NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION �MAY 2012

Newsletter of the North Carolina Forestry Association

TreeLineSlocum getS back in

the Saddle in mayimpreSSive artwork on diSplay

at annual arbor day celebrationT S

Artwork on Display: NC Forest Service’s Jennifer Rall (back) announced the three top finishers (l-r) Will Parker, Shay Smithwick and Charlie Tulevech

during the 2012 Arbor Day celebration held at the Farmers Market.

he NCFA’s Executive Vice President, Bob Slocum, will make his way back into the NCFA office starting in May after

receiving clearance from his doctors at UNC Healthcare in April. Slocum had originally hoped to be back in time for the NCFA’s Forestry Day in the Legislature in June, but after a review with his medical team, Slocum was approved to resume his normal activities.

“There was some discussion on whether further procedures may be necessary early on in my recovery, but the doctors did not feel anything more was necessary based on my recovery,” stated Slocum. “I feel great and I look forward to getting back to work. Forestry Day is just around the corner.”

The NCFA’s executive committee met in late April to address Slocum’s health.

“We are delighted to report that Bob has progressed to the point where we all are comfortable with him regaining the reigns of the NCFA,” stated NCFA President Ashley Faircloth. “We also understand that Bob is a hardworking person who is really dedicated to our association. In the first few weeks, we have asked Bob to be reasonable on his work hours and his personal workload.”

Larry Tombaugh, who had been acting as the NCFA’s Executive Vice President in Slocum’s absence, will stay on staff for a few days into Slocum’s return to ease the transition.

“I cannot say enough about Larry and his commitment to our association,” stated Slocum. “He did a marvelous job of keeping our association on task and for me personally, I really appreciate his efforts. We are extremely fortunate to have an individual with Larry’s experience and unparalleled level of professionalism within our membership.”

Slocum underwent emergency surgery at UNC Healthcare on February 6th. The source of Slocum’s surgery was an aortic dissection. Upon his arrival at UNC Healthcare, the surgeons repaired the aorta in two different surgeries over a two-day period. Slocum has directed the NCFA since 1988 and been the driving force behind the NCFA’s strong education programs, both professional development and public outreach. The NCFA has some 3,800 members and continues to be a leading voice for forestry in the state. n

tudents, saplings and saws were on display at the most recent Arbor Day celebration that took place on March 16th at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. Students from the North Carolina

State University’s Forestry and Paper Science programs came out to volunteer to distribute saplings and educate children with several hands-on projects.

The saplings were donated by Triangle Chapter of the Society of American Foresters. The effort was under the direction of Joe Cox, N.C. State’s Forest Manager, who has orchestrated this event at various locations over the years.

“We had an enthusiastic group of students who did a great job of interacting with the public,” stated Cox. “It is important to forward a positive forestry message and this event certainly helped us achieve that. Visitors were really enjoyed the trees and information.”

With a sapling giveaway and paper-making exercises as a backdrop, Shay Smithwick, a fifth grade student at Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston was awarded North Carolina’s 2012 Arbor Day Poster Contest. As part of the Arbor Day celebration, Shay was presented with a $250 savings bond from the North Carolina Forestry Association for her efforts on her fabulous poster.

Shay’s poster was designed around the contest theme “Trees Are Terrific… and Forests are Too!” Smithwick’s teacher, Judy Johnson, also received $200 for school supplies from Duke Energy.

The North Carolina Forest Service, which coordinates the Arbor Day event and the poster (continued on page 5)

foreStry day and ffpac reverSe raffle to be held on june 5, 20�2

he NCFA’s Forestry Day in the Legislature will take place on Tuesday,

June 5, 2012. The day starts with a briefing at 9:30 a.m. under the tent set up on the Halifax Mall. NCFA staff will highlight and provide guidance on any bills or issues that may impact forestry. Members will then be excused to meet with their elected officials and invite them back to the tent for a luncheon that starts at 11:30 a.m. The dress for this event is business attire.

Prior to Forestry Day, all members of the General Assembly and their staff will have received a special invitation and ticket to the lunch.

A flyer has been sent out on this event and it is also posted on our website. Please

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(continued on page 5)

(l-r) Senator Andrew Brock and NCFA member Jim Reavis have a conversation during last year’s Forestry Day in the Legislature.

This year’s event takes place on June 5, 2012.Bob Slocum returned to the NCFA office on May 1st.

NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 2MAY 2012

Jeff HanksChairman of the BoardAshley FairclothPresidentAllen PlasterPresident Elect-TreasurerRay AllenFirst Vice PresidentFrank Rackley Eastern Vice President

20�2 executive committeeMarshall Thompson Piedmont Vice PresidentKen Stuart Western Vice PresidentMichael WaltersChairman of the BoardForestry Mutual Insurance Bob SlocumExecutive Vice President

20�2 board of directorS

TreeLine is the monthly newsletter of the North Carolina Forestry Association. News items and photographs should be sent to Chris Brown at cbrown@ncforestry.org.

