2014 VERMONT EXPO, MAY 9-10, 2014

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EXPOSITION

ESSEX JUNCTION, VERMONT

For information about attending or exhibiting at

the 2014 Vermont Expo visit us at

www.northernlogger.com or

call toll-free 800-318-7561 or 315-369-3078

VISIT US AT THE VFPA BOOTH IN THE

BLUE RIBBON PAVILION

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

VFPA Annual

Meeting

2

Legislative &

Regulatory Update

3-5

The Economic

Importance of Vermont’s

Forest-Based Economy

2013

5

The Vermont Farm &

Forest Viability Program

6

VFPA Timber Talk 6

Vermont Portable

Skidder Bridge

Program

7

Atherton Meadows

Wildlife Management

Area Public Meeting

7

Vermont Tech

Centers

8

Summary of 2014

Farm Bill’s Enerty

Title Provisions

8

The Northern Vermont

Regional Roundup

9

VFF &

LEAP

10

LEAP Workshops and

Events

11

Annual Loggers’

Banquet to Welcome “Swamp Logger” Bobby Goodson

11

VFF: Regeneration

Harvesting in a

Challenging Environment

Workshop

12

VFPA Address Change

VFPA Chainsaw Raffle

Members

13

Vermont Forest Products Association since 1977

S P R I N G , 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E X I I

The Mission of the VFPA is to promote and defend the interests of our members. VFPA

represents all aspects of the forestry community and the member businesses and individuals

that are located throughout the State of Vermont . VFPA meets its mission through:

Information and continuing education to its members

Public outreach and education

Working with other organizations through partnering and coalition building

Networking with others within the forest products industry

Lobbying state and federal government officials and lawmakers

“The voice of the forest products industry in Vermont since 1977“

VFPA Northern Vermont Regional Round-Up

Complimentary Breakfast and Meeting

The Eastside Restaurant

Newport, Vermont

April 26, 2013 from 8-11:30 AM

For registration call

Goodridge Lumber, Inc at (802) 755-6298

Or Barb at VFPA (802) 461-5688

P A G E 2

The Vermont Forest Products Association held its annual meeting, Wednesday, February 19th,

2014 at the Steakhouse Restaurant in Berlin, Vermont.

New directors to the Board are Tim Cleveland, Hardwick, VT and Tony Lamberton, Middletown Springs, VT. Thank you

to Doug Edwards for his service on the VFPA board.

Joe Gagnon, Gagnon Lumber, Pittsford, VT and Alan Plumb, Plumb Lumber Co., Andover, VT were recognized and hon-

ored each as VFPA Director Emeritus “in sincere appreciation for their leadership, integrity, and commitment in distin-

guished service for the betterment of the Forest Products Industry in Vermont”. Due to both Joe and Alan having prior com-

mitments in their community and were not able to attend, Joe’s son, Ken, accepted the award on his father’s behalf and Alan

will be presented his award at a later date.

Speakers for the meeting, Commissioner Michael Snyder, Vermont Department of Forest, Parks & Recreation and

Jolinda LaClair, Vermont Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, gave highlights of the Vermont’s Working Landscape 2013

Summit held at Vermont Technical College in Randolph in December and also our new forestry/agriculture partnership.

At the Summit, Commissioner Snyder moderated the panel discussion, “Building Positive Understanding of the Forest Prod-

ucts Industry”. He notes that IF people understand the forest products industry he feels that it will be a POSITIVE UNDER-

STANDING. Our forest products industry has tended to be an invisible industry in the scheme of the working landscape, but

it is time to tell our story of who we are, what we do, and the benefits derived from a strong and vibrant forest products indus-

try, including clean air and clean water that all people need to survive.

Deputy Secretary Jolinda LaClair was pleased to join the forest products annual meeting and get to know other “partners” in

working lands. At the summit, Jolinda moderated the panel discussion, “Working Lands Enterprise Board Investments”. She

shared information on the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, which is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture,

Food and Markets, in partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation and the Vermont Agency of

Commerce and Community Development. The Working Lands Enterprise Board’s purpose is to grow sustainable and suc-

cessful enterprises in Vermont’s working landscape. She reviewed projects from around the state that have received funding

through its working lands program.

Ian Hartman, Coordinator, and Ela Chapin, Program Director, of the Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program,

were in attendance. Ela presented information on this program, which offers business planning services and specialized tech-

nical assistance to Vermont forestry and forest products businesses.

Steve McLeod, Vermont Traditions Coalition/VFPA lobbyist, gave a legislative update including bills concerning S100-

Forest Fragmentation, House Bill 526 –Lake Shoreline Zoning, House Bill 9-State Land Use Plan, House Bill 394-

streamlining procedures for re-classifying water to cleaner classifications, and House Bill 587 which would remove the ability

for town selectboards to lay out temporary rights-of-way for access to forestlands. Other areas of discussion were Working

Lands Legislation, the Current Use Tax Program and also Forester Licensing, which appeared not to be supported by VFPA at

the meeting, after a motion made to support the licensing of foresters died for lack of a second.

Commissioner Snyder was able to answer questions and provide information concerning these legislative issues.

Bill Moore, Farm Bureau Lobbyist, attended the meeting and looks forward to working with VFPA on issues that are com-

mon to both forestry and agriculture.

It is critical for VFPA to have a strong presence in Montpelier if the Forest Products Industry is to survive by monitoring the

issues, providing information to the membership, participating in discussions concerning the industry and promoting the in-

dustry and defending it when necessary.

