News from the Director

Timber Talk 4/22/2024

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:35:21 GMT

OFA Update

Ohio Forestry Association sets training schedule

Logging Cost Analysis Workshop: May 17, 2024 —8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This course will cover both principles and applications of logging cost analysis techniques from the perspective of logging business owners and managers. Course content will focus on methods for evaluating production and cost records within the context of the evolving wood supply chain. Spreadsheet models will be reviewed and provided to participants for hands-on training involving modifications necessary to assess and simulate a range of harvesting systems, techniques, and equipment mix variations. Upon completion of this course, participants should be well-equipped to better evaluate logging costs.

Sponsors Include: Southern Loggers Cooperative, Independent Stave Company, Pixelle Specialty Solutions, Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. Koppers, Inc. TTG Forestry Services, Southeaster Ohio Loggers Chapter
Location: The Ohio State University Extension Office—17 Standpipe Road, Jackson, OH 45640.

Registration Cost OFA Member: $50 Non-member: $100
https://www.ohioforest.org/events/register.aspx?id=1848157

Lumber Grading Short Course: June 10 – 13, 2024—8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
This 4-day course will cover the basics of wood and lumber characteristics. In addition, students will learn about different cutting methods, standard grades and species exceptions. There will be ample time for lumber grading practice and trouble-shooting unusual circumstances. This short course is taught by a certified instructor with the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Following this course lumber graders will be able to determine a profitable yield from the log and will gain a better sense of value of the lumber being handled. The NHLA Rules Book is the guiding document emphasizing the basics of hardwood lumber inspection.

Location: Yoder Lumber 7100 County Road 407, Millersburg, OH 44654

Registration Cost OFA Member: $450 Non-member: $550 per person
https://www.ohioforest.org/events/register.aspx?id=1827085

Kiln Drying Short Course: August 12 – 14, 2024—7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
The first two days of this 3-day course will cover the basics of measuring and evaluating wood moisture and how wood drying impacts lumber conditions. During these first two days, students will be introduced to drying concepts such as relative humidity and circulating velocity. In addition, students will learn important calculations for proper drying and how to use Kiln schedules. Day three of this short course will focus on more advanced topics such as how to evaluate a kiln drying operation, wood boring/eating insects, defects, and tension/compression wood issues. Students can register for the full 3-day short course or for just Day 3.

Sponsorships: Great Lakes Kiln Drying Association, Ohio Valley Lumber Drying Association

Location: Yoder Lumber 7100 County Road 407, Millersburg, OH 44654

3-Day Registration Cost OFA Member: $650 Non-member: $850 per person
1-Day Registration Cost OFA Member: $275 Non-member: $425 per person
https://www.ohioforest.org/events/register.aspx?id=1838051

Industry Update

Photo from USDA National Invasive Species Information Center

Ohio Department of Agriculture issues quarantine in southwest Ohio for invasive Box tree moth

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is issuing a quarantine for six counties in southwest Ohio to prevent the spread of an invasive insect – the box tree moth.
Beginning April 11, 2024, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Greene, Montgomery, and Warren counties will have regulations in place restricting the movement of boxwood shrubs out of the area. ODA is encouraging landscapers and residents in these counties to check the quarantine boundaries and not transport the plants outside of the quarantined area.
The box tree moth was detected in Ohio in June 2023, near the border of Hamilton and Clermont counties. More sightings have been confirmed in the quarantined counties listed above. Box tree moths are invasive pests from East Asia that pose a threat to boxwood plantings and the horticulture industry. Boxwood is an important ornamental shrub that is a valuable part of Ohio’s nursery stock economy. Federal and state officials are asking industry and the public to report suspected box tree moth sightings through ODA’s reporting tool: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1b36dd2cf09e4be0a79776a6104ce1dc.
Ohio Department of Agriculture plant health inspectors and United States Department of Agriculture staff will be conducting inspections and placing traps to monitor populations. Box tree moths are not a threat to Ohio’s native plants.
Landscape professionals, nursery, and others in the green industry can contact the Plant Pest Control Section if they have any questions about the new regulation at 614-728-6400.
Please report any box tree moth sightings to ODA's Division of Plant Health.

Market Update

Hardwood Review Forecasting

With production down, supplies tight and margins thin, we project no price declines over the next two months for any of the 25 kiln-dried lumber items we forecast. Upper-grade White Oak prices are on pace to blow past previous record highs in a matter of weeks, though the next two months’ gains will likely not be as large as the previous two. Even Birch and Cherry will see additional gains. Price increases have been largely supply driven to date, but Feb export data suggest demand increases are now at least playing a part. UK, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Thai demand were particularly strong in Jan and Feb—with the latter three of those markets now among the top suppliers of hardwood moulding and flooring to the U.S. Stronger demand from several Middle Eastern markets also helped offset a Feb decline to Mexico.

Depressed home sales activity will continue to limit demand for domestically made furniture, keeping factory orders and shipments well below levels seen during the post-COVID surge in 2021 and early 2022. Even if mortgage rates reverse course and fall back towards 6%, rising home prices will negate the monthly out-of-pocket savings for buyers. Together with rising inflation and rising consumer debt, that will keep many would-be buyers sidelined for the balance of the year.

Legislative Update

Hardwood Federation Urges Administration to Recognize Variability, Science of Old Growth Forests

As the Administration moves forward with its climate policies, some federal regulators are embarking on a path to define “old growth” forests in a manner that undercuts science and sustainable forest management. In the face of these challenges, the U.S. hardwood industry continues to educate policymakers on the industry’s long history of practicing sustainable forest management, which maximizes environmental benefits while providing well-paying jobs in underserved and rural communities. More specifically, the industry reminds federal agencies, especially USDA, that effective forest management, which acknowledges the carbon benefits of tree harvest, and the variability of regional ecosystems is essential to the Administration’s climate mitigation strategy. This is especially true when sizing up policies related to old growth forests. In April 2022, the Administration released Executive Order (E.O.) 14072, a directive focusing on forest health and outlining a path forward to assess mature and old growth forests on federal public lands. Following the E.O., the Federation submitted comments on USDA’s Request for Information (RFI) in 2022 and Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in 2023. Within the petitions, the Federation urged the Administration to avoid a “one size fits all” approach to defining old growth.

In late 2023, USDA proposed an unprecedented nationwide Forest Plan amendment that would supersede existing Forest Plans to impose “consistent old growth policies” on all 128 forest management plans. This action effectively opens the door to impose a one-size-fits-all approach to classify old growth forests, removing more national forest acreage from sustainable forest management, while also creating complex, new management requirements. The Federation joined forest sector allies in comments filed in January 2024 opposing the proposal on the grounds that action would:

Contradict established federal policy that no single definition of old growth forest represents the diversity of old growth ecosystems.
That the proposal violates the agency’s 2012 Planning Rule, which requires the USFS to engage stakeholders in a science-based process that acknowledges the need for local flexibility.
Impose requirements to manage forests “adjacent” to existing old growth for old growth characteristics, thereby undermining other Forest Plan goals, including multiple-use objectives.

The wood products sector has requested that USDA withdraw its proposal to amend all 128 forest management plans and continue to address the old growth issue through the locally led forest planning process, governed by the 2012 Planning Rule. This will ensure a thorough and transparent regulatory process consistent with established USFS policies grounded in the National Forest Management Act. The hardwood sector also supports S. 3929, a bill sponsored by Sen. Barrasso (R-WY) that would prevent the USFS from moving forward with its forest plan amendment process. On the House side, Hill sources have informed HF staff that there is interest from at least one member in leading the charge for a companion bill. We anticipate that concerns around the old growth issue will be included in the key issues addressed during the upcoming Fly-In.

If interested in joining us for the Fly-in May 21-23, you can sign up here (https://thehardwoodfederation.regfox.com/hardwood-federation-fly-in-2024)! The Federation will keep you posted on developments related to federal old growth policies as they unfold.

Safety Update

Warehouse safety

You may have seen, over the years, an increase in warehouse operations in your area. This is due to the industry’s significant growth since 2011. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), warehousing and distribution facilities have experienced a surge in employment from 668,900 to 1,713,900. The study included industries in warehousing and distribution centers, mail/postal processing and distribution centers and parcel delivery/courier services. Unfortunately, the increase in employment has also shown an increase in employee injuries.
From 2017 to 2021, the average incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses and the average days away restricted or transferred rate (also known as DART) were significantly higher than the private general industry rate. The Private Industry Rate showed a recordable case rate of 2.76 and a total DART rate of 1.6. The warehouse industry average showed a total recordable case rate of 4.17 and a total DART rate of 3.64. Check to see how your Injury and DART Rate compare.
With the increase in injuries, it is essential to ensure you have implemented the appropriate safety programs and trained employees on hazard identification and resolution. To get an idea of what those warehouse hazards are, OSHA performed several inspections over the years and came up with the following areas of concern: powered industrial vehicles; slip, trip, and fall hazards; blocked aisles/means of egress; heat hazards; and ergonomic hazards. Although this is only part of the list, it can help provide a starting point for identification of hazards in your organization.
Below are some potential solutions to those hazards.

Powered Industrial Vehicles (PIV’s) Hazards
- All employees operating PIVs must be adequately trained.
- Never exceed the rated load of the PIV and ensure it is stable.
- Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit.
- Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas.
  Never, ever give rides to passengers.
Slips, Trips and Fall Hazards
- Train workers on fall protection systems and ensure they are appropriately used.
- Keep floors and aisles clear of trip hazards such as cords, pallets, boxes and hoses.
- Ensure spills or wet areas are cleaned up as soon as possible.
- Ladders should be inspected before use and always used properly. Do not allow ladders to be used as platforms or placed on boxes, barrels or pallets to obtain additional height.
Blocked Aisles/Means of Egress Hazards
- Fire extinguishers, eye wash/safety shower stations and electrical boxes should always remain clear and accessible. Best management practices suggest three feet of clearance.
- Ensure exit doors are kept clear in the event of an evacuation.
- Check emergency lighting for proper functionality.
Heat Hazards
- New and returning workers should gradually be acclimated into the workplace to build a tolerance to the heat.
- Provide breaks that include water or electrolytes and cool/shaded areas.
- Train workers on the symptoms and dangers of heat hazards, such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the steps to take for proper medical assistance.
Ergonomic Hazards
- Ensure employees understand proper lifting techniques and weight limitations.
- Review and train employees on the need for material handling equipment to assist in lifting objects.
- Train employees on the signs and symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs include injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and epicondylitis.

Employers can create a secure environment that promotes employee well-being and enhances overall operation efficiency by prioritizing warehouse safety through training, communication, and proactive measures. Regular reviews and updates to safety protocols are essential to adapt to changing circumstances and technologies.
As final note, OSHA has placed warehouse safety as one of their National Emphasis Programs or NEP’s. NEP’s are designed to focus OSHA’s resources on particular hazards and high-hazard industries. For further information on the OSHA NEP for Warehouse Safety, go to: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_03-00-026.pdf.
If you need help identifying potential hazards in your workplace, please contact Andy Sawan, Risk Services Specialist at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.

