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

New on 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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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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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

Please click here for the New Tree Farm Inspector Training & Stewardship Plan Writer Training Informational Flyer

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

06/28/2010 -

Forestry Suppliers, Inc. extends their 7% discount for TFA members until July 1, 2011.

7% discount form Forestry Suppliers
Forestry Suppliers, Inc., a leading source for products for the timber harvesting industry. TFA members are extended a discount of 7% on each order. To receive this discount, it is very important to make sure you use code 404. The discount will expire July 1, 2011. The Forestry Suppliers, Inc. number is 601-354-3565. Website:

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

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New Log Truck Light Law

06/25/2010 -

 
Log Truck Light Legislation Goes Into Effect 7/1/10. This legislation requires an amber strobe or LED lamp to be attached to the end of a load of logs when the overhang is at least 4 feet. The lamp is required ½ hour before sundown and ½ hour after sunset and any other time when headlights are required. The lamps can be purchased through TFA for $35.00. Please review the legislation and summary as passed by the General Assembly by clicking the link below. Contact TFA with any questions.
 
 

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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

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Annoucing Log-A-Load for Kids Golf Tournament

03/26/2010 -

Ninth Annual 4-Man Captain’s Choice
Golf Tournament
Sponsored by
VA/TN/KY Log-A-Load for Kids
Benefiting Children’s Miracle Network
 
Tournament Date: Friday, May 7, 2010, 8:00 a.m.
Lunch Provided
 
Tournament Location: Meadow View Resort & Convention Center Cattail’s Golf Course
1901 Meadow View Parkway
Kingsport, Tennessee
 
Cost per Player: $75
Also
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 28th if you plan to sponsor a hole.
 
Please click here for Log-A-Load for Kids Sign-Up Sheet
 

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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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TFA Announces 2010 Teacher Conservation Workshop Dates

02/22/2010 -

This year workshop dates are:

East TN/Knoxville:  June 13-18

West TN/Pickwick:  July 11-16
 
For more info or to download the brochure please click the link below...
 
 
 
 

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Announcing a Forest Landowner Workshop **HAMILTON COUNTY DATE REVISED**

01/28/2010 -

 

Announcing a Forest Landowner Workshop
 
Don’t Just Own Your Forested Property,
MANAGE It
 

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

 

 
When and Where:   Please see below for upcoming dates  
 
 
Registration and for more information:   Register for the workshop with the County UT Extension office. The cost is $10.00 which includes lunch and workshop materials. The workshop is sponsored by UT Extension and the TN Division of Forestry.
 
========================================================
Knoxville Meeting
 
Saturday, February 20 from 8:30 to 2:00 in Knoxville at the UT Agricultural Campus in the Plant Biotechnology Building, Rooms 156/157.
 
Knox County
 
865-215-2340
 
 
 
Nashville Meeting
 
Saturday, February 6 from 8:30 to 2:00 in Nashville at the Ed Jones Auditorium, Ellington Agricultural Center, 440 Hogan Road.
 
Davidson County
 
615-862-5995
 
 
 
Memphis Meeting
 
Saturday, February13 from 8:30 to 2:00 in Memphis at the Agricenter International on Walnut Grove Road
 
Shelby County
 
901-752-1207
 
 
 
Chattanooga Meeting **REVISED**
 
Saturday, March 20 at the community building at
Chester Frost Park, 2318 North Gold Point Circle, Hixson, TN
 
Registration Phone Number is  
 
Hamilton County
 
423-855-6113

 

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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. 

 

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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
 

Click here for TN Healthy Hardwoods Registration Form

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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.

 
 
“Firewood can be purchased almost anywhere and in many varieties,” said Tim Phelps, Information and Education Specialist with the department’s Division of Forestry. “Consumers should educate themselves to make sure they get the best product for their money.”
 
The first factor to consider while purchasing firewood is the type of wood because different woods burn differently and produce varying amounts of heat. For example, oak burns slower and produces less smoke while pine burns faster and produces more soot and smoke. Educate yourself about the type of wood that will best serve your needs.
 