Thank you for the leadership, commitment and efforts of the VFPA board, Administrative Secretary, Barb Ross, and also

Steve McLeod and Frank Stanley, Vermont Traditions Coalition/VFPA Lobbyists.

Thank you to our members for their support of the Vermont Forest Products Association, the voice of the forest products in-

dustry in Vermont since 1977.

Vermont Forest Products Association Annual Meeting submitted by Colleen Goodridge, VFPA Vice President

P A G E 3

Directors ~ 2013-2015

Dennis Allard, Springfield

(802) 875-4304

Sean Barrows, N.Clarendon

(802) 775-0032

Steve Hardy, Chesterfield, NH

(802) 2571644

Robbo Holleran, Chester

(802) 875-3021

Michael Molleur, E. Hardwick

(802) 533-7001

Mark Rivers, Brattleboro

(802) 254-4939

Bill Sayre, Bristol

(802) 363-3341

Mark Doty, Fairfield, ME

(207) 453-2527

Eric Parenti, Orford, NH

(603) 655-6980

Officers for 2014

President

Steve Hardy, Chesterfield, NH

(802) 257-1644

1st Vice President

Colleen Goodridge, Albany,VT

(802) 755-6298

2nd Vice President

Bob Toppin, Ira, VT

(802) 235-2361

Secretary/Treasurer

John Meyer, Montpelier , VT

(802) 223-6666

Directors ~ 2014-2016

Ray Colton, Pittsfield

(802) 746-8033

Timothy Cleveland, Hardwick

(802) 472-8448

Delwin Fielder, Whiting

(802) 623-7601

Tony Lamberton, Middletown Springs

(802) 235-1042

Colleen Goodridge, Albany

(802) 755-6298

John Meyer, Montpelier

(802) 223-6666

Steve Galbreath, Ascutney

(802) 674-5834

Bruce Shields, Wolcott

(802) 888-5165

Bob Toppin, Ira

(802) 235-2361

Senate Bill 100 Goes To Floor Fight: Big Win For Vermont Forest

Products Association

By Steve McLeod, VFPA Lobbyist

The Vermont Forest Products Association (VFPA) has been fighting Senate Bill 100,

proposed by Senator Peter Galbraith (D-Windham County) and others, for two years, in the Senate

Natural Resources Committee. This bill proposes to diminish the alleged problem of “forest frag-

mentation” by expanding Act 250 to require any landowner who “fragments forests” to give land of

comparable value to the state.

Finally, in a climatic floor fight that stretched over four days, the Galbraith proposal was

defeated 22-6! In an amendment by Senator Bobby Starr (D-Orleans/ Essex Counties), the Galbraith

proposal was replaced by a study of “forest fragmentation” to be done by the Department of Forests,

Parks & Recreation with a report back to the Legislature at the end of this year.

This saga began in the Senate Natural Resources Committee last year when VFPA, Commis-

sioner Michael Snyder of the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, and committee member,

Senator John Rodgers (D-Orleans/ Essex Counties) successfully convinced the committee that S-100

posed so many unintended problems that it was a bad idea. However, Senator Galbraith kept coming

back with new versions of the bill this year, and the committee, except for Senator Rodgers, seemed

bound and determined to pass versions of the bill that remained detrimental to working forest land

ownership.

In an effort to demonstrate the many problems and ambiguities in the bill and the flaws with

the whole concept behind the bill, Bill Sayre and I recruited testimony from twelve different expert

witnesses from VFPA, the Vermont Woodlands, Association, the Vermont Farm Bureau, and Com-

missioner Snyder. The following witnesses deserve the thanks of all VFPA members for taking the

time to prepare and deliver testimony:

Commissioner Snyder

Former FPR Department Commissioner & Present Forester Jonathan Wood

Attorney and Act 250/Forestry Law Expert David Gracyk

AIV Forest Policy Task Force Chairman Bill Sayre

VFPA and Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) Board Member John Meyer

VFPA President Steve Hardy

VWA President Put Blodgett

VWA Member and Former Legislator Steve Webster

VFPA Board Member Robbo Holleran

Wagner Paper Lands Forester Dan Hudnut

Vt. Farm Bureau Lobbyist Bill Moore

VFPA Lobbyist, Vermont Association of Snow Travelers Lobbyist & Vermont ATV

Sportsman’s Association Lobbyist Steve McLeod

Others provided written testimony.

Despite an impressive body of evidence from this stellar line up of expert witnesses, the Senate Natu-

ral Resources Committee voted 3-2 against Senator Rodgers amendment to substitute a Study for the

Galbraith proposal, and then 4-1 against Senator Rodgers effort to defeat the Galbraith proposal. Our

last shot in the Senate was the Senate Floor.

The working lands groups cited above, the Shumlin administration led by Commissioner

Snyder, Senator Rodgers, and Senator Starr led the charge for opponents of the bill onto the Senate

floor. Between us, we contacted all 24 uncommitted Senators and urged their support for the Starr

amendment to substitute the study for the Galbraith proposal. Senators Norm McAllister (R-Franklin

County), Kevin Mullin (R-Rutland County), Peg Flory (R-Rutland County), Joe Benning (R-

Caledonia County), and Alice Nitka (D-Windsor County) all poked holes in the bill during the floor

debate that played out over four days due to a mid-debate postponement to allow the Senate Natural

Resources Committee to try and re-group. Finally, when the vote came, it was 22-6 in favor of the

study with only Hartwell of Bennington County, Snelling of Chittenden County, Galbraith, Baruth of

Chittenden County, McCormack of Windsor County, and Sears of Bennington County opposed.

