five one-day sessions, usually conducted one day every two weeks for a 10-week period. To successfully complete the course and be recognized as a Tennessee Master Logger, participants must attend and participate in all five days. The Tennessee Master Logger designation is for two years and can be renewed every two years by attending a one-day continuing education session. A description of the initial 5-day course and continuing education sessions follows.

Initial 5-day Training Session

Session #1 ---- First Aid

Certified instructors trained by the American Red Cross conduct CPR and First Aid training to meet state and federal OSHA standards. Loggers with current CPR and First Aid certification are not required to attend this session, but must present proof of certification to be exempt. Loggers are expected to maintain their CPR and First Aid certification into the future. The Tennessee Master Logger program does not provide continuing education beyond this initial session to maintain the First Aid and CPR certification.

Session #2 ---- Logger Safety

Timber harvesting and safety specialists provide both indoor and outdoor instruction in chainsaw safety, equipment inspections, personal protective equipment (PPE), and directional felling techniques. OSHA logging standards are presented. Truck safety and laws regulating truck use and weight are discussed.

Session #3 ---- Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Proper harvesting techniques using BMPs are discussed and demonstrated. This session provides loggers with information on non-point source pollution, how water quality is impacted by timber harvesting, erosion processes, the water quality laws in Tennessee and the roles of state agencies in addressing water quality concerns and violations.  Specific subjects covered in the BMP session include:   importance of harvest planning, classifying different types of streams, identification of wetlands, stream crossing techniques (bridges, fords, culverts), streamside management zones (SMZs), road construction, water control and filter structures for haul roads and skid trails, locating and constructing log decks, revegetation, and visuals associated with timber harvesting.

Session #4 ---- Forest Biology and Silviculture

Silviculture involves the cultural treatments used to influence stand establishment, growth, composition, health and quality for growing trees in a responsible and sustainable manner to produce one or more benefits without compromising the environment.  Subject areas discussed in this session include forest succession, species ecology, regeneration methods, intermediate operations, harvesting practices, wildlife management principles, invasive exotic species, threatened and endangered species, management of areas with unique value, and updates on emerging technologies (e.g., biomass harvesting, carbon, certification, GPS). A field exercise is conducted for logging professionals to assess logging strategies in different stands based on land management objectives.

Session #5 ---- Business Management

Logging professionals are businessmen that are involved in financial management, much like any other small business. Business management is discussed by professionals in the areas of finance, recordkeeping/accounting, insurance, taxes and the law (attorney). Subjects include (1) Legal context for the logging company:  title search for timber owners, identifying property lines, using a timber contract, penalties for cutting someone else’s timber, qualifying for the Tennessee sales tax exemption; (2) Accounting:  business structure (sole proprietor, partnerships, limited liability corporation, S- or C-corporation), recordkeeping, cost analysis, taxes, contractors or employees, taxes (ordinary income, capital gains, deductions), statements on cash flow, income and net worth;  (3) Banking: applying for a loan, establishing a relationship with a bank; (4) Insurance: general liability, equipment, trucking, health, and worker’s compensation.

               

Continuing Education 1-day Training Session

Master loggers are required to attend and participate in a 1-day, 8-hour continuing education session every two years to maintain their Master logger designation.

The continuing education day is conducted in 3 subsessions.

1.            Review of BMPs, BMP compliance and water quality standards associated with timber harvesting. Discussion and updates of emerging technologies, legislation, information, or other concerns that affect logging professionals.  A few examples might include quarantines associated with emerald ash borer and thousand canker disease of walnut; biomass harvesting guidelines; logger certification and chain of custody, how carbon credits work, etc. (2 hours)

2.            Review of safety standards associated with logging, PPE, and trucking.  New or potential safety regulations are discussed that can impact logging professionals.  At least one prominent safety issue associated with logging will be highlighted and emphasized during the training. (2 hours)

