Minding the Forest

Send us a textDavid Young is a third-generation tree farmer in Natchitoches Parish. His approach might be more business-like, but he still loves the land he's managed for several decades. Part of his philosophy includes having hunt clubs leasing portions of land. It's the "row-crop" of forest landownership. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textLFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature and how the forestry could be affected by laws that were passed.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textCasey Durand of Central Timber Services of Pollock, Louisiana, was selected the 2024 Outstanding Louisiana Logger for the Louisiana Forestry Association and Louisiana Logging Council. Casey takes time to talk about his year with that honor and the state of the logging industry in Louisiana.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textJackie Harvey has been blessed to keep The Shades, a tree farm in West Feliciana Parish, in her family for more than 200 years. She is proud of that fact but is especially proud that her son will one day take the reins and carry on a family tradition for another generation. Jackie talks about how her father became a transplanted Louisianan from California and her experiences at the Shades, as well as the importance of having a tree farm.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textLouisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature where insurance and tax reform will be the big issues it will address. How those bills will affect the forest products industry, especially forest landowners and loggers, will be included in the upcoming LFA Legislative Reports. If you would like to be added to the list for those updates, send us an email request to lfa@laforestry.com.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textA forester and wildlife biologist is contesting the way wildlife enforcement agents are trained to enter private landowners property without a suspicion of a crime and warrant giving them permission to search the property. The lawsuit is being handled by the Institute for Justice, a Washington-based nonprofit law firm that fights for private property rights. The forester, Tom Manuel, tells his story of what led to the lawsuit.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textMr. John Gallaspy has been a Tree Farmer since the 1960s. His father even before that. Raised in DeSoto Parish, but settled in Washington Parish where his late wife was grew up, Mr. Gallaspy reminisces about how there have been changes in forestry. He also is the author of the book, "The City that Refused to Die: Bogalusa the First Hundred Years". Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textLouisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple talks about the progress made in 2024 during the Legislative sessions and the hopes for 2025.Want to contact the Insurance Commissioner's Office, the website is https://ldi.la.gov/ and their phone number is (225) 342-3612.Gov. Landry's veto of HB 423Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textEach year forestry association directors and communicators from across the southeast United States get together to discuss what each is doing to spread the word about forestry and the forest products industry. This year's topic is Forestry Works, which is a program that started in Alabama and has since spread to 10 states. Minding the Forest teams with Voices of Forestry, a podcast of the Arkansas Forestry Association in this program. Joining Louisiana and Arkansas this year of representatives of the Alabama Forestry Association and Mississippi Forestry Association.  Seth Stephenson with Arkansas (sstephenson@arkforests.org), Susan She'd with Mississippi (sshedd@msforestry.net) and Stephanie Fuller with Alabama (sfuller@forestryworks.com). Seth, the communications director for AFA, refers to Rob Beadel (rbeadel@arkforests.org) in the show who handles the Forestry Works program in his state. He also references an episode Voices of Forestry about Be Pro Be Proud, which the AFA participates in as part of its Forestry Works program. We've put the contact information for everyone in just so that you know who to reach out to if you have any questions. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textDr. Rich Vlosky had a round-about way to coming to Louisiana, but the LSU researcher has investigated many things about many forest products. Dr. Vlosky talks about his experiences in the forest products industry and the different products he's with which he's worked. You can contact him at rvlosky@lsu.edu. References about Cross Laminated Timber ... Fire testing video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TXEEBb4pLMBuilding with Mass Timber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flssymz4vZ8Portland air terminal: https://www.sunset.com/travel/portland-airport-new-main-terminalMinding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Send us a textYes, there are tree canopies and forests in an urban setting! Paul Johnson, vice president of Urban and Community Forestry and Career Pathways for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Darren Green, urban forester for the city of Alexandria, Louisiana, talk about the many aspects and benefits of trees in our cities. SFI even has standards that now include urban forestry. Want to reach out to Darren? email him at darren.green@cityofalex.comWant to contact Paul Johnson? email him at paul.johnson@forests.orgWant to learn more about SFI? Checkout its website at forests.orgMinding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Brooks Mendell is founder, president and CEO of Forisk Consulting and has been a guest speaker at the Louisiana Forestry Association's annual convention often over the years. His expertise in researching markets and trends is stellar and he is happy to share his knowledge of the forest products industry and the many facets of it. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming talks about taxes and potential changes that could be considered in the future by lawmakers. Included are his views on dedicated taxes and tax exemptions.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Invasive species are troublesome for many reasons, but especially because they can harm native species of trees. Be they plants, insects or pathogens. Dr. Jaesoon Hwang and Dr. Wood Johnson of the U.S. Forest Service talk about these inventive pests and what to look out for. Jaesoon Hwang: jaesoon.hwang@usda.govWood Johnson: Crawford.Johnson@usda.govLSU AgCenter Invasive species informationMinding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Trey Maxwell was a rising star in high school baseball before joining the college ranks. His drive and determination were strong in the sport, but he knew that wasn't going to be his future. Almost 30 years ago, he took his intensity to start a log truck business, married his then-girlfriend Melinda and soon turned that into a logging business. The two from Sarepta have been through the ups and downs of life, but they look to be coming out on top. In 2023, Trey Maxwell Logging was selected Outstanding Louisiana Logger. We get to know them better and talk about the logging business.