VFPA preferred that the Legislature drop the whole “forest fragmentation” altogether, but there was

not enough support for this option for it to have a chance to win. Now, with the study, the examina-

tion of the “forest fragmentation” issue, will be led by the professionals of the Forests, Parks & Rec-

reation Department rather than legislators with less expertise on the realities of working forest land

ownership.

(Continued on page 4)

P A G E 4

Other VFPA Legislative Issues

By Steve McLeod, VFPA Lobbyist

VFPA, as always, is actively involved in numerous other legislative issues besides Senate Bill 100. Here’s a rundown of the other

issues.

Current Use Tax Program

This bill is still being held in the Senate Agriculture Committee by Senator Bobby Starr (D-Orleans/ Essex), a champion of the land-

owners on this one. The House Ways & Means Committee has already passed a bill with a land use change tax increase that VFPA

opposes. Senator Starr and his committee will likely vote out a counter proposal next week setting the stage for a late legislative

session showdown. John Meyer and I will be involved in whatever transpires from here.

Forester Licensing

Testimony was taken on two different days in House Government Operations Committee. The outcome was that the Office of Pro-

fessional Regulation will study the situation re: foresters and do a report with recommendations on whether or not foresters should be

licensed. Following issuance of the report, any licensure would still have to go through the legislative process and VFPA will be

involved. At the VFPA Annual Meeting, the idea of forester licensing did not appear to be popular.

House Bill 587

This is the bill that would take away the statutory right of way determination process under current law where towns can give land-

locked landowners right of ways over other folks land to extract timber and other materials. VFPA has actively opposed the abolition

of the right of way procedure, including my testimony, and so far we have been successful. It ain't over til it's over, however.

House Bill 526---Lake Shoreland Zoning

While this is a bad bill for lake shore landowners, VFPA got an exemption in the Senate version of the bill from the requirements for

lake shore silviculture where the landowner must simply follow the AMPs and have a forest management plan approved by a county

forester. VFPA is now attempting to convince the Conference Committee reconciling the House and Senate version of the bills to go

with the Senate version

House Bill 586---Another bill promoting clean water.

Again, this bill deals with lake shores and this time the House Fish & Wildlife Committee wants silviculture to be supervised by a

"Certified Shorelands Contractor" specializing in erosion. VFPA is working with Forests, Parks & Recreation Department Commis-

sioner Michael Snyder to eliminate this requirement in the Senate.

House Bill 62----Ban On Cell Phones While Driving

VFPA worked especially with Mark Doty of Plum Creek Timber to get two-way radios including citizen's band used for forestry

exempted from this ban. The Senate Transportation Committee passed the exemption, and now we need the House of Representa-

tives to go along.

House Bill 799----Rules of Importation of Firewood

This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Forests, Parks & Recreation to draft rules governing the importation of firewood. There are

some potential pitfalls with the bill. Bill Sayre, Rep. Paul Ralston, Commissioner Snyder, and I are working to make sure the legisla-

tion turns out ok from the industry's standpoint.

Working Lands Legislation

This program remains an economic incentive program rather than a regulatory program, and I have been keeping an eye on it to

make sure it stays that way. It looks like the Legislature will appropriate $1.5 million for farm, forestry, and maple grants. This ap-

propriation has passed the House, but still requires Senate concurrence.

House Bill 394----Streamlining Procedures for Re-Classifying Water To Cleaner Classifications

Ed Larson has taken the lead as a courtesy to VFPA with my support. We have thus far successfully opposed the streamlining on

grounds that we want full procedural rights any time that stricter water classifications are proposed because of impacts the new clas-

sifications can have on adjacent forestry.

(Continued on page 5)

P A G E 5

House Bill 9----State Land Use Plan

No action yet this year, though there was plenty of action last year. It appears this bill is not going anywhere. VFPA opposes the bill

because it proposes statewide zoning including zoning relating to forestry.

Commissioner Snyder has been playing a key role helping us on many of the above issues.

The Economic Importance of Vermont’s Forest-Based Economy 2013

excerpts from the report by North East State Foresters Association (NEFA)

and the Vermont Department of Forests & Parks

(Continued from page 4)

Executive Summary Timber harvests contribute tremendous value to all of the forest

industry sectors in Vermont. Approximately 6,636 workers (full-

time equivalents) are employed in the forest products, maple, and

Christmas tree sectors, and their efforts generate over $861 mil-

lion in annual sales. Those numbers underestimate the true value,

and an economic model known as IMPLAN provides multipliers

that help take into account the rippling effect this industry has on

the other parts of the economy. This model estimates that the

forest products industry employs 10,555 people and has $1.4 bil-

lion in economic output.

Most of the wood harvested in Vermont is processed within its

borders, but Vermont is part of a larger regional economy within

which wood flows freely. Figures from 2011 illustrate this flow.

In that year for all products, 914,000 cords of wood were har-

vested and 860,000 cords were processed in Vermont; 379,000

cords left the state (mostly to Canada) and 324,000 cords were

trucked into the state.

