Board of Forestry
Minutes
April 29, 2003
The Board of Forestry met on April 29, 2003, at Moody Hall, Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia.
Convene Meeting
The formal Board meeting began at 1:00 p.m. on April 29, 2003. Those present were: Mary T. Bates, William T. Carden, McChesney Goodall, III, Melvin L. Harrell, R. Easton Loving, Michael Gordon McGlothlin, E. Lee Showalter, C. Harrell Turner, Anitra B. Webster, Alpheus L. White and James W. Garner, James E. Bowen, John M. Carroll and Donna Hoy with the Department of Forestry.
Call to Order
Ms. Bates called the meeting to order.
Ms. Hoy made roll call.
Ms. Bates made a motion that additional items be added under Other Business on the agenda: Internal Revenue Service Code Change regarding active/passive management regulations; report from Board members on the Governor's Summit; consolidation of Board of Forestry and Reforestation of Timberlands Board; President Bush's Healthy Forest Initiative. Mr. Loving moved that the agenda be accepted with the additions listed above. Ms. Webster seconded the motion. All members were in favor of accepting the agenda.
Recognition of Guests and Visitors
Ms. Bates welcomed Chuck Hutsell, Regional Forester Salem, DOF; Carl Garrison, Regional Forester Charlottesville, DOF; Greg Winston, Regional Forester Farmville, DOF, Jim Wagner, Regional Forester Waverly, DOF; Bill Saunders, Regional Forester Tappahannock, DOF; Ed Stoots, Regional Forester Abingdon, DOF; James Starr, Director Forest Management, DOF; Glen Worrell, F & W Forestry Services, Charlottesville; Cliff Rexrode, Consulting Forester; Ann Duff, Forester, Smurfit-Stone, West Point; Jim Mooney, Retired Logger, Executive Director of Virginia Loggers Association; Randy Bush, Virginia Forest Products Association; Roger Sherman, Forester, MeadWestvaco Corporation; Donna Pugh-Johnson, Virginia Agribusiness Council to the meeting.
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Bates made a motion that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted as written from the previous Board meeting. Mr. McGlothlin asked that a correction be made to the spelling of his name. The correction was noted. Mr. Turner made a motion that the minutes be approved as written with the correction noted by Mr. McGlothlin. Mr. McGlothlin seconded the motion. All members were in favor.
Hearing of Citizens and Delegations
The Honorable W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr., Secretary of Natural Resources, and the Assistant Secretary of Natural Resources, Scott Reed, joined the Board meeting after the break. Secretary Murphy gave an overview of his background and listed the agencies within his Secretariat. He expressed his concern about natural resource agencies being separated into different Secretariats. He stated that even though the Department of Forestry was not under the Secretariat of Natural Resources, he recognized Mr. Garner for attending his Agency Head meetings and expressed the value of the cross dialogue shared. Ms. Bates expressed the concern of the previous Board of the Department of Forestry being under the Secretariat of Commerce and Trade instead of the Secretariat of Natural Resources. She pointed out that this was only the second meeting of the current Board and no position had been taken. Mr. Carden asked once the Board takes a position and sends their recommendation to the Governor, how long would it take to make the change to move the Department to the Secretariat of Natural Resources. Secretary Murphy stated it would only take an act of the General Assembly to change the Code to move the Department from the Secretariat of Commerce and Trade to the Secretariat of Natural Resources by majority vote.
Information Items
None
State Forester's Report
Mr. Garner explained the "Smokey Bear Award" given by the U. S. Forest Service and controlled by Federal Law. There are three awards given: Bronze Smokey (10 per year across the nation for individuals who have excelled in forest fire prevention); Silver Smokey (5 per year across the nation for individual/group who have excelled in forest fire prevention on a regional basis); and the Gold Smokey (only 3 given nationwide each year).
Mr. Garner reported that Grief Brothers has developed a bi-product of cardboard called "sludge" that is high in nitrogen. The Department spends a lot of money each year buying sawdust and fertilizer for our nurseries. Grief Brothers has donated several truckloads of this sludge to the Department to test. Mr. Garner publicly thanked Grief Brothers for their donation of this "sludge". If the use of this "sludge" works, it will cut nursery bill in half for sawdust and fertilizer.
Each member was given a position paper from the National Association of State Forester statement on how they feel forests should be handled and managed in the United States.