The NCFA, the state’s oldest forest conservation organization, is a private, nonprofit partnership of forest managers, landowners, mill operators, loggers, furniture manufacturers and others that actively promote healthy, productive forests by supporting the efforts of landowners and forestry-related businesses and organizations that responsibly manage or use forests.

NCFA, 1600 Glenwood Ave., Suite I, Raleigh, NC 27608. Telephone (919) 834-3943 or (800) 231-7723. n

do you have a newS item?

PoliticslegiSlative update

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Allen, RayAshcraft, DavidBeasely, DianneBrewer, ScottBrown, BobCain, KennyCooper, BobCorey, BillyCrawley, SteveCulp, JohnDavis, Joel HenryDecker, Greg Doster, TonyDurham, JimFaircloth, AshleyGraham, TedGray, JohnHanks, Jeff Hardin, FredHazel, DennisHenson, SteveHoward, BradHulka, BryanHull, MauriceHunt, PerryInman, TomJackson, JimmyJarrard, Roy

Jones, Charles Jones, Ed Kenley, CharlesKiker, JasonLassiter, TomListerman, EdLogan, ChrisLumpkin, ParkerMcCollum, KeithNewcomb, StephenOwen, WibParton, PatrickPatram, CyndiPhillips, RonPlaster, AllenRackley, FrankRaynor, FayRicks, RiddickRose, BernardShaffer, RodneySnyder, WilliamSt. John, MarcStuart, KenThompson, MarshallThrash, Dale Walters, MichaelWiseman, Mark

he Friends of Forestry PAC met in April to narrow down a list of candidates it could support for the upcoming primary elections. The committee approved the list below based on their

support of forestry and the role the individual plays in the legislative process. The committee distributed $12,500 out of the FFPAC funds.

north carolina Senatedistrict dem rep candidate3 X Clark Jenkins10 X Brent Jackson26 X Phil Berger 29 X Jerry Tillman33 X Stan Bingham45 X George Robinson48 X Tom Apodaca

north carolina house of representativesdistrict dem rep candidate22 X Bill Brisson23 X Joe Tolson27 X Michael Wray78 X Harold Brubaker 79 X Julie Howard80 X Jerry Dockham84 X Frank Mitchell 87 X Mitch Gillespie 98 X Thom Tillis 98 X Edgar Starnes104 X Ruth Samuelson 113 X Trudi Walend120 X Roger West

The FFPAC also supported Steve Troxler, the Commissioner of Agriculture, who has been a big supporter of forestry in his role as commissioner.

The FFPAC will be seeking to raise additional funds through its reverse raffle in addition to other contributions that it can distribute prior to the 2012 election. NCFA members are encouraged to purchase reverse raffle tickets to help support this effort. n

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friendS of foreStry pac makeS firSt round of contributionS to candidateS for office

he North Carolina General Assembly operates on a two-year session that combines a long and short session in a given calendar year. The long session takes place in odd years while the

short session runs in even years. The long session is the opening year of a session and it took place in 2011. This year is the short year of the 2011-12 session. The General Assembly will officially get underway on May 16th and most expect the session to close before the end of June. There is not a great deal of legislation left from the 2011 session so it is expected that the main focus will be the budget.n

farm bill working itS way through congreSS very five years, Congress develops and passes the Farm Bill, which sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forest policy. The current Farm Bill was passed in 2008 and will

expire in 2012. In late April, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed the Farm Bill with a 16-5 vote. The House Agriculture Committee is still working on its version.

According to the American Forest Foundation, the Senate Agriculture Committee’s version recognizes the importance to promote rural jobs and strengthen rural communities by providing a fix to the Biobased Markets Program. This fix now allows forest products to be included in the labeling program, strengthening markets for home-grown, American products. Other highlights of the Senate Agriculture Committee version include consolidated, streamlined working lands programs, forest owner access to conservation programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program, continued support for programs that help combat invasive species, continued support for cooperative forestry and extension programs and strengthened direction for the forest inventory and analysis program.

It is important that forest landowners play an active role in supporting forestry issues in the Farm Bill by contacting their elected officials and stressing how important forestry is to the environment and the economy of North Carolina. n

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election 20�2Supporting the FFPAC takes on a higher meaning in 2012 when you consider what is at stake.

In 2010, a business friendly legislature was elected to the majority in the North Carolina House and Senate. This majority will need to be re-elected to maintain the same approach in the coming years. Is this last legislative session going to be a one and done, or the future of North Carolina? Voters will decide.

