2013 Tennessee Healthy Hardwood Field Days

02/22/2013 -

TFA Announces 2013 Tennessee Healthy Hardwood Field Day Dates & Location

April 12 - Hobart Ames Plantation
April 13 - University of the South
April 19 - Cedars of Lebanon State Forest
April 20 - Lone Mountain State Forest

Please click here for more information regarding the field days.

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01-08-2013 TFA Legislative Tree Day & Reception Date Announced

01/08/2013 -

TFA will again host the Annual Tree Day at the Legislature event and the
Legislative Reception on Wednesday, March 6. This year, our members’
presence is more important than ever with so many new faces in both
the House and Senate. Governor Haslam, all House and Senate members
and staff will be presented hardwood seedlings, along with a coffee
mug and other forestry informational materials. Legislators are always
proud to tell stories of how many TFA seedlings have now grown into
healthy trees in their yards or at their farm. Also, TFA coffee mugs are
on display in many legislative offices and it is encouraging to hear legislators
express their thanks to our members for the annual seedling and
mug giveaway.

The legislative reception will take place at the Downtown Sheraton on the
evening of March 6. Legislators, Commissioners, officials with the Governor’s
office and staff always anticipate the TFA reception as one of the
highlights of each legislative session.

Please watch TFA’s Legislative Blast/News & Notes for an itinerary including
times, locations, etc. for the March 6 Tree Day/Reception activities.
We hope YOU will plan to participate this year!!!

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12-4-2012 Gov. Bill Haslam & Ag Comm Julius Johnson Name Jere Jeter as New State Forester

12/04/2012 -

http://news.tn.gov/node/9962

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam and Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson today announced the appointment of veteran Division of Forestry employee Jere Jeter as State Forester and Assistant Commissioner.

Jeter succeeds Steven Scott, who retired earlier this year after serving 10 years in the position.

“Jere has extensive natural resources management experience in both the private and public sectors that will serve our state well as we deal with important forest resource and protection issues, and I’m pleased to join Commissioner Johnson in making this announcement,” Haslam said.

As State Forester and Assistant Commissioner, Jeter is responsible for the administration of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry, which manages more than 166,000 acres of state-owned forests and has responsibility for wildfire prevention and suppression, reforestation, landowner assistance, forest health, urban forestry and forest inventory.

A native of Weakley County, Tenn., Jeter has been with the state Division of Forestry for more than 31 years. He first joined the agency in 1975 as an area forester serving McNairy and Hardeman counties. He also served as a staff forester working with wood-using industries. He has served as assistant state forester for the past 16 years, overseeing operations including equipment, property, budget and personnel management.

Jeter also has experience in the private sector managing operations of a hardwood lumber concentration and drying operation in Camden, Tenn. He has a bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville after studying pre-forestry at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

“I am humbled by and appreciative of the confidence Governor Haslam and Commissioner Johnson have shown in me to lead this important forest resources agency,” said Jeter. “Tennesseans are blessed by a great abundance and variety of forest resources we have and it is an honor to lead the effort to protect and wisely manage this resource.”

He and his wife, Maureen, have two children and six grandchildren and reside in Williamson County, Tenn.

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11-26-2012 Tennessee Paper Council Brochure

11/26/2012 -

The Tennessee Paper Council brochure is now on TFA's website. Please visit our Publications & Resources Page or click the link below to view the brochure.

http://www.tnforestry.com/files/1131/File/tpc.pdf

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10-22-2012 Wilson County & Surrounding Counties Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine for Smith County Meeting for Thursday November 1, 2012

10/22/2012 -

Wilson County & Surrounding Counties

Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine for Smith County Meeting

Thursday November 1, 2012

5:00 pm Central Time

James E. Ward Agriculture Center 945 E. Baddour Parkway Lebanon, TN

From Nashville via I-40 take exit 239B onto Baddour Parkway From Knoxville via I-40 take exit 239 onto Baddour Parkway Proceed on Baddour Parkway approximately ½ mile to entrance to James E. Ward Ag. Center After entering Ag. Center, go to end of double drive entrance Turn left Go about 100 yards and turn right into a large parking lot Look for event sign on building. Meeting will be in the East side of the East/West Building.

