Out of the Woods

Volume 30 Issue 4, 2019

SAVE THE DATE

2020

March 5-7, 2020

SWPA Annual Meeting Logging and Trucking Expo, Waycross, GA

SWPA

Bucket List STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

. Recruit SWPA Mem 2 .

PA Purchase eeting bers.

W i t m m S m 3 e d o . Buil n Pr sC o 4. Increase Political Awarenes ernment. t to Enc v e m o N b v o n i u e r o g a n i g r t e o V to Retain Capitalism In Our G

1. Attend Annual M

s. am gr

Inside:Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship Application

DIRECTORS’

NOV/DEC Executive Director Tommy Carroll

MESSAGE 2020 Bucket List

Soon 2019 will be a year of memories as we focus on the year 2020. In talking with many SWPA logger members and associates, it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict what strategy is needed to deal with future business planning for logging companies.

Nevertheless, the future is coming, and it will have to be dealt with.

Recently, the SWPA Executive Committee and other board members spent an entire day working with Tom Trone, a business consultant and past Forestry Sales Manager for John Deere. The purpose of this meeting was to develop a five-year plan for a revised mission statement and operational direction of the SWPA. Every business and/ or organization needs to periodically review its business strategy and have some form of report card to determine if company goals are being achieved.

As mentioned in the last magazine issue, the SWPA will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in 2020. For thirty years the SWPA has adapted to industry changes along with its members regarding political issues and regulatory changes. The addition of purchase power programs has saved members many thousands of dollars while helping the association as well.

While not all logging companies are SWPA members, there is a strong core of faithful companies that realize the value of having an organization looking out for their common interests and helping them when needed.

As for the SWPA 2020 bucket list, these are objectives the association will focus on.

Begin to implement the revised mission and operational structure items that the planning committee has identified as priorities in maintaining the SWPA effectiveness in

representing and supporting its member companies. The consistent focus of all activities is a constant reminder that the SWPA was formed by loggers to serve loggers.

Annual Meeting. 2020 will mark the third year that the SWPA annual meeting will be held at the Waycross fairgrounds. The meeting is scheduled for March 5-7, 2020. The goal is to achieve higher attendance of loggers, their employees as well as their families. Increasing the number of exhibitors will offer the opportunity to view new products and services.

Activities such as the loader contest and truck rodeo offer competitions where attendees can pickup some money along with bragging rights.

Most of all, it is a chance for fellowship among loggers and a chance to build new friends and contacts.

Inject youth into the SWPA leadership team. The SWPA board of directors needs to recruit the successful men and women that will be the voice of the association as their generation becomes the core leadership of the SWPA in coming years.

Become a more effective lobbying organization especially at the state level while still supporting the American Loggers Council’s lobbying efforts at the national level. In addition, encourage member companies and their employees to be politically educated and vote to retain our capitalistic government and preserve family owned businesses.

Strength in numbers. Many loggers do not grasp what the SWPA does while many hundreds of other loggers understand the importance of having an organization focused exclusively on logging and trucking issues. If you are a member, talk to others that are

not members and recruit them.

The more voices speaking the same language will be a more effective voice especially with political figures and issues related to the business.

More purchase power programs.

With strength in numbers comes the opportunity to add to the current list of purchasing discount programs on items that members use in their operations.

It cannot be stressed enough that going forward as the political parties become so divided as to their positions on either capitalism or socialism, this will in turn divide the United States as well. The power of the vote will ultimately determine the outcome. Once again, the strength in numbers model is critical to have some control over the destiny of logging businesses. Let me repeat once again the SWPA is not Tommy Carroll’s or Pam Bennett’s association. It is truly owned by loggers with the intent to support and represent loggers. The small monetary contribution to be a member compared to the return on investment will be hard to match.

As always, Pam and I stand ready and available to assist in any way we can.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need help. Also check out the SWPA website at swpa.ag There is an abundance of helpful information, and free advertising is available to wood producer members. Call Pam or me for more information.

“All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do. ” —Norman Vincent Peale

Tommy Carroll is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Wood Producers Association, Inc., which represents logging professionals in Georgia and Florida. The SWPA Inc. is Headquartered in Hilliard Florida. For more information please contact us at (904) 845-7133 or you may contact Tommy directly at (478) 952-2809. website: ww.swpa.ag Tommy’s email: tcarroll@swpa.ag

Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 3

A Quarterly Publication of The Southeastern Wood Producers Association

Contents REGULAR FEATURES The Southeastern Wood Producers Association (SWPA) is a non-profits organization founded by loggers for loggers with a mission to represent and support professional timber harvesting businesses.