After the 2012 election, more than 50% of the NC General Assembly will be in either their first or second term.

More than 51% of the voting population comes from 14 urban counties.

NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION �MAY 2012

Point of View

ver the next few months, the NCFA will be updating its website and how it keeps track of

its membership. The NCFA is working with Affiniscape, a

company that specializes in software for membership organizations.

As a part of this process, the NCFA has established a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000395375924#!/NorthCarolinaForestryAssociation. The page will include updates on activities and a calendar of events. n

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facebook page offerS updateS for memberS

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john daviS will provide political preview at the ncfa’S “the windS of change” annual meeting

The NCFA’s Annual Meeting will be at the Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC on October 3-5, 2012.

he NCFA’s 2012 Annual Meeting, “The Winds of Change,” will be held on October 3-5, 2012 at the Grove Park Inn in

Asheville. “Our speaking program is coming together nicely,” stated

NCFA President Ashley Faircloth. “We are pleased that John Davis, who has spoken to our group in the past, has agreed to give our members a preview of what he thinks will happen on election day in November. John’s reports are both informative and entertaining.”

In addition to Davis, the NCFA hopes to attract both candidates for North Carolina Governor to the meeting to make a brief presentation on their candidacy.

Registration costs for a complete registration will be $325. Spouse/Guest registration will be $150. The one day registration will be $200.

A new recreation feature will be added to the choice of golfing and shooting clays this year as the NCFA has contracted to let members go white-water rafting. The white water rafting will take place in the same time slot on Wednesday as the other events and transportation will be provided from the hotel. It is also worth noting that the golf tournament will take place on the course at the Grove Park this year, eliminating any additional commuting for the golfers in the crowd.

The room rate at the Grove Park Inn will be $195 for NCFA members. Members are encourage to make their reservations by calling (800) 438-5800. n

ore than 50 years of genetics work to increase loblolly pine production in the Southeast has improved the trees’ ability to act as carbon sinks that mitigate climate change, according to a new study by North

Carolina State University researchers from the College of Natural Resources. “We’ve been working to create trees that grow faster and produce more wood, and what this research

shows is that at the same time we’re enhancing environmental quality by scrubbing as much carbon out of the atmosphere as we possibly can,” says Dr. John King, an N.C. State forest ecologist and co-author of a paper published this month in the journal Forest Science.

The study estimated a 17 percent increase in stem-wood production and a 13 percent increase in carbon uptake in improved loblolly pines planted throughout the Southeast between 1968 and 2007. Three generations of enhanced seedlings were released over that 40-year period. Pine plantations cover about 15 percent of forested land in the South. Each year, almost a billion loblolly pine seedlings are planted, typically taking 25 years to reach maturity.

“We’re reaping the benefits today of work our predecessors did, and our work will affect our children and grandchildren,” says co-author Dr. Steve McKeand, N.C. State Univeristy Forestry Professor and Director of the Cooperative Tree Improvement Program, a public/private partnership founded in 1956.

The study marks one of the first attempts to quantify the effects of improved tree genetics on carbon sequestration across a large landscape, McKeand and King say.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Mike Aspinwall of the University of Texas at Austin, worked with McKeand and King while completing his doctorate at North Carolina State University.

This release highlights a recent publication - “Carbon Sequestration from 40 Years of Planting Genetically Improved Loblolly Pine Across the Southeast United States” Authors: Michael J. Aspinwall, University of Texas at Austin; Steven E. McKeand and John S. King, North Carolina State University, Published: April 2012, in Forest Science. n

Study ShowS improved loblolly pineS make poSitive impact on our environment

D’Lyn Ford, N.C. State University News Services

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(far left) Steve McKeand served as one of the guest speakers at a North Carolina Tree Farm workshop

at the Hofmann Forest in 2011.

n late April, Judge M. Casey Rodgers of the Northern District Court of Florida issued a

preliminary injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) from implementing its new H-2B Program Rule.

The rule, which governs employers’ treatment of foreign guestworkers regulated under the H-2B visa program, would have imposed new costs, minimum work guarantees, multiple itineraries, and worker housing inspection requirements to the extent of making the program unworkable for many industries, including reforestation.

“The Department of Labor’s new Program Rule would have been not only prohibitively expensive but logistically impossible for tree-planting contractors to comply with,” stated Richard Lewis, President of the Forest Resources Association. “The decision is a great victory not only for forestry but for all sectors using guestworkers under the H-2B program.”

FRA supported the Florida lawsuit financially on behalf of FRA reforestation contractor members who use H-2B guestworkers from Mexico and Central America.

The USDOL’s rule had been scheduled to go into effect on April 27, the day after Judge Rodgers’s decision blocked it.