UT Extension, Wilson County – 615-444-9584, James E. Ward Ag. Center – 615-449-9077

Contact for questions or comments:

Heather Slayton Tennessee Division of Forestry Forest Health Specialist 615.218.4377 Heather.Slayton@tn.gov

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10-22-2012 Smith County & Surrounding Counties Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine for Smith County Meeting for Tuesday Oct 30, 2012

10/22/2012 -

Smith County & Surrounding Counties

Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine for Smith County Meeting

Tuesday October 30, 2012

6:00 pm Central Time

Smith County Chamber of Commerce 939 Upper Ferry Road Carthage, TN

Contact for questions or comments:

Heather Slayton Tennessee Division of Forestry Forest Health Specialist 615.218.4377 Heather.Slayton@tn.gov

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10-21-2012 TFA Annual Convention Power Point Presentations

10/21/2012 -

For the 2012 TFA Annual Meeting Power Point Presentations, please click here.

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08-31-2012 TN Tree Farm Second Annual State-wide Educational Workshop for Tree Farmers

09/23/2012 -

2012 TENNESSEE TREE FARM WORKSHOP BROCHURE:

The Tennessee Tree Farm Committee is sponsoring the second annual state-wide educational workshop for Tree Farmers, titled “Tree Farm: What Goes On Behind the Sign”. The meeting will feature expert presentations focused on forest economics, reforestation techniques, small woodlot harvesting/utilization and wildlife habitat improvement.

Please click here for the brochure

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09-14-2012~MORRIS NAMED SUPERVISOR OF CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST

09/14/2012 -

Press Release

ATLANTA (September 7, 2012) – D. JaSal Morris has been named Forest Supervisor of the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, according to Liz Agpaoa, Regional Forester.

Please click here for more information

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07-23-2012 TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES STATE FORESTER-ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER POSITION

07/23/2012 -

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT:

The TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
invites all qualified candidates to apply for the following position
STATE FORESTER-ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, DIVISION OF FORESTRY
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Executive Appointment    Minimum Salary: $73,000

Minimum education requirements: BS Degree in Forestry
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is seeking to fill the vacant State Forester position in the Department of Agriculture. The successful candidate will serve as an Assistant Commissioner and be a member of the Commissioner’s leadership team. The State Forester has statewide responsibility for successful delivery of programs and services provided by the division. The State Forester is responsible for the division’s $27 million annual budget including 317 full-time employees and 167,000 acres on 15 state forests.

Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Commissioner of Agriculture and in coordination with the Tennessee Forestry Commission, directs and implements all forestry programs to wisely utilize the state’s forests and forest products while effectively conserving these natural resources. Directs the development and administration of policy and procedures for forest management protection and reforestation. Reviews and makes decisions on employment and other personnel actions. Reviews and approves annual work plans and sets priorities for the next fiscal year. Develops annual budget based on work plans and pertinent information furnished by subordinates. Reviews, evaluates and modifies forestry programs to insure that set goals and objectives are reached.

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of BS Degree in Forestry from a Society of American Foresters-accredited college or university. A minimum of five (5) years full-time experience in forest management and protection is required. Experience in field or administrative forestry including fire suppression and incident command, long range planning, budget administration, personnel management and public relations is desired.

To apply: Send resume to Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, P. O. Box 40627, Nashville TN 37204.

