NEWS
Pisgah State Park
Responding to concerns about a proposed timber sale at the Pisgah Sate Park the NH Division of Forest and Lands hosted an informational meeting on June 2. Attending this meeting were several of our members who reported back that Division staff has done an excellent job researching and planning for this project and therefore it should be something the state showcases.
To this end, NHTOA is asking the state to build on the relationships it developed at the meeting and use this project as an opportunity to demonstrate the science and benefits of active forest management. To see more information on this project go to the Division’s website at, http://www.dred.state.nh.us/divisions/forestandlands/index.htm.
National Groups try to rewrite White Mountain National Forest Mgt. Plan
We are right now on the cusp of a battle with several national environmental groups over a timber sale on the White Mountain National Forest, the Than Brook Project. This is going to be a precedent setting fight in that it is one of the first timber sales released since the Forest Service adopted its new Management Plan. From our participation in the formal appeal process what we have seen and heard is these national environmental groups are opposing the proposal principally because it includes timber management in a "roadless area". It should be noted that many “roadless areas” do have roads and have been under timber management. The term “roadless” is a definition the Forest Service uses to identify potential Wilderness Areas during the planning process. Because the Than Brook Project area already includes roads and saw timber management the Management Plan recommends active management in this area. What is especially frustrating about this appeal is these national organizations did not appeal the Forest Management Plan which after extensive study recommends timber management in most areas labeled as “roadless areas" on the White Mountain National Forest. Many NHTOA landowners and industry members invested thousands of hours participating in the Forest Management Planning process. Our message to these groups is let the local managers do their job and STICK TO THE PLAN.
At The Statehouse
We are currently seeing a last minute flurry of activity a Legislators work to pass a budget and wrap-up any outstanding bills.
The latest piece of legislative activity we have been monitoring is the Land and Community Heritage program (LCHIP) funding battle. Last reported the NH Senate Finance Committee had just killed a proposal to increase the Land Use Change Tax 65% to pay for LCHIP. As recent as two days ago it appears a Joint Senate and House budget negotiation Committee settled on a $12 million LCHIP funding package where in the first year $6 million dollars will come from the NH General Fund and in year two of the budget LCHIP will be funded at whatever is actually raised by a $25 deed fee on all documents recorded at the ten county deed registries or $6 million, whichever is less. This fund starts to collect revenue on July 1, 2008. The expectation is the House and Senate will be voting on this proposal as part of the entire budget next Wednesday (6/27).
NHDES Wetlands Permitting
Earlier this year the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services announced a change to how forestry minimum impact wetlands permits (used for water and wetland crossings – e.g. pole fords) will utilize data from the Natural Heritage Inventory Program (cataloging of NH’s rare, threatened and endangered species and natural communities by the Department of Resources and Economic Development). Although well intentioned, the proposed change creates several logistical hurdles and more importantly raises a fundamental question about the role of New Hampshire’s Natural Heritage Inventory Program. NHTOA and several key members of the state's environmental community are working with the NH Department of Environmental Services to develop a solution that will not hinder forest management. Until you hear otherwise, the forestry minimum impact wetlands permitting procedure has not changed!!! If there are any changes to this program they will probably occur later this summer or autumn and you will be notified. Stay tuned.
2007 Conservation/Natural Resources Scholarship Awarded
The Hillsborough County Conservation District awarded its 2007 Conservation/Natural Resources Scholarship to Samara Levy, West High School senior, during the school's awards ceremony on June 6th.The District awards this scholarship annually to a Hillsborough County high school senior demonstrating a desire to pursue a program of study at college in the field of agriculture, forestry, environmental science, soil science, or a related natural resources program. For more information about the Conservation Scholarship, contact Kerry Rickrode at the Hillsborough County Conservation District, (603) 673-2409 ext. 4 or E-mail: kerry.rickrode@nh.nacdnet.net.
New York Times Features Forestry
This article discusses many of the issues facing family forest owners nationwide. Larry Wiseman, president & CEO of the American Forest Foundation, is quoted in it, and the folks in the article's photo are certified Tree Farmers! To access the article paste this address into your internet search bar: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/14/business/smallbusiness/14sbiz.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Union Leader Wood Pellet Story
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?articleId=376ef1ba-1ba6-4820-b4ef-0ce231633e91
Last updated: July 9, 2007 |