The plaintiffs in Bayou Lawn & Landscape Services vs. Solis were able to establish, to Judge Rodgers’s satisfaction, a substantial likelihood of success on their claim that USDOL lacks authority to promulgate the new H-2B Program Rule; and that the plaintiffs would incur a substantial risk of irreparable harm if the rule were implemented.

Both parties, USDOL and the plaintiffs, have 60 days to respond to the preliminary injunction, and the judge would normally hand down a final opinion by mid-August.

It is hoped that this opinion will include a “permanent injunction” in favor of the plaintiffs, in view of Judge Rodgers’s clearly skeptical view of the merits of USDOL’s case. USDOL would then have further appeal options, but in a much less favorable legal framework.

Although this ruling does not impact the status of the new H-2B Wage Rule, which FRA and the H-2B Workforce Coalition are also contesting in separate cases in Florida and Pennsylvania, the Program Rule decision is a positive step towards successfully overturning the new rule.

The NCFA has supported the repeal of this new wage rule publicly with letters to the North Carolina delegation in Washington and also through financial support of the court case in Pennsylvania via the association’s legal defense fund. n

florida judge blockSpropoSed h-2b rule

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NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION �MAY 2012

he continuing education year for the NCFA’s ProLogger Program will come to a close at the end of June.

All Prologgers who wish to remAin in the ProgrAm must tAke the module 12 course by the end of June.

ProLoggers are encouraged to utilize the information that is placed on the NCFA’s website, www.ncforestry.org, to see the latest course offerings.

Once you have reached the website, the ProLogger section can be reached by clicking the ProLogger button on the home page, which is on the top of the choices on the lefthand side of the home page. The ProLogger section contains information on schedules for the training courses and status of all ProLoggers and their training requirements. You can search your own name by clicking on the ProLogger Search Engine button.

If you have not taken Module 12 and do not see a class offering in your area, please contact who you supply logs to in order to check and see if they know of a course at their facility or in the area.

Typically, the NCFA will sponsor one class in late June at the Stan Adams Education Center for those ProLoggers who need to take the continuing education module.

Invoices for all ProLoggers will be mailed in May. The deadline for payment is the end of July. It is important to note that if you fail to take the class by June 30th, you are know longer in the program. You will have to take the base three-day course again! There are no exeptions.

The new training course, Module 13, will be available in September of 2012.

If you have any questions about your ProLogger status, please contact Jack Swanner at (800) 231-7723 ext. 2. n

Prologgers

2012 Prologger Base coursedate .........................location ..............................................................................................Sponsor(s)May 9-11 .................Martin Community College, Williamston ........................................... DomtarJune 6-8 ...................Forsyth Tech Community College, Winston-Salem ...... Weyerhaeuser/LPOct. 10-12 .................McDowell Community College, Marion, NC ....Columbia Forest Products

20��-�2 annual training class - module �2date/time ................................. location .................................................................Sponsor/contactMay 18, 12:00-3:00 PM ............. Domtar - Marlboro Mill, Bennettsville, SC ....................... DomtarMay 31, 5:00-9:00 PM ............... McDowell Tech CC, Marion ...............Columbia Forest ProductsJune 1, 2012 12:30-3:30 PM ..... Vance Granville CC, Louisburg, NC ............ Enviva, AgCarolina

prologger training Schedule

Tprologger program graduateS 2� new prologgerS in whiteville

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The NCFA’s ProLogger program added 24 new loggers to the ranks after the latest class in Whiteville. Volunteers from NC Department of Labor, NC Forest Service, Forestry Mutual Insurance company, the NC Tree Farm program, NC Department of Agriculture and the NC Highway Patrol participated

in the comprehensive three-day course.

ncfa developS new workShop program in cooperation with dmv

he NCFA is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle Carrier Enforcement to present a safety and regulations awareness workshop program across the

state in an effort to improve the relationship our members have with those in the motor carrier enforcement division. The first workshop will take place at McDowell Community College on May 4th.

“Nothing beats face-to-face interaction when it comes down to discussing issues that are important to our members and the safety of our highways,” stated NCFA Director of Safety and Transportation Jack Swanner. “We believe these meetings will allow our members to learn more about what the state considers our biggest weaknesses in terms of compliance and then we can address them. This should improve safety on our roadways and help our members reduce the amount of time they may sit on the side of a road.”

At McDowell Community College, the workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and it will be broken into two categories of concern. The first portion will focus on weights and permits. Topics to be discussed are the important definition, proper registration, various size and weight topics and oversize permits. The second half of the session will deal with inspections. Topics will be the CVSA inspection process, particularly those that pertain to load securement, and Driver License requirements (CDL) to include hazardous materials transportation related topics.

After lunch, there will be a field demonstration properly equipping and securing a tractor trailer and a straight truck.

