LATEST NEWS
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals From Forest Land, Woodlands, and Urban Trees in the United States, 1990-2018
The USDA Forest Service delivers an overview of the status and trends of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from forest land, woodlands, hardwood products, and urban trees nationally for 49 U.S. states.
The report revealed that collectively, forested land, harvested wood products, and urban trees accounted for more than 95% of what is called the land carbon sink, how carbon is stored in natural systems, in the US. The carbon removed from the atmosphere and stored in forests, harvested wood, and urban trees is equal to more than 11% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States every year between 1990 and 2018.
New Relief Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses
The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation is providing a new grant opportunity for small businesses. The grant is providing $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between 3 and 20 employees, and Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, and operate in an economically vulnerable community.
*Businesses can start applying April 20th.
Eligibility:
• Employ between 3 and 20 people
• Be located in an economically vulnerable community
• Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic
To determine if eligible and to apply go to: https://savesmallbusiness.com/.
John Deere Begins Production of Protective Face Shields for Health-Care Workers
Deere, in collaboration with the UAW, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association has joined a number of organizations and companies across the country to produce protective face shields for health-care workers in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.
Employees started production on Wednesday, April 8, at the John Deere Seeding Group in Moline, Illinois. The factory manufactures planting equipment and precision ag solutions for a global customer base.
Deere expects to produce 25,000 face shields in the initial stages of production and has ordered materials and supplies to produce an additional 200,000 face shields.
The first 25,000 protective face shields will be delivered to 16 U.S. Deere factories in eight states as well as the company’s U.S. Deere-Hitachi factory for local distribution. The initial run will help meet the immediate needs of health-care workers in those communities.
MOLINE, Illinois (April 9, 2020) – John Deere, in collaboration with the UAW, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, announced today it is producing protective face shields at John Deere Seeding Group in Moline, Illinois. Deere employees will initially produce 25,000 face shields to meet the immediate needs of health-care workers in several of its U.S. manufacturing communities.
Materials and supplies are on order to produce an additional 200,000 face shields. The company is using an open-source design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the project and leveraging expertise, skills, and innovation of its employee base.
“Our manufacturing and supply management teams, along with our production and maintenance employees, the UAW, and our partners have worked tirelessly to ensure we could lend our support and protect our health-care workers during this crisis,” said John May, Chief Executive Officer, Deere & Company. “By working closely with the communities where our employees live and work, we can help support the needs we’ve identified close to home and, as the project expands, address additional, urgent needs across the country.”
John Deere Seeding Group employees are supporting the special project and are utilizing extensive and robust safety measures adopted across the company to safeguard employees.
“This is a very proud day for the UAW and our UAW members,” said Rory L. Gamble, UAW President. “I want to recognize the hard work that Secretary-Treasurer and Agriculture Implement Department Director Ray Curry and Region 4 Director Ron McInroy contributed to this effort. This included working to put the necessary health and safety provisions in place for our members to begin manufacturing critically-needed face shields for the health-care workers who are on the front lines of this crisis saving lives. We are especially proud of the courageous UAW members who are stepping up to do this critical work.”
The production of protective face shields is one of many initiatives the company and its employees have executed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Efforts in the U.S. have included the following:
PPE donations to health care facilities
2:1 employee match program encouraging donations to local food banks and the American Red Cross
Production of approximately 18,000 protective face shields for use by factory employees
Employee volunteerism efforts to sew cloth masks for community members along with a match from the John Deere Foundation for the time invested in this volunteer activity
Launch of a COVID-19 innovations site to share open-source specifications for related projects, including 3D-printed clips to affix face shields to protective bump caps
For additional information regarding Deere’s response to COVID-19, visit our Coronavirus Update Center.
About Deere & Company
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.
NEWS RELEASE Jen Hartmann Director, Public Relations HartmannJenniferA@JohnDeere.com
SBA Coronavirus Relief Options
The Small Business Administration currently has 4 programs in place to assist small businesses (less than 500 employees) cope with the economic impacts that the Covid-19 virus has dealt to almost all of us.
