The West Virginia Forestry Association works for its members every day to benefit them, and we have plans to reveal more benefits in the coming months. Here are benefits of WVFA membership:

• $50,000 life insurance policy at $12.50 per month, plus small handling charge, ages 18 to 65 (options available to add spouse and for older persons). See last week's (May 13th Edition) of this publication.
• Reduced prices for stormwater permitting and testing procedures. 
• Educating the Legislature and Congress about the forestry community and, also, what we prefer to avoid; e.g., increased property taxes, eliminated severance taxes and avoiding a ‘one-size fits all" approach to the new clean water law for current general permit holders.
• Annual forecasts of legislative action at area meetings and weekly updates on the legislative session.
• Evolving communication programs that include a weekly e-newsletter (upcoming), the monthly Monitor, a quarterly newsletter (upcoming) and daily radio education campaigns via MetroNews.
• Educational and inter-community networking opportunities at the A.B. Brooks Symposium (each year in February) and the Annual Association Meeting (this year:  July 11-12).
• Free monthly advertising in The Timber Trader marketing bulletins.
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative program.
• Project Learning Tree program.
• Tree Farm program.
• Envirothon program.
• Representation, though WVFA, on the WV Agriculture & Forestry Hall of Fame, WV Conservation Education Council, Appalachian Forest Heritage Area Association, WV Business and Industries Council, WV Chamber of Commerce, Potomac Highlands Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area, WV Fairs and Festivals Association and before the Legislature’s Forest Management Review Commission and Rural Caucus.
• Workshops on OSHA/safety, First Aid/CPR/BBP, woodland ownership, stewardship, certification, wood preservation, logging and online webinars.
• A heightened profile via the annual State Fairs and the Forestry Festivals.