WVFA Mountain State Forestry Winter 2020-21

F E A T U R E D N E W S 12 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry | Winter 2020-2021 www.wvfa.org Monongahela National Forest We submitted comments on the latest project involving harvesting 542 acres in the Monongahela National Forest. By providing comments on projects, WVFA will have standing if it becomes necessary to intervene on legal actions taken by others to slow or try to stop these important projects. Legislative Committee Our legislative committee is fully engaged to deal with all the issues that will be coming forth in the next legislative session. Already we are working with the West Virginia Land Minerals Association on issues this group feels need to be addressed, such as the current timber theft law. By working with groups early in the process, we hope to influence the kind of proposed changes that would be most effective for the forest products industry. Public Lands Committee We are soliciting members for a new Public Lands Committee. This group will provide advisory services to the West Virginia State Forester Tom Cover and Monongahela National Forest Supervisor Shawn Cochran, from the forest products industry, so crucial to helping mange vegetation on our public forest in the state. Workers’ Compensation We have spent months working with West Virginia officials to assess the potential for changes in workers’ compensation for the logging sector. West Virginia is at the top of the highest rates in the U.S., making it very difficult for loggers to compete with surrounding states. One option is a captive insurance program, but we will need support from the governor to help assure there is effective regulatory oversight for all logging companies. 2021 West Virginia Legislative Session We will be there every day the 2021 session, advocating for the needs of our members. While it is still uncertain the extent of the session during the pandemic, rest assured we will be working directly with your elected officials to keep your issues at the forefront of their actions. We will have new leadership in the WV Senate, and many of the key committee chairs will change. We will be working with the governor closely on budget and key infrastructure funding. We will be defending against legislation that would impair access to the forest resource.