For the best and latest updates on each of the programs, we recommend that you visit the link below to get a comprehensive listing of those programs as well as all of the eligibility requirements and links to application forms that will be needed to present to either your local financial institutions who are making some of the loans or directly back to the SBA, depending on what program you are participating in. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
The four programs that are currently available include the Paycheck Protection Act, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) emergency advance program, the SBA Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt relief. A brief summary of each of these programs is listed below, but the American Loggers Council advices is to check with either your local financial institution or certified public account for financial advice on how to make application and what program might best fit your business needs. Several of these programs have caps set through legislation that will be serviced on a first come – first served basis, so if you are considering accepting relief, then you should take action as soon as possible.
Paycheck Protection Program:
On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act or the Act) (P.L. 116-136) to provide emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Small Business Administration (SBA) received funding and authority through the Act to modify existing loan programs and establish a new loan program to assist small businesses nationwide adversely impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. Section 1102 of the Act temporarily permits SBA to guarantee 100 percent of 7(a) loans under a new program titled the “Paycheck Protection Program.” Section 1106 of the Act provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount of qualifying loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program. The intent of the Act is that SBA provide relief to America’s small businesses expeditiously. This intent, along with the dramatic decrease in economic activity nationwide, provides good cause for SBA to dispense with the 30-day delayed effective date provided in the Administrative Procedure Act. Specifically, small businesses need to be informed on how to apply for a loan and the terms of the loan under section 1102 of the Act as soon as possible because the last day to apply for and receive a loan is June 30, 2020. The immediate effective date of this interim final rule will benefit small businesses so that they can immediately apply for the loan with a full understanding of loan terms and conditions. This interim final rule is effective without advance notice and public comment because section 1114 of the Act authorizes SBA to issue regulations to implement Title 1 of the Act without regard to notice requirements. Program Requirement (as defined in 13 CFR 120.10).
What Do Borrowers Need to Know and Do?
Am I eligible? You are eligible for a PPP loan if you have 500 or fewer employees whose principal place of residence is in the United States, or are a business that operates in a certain industry and meet the applicable SBA employee-based size standards for that industry, and:
You are:
A.) A small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 USC 632), and subject to SBA’s affiliation rules under 13 CFR121.301(f) unless specifically waived in the Act;
B.) A tax-exempt nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), a tax-exempt veterans organization described in section 501(c)(19) of the IRC, Tribal business concern described in section 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act, or any other business; and
You were in operation on February 15, 2020 and either had employees for whom you paid salaries and payroll taxes or paid independent contractors, as reported on a Form 1099-MISC. You are also eligible for a PPP loan if you are an individual who operates under a sole proprietorship or as an independent contractor or eligible self-employed individual, you were in operation on February 15, 2020.
For an online application please visit: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/PPP%20Lender%20Application%20Form_0.pdf
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available following a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and loan advance, click here.
SBA Bridge Loans:
SBA Express Bridge Loans enable small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Terms:
Up to $25,000
Fast turnaround
Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan
For COVID-19 Emergency Declaration loans, Lenders may obtain SBA loan numbers for EBL loans through March 13, 2021.
For EBL loans made under the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, the Lender must document in the credit memorandum that the EBL applicant had an operating business as of March 13, 2020 and that the applicant has demonstrated that it has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.
For the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, Lenders must certify in the credit memorandum that the EBL loan proceeds will be used by the borrower to support the survival and/or reopening of the small business. This certification must be included with any guaranty purchase request to SBA.
For the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, EBL loan proceeds must be disbursed as working capital.
Because an EBL loan is limited to $25,000, a Lender may charge up to 6.5% over the Prime rate, regardless of the maturity of the loan.
The SBA Express collateral policy applies to EBL loans. Because the maximum amount of an EBL loan is $25,000, Lenders are not required to take collateral for EBL loans.
SBA Debt Relief
As part of SBA's debt relief efforts,
The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.
