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Saturday, May 23, 2020
VFA Responds to Proposed Permit System for Migratory Bird "Take"

Citing a 2017 reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by the Trump Administration, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) recently unveiled “discussion draft” regulations that would require incidental take permits for construction activities. If adopted, Virginia would become the first state in the country to require a permit for incidental take under the federal MBTA. 

VFA joined with VLA and VFPA to submit comments on behalf of the forestry community (PDF version), providing a more complete historical and legal context for MBTA while underscoring the importance of working forests in providing habitat for migratory birds. The MBTA was adopted in 1918 in accordance with US treaty requirements to curtail the hunting of migratory bird species. The concept of incidental (or accidental, non-intended) take was first introduced in the 1970s as part of the Endangered Species Act. Though never formally adopted as part of MBTA, incidental take has been the subject of a long, conflicting legal history, an ongoing lawsuit, and current federal rulemaking.

VFA will keep members appraised of ongoing developments with respect to formal DGIF rulemaking. For questions, please contact VFA Executive Director Corey Connors (email).
Call for Committee Volunteers

Volunteering with VFA is an excellent way to meet other members, develop leadership skills, lend your expertise, and give back to the forestry community. Our volunteers are instrumental in a variety of association efforts, including planning our annual Summit, developing member recruitment and retention strategies, developing a robust operating budget, planning excellent issues of Virginia Forests magazine, and much more.

Visit our website for more information on how you can get more involved with VFA. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please complete the volunteer interest form by June 10, 2020. 
Virginia COVID-19 Update: New "Phase One" Requirements for Businesses

On May 8th, Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 61, establishing guidelines for business operations in the first phase of his Forward Virginia reopening plan. Though reporting has focused on rules for restricted or closed businesses, EO 61 includes both updated guidelines and new penalties for all businesses, including forest products businesses that have remained in operation this Spring. 

VFA has updated its COVID-19 Resource Page with these guidelines to assist member businesses with understanding these new guidelines. 

 
Need Hand Sanitizer for Your Employees?

Since 1949, PMI Lubricants has been a leading oil distributor in Virginia, distributing petroleum lubricants, chemicals, and equipment to the consumer, automotive, commercial and industrial markets. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, PMI Lubricants has started supplying hand sanitizer and germicidal bleach. 

For more information on how to purchase products, please visit PMI Lubricant's website


Virginia Project Learning Tree - New Website & Educational Resources

Virginia Project Learning Tree recently launched its new, updated website, including a series of videos shot by Virginia PLT Coordinator Page Hutchinson that demonstrate nature-based activities that can be done at home. Visit PLT-Virginia's Updated Website for these great new resources.
FRA Issue Update
Forest Resources Association - May 15, 2020 and May 22, 2020

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety publishes a Final Rule changing Hours of Service requirements; CDC publishes extensive guidelines for reopening businesses...MORE
Pandemic Pushes Lumber Prices Higher 
LBM Journal - May 18, 2020

Rising demand stemming from a surge of do-it-yourself projects from consumers working at home coupled with restricted supply due to lumber mills operating at a...MORE
Clemson's New Outdoor Education Center Uses a Mass Timber Structural System
University Buildings - May 19, 2020

Clemson University's 16,000-sf Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center has become the first mass timber structure on the campus and the second mass timber facility...MORE
Impact of COVID-19 on US Forestry and Forest Products
Forest Landowner's Association - May 17, 2020

FLA joined the group of 12 forestry stakeholders working with Congress to urge a message of solidarity and promote priority polices to ensure a rebound in wood markets. ...MORE
FFRC Weekly Update - May 22, 2020
Federal Forest Resource Coalition - May 22, 2020

Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service Propose Legislative Solution for “Cottonwood” Case: This week, the Chief of the Forest Service and the Director of the Fish &...MORE
August 11-14, 2020 - Virginia Forestry Summit
Join VFA, ACF - VA Chapter, and SAF - VA Division in Harrisonburg, VA for networking, knowledge and solutions.
May 29, 2020 - Fifteen Minutes in the Forest
Spend 15 minutes in the forest with Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension Foresters each Friday at noon to learn about timely forestry topics.

June 1, 2020 - On-Line Woodland Options for Landowners
This non-graded, not-for-credit course will lead you through the basics of woodland management. Offered each Monday through August 18th for $45/family.
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The VFA Voice

Our Contact Info:
3808 Augusta Ave
Richmond, VA 23230
vfa@vaforestry.org
(804) 278-8733

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