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about how the forestry industry faired during the latest session of the Louisiana Legislature.  Landowners narrowly escaped another try at allowing people to travel on any waterway, even if it isn't traditionally navigable and meanders through private property.  The perpetual attempts at that law closed the gap that has protected property rights. Also carbon capture is an up-and-coming industry that will be an ongoing issue. And following extensive wildfires in Louisiana in 2023, firefighters will get help of possible PTSD. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Dr. Laura Sims, assistant professor at Louisiana Tech University, is leading a study in the state on Brown Spot Needle Blight (BSNB), a fungus that has spread more among loblolly pine in Louisiana. Although early on in the study, samples of possible BSNB has shown BSNB in several parishes. Landowners who believe they might have BSNB on their trees can contact a regional forester in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/organization/for or 225-925-4500 or email at forestry@ldaf.state.la.us. A regional forester can teach landowners how to capture a sample and send it for the study to: Dr. Laura Sims, 1401 Reese Drive, No.10138, Ruston, LA 71272. You also can contact Dr. Sims via email at simsla@latech.edu. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Melanie and Gaston Lanaux were selected the 2023 Tree Farmer of the Year by the Louisiana Forestry Association for their tree farm, Chardet, in Husser, Louisiana. Affectionately called "The Krumpi", the Lanauxs have enjoyed the rural setting and practicing sustainable forestry. They also have endured two major hurricanes — Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ida in 2020. The Lanauxs talk about their gem and what their tree farm means to them.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Louisiana is coming out of an extreme drought as spring rains bring more moisture to the land, but the effects of the extreme, hot drought can last for years. Minding the Forest talks to Jim Meeker and Colin Bonser with the USDA Forest Service about the drought in Louisiana, its effects and for what forest landowners and folks with trees in their yards that have been stressed by the drought should be on the lookout. Have more questions? You can contact the USDA Forest Service office in Pineville, Louisiana, at (318) 473-7160 or you can email Meeker at james.meeker@usda.gov or Bonser at Colin.Bonser@usda.gov.If you have stressed tree that appears to be dying or is dead and you need an arborist, click this link to find a list of arborists from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the regular session of the Louisiana Legislature which starts Monday, March 11. If you're an LFA member and want to receive the Legislative Update email newsletter, submit the request by email to lfa@laforestry.com.Not a member, visit our website to find out more and how you can become a member by clicking here.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Carbon storage is still a new topic for landowners with few acres of forest, but there are programs out there that owners of smaller forests can learn more about carbon storage and their forests. Michael Lauve of NativState talks about this emerging topic for owners of smaller forests and issues landowners need to learn bout to determine whether carbon storage could fit into their forest management plan.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Tax attorney Paul Spillers of Theus, Grisham, Davis & Leigh, is a past president of the Louisiana Forestry Association and makes presentations at forestry forums all over the state. We've taken the opportunity to have Paul talk about the issues he presents at forums.  Please be sure to take this information only as general. No one should take any of the information provided in this episode as legal or tax advice, but you can use this to better ask questions of one's personal tax attorney or CPA.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Each year, forestry associations across the Southeast United States gather in Alabama to share what each is doing to spread the word about the benefits of managed forests and support the forestry industry. The people who work in communications for the associations often work on a joint project and this year decided to talk about what the associations do and forestry issues in each respective state. This conversation includes Susan Stutts of the Texas Forestry Association, Lee Ann Fisch of the Florida Forestry Association, Seth Stephenson of the Arkansas Forestry Association and yours truly (Jeff Zeringue) of the Louisiana Forestry Association. There is a lot of overlap of what forestry associations do, as one would imagine, but there are some interesting differences and approaches. For anyone who listens to Minding the Forest, of Louisiana, and Voices of Forestry, of Arkansas, might get some overlap, but the message is consistent: Managed forests are better for the environment, wildlife and water; and we have a great story to tell. The LFA would like to thank the three participants in this project, as well as the Alabama Forestry Association for being such great hosts!Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Tim Temple was selected Louisiana insurance commissioner before the primary election. Now he faces challenges to an ever-growing crisis in insurance in many areas. Temple talks about the issues and his hope to have insurance in a special session in 2024 before the Legislature's Regular Session in March. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres of forest and several homes, costing Louisiana millions of dollars to suppress them. Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain talks about the causes and dangers of the 2023 wildfires that also destroyed homes. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Bette Kauffman is president of the Louisiana Master Naturalists Association, a statewide organization that promotes learning and conservation. The conservation message the group gives coincides well with managed forests. Want to find out more, check out the LMNA's website at https://www.louisianamasternaturalist.org/Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