3.            Instruction on various subjects that influence how loggers operate and conduct business. These subjects probably will be different in each area of the state depending on logger and industry input, instructional needs and current events in that location. A field component/exercise is usually part of the instruction. A few of the subjects that have been previously conducted or where new curriculum is being developed are as follows:  visual impacts of harvesting, conducting forest inventories/cruising, controlling invasive species, advanced silviculture, advanced BMPs (water control structures), certification and chain of custody, GPS for loggers, logging cost analysis, developing harvest plans, encountering T&E species and protection of unique areas, biomass harvesting, improving existing roads and water crossing options, log merchantability and bucking, and log grading. (4 hours)

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FMCSA Has Officially Published Rule on Hand-Held Cell-Phone Ban

01/06/2012 -

FMCSA has officially published rule on hand-held cell-phone ban
This ban became effective January 3, 2012 
(Provided by Forestry Mutual Insurance)

The rule — issued jointly by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) — prohibits interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. For intrastate drivers, the ban only applies to those hauling hazardous materials for now, but the states are expected to apply the ban to all in-state commercial drivers in coming years.

Under the new rule, CMV drivers will not be able to hold, dial, or reach for a hand-held cell phone, including those with push-to-talk capability. Hands-free phone use is allowed, as is the use of CB radios and two-way radios.

Specifically, the rule prohibits drivers from:

  • · Using at least one hand to hold a mobile phone to conduct a voice communication;
  • · Dialing or answering a mobile phone by pressing more than a single button, and
  • · Reaching for a mobile phone in a manner that requires the driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated,   belted, driving position.

Drivers will not be able to use hand-held phones while temporarily stopped due to traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays, but they will be able to use them after moving the vehicle to the side of, or off, the highway and stopping in a safe location.

Drivers who violate the new ban will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification for multiple offenses.

Companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.

In September 2010, the FMCSA issued a regulation banning text messaging while driving a CMV and PHMSA followed with a companion regulation in February 2011, banning texting by intrastate hazardous materials drivers.

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TENNESSEE FORESTRY ASSOCIATION REGIONAL MEETING SCHEDULE

11/04/2011 -

Tennessee Forestry Association Regional Meeting Schedule

12/1/11 Dover/Cindy’s Catfish Restaurant

Time: 6:00 p.m. (CST)

Program: “Doing More with Less: Improving Efficiency In the Forest Industry”

Presenter: Dr. Adam Taylor, University of Tennessee

Registration Fee: $15.00 (payable at the door)

12/6/11 Knoxville/Ye Olde Steak House

Time: Social Hour 5:30 p.m., Dinner at 6 (EST)

Program: “Doing More with Less: Improving Efficiency In the Forest Industry”

Presenter: Dr. Adam Taylor, University of Tennessee

Registration Fee: $30.00 (payable at the door)

12/14/11 Crossville/Cumberland Mountain State Park

Time: Social Hour 5:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:00 p.m. (CST)

Program: TN Dept. of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Jai Templeton will Discuss TDA’s Support For TDF & TFA Members

TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill will Discuss TDEC’s Support for Forestry Interests & TFA And Other TDEC Land Management Programs

Registration Fee: $15.00 (payable at the door)

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Govenor, Bill Haslam proclaims September 30, 2011 Tennessee Forestry Association Day

10/18/2011 -

State of Tennessee Promclaimation by Govenor, Bill Haslam, that Semptember 30th, 2011 will be proclaim as Tennessee Forestry Association Day. Please click for more information.

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Announcing Teacher Workshop: Project Learning Tree

10/11/2011 -

Teacher Workshop: Project Learning Tree

Warner Park Nature Center

Friday, October 28

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Call 615-352-6299 to register

Project Learning Tree® is an award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students in PreK-grade 12. PLT uses the forest as a "window" on the world to increase students' understanding of environmental issues.

