Louisiana Forestry Association

The mission of the Louisiana Forestry Association is to promote the health and productivity of Louisiana's forests for present and future generations through the practice of Sustainable Forestry.

The Louisiana Forestry Association was formed in 1947 to foster the practice of forestry, to rebuild the state's cut-over lands, and to build a healthy forest industry. Now, 50 years later, forests cover 48% of the state's land area and forestry is the second largest manufacturing employer in Louisiana. That is the true Louisiana success story.

The Louisiana Forestry Association today is a statewide, private, nonprofit association made up of more than 3,500 members, mostly large and small landowners along with foresters, employees of forest products industries, wood suppliers , loggers and related industries.

IP/Temple deal: International Paper Company and Temple-Inland Inc. announced that they have agreed to extend the U.S. Department of Justice's (review period with respect to International Paper's acquisition of Temple-Inland until February 13, 2012 to provide the parties with time to enter into binding documentation to resolve the DOJ's concerns with respect to the pending transaction.

Sustainable Forestry Guide
Landowners can get advice on what if means to practice sustainable forestry in Louisiana. Check the topics that cover everything from reforestation to the Tree Farm Program by clicking here.
CLECO RFP ready for buying wood
CLECO Power LLC has issued a Request for Proposals to buy woody biomass for use as alternative fuel in it power production.

Comments on the RFP are still being taken. The final RFP will be available Jan. 19. Deadline to submit a proposal is April 5.
For more information click here.
2012 Severance tax set
The La. Forestry Commission has set the severance taxes for 2012. Read more.
$10,000 Reward in Ashland Fires
The Louisiana Forestry Association in cooperation with the La. Dept of Ag and Forestry is offering a $10,000 reward for information leaving to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Ashland Fire in Natchitoches Parish Sept. 2. Read more
Pesticide Permit Available
The EPA has released the general pesticide permit for applicators. Those in Louisiana can follow label instructions, keep a copy of the pesticide permit, and continue normal procedures. No notifications of use are necessary. Pesticide Permit

Alexandria Biofuels plant announced
Sundrop Fuels, Inc. will build a plant off I-49 in Alexandria that will use woody biomass and natural gas to produce "green gasoline." The company has received an investment from Chesapeake Energy.

Production is expected to start in 2014 and financing is already in place. Sun Drop would use 600,000 tons of chipped green wood each year.
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Congress passes Appropriations Bill that stops new H2B rules and forest roads permits
Congress passed an Omnibus Appropriations bill that stops the Dept. of Labor was implementing new higher migrant wage rules till Oct. 1, 2012. The bill also stops the government from requiring new permits for forests roads during this fiscal year.
Tree Farm passes PWC Assessment Louuisiana Tree Farmers have met the standards of the national program according to thrid party auditors who visited random members of the program this summer. For a summary of their findings, click here.
Tax Tips for 2011
The Tax Tips for Forest Landowners are now available. For helpful advice click here.
Procurement Forester Needed
West Fraser is looking to hire a procurement forester for the Ark-La-Tex area. Read more

Sales Tax Exemption for Logging Equipment

New documents needed -

Loggers must apply to Louisiana Department of Revenue for Certification as a Manufacturer to claim 100% exclusion from state sales tax on purchases of equipment. Loggers must have the current form; the old document will not be accepted.

Loggers and forest products industry need to complete the Application for Certification as a Manufacturer for the purpose of Sales/Use Tax Exclusion from the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Beginning October 1, 2009, Department of Revenue required the equipment seller to hold a copy of this certificate from the purchaser before granting any state sales tax exemption. Local sales taxes may still be collected. The equipment seller could be liable for the sales tax if he can’t produce a copy of the buyer’s Exemption Certificate.

Loggers and forest products industry can access the form by going to www.rev.state.la.us, click Tax Forms, click Sales Tax under Business, click 2011, click Exemption Certificates under PDF Documents, find R- 1070 and click Forms and Instructions. (Or use this link: Applications for Exemption)

Logging and forest industry equipment are completely exempt from state sales tax with the proper certification certificate from the Department of Revenue.

Be sure you have this certificate before you try buying a piece of equipment

Jindal signs tax credit for loggers, mills

Loggers and mill operators can exclude one cent from the state sales tax on parts and labor
Gov. Bobby Jindal signed the tax credit bill pushed by the La. Logging Council, La. Forestry Association and the La. Pulp and Paper Association. The bill will phase in a 4-cent state sales tax exemption for wood-using mills and loggers on repairs and parts.

A logger who buys a $20,000 transmission will be able to exclude two cents of the state sales tax in July 2011 -- a $400 saving. The exemption moves 3 cents in 2012 and is removed entirely in 2013.

To receive the exemption loggers must fill out the same paperwork as they do for the equipment exemption (see above). The form to look for Under Applications for Exemptions is R-1070 and there will be special instructions for the Dept. of Revenue for this new program. The website has both the form and instructions to download. For questions or help call the Dept. of Revenue at (225) 219-7462.

Check the website link at www.rev.state.la.us/sections/taxforms/default.aspx