It’s important to note that the economic output and number of

jobs in the forest products sector have been reduced since it

reached its peaks in the 1990s and early 2000s. This has mirrored

similar trends in other manufacturing sectors in the U.S. as more

and more manufacturing has moved to other parts of the world.

Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal program reduces the property tax

for more than 14,000 landowners of 1.8 million acres of forest-

land enrolled in the program. The program requires enrolled par-

cels to be actively managed, which means that approximately

39% of the private forest land base is periodically contributing to

the forest-based economy.

One other side of the forest economy – the forest-based recrea-

tion economy – also plays an important role, contributing nearly

as many jobs and generating even more revenue than the wood-

based economy. Recreation provides 10,050 jobs and generates

annual revenues of $1.9 billion.

Position of forest-based economy

in the overall economy The forest-based economy continues to play a significant role in

the overall economy of Vermont. The annual value of the forest-

based economy including forest recreation is $3.42 billion.

Many landowners participate directly in that economy by harvest-

ing wood from their land. A significant portion of those landown-

ers have been introduced to forest stewardship through Ver-

mont’s Use Value Appraisal program. This program reduces the

property tax for more than 14,000 landowners of 1.8 million

acres of forestland enrolled in the program. The program requires

enrolled parcels to be actively managed, which means that ap-

proximately 39% of the private forest land base is periodically

contributing to the forest-based economy.

Gross State Product (the state’s version of Gross Domestic

Product) for all of Vermont’s Forest Products Manufacturing is

$266 million while the GSP of all Manufacturing is $3.15 bil-

lion, so the forest sector represents 8% of the state’s manufac-

turing value.

Table 1.

Gross State Output and GSP of

Forest-based Manufacturing &

Recreation, Vermont, 2011

Gross Output (direct) millions of $ jobs*

Forestry, logging & trucking $45 875

Wood products manufacturing $239 2,327

Furniture and related product manufactur-

ing

$171 1,600

Paper manufacturing $317 1,000

Wood energy $60 300

Christmas trees and maple syrup $29 534

Sub-total direct $861 6,636

Sub-total with multipliers $1,484 10,555

Forest Recreation $1,936 10,050

Total $3,420 20,605

GSP, Forest Products Manufacturing $266

GSP, All Manufacturing, Vermont $3,150

GSP, Total for Vermont $27,296

*full-time equivalent jobs

GSP – Gross State Product includes value added, which is equal

to its gross output minus its intermediate purchases from domestic

industries or from foreign sources.

Gross Output – Includes the total value of all products produced

and shipped by all producers (essentially sales).

The report can be found at http://www.vtfpr.org/htm/

forestry.cfm under the “Latest News” header.

Considering big changes to your business or your crew?

Trying to orient toward a different market niche?

Looking to clarify and better manage your business finances?

Preparing for transferring your business to new ownership?

The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program (VFFVP) provides one-on-one, tailored business planning and related technical

assistance to Vermont-based enterprises in three sectors: forestry and forest products, food systems, and farming. Our goal is to

provide Vermont’s working landscape enterprises with the business skills they need to remain viable into the future.

The types of services we provide can include:

Enterprise Analysis Business Planning Financial Record-keeping and Management

Marketing and Sales Human Resources Management Management Coaching

Retirement and Ownership Transfer Planning

We match our participating businesses with the consultant, or team of consultants, best suited to provide them the skills required to

meet their expressed needs. We then contract directly with these consultants, allowing participating businesses access to expertise

on their own schedule and at their own place of work. Occasionally, participants already have a consultant they wish to work with,

but in most cases we identify consultants and advisors from our network of service providers who specialize in forestry and the forest

products industry. Participation in VFFVP can last anywhere from 3 to 24 months, depending on the nature of the assistance re-

quested.

The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program welcomes applications from woodlot owners, loggers, foresters, sawmill and kiln

operations as well as manufacturers and craftsmen.

A $75 enrollment fee is charged to participants in the program. In some cases, if the scope of the work is larger than what the pro-

gram can cover, participants will need to contribute to the costs of the consultant.

Our program coordinator, Liz Gleason (802) 828-3370; liz@vhcb.org), is happy to answer any questions you may have.

For further information and a copy of the application, please visit our website at www.vhcb.org/viability.

The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program is a program of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, with additional

funding from the Vermont Working Lands Initiative.

Let First Responders Know Where You Are Before You Need Them

To the left is a photo of our roadside job sign that has a mailbox with reflective EMS stick-

ers on it. Inside the box is a laminated map of the job with main trails drawn in. There's also

a laminated emergency contact sheet that includes info for all workers on site, the forester

and the landowner and the location of the nearest landline in case of no cell service. We

also list the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits on site. I always notify the Fire

Chief and head of the ambulance service whenever we move to a new job to inform them of

the box and where we are. This was put together with input from a LEAP training along

with feedback from local paramedics that I spoke with. Readers should feel free to use this

on their own operations or contact me with any additions that may be helpful to improve

this concept. Total cost was under $30 and hopefully there will always be cobwebs in the

box.