For more information: Call 615-837-5103 or www.tn.gov/agriculture/

Resumes will be considered until August 31, 2012
The State of Tennessee Is An Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, Affirmative Action Employer

Please click here for pdf version

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07-23-2012 Leadership Conference for Local Wood Products

07/23/2012 -

Register Now for the

Leadership Conference for Local Wood Products

Wood Education and Resource Center

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012, $35

9 am to 4 pm

5-1/2 Hours of Forestry Education Credits

www.cnr.ncsu.edu/usalocalwood

This one day educational and networking event is for the forestry, lumber and value added wood products industry to promote new leadership for the industry to grow sales and profitability of US manufacturers using US woods.  Our industry must adapt to changed economic conditions where new opportunities exist but businesses have to adapt to grow sales and profitability.  This conference will feature open discussions of our current struggling situation and offer ideas that will lead to improved individual and industry wide performances.  We are inviting the forestry and wood products industry to come and be a part, including forest landowners, loggers, sawmills, drying operations, value added manufacturers, consulting foresters, USFS and state forestry departments, state forestry associations, non-profits, universities, government and economic development organizations.  Local and regional marketing opportunities will be studied that can develop new markets and customers.  Information about current and pending USFS research support projects for the industry will be presented.

Mail a check for $35 make out to SEDKC and mail to Phil Mitchell, NC State University, Campus Box 8003, Raleigh, NC 27695.  Email phil_mitchell@ncsu.edu, phone 919-515-5581.  Harry Watt is the coordinator of the conference, harry_watt@ncsu.edu, cell 704-880-5034.  The project website is www.cnr.ncsu.edu/usalocalwood.

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06-08-2012 Tennessee Master Logger of the Year

06/08/2012 -

TFA is accepting nominations for Tennessee Master Logger of the Year.  Nomination forms may be downloaded from the TFA website at:  http://www.tnforestry.com/Loggers/.   The deadline to submit nominations to TFA is Friday, July 20, 2012.

There are many Tennessee Master Loggers who deserve this prestigious recognition.  At TFA we are very proud of our Master Loggers.  It is our honor to annually present this award to a Tennessee Master Logger and his or her family during the TFA convention.  If you have questions or need further information regarding this award, please contact Candace at TFA.

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04-02-2012 Thompson's Forestry Solutions Day in Conjuction with TFA Master Logger Continuing Ed Training on April 28th

04/02/2012 -

Saturday, April 28th Thompson's invite you to attend Thompson's Forestry Solutions Day

• See the latest forestry machinery
• Lunch and beverages served
• Caps and giveaways

In conjuction with this special event, TFA will offer Master Logger Continuing Education Training in the fairgrounds building, starting at 8:00 a.m.

Please click here to download here the flyer for more information.

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03-23-2012 11th Annual Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tounament in Kingsport on May 4th

03/23/2012 -

11th Annual Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament in Kingsport

4-man captain's choice

benefiting

Wellmont Foundation & Children's Miracle Network

Tournament Date:

Friday, May 4, 2012, 8:00

Lunch Provided

Tournament Location:

Cattails at MeadowView

MeadowView Marriott Conference, Resort & Convention Center

1901 Meadow View Parkway

Kingsport, Tennessee

Cost per Player: $75

Hole Sponsorships for $100

A sign advertising your business will be placed on the tee box the day of the event.

Please let us know by April 30th if you plan to sponsor a hole.

Plaques awarded for the 1St & 2" place teams

Registration: (if you wish to play and do not have a team, you will be assigned one)

Click here for a downloadable version of the 2012 11th Annual Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament in Kingsport Flyer

For more information  call Dan Wemick at 423-676-5542 or 423-392-2792

dan.wemick@domtar.com

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Faces of Forestry Presentation

03/16/2012 -

Please click here to download a pdf version of the "Faces of Forestry" PowerPoint by Steve Owen, TFA President.

This file will take a moment to upload because of size.

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02-27-2012 Discover an easy way to find information on TFA's Website.

02/27/2012 -

Discover an easy, simple way to find your way around TFA's site. If you would like an organized overview of the website...try our SITEMAP. If you are looking for something specific try our SEARCH feature.

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01-17-2012 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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01-06-2012 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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10-18-2011 TFA Annual Meeting Power Point Presentations for Download

10/18/2011 -

Please click here to download TFA Annual Meeting Presentations

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10/18/2011 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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09-01-2011 NEW UPDATED EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) & THOUSAND CANKERS DISEASE INFORMATION FOR LOGGERS

09/01/2011 -

Please click here for more information regarding Walnut Tree Quarantine Expanded Due to Thousand Cankers Disease

Please click here for more information regarding Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Claiborne County

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

03/11/2011 -

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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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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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1-19- 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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09-10-2010 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

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09-01-2010 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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08-17-2010 Update from USDA on EAB & TCD Status in Knox & Loudon Counties

08/17/2010 -

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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.