Since 1990, SWPA has been the leading voice for logging companies in Georgia and Florida. The SWPA board of directors has dedicated itself to this important mission. The primary objective is to protect the interests and stability of reputable harvesting-transport companies and to be a player in supporting proactive positions on issues that affect our industry. Some key issues are: • Establish a Positive Public Image of Wood Producers • Provide Quality Continuing Education Workshops • Provide Legislative Liaison Services for Members • Encourage Responsible Environmentalism • Report News & Economic Data • Monitor Workers’ Compensation & Other “Cost of Doing Business” Issues As the SWPA focuses on its primary objective, the staff and leadership respond frequently to members individual requests for assistance in helping resolve regulatory interpretation involving transportation and harvesting issues in both Georgia and Florida.

This has lead to a more consistent application of these regulations and development of a system to challenge misinterpretation of the laws as well.

The SWPA continues to lobby on issues of logging companies at the state level in Georgia and Florida.

It also supports the American Loggers Council in lobbying on federal laws affecting logging companies throughout the United States.

Many educational resources and events are offered by the SWPA to educate its members on regulatory compliance as well as new technologies that will benefit the industry.

Check out the SWPA website at swpa.ag to learn more about the organization and ways for logging companies to help support the mission which is, “Loggers Supporting Loggers”.

FeeEATURE ARTICLESee Georgia Forestry Commission - Director’s Corner ........8 Florida Forest Service - Director’s Desk...................................9 2020 Annual Meeting Schedule .................................................. 10 2020 Golf Tournament Registration ..........................................11 ALC – As We See It.....................................................................................12 Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship Application ........20-21

INSERT 2020 SWPA Sticky Calendar

ARE YOU PAYING THE LOWEST PRICE POSSIBLE FOR TIRES AND FILTERS?

YOU SHOULD BE BUYING FROM SWPA PURCHASE PARTNERS!

3. Build SWPA Purchase Programs

Volume 30 Issue 4, 2019

SAVE THE DATE

2020

March 5-7, 2020

SWPA Annual Meeting Logging and Trucking Expo, Waycross, GA

SWPA

Bucket List STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

. Recruit SWPA Mem PA Purchase eeting. 2 bers. m it 3. Build SW Pr s Com men o 4. Increase Political Awarenes ernment. t to Enc v ourage Voting in November t Retain Capitalism In Our Go o

1. Attend Annual M

s. am gr

Director: Tommy Carroll Publisher: SWPA Inc. P:(904) 845-7133 F:(888) 252-3919 WEB: www.swpa.ag Graphic Designer: Jason Wynn “Out of the Woods” distributed quarterly.

SWPA - Director’s Message ..................................................................3 SWPA - Officers Page ................................................................................5 SWPA - From Our President ...............................................................7 SWPA Safety Pages ............................................................................ 16-17 Purchase Power Partners ....................................................................22 Out of the Woods Advertisers Index .......................................27 Membership Information ...................................................................28

Inside:Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship Application 4. Increase Political Awareness Commitment to Encourage Voting in November to Retain Capitalism In Our Government

SWPA Executive Officers 2018 - 2020 President: Scott Gies Gies Timber & Land Inc. Scott first joined the SWPA after leaving the consuming side of the industry to establish a logging business in early 2007. He was elected to serve as a Board member in 2010. Scott’s harvesting operations are primarily in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. He is married to Sheila Gies and has a daughter, Jennifer Hale (husband Clint Hale), granddaughters Ella and Anna, grandson Blake Hale, son Douglas and daughter in law Lindsey Gies and granddaughter Charlee Gies and a daughter Kelli. Scott was also a Florida Logger’s Council member of the Florida Forestry Association. When asked why he serves loggers as an SWPA Board Officer he said: “I feel that it important for those of us in the timber harvesting profession to have a unified voice. We are the ultimate stewards of the forest, and unless we as group make this known there is an assumption that we are not. By serving the members of the SWPA it is my hope to help get this message out to the public at large.”

Vice President: Russel Fowler Flint River Timber of GA, Inc. Russell received a B.S. in Forest Resources in 1988, then started his career in the industry working for G.P. and the former Stone Container in the Big Bend of Florida and southwest Georgia. His exposure to the industry in the early 90’s, along with its changes, led to the founding of a private wood dealership, Flint River Timber in Cairo, GA. The buying and selling of wood developed into investment in the logging business. The support of sub-contractors and company owned logging crews is vital to the success of a modern day timber dealership. Russell has always supported loggers and feels communication between forestry associations, the public and the industry is essential.

Involvement with the SWPA is the most important link in accomplishing this task.