After deciding on the type of wood, be sure to ask retailers about the seasoning of the wood. Seasoning is the process of drying wood. Firewood typically takes nine months to become seasoned. Burning wood that has not been dried out properly or seasoned will produce less heat, burn poorly and create unnecessary soot and smoke.
 
Another factor to take into consideration when purchasing wood is the origin of the wood. This is important because buying wood from other states may transport invasive exotic insects into Tennessee. Consumers can help avoid potential problems by purchasing locally harvested firewood within a 50-mile radius of their home.
 
“The Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer are two examples of insects that have devastated many native hardwood trees in the U.S. as a result of the transportation of infested wood products,” said Phelps. “So far these insects have not been detected in Tennessee.  We’re asking consumers to help us keep it that way.”
 
The last factor to consider when buying firewood is the quantity. Firewood has its own unit of measurement called a cord. Firewood must be sold by the cord or fractions of a cord starting at 1/8 of a cord. A cord of wood by law must equal 128 cubic feet. Be wary of terms such as face cord, rack, rick, tier, pile or truck-load, as these terms are not standardized in the sale of firewood. Some firewood dealers also try to sell firewood by the truckload. A typical pick-up truck cannot hold a cord of firewood. Rest assured, when purchasing firewood at brand retailers, there are established labeling protocols for firewood. 
 
If consumers follow these tips, they can feel confident that they purchased a local, worthy product that will keep them warm throughout the winter months.
 
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Biomass Crop Assistance Program for Tennessee

12/07/2009 -

 

The following is a summary of the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) that looks to be very beneficial for many of our forest products facilities and suppliers in the state of Tennessee. This is a simplified overview and is meant to be an introduction only; all the details, forms and information are available on the USDA Farm Services Agency website: www.fsa.usda.gov
 
BCAP provides financial assistance to producers or entities that deliver eligible biomass material to designated biomass conversion facilities for use as heat, power, biobased products or biofuels. Initial assistance will be for the Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation (CHST) costs associated with the delivery of eligible materials.
The program currently includes forest products facilities that are burning biomass materials in boilers for process steam or steam for drying lumber. The matching payment is made to the supplier and not the Biomass Conversion Facility (BCF) and equals a dollar for dollar payment for the cost of biomass material up to $45 per dry ton. 
The first step is for a using facility (BCF) to apply and agree to be included as a facility participating in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program’s Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation component. The suppliers that are selling the BCF sawdust, bark and other biomass must have some type of purchase agreement from the BCF to take to their county office of the Farm Services Agency (FSA) to apply for a CHST matching payment before delivery of any material. The supplier submits a “Request for Payment” to the county FSA office after material has been delivered to the BCF and is then paid for the delivered material. 
For example: A paper mill such as Temple Inland (Facility ID 4708501) makes application to be a BCF and is accepted and issued a BCF number. A sawmill that is taking their sawdust to Temple goes to the FSA office in Montgomery County with their purchase agreement from Temple and applies for a CHST matching payment. When the sawmill delivers loads of sawdust to Temple, they take their original scale tickets, invoices or payments made and conversion from green to dry tons to the county office for matching payment. A smaller lumber facility that is buying biomass for their boiler to dry lumber would have to go through the same process. An entity cannot be both a BCF and a supplier.
As of this date there are two BCFs in Tennessee:
ID 4708501, Temple Inland Inc., New Johnsonville Mill, (931) 535-2161, tracysmith@templeinland.com
ID 4707101, Packaging Corporation of America, Counce Mill, (731) 689-1220, gdurrence@packagingcorp.com
All the forms and more detailed directions are on the FSA website. If you have questions after reading the materials, you can call or email:
Doug Schnabel, TN Division of Forestry, 615 837 5430, doug.schnabel@tn.gov
Dana Howard, TN Forestry Association, 615 883 3832, dhoward@tnforestry.com
Pat Gibson, Farm Services Agency, 615 277 2617, pat.gibson@tn.usda.gov

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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.

 
 

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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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