CURRENT EVENTS
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State Forester Elected Treasurer of National Group
West Virginia State Forester Randy Dye was recently elected treasurer for the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) at the group’s 2010 annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Dye, who has been director/state forester of the Division of Forestry for more than a decade, said, “I am proud to represent not only the NASF but also the great state of West Virginia. I look forward to the challenges of helping shape forest policy positions on a national level.” Dye is the first West Virginia state forester to serve as an officer on the NASF executive committee in its 90-year history.
The NASF represents the directors of forestry agencies from the 50 states, eight U.S. territories and associated states, and the District of Columbia. At the 2010 meeting, the association approved a number of policy positions related to support of the National Firewood Task Force recommendations, the role of stewardship plans in the production of renewable woody biomass in planted forests, and forest biomass supply, carbon and sustainability.
Dye was one of a slate of new officers elected to serve a 12-month term. Colorado State Forester Jeff Jahnke will serve as president, and Arkansas State Forester John Shannon is the association’s new vice president.
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DOF COMPLETES LONG-RANGE PLANS
Two Complimentary Efforts Combine
to Form the Most Comprehensive Planning Efforts
Ever Undertaken by the Agency
The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) has announced the release of two separate, but complementary, planning documents that will guide the activities of the agency for years to come.
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"Call Before You Cut" Program Helps Landowners
Develop Plans and Find Expert Help
Managing your woodland can be a daunting task, but help is here for West Virginia landowners. The "Call Before You Cut" program launched Monday, Nov. 23, with a Web site, www.callb4ucut.com, that caters to the needs of those seeking professional advice on how to manage their woodlands. A toll-free telephone number, 1-888-4WVCBYC (1-888-498-2292), allows landowners to speak directly with a professional forester and request information that can help them with their long-term management plans.
"The Call Before You Cut program is targeted specifically to landowners who want to do something good for the land and for future generations," said Assistant State Forester Jeremy McGill. "This new resource will give landowners the tools they need to select reputable, licensed loggers, as well as help them make responsible long-term management decisions. Visit the Web site or give us a call so that we can put you in contact with professionals who can help you set goals for your property and help you reach those goals."
The program is sponsored in West Virginia by the Division of Forestry, West Virginia Forestry Association, Association of Consulting Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Call Before You Cut is a multi-state initiative to help landowners manage their woodlands for multiple uses, including wildlife, recreation, timber and woodland streams.
The Web site features sections on how to get started and who to contact for expert help. Information packets will be available through the Web site and the toll-free telephone number.
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Landowners Need Exemptions
to Harvest Timber on Their Properties
Landowners that intend to harvest timber on their own properties must first obtain a Timber Harvesting Exemption from their local Forestry Regional Office.
This exemption requirement is part of the Logging Sediment Control Act of 1992, which states that anyone conducting a logging operation or buying timber or logs for resale is required to be licensed by the Division of Forestry.
The total stumpage value for timber removed by an individual under an exemption may not exceed $15,528 within the calendar year for which the exemption is issued.
If you are planning to harvest timber on your property and want more information about an exemption, please contact your local Division of Forestry Regional Office: Farmington (304) 825-6983; Beckley (304) 256-6775; Milton (304) 743-6186.
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