WVFA eNews Weekly

* The appraised value for tax purposes of Class II, III and/or IV forested property is reduced under the Managed Timberland program, based on the ability of the land to produce future income.

* During the recent economic downturn, as land prices declined, Managed Timberland taxes increased. A WVU economist found why this happened; including, mixed values (nominal and real dollars in same formula) and an assessed value for this land below which land values could not fall.

* This information was submitted to the State Tax Commissioner and, in an amicable response, the Tax Office agrees there are inconsistencies to fix. Now, it's up to the legislature to pass the rule(s) needed.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=349369&issueID=41994 to view the full article online.

So far, we have had more than 100 people attend WVFA Area Meetings this year. In Fairmont and Charleston, we were also privileged to hear from Senators Roman Prezioso, Bob Williams, Delegates Mike Caputo, Brian Kurcaba, Joe Statler, Amy Summers, Terry Waxman and Delegates Eric Nelson (House Finance Committee Chair), Michael Ihle, respectively, at these events.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the remaining Area meetings near you:
Area 3 -- Nov. 19 -- 5:30 p.m. -- 1863 Grill & Restaurant, Elkins
Area 4 -- Dec. 02 -- 6:00 p.m. -- Ryan's Restaurant, Beckley
Area 6 -- Jan. 07 -- 5:00 p.m. -- 4-H Camp Grounds, Wood County

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=348410&issueID=41994 to view the full article online.

It is not too late to RSVP (if you haven’t already) for the Parkersburg session:
Parkersburg, WV - Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, at The Blennerhassett Hotel from 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.*

[from WV Department of Commerce]

Dear West Virginia Company,

As you may be aware, our office works in cooperation with the U.S. Commercial Service, the West Virginia Export Council, and other partners to assist small and medium-sized companies in increasing their export sales. In 2016 we have another exciting calendar of events planned and a new program offering grant funds for qualified companies! As outlined below, over the next few weeks we are offering informational sessions around the state. Please join us to learn more.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=349368&issueID=41994 to view the full article online.

Division of Forestry Update: Randy Dye
This has been a summer of meetings. Nine were in Canaan Valley. Randy participated in a regional review of the Monongahela National Forest, as the USDA FS Chief is doing a review of the National Forests in the northeast. The National Association of Conservation Districts is exploring how conservation districts can work with state agencies to assure consistent best management practices. A congressional informational field trip visited some private stewardship practices and the WV group made good contacts with staffers. Randy and other state foresters are working on a policy for wildfire disaster funding. One impact of wildfires this year was that $2.5 million in Forest Legacy funds were turned back to help fight fires. This wildfire policy would treat wildfires as a disaster similar to hurricanes and ease concerns with the USDA FS budgeting process. Randy was elected president of National Association of State Foresters Foundation (forestry education) and West Virginia got the bid to host 2017 annual meeting for NASF. He is also serving on the West Virginia University Advisor Board for the strategic planning.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=349367&issueID=41994 to view the full article online.

[from NASF]
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the National Association of Counties, and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA Forest Service (USFS), the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Southern Company, Bank of America and Alcoa Foundation are pleased to solicit applications for the 2016 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program. NFWF anticipates that approximately $2,425,000 in combined total funding will be available for this round of grants.

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=349370&issueID=41994 to view the full article online.