WVFA eNews Weekly

As we have reported here, during the recent economic downturn, as land prices declined, Managed Timberland taxes increased - a contradiction in how value-based tax systems work. A WVU economist found why this happened; including, mixed values (nominal and real dollars in same formula) and non-statutory dollar-constants below which land values could not fall.

Some time ago, this information was submitted to the State Tax Commissioner and, in an amicable response, the tax office agreed that a fix is needed. Recently, we also reported that the legislature’s Rule-Making Committee passed the rule as needed to allow its introduction in the next session of the legislature.

But, in a surprise move by the WV Tax Department, the rule was withdrawn, at the end of last week. More as we know it...

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=353344&issueID=41998 to view the full article online.

We look forward to seeing you at our remaining Area meeting:
Area 6 -- Jan. 07 -- 5:00 p.m. -- 4-H Camp Grounds, Wood County

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=352934&issueID=41998 to view the full article online.

The following are the dates and locations approved by the Safety Committee:
02-11-16 WV Wood Tech Center - Elkins, WV
03-09-16 Mountaineer Food Bank - Gassaway, WV
04-01-16 Rupert Community Center - Rupert, WV
04-14-16 WVU-P Staunton Annex Building - Parkersburg, WV

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=352725&issueID=41998 to view the full article online.

BICKMORE, W.Va. (AP) "Charleston Gazette-Mail"– Federal regulators have cited a logging company for 22 serious worker safety violations [not WV Loggers Council members]. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Ray Clearing Inc. of Bickmore also was issued one other-than-serious citations. The citations stem from an inspection by OSHA’s Charleston Area Office at a site in Cabin Creek on Aug. 4. The agency said... in a news release that the serious violations included employees without heavy duty logging boots and other proper protection using chainsaws to fell trees.

Other serious violations included permitted employees to ride as passengers on mobile vehicles without a seat belt and assigned seat, exposing them to falls and crushing injuries. The agency has proposed penalties totaling more than $35,200.

Visit http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/20151209/logging-company-cited-for-worker-safety-violations#sthash.TEy4nkSf.dpuf to view the full article online.

Standard 1: Commitment to Practicing Sustainable Forestry Landowner demonstrates commitment to forest health and sustainability by developing a forest management plan and implementing sustainable practices.

Visit https://www.treefarmsystem.org/what-it-means-to-practice-sustainable-forestry?utm_source=standard1&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=2015ForestsandFamilies to view the full article online.