Potesta & Associates, Inc. (POTESTA) has had a long-standing relationship with the West Virginia Forestry Association (Association) in applying for, and complying with, the West Virginia Multi-Sector General Permit for Storm Water Associated with Industrial Activity (MultiSector Permit). The Association and POTESTA have been able to offer members a package of services at a reduced rate for Multi-Sector Permit activities. Unfortunately, according to the good folks at POTESTA, this may change. Here’s the background information that POTESTA supplied to WVFA to inform our members: "The recent (January 2014) spill of chemicals into the Elk River at Charleston resulted in a serious potable water issue for approximately 300,000 customers of the West Virginia American Water Company receiving water from that system. The result is that the 2014 West Virginia Legislature passed the Above Ground Storage Tank Act, which [triggered] new levels of regulations on existing programs, including the Multi-Sector Permit. The Association and POTESTA are in discussions related to continuing the relationship for our members but one thing is absolute, the cost to complete the applications will increase because of the complexity added to the application process. Members will be kept informed of our progress in continuing the relationship with POTESTA... Note that facilities currently covered under the Multi-Sector Permit, which are located within a Source Water Protection Critical Zone, will not be eligible for that coverage and will have to apply for Individual Permit Coverage, which will be even more expensive."

Through a memorandum of understanding, the West Virginia State Implementation Committee (SIC) of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the West Virginia Forestry Association (WVFA) have agreed - with the unanimous approval of the WVFA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee - that WVFA, itself, will administer the state SFI Program from May 15, 2014, through December 31, 2015, contingent on SIC funding and WVFA performance, on a trial basis. This approach is one used by many - if not most - state forestry associations responsible for state SFI Programs in the United States and uses the entire association staff to fulfill relevant duties and obligations. WVFA performance will be measured against SIC provided and defined work plans, criteria, goals, objectives, deadlines and similar. The general scope of these services will be outlined by the SIC. To effectively achieve desired outcomes, the SIC will provide a detailed work plan containing calendar year goals. They will also provide guidance on and will evaluate WVFA’s performance against these goals on a semi-annual basis.

Congress is more focused than they have been for 10 years on tax reform, and the forestry community is squarely in their crosshairs. There is a new proposal afoot, originating from the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means, that must not be taken lightly. It represents an array of revenue-generating cuts to forest landowner tax deductions that could be made to the Tax Code, at a time in our history when everyone is looking for ways to pay for new and expanded programs.

Risks & Liabilities of Owning and Managing Woodland & Rural Properties
May 21
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Best Western Conference Center
100 Lodgeville Road
Bridgeport, WV 26330

Sponsor: WV Chapter Association of Consulting Foresters with support from Practicing Foresters Institute Trust

The course has been awarded 6.5 CFEs, Category 1 for foresters by the Society of American Foresters.
This one-day seminar is designed to educate owners and managers of farm, woodland, and rural properties, as well as, foresters, surveyors, land agents and other professionals who provide services to rural landowners of the liabilities and problems that can occur in the ownership and management of rural real estate. The presenters will be experienced in the issues being discussed, will provide examples of problems they have encountered, and will be available to answer questions from the audience. Continuing Education Credits will be available for the foresters, surveyors and landmen attending.

* Forestry and related industries employ over 30,000 people.
* Forests are the only natural resource industry that is in all 55 counties.
* Forestry contributes $3.2 billion annually to the state's economy.
* There are over 250,000 forest landowners.
* We are the third most forested state (following Maine and New Hampshire).
* There are 11.9 million forested acres in our state.
* There are over 7 million more acres of forested land than in 1910.
* Forests are at least 94 percent hardwood species.
* Forestry and tourism exist side-by-side. Having acres of forestland that are conserved, protected and managed, allows people to enjoy hunting, fishing and hiking.
* Wood and wood products touch every person's life throughout the state, making life convenient, safe and more comfortable.
* Foresters adhere to the most stringent regulations in our region.
* Trees are the only renewable natural resource.

One really interesting (and under-used) benefit of WVFA membership is our term life insurance coverage. This is excellent insurance, provided though the United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, with a premium constant over ages 18 to 65 of $12.50 per month for $50,000 of coverage. For ages 65 (plus one-day) to 70, the premium is $8.13 per month for $32,000 of coverage. There is also a spousal rider at $1.75 per month for $5,000 of coverage. There is even coverage, which is often hard to find, for age 70 and over at $6.25 per month for $25,000 of coverage; no dependent coverage is offered on this one.

WVFA earns no fee on this program but brings it to our members for simply being our members:
Click here for summary of benefits
Click here for summary of life insurance program