Teachers will receive a PLT workbook filled with award winning activities that meet state standards.
Leaders: Heather Gallagher and Kim Bailey

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2011 Statewide Tree Farmers Workshop

08/11/2011 -

The Tennessee Tree Farm Committee is sponsoring a state-wide educational workshop for Tree Farmers. The meeting includes both indoor programs as well as a field tour of a nearby certified Tree Farm.

For more informaiton, please click here to for a downloadable PDF brochure

 

 

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2011 TFA Annual Meeting Registration is here!

08/01/2011 -

Please click here ot dowload 2011 TFA Annual Meet Brochure 

Theme: “Back to the Future for Tennessee’s Forests”

Dates: September 28-30 (Wednesday-Friday)

Location: Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville

Room Rate: $129.00 (including internet)

Make Reservations by Calling: 888-672-7060

Or Online at www.starwoodmeeting/Book/tnforestry

SAF CE Credit: 7 Cat-1 hours

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9-2-2011 TFA's 2011 Annual Meeting Announced ~ please reserve your room soon for TFA discounted rate!!

03/14/2011 -

TFA Annual Meeting.....50th Anniversary Celebration
Hotel Room Rate: $129.00
Theme: Back to the Future for Tennessee's Forests

Music City Sheraton
777 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-885-2200

www.starwoodmeeting.com/book/tnforestry

Wednesday, September 28th - Thursday, September 30th

Please check back to this website, for more information. TFA will update the site ASAP with more information on pricing, agenda, discounted hotel price, and reservation information. 

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3-11-2011 GET THE BENEFITS OF PRESCRIBED BURNING WITH INSURANCE THROUGH TFA.

03/11/2011 -

 

 
For years professional foresters have prescribed low-intensity burning to enhance timber growth, and to improve wildlife habitat. However, burning, even low-intensity burning, has its liabilities. So today, many timberland owners are not willing to assume the risks. The result has been the accumulation of thick understory which, in turn, has reduced the quality of timber, making wild fires that do occur hotter and much worse for the trees. So foresters have been searching for an affordable answer. The Outdoor Underwriters Prescribed Burning Insurance Program Is Designed To Provide Landowners With A Per Burn Product Previously Unavailable In The Marketplace. Master policies can also be issued to consultant foresters and wildlife biologists who burn for multiple landowners. For timberland owners, the premium may even be tax-deductible. Now, while the weather is cool and wet, is the time to consider prescribed burning. And with Outdoor Underwriters Prescribed Burning Insurance Program, you can improve your forest and reduce your liability exposure.
 
 
Call Troll Free number 866-961-4101

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2-25-2011 USFS Announces Public Forums on Forest Planning Rule USFS Announces Public Forums on Forest Planning Rule

02/25/2011 -

USFS Announces Public Forums on Forest Planning Rule

The USDA Forest Service, Southern, Region would like to invite TFA members to attend
one of the public forums on the Proposed Forest Planning Rule. The proposed planning
rule was published in the February 14, 2011 Federal Register kicking off a 90- day
public comment period that will end May 16, 2011. The purpose of the public forums
is to increase public understanding of the proposed planning rule, and to provide an
opportunity to ask questions and dialogue with other stakeholders.

The Forest Service is hosting a National Public Forum on March 10, 2011 in Washington,
DC. The meeting will be webcast to allow for national participation. Each Region will
also be hosting public forums. In the Southern Region, the USFS is providing local
opportunities to learn about the Proposed Forest Planning Rule. Each Forest Supervisor’s
office will be hosting a session where the public will have an opportunity to hear a
presentation on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement (via Video
Teleconference) followed by a question and answer session. These sessions will be held
at the Forest Supervisor’s offices on either March 17, 29 or 31, starting at 2 p.m. Eastern
Time & 1:00 p.m. Central Time. In order for the local offices to plan accordingly, please
RSVP to the local point of contact.