Submitted by Sam Lincoln—Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting

The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program Submitted by Ian Hartman, Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator

P A G E 6

Information from our industry, about our industry

in Vermont and surrounding areas-

markets, trends, projections, needs, challenges…

To be included in the next newsletter, send your

viewpoints to Barb at vtfpa@hotmail.com

Bridge rentals through Natural Resource Conservation

Districts- Several Conservation Districts in Vermont offer

bridge rentals. Rental fees may vary, but most are charging

$100/month. The following districts have bridges to rent:

Bennington County Conservation District-

Shelly Stiles- 802-442-2275

(Bridges staged in Dorset at JK Adams)

Lamoille Conservation District-

Kim Komer- 802-888-9218

(Bridges staged at Manchester Lumber in Johnson and Buf-

falo Mtn. yard in Hardwick)

Winooski Conservation District-

Justin Kenney- 802-865-7895

(Bridges staged at Fontaine’s Mill in East Montpelier)

White River Conservation District-

Samantha Clough- 603-499-6029

(Bridges staged at Angell’s Mill in South Royalton)

Orleans Conservation District-

Dayna Cole- 802-334-8325

(Bridges staged at Glover Logyard in Glover)

Vermont Portable Skidder Bridge Program

Caledonia Conservation District-

Kerry O’Brien- 802-748-3885

(Bridges staged at Stan Robinson Logyard in Passumpsic)

Windham Conservation District-

Jolene Hamilton- 802-254-5323

(Bridges staged at Allard Lumber in Brattleboro)

Ottaquechee Conservation District-

Sue Greenall- 802-295-7942

(Bridges staged at Sheehan’s Sawmill in Perkinsville)

Anyone wanting an application or more information, call Kevin

Beattie, Program Coordinator, at 802-548-8246 or email

kevnshar@comcast.net

VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

FISH & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

ATHERTON MEADOWS

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

PUBLIC MEETING

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 — 6:00 PM

A new Long Range Management Plan (LRMP) has been prepared, and the Fish & Wildlife Department

would like your input. The Atherton Meadows Wildlife Management Area is located in the town of

Whitingham totaling 947 acres. The LRMP will guide management on the parcel for the next 25 years.

A short slide show will be presented outlining the history, existing resources, and proposed future management.

Questions and comments will be received.

A copy of the draft plan can be found at: www.vtfpr.org/lands/AthertonMeadowsWMA.cfm

The meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, in the Whitingham Town

Office (Route 100), Whitingham, Vermont.

For more information contact: Aaron Hurst, State Lands Forester, (802) 885-8885 or aaron.hurst@state.vt.us

Directions to Jacksonville/Whitingham Town Offices from Wilmington, Vermont: Take Route 9 and 100 east out of Wil-

mington 1.2 miles. Take right onto Route 100 south approximately 5.5 miles. Town Office will be on the right just before the

center of Jacksonville Village. Follow VT Fish & Wildlife signage to meeting location.

P A G E 7

P A G E 8

Vermont Tech Centers and Students ~ Our Forest Industry’s Future

Many activities and training are taking place in our Tech Centers throughout the State in the forestry, natural resource and agricul-

ture programs. These young people are the FUTURE of our Forest Products Industry.

The Vermont Forest Products Association invites these young people to become a part of our industry organization through our

special Student Memberships. Among their member benefits would be their own free subscription to the Northern Logger Magazine

and free quarterly VFPA newsletters. VFPA looks forward to meeting these young people, working together and learning from each

other, recognizing that Vermont's forests and forest products industries are crucial to sustaining the rural character and economics

of our Vermont communities.

The 2014 Farm Bill thus reduces the scope of programs and amount of funding compared to the 2008 Farm Bill, but some funds

have been re-allocated in favorable ways. For example, the important and successful Rural Energy for America Program is now the

top-funded program.

The 2014 Farm Bill’s Energy Title includes several programs that ELPC strongly supports: (1) Rural Energy for America Program

(REAP) – with program improvements and continued funding; (2) Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance

(included in REAP) – with continued funding; and (3) Biomass Crop Assistance Program – continued funding with new conserva-

tion policies. ELPC is also pleased that the Repowering Assistance program to advance low carbon advanced biofuels was contin-

ued.

Section 9010 – Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill to support the establishment and produc-

tion of “eligible crops” for conversion to bioenergy, and to provide cost-sharing incentives for supply of “eligible material” for

use in biomass conversion facilities. By paying producers of biomass energy resources, BCAP attempts to reduce costs and

share the risks of transitioning to new and expanded sources of sustainable biomass energy. BCAP has mandatory funding of

$25 million per year for 2014 – 2018.

The 2014 Farm Bill requires that eligible crops and eligible materials be harvested or collected consistent with a conservation or

forest stewardship plan, and that these plans must be included in the contract. It clarifies that commodities and other subsidized

crops are not eligible materials or eligible crops under the program.

The 2014 Farm Bill expands the definition of “eligible land” to include land enrolled in either the Agricultural Conservation

Easement Program or the Conservation Reserve Program, but only if the contract on the land expires at the end of the current

fiscal year. Highly erodible lands are also not included. The definition of “eligible crop” excludes crops grown on federal-owned

land, state-owned land, or native sod.

The definition of “eligible material” is expanded to include a more detailed list of what products qualify for the matching pay-

ment incentives. Included materials may come from certain federal lands and certain wood cleared for fire hazard reduction.

Excluded materials have also been expanded to include bagasse, woody material used for other markets and algae. Title 1 com-

modity crop residues from farms are allowed.

Cost-sharing for establishment payments has been reduced from 75% to 50% (or $500 per acre, or $750/acre for socially disad-

vantaged farmers).

BCAP matching payments for eligible materials may not exceed more than 50% of total funding and may not be less than 10%

of total funding. Matching payments are capped at $20 per dry ton over two years.