You can access the April Workers' Compensation article here >>

Additional Links

ECOFA May Newsletter: https://www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2024/april/may24version.pdf

NEOFA April Newsletter: https://www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2024/april/April_2024_newsletter.pdf

Upcoming Events

Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
5/14/2024
Location: Lucasville, Ohio Time: 7:00 pm

Scioto River Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
5/16/2024
Location: Scioto Township Fire Hall, Wakefield, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

Logging Cost Analysis Workshop
5/17/2024
Location: Jackson, Ohio Time: 8:00 AM

East Central Ohio Loggers Chapter
5/20/2024
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM

2024 Camp Canopy
6/9/2024 » 6/14/2024
Location: Carrollton, Ohio Time: 2:30 PM

2024 Lumber Grading Short Course
6/10/2024 » 6/13/2024
Location: Millersburg, Ohio Time: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

2024 Kiln Drying Short Course
8/12/2024 » 8/14/2024
Location: Millersburg, Ohio

Tree Farm of the Year Tour
9/7/2024
Location: Cadiz, Ohio Time: 10:00 AM

2024 Paul Bunyan Show
10/4/2024 » 10/6/2024
Location: Lore City (Cambridge), Ohio Time: 8:00 AM

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 3/26/2024

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:37:21 GMT

OFA Update

Ohio Forestry Association holds annual meeting and selects new leadership

The Ohio Forestry Association (OFA) and Ohio Tree Farm Committee (OTFC) held their joint annual meeting and awards luncheon on March 7, 2024, at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. Loggers, manufacturers, and tree farmers from across the state gathered to hear important industry updates and present outstanding service awards.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of industry awards. OFA’s highest honor is reserved for the Outstanding Logger of the Year, and Tyke Lowery of Lowery Logging and Firewood (Circleville) was named for 2023. Lowery Logging was recognized for their technical expertise as a mechanized and hand felling operation, commitment to safety, protection of water quality and the surrounding environment, service to the Southeast Ohio Loggers Chapter, and efforts to educate the public through social media and working with their local high school.

Other awards included:

Outstanding Individual in Government Service Award – Director Mary Mertz (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Columbus)
Outstanding Individual in Industry Award – Eric Doll (Doll Lumber Co., Southington)
Outstanding Individual in Private Service Award – Jake Peer (Peer Family Forestry Consulting, LLC., Mansfield)
Outstanding Logging Activist Award – Brock Couture [posthumous] (Couture Forestry Services, Newton Falls)
Walt Lange Conservation Education Award – Emilee Hardesty (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Columbus)
Director’s Awards for Outstanding Contributions to OFA Programs – Gayla Fleming (OFA Event Manager and Member Services, Zanesville)
Lashbrook/Woyar Award for Outstanding Contributions to the OFA Foundation – Brad Perkins (OFA Foundation Board Member, Nashport)

Eric Doll of Kent, Ohio, began his term as board president at the conclusion of the meeting. Doll is involved in the Ohio forest products industry as a second-generation manufacturer. He is the Sales Manager for Doll Lumber Co., Inc. in Southington, Ohio where he has worked full-time since 2008 and part-time while he attended Ohio University. He is a member of the Northeast Ohio Loggers Chapter, where he previously served as Chair and Vice-Chair.

The Ohio Tree Farm Committee also held its annual meeting and awarded Rob and Pat Davis, (Reclaimed Tree Farm LLC, Harrison County) the 2024 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Luke Walters (New Philadelphia) received the 2024 Ohio Tree Farm Inspector of the Year award.

Save the Date for the 2024 Summer Outing – July 17, 2024

All Aboard! Back by popular demand OFA will be returning to Marietta for our 2024 Summer Meeting. We have changed the format and this will now be a 1 day event. The golf outing will be held at the Marietta Country Club on the morning of July 17.

The clay shoot will be held at the Marietta Gun Club on the morning of July 17. Lunch will be served at the golf course and the gun club. That afternoon we will all meet for our traditional cruise down the Ohio River on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler. Beverages and appetizers will be served.

Registration details will be available soon.

Attention Paul Bunyan Show Exhibitors

You should have received your invitation to exhibit in February. If you have not yet completed your contract for 2024, it is important that you do so soon. The show was sold out last year and we have a waiting list for booths for this year. The deadline for previous exhibitors to be considered for their same (or similar) location is April 15. We cannot guarantee your booth if you do not meet this deadline. Register Now >>

Industry Update

ODNR Division of Forestry Job Posting

For a complete job listing, Click Here >>

Nursery Manager – 20101607
Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Muskingum County-Zanesville
Organization: Natural Resources
Classified Indicator: Classified
Bargaining Unit / Exempt: Exempt
Schedule: Full-time
Work Hours: 8-5 (may vary)
Compensation: $29.49/hr
Unposting Date: Apr 1, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
Primary Job Skill: Plant Health
Technical Skills: Forestry
Professional Skills: Organizing and Planning

Agency Contact Name: Abbie Hanners or Dana Smith
Agency Contact Information: hr@dnr.ohio.gov or 614-265-6981

Market Update

Hardwood Review Forecasting

Thus far in Mar, contacts have reported significant price increases for KD 4/4 upper-grade Hard Maple, Soft Maple and White Oak, and lesser gains in upper-grade Red Oak, Poplar and Walnut. Supply shortages will continue to get most of the credit for price increases, which are now spreading to #1 Com as well, and tight log supplies in the North and South won’t allow much production increase over the next two months. Sawmills will continue to enjoy easy sales of most items, but will see little if any short-term improvement in margins or profitability. Upper-grade Maple prices still have some room to run, though the pace of gains will slow. Cherry’s outlook hinges on whether Chinese demand rebounds to the degree that it seems to be for Red Oak. The Jan spike in Cherry shipments to China is at least hopeful.

Modest increases in strip flooring demand over the next several months may be enough to arrest a 3-month decline in #1/Btr prices and nearly two years of #2 Com price erosion. Any increased pressure from flooring imports will be on the engineered side, as solid flooring receipts have trended lower for two years. Not so for moulding imports, however, as volumes tracked higher in the second half and held strong through the typically slow winter months.

Safety Update

Fall Protection and Working from Heights

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Fall Protection standard focuses primarily on the construction industry. However, it pertains to all companies regardless of their operation if they perform work at heights. Although the standard falls under the Construction Industry, OSHA can use the Construction Fall Protection standard against any company if they identify a potential fall hazard. General Requirements for Fall Protection, 29 CFR 1926.501 and Training Requirements for Fall Protection, 29 CFR 1926.503 are almost always found on OSHA’s Top Ten violations, year after year. It is essential to evaluate if your company falls under these standards.

Since the Fall Protection standard includes a large number of individual regulations, it is important to understand what the specific rules are that are commonly violated. Here are the top 5 sub-sections OSHA is citing companies for under General Requirements for Fall Protection.

29 CFR 1926.501, General Requirements for Fall Protection

1926.501(b)(13) – States that anyone performing construction work at heights of 6 feet or more shall be protected from falls using approved guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
1926.501(b)(1) – Employees working on platforms 6 feet or higher with unprotected sides or edges shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
1926.501(b)(10) – Employees engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels shall be protected by use of a guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
1926.501(b)(11) – Steep roofs that are 6 feet or higher from a lower level shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems.
1926.501(b)(4) – Holes- Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes. Additionally, employees must be protected from tripping hazards and employees below must be protected from falling objects from holes.

These five citations tell us that if your employees are working at heights 6 feet or higher in the construction industry, you must have some type of fall protection. Keep in mind that this is for Construction. If you are in the General Industry, the height is 4 feet, the Shipyard Industry is 5 feet and the Longshoring Industry is 8 feet.

OSHA suggests three types of fall protection employers can use to protect workers:

Personal fall arrest systems – System used to safely stop (arrest) a worker who is falling from a working level. Specifics on Fall Arrest Systems can be found at 29 CFR 1926.502(d).
Safety net systems - Safety net systems are designed to catch a falling worker. Safety nets are intended to decrease the fall distance, absorb the energy of a fall, and reduce the likelihood or seriousness of an injury. Specifics on Safety Net Systems can be found at 29 CFR 1926.502(c).
Guardrail systems – Guardrail systems are barriers erected to prevent workers from falling to lower levels. Specifics on Guardrail Systems can be found at 29 CFR 1926.502(b).

29 CFR 1926.503, Training Requirements for Fall Protection
Here are the top five sub-sections OSHA is citing companies for under Training Requirements for Fall Protection.

1926.503(a)(1) –Employees who are exposed to fall hazards must be appropriately trained on how to recognize and correct those hazards.
1926.503(b)(1) – The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer.
1926.503(a)(2) – Employer shall ensure each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person. (94) Competent Person - one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
1926.503(c)(3) – Inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge indicate that the employee has not retained the required understanding or skill.
1926.503(c) – Retraining. If you feel an employee does not have the understanding or required skill after training, they shall be retrained.

These 5 citations are telling us that employees were not trained in using fall protection, unable to identify a potential fall hazard and unable to retain the knowledge of fall hazards, even after the training. Additionally, employers failed to document training for employees.

Fall protection and training continue to be a serious problem in the workplace and they continue to appear on OSHA’s Top Ten list. To identify potential hazards in your workplace or the job site, compare the citations above and see if your organization complies with them. If you identify any gaps, take the necessary steps to close those gaps, protect employees and minimize potential fines.

If you need help identifying potential hazards in your workplace, please contact Andy Sawan, Risk Services
Specialist at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.

You can access the March Workers' Compensation article here >>

Partner Update

Apply Now for Special Spring Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

Hunting and fishing enthusiasts may apply for spring 2024 controlled access opportunities through Sunday, March 31, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Special rainbow trout fishing and wild turkey hunting opportunities are available throughout the state.

Apply for turkey hunts and trout fishing opportunities online via the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or through the HuntFish OH mobile app. Successful applicants will be selected through a random, computer-based lottery system. There is a nonrefundable $3 fee for each application. Applicants need all required permits and licenses prior to submitting their information. Apply over the phone by calling 1-866-703-1928 with an additional service fee of $5.50. Mail-in applications are not accepted.

Fishing opportunities
Cold Creek in Erie County offers trout fishing to anglers. The stream is one of Ohio’s most productive and unique waterways. A half-mile section of the creek located at Castalia State Fish Hatchery is open to lottery winners on select dates between May 1 and Nov. 29, 2024. Interested anglers can find more information about this popular event on the Controlled Fishing Access Lottery page.

One season is available for adult anglers, and another for youth anglers between 4 and 15 years of age. Up to 99 adult and 86 youth permits are available. Individuals selected to participate may bring two adults and three children under the age of 16, no more than six people total. All anglers aged 16 and older in each group are required to have a valid Ohio fishing license.

Hunting opportunities

Spring youth wild turkey hunts are held at Eagle Creek (Brown County), Killbuck Marsh (Wayne County), Killdeer Plains (Wyandot County), Lake La Su An (Williams County), Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County), and Woodland Trails (Preble County) wildlife areas. Mentor style and general applicant hunts are available. Interested hunters can visit the Controlled Hunting Access Lotteries page for more information.

All hunters are only required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and wild turkey permit prior to applying. Applicants for youth wild turkey hunts must be 17 or younger and accompanied by a nonhunting adult. Licenses and permits are available at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, or at any license vendor.

New hunters are eligible for the controlled hunts if they have not harvested a wild turkey within the last five years. Learners and mentors are both eligible to harvest a turkey during mentor-style hunts, provided the learner harvests their bird first. Either the learning hunter or the mentor can apply, and both need the proper licenses during the hunt.

Whether you are a new or experienced hunter or angler, check out the Wild Ohio Harvest Community to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Find information on getting started, hunting and fishing opportunities, and delicious wild game recipes.

Additional Links

ECOFA April Newsletter

NEOFA March Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Northwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
3/27/2024
Location: Findlay, Ohio

Paint Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
4/8/2024
Location: Bainbridge, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

Northeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
4/10/2024
Location: Middlefield, Ohio

Muskingum Valley Loggers Chapter
4/10/2024
Location: F.O.E., McConnelsville, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
5/14/2024
Location: Lucasville, Ohio Time: 7:00 pm

Scioto River Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
5/16/2024
Location: Scioto Township Fire Hall, Wakefield, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

East Central Ohio Loggers Chapter
5/20/2024
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM

2024 Camp Canopy
6/9/2024 » 6/14/2024
Location: Carrollton, Ohio Time: 2:30 PM

2024 Lumber Grading Short Course
6/10/2024 » 6/13/2024
Location: Millersburg, Ohio Time: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

2024 Kiln Drying Short Course
8/12/2024 » 8/14/2024
Location: Millersburg, Ohio

Tree Farm of the Year Tour
9/7/2024
Location: Cadiz, Ohio Time: 10:00 AM

2024 Paul Bunyan Show
10/4/2024 » 10/6/2024
Location: Lore City (Cambridge), Ohio Time: 8:00 AM

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 2/29/2024

Fri, 1 Mar 2024 02:25:30 GMT

OFA Update

Early Bird Registration for the Annual Meeting has been extended until 3/1/2024 - It’s not too late to register for the OFA/OTF Annual Meeting next week in Cleveland. See complete details as well as a list of current registrations at https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/annual_meeting/reglist.pdf. The hotel block is full, but there are still rooms at the Hilton at the regular or Hilton Honors discount rate and there is a list of nearby hotels at the link above. Register today at ohioforest.org/page/OFAAM! The price increases by $50 after Friday.