The NCFA is pleased that North Carolina Senator Ralph Hise and North Carolina Representative Mitch Gillespie will be taking time out of their busy schedules to make opening remarks at the workshop at McDowell. n

prologer deadline of june �0th for module �2 approacheS

NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 5MAY 2012

contest, also honored two runners-up in the poster competition. The runners-up were Charlie Tulevech of St. Egbert School in Morehead City

and Will Parker of Grace Christian School in Raleigh.The North Carolina Arbor Day Poster Contest is open to all fifth grade students

in public, private and home schools. The contest has been held since 1992 to promote the importance of Arbor Day and tree planting. If you are a teacher and want to learn more on how to enter students from your school, please contact Jennifer Rall, North Carolina’s poster contest coordinator, at (919) 857-4849.

The poster presentat ion wrapped up an hour before ESPN began its coverage of the Southern Qualifier of the Stihl Timbersports Series, which showcased both the collegiate and professional lumberjacks.

The collegiate competition was part of the Southern Forestry Conclave, involving students from 15 different schools which compete in various activities as chain saw competitions, axe throws, archery, bow saw, cross cut and the log birl. North Carolina State finished third overall in the 2012 competition. n

Arbor Day Celebration...(from page 1)

Children participate in the paper making station that was set up during the Arbor Day celebration at the State Farmers market. The booth was hosted by N.C. State students.

bail Selected aS new foreSt SuperviSor for nc national foreStS

take the time to complete this flyer with your plans and which state representative(s) and senator(s) you will visit. If you are not sure who your legislators are, you may access this information on the website at www.ncga.state.nc.us.

After Forestry Day, the Friends of Forestry Political Action Committee will be conducting its reverse raffle at the Doubletree Brownstone Hotel. The event will start at 6:00 p.m. and conclude by 10:00 p.m. A reverse raffle is when the last ticket pulled is the winner. The first ticket will be drawn at 6:30 p.m. There will be finger food and music during the drawing. The eventual winner(s) of the raffle will claim up to a quarter of the pot with a maximum of $5,000. Tickets are currently being sold. Individual tickets are $50 and three tickets may be purchased for $100. Prizes will be awarded throughout the night. One ticket will be auctioned off once the raffle is down to 10 tickets. Dress for this event is casual.

The NCFA has secured a block of rooms at the Doubletree Brownstone (1707 Hillsborough St. Raleigh NC 27605) for the evenings of June 4th and 5th at a room rate of $96.00 per night. The hotel's phone numbers are (919) 828-0811 or (800) 331-7919.

If you plan on attending the FFPAC reverse raffle, you must buy at least one raffle ticket. If you have questions about this event or would like to purchase tickets in advance, please call the NCFA office at (919) 834-3943 or (800) 231-7723. n

Forestry Day and FFPAC Reverse Raffle...(from page 1)

he Southern Region of the U.S. Forest Service announced today the selection of Kristin Bail as the new Forest Supervisor of the National Forests in North

Carolina. Bail is currently the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Coconino National Forest in Arizona. In accepting this position she is returning to a part of the country she loves. Kristin will report to the Supervisor’s Office in Asheville, N.C. on May 21, 2012.

“I am honored for the opportunity to live and work in the beautiful mountains and coast of North Carolina. I look forward to working with our forest employees, our state and local partners, and the conservation community to care for these diverse and special National Forests,” said Bail.

Bail brings a wealth of experience gleaned from over 27 years of federal service with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service in Oregon, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. In addition to her current role Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Coconino National Forest she has previously served in the BLM national business and fiscal resources section and as the BLM national policy and program lead for the 37 national monuments and national conservation areas. n

he North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) has started placing orange triangular gypsy moth traps in a two square-

mile area near Lake Wheeler in southern Wake County. Previous surveys have indicated the presence of a reproducing population of the highly damaging gypsy moth in the area.

Traps are being placed in the Brookwood, Oak Ridge Valley, Eagle Ridge and Southern Acres neighborhoods. The traps are baited with the female sex pheromone, making them attractive to any nearby male moths.After the male moth flight is complete in mid-summer, traps will be removed and any male moths counted.

The 75 traps being placed in the area will determine if a reproducing population does in fact exist, and if any control measures are necessary.

“It is crucial that the public not disturb gypsy moth traps,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Contact information will be included on the bottom of each trap, and the public is welcome to check in with my staff for additional program information.”

Gypsy moths are spread accidentally by humans, often hitchhiking long distances on anything from car tires to outdoor household articles.

Gypsy moths feed on the leaves of hundreds of plant species, predominantly hardwood trees. In heavily infested areas, trees may be completely stripped of foliage, leaving entire forests more susceptible to attacks from other pests. Gypsy moths can also be a nuisance to the general public. Caterpillars may migrate in search of food, sometimes entering houses and ending up in swimming pools. Some people can have allergic reactions to the caterpillars’ tiny hairs.