State Rep. Jack McFarland is a Smart Logger (Master Loggers who go the extra mile to get audited by a third-party) and is the only Logger in the Louisiana Legislature. McFarland talks about how he has been able to educate his colleagues about the forest industry and its contributions to the state's economy and jobs. If re-elected for a third term, it would be his last eligible term, making him one of the senior members of the State House of Representatives. The challenge, he says, is the disconnect many urban-area representatives have with the forest industry.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Jeremy Poirier, senior manager for fiber certification at International Paper in Shreveport, talks about IP's responsible fiber sourcing policies and how they meet the evolving sourcing requirements from their stakeholders. Jeremy also was part of a group of Louisiana Forestry Association members who participated in updating the state's Best Management Practices manual, which took effect this year.  Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen takes a look back at the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Some bills were close calls for the forest industry. You can contact Mr. Vandersteen  if you'd like to learn more by emailing lfa@laforestry.com. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

The new list of Louisiana Champion Trees is out for 2023. So how are champion trees discovered? Louisiana residents contact us and we put LFA Champion Tree Chairman Rick Williams on the case! Rick also is the State Forester for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana. This episode was recorded in February, so comments about measuring trees while leaves have fallen might seem a little out of place in May, but the idea of better measurements during winter months should be taken from that part. This episode is sponsored by First South Farm Credit. Check them out at firstsouthland.com.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Whitney Wallace, forestry and wildlife agent for the LSU AgCenter in Southeast Louisiana talks about how sustainable forestry fits perfectly in the idea of conservation. We caught up with Whitney at a 4-H event in Amite City, Louisiana, and also got a chance to talk to a few 4-Her's. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Lots of issues are expected to be debated in the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, including how surplus money will be spent, property rights and the possibility of a ballot initiative. Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about those issue and more in this episode of MTF.  If you're a Louisiana Forestry Association member and want to receive the Legislative Newsletter each week during the session, send an email to lfa@laforestry.com. Not an LFA member? Click here to learn how to join.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an international program that teaches educators about trees and the benefits of forests through interactive programs that involves science, math, vocabulary and other disciplines they can incorporate in their classes. Stacy Blomquist is Interim State Coordinator for Louisiana PLT talks about the program and encourages teachers in the state to participate in the annual Louisiana Educators Tour, slated for May 2023. If you'd like more information about PLT, contact Stacy at stacy.blomquist@usda.gov. If you'd like to find out more about the Louisiana Educators Tour, contact Gracee Texada at gtexada@laforestry.com.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry does  plenty to help the small landowner and has an important role in the forest products industry. Included in its offerings is the Forestry Productivity Program, which is geared to the small forest landowner who wants to manage forestland perpetually for the owner's goals that actually benefit all in the region. Want more information about LDAF? Check out its website www.ldaf.state.la.usor call 225-922-1234.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) supports standards that help keep forests as forests, using science. Gordy Mouw is director of network relations for SFI, working with SFI State Implementation Committees in states across the U.S.  Want to find out more about what SFI does and the standards it develops and promotes, check them out online at forests.org.Have a question, comment or episode suggestion? Send an email to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