Legislative Update

CARET Delegates meet with Congressman Max Miller's office to discuss research and extension appropriations that are important to Ohio agriculture.

OFA Advocates on Capitol Hill During Council of Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET) Conference - I had the privilege of representing OFA in Washington D.C. this week. I was one of four agriculture industry delegates who met with Ohio's congressional legislators to advocate for research and Extension appropriations that The Ohio State University relies on to support all Ohio agriculture, including the forest products industry. The Ohio State University has four CARET delegate positions, and the Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Science graciously asked me to serve, recognizing OFA's members are a critical part of Ohio agriculture.

I was able to meet with staffers from the offices of Senator Sherrod Brown, Senator JD Vance, Congressman Max Miller, Congressman Mike Carey, Congressman Troy Balderson, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and Congresswoman Shontel Brown. I explained to them how important active forest management is for healthy forests in Ohio and that you can't manage forests without a thriving industry. OFA has such a great story to tell, and I could easily provide many wonderful examples of how the forest products industry benefits their districts individually and the state as a whole. From bourbon production and White oak management to the incredible carbon storage in hardwood furniture and all other hardwood products, it was exciting to educate them on how important good forestry practices and industry production go hand-in-hand. Each and every one of them voiced they had no idea forestry/logging was such a large industry in Ohio nor that they were symbiotic.

After explaining to each office how what all OFA members do for our great state, I then explained how landowners rely on the services OSU Extension provides and the research that proves the economic and environmental benefits of forest management and strong hardwood markets. While it remains to be seen if there will be a government shutdown, OSU explained they are already feeling the negative impacts of the expiring continuing resolutions. Agricultural programs are in a holding pattern for important federal dollars, as agencies wait and see if Congress reaches an agreement regarding fiscal year 2024. It is frustrating to have to ask the government to figure out a budget and prevent a shutdown, but it's an all-too-familiar feeling these days.

OFA will continue to take every opportunity to advocate for its members in Washington, Columbus, and local communities.

Industry Update

ERC Program Ending Early; Act Today! The legislation to end the ERC program early by allocating the unclaimed funds over to the “Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024” has moved through the House and will be on the Senate floor any day.

Jorns & Associates has helped thousands navigate the misrepresented program and can assist but businesses must act now. Jorns is a specialty CPA firm that is dedicating all their resources to assist in completing the evaluations and filings before that deadline. There are no guarantees of qualifications or if they can complete the process in time, but the evaluation is risk free and only takes a minimum amount of time on the business's part.

Learn more at deltaerc.com/lumber or https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2024/february/lumber_flyer.pdf

Market Update

HardwoodReview Forecasting - The Jan jump in sales and prices has fallen back some in Feb, though more prices are expected to climb than fall over the next two months, with logging issues and lower production major factors. Notwithstanding normal springtime increases, the broader domestic and export demand outlook remains rather bleak, with little on the economic horizon to suggest anything
more than very modest increases through the first half, at best. However, #1/Btr Maple and White Oak prices will continue to climb, as will Red Oak to a lesser extent, while seasonal demand upticks should return some stability to Poplar pricing.

Though China dominates global demand for Cherry, Red Oak and Walnut, only Cherry prices are projected to decline over the next several months, as the late-year decline in Cherry exports seems to have dragged into 2024. Little improvement in European demand is expected in 2024, with GDP growth forecasts for most major markets remaining at or below 1%. Barring a renewed surge in imports, domestic moulding manufacturers should see slight demand improvements in 2024, though inflated government and media housing start forecasts won’t pan out without meaningful reductions in mortgage rates and consumer prices, neither of which are likely through mid-year—perhaps through the election.

Member Spotlight

The following was written by OFA President Jeff Jenkins for the Forest Resources Association publication Woods to Mills.

At FRA, we pride ourselves in representing the entire wood supply chain, covering six regions nationwide. Our dedication to our members is unwavering, and their support is invaluable. Reflecting on our mission and those we serve, it's clear: our members are the heartbeat of our community. Each time I read a Member Spotlight, I am struck by the profound impact our members make. After participating in a recent site visit, I am honored to put forth our first Member Spotlight of the year, John Jefferson of Jefferson Logging Company.

Background

In 1999, John Jefferson was following in his father's footsteps: he was going to school to become a machinist. He enrolled in the first machinist class ever at Marshall University. After graduation, he worked in the trade for 15 years. He made a good living, and in 2005, he purchased a used John Deere track loader and started logging on weekends. His ultimate goal was to clean up his farms by logging the trees and creating more pasture. John still remembers the neighbors asking what he was doing and why. At some point during the process, a stranger even stopped and said, "Hey, logger man, you want to cut my timber?" John's flat response was, "No."

Continue reading at https://forestresources.org/2024/02/22/john-jefferson-jefferson-logging-company-llc/

Partner Update

Wayne National Forest Plans Spring Prescribed Fires Burn Window: Approximately Feb. 23 – May 30

This spring, the Wayne National Forest is preparing prescribed fires in three areas totaling up to 3,088 acres. The planned burn areas are on the Athens and Ironton Ranger Districts.

Oak-dominated forests like the Wayne are fire-tolerant, and frequent, low-intensity prescribed fires help oak trees outcompete other species such as maple and beech, which thrive in shade. Without intervening treatments like prescribed fire, they are positioned to replace our valuable oak-dominated forests. Oak-dominated ecosystems provide critical food and habitat to a variety of wildlife species and are important to our society.

“Prescribed fire was first used by indigenous people to steward the forest habitat and remains a valuable tool for maintaining a diverse forest,” Forest Supervisor Lee Stewart said. “As forestry and technical professionals, we have a duty to actively steward the National Forest. The trees that grow after a prescribed burn, especially the oak species, are the future of our forest’s ecosystem. Our Fire Management professionals plan and implement these burning operations to ensure we achieve our ecological objectives in safe manner.”

Depending on weather, terrain, and fuel conditions, fire crews may use traditional ground-based or aerial ignition methods to conduct the prescribed fire.

During prescribed fire operations, the public should avoid the vicinity and drive slowly. A temporary flight restriction may be established over the burn area to protect aircraft performing official work duties. All unauthorized aircraft, including drones, will be prohibited from flying over the area during those times, as they can interfere with authorized air support operations.

Summary details about the planned prescribed burns are below:

Athens Ranger District
Long Ridge (East) Prescribed Fire, Units 20-22, 27, 42, & 45

Size: Approximately 1,013 acres

Location: Athens County, near Buchtel and Chauncey, in the vicinity of West Bailey Rd., Big Bailey Rd., Utah Ridge Rd., and State Route 685

Ironton Ranger District
Sunny Oaks Prescribed Fire, Unit 11

Size: Approximately 162 acres

Location: Gallia County, Perry Township, near Woodside Rd.

Pine Creek Prescribed Fire, Units C, D, I, & J

Size: Approximately 1,913 acres

Location:

Scioto County, Vernon and Bloom Townships, near Forest Service Rd. 132, County Rd. 10, and Howard Furnace Rd.

Lawrence County, Decatur Township, near Forest Service Rd.132 and Howard Ridge Rd.

The Family Forest Carbon Program is Now Available in Ohio: New Funding and Resources for Forest Owners

Private forest owners throughout Ohio can now receive income and resources that improve the health of their forests through the Family Forest Carbon Program.

The Family Forest Carbon Program is a partnership between the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy that is uniquely designed to expand access to carbon markets for family forest owners. It provides annual payments to implement forest management practices that are proven to enhance carbon capture and storage, improve forest health and deliver financial and ecological benefits to rural communities.

Enrolled landowners receive many benefits, including:

· Expert technical support from professional foresters who help develop a personalized forest management plan, tailored to their specific property, that meets a landowner’s needs and goals

· Guaranteed annual income

· Resources and support for enrolled landowners and future generations to continue sustainable forest stewardship

Louise Hartman of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, says, “We are so glad to have found the Family Forest Carbon Program. The plan they created for us is so comprehensive in how it addresses the forest, invasive species, the quality and quantity of trees, the wildlife, water quality and how it helps the planet and climate change. I am so thankful that we were able to become a part of it.”

The Family Forest Carbon Program is also actively seeking consulting foresters to participate in the program. Foresters working with this program can continue growing their business and supporting their local community, while improving forest health and helping address climate change. If you are a professional forester interested in sustainable forest management, join us.

The Family Forest Carbon Program currently provides forest owners in Ohio—as well as 11 other U.S. states and more to come—with the forestry guidance, income and resources to improve the health of their forests.

Learn more about the Family Forest Carbon Program at familyforestcarbon.org.

Additional Links

Sedgwick February Workers' Comp and Safety Articles

ECOFA March Newsletter

https://www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2024/february/mar24version.pdf

Upcoming Events

2024 OFA and OTFC Annual Meeting Registration
3/6/2024 » 3/7/2024
Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
3/12/2024
Location: Lucasville, Ohio Time: 7:00 pm

2024 Spring Best Management Practices
3/14/2024
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2024 March Chainsaw Level 1 - Master Logger Certification Class
3/15/2024
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Northwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
3/27/2024
Location: Findlay, Ohio

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 2/12/2024

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 01:54:19 GMT

OFA Update

OFA Annual Meeting Registration is Live - The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland on March 6-7, 2024. You can view the agenda and register online at https://www.ohioforest.org/page/OFAAM

The OFA room block at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland is full, so you will need to book through a Hilton Honors account to receive a discount or book at the regular rate. You may book your room here, or by calling the hotel direct at (216) 413-5000.

Legislative Update

AHEC Takes Steps to Address the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) - I recently returned from the IHLA Convention in Indianapolis where I was fortunate to attend AHEC's board meeting. If you haven't yet heard, the EU passed a deforestation regulation defining deforestation specifically as the conversion of forestland to cropland or pasture and requires imports from seven commodities, including all hardwood products, to be geolocated down to the parcel from which the product originated to ensure the it is deforestation-free.

European hardwood producers appear to have been asleep at the wheel while this regulation was being debated and approved last year, as many countries, including Germany, have notified the EU they will not be able to comply with the regulation. It is likely they did not think hardwoods would be impacted by this broad and vaguely written regulation because the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) was already enacted and in use for several years. Interestingly softwoods are not included in the EUDR nor is it considered deforestation if you convert forestland to a paved parking lot, only if it's used for agricultural purposes.

While the EUDR is by all accounts ludicrous, it will go into effect for producers on December 30, 2024. Micro and small businesses have a later implementation date of June 30, 2025, but those terms are undefined and most producers rely on the small businesses for their supply, making it impossible for producers to comply with an earlier deadline.

AHEC is spending many resources on addressing EUDR implementation and is optimistic they will have completed the following by December 31, 2024,

An independent jurisdictional risk assessment for the 33 U.S. states identified as significant hardwood producers,
A geolocation database showing all timber harvests in the U.S. dating back to December 31, 2020 deforestation-free, and
A system in place to deliver the data to U.S. hardwood producers for documentation to accompany containers.