In the Tennessee area the following sessions will be held:

Cherokee NF
March 28
Forest Supervisor’s office
2800 Ocoee Street N
Cleveland, TN

2-5:00 p.m. ET

Stephanie Martin: 423-476-9740 smedlin@fs.fed.us

Land Between the Lakes March 28 1-4:00 p.m. CT
100 Van Morgan Drive
Golden Pond, KY
Avanell Clardy: 270-924-2065 clardy@fs.fed.us

Also, the USFS will be hosting a Public Forum (that will involve “live” presentations)
in Asheville, NC on April 4. It will be held at the North Carolina Arboretum with
registration beginning at 2:30 p.m. and presentations beginning at 3 p.m.

To receive a draft agenda for the Asheville, NC forum, please contact Candace at TFA.

Public comments will not be accepted at the public forums. The forums are for
educational purposes. As with any rulemaking, comments to be included in the public
record should be submitted in writing. The USFS states that this will insure clarity in
defining the public comment record and allow interested parties to view the record of
public comments in the manner customarily provided in notice and comment rulemaking.
To be considered, written comments will need to be submitted electronically at http://
www.govcomments.com/ or http://www.regulations.gov or send a hard copy to Forest
Service Planning DEIS, c/o Bear West Company, 132 E 500 S., Bountiful, Utah or fax to
801-397-1605. Written comments should be identified by including “planning rule” on
the cover sheet of the first page. Comments are available for public inspection at http://
contentanalysisgroup.com/fsr.

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2-4-2011 TFA Partners with NWTF to Host Teacher Education Workshop

02/04/2011 -

TFA is glad to announce a partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, US Forest Service and the TN Dept. of Education to host a Teacher Education Workshop on the kick-off day of the NWTF national convention at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel on Thursday, February 17.  The workshop is scheduled from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Teachers will receive training in Project Learning Tree and other conservation programs that can be transferred to the classroom.  NWTF would like for teachers to register before February 11.  For more information, please see attached form.

Also, TFA and the TN Division of Forestry are planning a joint exhibit booth at the National Wild Turkey Federation convention.  The exhibit booth will be an interactive exhibit tailored for school kids to help with tree identification and provide information on products derived from trees.  The TFA/TDF exhibit will be in the “Roost” area of the NWTF convention at Opryland Hotel.  Several hundred Nashville elementary and high school students will be visiting the booth along with scout and church youth groups.  TFA believes this will be an excellent opportunity to get a scientific and truthful message out to our youth.

 Click here for the TWTF Flyer

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1-26-2011 TEACHER'S CONSERVATION * Revised WORKSHOP DATES ANNOUNCED

01/25/2011 -

2011 TEACHER'S CONSERVATION WORKSHOP

2011 Teacher's Conservation Workshop Brochure

A Continuing Education
Course in Natural Resources

 June 19-24

University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee

July 17 - 22
Pickwick Landing State Park
Pickwick Dam, Tennessee

 

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1-20-2011 Revised Tax Tips for Forest Landowners Released

01/20/2011 -

Revised Tax Tips for Forest Landowners Released

The USFS has revised the 2010 Tax Tips for Forest Landowners due to new tax legislation
enacted on 12.17.10. Please see attached the newly released updated edition
of “Tax Tips for Forest Landowners”.

Please click her for 2010 Tax Tips for Forest Landowners

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1-20-2011 TN Healthy Hardwoods Field Days dates are announced!

01/20/2011 -

2011 Healthy Hardwood Field Day

Registration begins 7:00 - 8:10 AM

March 26 - Natchez Trace State Forest
Henderson County (Wildersville)

April 2nd - Standing Stone State Forest
Overton County (Hilham)

April 30 - Ellington Agricultural Center
Davidson County (Nashville)

June 4 - East Tennessee Nursery
Polk County (Delano)

Please click here for more information

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1-19- 2011 Elk Valley County Forestry Association, President , presents the 2010 Tallest Tree Award

01/19/2011 -

Lincoln County Trees safe....for now

But Forester urges vigilance, caustion to prevent spread of deadly pests

Please click here to see the rest of the article

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UT Extension Forestry Web-Based Learning Module for Forest Landowners

09/15/2010 -

UT Extension Forestry has completed a web-based learning module that describes forest certification. Landowners are the intended audience, but foresters and county agents may find it useful too. The link is attached for your viewing.
 
