WVFA Mountain State Forestry Summer 2020

4 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry  | Summer 2020 www.wvfa.org M E S S A G E F R OM T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R “ I t’s good to be back home again,” a line I’ll borrow from the songwriter, to say West Virginia has been my home for many years being able to work with all of you is very special. As your Executive Director I’ve been wanting to meet you. The Annual Meeting at Canaan Valley Resort July 17–18 may be the first time. Although the planning had to be delayed due the pandemic, we are seeing hopeful signs with a full program for everyone in the family. In my first few months here, with all the incredible changes we’ve all experienced, I am reminded of a book nearly 30 years ago called What Ever Happened to Common Sense. The panic we all have seen by so many in the suburban/urban world where many people are learning for the first time, that forests are incredibly important to their health, hygiene, and security. From the first rush to hoard paper tissues and towels, to the need for lumber to build temporary hospitals, people are learning that our forests are linked to our lives in ways most took for granted. We must seize on this opportunity to tell our story. We are appreciative the governor of West Virginia and many states recognized the forest products industry is an essential service in crisis times. We kept the governor informed by asking how we could do more to help this country get through the crisis. You did your part by continuing to work, with many new precautions for sure, but it is the products you produce for our forests that sustained the health of our country. We are also appreciative of the our federal Congressional delegation, whom voted unanimously to provide trillions of dollars in funding the protect our health, to improve our ability to test for this virus, and a unique program to fund businesses in trouble through this pandemic. We fielded many calls from companies whom were asking for help and I will say many did receive funding to bridge the gap. Now we must look forward and discover new opportunities. It is time we let our communities know we share common needs. We all benefit and need better roads; an affordable safety net of insurance for workers, families, and companies; skills training; access to capital to modernize our equipment; a tax structure that encourages investment in equipment and forests; and public agencies to have staffing and resources needed to help and guide us. That’s my short list. We need to stop invasive pests, just like this virus that invaded us that could destroy our future forests. We need “common sense” in our export policies to ship our products to people whom need them. Most of we need a future workforce that has the skills and knowledge to compete in the world markets, which means schools and universities must help students learn. We will be using the input from an upcoming members survey and our fall area meetings to guide our work in the future. We will be working with our great friends at the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the American Forest Foundation whom provide superb educational, marketing, and communications support. Our featuring of the Project Learning Tree © this month is intended to show you we are working with West Virginia’s teachers and students. Nothing could be more important than our children’s future. We are pleased to renew our relationship with the West Virginia SFI-State Implementation Committee this year and look forward to promoting the value and importance of demanding your products come from SFI-certified sourcing. Lastly, but most important, is WVFA membership. We rely upon your dues for our operations. Thank you, for all of you who have renewed your membership, and let this serve as a reminder to all of you to help us this year. We have a lot to accomplish ahead, and your support is vital to our success. Eric Carlson Executive Director