February 27, 2008 Hot Topics News of Interest to members of Washington Farm Forestry Association

In This Issue Message from DNR Message from WFFA Note the Date Workshop Information Quick Links Washington Farm Forestry Association DNR Storm Damage Info DNR LETTER (revised): Please call on your Regional DNR office and field staff for the following: Storm Damage Advice and On-Site Consultation Assistance With Forest Practices Applications and Development of  Forest   Practices Alternate Plans Specific Questions About Forest Practices Regulatory Requirements DNR Pacific Cascade Region (Castle Rock) - (360) 577-2025 or pacific-cascade-region@dnr.wa.gov _________________ After The Storm:  Educational Workshop for Family Forest Owners No registration is necessary - just show up. Additionally, I've also asked the State Legislature to fund a cost-share program to help storm-damaged family forest owners with site preparation, reforestation, and road repair expenses and am currently awaiting their response.  If you will be filing a Forest Practices Application with DNR, please be sure to write the words "Storm Damage" prominently at the top.  We're giving storm damage applications top priority and will make every effort to expedite their processing. At DNR we are facing many of the same challenges that you are -- State Trust Lands also suffered very extensive damage.  Fortunately, Washington's forests and those who own and care for them, have always been a resilient lot!  Working together, we'll overcome the current challenges and get our forests back on track.  Sincerely, Doug Sutherland Commissioner of Public Lands

This email is to let our Lewis County Chapter members know about the upcoming meeting in Aberdeen on March 1.  There is a lot of useful information for those who have suffered from the December 3, 2007 storm, and will be time well spent. DNR sent out letters but many have not received them, so pass the word to interested parties. Thanks, Rick Dunning Executive Director, WFFA SHORT NOTICE!! MEETING THIS SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2008 Attend A FREE Educational Workshop! After The Storm:  Educational Workshop for Family Forest Owners SATURDAY, MARCH 1 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Aberdeen High School Topics Will Include: · Assessing Your Situation/Determining How To Proceed · What You Need To Know About Wood- Damaging Organisms:  Bark Beetles, Stain and Decay, and Root Rot · Realities of Salvage Harvesting · Starting Over:  Slash Disposal, Site Preparation, Reforestation and Early Plantation Care · Introduction to Forest Practices Regulations, Processes and Alternate Plans          · Federal Income Tax Considerations · State Forest Excise Tax Issues · Where To Get Help and More Information Workshop Sponsors and Cooperators: Washington State Department Of Natural Resources Washington State University Extension Washington State Department Of Revenue USDA Forest Service - Cooperative Forestry USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Pacific and Grays Harbor Conservation Districts Washington Farm Forestry Association Washington State Tree Farm Program