Thank you for your support of responsible forestry. See ya in the woods . . . .
 

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TN Dept of Ag News Release...Walnut Tree Quarantine Expanded Due To Thousand Cankers Disease

09/10/2010 -

To download the document below in Pdf format,  please click here

For Immediate Release
September 10, 2010

Contact:

Casey Mahoney,
615-837-5206 or 615-973-9767
Casey.Mahoney@tn.gov

Tim Phelps, Forestry
615-837-5543 or 615-428-5913
Tim.R.Phelps@tn.gov

Walnut Tree Quarantine Expanded Due to
Thousand Cankers Disease
- Plans underway to survey and restrict movement of walnut material in Tennessee -
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. � The Tennessee Department of Agriculture today announced the discovery of a walnut tree killing disease, called Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD), in Anderson, Blount and Union Counties. The disease was discovered in Knox County in August. These counties are now under an emergency quarantine. Adjacent counties to the quarantined areas are also restricted for movement of walnut products and hardwood firewood. These counties include Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott and Sevier counties.
 
�We will continue to survey our forests and work to help slow the spread of the disease.� said TDA Plant Certification Administrator Gray Haun. �We are working with stakeholders to help educate citizens on the symptoms of TCD and how they can help.�
 
TCD is a progressive disease that kills a tree within two to three years after initial symptoms are detected. The disease-causing fungus, Geosmithia, is transmitted by a small twig beetle. Branches and trunk tissue are killed by multiple infections of the fungus, as the beetles carry the fungus from one area to the next.
 
TDA plant inspectors and foresters will continue to conduct a thorough survey of trees in these areas to assess the extent of the infestation and to see if more areas need to be quarantined.
 
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry estimates that 1.38 million black walnut trees in Tennessee�s urban areas are potentially at risk from TCD.
The risk represents an estimated value loss of $1.37 billion. There are an estimated 26 million black walnut trees on Tennessee public and private timberland potentially valued as high as $1.47 billion. 
 
 
Thousand Canker Disease Discovered in East Tennessee  
 
TDA officials urge area residents and visitors to help prevent the spread of TCD:
 
�        Don�t transport firewood, even within Tennessee. Don�t bring firewood along for camping trips. Buy the wood you need from a local source. Don�t bring wood home with you.
 
�        Don�t buy or move firewood from outside the state. If someone comes to your door selling firewood, ask them about the source, and don�t buy wood from outside the state. 
 
�        Watch for signs of infestation in your black walnut trees. If you suspect your black walnut tree could be infested with TCD, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture/tcd for an online symptoms checklist and report form or call TDA�s Regulatory Services Division at 1-800-628-2631. 
 
For more information about other programs and services of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture visit www.tn.gov/agriculture .
 
###

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Pest Alert....Thousand Cankers Disease

09/01/2010 -

United States, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Northeastern Area
State and Private Forestry
May 2010

ANNOUNCES A PEST ALERT

Thousand Cankers Disease

Diebeck and mortality of eastern black walnut (Juglansnigra) in several Western States have become more common and severe during the last decade. A tiny bark beetle is creating numerous galleries beneath the bark of affected branches, resulting in fungal infection and canker formation......click here to read more 

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Update from USDA on EAB & TCD Status in Knox & Loudon Counties

08/17/2010 -

During the past few weeks, you were contacted with respect to the activities of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), the Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Our organizations have worked together for the past 2 1/2 weeks to complete an extensive survey of Knox and Loudon counties plus the surrounding counties.  They initiated regulatory actions for entities operating within Knox and Loudon Counties and conducted outreach to a large number of campgrounds throughout the surrounding counties and into Sevier County.  Finally, they have visited truck stops and rest areas along all major highways to provide information regarding the recent pest detections and the risks associated with moving firewood.

