WVFA Mountain State Forestry Winter 2020-21

6 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry | Winter 2020-2021 www.wvfa.org F irst, let me say that I am honored to be the new board president of WVFA, and I look forward to serving our members and the forestry community for the next two years in this role. I want to thank Curt Hassler, former board president, for the tremendous job that he has done over the last two years in what could be considered one of the most challenging times in WVFA’s history. I also want to thank our members for their patience and understanding over the last year as we hired a new Executive Director, transitioned to a new accounting system, and had to cancel our annual meeting due to the governor’s restrictions regarding COVID-19 back in July. Our industry has had its own difficulties as well, ranging from the tariff situation stemming from U.S./China trade negotiations, to shaky economic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic that started in early 2020. Despite this adversity, the forest products industry in West Virginia appears to be recovering and the overall attitude of industry members remains optimistic. If the economic recovery continues at its present pace into 2021, the forest products industry should benefit greatly— hopefully to the point where we will experience a surge in economic development of Appalachian hardwoods here in West Virginia. By the time this message appears in the 2021 Winter edition of the WVFA Mountain State Forestry magazine, we will have had an election. Hopefully, the outcome of the presidential race will have been determined in a matter of hours after the polls closed rather than being litigated as you read this! Also, our West Virginia Legislature will be dealing with the “new normal” during their 2021 session, which could ultimately change the legislative process for better or worse. One particular issue which may arise during the 2021 session is timber theft. WVFA has faced this subject a number of times in past sessions and will be ready to be involved with any proposed legislation regarding this issue. During this legislative session, we must also work to promote our industry not only to political leaders, but to potential investors in the U.S. and abroad who are looking to utilize our abundant forests and provide jobs in the wood products industry here in West Virginia. WVFA’s working relationship with our Commerce Secretary and the West Virginia Economic Development Authority will be important in fostering growth in our industry. Lastly, WVFA members need to support the West Virginia Division of Forestry, as they are facing a severe revenue deficit due to lagging timber sales on State Forests. Please contact your representatives and urge them to support the supplemental budget request made by the State Forester so that WVDOF is adequately funded. In closing, I am hopeful that the words “fear” and “uncertainty” that defined much of 2020, will be replaced by the words “excitement” and “prosperity” for this new year. I think I speak for all of us when I say we are more than ready for a positive change. “I want to thank Curt Hassler, former board president, for the tremendous job that he has done over the last two years in what could be considered one of the most challenging times in WVFA’s history. I also want to thank our members for their patience and understanding over the last year as we hired a new Executive Director, transitioned to a new accounting system, and had to cancel our annual meeting due to the governor’s restrictions regarding COVID-19 back in July.” John Holstine Board President M E S S A G E F R OM T H E P R E S I D E N T