WVFA Mountain State Forestry Summer 2020

I N D U S T R Y N E W S www.wvfa.org Summer 2020 |  West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry 9 through employers or other organizations were not previously acceptable credits for maintaining a logger certification. This legislation provides a pathway for us to work with the forest- products industry to adjust their curriculum in a way that seasoned loggers can be granted credit for attendance, thus minimizing time spent away from job sites. The legislature also provided an incentive for loggers who strive for excellence. Specifically, if a logger finishes the entire two-year renewal period without receiving a compliance order from the Division, he or she will be granted the two credit hours required in West Virginia Law and Best Management Practices courses. For more information, employers or organizations interested in providing accredited trainings are encouraged to contact the Division’s Assistant State Forester for Logging Sediment and Control, Jeremy McGill, at jeremy.r.mcgill@wv.gov.org for assistance. Finally, while hidden job-related dangers are always in the forethought of foresters and their employers, this pandemic has forced all of us to change not only the way we think about safety, but also our practices. Because the forest-products industry operates mostly in the great outdoors, working remotely while social distancing has not been that big of a leap from normal working conditions for most of us. Don’t get me wrong. The Division—like all of you—has had to take necessary precautions for the safety of our employees and to slow the spread of COVID-19. On March 13, 2020, all regional offices and the Charleston Headquarters closed to the public. Despite the closures, our ability to render services to landowners and support the forest-products industry has not been hindered. I must take this opportunity to commend the Division’s employees who quickly identified innovative, electronic, and safe ways to continue to provide uninterrupted services during this difficult time. It is because of their devotion to the people of West Virginia that phones continued to be answered, calls are returned, mail is processed quickly, burning permits are still issued, landowners are assisted, complaints are investigated, and most importantly, wildfires are suppressed. So even during this pandemic, don’t hesitate to contact us. I assure you we will be there. Just after submitting his article, Barry Lester Cook, age 70, of Beckley, WV passed away on May 9, 2020. Barry’s career spanned 45 years in all sectors of forestry becoming the State Forester in 2018. In his memory, A Tree of Life Planting Ceremony will take place in Morgantown, WV, date to be announced. His energy and passion for forestry was infectious, inspiring all whom worked with him. Donations may be made to the Cook Children’s Education Fund and put in the care of his wife, Donna Cook at 900 Overlook Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. Electronic donations may be made through PayPal— cookclan@suddenlink.net . In Remembrance