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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

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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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Forestry Suppliers, Inc. partners with TFA for another year.

06/28/2010 -

Please make sure to visit our membership awards page for other TFA membership discounts and programs.

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06-25-2011 New Log Truck Light Law

06/25/2010 -

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TFA Announces Position Statement on Possible TN Division of Forestry Staff

03/17/2010 -

TFA Announces Position Statement on Possible TN Division of Forestry Staff Reduction

TFA will be providing the following statement to House and Senate members at the Tennessee General Assembly during Tree Day on Wednesday, March 17. The statement indicates TFA’s strong support for the leadership and staff at the Tennessee Division of Forestry. The statement also will be available to media and other outlets as needed.

Position Statement on Reduction of Forest Management Positions at the Tennessee Division of Forestry

The 2,000 members of the Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA) greatly value and support the staff and personnel at the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture, Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF). The Tennessee Division of Forestry has traditionally served forest landowners, loggers, forest industry, and all citizens interested in sound, scientific and sustainable forestry in Tennessee.

Since the early 1950s, TDF has been the first line of defense for forest fires in the Volunteer State. The agency has also provided landowner assistance services to thousands of non-industrial private forestland owners in each county of Tennessee. Through this assistance to both small and large landowners, Tennessee’s forests have remained healthy and viable, covering over 50% of the land base in Tennessee while providing scenic beauty and economic vitality. In many cases, TDF’s area foresters cover several counties providing the management expertise and encouragement to hundreds if not thousands of landowners. TDF foresters also regularly visit timber harvesting sites providing courtesy checks to ensure our state’s streams remain clear and clean. Area foresters provide supervision to technicians and aides for fire suppression and control and are recognized leaders of their communities serving as the “go-to” resource for local forestry information and education in schools and organizations across the state.

More and more foreign and domestic markets are looking for lumber and other wood products from certified wood sources. The American Tree Farm System answers the needs for certifying wood grown on the thousands of acres owned by non-industrial private landowners in Tennessee. TDF area foresters have annually written almost all of the Tree Farm management plans for forest landowners interested in becoming certified Tree Farmers. Should these area foresters lose their jobs, many landowners will no longer be able to continue to participate or to become certified Tree Farmers in Tennessee. With markets looking for certified wood, sawmills and other wood products manufacturers will be at a great disadvantage should this wood from private non-industrial landowners no longer be available. TFA and our many landowners and manufacturers are looking to grow the Tree Farm program to enable more wood from Tennessee to be exported or sold as certified lumber. We do not want to lose the markets for our state’s renewable wood resource due to inadequate staffing at the Tennessee Division of Forestry.

Future markets for Tennessee forest landowners will likely include green energy and biomass production. As these markets develop, additional pressures to grow trees for non-traditional uses will emerge. The Tennessee Division of Forestry, its leadership and area foresters need to be providing the management expertise and planning to assist forest landowners to provide the wood resource to meet these needs for green energy in the future.

At the Tennessee Division of Forestry Headquarters, staff members are very effective in managing federal funding, landowner cost-share opportunities, conservation planning, state forest management, marketing, and implementation of programs for insect and disease prevention. Nashville staff members are knowledgeable in the new mapping and GIS technology to assist both industry and landowners. These foresters partner closely with landowners, loggers, forest industry and other agencies to help ensure the sustainability of Tennessee’s forests and the jobs that these forests provide.

The Tennessee Forestry Association proudly supports the Tennessee Division of Forestry, the area foresters that cover all 95 Tennessee counties, the Nashville staff that diligently serves Tennessee through program administration and implementation, the technicians and aides that continue to keep our forests and citizens protected from forest fires. TFA understands that there are tremendous threats to our state’s forests from urbanization, development, forest pests, volatile markets, and ther sources. Keeping a strong Tennessee Division of Forestry will enable our forest landowners, loggers and industry to have the local and statewide resources needed to continue to maintain a viable, healthy, sustainable forest in our state and provide the jobs that support the livelihood of thousands of Tennesseans. Therefore, the Tennessee Forestry Association asks that the State of Tennessee retain these important and necessary positions within the Tennessee Division of Forestry.