Technical assistance is now an eligible activity under BCAP.

You can download a PDF version of this document in its entirety at

http://farmenergy.org/news/summary-2014-farm-bills-energy-title-provisions

Excerpt of Memorandum from Howard Learner, Andy Olsen, Al Grosboll and Steve Falck, ELPC

(Environmental Law and Policy Center) On March 7, 2014 Summary of 2014 Farm Bill’s Energy Title Provisions

After three years of deliberation, the new Farm Bill – the Agricultural Act of 2014 – is now law. This Farm Bill includes the third Energy

Title, building upon the Energy Titles in the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. The Energy Title provides total mandatory funding of $694 million

over five years (2014 – 2018), which compares to $1.12 billion over four years in the 2008 Farm Bill and $800 million over five years in the

2002 Farm Bill. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the outlays for the Energy Title over 10 years will be $880 million.

~ honors the traditions of the working

forests of the past

~Strengthens the industry of today

~Helps shape the future of the

forest products

industry for generations to come

P A G E 9

presents

The Northern Vermont Regional

Roundup

April 26, 2014

The Eastside Restaurant

Newport, Vermont 8-11:30 am

Agenda

7:30—8:00 am Registration

8:00—9:00 am Hearty Breakfast Buffet (no charge)

9:00—9:20 am Welcome-Colleen Goodridge

Goodridge Lumber, Inc

VFPA Vice President

9:20—9:40 am Plum Creek Timber Company

9:40—10:00 am Jared Nunery, NEW Orleans County Forester

10:00—10:15 am Break

10:15—11:00 am Paul Frederick, Wood Utilization Forester,

Vermont Department of Forests & Parks

11:00—11:30 am Legislative Update-Steve McLeod

Vermont Traditions Coalition & VFPA Lobbyist

Moving our forest products industry forward together

in 2014 and beyond

SPONSORED BY

Amey Log Yard

Lamell Lumber Corp.

“The Voice of the Forest Products Industry in Vermont since 1977”

LEAP continuing education credits will be given for the 1/2 day event for those attending

Please join us to help keep our industry strong in these challenging times

P A G E 1 0

Vermont Forestry Foundation The official education and outreach arm of the Vermont Forest Products Association

The Mission of VFF is to educate the people within the forest products industry to improve efficiency, safety,

professionalism, to increase profitability and build a positive image for the industry. In addition, VFF is engaged

in outreach efforts to educate the general public about the importance of a vibrant working forest and forest

products industry in Vermont.

VFF is a non-profit 501 © (3) organization that accepts grants and donations to meet its mission. Donations are tax exempt. VFF is run by a

Board of Trustees that are elected for four year terms at the Annual Meeting of the Vermont Forest Products Association.

Current Trustees and Officers:

President: Robbo Holleran, Chester, Consulting Forester (802) 875-3021

Vice President: Steve Hardy, Chesterfield, NH, Forester (603) 254-1644

Secretary/Treasurer: Bruce Shields, Eden, Landowner/Sugar maker (802) 888-5165

Trustees:

Dennis Allard, Springfield, VT, Logger ~ Delwin Fielder, Goshen, VT Logger ~ John Meyer, Montpelier, Forester ~ Bill Sayre, Bristol, Sawmill

~ Mark Doty, Fairfield, ME, Landowner ~ Sean Barrows, West Rutland, Sawmill ~ Warren Hill, Greensboro, Logger Please contact the

VFF if there are specific courses, workshops or training that will help you in your business

LEAP~Logger Education to Advance Professionalism Submitted by David Birdsall

How it works! The LEAP Program

Step 1. Provisional LEAP Certification for Loggers new to Logger Education:

A logger must complete 24 hours (three days) of instruc-tion, in the Primary Curriculum to achieve Provisional

Status.

Step 2. Full LEAP Certification – for loggers who have completed the Primary Curriculum.

A logger must complete 3 additional workshops, within 2 years of obtaining Provisional status to achieve Full Certification. One of which must be First Aid & CPR

The other two can be Electives of choice.

Step 3. Maintaining Full Certification – Continuing Education (CE) – for loggers who have completed the

Secondary Curriculum. To maintain Full Certification, a logger is required to participate in 2 days of related CE programs or public

service, within 2 years thereafter. First Aid and CPR cer-tification must be kept current as well.

Bottom Line – once certified, complete one workshop a year to remain certified!

How much does it cost? LEAP requires a one-time Registration fee: $250 for VFPA members, $300 for others.

There will be day fees associated with the different work-shops, these rates vary depending on the presenter or

topic. The fees typically range from Free to $150.

Contact David Birdsall, LEAP Coordinator 41 Northrup Road, Middletown Springs, VT 05757

email: dwbirdsall@vermontel.net website: www.vtleap.com Phone: 802-235-2908

MISSION: The purpose of the Vermont LEAP program is to promote a professional approach to logging by providing the knowledge necessary for LEAP participants to work safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally conscientious manner while harvesting timber in Vermont.