The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
***DISCLAIMER: This is to serve as guidance on the programs available, not financial advice.**
Komatsu’s New 901XC 8WD Harvester is a Thinning Powerhouse for Challenging Steep, Rough or Soft Terrain
Chattanooga, Tenn., April 3, 2020 — Komatsu’s new 901XC (eXtreme Conditions) 8WD harvester excels in challenging steep, rough or soft harvesting environments. The 901XC has all of the market-leading features found in Komatsu’s proven 901-6WD harvester platform, including the innovative, 3PS three-pump hydraulic system, best-in-class ergonomic cab, 4-way cab/crane leveling, and ±180° cab/crane rotation.
Unique Komatsu 8WD System : Komatsu’s 901XC differs from other 8WD harvesters because of its unique drive system. Its exclusive “double Comfort Bogie” drive system provides excellent handling and follows the terrain more closely than competitors’ 8WD machines that have a fixed rear-axle design. The 8WD system generates 12% more tractive effort and significantly reduces rear ground pressure: 53% lower psi with tracks and 19% lower psi with tires, compared to the 901-6WD model.
Performance & Productivity: The 901XC shares all the same market-leading features as the Komatsu 901, 911, 931, 931XC and 951 harvesters, including Komatsu’s innovative, 3PS three-pump hydraulic system, for higher hydraulic working flow at low engine speeds, while lowering fuel consumption. The system allows the operator to simultaneously slew, feed and maneuver. These hydraulic system interactions are all automatically controlled by Komatsu’s new MaxiXT control and information system.
The range of available Komatsu harvesting heads includes the S92, C93 and C124 designed to meet specific application needs. The 901XC is ideally suited for the rugged Komatsu C124 “carry-style” head, which has four powerful motors and four heavy-duty driven feed rollers.
Operator Comfort & Convenience: The premium, modern cab provides the operator with excellent upward and downward front line-of-sight visibility. Sixteen powerful LED working lights provide excellent illumination, for improved visibility in low light conditions. An air suspension, air-vented seat, fully adjustable ergonomic armrests and hand controls, and an automatic, 4-season climate control system, keep the operator comfortable in all working conditions.
Serviceability: All daily maintenance checks and fills can be performed at ground level or from inside the cab. The highly-functional machine design includes a one-piece hood that opens rearward to fully expose the entire engine compartment for easy service access. An automatic central lubrication system and well-placed front, rear, cab and hydraulic tank service platforms further facilitate machine serviceability. All filters are vertically mounted to ease replacement and minimize the potential for spills.
About Komatsu: Komatsu is an industry-leading manufacturer and supplier of equipment, technologies and services for the construction, forklift, mining, industrial and forestry markets. For nearly a century, Komatsu equipment and services have been used by companies worldwide to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create technology and consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations, tapping into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. Komatsu® is a registered trademark of Komatsu Ltd. Komatsu America Corp. is an authorized licensee of Komatsu Ltd. All other trademarks and service marks used herein are the property of Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu America Corp., or their respective owners or licensees. Note: All comparisons and claims of improved performance made herein are made with respect to the current Komatsu 901-6WD model unless otherwise specifically stated. Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Contact: Steve Yolitz, Komatsu America Corp Forest Machine Business Division, 423.668.3235, syolitz@komatsuna.com
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn.
Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan.
View or download complete guide & checklist below:
Tigercat Releases 602 Grapple Skidder
March 6, 2020 - Quick, compact and fuel efficient, the 602 grapple skidder is ideal for high value selective logging in tight or challenging terrain. The size and agility of the 602 grapple skidder makes it ideal for selective felling applications. The machine can access high value timber in steep terrain, while minimizing damage to the residual stand. A fixed front axle with an oscillating centre section allows the 602 to achieve a narrow overall width of 2,7 metres (106 in).
For the full news release click here.
Scalise, Newhouse Lead 130 Members to Support NEPA Modernization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led a joint House Energy Action Team (HEAT) and Congressional Western Caucus letter signed by 130 Members in support of the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) efforts to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
“In our districts across the country, we constantly hear about the opportunities lost when projects are stalled by NEPA’s increasingly time consuming and unnecessary red tape,” the letter reads. “As we travel throughout our communities, we experience these failures as we encounter crumbling roads and closed-off bridges that may wait years for repair. We all want better roads, stronger bridges, and improved infrastructure, but without NEPA reform that reality is years away.”