Secretary-Treasurer: Jerry Gray Gray Logging, LLC Since that age, Jerry has “lived” in the woods. At 13, he was using a chainsaw. At 15, he was driving a cable skidder.

At 18, upon graduation, he was full-time in the woods. At age 40, he became the manager of Gray Logging, LLC. That was nearly 16 years ago. During those 16 years, Jerry has been proud of the many achievements he and Gray Logging, LLC have accomplished. Under his leadership, the company has grown from one to two logging crews. He also co-owns Genesis Timber, LLC with his son-in-law, Matt Webb. Today, Jerry still loves the woods as he did as a little boy. Today, combined with that love, Jerry has a passion, a knowledge, and the experience to handle various timber needs. He is excited about the future, helping land owners with their needs and being a part of the timber industry.

Past President: John Lane Coastal Logging Co. Inc. John Lane’s childhood memories stem from working in the woods on his father’s logging crew. Growing up in the industry made it easy for him to begin his own business in 1981. He and his wife Donna started Coastal Logging Co from humble beginnings and today it has grown to a three crew operation. John’s son, Johnny, and his wife Sarah are active in the business as well and represent the fifth generation of the Lane family in the timber industry. John serves in the national logging association, the American Logger’s Council, as SWPA’s representative, within the Georgia Forestry Association as well as the Glynn County Forestry Commission. John stated that he got involved because: “I felt it was my responsibility to become more active in issues that affect loggers and the future of the logging industry.”

Executive Director: Tommy Carroll SWPA Inc. Tommy Carroll, Executive Director of the Southeastern Wood Producers Association (SWPA), has 37 years of experience in the timber harvesting industry. This includes 10 years with Union Camp Corporation working as crew foreman on company timber harvesting crews and later as a wood yard manager. For the next 15 years, Carroll was employed by Canal Wood Corporation as Harvesting Compliance Coordinator. The primary focus of this position placed an emphasis on safety and environmental compliance programs with Canal’s timber harvesting contractors and company facilities throughout the south eastern and mid-western United States. Carroll began work for the SWPA in 2001 first as Education Director and became the Executive Director in 2007. Carroll served as chairman of the Georgia Forestry Association’s Logging and Transportation Committee from 1996 to 2000 and currently sits on Georgia’s SFI Statewide Implementation Committee and Logger Education Committee.

F ROM OUR PRESIDENT

S COTT G IES, GIES TIMBER AND L AND I NC.

Greetings I Hope all is well with you and your families, as we move forward through the year heading towards the holidays. Its only 8 weeks till Christmas as of this writing, we have had a few fall days here in NE FL/ SE GA, so the cooler weather is around the corner.

We dodged a major bullet with Hurricane Dorian staying offshore with only minimal rains. The downside was with mandatory evacuation of the Florida and Georgia coasts all mills had to shutdown so employees could leave. This caused us to miss a full week of work, in my world that was very hurtful.

In September a group of board members along with the executive committee met to lay forward a long-range plan for your association, including a plan of succession for Executive Director after retirement. Tom Trone, former head of John Deere forestry moderated the meeting after a long weekend many good ideas were proposed. The next step is the formalization of these ideas and action plan developed to achieve goals.

No word on the export log market, as they remain all but shut off, but there seems to be some optimism for the future but nothing concrete. I received word yesterday that GP is shutting down to mills in South Carolina that will affect us in Georgia, McCormick sawmill and Allendale OSB plants are being shut down for good.

Trucking remains to be probably the biggest obstacle for all our businesses, drivers, insurance and rates leading the list of issues.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday over the next few months.

Be safe Scott

L ILI H ENDERSON WITH GA R EPRESENTATIVE T OM M CC ALL Lincoln County Republican Party Meeting 10/26/19

G EORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION DIRECTOR 'S CORNER C HUCK W ILLIAMS, D IRECTOR

Summertime Survey Where were you when Hurricane Michael took aim at the Gulf Coast? It’s a sure bet you have a story to tell about the onslaught of that storm and its trek across Florida and Georgia. For many of us it’s been a year unlike anything experienced before, and looking back is a valuable exercise in recovery.

The Georgia Forestry Commission has been working non-stop since even before the hurricane made landfall (tracking, planning, moving resources) and hasn’t stopped since. Our Forest Management team recently reviewed our operations for the one year anniversary of Hurricane Michael, and the facts are staggering.

The initial timber damage assessment showed impacts on nearly 2.4 million acres of Georgia timberland, resulting in $762 billion worth of timber damaged or destroyed.

GFC Forest Inventory Analysis foresters will soon begin the re-measurement of long-established permanent plots in the area to further quantify the impact to the timber inventory. We are also working with the Southern Group of State Foresters to update the Disaster Response Handbook, which will embrace the current technology to uniformly determine damage levels between the states.