The Department has completed its fire risk analysis (recognized as a National Model by the U. S. Forest Service) and the Forest Resource Information Management (GIS based product of data layers of natural resource components across the state) Program.
Governor Warner has founded an Outdoor Resource Advisory Committee, which will focus on outdoor recreation. Mr. Garner stated that Forest RIM product could be an advantage to the outdoor tourism industry by adding data layers of places to go, places to see, places of significant interest either environmentally or from a tourist standpoint. He is hopeful that it will be possible to give the Board of Forestry a demonstration at the June meeting.
Each member was given a conceptual plan for CCC and Natural Resources Management Interpretive Center. The USFS is building a new district office in Edinburg, Virginia, and this Interpretive Center will be a history museum and a commemoration to the CCC. It is a three-way partnership: USFS, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Department of Forestry will offer resources. There is a lot of local interest as well. The office is almost ready for construction. Mr. Garner asked that if any member knew of anyone that had any CCC memorabilia, DOF would love to have it donated to the museum.
DOF is moving ahead with Forest Legacy and Land Conservation. Hoping to have closed the deal for 1200 acres of State Forest land in King William County. This is part of the old Chesapeake property. This property has a lot of opportunity for good management, as well as education and recreation. Working on first conservation easement in Rappahannock County through the Legacy Program. Negotiations have been started with The Nature Conservancy on a project in King and Queen County in an effort to protect Dragon Run Swamp. If successful, this will be one of the first acquisitions that have dedicated a long-term plan to protect the Dragon Run Swamp. DOF has received notice of a cooperative project with Ward Burton Foundation in Halifax County for a Youth Conservation Center that Mr. Burton is in the process of obtaining. This is also a three-way partnership - Ward Burton Foundation, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Department of Forestry. The Department is also working with Judge Matthews Trustees to complete the donation of a parcel in Galax County. Mr. Garner is hoping to work with the Trustees to complete this effort. There is a lot of interest in land conservation.
Several groups in Southwest Virginia are putting together a "Good Loggers" list (list of loggers that have met certain criteria). The Department is not involved. The Appalachian Sustainable Development group sends a questionnaire to loggers, collects the data, and posts to the Internet.
The Virginia Forestry Association encourages its members to provide a subscription of the Virginia Forest Magazine to libraries in the state. There are libraries that do not have anyone to support the magazine. Mr. Garner endorsed the purchase of a subscription for Board members consideration. The cost is $15.00 per year.
The Water Quality Task Force has not met for some time. There is a report in the works. Mr. Worrell reported that the report has been finalized, but has not been circulated. Mr. Garner reported that an analysis of 2001 data indicates it cost the DOF $1.7 million to enforce the water quality law.
Mr. Garner reported interviews were held for the Human Resource Directors position. He is hopeful to have a new Human Resource Director within the next 30 days. Mr. Garner will have them attend the next Board of Forestry meeting.
Mr. Garner asked each Board member to review their biography and update the information for posting on the Department's web page.
Mr. Garner reported that the big concern for the Department since the General Assembly is funding. He stated that most of his decisions are based on money, or lack of money, and not about what is good, bad or indifferent. As of July 1, DOF will have abolished 19 positions -- including some layoffs. With help from VFA and other supporters, was able to get funding to keep Lisa Deaton, Project Learning Tree. Her salary is paid by private sector and industry. Mr. Loving said that as State Steering Committee Chair for Project Learning Tree, he commended Mr. Garner for taking steps to maintain a Project Learning Tree in Virginia.
The Department has 58 vacancies within the agency. Budget reductions were based on identified critical vacancies. Less than critical vacancies were abolished. Plans are to fill a few positions on the critical vacancy list. It is necessary to leave vacancies to support those that are filled.
Mr. Garner reported that it is likely that New Kent Forestry Center will be growing their last crop this year due to a drop in sales. DOF will maintain the facility at New Kent, mostly for research and tree improvement. We are looking into new uses for the property. Nursery operations and the tree improvement program will be consolidated into one operating unit. The New Kent/Charles City Forester will temporarily (about 1 year) operate the nursery until we get through this transition.
