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Tell Us What You Think
To better serve the industry UK Forestry Extension would like to know what kind of training is important to your business. Please take a minute to give feedback on programs you would like to see in the near future. The survey is very brief.
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Need Certification or
Chain of Custody Assistance?
Remember the Center for Forest and Wood Certification is here to answer questions, provide assistance, and take away the burden of the certification process. For more information visit:
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USDA Terminates Proposed
Hardwood Checkoff Program
Due to a lack of support by industry, the USDA announced October 27, 2015 that the proposed "Hardwood Checkoff" program would be terminated. The proposed program would have provided advertising for the hardwood industry, from a set fee per $1,000 in sales from all members. The proposed program was a highly controversial subject for many of our industries here in Kentucky.
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East Kentucky - Federal Protection for Kentucky Arrow Darter
If you are involved in timber procurement in eastern Kentucky this  federal action may have impact. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing to list the Kentucky arrow darter, a small fish living in headwater streams in the Kentucky River Basin, as Federally Protected. The map shows the location where this fish occurs.
If the listing occurs, which may happen as soon as the summer of 2016, there will be increased scrutiny of logging around streams where this fish occurs. Strict adherence to BMPs will be required around these streams and these streams may require special logging procedures to ensure they are protected. This is the first case of an Endangered Species occurring to this extent in this part of eastern Kentucky. Many organizations including KFIA and KDF are in the process of commenting on this proposed listing. UK Department of Forestry has also provided several reports, including one indicating that logging BMPs and the logging inspections done by KDF can help protect the species. Regardless, stay tuned for more information on the listing of the Kentucky arrow darter.
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Bats and Logging in Kentucky
This summer another bat species in Kentucky, the northern long-eared bat, was listed along with the Indiana Bat as federally protected. As federally listed species it is unlawful to knowingly harm them or negatively impact their habitat. Logging can do both. It is important to understand what these rules are allowing logging to occur without being in violation of the Endangered Species Act. Violations can result in significant fines and potentially criminal prosecution if there is intent to harm these species. Fortunately the current rules provide flexibility for logging. A one-quarter mile buffer (1,320 feet) must be established from the entrance of a cave that these species are known to hibernate in (hibernaculum). Large clearcuts and other cutting that removes significant overstory are not permitted in these buffer areas. The problem is getting information on the exact location of these caves. Many landowners were guaranteed confidentially regarding the presence of a hibernaculum on their property. The map shows circles at the center of which is a hibernaculum.
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Jet's Fueled by Wood
Sounds futuristic right? You hear a lot of conversation about bio fuels in today's energy
 conversation. Many of these alternative fuels show limited return for economic and environmental targets. US airline companies, wood industry, and government have paired to secure a reliable jet fuel created from fermented wood residuals. Due to the fact that we already have systems in place to get material out of the woods, this is a fuel source that has great potential. To find out more about this click here.
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Lantern Fly the New Invasive
Threat in Pennsylvania
No shortage of invasive species coming in from East Asia these days. The newest addition Lantern fly, Lycorma delicatula has been  discovered in Pennsylvania. This member of the plant hopper family is a significant threat to both forestry and fruit industry as it has been known to attack over 25 plant species in the state of Pennsylvania, many of which are in fruit production. Timber species selected as hosts include oak, walnut, poplar, cherry and pines. Although much is still to be learned about the potential damage of this insect it is a great concern for folks in the forestry community as a whole and those in the state of Pennsylvania. This is simply to make you aware that this pest is out there, and we will update you as more is known. To find out more click here.
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Log a Load for Kids
Log a Load for Kids, now in its 25th year, uses trees- America's  green renewable resource to create miracles for sick and injured children. It is a fund raising opportunity for loggers, the forest industry community, and state forestry associations to work together to raise money for local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Log a Load has chapters in 27 states and has raised over $35 million nationally.
One hundred percent of the money raised by Log a Load stays in Kentucky and benefits the Kentucky Children's Hospital located in
Lexington, KY. Kentucky has contributed over $400,000 to the children's hospital since the program started here in 1997.
For more information or opportunity to contribute contact Michelle Brewer at (502) 695-3979.
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September's Housing Report Update
September's housing data was mostly positive on a month-over-month basis. All data were positive year-over-year. Single Family (SF) starts, on an adjusted basis, increased slightly 0.3% on a month-over-month basis. SF construction spending eked out a gain; and is still up 12.7% year-over-year. Existing home sales increased 4.7% month-over-month. SF data are important from a wood products perspective, as SF starts is an essential indicator of business activity. However, for most data reported, we must remind ourselves housing remains well below historical averages in most categories. The near-term outlook on the U.S. housing market remains unchanged - there are potentially several negative macro-factors or headwinds at this point in time for a robust housing recovery (based on long-term averages). Why?
1) A constrained quantity of well-paying jobs being created;
2) A tepid economy;
3) Declining real median annual household incomes;
4) Strict home loan lending standards - though loosening with new programs; and
5) Slowing world economy, and
6) Global uncertainty
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Ohio Valley Lumber
Drying Association 2015 Fall Meeting
 The fall meeting of the Ohio Valley Lumber Drying Association was in Johnson City, TN on November 11 - 13, 2015 at the Millennium Centre. This was a joint meeting of the Ohio Valley Lumber Drying Association, Southeast Dry Kiln Club and the Appalachian Dry Kiln Association. The meeting featured an advanced lumber drying seminar by, Dr. Eugene Wengert. This seminar was overall viewed as a huge success, having 51 attendees working in industry from all over the Eastern US.
For more information about future meetings visit the OVLDA website at www.ovlda.com or contact Bobby Ammerman at 859-257-9511 ext. 256.
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