8 VIRGINIA FORESTS Eric Snodgrass, Sr. Science Fellow and Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, showcased global weather patterns and prediction models in his presentation, “High Impact Meteorology in the Forest Industry.” With a look at emerging technologies that are helping Nutrien’s customers prepare for high-impact weather events, to the growing potential of Artificial Intelligence that can assist in OUR VOICE MATTERS: Advocating for Virginia’s Forestry Community The Silent and Live Auctions at the 2024 Forestry Summit were a resounding success, generating more than $13,000 that will be used to strengthen VFA’s efforts to engage with our government leaders. This support helps provide education and information that clearly articulates the vital role of healthy forests, the forest industry, and the people who are working within our forestry community as essential to Virginia’s economic strength. Advocacy requires the same tenacious spirit and attention to the process as bidding on any auction item. It means staying engaged in how things change over days, even hours, and leveraging persuasive messages that might influence the result. We are lucky to have the expertise of Advantus Strategies and the team of Robert Crockett and Kyle Shreve, whose formidable understanding of the legislative landscape has helped us achieve successful outcomes. This year was especially relevant, as Virginia’s General Assembly convened with a record number of first-time legislators. Amid the clamor of all others who were seeking the time and attention of our political leaders, we achieved success through the dedicated efforts of this team, along with VFA Executive Director Corey Connors, our Kyle Shreve (above) keeps a keen eye out for the next bid from the floor, and Stephanie Grubb displays a chainsaw that was one of the items available for bidding during the live auction. Adam Downing and John Gee prepare items for the Silent Auctions. Congratulations to the Silent Auction Committee, chaired by John Gee, whose work to collect and display the items to be sold, resulted in more than $13,000 raised for the Virginia Forestry Advocacy Fund. improving confidence in long-range weather prediction, Snodgrass offered a glimpse into the complex world of meteorology. consider alternate means for generating the revenue necessary to sustain at least a portion of their land holdings in forests. To address these concerns, VFA will hold a Joint Volunteer Meeting in August. This novel approach will allow VFA’s Board of Directors to receive critical and timely input as it charts the course of VFA for the next few years. VFA hosts events that are designed to increase opportunities for professional growth along with fun, informal activities that help support outreach and advocacy. In September 2023, the first Forest Leadership Retreat brought together a
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=