No general fund money was left in the Reforestation of Timberlands (RT) Cost-Share Program. The result of this was the loss of 5 more positions for DOF. Mr. Garner stated that the loss of positions is beginning to take a toll on DOF. The Forest Products Tax portion of the RT Program is still there, but cannot be touched. The amount of funding for cost share to landowners usually runs from $1.5 - $2 million. Starting July 1, $600,000 is all we will have for cost share. We anticipate receiving $525,000 in FLEP and $700,000 in EQUIP to help cover RT. For the year ending June 30, we had to deny 27,408 acres because money was not available to cover the cost to reforest.
Our records indicate 26 million seedlings will be planted this season and the Department will grow 29 million for sale next year. For next year's planting season, cost-share money will only be used for planting trees. Money will not be used to cover release, site preparation, etc. This money will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Mr. Garner reported that he is still waiting for the 7th Forest Inventory data. Once the data is received, DOF will have a good idea of land-use changes since 1992 and how much of a factor that is and how much has been harvested but not reforested. We are still growing considerably more hardwoods than is being cut.
Mr. Garner stated that DOF is in the beginning stages of developing our 2004-2006 biennium. One of the requests that he will make is the restoration of the General Fund portion of the RT program. The Department of Forestry took the second largest budget reduction from agencies within the Secretariat of Commerce and Trade.
The Department will consolidate/close/move 10 offices. Some closings haven't worked according to plan due to legal problems. The USFS found some office space in 2 counties and a couple other counties have given free office space to keep DOF in their area. We are in the process of getting one modular field office in one county where we were paying high rent. Mr. Garner reported that the Department has been able to meet budget reduction requirements while maintaining a DOF presence.
The Department will have some legislative proposals for consideration by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade:
- There is a major problem in enforcing the notification penalty in the water quality law. It is written for the Attorney General's Office to collect the penalty and they will not collect a fine for $250. Therefore, we will rewrite that piece of the law and have the collection fall on the Department of Forestry.
- Looking at Conservation Officer powers for Department employees. It appears the Department has the necessary enforcement powers to qualify.
- Looking at transferring regulations from Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Department for enforcing destruction by individuals of State Forest roads.
- Timber Theft on private lands.
DOF employees would not need additional training to enforce these laws.
Will check into interest for a Reforestation Tax Credit this year. Mr. Goodall asked about the possibility of being able to sell reforestation tax credits to generate income and provide an incentive for landowners who would not benefit from the tax credit (because their income is too low). He stated this is something they do with both historic preservation tax credits and very recently, conservation tax credits. Basically, a landowner can sell their tax credits to an investor who is able to write off the credit against their high income.
We are seriously studying West Virginia's laws on certification, licensing, and permitting for best management practices. If the Department is to keep up to a reasonable level of taking care of Virginia's water, DOF is going to have to generate some revenue (either General Fund or some other way). This would offset the expenses of keeping water clean in Virginia.
Mr. Loving asked that financial information be provided to Board members on what is generated through the charge of forest management services. He feels this would be informational for the Board as discussion takes place.
Action Items
None
Committee Liaison Reports
Nominating Committee - Ms. Bates had previously asked Ms. Webster to Chair and Mr. Showalter to Co-Chair the Nominating Committee for election of a new Chair and Vice Chair. Ms. Webster made a motion that Mr. Turner serve as Chair and Mr. Loving serve as Vice Chair. Ms. Bates called for a vote on Mr. Turner as Chair and Mr. Loving as Vice Chair. All members were in favor. Mr. Turner will assume his role as Chair at the June Board meeting.
Legislative Committee - Ms. Whitmore and Mr. Turner met with Mr. Garner on March 25 to discuss legislative issues. The main point of discussion was ideas for increasing the knowledge of Secretary Schewel on the Department of Forestry and issues facing the agency. One issue will be the affect of the budget cut backs on the Department. Mr. Turner met with John Burke, Tree Farmer and friend of Secretary Schewel, and he has agreed to give Secretary Schewel a tour of his tree farm as a starting point before members of the Board meet directly with him, and let him see good forest management first hand.