With 12 months of clean-up and restoration activities behind us, we’re seeing more landowners who are optimistic about the future. Yet clearly, this is a “new normal.” There is realization of the risk of holding timber. Increased fuel loading that affects fire intensities and control issues are being recognized, and prescribed burning has become more important.

Regarding market conditions, the salvage window has closed. Stumpage prices have somewhat returned to normal, though logging conditions may impact prices.

We see market improvements in the general area, with Rex Lumber’s new Troy, AL sawmill and Abbeville Fiber’s

8 • Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

new sawmill in Abbeville, AL. Georgia-Pacific will soon open a sawmill in Albany, Ga. and Coastal Plywood in Havana, FL is adding capacity. Forest Inventory Analysis plots are currently being remeasured.

GFC’s Forest Health specialists are closely monitoring the pine bark beetle situation. Aerial surveys showed many 1-3 trees spots caused exclusively by ips beetles.

Thankfully, this species of pine bark beetle is normally contained to the few trees initially infested, although we have seen very large spots associated with extreme drought. For this reason, we are continuing to monitor the situation across the state. Recent rains are a welcome sight and should help reduce any problems as we enter the winter season.

Three federal and three state relief programs are helping thousands of landowners get back on their feet. For an update on these programs visit GaTrees.org.

As 2019 draws to a close, the Georgia Forestry Commission family remains grateful for your efforts to help our fellow forestland family heal from this enormous event.

F LORIDA FOREST SERVICE DIRECTOR 'S DESK

J IM K ARELS, S TATE F ORESTER

Partnerships are key to keeping our forest markets strong Florida’s 17 million-plus acres of forestland covers more than half of the state’s land area, generating more than $25 billion in total revenue and support for more than 124,000 jobs. This would not be possible without partnerships.

As my tenure as State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service comes to an end, I remain convinced that our people and partnerships are the most valuable resource we have.

Building and developing relationships is key to keeping our markets and the forest industry strong across the

“I remain convinced that our people and partnerships are the most valuable resource we have. “

Southeast. Without partnerships, there is no success in managing sustainable working forests.

Thank you for your partnerships and the opportunity to serve alongside you over the last 39 years. I believe in Florida, and I believe the forest industry is better than ever. The Florida Forest Service will stay vigilant in the Panhandle, facing the challenges left in the wake of Hurricane Michael and working to return the landscape into great working forests. I am confident we will come out stronger.

Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 9

Get Ready for the

2020

ANNUAL MEETING

&

LOGGING

AND TRUCKING

March 5 - 7, 2020 Waycross, Georgia

EXPO

SCHEDULE THURSDAY - MARCH 5, 2020 Golf Tournament Lunch

Okefenokee Country Club

Vendor Set Up

Okefenokee Ag Building & Fairgrounds

Welcome Reception

FRIDAY - MARCH 6, 2020 CLE- Continuing Logger Education

Exchange Club

Registration Desk / Raffle / Silent Auction

Okefenokee Ag Building & Fairgrounds

Vendor /EXPO Areas Open FREE Admission Loader Competition

Okefenokee Fairgrounds

SWPA Business Meeting & Supper

Exchange Club

SATURDAY – MARCH 7, 2020 Raffle / Silent Auction

Okefenokee Ag Building & Fairgrounds

Vendor /EXPO Areas Open Chainsaw Carving

Okefenokee Fairgrounds

Face Painting

Okefenokee Ag Building

Loader Competition

Okefenokee Fairgrounds

Truck Rodeo

Okefenokee Ag Building

Final Entry for Silent Auction

Raffle Drawings / Silent Auction Winner Announcements

Additional Events, Actual Times and Locations TBD

10 • Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

Okefenokee Fairgrounds

The SOUTHEASTERN WOOD PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

Invites You

to our annual golf tournament benefiting Log A Load For Kids. A hamburger and hotdog lunch will begin at 11:30am. We will have a 12:30pm shotgun start.

Come out and Support a great charity and support your fellow loggers and vendors. $100. Per Person $360. Golf Team Foursome Deadline to Register: February 28, 2020 Thursday, March 5th, 2020 11:30am Hamburger/Hotdog Lunch 12:30pm Shotgun Start Okefenokee Country Club 1204 South River Forks Dr. Blackshear GA, 31516

GOLF REGISTRATION DETAILS Name:

Company:

Cell:

Email:

Name: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Total: $

Registration / Payment / Questions Contact Pam Bennett at SWPA: Phone: (904)-845-7133 Email: pbennett@swpa.ag

Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 11

As We See It Hundreds of loggers from across the United States convened at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama for the American Loggers Council (ALC) annual meeting, celebrating 25 years as the national voice for independent contract loggers.