P A G E 1 1

The Annual Loggers’ Banquet sponsored by Farm Credit will be held on Thursday evening May 8 th

at the Doubletree Hotel in South Burlington, VT. In addition to recognizing the industry’s best dur-

ing the annual awards ceremony, banquet attendees will have the pleasure of meeting and listening to

guest speaker Bobby Goodson. Goodson's All Terrain Logging, Inc. (ATL) is a family owned and

operated business located in Jacksonville, NC. A fourth-generation logger, Bobby has been a timber

supplier for over 20 years, providing hardwood and pulpwood for corporate package companies. Ap-

proximately 12 years ago, he began using the shovel method of logging and realized he'd found his

niche. The highly-skilled, hard work-

ing men and women who make up the

ATL crew are happy to tackle the

daily challenges that come with the

dirty job of "swamp logging" and their day-to-day efforts were re-

cently featured on the Discovery Channel's hit reality show "Swamp

Loggers."

Logging is an integral part of the Goodson family history and has

been passed from generation to generation. Bobby's grandfather, T.R.

Goodson began logging decades ago in Florida, South Carolina and

Virginia, before finally settling in Jacksonville in 1954. Bobby's fa-

ther, Marvin "Bobby" Goodson, also logged for 27 years, passing on both the love of logging and the importance of hard work to

Bobby and his brother Michael. Bobby, a charter member of the North Carolina Association of Professional Loggers, currently

works alongside his son Justin, and hopes that one day Justin will eventually pass the tradition on to his own sons. Please join us for

an evening of camaraderie spent with friends and colleagues, and help us honor the best in the industry.

Annual Loggers’ Banquet to Welcome “Swamp Logger” Bobby Goodson

April 16, 2014 Forest Health Informational Meeting

2014 Forest Health Informational Meeting

The annual forest health meeting will cover topics from declining bumblebee populations to EAB quarantines to

the preliminary results to the timber harvesting impact study to pear thrips. See agenda below.

There is no cost and no pre-registration for this meeting. For more information, contact Barbara Burns at 802-

885-8821 or barbara.burns@state.vt.us. If the meeting is canceled due to weather, a message will be posted at

the phone number above

May 16, 2014 VT COVERTS Cooperator Training Program

This is a three day program that focuses on Wildlife and Forestry Management. Very good workshop and excel-

lent way to communicate with landowners.

VT Coverts workshop, Northfield, VT Contact Lisa Saulsville for more information lisa@vtcoverts.org

Fall Program will be September 5-7 at Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton, VT

Contact Lisa Saulsville for more information lisa@vtcoverts.org

June 07, 2014 Amphibian Workshop

VT Coverts workshop, Bennington, VT Contact Lisa Saulsville for more information lisa@vtcoverts.org

LEAP WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

Vermont Forestry Foundation Presents:

Regeneration harvesting in a challenging environment

A silviculture workshop at Sullivan Forest

Steinle Road, Andover Vermont

June 13 2014, 9-3:30 rain or shine

The Sullivan Forest is a 260 acre tract consisting of northern hardwoods, spruce and associated

species with a history of diverse active management. Elevations range from 1900-2100’. Extensive

previous high-grading make beech and striped maple serious problems. This is not a “model wood-

lot”. Group-patch cuts were done for grouse and wildlife management in 1991, 1998, and 2008.

Various single tree and small group improvement cuts have been done, along with softwood reten-

tion and release, 1998 ice storm salvage, and a section of Beech Mast Management. Deer browse

pressure is only moderate, but regeneration has been erratic with lighter cuts.

Registration and greetings will start promptly at 8:30 with an introductory session at 9:00 and tour of

recent and older harvesting. We will be back to the landing/tent about 12:30 for a catered BBQ

chicken lunch, and discussion of current markets. In the afternoon, we will look at other units,

(including adjacent unmanaged old hardwoods) returning about 3:30. An informal discussion and

beverages will follow.

Speakers:

Larry Sullivan, landowner

Bill Leak: USFS silviculturist, (Might have the new guide to distribute)

Mariko Yamasaki: USFS wildlife biologist, Durham office

Ralph Nyland (invited) silviculture professor, SUNY Syracuse

Ken Desmarais NH Division of Forests and Lands

David Paganelli (invited): Orange County Forester, VT ANR

State foresters: (invited), VT ANR

Chris Bernier (invited) Vt. Dept F&W

Kristen Sharpless, (invited) Conservation Biologist, Audubon Vermont

Steve Hardy: Green Mountain Forestry

Robbo Holleran: private forester, president of Vermont Forestry Foundation

Cost is $45 per person, morning coffee & donuts etc, catered BBQ chicken lunch for those who pre-register

by May 16th. No lunch for ‘walk-ins’, but you are still welcome to attend- BYO chair BYO bug repellent.

Continuing Ed credits are being arranged for Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, LEAP and SAF

Checks to be made out to VFF and sent to Bruce Shields at 6405 Garfield Rd, Wolcott VT 05680.

For more information contact Robbo Holleran 802-875-3021 robbo@vermontel.net

Steve Hardy 802-310-2389 gmforest@sover.net

GPS Location: Lat N 43 19.01’ W 72 41.2’

Directions: From Ludlow, VT: go south on Rt 100 3.2 miles, fork left onto Andover Road

Continue about 4 miles, it is called East Hill Road at some point. Turn left onto Steinle Road

1.0 mile to the landing and site on the left.

From the south, find your way to Chester VT

go west on Rt 11 about 4 miles, turn right onto Weston-Andover Road for about 3 miles, then

Fork right onto East Hill Road (steep climb) and continue about 2 miles.

turn right on to Steinle Rd and continue about 1 mile to the site on the left.

