Several issues that are timely will be addressed in this section.

Use of cypress mulch - Monday, May 22, 2006 Most of the cypress forests are privately owned and have been in family ownerships for decades. Landowners have cared for these forests with their own resources, asking for no government subsidies or outside assistance. When it comes time to harvest their trees and prepare for the next generation of trees, landowners meet resistance from those who don’t want trees cut. This causes landowners to lose markets and income needed to continue their forest management activities.   Cypress is primarily harvested for its quality lumber. The by-products are converted into mulch rather than being wasted. Some cypress forests need to be thinned for healthier growth and these trees may be converted to mulch rather than being wasted.     Landowners do not destroy cypress forests when harvested. Landowners are committed to managing their forests through principles of sustainable forestry. It makes no sense that a landowner would conduct any activity that is not beneficial to his forest investment.   Economic incentives encourage private investment in cypress forestry. Private landowners enjoy healthy productive forests. Purchasing more cypress and wood products encourage landowners to invest more in their forests and expand the care and stewardship of cypress forests. .

Repeal of the federal estate tax The Louisiana Forestry Association urges a permanent repeal of the federal estate tax. This punitive tax has caused many family forest landowners to prematurely cut timber or even sell their timberland to pay estate taxes when the property is passed to the next generation of landowners. A study in 2000 showed that 36 percent of forest estates owe the federal estate tax. Many heirs are property rich but cash poor and have to sell property in order to pay estate taxes. The study estimated that 25 percent of the acreage sold is developed for commercial or residential use, not the continuation of a family forest. Since taxes must be paid within nine months after the landowner's death, families have little time to make wise decisions on the future management of their forst resources.

Energy needs - Monday, January 29, 2007 Position of The Louisiana Forestry Association on Renewable Energy The Louisiana Forestry Association (LFA) supports and advocates research and investment in expanded uses of forest resources for alternative energy and energy efficient product development. The LFA recognizes the need to produce locally grown forest products that use less energy and generates alternative sources of energy that reduces Louisiana’s dependence on fossil fuels. Current and future risks to U.S. energy security are mounting, domestic and global energy demands are growing exponentially, environmental and health concerns associated with fossil based fuels are escalating. Sustainable forest resource uses can alleviate pressures on non-renewable energy with limited environmental problems. Louisiana’s primary forest products industry produces lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, paper, energy and a multitude of other products from the forest. There are opportunities for expanded uses of forest resources for alternative energy and energy efficient product development. Forest resources, or biomass, can be captured and produced on the land acreage managed by forest landowners. Technology and production capabilities in the forests allow Louisiana forest landowners, loggers, and forest products industry to play a major role in ensuring a fully sustainable U.S. energy system while producing energy efficient forest products.

Funding to fight wildfires Recommendation for Action on State Forestry Budget SUMMARY; A 2006 General Fund appropriation for the Office of Forestry of $12.5 million would guarantee funding to employ the needed fire crews to protect the forestlands of the state. IS LOUISIANA READY FOR THE NEXT STORM? The next headlines may be: “Wildfire ravages through private forestland, destroying homes, forests and wildlife in its path” Our forests are at great risk to wildfire …., especially in hurricane-ravaged areas of the state. The La. Dept of Ag and Forestry is the lead agency in protecting the state against wildfires. But budget cuts have greatly reduced effectiveness. Equipment for 90 2-man crews statewide is funded by the private landowners of Louisiana through a protection tax. But the current budget funds personnel for only 60 2-man crews. Federal hurricane assistance funds added 15 more crews for 2 years (Confined To Hurricane Areas Of Southeast And Southwest La.) A dangerous situation exists particularly if drought conditions continue. Remember: • 48 % of Louisiana is covered in forests • Forestry is the largest agricultural crop • 88% of Louisiana’s forestland is owned by private landowners Small private landowners of forestland have much to lose in this fire season! Forestry’s annual economic impact exceeds $5 billion to the 148,000 private landowners, the 26,000 forest industry workers and the related business and communities throughout the state We ask that the $12.5 million funding be restored to the department’s budget. . .To Protect Homes, Citizens, Forest Investments, Water And Wildlife.