“We were are thankful for all the loggers that have taken the time to be here and celebrate this significant milestone in the history of the American Loggers

changing business environment, including operating with a millennial-age workforce, among other issues.

The ALC President’s Award was given to Myles Anderson from Fort Bragg, California, recognizing his long-time service to the logging profession.

Timber Harvesting Magazine’s prestigious “Logging Business of the Year Award” was given to Miller Timber Services of Philomath, Oregon.

The American Loggers Council’s National Logger Activist Award, which recognizes an activist who has demonstrated unselfish time and efforts to promote the timber harvesting profession, was presented to William C. Jones of Alabama.

The Board of Directors and Membership meetings were held on September 28 and included committee reports from the legislative, transportation, wood-energy, communications, membership, Master Logger Council,” said Alabama logger Chris Potts, who hosted and nomination committees. ALC will continue to be the annual meeting as ALC President. “This has been an active in the policy-making in Washington DC, includopportunity not only to reflect on our past 25 years, but ing advocating for key priorities including passage of the an opportunity to participate in discussions on where Future Logging Careers Act, Right to Haul Act, biomass we will go in our next 25 years.” utilization and federal forest management reforms.

The three day conference included an active logging demonstration near Uriah, Ala. hosted by Thompson Tractor and Weyerhauser with Bill Hood from Weiler Forestry on hand to discuss their plans following the acquisition of Caterpillar Forest Products in early September. Technical sessions on Friday included a presentation by Alabama State Forester Rick Oates.

Alabama Forestry Association director Chris Issacson briefed attendees on local workforce development and logger recruitment efforts. Attorney Andrew Perrault provided a presentation on the legal issues involving maintaining the contractor/independent contractor relationship. Miranda Gowell offered an update on Team Safe Trucking, a program focused on increasing safety and training opportunity for log truck operators.

The afternoon session featured an All-Star panel of loggers on “Managing Change in Your Business,” featuring Mike Albrecht, Richard Schwab, Mitchell Presley and Bruce Zuber. The panel, moderated by Tom Trone, advised attendees on the importance of adapting in a constantly

12 • Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

Ladies were treated to a beach bash on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and a shopping experience in Fairhope, Alabama. Attendees opened their pocketbooks on September 27 at the annual ALC President’s dinner and auction, where over $30,000 was raised to support ALC programs and initiatives and another $10,000 for the Log-A-Load for Kids program, which supports medical services for children through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

During the closing President’s dinner on Saturday night, Shannon Jarvis of Missouri was introduced as the new President of the American Loggers Council.

Idaho logger Tim Christopherson and New Hampshire logger Andy Irish will serve as First and Second Vice Presidents, respectively. Shannon stated that his goals during his term as President included furthering the work on a developing strategic plan that would carry the American Loggers Council organization into its next 25 years.

PLACE YOUR MARKETPLACE AD HERE. Contact SWPA: 904-845-7133

Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 13

CELL: 912-278-0140

CELL: 912-614-2490

CELL: 912-278-1421

OFFICE: 912-367-3392

OFFICE: 912-367-3392

OFFICE: 912-367-3392

jerome@murrayforestry.com

FAX: 912-366-9048

Backing Safety JJ Lemire

Recently, several articles in safety newsletters have discussed the increasing number of incidents involving a fatality. This is alarming since a large number of trucks are backing up daily in the wood industry. In order to raise awareness about individuals on the ground and the large volume of vehicles backing up at a work sites, we need to inform and train drivers how to avoid being involved in a backing accident. Look around as you drive. Do you see a few fenders, headlights, bumpers, tailgates, etc. have been damaged. Let’s be proactive and stop these preventable accidents.

Consider these recent items from the National Safety Council: • One out of every four accidents can be blamed on poor backing techniques • The cost of “Property Damage Crash” (a typical backing up accident) is presently estimated at an average of $7,400 per event.

SWPA

• Backing accidents cause 500 fatalities and 15,000 injuries per year. The actual numbers are likely four times higher due to those incidents that are never reported because they do not involve an injury or fatality.

General rules to follow: Avoid backing if at all possible.

• If you must back – use a spotter and the spotter must always be in the view of driver.

Get to know your blind spots.

• Mirrors never give the whole picture while backing. You can’t see behind a chip van, service truck, or loaded log trailer.

• Some blind spots are 120 feet or more on long trailers.

2019 Safety Meeting Record Date

Company

Names and Signatures of ALL attendees to be attached.

Conducted by (signature)

Things to do before backing.