While two North Carolina counties are partially or completely quarantined, gypsy moth is not established in the majority of the state. For more on gypsy moths, go to www.ncagr.gov/gypsymoth.

The department is cooperating with the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to reduce the expansion of the gypsy moth into uninfested areas of the state.

The gypsy moth Slow the Spread program is featured in each installment of the NCFA’s ProLogger base course. In some cases, it is a general awareness campaign and in some areas of the state, the program is explained on how it may impact the delivery of wood to facilities. n

ncda SeekS to trap gypSy mothS near lake wheeler in raleigh

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ESPN covered the Southern Forestry Conclave as part of its Timbersports package.

ncfS unveilS new fdp logohe North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) has unveiled a new logo for the successful Forest

Development Program (FDP). The FDP is a cost-share program that assists landowners with their forest management goals.

The FDP programs was initially started as a “trees in the ground” program in the 1970’s, but the program has expanded since then to include forest management practices that improve forest health and wildlife habitat. The program is responsible for planting over one million trees over the years.

In addition to providing a financial incentive for landowners to actively manage their forests, the program frequently introduces a landowner to forestry ideals and the concept of developing and following a forest management plan. n

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NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION �MAY 2012

corner landowners’

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new MeMBers

gupton paSSeS away in naShville

national fSa announceS expanSion of Safe program

nc tree farm workShop Schedule for 20�2he North Carolina Tree Farm program wil l conduct three

workshops in 2012. All Tree Farm workshops are free and typically feature a speaking portion, luncheon and Tree Farm tour.

The first workshop will be on Saturday, May 12th in Louisburg, NC and will be held at Louisburg College and then the Lumpkin Family Tree Farm. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Benson Chapel at Louisburg College where the morning speaking program will take place. After lunch, the workshop will move to the Lumpkin Tree Farm. The tour will run from 1:15 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A complete listing of the workshop can be found on the North Carolina Tree Farm Program’s website at www.nctreefarm.org. This is a rain or shine event and participants must pre-registration by May 8th by calling the Franklin County Cooperative Extension at (919) 496-3344.

The second workshop is planned for early November near Washington, NC and will include a tour of Weyerhaeuser’s seedling nursery.

The Tree Farm Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday October 6th in Asheville at the Biltmore Estate. If you have any questions about these workshops or general questions about the North Carolina Tree Farm program, please contact Leslie McCormick at 919-917-8646. The Tree Farm’s website is www.nctreefarm.org. n

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Beth Plummer, a Water Quality Forester with the North Carolina Forest Service and a Tree Farm Inspector, sent Al Weller with Weyerhaeuser this interesting picture of a Tree Farm sign on the property of the John Lattimore Tree Farm in Cleveland County. Lattimore thinks the sign was put up in the 1950’s when his father owned the property. Weller remarked that this may be the first known picture of a tree actually eating a Tree Farm sign!

ouglas Gupton, who was highlighed in TreeLine in March for being named the 2011 North Carolina Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist, passed away at Autumn Care in Nashville, North

Carolina, on March 28, 2012. Gupton was a registered forester and tree farmer. Gupton also was a Mason with the James A. Johnson Mason Lodge, a member of the Franklin County Shriners and a member of the Eastern Star.

“For many years, Doug was a principal in the firm Brown and Gupton, that operated woodyards in Franklin County and provided local markets for pulpwood and other wood products in the area,” stated Dave Woodmansee, who worked with Gupton during his days with Georgia-Pacific. “He was an active Tree Farmer for many years and took great pride in planting trees and managing his Certified Tree Farm in Franklin County while encouraging other landowners to actively manage their family forests. He was a well-known, and well-liked individual in the forestry business.”

Gupton is survived by his wife Elizabeth May Gupton; three sons, Wayne Gupton and his wife Shannon, Curtis Gupton, and Terrell Gupton and his wife, Sharon all of Louisburg; one daughter, Hattie Gupton Edens of Louisburg and two grandchildren, Rachel Edens and Gabriel Gupton. n

Douglas and Elizabeth Gupton posed with their Tree Farm sign in Louisburg. Gupton was a popular and well-known

member of the forest products industry.