P A G E 1 2

Members and Recognition

P A G E 1 3 V O L U M E I , I S S U E X I I

Thank you to all those who have given their support through memberships with the VFPA this year

A.Lewis Equipment Colton Enterprises

Manchester Lumber Company

Ron’s Husqvarna Forest and Garden All Seasons Excavating

Cummings & Son Land Clearing, Inc

Mark Lane M&K Lemieux Logging, Inc

HB Logging, LLC

Kurt Colby Loading & Logging Parent Timber Harvesting, LLC

Forand’s Logging

LSF Forest Products, LLC Ryegate Associates

Deer Lake Timber Ltd.Co.

E.B. Hyde Co. John Meyer-Forester

Robbo Holleran-Forester

James R. Cloud Logging and Trucking, LLC

Kevin Braman-Logging

Northeastern Products Corp. P & L Trucking, Inc

Phoenix Forestry and Logging

Lawrence Felion Jr Twin State Forestry

G.H. Evarts & Co., Inc Champlain Hardwoods, Inc

Lamell Lumber Corp

Martin White Logging Paul Fournier

Mill River Lumber Ltd. Bruce Shields

Dan’s Construction

Plum Creek Timber Plumb Lumber Co.Inc

Richard Isabelle Insurance Co.

Goodridge Lumber Inc W.J.Cox Associates

AMP Timber Harvesting

Bardill Land and Lumber Timothy Poczobut

Northeast Timber Exchange

Richard Walker A. Johnson Company

Paul Bunyan Logging, Inc

Delwin R. Fielder Logging Rolling Meadow Farm Logging

Gagnon Lumber

Stephen W. Weber Philip Pelkey

Allard Lumber Co.

Daniel Fowler Raymond A. Lamberton

Mike Molleur

L.W. Webster Darcy Nelson Log Hauling

Calvin Johnson Logging Scierie West Brome, Inc

Warren Hill Trucking

Green Mountain Forestry Edward’s Logging Contractors

Anderson Equipment (formerly The Oliver Stores)

Hanson Savage

Vermont ATV Sportsman Assoc. Timothy Cleveland

Yves Maclure

Robert Toppin Columbia Forest Products

Blake Brothers Logging

Hollow Hill Forestry, LLC David Birdsall

Deryl J. Stowell

Roy Marble Paul Frederick

Zambon Brothers Logging

Justin Taft Meadowsend Timberlands,

Jeremy Turner

Jon Parker Rodney Rainville

Ames True Temper

Alex Ibey Jack Davis

Michael Currie

Mike Boisvert Guy Lariviere

William Crandall Lathrop Forest Products

David Dence

Ralph Loomis

Gabe Freitag A.Davis Ag Services LLC,

Arthur Davis

Green Crow Corp, Chris Loomis Cersosimo Lumber Co.

Eric Johnson

Arty Piper Moose Mountain Forestry,

Ben Wileman

A.McGovern Logging & Portable Sawmilling,

Andy McGovern

Lincoln Agrisource, LLC, Sam Lincoln

Hancock Lumber Co.

International Paper Co. David Grayck

S.R. Parker & Son Trucking

Harold Pouliot Rodney Rainville

Duquette Forestry Transportation, Inc

Willoughby Timber, Michael Moore Robert Moore

Wright’s Logging, Chris Wright

Timber Resource Group NEW MEMBER:

Whitcomb & Bickford Trucking

PAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP ON-LINE! PayPal is now available through the VFPA website for those wishing to pay for memberships on-line.

VFPA has a new mailing address: P.O. Box 110

Coventry, Vermont 05825 Please send all correspondence to this address

Drawing: May 10, 2014 at 3:00 pm At the Northeastern Forest Products

Equipment Expo in Essex Junction, Vermont at the VFPA Booth

Vermont Forest Products Association Chainsaw Raffle

Husqvarna 562XP from Ron’s Husqvarna, Townsend, VT

$25 ea or 5 for $100

For raffle tickets, contact Barb at 802-461-5688 or vtfpa@hotmail.com

or contact a VFPA Director listed on page 3 of this newsletter.

Vermont Forest Products Association

P.O. Box 110

Coventry, Vermont 05825

Phone: 802-461-5688

E-mail: vtfpa@hotmail.com

www.vtfpa.org

Dates and Events April 26, 2014 - Vermont Forest Product Regional Roundup

8 -11:30 am. Breakfast and Meeting at the

Eastside Restaurant, Newport, Vermont

For info call: 802-755-6298

April 30, 2014 - Atherton Meadows Wildlife Management Area

Public Meeting

6-8 pm at Whtingham Town Offices

Whitingham, VT for information call:

Aaron Hurst (802) 885-8888 (see pg 7)

May 8, 2014 - Northeastern Loggers’ Association Banquet

6:30 pm

at The Double Tree Hotel,

South Burlington, VT

For more information call (315) 369-3078

May 9 & 10, 2014 - Northeastern Forest Products

Equipment Expo

The Champlain Valley Exposition

Essex Junction, Vermont

For more information call (315) 369-3078

June 13, 2014 - “Regeneration Harvesting in a

Challenging Environment”

A Silvaculture workshop at Sullivan Forest

9 am to 3:30 pm (rain or shine)

For more information call Robbo Holleran at

(802) 875-3021 or Steve Hardy at (802) 310-2389

(also see pg 12)

Vermont Forest

Products Association

~ honors the traditions of the

working forests of the past

~Strengthens the industry of today

~Helps shape the future of the

forest products industry for

generations to come