We would like to provide you and your organizations with brief summaries of the two recent pest detections in Knox County and Loudon County.  Additionally, we would like to provide you with links to more information and points of contact for any questions that you may have pertaining to regulatory requirements and outreach.

On Thursday, July 22, 2010, there was confirmed detection of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Knox County.  The State established the quarantine in Knox County.  Based upon the proximity of the initial detection, Loudon County was also quarantined.  A confirmed detection of EAB was made in Loudon County on August 7, further supporting the quarantine.  The insect attacks Ash species and this confirmation represents the southernmost detection of this pest.  The pest has also been found in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.  TDA has established a quarantine restricting the movement of all Ash materials (i.e. mulch, ash nursery stock, etc.) as well as all firewood made of hardwood out of Knox and Loudon counties.

On Monday, August 2, 2010, there was a confirmed detection of Thousand Canker Disease (TCD) in Knox County.  This is the first detection of the disease east of the Mississippi River.  The disease is transmitted by a small twig beetle and leads to the demise of Black Walnut trees.  TDA and TDF are currently surveying to determine the spread of this disease.  They are also working with technical experts to establish a program to slow the spread of this disease.  State regulations are currently being developed that will impact the movement of Black Walnut out of the affected areas.

In addition to ongoing surveys, we plan to increase outreach in regard to stopping the long distance movement of firewood as this is a significant pathway for movement of insects and diseases that threaten the health of our agriculture and natural environment.

For additional information about either of these pests or information related to deterring the movement of firewood, please refer to the following websites and hotline numbers:

Emerald Ash Borer:
http://www.emeraldashborer.info/
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/emerald_ash_b/
http://www.state.tn.us/agriculture/regulatory/eab.html
Emerald Ash Borer Hotline: 866-322-4512
USDA Regulations: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/emerald_ash_b/quarantine.shtml

Thousand Canker Disease:
http://www.state.tn.us/agriculture/regulatory/tcd.html
http://www.thousandcankerdisease.com/
http://www.forestry.ok.gov/Websites/forestry/Images/Thousand%20Cankers%20Disease.pdf

Stop the Movement of Firewood:
http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/firewood/index.shtml
http://www.goodcamper.info/


We appreciate your help in distributing the message about these pests that are threatening our natural environment.  You can reach the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at (865) 837-5137, or USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine at (615) 907-3357.


Sincerely,

Ralph Cooley, USDA APHIS PPQ TN State Plant Health Director

Gray Haun, TDA Administrator, Division of Regulatory Services


The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  Federal Relay Service (Voice/TTY/ASCII/Spanish 1-800-877-8339)
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This message is intended only for the named recipient and may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. Unauthorized individuals or entities are not permitted access to this information. Any unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email, and delete this message and any attachments. Thank you.

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EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) INFORMATION FOR LOGGERS

08/17/2010 -

To meet the regulatory requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) pertaining to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), loggers that are operating in Knox and Loudon Counties will need to enter into a Federal Compliance Agreement.

Within the Compliance Agreement, there are two main requirements for loggers operating in Knox and Loudon counties. First, loggers are only allowed to move ash outside of the quarantined area from October 1 to March 1. Second, the receiving mills must be under a valid Federal Compliance Agreement for the processing of regulated ash.  
 
Each shipment must be accompanied by a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA APHIS PPQ) Limited Permit. A book of Limited Permits will be obtained when a Compliance Agreement is signed. Loggers are responsible for maintaining records of all shipments.  It is not necessary to have each truckload of ash logs inspected. However, USDA and TDA reserve the right to conduct periodic inspections of shipments as well as audit records.

