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
- Pest Alert....Thousand Cankers Disease
- Update from USDA on EAB & TCD Status in Knox & Loudon Counties
- EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) INFORMATION FOR LOGGERS
- Southern Leadership Tour Dates Announced
- TDF News Release...Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in East Tennessee
- 2010-2015 Standards of Sustainability
- Attention Dual Educaiton Programs - 2010 Tree Farm Inspector Training & Stewardship Plan Writer Training
- Forestry Suppliers, Inc. partners with TFA for another year.
- New Log Truck Light Law
- Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament Rescheduled
- Annoucing Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament
- TFA Announces Position Statement on Possible TN Division of Forestry Staff
- TFA Announces 2010 Teacher Conservation Workshop Dates
- Announcing a Forest Landowner Workshop **HAMILTON COUNTY DATE REVISED**
- TFA Announces Annual Meeting Dates
- 2010 Spring TN Healthy Hardwoods Field Days Announced
- Tennessee Division Of Forestry Annouces . . . PLANNING FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FOREST LANDOWNERS
- Don't Forget to Donate to Tennessee Log a Load for Kids program!
- Biomass Corp Assistance Program for Tennessee materials notebook provided by TN Division of Forestry
- Stay Warm This Winter with the Right Firewood
- Biomass Crop Assistance Program for Tennessee
- ANNOUNCING 2009 TFA AWARD WINNERS
- 2009 TFA Annual Convention Evaluation Form
- Report Shows Tennessee Land in Forests Stable, Yet Changing in Composition
- Membership Rewards & Services Program Announced
- Sales Tax Exemption on Off Road Diesel Fuel
- Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program
- Tennessee Sustainable Forestry Committee Recieves a National Award!!!!
- 2007 BMP Report
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 ![]()
Update from USDA on EAB & TCD Status in Knox & Loudon Counties
08/17/2010 -
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.
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.
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.
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.
TDF News Release...Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in East Tennessee
07/27/2010 -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2010
CONTACT:
Tom Womack
Tim Phelps, Forestry
615-837-5543 or 615-428-5913
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
Attention Dual Educaiton Programs - 2010 Tree Farm Inspector Training & Stewardship Plan Writer Training
06/28/2010 -
There is no cost to attend trainings due to Tree Farm sponsorship. However, sites are limited to 30 participants. Please Register by August 4th to Susie Nicholson at 731-425-4717 or snichol6@utk.edu. State which training(s) you will be attending.
Please scroll to the bottom of the page to download an informational flyer regarding these trainings.
TRAINING TIMES ARE:
Tree Farm Workshop 9 AM - 2 PM
Stewardship Plan Writer Training 9 AM - 4 PM
TRAINING DATES AND LOCATIONS ARE:
West TN Reseach & Education Center
605 Airways Blvd. Jackson, TN
August 10, 2010 - Tree Farm Workshop
August 11, 2010 - Stewardship Plan Writer Training
Ed Jones Auditorium, Ellington Ag. Center
Hogan Road - Next to TDF State Office - Nashville, TN
August 12, 2010 - Tree Farm Workshop
August 13, 2010 - Stewardship Plan Writer Training
East TN Research & Education Center
3215 Alcoa Highway
Across From Sevier Heights Baptist Church
August 17, 2010 - Tree Farm Workshop
August 18, 2010 - Stewardship Plan Writer Training
Forestry Suppliers, Inc. partners with TFA for another year.
06/28/2010 -
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7% discount form Forestry Suppliers
New Log Truck Light Law
06/25/2010 -
Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament Rescheduled
04/30/2010 -
*The 13th Annual Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament "was" to take place tomorrow (May 1st, 2010) at the Shiloh Golf Course in Adamsville, TN has been postponed. Because of the predicted rain...the tournament is rescheduled for Saturday, May 22nd.
The 13th Annual Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament
benefiting Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center
Saturday, *May 22nd, 2010 (rescheduled)
Shiloh Golf Course
2915 Caney Brand Road
Adams, TN
Shotgun Start
8:00 am and 1:00 pm tee times
Annoucing Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament
03/26/2010 -
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.
TFA Announces 2010 Teacher Conservation Workshop Dates
02/22/2010 -
This year workshop dates are:
East TN/Knoxville: June 13-18
Announcing a Forest Landowner Workshop **HAMILTON COUNTY DATE REVISED**
01/28/2010 -
|
Learn About: 1. Obtaining Information & Professional
Assistance
2. Determining Ownership Objectives
3. Improving the Forest Environment---
Keeping Trees and Forests Healthy
4. Property Ownership Liabilities
5. Developing a Forest Management Plan
6. Estate Planning, Trusts and Taxes of
Your Property
|
Who’s Invited? Landowners and persons who own or are considering forest land ownership will find this educational workshop an exceptional opportunity. Anyone with forest cover on part of their property will learn how to practice sustainable forestry and how to manage the land to meet their objectives
TFA Announces Annual Meeting Dates
01/22/2010 -
The TFA 2010 Annual Convention has been set for October 13-15 in Gatlinburg at the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center (www.edgwater-hotel.com). The hotel’s TFA sleeping room rate is $70.00 single/double. This will be an excellent time to visit the Smokies at the peak season for leaf color. Fall will be in the air ! Program and activities will be announced soon. We hope that you will plan to visit East Tennessee, October 13-15 with your TFA friends.
Please click here 2010 Tennessee Forestry Assocation Annual Meeting Brochure. ![]()
2010 Spring TN Healthy Hardwoods Field Days Announced
01/12/2010 -
2010 Tennessee Healthy Hardwoods Field Days Announced
The 2010 Tennessee Healthy Hardwood Field Days will be held .....
May 01: Nashville Ellington Ag Center, TDF Office
June 05: Tullahoma, Univ. of UT, Highland Rim Exp Center
Click here for TFA Calendar of Events
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.
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/.
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
Stay Warm This Winter with the Right Firewood
12/09/2009 -
-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.
Biomass Crop Assistance Program for Tennessee
12/07/2009 -
ANNOUNCING 2009 TFA AWARD WINNERS
11/06/2009 -
Please check out the articles on TFA Master Loggers of the year James & Scottie Robertson, TFA Tree Farmer of the Year Sharon Keen, and CFA of the year, The Southern Middle Tennessee County Forestry Association. Please click the link below to view the article.
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
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
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
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 . . . . . .



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