WVFA eNews Weekly

How to pay for road repairs in West Virginia is a topic that has gained momentum in recent days. Members of the Legislature are talking more and more about finding ways to increase the road maintenance budget. The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways suggests extending the turnpike tolls past the 2019 sunset date and increasing DMV fees and the sales tax on automobiles. Harrison County Delegate Patsy Trecost suggested a different idea. He wants to raise the state’s sales tax.

These an other ideas are all on the table as the WV Legislature's bicameral Select Committee of Tax Reform continues its focus on improving the state tax structure. This, it is often commented, does not mean tax cuts and neither does it mean tax hikes. The structure itself is the consideration as the legislature seeks to maintain fair taxes for all, while incentivizing businesses to locate in WV.

Visit http://www.legis.state.wv.us/legisdocs/2015/committee/interim/TAX/TAX_20150504143621.pdf to view the full article online.

The 2015 camp will be held at Camp Mahonegon July 19 - July 25, about 3 miles north of Ellamore, Upshur / Randolph County line, West Virginia. Located in the heart of the Appalachians, this camp site is surrounded by beautiful forests and streams, which will be utilized in the course of training during the week. Participants will be housed in camp and will be provided plentiful, hearty meals, along with social and recreational opportunities.

Scholarships, which include meals, lodging, transportation while at camp, and insurance, will be paid by West Virginia Forestry Association and other interested individuals. The Forest Industry Camp has an annual budget of $3,500 and we have, thus far, raised $2,500 since the camp last year.

Each camper will be responsible for transportation to and from camp and must provide his/her own bedding (two or three blankets are recommended if a sleeping bag is not available), towels, soap and other personal effects. Durable clothing is recommended, and since evenings could be cool, clothing should be warm and water-repellent. Leather boots, blue jeans and T-shirts are recommended.

Campers should plan to arrive at camp between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19, and depart camp immediately after breakfast on Saturday, July 25. There will be five full days of forestry training (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). The first day and one-half (Monday and until noon Tuesday) will be devoted to the study of the forest ecosystem. Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday will be spent exploring forest management subjects. Thursday will be spent touring wood utilization firms in the area. Friday will be spent visiting a recreation area, and later in the day there will be field events. Camp will break up after breakfast on Saturday, July 25.

Evening programs will include swimming, canoeing and camp meetings. Every effort will be made to make learning an enjoyable experience. However, it should be understood that this camp is not the usual type of camp, in that the course is rigorous, demanding and rewarding and participation is required in all class instruction.

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION BLANK - Cooperators are urged to assist interested young folks in preparing their application blanks, which must be submitted to:
Alan Miller, Camp Director, 4290 Greenwalt Gap Rd., Upper Tract, WV 26866 or Frank Stewart, WV Forestry Association, P.O. Box 718, Ripley, WV 25271

Applications must be returned no later than June 29, 2015. Please encourage prospective campers to include all information that might reflect their interest in forestry and in attending camp. Each application MUST BE "ENDORSED" by you and be signed by the prospective camper's parent or guardian. This endorsement should include remarks pertaining to the person's interests and qualifications for attending camp.

DEADLINE: June 29
AGE LIMIT: Over 15 & less than 20 years of age
NOTIFICATION: Successful applicants will be notified by July 11

For further information contact: Alan R. Miller, Camp Director
4290 Greenwalt Gap Rd. Upper Tract, WV 26866
(304) 358-3298

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/pdf/2015_Application.2-pager.pdf to view the full article online.

The forests of our state are one of our largest assets. We are blessed with high-quality hardwoods and natural regeneration that provide a solid base for sustainable forest management. Those same forests also provide a valuable global commodity: clean, fresh water. Fortunately for us, with just a little effort we can utilize both natural resources with just a little extra care and forethought.

One of the most obvious impacts to water quality from silvicultural operations is sedimentation of streams from harvesting operations or road construction. In West Virginia, compliance with Silvicultural Best Management Practices is mandatory. By following a few simple guidelines, operators can plan their harvests to utilize our abundant timber resource while keeping sediment out of our waterways. Always deal with water in small amounts, water’s destructive power increases in volume. Use techniques or construction materials that will dissipate the force of water in concentration points. As water gains speed, its destructive capabilities increase. Always keep your road water separate from surface water. Discharge surface flow from disturbed areas into filter areas where it can dissipate and be absorbed before it enters a stream or channel. Following those three simple principles will help ensure compliance with West Virginia’s BMP’s as mandated in ?19-1B-7(g).

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=322339&issueID=41969 to view the full article online.