John Michael Kelley calls himself an amateur botanist who has a passion for finding unique ecosystems in Louisiana.  In his enthusiastic efforts, he also has found several new state champion trees. This interesting young man seeks opportunities to contact landowners who might have old-growth forests or unique ecosystems to share and educate.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Forestry Extension Agent Keith Hawkins of DeRidder has done much with prescribed fire and helping connect landowners with training to become certified in prescribed burning. He also has had a hand in the development of Prescribed Burning Associations, which is just getting off the ground in Louisiana. What are the benefits of prescribed fire? How does becoming a certified prescribed help with legal protection? Learn that and more here. Also, if you'd like to contact Mr. Hawkins to find out more, reach out to him by email at khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

New wood-using facilities coming to Louisiana will be a great impact on rural areas. Listen to Dr. Joe Chang, a professor at LSU talks about Forestry  Economics and his work at the state's flagship university.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Some successes for loggers and others in the forest products industry. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about how the Louisiana Legislature Regular Session 2022.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

This year is the 75th anniversary of the Louisiana Forestry, and who better to talk about this exciting event than Michael Crowell, president of Crowell Forest Resources, a fifth-generation owner. We talk about the event set for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the Golden Nugget Hotel Casino & Resort in Lake Charles. Want to learn more and register, go to our website.Register for 75th annual meeting!Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Paul Stone is a conservation forester for Crobsy Land and Resources and chairman of the Endangered Species Committee for LFA. Paul talks about what the ESA means to Louisiana and some of the things landowners should keep in mind when managing for wildlife that could include endangered species.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the next regular session of the Louisiana Legislature. Vandersteen also has a Legislative Report that is sent via email. LFA members can sign up to receive the the report by calling the LFA office at 318-443-2558 or by sending an email to lfa@laforestry.com.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Troy Mallach is the state biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana (NRCS) who assists with helping forest landowners develop management plans that enhance habitat for wildlife. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Lisa Delaney launched Seeds4Trees in 2021 as a way to teach students in elementary and middle schoolers about where seeds come from in various species of trees. The project can be used at almost any level of school and provide projects for various subjects. For more information, email her at info@seeds4trees.org.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Richie LeBlanc is the president and CEO of Hunt Forest Products and LaSalle Lumber. The family-owned business is embarking on a second endeavor with Tolko Industries, a Canadian company. The partnership gave birth to LaSalle Lumber in Urania, a state-of-the-art lumber mill that is a model for the new mill to be built in Taylor, Louisiana. LeBlanc talks about the company and its partnership with Tolko.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Robbie Hutchins is a forestry and wildlife agent for the LSU AgCenter, which helps educate landowners about their forested land and many other things. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Tony Diaz, a chip mill operations manager for Graphic Packaging International in West Monroe, talks about his job as a procurement forester. Diaz also is president of the Louisiana Forestry Association. Learn more about the Louisiana Forestry Association by goin to www.laforestry.com.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

With the 2021 Regular Legislative Session wrapped up, LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the Louisiana Logger Relief Act, one of the industry's big wins. In the time of this recording and its release, the governor has signed HB 642, which created Act 410 and officials, including representatives of the LFA and Louisiana Logging Council, will help with creating the guidelines to help loggers and log truck businesses that lost revenue in 2020 due to the pandemic. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Each year, Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vanderstreen keeps an eye out on the state Legislature to see if any action it takes would affect landowners, loggers or wood manufacturers and uses his longtime experience promoting the forest products industry. When the Louisiana Legislature begins its next Regular Session April 12, what should we look out for? Also, if you'd like to get updates on the session from the LFA, send an email to lfa@laforestry.com and ask to be included in the LFA's Legislative Update.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry has a program that helps small landowners in their quest to manage their forestland by helping with sustainable forestry practices. State Forester Wade Dubea talks about this program and an overall view of what LDAF does to help keep forests in Louisiana.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.

UPDATE: Since the release of this series, state Rep. Jack McFarland has withdrawn his efforts to propose a fuel tax in the upcoming 2021 Legislative Session. He said he will continue to purse some reforms of the GRIT Act and restructure the way taxes are spent for transportation.When the Louisiana Legislature convenes this year, it might consider a bill that would reform how money is spent by the state Department of Transportation and Development and propose a new fuel tax that would be limited in how it could be spent. This is part 2 of the series with Master Logger and state Rep. Jack McFarland, who is taking a lead role in its development and proposal. As of this posting, a final proposal has not been completed.  When the Legislature convenes April 2, you can check out the session's progress and read bills by going to the Legislature's website: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/SessionInfo/SessionInfo_21RS.aspxIf you'd like to sign up for Legislative Updates, send an email to lfa@laforestry.com with your request.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.