Market Update

HardwoodReview Forecasting - Though contacts generally report weak markets thus far in Jan, we are still projecting 1% increases in our 14-item kiln-dried lumber price index in each of the next two months. Those projected gains are driven almost entirely by anticipated increases in #1/Btr Hard Maple, Soft Maple and White Oak prices. A number of contacts have reported surprisingly large prices for those and other species in Jan, including for Poplar, suggesting growing concerns about low production and spring availability.
Component manufacturers have struggled this fall and winter with lower demand and rising Maple and Oak prices. While some relief may come on the demand side this spring, prices are likely to climb further. U.S. imports and exports of hardwood lumber and products this fall reflected slowing demand at home and abroad, and few are expecting much improvement through the first quarter. The pre-New Year surge in lumber exports to China was absent for a third year in 2023, and Nov shipments of every major species fell to Europe. Though U.S. lumber availability bordered on scarce for much of 2023, domestic demand was similarly weak, leaving little demand or need for imported lumber. Moulding and engineered flooring import volumes did rally at year-end, but only relative to lower first-half volumes.

Partner Update

Let it Grow! Ohio’s Tree-planting Efforts Will Be Bolstered by New Seedling NurseryODNR Division of Forestry will open the Buckeye State Tree Nursery with new capital funds.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry announced that a bill signed late last month by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will create the state’s only tree-seedling nursery. The new Buckeye State Tree Nursery, which will be located on a Division of Forestry-owned property in Zanesville, will address regional shortages of suitable tree seedlings, assist with integral tree conservation projects, and invest in the future of Ohio’s forests. “We are constantly striving to enhance conservation within Ohio’s forests,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said. “This nursery helps us in that mission by improving access to Ohio-grown tree seedlings and expanding the supply for our many tree planting initiatives.”

Seedlings will grow in the new Buckeye State Tree Nursery for several tree species including white oak.

The establishment of the tree-seedling nursery was approved by the Ohio General Assembly as part of House Bill 101. It will be operated by ODNR and will support various ODNR projects, including H2Ohio, the Girl Scout Tree Promise, and abandoned mine land reclamation projects. “Ohio creates a welcoming habitat to many beautiful and awe-inspiring trees,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Combining the new nursery with our partnerships across the state will lead to a boom in conservation projects. That includes taking another big step in our goal with the Girl Scout Tree Promise to plant 250,000 trees in Ohio by 2026.” “The Buckeye State Tree Nursery will address a region-wide shortage of quality seedlings for conservation projects, and it will help build a better supply of genetically suitable seedlings for planting in Ohio,” ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser said.Because of this shortage, conservationists are currently forced to primarily purchase seedlings from nurseries located out of state. The creation of the Buckeye State Tree Nursery will lead to faster production times, extended distribution, and high-quality seedlings suitable for Ohio’s environment.Work on establishing the tree-seedling nursery will begin immediately with an initial start-up period. Tree seedlings will require a year or two to grow large enough for distribution. Plans are for Ohio-grown seedlings to be available in the spring of 2026. The Division of Forestry will choose tree species to grow based on factors like regional suitability and tree benefits with a focus on hard-mast producing species that are beneficial for multiple landowner purposes, including soil stability, timber, wildlife, and aesthetics. The species list will include trees such as oak, shagbark hickory, black walnut, sycamore and American chestnut, in cooperation with experts from The American Chestnut Foundation.The new nursery will be located at the same site as the previous Zanesville Nursery, which closed in 2003. Seedlings will be grown in greenhouses and containers. The Buckeye State Nursery will begin operations on a portion of the property immediately by making needed improvements to property infrastructure and propagating its first seedlings.

Upcoming Events

Muskingum Valley Loggers Chapter
2/14/2024
Location: F.O.E., McConnelsville, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

Scioto River Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
2/15/2024
Location: Scioto Township Fire Hall, Wakefield, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

Southwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
2/22/2024
Location: New Carlisle, Ohio Time: 2:00 PM

2024 OFA and OTFC Annual Meeting Registration
3/6/2024 » 3/7/2024
Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 1/29/2024

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 02:35:30 GMT

OFA Update

We have secured a block of rooms at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland. We highly encourage you to BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW! The discounted room rate is $189 plus tax per night. You may book your room here, or by calling the hotel direct at (216) 413-5000 . Be sure to use the discount code OFA24 to get the discounted rate. The cutoff date is February 6!

Memorial Service for Bob Glandon - Robert “Bob” Glandon, 91, of McArthur, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024. He was a member of OFA, owner of Glandon Lumber Company, and recipient of the OFA Director's Award in 2011 for his contributions to the industry and association. A memorial visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024, in the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur. For more information, visit https://www.cardaras.com/obituary/robert-bob-glandon.

Legislative Update

The following update is provided to us by our national partner, the Hardwood Federation:

Campaign 2024 is in Full Swing. How You Can Take Action!
Farm Bill

As everyone is aware, 2024 is an election year. Each and every one of the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs as are 34 Senate seats. Returning members, their opponents and candidates running for open seats, will all be hitting the campaign trail trying to speak to as many constituents as possible. Don’t be caught short if you run into a 2024 hopeful. The Hardwood Federation has talking points on multiple topics you can access.

The Farm Bill includes a forestry title that impacts the U.S. hardwood industry in multiple ways; it is reauthorized every five years. The bill was scheduled for action last year but was deferred until 2024. Below are several key legislative items the Hardwood Federation is supporting related to the Farm Bill. Many of these were initiated in 2023 and will continue this year. In most cases, we have already provided recommendations and language to make sure hardwood is included and reflected in program benefits, but we need your voice to support Hardwood Federation requests we have already sent to House and Senate offices to include these measures as part of the final Farm Bill package.

Please encourage candidates to support the following potential provisions in the Farm Bill:

Hardwood Export Promotion Funding – Securing funding for export programs that support the hardwood industry is always at the top of our Farm Bill list. The Hardwood Federation strongly supports the bipartisan Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023 which would essentially double the funding for the MAP and FMD programs that fund AHEC operations. Budget constraints will make it tough for doubled funding to pass, but the Federation continues to advocate aggressively for continued funding for both programs at increased or current levels.

Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act – This bipartisan, bicameral bill, sponsored by Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Crapo (R-ID) and Reps. Salinas (D-OR), Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Duarte (R-CA) could be folded into a final Farm Bill. The proposal includes several positive provisions for the industry including establishing a USDA platform measuring, collecting, and sharing data related to the carbon benefits of wood products, and recognizing the value of carbon reduction and environmental benefits of wood in building design and furnishings in USDA grant programs.

Jobs In the Woods Act –This fall, Senate and House members introduced the bipartisan “Jobs in the Woods Act.” (H.R. 5344, S. 3063), a bill that would provide education grants ranging in size from $500,000 to $2 million to promote jobs in the understaffed timber industry and U.S. Forest Service. Legislative champions include Reps. Chavez-Deremer (R-OR) and Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-WA) on the House side and Sens. King (I-ME) and Risch (R-ID).

Another bill that could potentially be included in the Farm Bill is the Hardwood Access and Development Program. In an important milestone for the hardwood sector, Reps. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) and Annie Kuster (D-NH) have sponsored HR 6880, the Hardwood Products Access and Development Program (HAP) bill in the House.

The program would support research efforts related to the environmental and health benefits of domestically produced hardwood products.
Eligible entities include non-profit organizations serving the U.S. hardwood sector (including the Real American Hardwood Coalition and other hardwood focused associations), universities and research organizations.
Research related to environmental and health benefits of domestic hardwood products, research related to consumer attitudes and knowledge of hardwood products, promotion of research to the public and potential consumers, demonstration projects highlighting environmental and health benefits of hardwood products are all included as potential activities related to the HAP.
Up to $25 million over five years in funding is included in the bill language.

We are very pleased to have a House bill and are now focused on getting a companion bill in the Senate which will be necessary for even a chance of getting the bill folded into the Farm Bill. Ask current Senate members to sponsor a companion bill…and ask House members to add their name as a co-sponsor to the bill by clicking here to send a letter to your member of Congress.

Next month we will share items related to taxes and transportation. Or you can check out our website www.hardwoodfederation.com for information on all the key issues we are tracking.

Market Update

Component manufacturers have struggled this fall and winter with lower demand and rising Maple and Oak prices. While some relief may come on the demand side this spring, prices are likely to climb further. U.S. imports and exports of hardwood lumber and products this fall reflected slowing demand at home and abroad, and few are expecting much improvement through
the first quarter. The pre-New Year surge in lumber exports to China was absent for a third year in 2023, and Nov shipments of every major species fell to Europe. Though U.S. lumber availability bordered on scarce for much of 2023, domestic demand was similarly weak, leaving little demand or need for imported lumber. Moulding and engineered flooring import volumes did
rally at year-end, but only relative to lower first-half volumes.

Industry Opportunity

Hartzell Hardwoods Expands Business Opportunities through Ohio Export Internship

Through the Ohio Export Internship (OEIP) Program, The Ohio Department of Development (Development) connects college students with businesses looking to export for the first time or improve international sales. The program is recognized for fostering mutual growth and success for both students and businesses.

“The Ohio Export Internship program is a win-win opportunity, driving mutual growth and success” said Lydia Mihalik, director of Development. “We are equipping students with invaluable international business skills and providing businesses with fresh perspectives and global insights.”

Students taking export-focused coursework at one of six universities across the state are matched based on their skills. Participating universities include The Ohio State University, Youngstown State University, Cleveland State University, the University of Dayton, Bowling Green State University, and Ohio University. In the Spring 2023 semester, OEIP matched 55 students with some of Ohio’s most innovative companies.

“My greatest accomplishment was creating an international certification and service support strategy to help the team get a wide perspective on where they are at and where they would like to go,” stated Kabir Abdullahi, who interned at Global Cooling, Inc. as part of the Class of 2023 OEIP at Youngstown State University. “All the data and research that I put together is actually being implemented as action items for the upcoming year.”

The internships have a track record of success. In the 12 years of the program, 466 student-company matches were created, resulting in 152 internship extensions and 81 new job positions. In total, companies have entered 424 new international markets.

Many Ohio businesses have taken advantage of the program, including Hartzell Hardwoods of Piqua. Long recognized as a worldwide leader in walnut and top-quality thick lumber, Hartzell Hardwoods has been an innovator and leader of the hardwood industry since 1875. The company has been an OEIP host for the last three years, where interns assisted in video productions, foreign language translation, and graphic design.

"Thanks to the Ohio Export Internship Program, our company expanded its global territory, gained invaluable insights, and harnessed the exceptional talent of Ohio’s Export interns,” said Robert Kaebnick, CEO and president of Hatzell Hardwoods, “It’s been a game-changer for our business.”

In addition to helping place interested students, the program provides a 50 percent reimbursement for the intern wages.

Company applications are open now at EIP.Development.Ohio.Gov. Development’s Export Assistance Office is reviewing applications through the month of January. Internships will run from May-August 2024.

Companies interested in learning more about the OEIP program can email Wendi Howell at Wendi.Howell@Development.Ohio.Gov.

Additional Links

ECOFA February Newsletter

https://cdn.ymaws.com/ohioforest.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2024/feb22version.pdf

Upcoming Events

Northeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
2/7/2024
Location: Middlefield, Ohio

Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
3/12/2024
Location: Lucasville, Ohio Time: 7:00 pm

2024 Spring Best Management Practices
3/14/2024
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2024 March Chainsaw Level 1 - Master Logger Certification Class
3/15/2024
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Northwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
3/27/2024
Location: Findlay, Ohio

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 1/15/2024

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 22:11:24 GMT

OFA Update

New Year, New Look! - You may have noticed OFA has updated its logo. We are excited to modernize OFA's brand to strengthen trust in the association and stand out among other organizations. The new logo and brand guidelines will be rolled out strategically and efficiently throughout 2024.

OFA Annual Meeting Save-the-Date - Save the Date of March 6-7, 2024 for the 2024 Annual Meeting to be held in Cleveland. The event will begin with a reception at the Truss Event Center on Wednesday evening. The Truss Event Center is the first mass timber building in Ohio. The second day will be held at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland and will feature educational sessions for industry and landowners/tree farmers and plenty of networking opportunities.

Details are being finalized and registration will be available soon. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please call Gayla @ 888-388-7337 ext. 3123.