• Walk around the vehicle to examine for hazardous situations. When in doubt, get out and look.

• Note mud holes, pot holes, tire hazards, bumps, obstacles or individuals near your line of travel.

• Check clearances. Note how wide the vehicle is in relationship to the space you back into.

• Blow horn whenever you start to back. Continue to tap on the horn every 10 feet while backing.

• Back up alarms are a useful tool if they are operational. Immediately repair them if broken.

Self-spotting

• Begin backing within a few sections after finishing a walk around. This allows little time for changes to occur.

Other Considerations:

• Install back-up cameras to aid in tight situations.

• maneuver immediately before the situation has a chance to change.

DEVELOP GOOD HABITS WHEN BACKING YOUR VEHICLES. Educate drivers to the seriousness of the hazards with vehicle backing. DO WALK AROUNDS and realize every backing situation is different.

Overhead Hazards JJ Lemire Each year we experience several injuries from limbs falling from trees. Trees with full canopies make seeing overhead hazards more difficult. One of the constant hazards in any logging operation is the unknown hazard in the trees. Broken limbs, vines, crossed branches from other trees, etc., pose severe injury hazards up to and including possible death. A program was produced to address these hazards and it is called “Heads Up For Hazards.” Anyone on a logging job, from loggers, timber cruisers, land owners, truck drivers, ground personnel and equipment operators are all at risk. Each one of you must be cautious of the hazards around them.

Employees should be trained on the following information:

• Never walk into a work zone with running equipment or moving equipment until the equipment is stopped, engine shut off and implements grounded.

In nearly every accident, it is ground personnel (truck drivers and deck hands most often) that are most at risk from hazards from above. As a team, you must work together and stay focused. Take the time to look for overhead hazards, identify the hazard, tell everyone about it, and remove it or flag it to keep personnel away. Your proper decisions will result in a safe Spring and Summer for all. LOOK UP & STAY ALIVE!

• Follow safe operating procedures: Use well maintained, approved personal protective equipment (PPE) for head protection.

• Keep a hard hat with you and wear it. Hard hats have prevented severe injuries by deflecting falling limbs.

• Look and scan at least 100 feet ahead for any overhead hazards.

• Do not walk or sit under a lodged tree.

• Do not place your body under anything that falls or moves due to gravity or the loss of hydraulic pressure.

• Maintain at least two tree lengths from all felling operations.

• Be visible! Wear high visibility safety colors.

• Maintain communication with others in the work zone.

2019 Safety Meeting Record Date

Company

Names and Signatures of ALL attendees to be attached.

Conducted by (signature)

safety

• Look and scan at least 50 feet ahead on your path of travel.

G-Series 1995

JohnDeere.com/Skidders

G-Series II 1998

G-Series III 2000

OUTRUNâ„¢ BET TER, E ACH AND E VERY YE AR.

H-Series 2008

To be the best, we’ve got to grow to meet your needs.

Our L-Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers still deliver WKH SURGXFWLYLW\ \RXÉ•YH FRPH WR H[SHFW ZLWK D VLPSOL HG GHVLJQ for enhanced reliability. John Deere offers the machines, insights, VXSSRUW DQG QDQFLQJ WKDW RQO\ WKH IRUHVWU\ OHDGHU FDQ SURYLGH helping you OUTRUN, year after year.

L-Series 2015

L-Series II 2018

SOUTHEASTERN WOOD PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

BART ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

PO Box 9 - Hilliard, Florida 32046 (904) 845-7133 Fax: (888) 252-3919 Email: pbennett@swpa.ag

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15th each year (of the applicant’s graduating year)

ATTENTION: SWPA’s ability to award these scholarships is dependent upon funding!

Please send in a DONATION to fund these scholarships to the SWPA office.

Call SWPA at 904.845.7133 for more information.

SWPA is pleased to announce that SWPA will be awarding: two $1,000.00 college scholarships for Wood Producer Members and two $500.00 college scholarships for Associate Members, one per state. A one time $1,000.00 and a one-time $500.00 scholarship each will be awarded to eligible Florida / Georgia recipients. This scholarship was established in 2001 in memory of Bart Allen, the son of Joe and Marion Allen, who was tragically killed on August 22, 2001.

If you are a member of SWPA in good standing and have a qualifying recipient interested in one of these scholarships, please complete and return the application or call the SWPA office at (904) 845-7133. In addition to a complete application, a letter of recommendation and a short essay as to why the applicant feels he or she is the best candidate must be attached. Winners will be required to submit a photograph for use in SWPA Publications including: “Out of the Woods”, www.swpa.ag and possible press releases. In addition, scholarship recipients selected are required to submit proof of college registration to in order to receive their scholarship funds.