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Tennessee Division Of Forestry Annouces . . . PLANNING FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FOREST LANDOWNERS

12/21/2009 -

For immediate release       
December 21, 2009   
 
CONTACT:   

TIM PHELPS
Division of Forestry
615-837-5543
TIM.R.PHELPS@TN.GOV
 
Perry Stevens,
TN NRCS
(615) 277-2533
perry.stevens@tn.usda.gov

  
Planning Funds Available for Private Forest Landowners
~ NRCS EQIP Sign Up Deadline is Jan. 15 ~

 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Private forest landowners seeking assistance to manage their forests can now get help with the cost of developing a detailed forest management plan.

 
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is currently accepting applications from landowners to receive funding to hire experts who specialize in developing multi-resource forest management plans. The application deadline is Jan. 15, 2010.
 
"We want to make sure Tennessee forest landowners know that there are cost share programs available, so they can use them to improve natural resources on their private working lands,” said John Rissler, Acting State Conservationist for the NRCS in Tennessee. “Conservation practices help the land by making it more productive through improved water quantity and quality, air quality and wildlife habitat.”
 
Private lands certification, carbon markets, biofuels initiatives and potential new tree planting programs present a myriad of forest management opportunities for private forest landowners. Many of the federal, state and private programs associated with these opportunities require forestlands be managed based on a tract (i.e. property) level, multi-resource forest management plan. Having a plan in place helps provide the landowner with a path to achieve their objectives and positions them to participate in other forest management programs.
 
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry provides similar services with year-round sign-up through its Forest Stewardship Program. Landowners interested in either plan are advised to contact their local Division of Forestry area forester who will help them determine which plan is more appropriate.
 
PLANNING FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FOREST LANDOWNERS 2 – 2 – 2
 
“Demand for multi-resource forest management plans is on the increase as landowners position themselves to take advantage of new opportunities to implement forest management on their properties,” said State Forester Steve Scott. “Our Forest Stewardship Program has been providing this service for years, but we are seeking partnerships with other government agencies and the private sector to ensure the short term demand for multi-resource forest management plans can be met.
 
“NRCS’s EQIP is one such example of how we hope to get more assistance to landowners to meet their individual objectives, which ultimately benefit their surrounding region through the multiple benefits forests provide to society.”
 
More information on these and other forest land assistance programs can be found online http://www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov/ or http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forestry/,
or by contacting your local TDA Division of Forestry office or NRCS District Conservationist office listed in the phone directory under state and federal government.

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Don't Forget to Donate to Tennessee Log a Load for Kids program!

12/18/2009 -

At this wonderful time of year, please remember to give generously to the Tennessee Log a Load for Kids program.  Just about every TFA member family has known a child that has been helped  by the Children’s Miracel Network hospitals in Tennessee.  The Log a Load for Kids program supports the CMN hospitals through the contributions of our loggers, landowners, foresters, industry folks and interested friends.  To contribute to the Tennessee Log a Load for Kids program, please send your check written to TFA Log a Load for Kids account and mail to TFA, P.O. Box 290693, Nashville, TN 37229.  You are welcome to designate the CMN hospital to receive your donation.  A Log a Load donation form can be found on TFA’s website:  
http://www.tnforestry.com/Loggers/Log-A-Load_for_Kids/.

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Biomass Corp Assistance Program for Tennessee materials notebook provided by TN Division of Forestry

12/18/2009 -

Please click the link below for Biomass Corp Assistance Program for Tennessee Material Notebook

BCAP materials notebook provided by Tennessee Division of Forestry

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Stay Warm This Winter with the Right Firewood

12/09/2009 -

Stay Warm This Winter with the Right Firewood
-Tips for consumers when purchasing firewood–

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is offering advice to consumers purchasing firewood this winter. When purchasing firewood, consumers need to take into consideration a variety of factors including the type of wood, its origin and the quantity.