Legislative Update

The following update is provided to us by our national partner, the Forest Resources Association:

Photo courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources

ESA Flexibility Act Reintroduced

Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-8) reintroduced the ESA Flexibility Act before Christmas recess. This legislation would provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) additional flexibility in managing species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The legislation would allow the provisions of Section 4(d) for managing endangered species, enabling the agency to manage species listed as endangered and reduce the regulatory burden affecting forest management activities. FRA worked with Congressmen Stauber and Westerman (R-AR-04) last Congress to draft the legislation over growing concerns about how the proposed listing of the northern long-eared bat would impact forest operations. Joining Congressman Stauber in introducing the legislation are House Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY at-large), and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO-03).

“The flexibility given to the Secretary of the Interior under this bill will allow for fit-for-purpose protections for species like the Northern Long-Eared Bat while still allowing for responsible logging and land management across Northern Minnesota. Although my commonsense bill is a small step forward, I hope we build on this reform to make the ESA work for people and animals once again,” said Congressman Stauber.

OIRA Completes Review of Independent Contractor Rule

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) completed its final review of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This usually indicates that the final rule will be published in the coming weeks. The proposed rule imposed criteria that would change the employer-independent contractor relationship. This rule is of concern as the forest products industry supply chain depends on independent contractors for tree planting, timber harvesting, log hauling, and more. FRA commented on this rule in December 2022, recommending the agency provide more clarity and certainty for businesses on both ends of the relationship, especially in a forestry context.

European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

Just before the holidays, the European Commission (EC) released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that appears to show some improvement in how the controversial EUDR will be implemented. That document may be found at https://forestresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EUDR-FAQs-Dec-2023.pdf.

As we understand it, the European Union’s Observatory, operated by the Joint Research Council of the EC, will be the main arbiter of risk assessment for individual countries and the primary tool for identifying risky shipments by EU regulators.

On initial review, the EU Observatory’s conclusions seem to imply that in practice, the only geolocations that are necessary are those that are in the top “Deforestation category” - which, according to the Observatory, would cover a minuscule number of acres in the United States. The FRA team is analyzing the FAQs and the Observatory’s tool and will continue communicating our findings.

Market Update

HardwoodReview Forecasting - Market sentiments have softened in Dec, and profitability will remained challenged into the new year. U.S. exports of

hardwood lumber slowed broadly in Oct following Aug/Sep gains, with declines in most major species to most major markets. Oct shipments rose to 14-month highs to Vietnam and the UK, however, and Poplar shipments recovered a bit. Red Oak and Cherry are still moving steadily to China, according to some, though Red Oak volumes have been depressed since Q1.

December increases in upper-grade Hard and Soft Maple prices will continue into Jan, and #1/Btr White Oak prices still have room to run, but prices for most other items have plateaued and will retreat some over the next few months, with domestic and export demand seasonally slower than it already was. Lumber demand from domestic cabinet, residential and truck flooring manufacturers is slowing. With the home construction forecast mixed and remodeling activity expected to slow, the spring pull from these markets will likely fall short of recent years. Lower-cost imports will also remain a threat with consumer prices still 18% higher than three years ago. Though moulding and flooring imports declined in 2023, overall, receipts grew significantly from the lowest-cost suppliers, like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia.

Safety Update from Sedgewick

Safeguarding machinery

Various types of machines pose hazards to employees that can result in injuries that include crushing, entrapment, amputations, and even death. These hazardous areas, known as danger zones, are machine parts that must be guarded to protect employees from injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a danger zone as “any place in or about a machine or piece of equipment where an employee may be struck by
caught between moving parts, caught between moving and stationary objects or parts of the machine, caught between the material and a moving part of the machine, burned by hot surfaces or exposed to electric shock.”

Per OSHA’s General Requirements for Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212), employers are required to perform an evaluation of the machinery in their workplace in order to identify and adequately guard the danger zones to
provide protection to employees. In fact, machine guarding violations frequently show up as one of the OSHA’s top ten most cited violations each year. So not only is it essential to protect employees, but an effective machine
guarding program will help in the event of an OSHA Inspection.

It is essential first to understand the movements of machinery to identify the danger zones. There are two types of hazardous movements that a machine makes: Mechanical Motions and Mechanical Actions.

Mechanical Motions – Mechanical motions include gears, pulleys, or moving belts. There are basically four
different types of mechanical motions.
- Rotating – Rotating motions include collars, couplings, cams, flywheels, shaft ends, spindles, and horizontal or vertical shafts. These are dangerous as they may grip hair, clothing, and body parts. Additional dangers on rotating parts include when projections exist, such as set screws, bolts, nicks, and abrasions.
- In-running Nip Points – These hazards are caused by rolling parts on machinery. The basic types of in-running nip points include parts that rotate in opposite directions, such as rolling mills and calendars,
  and rotating and fixed parts that create a shearing, crushing, or abrading action. In addition, rotating parts between power transmission belts and pulleys, a chain and sprocket, and a rack and pinion.
- Reciprocating – Reciprocating is an action caused by a back-and-forth motion where a worker may get struck by or caught between a moving and stationary part.
- Transversing – This movement is a straight, continuous line, such as the motion of a belt to moving parts.
Mechanical Actions – These actions are defined as where the work is being performed. There are four types of mechanical actions.
- Cutting – The cutting action involves rotating, reciprocating and transverse motions. Types of these actions include bandsaws, circular saws, boring and drilling machines, lathes and milling machines.
- Punching – Punching action refers to power when applied to the ram (slide). Work examples of punching include stamping of metal or other materials.
- Shearing – The shearing action refers to applying power to slide a knife to trim or shear material. Shearing machines can be powered mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically.
- Bending – The bending action refers to power applied to a slide or ram to draw or stamp metal or other materials. Types of equipment that bend materials include power presses and press brakes.

Once you understand the different types of danger zones, perform an audit of your facility. Keep an open mind and check every department with machinery, regardless of the equipment size. Once you’ve identified the machinery, check to see if the guarding meets OSHA’s General Requirements for Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212). If not, you will need to upgrade to meet those requirements.

There are different types of guards, but they typically fall under two categories:

Barrier Guards – This can involve physical barriers, such as fences, screens, or shields, to prevent access to the danger zone. Barrier guards should be designed to prevent contact with moving parts while allowing
the machine to function effectively. The basic types of guards include:
- Fixed
- Interlocked
- Adjustable
- Self-adjusting
Interlocks and Safety Device Guards – Use interlocks and safety devices to ensure that machinery cannot operate unless all guards are in place and secure. These devices can include safety switches, sensors, and
emergency stop buttons. Types of interlock and safety device guards include:
- Photoelectric
- Radiofrequency
- Electro-Mechanical
- Pull Back and Restraints
- Safety Trip Controls
- Two-Hand Control or Two-Hand Trip
- Gate

Once you’ve installed the barrier guard or interlocks/safety device guard, train employees, schedule regular maintenance and develop any needed Lockout Tagout procedures. This is a great way to communicate the purpose of the guard to employees. It would be best to place warning signs or labels to identify the danger zone clearly. These warnings should be easily visible and understood by all employees.

Properly guarding the danger zone is a critical aspect of workplace safety, and employers should prioritize it to protect their employees and comply with safety regulations. Additionally, continuous monitoring and improvement of safety procedures are essential to adapt to changing circumstances and prevent accidents.

If you have further questions regarding machine guarding or would like more information, please contact Andy Sawan at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.

Access January's Workers Comp article here.

Additional Links

ECOFA January Newsletter

https://www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2024/feb22version.pdf

NEOFA January/February Newsletter

https://www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2024/jan_feb_2024_newsletter.pdf

Upcoming Events

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 12/18/2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:48:17 GMT

OFA Update

Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik

Christmas and New Year OFA Office Closure -The OFA office will be closed for the Christmas holiday from December 25-28 and will reopen for business on Friday, December 29, 2023. The office will be closed again on Monday, January 1, 2024 for the New Year. Staff will work diligently to process all memberships and requests before and after those closures.

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season with family and friends!

Ohio Forestry Association/Ohio Tree Farm Committee Annual Meeting - Mark your calendars to join us in Cleveland, Ohio, for our annual meeting March 6-7, 2024, at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland. This year's agenda will feature an opening reception at the Truss Event Venue, one of the largest mass timber buildings in the country. Registration will be open soon, but please save-the-date.

OFA Board Member, Dave Coil, featured in latest FRA Woods to Mills communication

Will My Insurance Contract Protect What I Need? Insurance Traps 101
By: David A. Coil, CIC, FLMI, Master Logger, TPP™ and Brock Hostetler, CIC, Master Logger - Hummel Group

Insurance is often the only safeguard a lumber-related entity can purchase to reimburse after a severe property or casualty loss. Yet, after nearly 50 years of collective experience insuring loggers, sawmills, and related business owners across the country, it pains to recognize insurance procurement is too often a daunting, confusing task for business owners and often considered a necessary evil due to:

Insurance being mandated by banks, vendors, and states (i.e., Auto insurance). No independent business owner enjoys being told where hard-earned profits must be spent.
Insurance is a legally binding contract (i.e., Courts call it a “Contract of Adhesion”) and, as with any legal contract, difficult to understand due to a myriad of conditions, definitions, and exclusions.
Insurance is purchased when all is right in the world, and no claim has been made, yet it is only after a catastrophic loss that business owners normally read their policy in full.
Business owners are often frustrated when insurance carriers “lawyer up” on the exclusions and limitations in the policy and refuse to pay claims that were assumed to be covered.

Along with the above concerns, business owners regularly share with us insurance frustration stories (i.e., Unpaid claims, excessive premiums, and confusing contractual language, etc.) that sadly point to a too high percentage of inexperienced insurance agents servicing the lumber industry who simply do not take the time to educate themselves on the unique risks in this great industry. Inexperienced agents then offer inferior insurance policies that do not meet the needs of the business owner at the time of loss. Below are several examples of insurance traps we recommend you check your current insurance policy for:

General Liability Insurance: Many carriers are adding strongly worded exclusions or limitations that severely limit coverage for standard lumber risks and operations, such as:
Accidental Timber Overcut: Nearly every insurance carrier excludes accidental overcut as they deem it “intentional damage” per the “Your Work” exclusion in the policy and state case law. This trap can be corrected with a simple insurance endorsement such as the one Hummel Group created in 1997, redefining accidental overcut as a covered peril.
Inland Marine/Mobile Equipment: A growing number of insurance carriers are quietly adding “in the woods” exclusions to policies. For example, a sawmill recently asked us to review their policy, and they were upset when we advised although they were paying a substantial premium for insurance on a $500k+ feller/buncher, their policy had an “in the woods” exclusion, and the feller/buncher was uninsured for any loss/claim/damage that occurred while used in woods!
Property Insurance: The “Co-Insurance” penalty clause is seldom explained correctly by agents. This confusing clause gives the insurance carrier the right to re-calculate required insurance limits of insurance after a claim occurs, and if the new calculation deems your values out of line, the carrier will then withhold a high percentage of property claim settlement as your penalty.
Business Automobile: Many auto insurance policies writing log haulers have a formal “radius of operations” restriction if not written correctly. What this means is if your agent advises the insurance carrier you don’t go over 100 miles with vehicles, the insurance carrier will put a “100-mile radius restriction,” and if you have a claim 125 miles away… no coverage!

In closing, it is highly recommended that all logging contractors, sawmills, and lumber-related business owners review their insurance policies in depth for the above-noted insurance traps. If you find examples of insurance traps noted above, contact your agent immediately to correct them and if your current agent cannot fill the voids in coverage, then seek out a second opinion from another expert in the field.

Photo Above: Burned out Feller Buncher (Provided by Author)

Foundation Update

Camp Canopy 2024!

Are you looking for a unique gift for that special teen in your life? How about a gift of summer camp? We are currently accepting reservations for Camp Canopy 2024 to be held June 9-14. Give the gift of lifetime memories!