To establish a Compliance Agreement, loggers may contact either the USDA APHIS PPQ or TDA. Loggers can contact USDA APHIS PPQ at (615) 907-3357 or TDA at (615) 837-5338.

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Southern Leadership Tour Dates Announced

08/04/2010 -

Southern Leadership Tour

Hosted by the USDA Forest, Southern Research Station and the Southern Research Partnership

September 28 - 29, 2010

Bringing together leading minds in university, state, federal, nongovernmental,
and legislative partners to explore southern forestry issues.

Please click here for more information

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TDF News Release...Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in East Tennessee

07/27/2010 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2010

CONTACT:

Tom Womack

615-837-5118 or 615-419-8636

Tom.Womack@TN.gov  

Tim Phelps, Forestry

615-837-5543 or 615-428-5913

Tim.R.Phelps@TN.gov

 
Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in East Tennessee
- Plans underway to survey and restrict movement of ash material in Knox, Loudon counties -
 
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture today announced the discovery of emerald ash borer (EAB), the first detection of the destructive tree pest in the state. The discovery was made last week at a truck stop in Knox County near the Loudon County line.   
 
“We knew EAB could potentially reach Tennessee, and we’re prepared to help slow the spread of the infestation and protect our forest resources.” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “We will be working closely with federal officials and other stakeholders to determine the extent of the infestation and to take steps to limit its spread.”
 
After receiving a report of a suspected find, state and federal officials collected specimens from infested logs for submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for positive identification. USDA confirmed the find late last week. 
 
EAB attacks only ash trees. It is believed to have been introduced into the Detroit, Mich. area 15 to 20 years ago on wood packing material from Asia. Since then, the destructive insect has been found also in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
 
In response to the find, TDA plans to issue a quarantine in Knox and Loudon counties prohibiting the movement of firewood, ash nursery stock, ash timber and other material that can spread EAB. TDA plant inspectors and foresters will conduct a thorough survey of trees in the areas to assess the extent of the infestation. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working closely with TDA in response and will likely issue a federal quarantine in the coming days in support of national efforts to control the spread of EAB. 
 
 
Typically, the Emerald Ash Borer beetles can kill an ash tree within three years of the initial infestation. Adults are dark green, one-half inch in length and one-eighth inch wide, and fly only from April until September, depending on the climate of the area. In Tennessee, most EAB adults would fly in May and June. Larvae spend the rest of the year beneath the bark of ash trees. When they emerge as adults, they leave D-shaped holes in the bark about one-eighth inch wide.
 
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry estimates that 10 million urban ash trees in Tennessee are potentially at risk from EAB. The risk represents an estimated value loss of $2 billion. There are an estimated 261 million ash trees on Tennessee public and private timberland potentially valued as high as $9 billion. 
 
TDA officials urge area residents and visitors to help prevent the spread of EAB:
 
·         Don’t transport firewood, even within Tennessee.  Don’t bring firewood along for camping trips. Buy the wood you need from a local source. Don’t bring wood home with you.
 
·         Don’t buy or move firewood from outside the state.  If someone comes to your door selling firewood, ask them about the source, and don’t buy wood from outside the state. 
 
·         Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees.  If you suspect your ash tree could be infested with EAB, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture/eab for an online symptoms checklist and report form or call TDA’s Regulatory Services Division at 1-800-628-2631. 
 
For more information about other programs and services of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture visit www.tn.gov/agriculture .
 
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2010-2015 Standards of Sustainability

07/02/2010 -

2010-2015 Standards of Sustainability

American Tree Farm System is pleased to announce that the American Forest Foundation (AFF) 2010-2015 Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification were approved by the AFF Board of Trustees on November 3rd, 2009. . . . . .

American Forest Foundation Website:
www.treefarmsystem.org/2010standards

American Forest Foundation 2010-2015 Standards of Sustainability:
AFF 2010 - 2015 Standards of Sustainability

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