MEMBER .................................................................................... CityJustin C Britt ..................................................................... PlymouthThomas Cook ........................................................................ClintonCogent Marine ........................................................ Morehead CityCopperhead Holler ..................................................... ThomasvilleHarmon Timber Harvesting LLC ................................WarrentonLeon Diller ...............................................................MargarettsvilleKris Dotson ......................................................................JamesvilleIvey’s Logging Inc .................................................................OrrumJethro’s Logging .............................................................Maple HillBrandon Myers .......................................................MargarettsvilleOak Valley Hardwoods Inc ...............................................MarionGene Tatum .............................................................. ElizabethtownShannon Tatum ....................................................... ElizabethtownStephen Wagoner ................................................................SanfordMichael Wharff .............................................................RiegelwoodWooten Holdings, Ag & Timber LLC .......................... New Bern

he National Farm Service Agency (FSA) office announced in March that the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE)

program has been expanded on the national level by , which should increase funds at the state level. Landowners are encouraged to touch base with their local FSA office about the SAFE program and how it might be beneficial to their management goals.

SAFE is a wildlife initiative within the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). North Carolina’s SAFE program is specifically to establish native early successional habitat to enhance environmental benefits in a designated area for the following targeted bird species: Northern Bobwhite Quail, Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Loggerhead Shrike and Eastern Kingbird.

The original SAFE proposal for North Carolina was approved in May of 2008 for the following counties: Bertie, Edgecombe, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, Nash, Northampton and Wilson.

In 2010, North Carolina submitted and was approved a SAFE Expansion for the following counties: Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Johnston Sampson and Wayne. North Carolina’s allocation is 5,600 acres. As of March 2012, North Carolina has approximately 500 acres approved on 18 contracts in the SAFE program. n

he American Tree Farm System has been working on a solution for the grandfathered Tree Farms that are 10,000 acres or larger

through the State Tree Farm programs. These Tree Farms must fulfill a requirement to undergo third-party audit before December 31, 2012. Letters have been distributed to the owners of grandfathered Tree Farms. These landowners can meet the third-party audit request by 1) Obtaining an individual third-party certificate, 2) Join an Independently Managed Group or 3) Participate in the recently developed Grandfathered Tree Farm Certification Program.

Recently approved by the Certification Committee, grandfathered Tree Farms would remain certified through the State Tree Farm Program. However, to meet the requirement for third-party audit, the grandfathered Tree Farms of 10,000 contiguous acres or larger would be assessed as a part of a unique subpopulation during the ATFS Regional Assessments. This option achieves the objectives of maintaining the Grandfathered Tree Farms’ longstanding connections to the State Tree Farm Programs, while also meeting the requirement for the credible third-party audit that supports the integrity and international recognition of ATFS Certification. Landowners participating in the Grandfathered Tree Farm Certification Program need only confirm that they would like to participate in the program, in advance of the December 31, 2012 deadline. n

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audit of grandfathered tree farmS to begin nationwide

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NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION �MAY 2012

he NCFA hosted over 300 sixth grade students

from Kernodle Middle School during its three-day Forestry and Environmental Camp that was held at Carolyn Allen Park in Greensboro.

“We had a successful w e e k , ” s t a t e d J e n n i f e r Grantham, the NCFA’s Director of Education. “Our camp is one of the highlights each year for the students and teachers at this school. They are well prepared and it really helps with getting the most out of the camps.”

A f t e r t w o d a y s o f workshops, the students were tested on Friday morning through a series of competitions such as tree identification relay race, a compass field competition and quiz bowl competition.

In the afternoon, Bob Alderink of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences gave a special presentation on on Native Americans to the campers.

In general, the camp teaches practical application of math, science and critical thinking skills through a series of hands-on lessons and competitions. The students will learn about land measurement, silviculture, ecology, wildlife, dendrology, tree measurement and forest products and history.

These camps are an important element of the NCFA’s education initiative and are under the direction of the NCFA’s Education Director, Jennifer Grantham. The camp’s instructional staff is comprised of North Carolina Forest Service personnel, local educators and NCFA member volunteers.

“We really appreciate the members who can take the time to help out with these camps,” stated Grantham. “The students enjoy learning from forestry professionals, giving them exposure to different teaching methods and personalities. As is the nature of what is going on in our industry, it is getting harder and harder to find volunteers within our membership. I would encourage anyone who may be interested in helping out with a camp to please contact me (jgrantham@ncforestry.org).”

The next NCFA camp will take place in Wilkesboro where the entire sixth grade in Wilkes County will be in attendance. n

ncaSi meeting will feature biomaSS SeSSion

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ncfa’S foreStry & environmental camp viSitS greenSboro

he 2012 NCASI Southern Regional Meeting will be held June 11-13 at the

Hyatt Regency Greenville in Greenville, SC. The meeting will include a one and one-half day forestry session, all-day on Tuesday, June 12 and continuing through the morning on Wednesday June 13. The session will focus on sustainable production of wood for bioenergy and biomaterials in the South. Participants in the forestry session will be eligible for Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) credits from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) (pending final approval).