And, if you are looking for a charitable contribution for tax purposes, please consider sponsoring a student to attend Camp Canopy in 2024, or a gift directly to Camp Canopy to help us offset our expenses. Camp Canopy is sponsored by the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible, and all donations are used to offset costs for students that cannot afford to attend, or purchase supplies such as learning manuals, Biltmore sticks. The Ohio Forestry Association absorbs 100% of the administrative fees related to Camp Canopy.

Click here to register a camper.

Click here to make a tax deductible donation to Camp Canopy or any other Foundation program.

Industry Update

Zane State College is Hiring - Wildlife Conservation (WILD) Equipment/Construction Adjunct

General WILD Qualifications for all WILD Adjuncts

B.S. or M.S. in Wildlife, Forestry, or other Natural Resources Field
Field Experience with Government Agency or NGO in Natural Resources
Willingness to work in all outdoor conditions

Specific Qualifications (Equipment-spring and Construction-fall courses)

Chainsaw, Tractor, Power Tool advanced experience or training
Herbicide application experience and/or applicator license
General Construction principles and experience
Welding abilities
Able to use Word, Excel, and some CAD programs
Commitment to teaching, safety, and flexibility with hands on coursework

NATURAL RESOURCES EQUIPMENT CLASS
Friday 8:30-11:30 (Sec 1) & Friday 12:30-3:30 (Sec 2)

For more information on how to apply, see this flyer.

Legislative Update

The following article is provided to us by our national partner, the Hardwood Federation

Congress Stacks Up “To Do” List for 2024

Although the U.S. Senate remained in D.C. the week before the Christmas holiday, U.S. House of Representative members headed home on Friday, December 15, pushing several key priority issues into 2024. This sets up a risky legislative strategy for an election year, when incumbent lawmakers tend to spend more time focused on the campaign trail than moving forward with a substantive policy agenda. Although Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) before heading home, knocking out a major defense policy priority while including provisions that promote mass timber projects, other high-profile items such as the farm bill, business taxes, and the Fiscal Year 2024 budget could create a logjam during the first quarter of the new year.

Farm Bill 2024 – Advocating for the farm bill next year will remain the top priority for the hardwood industry. Lack of agreement on a FY 2024 budget (see below) combined with a chaotic process to elect a House Speaker pushed the farm bill aside this fall, but congressional agriculture committee leaders including House Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) are committed to pushing a package across the finish line in 2024. Because many key farm programs are currently subject to a continuing resolution until October 2024, lawmakers may have the flexibility to resolve anticipated roadblocks such as funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The forest products industry expects to be successful in advocating for lower profile, non-controversial programs including those that recognize the carbon storage value of wood products, promote hardwood exports and support biomass energy.
FY 2024 Federal Budget – While the farm bill will remain industry’s top priority, agreement on a compromise federal budget will monopolize lawmakers’ attention when they return from the holidays. With the first deadline for government funding falling on January 19, the House leadership has paused consideration of specific appropriations bills to fund federal agencies to hammer out topline budget figures with Senate leaders. This doesn’t bode well for January, considering that disagreement over accounting related to the $1.59 trillion budget cap agreed to by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Democrats created a game of hot potato with the Speaker’s gavel in October.
Business Taxes – This item is a little more difficult to predict, since history shows that Congress usually addresses tax issues at the end of the calendar year, leaving open the possibility of a tax package coming together in December. Congress typically attaches tax items to end-of-year budget deals, which we know will not pass until 2024. However, with looming federal government funding deadlines early in the New Year, we expect action on critical business tax incentives like full expensing (100 percent bonus depreciation) and the research and development tax credit. We understand from House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith that a deal is close at hand with Democrat leadership over an enhanced child tax credit that would be paired with these business tax incentives.
Foreign Aid and Border Security – Another looming issue this fall has been disagreement over a $100 billion package to aid Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan backed by most congressional Democrats. Republicans, however, are insisting that border security measures be included in the mix, which has resulted in a stalemate that will roll into next year. This will impact timing for the farm bill and business taxes, the two key carry-over priorities for hardwoods.
Transportation – Although not as pressing from a Hill perspective as the budget or taxes, passing transportation legislation has also fallen by the wayside this fall and is being pushed into 2024. Industry supports a “supply chain package,” that passed out of the House Transportation Committee earlier this year which will expedite issuance of commercial drivers’ licenses, enhance protections under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act and establish axle weight flexibility to facilitate delivery of dry bulk materials, including wood chips.

The Hardwood Federation team wishes the best of the holiday season to you and your family. We look forward to a busy and productive 2024!

The following updates are provided to us by our national partner, the Forest Resources Association (FRA).

On the Hill

FRA President Keith Gray and FRA’s policy team met with Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, and key members of his Committee team. The meeting was a reunion of sorts as Keith served at USDA with senior staff that attended the meeting. We discussed the Jobs in the Woods Act with the Senator and his team, and there appears to be receptivity to including the bill’s provisions in the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization. The timing of a new Farm Bill remains unclear as finding offsets to new spending programs agreeable to both parties remains elusive. The FRA team will continue to push our Farm Bill agenda, and we have meetings next week with key Members of Congress and staff on both the House and Senate Agriculture committees.

(Pictured above FRA President Keith Gray and U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR))

Jobs in the Woods Act – Cosponsor Notice
FRA would like to thank Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (D-CO-8), who has signed on as a cosponsor of the Jobs in the Woods Act (H.R. 5344). Representative Caraveo is a freshman member of Congress and a member of the House Agricultural Committee. The Jobs in the Woods Act now has nine cosponsors. The Senate version of the bill has eight cosponsors. FRA continues to meet with members of Congress, urging them to cosponsor the bipartisan legislation.

Resources
JWA Action Alert
Jobs in the Woods Act

Workforce
This week, the House Education and Workforce Committee passed two key workforce development bills on a bipartisan basis. The more sweeping measure would reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the central statute in federal law that underpins our country’s workforce development programs. H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, seeks to upgrade employee skills by dedicating 50 percent of the adult and dislocated worker funding towards upskilling workers. It would also emphasize employer-led initiatives that equip workers with the skill sets necessary to fill jobs that local employers are looking to fill and help the currently employed workforce upskill to avoid displacement and advance their careers. Finally, it ensures workers displaced from their jobs through no fault of their own can access robust skill development services, including through “individual training accounts.” The legislation passed the committee on a 44-1 vote and heads to the House floor, which will take up the measure when Congress returns in January.

The second is H.R. 6585, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act, which we summarized last week. In short, the legislation provides opportunities for students and workers looking to gain skills in high-demand fields by allowing Pell Grants to support students enrolled in high-quality, short-term workforce programs that will lead to career advancement. The bill authorizes $40 million for Fiscal Year 2025 to support this program and $30 million for each subsequent year through FY 2029. This legislation also passed on a bipartisan vote of 37-8 and heads to the House floor. This is a positive development as it finally shows momentum and will pressure the Senate to move a bill in 2024.

Members of Congress Urge DOL to Rescind Proposed Rule
Last week, members of Congress sent a letter to the Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL), Julie Su, requesting that the agency rescind the Proposed Rule Improving Protections of Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States. The letter states this about the rulemaking over the past three years: “…this Administration has increased the complexity and cost for employers struggling to find workers during a multi-decade labor shortage.”

Western Caucus Foundation Releases Report on the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
The Western Caucus Foundation (WCF) has published a report, “The Endangered Species Act at 50.” Findings in the report claim that almost 60 percent of the ESA listings were falsely listed and unnecessarily imposed costs on private landowners and taxpayers. “For far too long, this administration’s desire to empower D.C. bureaucrats at the expense of local wildlife experts has allowed the ESA to be the death knell of local communities bound by its outdated policies,” said Senator Cynthia Lummis (WY), who is WCF Honorary Co-Chair. “Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to modernize the ESA, so it not only better fits its intended purpose but empowers our landowners and businesses to be partners in species recovery, not the enemy.” The full report is here.

When Congress Returns in the New Year
When Members of Congress return from the Holiday recess, the primary focus will be on funding the government for the remainder of the fiscal year 2024. The U.S. government currently operates on two continuing resolutions (CR), setting deadlines for the 12 spending bills. The spending measures account for 30 percent of the annual federal spending. It is not unusual for the federal government to operate under a continuing resolution as Congress rarely passes funding bills. In 11 of the past 13 years, Congress has not passed a single spending bill on time.

In November, President Biden signed a second FY 2024 continuing resolution consisting of two separate sets of appropriation bills. The first expiration date in the CR is January 19. Spending bills covered under this CR are Agriculture, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD. The second expiration date, February 2, would apply to programs covered by the Commerce-Justice-Science, Defense, Financial Services-General Government, Homeland Security, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations bills.

Current situation: The House has passed seven of the 12 spending bills, while the Senate has moved three. There is a large gap between the House and Senate by $140 billion, where the House’s proposed funding levels account for $133 billion less spending than the Senate. Given these discrepancies, several pathways present themselves, including a long-term CR to avoid a government shutdown. FRA will continue to update our members on this issue.

Election Resources
Election season is upon us with the President, full House, and one-third of the Senate up for re-election. If you are interested in the current state of play, several resources provide recent polling data and likely outcomes of the 2024 election. These election resources include Real Clear Politics, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, Cook Politico Report, and FiveThirtyEight. FRA additionally has a take-action page (https://fraaction.mmp2.org/) on our website that provides several resources, including “find your legislators” and FRA grassroots alerts. We encourage our members to stay informed on the issues important to you and vote on election day, November 5, 2024.

Market Update

HardwoodReview Forecasting - The third-quarter bump in exports to Asia does not yet appear to have translated into a meaningful pre-Lunar New Year
surge this year, with some contacts indicating low price offerings and relatively little buying activity from China. And, with already low domestic demand unwinding seasonally, and European demand expected to slow further, oversupply is a potential threat to recent lumber price gains—even at low production levels. Accordingly, forecasted price gains for the next few
months are tempered relative to those we made just a month ago, and relative to what we’ve seen over the last three months. Upper-grade White Oak and Walnut are the most likely to post significant additional price increases, two of the items contacts say China is still actively buying.

Margins will remain a much more talked about topic—and concern—than prices, with green prices generally up as much or more than KD prices over the last three months, with a few exceptions like Hickory and Cherry, the latter of which will remain captive to the KD prices Chinese buyers are willing to pay. Low-grade markets will continue to soften through the winter, with holiday season freight demand lower than usual and overcapacity expected into 2024. Tie markets are also showing potential early signs of oversupply.

Safety Update

The following updates are provided by our Safety and Workers' Compensation partner, Sedgewick:

Cold weather driving
It is that time of year again…..cold weather is upon us! Unfortunately, the cold weather brings hazardous conditions such as snow, ice, reduced visibility, and slippery roads. Whether you’re going to work, heading to the store or visiting family, it is important to stay focused on the road conditions before and during your drive. Icy roads, strong winds and wet conditions contribute to thousands of crashes a year and sometimes results in fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the US in 2021 there were 395 fatal
crashes and an estimated 22,325 injury crashes that occurred as a result of snow and sleet conditions at the time
of the crash.

Here is a list of tips to follow prior to driving:

Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out.
If the travel conditions are severe, give yourself extra time or consider delaying travel until it is safer.
Check the vehicle’s tires for proper inflation and tread depth. Low air pressure and worn-down treads effect the tires’ performance on snow and ice. If possible, switch out to winter tires as this will allow for better traction.
Ensure all vehicle systems are in working order, including brakes, lights, battery, and heating systems.
Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle in the event you break down or get into an accident. Items such as a blanket, extra clothing, flashlight, non-perishable food, water, shovel, ice scraper and sand or kitty
litter for traction.
Always travel with a fully charged phone as it could come in handy if something happens.