Please don’t delay! The applications and supporting documentation must be received by SWPA no later than January 15th each year (applicant’s graduation year), and can be mailed, faxed or emailed – but always call the SWPA office to confirm all your supporting documents and completed application was received by the deadline date. We would like to make an award at their respective high school graduation or awards day if time allows and the winners will also be recognized at the SWPA Annual or Regional Meeting.

EACH YEAR DONATIONS TO THE BART ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND MAKE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE BART ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE SURE THIS CAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO DESERVING MEMBER FAMILIES PLEASE CONTACT US AT 904.845.7133 AND ASK ABOUT HOW YOU CAN DONATE TO THIS WORTHY PROGRAM.

20 • Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

SOUTHEASTERN WOOD PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION BART ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION BAMS APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15th each year (applicant’s graduating year)

CHECK One: Graduating Year: ________

$1,000 Wood Producer - GA $1,000 Wood Producer - FL

Name in full:

$500 Assoc. GA $500 Assoc. FL

Date of Birth:

Home Address: Home Phone: Parents’ or Grandparents (Qualified SWPA Name:_________________________________ MEMBER Name) Address: __________________________City:__________ST/Zip___/_______ Member Relationship:

Parent

Grandparent

Graduation Date/Time: _________________________ Location: _________________________ (If Applicable ) Awards Night Date/Time:_________________________ Name & Phone No. for High School Guidance Office: __________________________________________ ACADEMIC RECORD: High School Name Address High School GPA

City Class Rank

Graduation Date

State Scores: SAT

ACT

Zip Other

University and/or College you will be attending* Anticipated date of enrollment Summarize your high school achievements and activities. (Be sure to provide supporting documents). (a) Honors and Awards (b) Extracurricular Activities (c) List all work experience and your responsibilities (d) Attach a short essay as to “Why you feel you are the best candidate” to receive this scholarship (e) Attach Letter of Recommendation.

I certify that all the above information on this application is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Date: __________________

Signature:

Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 21

22 • Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

TimberMart-South Timber Price Reporting Service • Southern Hardwood & Pine Products • Stumpage & Delivered Prices • Logging Rates & Biomass Prices • Quarterly Reports • Historical Data & Market Trends www.timbermart-south.com tmart@timbermart-south.com phone: 706.247.7660 fax: 706.389.9196

Mailing Address: 1860 Barnett Shoals Road PMB 103-598 Athens GA 30605 USA

24 • Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

WWW.SWPA.AG

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Vol 30 Issue 4 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 25

Out of the WoodsAdvertising Index AssuredPartners NL ................................................18 Baldwin Filters (Purchase Partner) .22,24 Barko.........................................................................................2 Bates-Hewett & Floyd........................................... 13 Bitco .......................................................................................27 Boulevard Tire Center .........................................32 Commercial Insurance Services Inc. ....24 Ferrell Timber & Site Prep Inc. ..................... 13 Forestry Mutual ..........................................................29 Giant Tire Sales and Service ......................... 30 Guffin & Eleam Insurance Inc......................25 J de Souza............................................................................6

John Deere Forestry with Beard & Flint Equipment ..................................19 Knight Forestry Inc.....................................................2 Maxi-Load .......................................................................... 13 Mizell Development Inc. ...................................24 Murray Oil Sales ..........................................................14 Nokian Tires ....................................................................15 PRIMEX-SWPA (Purchase Partner).........23 Quality Equipment & Parts Inc. ............ 2,25 Safety On Site................................................................14 Swamp Fox Agency Inc........................................ 13 Tigercat—Tidewater Equipment.. ............. 31

Timber Mart South ..................................................24 Vitillo/Wilson Hose Service ............................14 Yancey Bros ................................................................... 26 Note: All ads will run continuously unless otherwise notified.

Advertising contents are provided by and responsibility of the advertisers.

Out of the WoodsQuarterly Publication AD Rates Full Page: Color (full bleed) $815.00 issue / Greyscale $675.00 issue (8.5” x 11” full bleed ink space)

For more information please contact:

Half Page: Color $535.00 issue / Greyscale $405.00 issue (8.5” x 5.5” or 4.25” x 11” full bleed ink space)

PO Box 9, Hilliard, Florida 32046

1/4 Page: Color $405.00 issue / Greyscale $275.00 issue (8.5” x 11” full bleed ink space)

the SWPA Office (904) 845-7 133 Fax: (888) 252-3919 email: pbennett@swpa.ag

Bus Card: Color $405.00 Annually / Greyscale $335.00 Annually (3.5” x 2.1” ink space)

What YOU do is what WE protect.