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Biomass Crop Assistance Program for Tennessee

12/07/2009 -

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Report Shows Tennessee Land in Forests Stable, Yet Changing in Composition

06/25/2009 -

Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Media Release Report Shows Tennessee Land in Forests Stable, Yet Changing in Composition........read more

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Membership Rewards & Services Program Announced

06/25/2009 -

Tennessee Forestry Association is launching a Membership Services program that will feature membership discounts, incentives and services. As a way to say “thank you” to our members and show our appreciation to your participation and loyalty to forestry industry. . . . . . read more

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Sales Tax Exemption on Off Road Diesel Fuel

06/22/2009 -

Sales Tax Exemption on Off Road Diesel Fuel

Timber harvesters will need to download the application for registration, complete and send to TN Department of Revenue forms can be downloaded below...

The application is used to obtain a Tennessee agricultural sales or use tax exemption certificate. This certificate must beused to make qualified agricultural purchases exempt from sales and use tax. You must complete the front of this application and submit withcopies of any requested documents.

Farmers, Timbers Harvesters & Nursery Operators Notice #07-12

Sales Tax Exemption Application

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Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program

06/22/2009 -

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program supports Tennessee Master Loggers by providing tuition support for both the initial 5 day training course and continuing education in 2008.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program is also providing 75% cost-share funding to loggers for the purchase, construction and use of temporary stream crossing structures. For more information on this program, please contact your area Tennessee Division of Forestry office. Loggers can sign-up now for assistance.

TFA truly appreciates the support and leadership provided Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens to ensure that additional loggers, landowners, and professional resource managers can attend Master Logger training for a minimal cost and the program can be administered in a cost-effective manner that is helpful and user friendly for loggers, landowners, and industry statewide. Commissioner Givens and his staff and the foresters at the Division of Forestry are working hard to support forestry programs in Tennessee that will encourage the use of forestry best management practices, safety, and sound silvicultural decision making . . . . . .

Read more about Tennessee Enhancement Program

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Tennessee Sustainable Forestry Committee Recieves a National Award!!!!

06/22/2009 -

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2007 BMP Report

05/14/2009 -

2007 BMP REPORT

Please click here to download the Newly Release BMP Report   FILE SIZE: 1.14 MB LARGE FILE  
 

2007 BMP GUIDE

Guide to Forestry BMP's Practices in TN FILE SIZE: 402 KB

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TFA Passes Resolution through General Assembly Recognizing Tennessee’s Sustainable Forests.

06/14/2011 -

TFA is very proud to provide a copy of the signed resolution by Governor Bill Haslam, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, House Speaker Beth Harwell and Representative John Tidwell recognizing the value and importance of Tennessee’s sustainable forests, Master Loggers, forest landowners and our wood products industry.   The resolution notes that forest harvest and mortality consistently have been much less than forest growth, and forest inventory has increased significantly over the past few decades.  The Governor, Senate and House leadership and legislators also noted that the report “Implementation of Forestry Best Management Practices in Tennessee” found that forestry activities have few adverse effects on water quality.  In closing the resolution, the Governor and Legislature states “we hereby express our support for wood products sourced from Tennessee’s forests, recognizing that the forests of Tennessee provide many benefits, including a source of legitimate wood products”.  The resolution was adopted on May 21, 2011.

TFA appreciates our membership’s support to help in our efforts to pass this resolution so readily through the House and Senate.  Governor Haslam also very promptly signed the resolution.  Our organization also appreciates Rep. John Tidwell’s help in sponsoring this important resolution.  Rep. Tidwell represents District 74 and lives in New Johnsonville.

All House and Senate members voted FOR this resolution.  There was no opposition and no dissenting votes against this resolution.

TFA hopes that this resolution will provide support to our mills that need documentation of our state’s sustainable forests for overseas and domestic customers.  For a signed copy of the resolution, please click here.  For more information, please contact Candace at TFA.

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