Here is a list of tips to follow when driving:

Always drive slowly and cautiously.
Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. It takes longer to stop on icy or snow-covered roads.
Accelerate and decelerate gradually to avoid skidding and avoid sudden movements that could cause loss of control.
When approaching bridges and overpasses, be especially careful, as these areas freeze first and can be slippery. Approach them with extra care and reduce speed.
Cruise control is a great feature but do not use it during slippery conditions. It's best to have full control over acceleration and deceleration.
Stay alert and focused to the road, your surroundings and especially other drivers.
Keep distractions, such as phones or food, to a minimum and keep both hands on the wheel for better control.
When approaching intersections, slippery roads can make it challenging to stop or turn, so be sure to stay focused.
Familiarize yourself with how to handle a skid. First you must remain calm, then turn your wheels in the direction the back of the vehicle is sliding and avoid slamming on the brakes or overcorrecting.
Obey road closures, detours, and instructions from authorities during severe weather conditions.

As you can see, there are plenty of steps you can take this winter to protect yourself, employees and your family. If you determine the conditions are dangerous it is often better to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Consider delaying travel until conditions improve or use public transportation. Familiarize yourself with safe driving practices and share the information with others. There are plenty of websites available to obtain
information on weather conditions like your local news and the State Highway Patrol https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/.

Unfortunately, we cannot control dangerous weather conditions but we can take steps to make travel safer.

If you have any further questions or comments, please contact Andy Sawan at 330-819-4728 or by email Andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com

Check out the following articles as well:

Sedgwick December Worker's Comp article

BWC Learning Schedule for December

Partner Update

Trees To Textbooks Invests More Than $2.1M in Local Schools, Communities

Fourteen rural Ohio school districts, and their corresponding counties and townships, will share more than $2.1 million from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry’s Trees to Textbooks program—which distributes revenue from the harvest of timber within Ohio’s state forests.

The Division of Forestry visited the Northwest Local School District and the Vinton County Local School District to deliver checks to school administrators and talk to the students about the importance of trees and forest fire prevention.

“Our state forests have a very important educational, economic, and recreational value,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Sharing that with schools, by both contributing to their programs and providing a fun learning experience, emphasizes the importance of these natural resources for future generations of Ohioans.”

ODNR Director Mary Mertz joins Division of Forestry staff to present a Trees to Textbooks check to Northwest Local Schools in Scioto County.

Since the Trees to Textbooks program started in 1999, the Division of Forestry has shared more than $39 million with Ohio school districts and local governments.

“Trees to Textbooks is a fantastic program that allows the Division of Forestry to give back,” Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser said. “Each year we are pleased to distribute funds to the communities connected to our forests. This benefits local educators and helps students thrive.

ODNR Division of Forestry presents a Trees to Textbooks check to Vinton County Local Schools.

The Division of Forestry is responsible for the care of more than 200,000 acres of state forests. State forestry experts manage these woodlands for overall health and diversity, soil and water conservation, improved wildlife habitat and a variety of recreational opportunities.

Selected trees or areas of woodland are harvested by certified private logging companies through a competitive bid process, which includes requirements for sound management practices. All work is conducted by certified master loggers under strict monitoring.

Upcoming Events

Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting (includes CPR)
1/9/2024
Location: Lucasville, Ohio Time: 7:00 pm

Muskingum Valley Loggers Chapter (includes CPR)
1/10/2024
Location: F.O.E., McConnelsville, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM

Chainsaw Safety and Intro to Felling
1/20/2024
Location: Camp Muskingum Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2023/november/ECOFAchainsaw_2024.pdf

Northeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
2/7/2024
Location: Middlefield, Ohio

OFA Annual Meeting
3/6/2023-3/7/2023
Location: Cleveland, OH Time: TBD

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 12/4/2023

Mon, 4 Dec 2023 15:13:36 GMT

OFA Update

Scheduling Now for 2024 CSAW Classes - OFA's final CSAW Classes for 2023 have been scheduled for Cleveland Metroparks and the Trumbull County Engineers. Classes have already been scheduled in 2024 during the months of January, March, April, and May, so please contact Jim Harding, Director of Workforce and Professional Development, at 888-388-7337 or Jim@ohioforest.org to schedule a class.

Membership Dues - The OFA Board of Directors voted to make various changes to the association's dues structure, and a packet explaining these changes was mailed to each member last week. If you have not already received it, you will shortly.

Legislative Update

The following updates are provided to us by our national partner, the Forest Resources Association (FRA).

FRA Submits Comments on Proposed Changes to H-2B Visa Program
FRA submitted comments on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Proposed Rule Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections. Although the proposed rule provides for flexibility in the H-2B visa program, many of the DOL’s proposed enforcement changes are problematic as they lack essential details, which deprives the public of a reasonable opportunity to evaluate and comment on what is being proposed. These areas include making employers liable for reimbursing workers for unlawful fees charged even though the employer had no role in the fee being charged by a third party, denying employers visas due to minor violations unrelated to the H-2B visa program, and implementing investigative and enforcement authority that conflicts with the DOL’s investigative and enforcement authority in the H-2A and H-2B programs. FRA urged the DOL to remove these problematic areas in the final rule.

Transportation
An FRA Staff and Executive Committee member delegation accepted Schneider’s invitation to visit their Green Bay corporate headquarters and participate in a forest products industry and transportation sector roundtable discussion. During the meeting, FRA shared an association overview and provided a policy update on several transportation and workforce policy issues. FRA also had an opportunity to learn more about Schneider’s safety and sustainability efforts and the company’s recruitment and employee retention initiatives and collaborate on seeking creative solutions to address numerous transportation-related challenges and concerns. The FRA team also viewed a Schneider semi-truck utilizing numerous unique safety-related features that were purpose-built for transporting wood fiber. FRA and Schneider will continue to collaborate on action items for 2024 and seek potential synergies to improve transportation safety, efficiency, and productivity in the forest products industry.

Resources
Safe Routes Action Alert
Safe Routes Issue Brief

Workforce
The FRA policy team met with Senator John Boozman’s (R-AR) Ag Committee staff to review the provisions of the bipartisan Jobs in the Woods Act (S.3063, H.R. 5344). The meeting was a positive one, and the committee staff relayed that Senator Boozman hears about the workforce challenges of the forestry sector on a daily basis. Staff confirmed that the Jobs in the Woods Act provisions are something the Senator could support and include in the Farm Bill text. They recommended that FRA continue to meet with other Ag committee members and add them to the bill. FRA encourages our members to contact their Senators and Representatives and urge them to cosponsor the Jobs in the Woods Act. FRA has prepared an action alert that will allow you to send a letter to your Members of Congress.

FRA staff also met with the Forest and Wood Products Inclusion Council, of which FRA is a member, to review the Jobs in the Woods Act. Following a brief presentation on the legislation, the council members asked several questions and requested follow-up information. Members of the Council indicated that they would meet with Congressional Members and ask them to support the legislation.

Resources
JWA Issue Brief
JWA Action Alert

In other workforce news, earlier this month, co-chairs of the House Career and Technical Education Caucus—Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) —introduced a resolution (H.Res. 873) designating November as “National Career Development Month.” In the lengthy “whereas” section of the resolution, the measure notes that career development assistance is a community partnership effort involving the education system, the home and family structure, business, industry, and a wide variety of community agencies and organizations and is not carried out by career development professionals alone. It further notes that, as of September 2023, there are 6.5 million workers unemployed at the same time that employers across the country and in almost every sector struggle to find employees.

European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
This week, a couple of meetings were held at the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office that allowed the U.S. Forest Products industry to share concerns about the proposed EUDR and its unworkability for U.S. wood, pulp, and paper product producers. USTR officials are keenly aware of the problems that the European Union (EU) policy would pose for our sector and the agricultural space—namely soy, palm oil, beef, cocoa, coffee, and rubber. Staff indicated they are being inundated with meeting requests from affected industries and receiving frequent correspondence from Members of Congress about the issue.
Recall that the EUDR would require producers, even in countries categorized as “low risk,” to comply with a strict sourcing mandate that involves geolocation.

In a positive development, the Portuguese Association of Wood and Furniture Industries just informed the EU that Portugal would not be able to comply with the EUDR in its current form. Additional wood and forest products associations from other EU countries are beginning to push back as well. This is critical as EU-based industries that must comply with the EUDR have been silent up until now.

In response to a question about what more we could be doing to affect change, staff urged us to keep up pressure on EU-based companies and trade associations to reach out to their Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) so that they are aware of the problems this policy would create.

Tax
This week, a letter led by Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and signed by almost 150 House Republicans was sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) to urge action by the end of this year on the expired and expiring business tax benefits that were authorized by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. None of the signatories sits on the House Ways & Means Committee, and that was by design. Rep. Yakym wanted to show leadership that there is strong support across the Republican Caucus for action on these key tax benefits by year’s end.

These benefits are:

Full expensing (100 percent depreciation) of the cost of machinery and equipment in the year in which the costs are incurred.

Benefit began to ratchet down this year by 20 percent.
It will decrease by 20 percent each year until fully phased out in 2027.

Federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, which allows costs of research and development to be written off the year in which they are incurred.

Lapsed in 2022. R&D costs now have to be amortized over five years, making investments in the business more costly and restricting cash flow.
U.S. is now one of only two developed countries requiring amortization of these costs.

Restoring Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) as the standard for deducting interest expenses.

Prior to 2022, business interest expense deductions were limited to 30 percent of EBITDA. Now, they are limited to 30 percent of EBIT—a stricter standard that serves as a tax on investment by making it more expensive for capital-intensive industries throughout the supply chain to finance job creating growth.

The House Ways & Means Committee reported a package of legislation earlier this year but has not received a floor vote. Those bills are-- H.R. 2673, the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act and S. 866, the American Innovation and Jobs Act, which would permanently repeal the R&D amortization provision; H.R. 2788 and S. 1232, the American Investment in Manufacturing Act, which would permanently restore the pro-growth EBITDA interest limitation standard; and H.R. 2406 and S. 1117, the Accelerate Long-Term Investment Growth Now Act, which would permanently extend full expensing.

While Speaker Johnson supports the tax package, the complicating factor is the lack of a legislative vehicle. This is an unusual year because there is no pre-Christmas “fiscal cliff” driving action on a budget deal where tax policy would usually ride. Every year for the last decade, Congress has been at work right up to Christmas week hammering out a budget deal. This year, Congress funded the government until early 2024. The only vehicles left on which to legislate this year are the National Defense Authorization Act and legislation extending funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, which runs out December 31. Unfortunately, the prospects of a tax package being included in either of these bills are slim. Nevertheless, FRA will keep the pressure on Members of Congress on and off the tax-writing committees to urge action on our tax priorities before the end of the year.

Market Update

Partner Update

ODNR to Present Two Schools with Trees to Textbooks Funding
Tomorrow, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry will present two Ohio schools with Trees to Textbooks funding. ODNR Director Mary Mertz will join Smokey Bear for short assemblies at Northwest Middle School and Vinton County South Elementary School.

Through the ODNR Division of Forestry’s Trees to Textbooks program, a percentage of the revenue generated from state forest management activity goes to the county, township, and school district in which the activity took place.

WHO:
Mary Mertz, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director (1 p.m. event only)
Dan Balser, ODNR Division of Forestry Chief

WHAT:
Trees to Textbooks Check Presentations

WHEN & WHERE:
December 5, 2023

Northwest Middle School - 9:30 a.m.
692 Mohawk Dr
McDermott, OH 45652

Vinton County South Elementary - 1:00 p.m.
38234 State Rt 93
Hamden, OH 45634

Upcoming Events

Northwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/06/2023
Location: TBD

Northeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/6/2023
Location: To be determined

Southeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/13/2023
Location: Shawn Sexton's Lodge, Jackson, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM

Chainsaw Safety and Intro to Felling
1/20/2023
Location: Camp Muskingum Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2023/november/ECOFAchainsaw_2024.pdf

OFA Annual Meeting
3/6/2023-3/7/2023
Location: Cleveland, OH Time: TBD

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 11/21/2023

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:39:01 GMT

OFA Update

Image by Freepik

OFA Office Closed 11/23 - The OFA office will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the blessings of food and fellowship with family and friends!