Ms. Bates asked Board members who have an interest in the following groups to serve as liaison for the rest of the Board:
Virginia Urban Forest Council - Ms. Whitmore? (Ms. Bates will ask Ms. Whitmore
if she is willing to be liaison)
Land Conservation - Mr. Goodall/Mr. Showalter
DOF Interactions - Mr. Turner/Mr. Loving
Virginia Forestry Association - Ms. Webster
Virginia Forest Products Association - Mr. Harrell/Mr. Carden
Loggers Association - Mr. Loving/Mr. Turner
Water Quality Task Force - Ms. Bates/Mr. McGlothlin
Legislative Committee - Ms. Whitmore/Mr. Showalter/Ms. Bates
Other Business
Governor's Summit - Ms. Bates, Mr. Showalter, and Mr. McGlothlin attended this conference in Williamsburg. Ms. Bates thought it was significant that forestry played a role in the organization and participation at this conference. She stated the audience was diverse. There was a lot of discussion on goals and objectives of where this administration wants to go. She was very pleased with the conference and glad to be invited to go. Mr. McGlothlin felt the meeting was very interesting. It was his understanding that a report would be coming out soon from the small group discussions. He felt the Board should consider a similar conference focusing on forestry issues. Mr. Showalter also felt it was interesting. He felt the main purpose was to focus on the commonality of the group.
President Bush's Forest Health Initiative - Mr. Garner reported that this initiative is beginning to work its way through Congress. There are mixed views on this initiative. In the Farm Bill, the State Forester's attempted to put in a watershed initiative, providing better and more services to landowners for watersheds and to raise the bar for working with landowners within municipal watersheds. The White House asked the National Association of State Foresters if they would be interested in adding the State Forester's watershed initiative to the President's Forest Health Initiative. Mr. Garner will be at the Executive Committee meeting in Washington, DC, to see what it will look like and how it will fit. He reported there are a lot of details to work out. He feels this initiative will have benefits for the private landowner. Mr. Garner stated this might be something that the Board would want to take a position on.
Resolution to Study all Boards and Commissions - JLARC is studying Boards and Commission to see if they can be dissolved or merged with other Boards or Commissions. Mr. Garner received a call asking about eliminating, consolidating, or leaving the Board of Forestry and the Reforestation of Timberlands Board as they are. He has received notice that a discussion will be held in Richmond on September 16 to discuss both of these Boards. Mr. Garner asked for the opinion of the Board of Forestry so that he can voice the Board's view at this meeting. The Board members requested a listing of pros and cons on each Board so they could make a sound decision. They also requested a summary of activities for each Board and the budget for each. Some felt opinions of other organizations would be good information to have. Mr. Garner stated that any change to the composition of the Board of Forestry would require a change in legislation to include categories from the Reforestation of Timberlands Board. Mr. Garner will provide the requested information to Board members.
Letter to President Bush from Texas State Forester - Mr. Garner reported that the State Forester in Texas had written a position paper on the IRS rule changes and mailed to the President with a copy to his legislators. Ms. Webster made a motion that the Board of Forestry develop a position paper and send through the proper channels. Mr. Carden seconded the motion. Mr. Garner will write the "draft" position paper and send to all Board members for review. A request was also made for the existing law web address to be e-mailed to all Board members so they can review the change in the rule. All members were in favor of the motion.
Scheduling of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Board will be June 2 and 3 with a field trip and tour to International Paper in Franklin. The time has been set for 1:00 p.m. on June 2 for a tour of the paper mill and sawmill, with the official Board meeting on June 3. Mr. Turner will provide all Board members with a map. Details will be forthcoming.
The meeting following the June 2-3 meeting will be September 28-30. September 28 will be a travel day, with a tour on September 29, and the official Board meeting on September 30. Arrangements are being made with Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks, Virginia. Mr. Garner and his staff will work on logistics and get information out to the Board.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Ms. Bates made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was officially adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Hoy
Recording Secretary
c: Board Members
Dr. Gregory Brown, VPI
Mr. J. R. Bush, VFPA
Mr. Paul Howe, VFA
Mr. Cliff Rexrode, ACF
Ms. Maxine Kenny, WMMT News
Mr. Steve Brooks, Virginia Forest Watch
Ms. Ann Duff, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
Mr. Gerald Gray, Virginia Forest Watch
Ms. Donna Pugh-Johnson, Virginia Agribusiness Council
Ms. Martha Moore, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
Mr. Roger Sherman, MeadWestvaco Corporation
Ms. Staci Henshaw, Auditor of Public Accounts
NOTE: Tapes of Board meetings are on file in the Office of the State Forester.
Minutes approved at June 3, 2003 Board of Forestry meeting.
Last modified: Monday, 19-Oct-2009 14:59:47 EDT
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