BITCO knows the forest products business We’ve been providing the insurance protection and responsive services for wood-related risks for decades.

From workers compensation and general liability to auto and property coverage, you get affordable prices along with safety and security from a financially secure, A+ rated company.

Best of all, you’ll experience service from people who know and care about your business.

1-800-475-4477

www.BITCO.com

Full service branch offices: Atlanta Charlotte Dallas Denver Des Moines

Indianapolis Kansas City Little Rock Nashville New Orleans

Oklahoma City Pittsburgh Portland St. Louis San Antonio

All programs may not be available in all states.

Insurance contracts are underwritten and issued by one or more of the following: BITCO General Insurance Corporation and BITCO National Insurance Company, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, A2 Stable by Moody’s, and A+ Strong by Standard and Poor’s.

SWPA MEMBER DOLLARS SUPPORT...

EDUCATION LEGISLATION LEADERSHIP The Southeastern Wood Producers Association Inc., formed by loggers for loggers in 1990, is the leading ad‐ vocate for professional loggers in Florida and Georgia. Your membership dues also support the American Loggers Council, which is a national logging association uniting all state logging associations in the United States. The SWPA staff is always available to serve you and answer your questions. Please give us a call to dis‐cuss member benefits and to learn about how you can be involved in your association. Together we make a difference.

AMOUNT 2018-2020 Board of Directors President Scott Gies Vice President Russell Fowler Secretary – Treasurer Jerry Gray Chairman – Past Pres John Lane

ALL LOGGING COMPANIES Member companies are eligible for all SWPA Purchase Power Programs. Member employees may attend any SWPA CLE workshops or SWPA Chapter Meetings at no cost. Your annual dues provides for one full time woods crew and office staff.

PURCHASE PROGRAM MEMBER

$ 400.00

ASSOCIATE MEMBER CATEGORIES Consuming Wood Fiber Companies: (Pulp, Kraft, Cellulose, Chip, Mulch & Large Saw mills). All employees eligible for Education rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops. No Charge for District‐ Chapter Meetings and workshop 4 hours or less.

$1,000.00

Association Staff Executive Director Tommy Carroll Executive Director tcarroll@swpa.ag

Small Saw Mills, Wood Brokers, Land Management Companies: All employees eligible for Education rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops, No charge for District –Chapter Meetings and workshops 4 hours or less.

$ 500.00

Merchant‐Vendor Associates: Business member category only. Education bene‐ fits do not apply. No Charge for District‐Chapter Meetings. Contact SWPA for fur‐ ther details or to establish an “alliance partner agreement” associated with this membership category.

$ 300.00

Platinum Associates: Eligible for Education rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops, No charge for District – Chapter Meetings and workshops 4 hours or less. This is an individual membership not available for Wood Producer ‐ wood fiber hauling companies.

$ 200.00

Trucking Companies: Member companies are eligible for all SWPA Pur‐ chase Power Programs. Eligible for Education rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops, No charge for District – Chapter Meetings and workshops of 4 hours or less. PURCHASE PROGRAM MEMBER

$ 250.00

Administrative Assistant Pam Bennett Administrative Assistant pbennett@swpa.ag Board Members Justin Foster R. P. Glass Jr. Brian Henderson Charles Johns Darlene McDonald Randy McKenzie Ryan Pavlik James Rhue Tommy Rollins Richard Schwab Ken Sheppard Don Snively Dillon Stratton, III Coye Webb, Sr.

(904) 845-7133 Fax: (888) 252-3919 Email form to: pbennett@swpa.ag

1‐10 Trucks:

11 ‐ 15 Trucks: $ 500.00 15+ Trucks:

$1,000.00

Basic Associates: Friends of SWPA ‐ Receive SWPA “Out of the Woods” newslet‐ ter subscription and other member information and action alerts via email when provided.

$ 50.00

All Memberships receive SWPA “Out of the Woods” Newsletter Subscription The American Loggers Council represents over 50,000 logging professionals in 28 states. The Southe‐ sastern Wood Producers Association is proud to be a member of the American Loggers Council. For more information please contact the ALC office at 409‐625‐0206 or e‐mail at americanlogger@aol.com.

Name: ________________________________

Fax No: _______________________________

Company Name: _______________________

Home Phone:__________________________

Address: ______________________________

Wk Phone: ____________________________

City: __________________St._____________

VISA ‐ Master Card ‐ AMEX Accepted !

Zip___________ County: _________________ Email Address: _________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________________ Check here if you wish to receive text.

Check here if you wish to Call with your Credit Card Information Mail to: SWPA, P. O. Box 9, Hilliard, FL 32046 www.swpa.ag Date: ____________ Check#:_____________

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