Legislative Update

European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) -The E.U. has passed regulations requiring geolocation for all imported wood, wood products, pulp, and paper to the plot from which it was harvested. They claim the purpose is to determine if the product came from an area subject to deforestation. Many forestry organizations including the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) are pushing back against this regulation that goes into effect next year.

The goal is to have the U.S. listed as a low-risk country of origin or convince E.U. regulators to take a regional approach to the geolocation requirement. The forest products industry in the U.S. is sustainable and those efforts should be recognized by the E.U.

Market Update

Industry Update

Workers Comp Program Deadline and Update - Group Retrospective Rating

Group retrospective rating is a voluntary performance-based program, sponsored by trade associations or professional organizations that is available to state-funded employers. The program is designed to reward participants that are able to keep their claim costs below a predetermined amount. Employers continue to pay their individual premium; however, they have the opportunity to receive retrospective premium adjustments (refunds or assessments) at the end of each of the three evaluation periods.

Group Retrospective Rating Program refunds for private employers are being sent by the BWC beginning October 31, 2023. Sedgwick clients participating in Group Rating Programs during the July 1, 2021 and 2022 program years
will be receiving over $39M in BWC refunds thanks to the strong performance of our group retro programs.

The deadline to enroll in the July 1, 2024 Group Retrospective Rating Program is January 24, 2024.

You can find an additional safety article on Musculoskeletal disorders here.

Questions
If you have any questions, please contact our Sedgwick program manager, Cordell Walton, at 614.827.0398 or cordell.walton@sedgwick.com.

Additional Links

NEOFA November Newsletter -

https://www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2023/november/NEOFA_November_2023_Newslett.pdf

ECOFA December Newsletter -

https://www.ohioforest.org/resource/resmgr/timber_talk/2023/november/Dec23version.pdf

Partner Update

Ohio’s popular white-tailed deer gun hunting seasons begin in November, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Youth season, for hunters 17 and younger, is Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18-19. The weeklong gun season, open to all hunters, kicks off Monday, Nov. 27 and runs until Sunday, Dec. 3. The deer gun weekend is Dec. 16-17.

“Ohio’s deer gun hunting seasons are a valued tradition that create time outdoors with friends and family,” ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker said. “The gun seasons are an excellent opportunity to harvest venison before the holidays.”

Hunters harvested 96,610 deer during the 2022 gun seasons. That total includes 71,932 deer taken during the seven-day gun season, which traditionally begins the Monday after Thanksgiving. There were 9,515 deer checked by hunters 17 and younger during last year’s youth weekend, and another 15,163 deer in the December gun weekend. The three-year average for deer harvested in the gun seasons is 92,108.

Deer gun harvest totals are typically highest in the eastern half of Ohio. Coshocton (2,457), Muskingum (2,326), Tuscarawas (2,321), Ashtabula (1,987), and Knox (1,909) counties led the state in harvests during the 2022 seven-day gun season.

Legal hunting implements during the gun seasons include shotguns, straight-walled cartridge rifles, muzzleloaders, handguns, and archery equipment. Ohio’s deer muzzleloader hunting season is Jan. 6-9, 2024, when muzzleloaders and archery equipment are legal hunting implements. During any of the gun seasons, all hunters, regardless of implement, are required to wear hunter orange. Check the 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.

The hunting and trapping regulations include information on county bag limits, licenses and permits, and the Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance area in Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties. As a reminder, deer management permits are valid only until Sunday, Nov. 26. During the gun seasons, Ohio hunters will need an either-sex permit, unless exempted, available at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, and at license vendors.

The free HuntFish OH mobile app can be downloaded from the app store to conveniently purchase fishing and hunting licenses, view wildlife area maps, check county bag limits, and much more. Users can access the Division of Wildlife’s online system to check harvested deer while out in the field, even without a Wi-Fi connection.

All deer harvested in Ohio are required to be checked in the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System. This gives the Division of Wildlife a long-term data set that aids wildlife biologists in monitoring deer health, distribution, and relative abundance. Hunters can check game by using the HuntFish OH mobile app, visiting ohiogamecheck.com, calling 1-877-TAG-IT-OH (1-877-824-4864), visiting a license sales agent, or calling 1-866-703-1298 (landowner operator-assisted; fees apply).

Hunters interested in tracking the season's harvest can view weekly deer harvest reports at wildohio.gov. The Division of Wildlife posts deer harvest numbers each Wednesday throughout the hunting season. A final report is also posted after the conclusion of the archery season.

Help protect Ohio’s wildlife resources during the gun seasons and beyond. Report any violations to the division’s Turn-In-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline by calling 1-800-POACHER (762-2437). All reports remain anonymous, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

Upcoming Events

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports

Timber Talk 11/6/2023

Mon, 6 Nov 2023 14:50:53 GMT

OFA Update

Natural Resources Educators Forestry Workshop - On a rainy Friday—October 20th—eight teachers from Ohio high schools and Career-Technical Centers met at Upper Valley Career Center, in Piqua for a workshop day of learning about forests and forest management. The Forestry Workshop was led by the Ohio Forestry Association’s Jim Harding, two local service foresters from the Ohio Division of Forestry: Pat Migliozzi and Justin Law, State of Ohio private lands forester, Stephanie Downs, and private consulting forester, Jim Downs.

Topics included basics of Dendrology (Tree Identification), Forest Measurements, and Timber Stand Improvement (TSI). During the Dendrology exercise, the instructors shared tips/tricks they use to help identify and differentiate tree species. The Forest Measurements portion of the workshop allowed attendees to practice taking basic measurements on standing trees—DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) and Merchantable Height. From these measurements then, a forester can calculate the volume of wood in a standing tree and estimate the dollar value of that tree based on species and form. The TSI exercise introduced the attendees to applied management decisions based on improving the health and value of a stand of timber. Oftentimes foresters will recommend removing certain trees so that other trees will have greater access to sunlight, water, and/or nutrients. Determining which trees should be removed and which should be left is at the heart of many forest management decisions.

UVCC has a unique property with a variety of hardwood species, making it ideal for a dendrology presentation.

Despite the rain, much fun and learning was had by all. The Ohio Forestry Association looks forward to delivering regular forest management training workshops for educators in the coming year. Stay tuned to OFA’s calendar of events for further trainings.

Market Update

HardwoodReview Forecasting - Hardwood lumber prices have risen over the last month, but not much else has changed. Supply tightening is still the driving market force for nearly all items, so much so that we’re forecasting widespread price increases through mid-Dec—a period that often sees price declines due to the seasonal unwinding of domestic housing activity. Gains are even expected for species that don’t generally benefit from the pre-Lunar New Year export bump, such as the Maples. While KD price gains through year-end will continue to be largest in the upper-grades, green prices are rising in all grades and will work to at least boost KD commons marginally.

Optimism for meaningful improvements in consumer demand for hardwood products in 2024 has waned. On top of 2-1/2 years of high inflation and 2 years of steadily higher mortgage rates, new global conflicts and an increasingly fractured U.S. government are shaking consumer confidence. And, it is likely the domestic dysfunction will only worsen in the 13 months before the election. That said, while sales volumes will remain historically low, lumber production will remain low and supplies tight, with tightening margins and uncertain demand prospects providing little incentive to increase KD. Accordingly, the price gains we have seen, and will see through year-end, may stick.

Legislative Update

Recreational Marijuana Amendment on the Ballot November 7 - Issue 2 is on the ballot tomorrow, which is an amendment to the Ohio Constitution allowing the use of recreational marijuana. The business community is opposed to Issue 2 because of the additional strain it puts on an already substance-impaired workforce. Business groups are concerned the amendment will lead to more workplace injuries and create more opportunities for employees to come to work impaired.

Whether Issue 2 passes or fails, Marijuana remains a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. States that legalize medicinal and/or recreational marijuana are incongruous with federal law and could be prohibited from receiving certain federal funds.

For more information about Issue 2 and other ballot measures, visit ohiosos.gov.

The following updates are provided by our national partner, the Forest Resources Association.

FRA Grassroots Action Alerts
FRA has two active action alerts that allow you to contact your Representative and Senators to urge them to co-sponsor legislation that FRA promotes.

The Jobs in the Woods Act (H.R. 5344, S. 3063) is bipartisan legislation that would provide grants to existing and new workforce training programs for the forestry sector. To contact your Representative and Senators, click here.

The Safe Routes Act (H.R. 2493, S.1818) would allow trucks hauling logs, pulpwood, chips, or biomass access to the interstate for short distances at legal state weights. This legislation improves safety, efficiency, and lowers the carbon footprint of hauling raw forest materials. To contact your Representative and Senators, click here.

Resources:
2023_FRA Issue Brief-Jobs in the Woods - https://forestresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobs-In-the-Woods-Act_102023.pdf

Why FRA Supports Safe Routes Act 118 Congress - https://forestresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobs-In-the-Woods-Act_102023.pdf
Why-FRA-Supports-Safe-Routes-Act-118-Congress

Industry Update

Sawmiller LLC Is Hiring - Sawmiller LLC is a manufacturer of wood pallets. The company operates two low grade sawmills in Hocking County, a pallet production facility in Hocking County, and a pallet manufacturing facility in Washington County. We are currently seeking a procurement forester to join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

Procure logs and wood from various sources in Southeast Ohio and West Virginia
Work with loggers, landowners, sawmills, and log yards to ensure the volume, quality, and cost requirements are met
Monitor market trends and pricing to optimize procurement strategies
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Proven experience in procuring logs or wood in Southeast Ohio
Strong knowledge of forestry practices, regulations, and sustainability principles
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Ability to work independently and make informed decisions

Sawmiller offers competitive compensation and benefits package, including affordable health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and a 401k retirement plan. Interested candidates should submit their resume’ to rudy@sawmillerllc.com.

Sawmiller is willing to consider full and part time applicants.

Workers' Compensation Enrollment Deadlines Approaching - Enroll now!
Sedgwick has mailed Group Rating and Group Retrospective Rating enrollment and reenrollment materials to qualifying employers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save significantly on your workers’ compensation
premium.
In addition to annual premium savings, Sedgwick, our endorsed Partner, is proud to deliver full-service workers’ compensation claims management and cost containment strategies to nearly 60,000 hard-working Ohio
employers.
Sedgwick clients annually save $160 million in workers’ compensation premium through the two highest
performing savings options - Group Rating and Group Retrospective Rating.

Group Rating - over $4 billion in savings over the past ten years
Group Retrospective Rating - over $1 billion has been earned by participants since implementation in 2009

For traditional Group Rating, Sedgwick must receive your enrollment by November 10, 2023. For Group Retrospective Rating, Sedgwick must receive your enrollment by January 26, 2024.
If you would like to request an analysis or if you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Cordell Walton, at 614.827.0398 or by email at cordell.walton@sedgwick.com

Additional Links

PLT Ohio Tree-rific Newsletter: Fall 2023 - https://www.canva.com/design/DAFty7NIcyw/CTbsa_YqTidA4XJYrL0TDQ/view

OHIO Woodlands, Water, & Wildlife Newsletter - https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/imce/pdf_newsletters/WWW-NewsletterWEB-VERSION-FINAL.pdf

Upcoming Events

Muskingum Valley Loggers Chapter
11/8/2023
Location: F.O.E., McConnelsville, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

OTFC 4th Quarter Meeting
11/9/2023
Location: ODNR - Columbus Time: 10:00 AM

Paint Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
11/14/2023
Location: Bainbridge, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
11/14/2023
Location: Cardo's Pizza, Lucasville, Ohio Time: 7:00 pm

Steel Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
11/16/2023
Location: DeNoon Lumber, Bergholz, Ohio Time: 5:30 PM

Scioto River Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
11/16/2023
Location: Scioto Township Fire Hall, Wakefield, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM

East Central Ohio Loggers Chapter
11/20/2023
Location: Fresno, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM

Northwest Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
11/22/2023
Location: TBD

Northeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/6/2023
Location: To be determined

Southeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
12/13/2023
Location: Shawn Sexton's Lodge, Jackson, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM

Visit Community Calendar - Ohio Forestry Association for details on these and other events.

OFA Proudly Supports