February 2012   

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Tax Tips for Forest Landowners

It's the start of a new year, which means that, once again, it's tax time. If you own forestland and had a commercial timber harvest, you will likely owe some taxes on that income. Fortunately, the U.S. Forest Service has put together a basic, 2-page Tax Tips for Forest Landowners to help you get started.  

Forestry Awareness Days

Visit legislative offices in Albany to discuss forestry issues in New York State. These visits are essential to ensuring a good and informed relationship with the leaders in New York. All members of hosting and sponsoring organizations can attend the day's events free of charge. These visits will provide participants the opportunity to convey to legislative leaders those issues of importance to the forestry community in New York State.

Tuesday, March 13 2012
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Legislative Office Building
State Street
Albany, NY 

REGISTER HERE 

Letter from the Editor

 

I recently read an excellent piece in Northern Woodlands, in which the magazine editor, Dave Mance III, noted that when we discuss forest products, especially in regards to government and public policy (woody biomass energy is a great example), we often ignore a critical part of the supply chain: loggers. I agree with him, and I think he's touched on a critical issue. The reality is that policies that affect forestry can and do get enacted whether or not the forest products community, loggers included, engages in the process. When we don't, it shouldn't surprise us if the outcome doesn't favor working forest landscapes.

 

Along those lines, for everyone at any level of the forest products industry, an opportunity is coming up to have your voice heard in Albany about the issues you care about. The annual Forestry Awareness Day (FAD) is March 13, and I encourage readers to attend if possible. The day involves planned visits to legislative offices to discuss forestry issues in New York State. For more information, please see this flyer developed by the Council of Forest Resource Organizations, or click here to register for the event online.

 

Any member of a sponsoring organization can attend FAD for free, so if you're a member of Catskill WoodNet, Empire State Forest Products Association, Catskill Forest Association, or any of the other sponsors (and even if you're not), be sure to come on March 13 and let Albany know your passion for wood.

 

All the best,

 

   Joshua VanBrakle

Wood Products Utilization and Marketing Specialist

Watershed Agricultural Council Forestry Program

(607) 865-7790 ext. 112

[email protected] 

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Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP)

 

USDA Rural Development is once again accepting applications for its Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP). This competitive program offers grants (up to 25%) and loan guarantees (up to 75%) to install renewable energy systems, including woody biomass, on farms and rural small businesses. The program also provides support for feasibility studies and energy audits. Applications are due by March 30. 

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Catskill WoodNet and the Pure Catskills branding campaign are economic initiatives of the Watershed Agricultural Council. The Watershed Agricultural Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City Watershed region. The WAC is supported by the U.S. Forest Service, The New York City Environmental Protection, U.S.D.A and other sources. The Watershed Agricultural Council is an equal opportunity employer and provider.