Attendance at the Forestry Session is $50 for individuals associated with government agencies, academic institutions, or non-profit organizations and $75 for others. Pre-registration is required. For general meeting information, contact Tracy Stubbs, (352) 331-1745, ext. 221, tstubbs@ncasi.org. For more information about the Forestry Session, contact Dr. Erik Schilling, (352) 331-1745, ext. 348, eschilling@ncasi.org. n

t is time again for submitting nominations for the North Carolina Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year (OTFY) award. The North Carolina Tree Farm program

is now taking 2012 OTFY nominations and will take them up until August 1, 2012. If you have a Tree Farmer in mind, please contact David Halley, who is the current Recognitions Chair for the North Carolina Tree Farm porgram, at (919) 815-3468 or by

e-mail at halleydave@aol.comIt is important to remember that a nominee

must be a certified Tree Farm by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) and meet their standards and follow their mission “to promote the growing of renewable forest resources on private lands while protecting environmental benefits and increasing public understanding of all benefits of productive forestry.”

The nomination form is only a two-page application and can be found on the web at www.nctreefarm.org. This is a highly competitive competition and North Carolina has a rich history of past Southern Regional and National winners.

So what makes a good OTFY nominee? Jean and Bob Cooper, the 2008 Southern Region and National Tree Farmers of the Year, say it starts with a tree farmer that is actively involved in the management of their land.

“They have to have excellent examples of good forest stewardship of their timber resources,” stated Jean Cooper, “but they also have to be good stewards of water, wildlife, recreation, aesthetics, and soil conservation. They also have to serve

beyond the stakes and borders of their land.”The best candidates must show a record of being active in their community

promoting forestry and the Tree Farm program. In the past, North Carolina Tree Farmers of the Year have served on forestry committees, hosted field tours and workshops, and hosted various groups on their property.

Up to three North Carolina Outstanding Tree Farm finalists will be selected from the applications we receive by August 1. Each finalist will receive an on-the-ground inspection of the tree farm and face-to-face meeting with Tree Farmers by a small selection committee. If selected as a finalist, the finalist will be visited by the selection committee for a tour of their Tree Farm sometime in August or September. The three finalists and the eventual North Carolina Tree Farmer of the Year will be recognized and announced at the annual Tree Farm meeting that will take place in October. n

ncfa hunting inSurance renewalS will be Sent out in may

tree farm iS looking for itS beSt of the beSt - nominate Someone today!

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he renewal forms for 2012-2013 Hunting Lease Liability Insurance will be sent out to

last year’s participants in May. There will be no premium increase. The policy runs from August 1, 2012 to August, 1, 2013. It is important to note that coverage goes into effect the day all money is received by the NCFA.

Each distinct owner of the land (whether the owner is an individual, partnership, trust, corporation or other) must maintain a membership in the NCFA and qualify for insurance coverage by filling out a separate application form. Since the policy names both the landowner and the hunt club as insureds, each receives a certificate of insurance, and each must be a member of the NCFA. The NCFA requires that each ownership and hunt club be represented by a person who has the legal authority to represent the ownership or hunt club.

If you have already paid your 2012 NCFA dues please indicate that on the renewal invoice, if you are not sure, call our office to confirm.

Please feel free to call Ann Harper at the NCFA (919) 834-3943 extension 1, if you have any questions regarding the policy or payment.

If you would like to download a copy of the hunting lease application, please go to the NCFA’s website, www.ncforestry.org and click the Hunt Clubs button. n

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Bob and Jean Cooper were North Carolina Tree Farmers of the Year and NC’s first

National Tree Farmers of the Year in 2008.

Ed Listerman teaches students how to use a increment borer and how to tell the age of

a tree by counting the rings.

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDRaleigh, NC

Permit No. 459

North Carolina Forestry Association1600 Glenwood Ave., Suite IRaleigh, NC 27608919-834-3943 / 800-231-7723

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calendar of eventsmay 20�22-4 ProLogger Base Class, Northeastern NC, TBD 9 NC SIC Meeting, Raleigh, NC12 Tree Farm Workshop at Lumpkin Tree Farm, Louisburg, NC

june 20�25 FFPAC Committee of 100 Legislative Breakfast5 Forestry Day in the Legislature, Raleigh, NC5 FFPAC Reverse Raffle, DoubleTree Brownstone, Raleigh, NC6 Board of Directors Meeting, DoubleTree Brownstone, Raleigh, NC6-8 ProLogger Base Class, Forsyth Tech CC, Winston-Salem, NC

july 20�218 SLTC Meeting, Raleigh, NC

august 20�28 NC SIC Meeting, Raleigh, NC

September 20�2

october 20�23-5 NCFA Annual Meeting, Asheville, NC6 Tree Farm Workshop, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC10-12 ProLogger Base Class, McDowell CC, Marion, NC

november 20�27 SLTC Meeting, Mush Island, NC14 NC SIC Meeting, Raleigh, NC

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