The letter, spearheaded by Whip Scalise and Rep. Newhouse, is an effort on behalf of the House Energy Action Team and Congressional Western Caucus to encourage and support the Trump Administration’s efforts to streamline and modernize NEPA in order to encourage environmental leadership while eliminating the negative effects of permitting delays for critical infrastructure projects in communities across the United States.
The Unlock American Investment Coalition, comprised of 40+ trade associations and organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, supports NEPA modernization in order to incentivize American investment in modern, efficient infrastructure and create middle-class sustaining jobs while advancing good environmental stewardship.
“Projects should not take longer to permit than they do to construct,” said Marty Durbin, Senior Vice President for Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “American businesses and labor organizations from across the economy stand ready to provide the infrastructure our nation needs—from roads and bridges to broadband and renewable energy. However, we won’t be able to meet our growing infrastructure challenges without restoring the NEPA permitting process back to its original intent. We’re thankful for the support of so many members of Congress and we look forward to the Administration finalizing the new rule without delay.”
The letter was signed by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Republican Whip and HEAT Co-Chair Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY), HEAT Co-Chairs Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ), and Reps. Jodey C. Arrington (R-TX), Greg Pence (R-IN), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Bill Flores (R-FL), Randy K. Weber (R-TX), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Larry Buschon, M.D. (R-IN), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Scott Tipton (R-CO), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Ron Wright (R-TX), Rick W. Allen (R-GA), John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Daniel P. Meuser (R-PA), Alex X. Mooney (R-WV), Pete Olson (R-TX), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Billy Long (R-MO), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), Tom Rice (R-SC), Carol D. Miller (R-WV), Mike Johnson (R-LA), Sam Graves (R-MO), Steve Womack (R-AR), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Mike Bost (R-IL), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), David P. Roe, M.D. (R-TN), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Tom Cole (R-OK), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Steve Chabot (R-OH), French Hill (R-AR), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Andy Barr (R-KY), George Holding (R-NC), Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-LA), Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Garret Graves (R-LA), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-SC), Rob Bishop (R-UT), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Michael Waltz (R-FL), Robert E. Latta (R-OH), David Rouzer (R-NC), Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Don Young (R-AK), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Ken Calvert (CA-42), H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jason Smith (R-MO), Steve King (R-IA), Paul Cook (R-CA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Bill Johnson (R-OH), James R. Baird (R-IN), Ken Buck (R-CO), John Curtis (R-UT), Brian Babin (R-TX), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Rodney Davis (R-IL), John Shimkus (R-IL), Greg Walden (R-OR), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ted S. Yoho, D.V.M. (R-FL), Roger Williams (R-TX), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Doug Collins (R-GA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Scott Perry (R-PA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Susan Brooks (R-IN), Martha Roby (R-AL), Rob Woodall (R-GA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), John Rose (R-TN), John R. Carter (R-TX), Jody B. Hice (R-GA), John H. Rutherford (R-FL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Fred Keller (R-PA), Ross Spano (R-FL), Steve Watkins (R-KS), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Adrian Smith (R-NE), James Comer (R-KY), and William Timmons (R-SC).
The full letter can be found here.
Background: In January, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize and clarify the regulations of NEPA to facilitate a more efficient, effective, and timely NEPA review process. CEQ has not comprehensively updated its regulations since their promulgation in 1978, more than four decades ago. The proposed amendments in this rulemaking would advance the original goals of CEQ regulations to reduce paperwork and delays of implementations of the policies set forth in NEPA. Click here to learn more.
Source: Western Caucus
Nicolet College Offers a Forestry Equipment Maintenance Program
This certificate will prepare you to work in the forest industry by building basic skills to repair and maintain forestry equipment. You will gain basic knowledge of hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical components used with forestry equipment. You’ll also learn the theory of fluid power, DC electricity, and CAN BUS control systems plus be introduced to diagnostics and repair of equipment components. You’ll also become familiar with a workshop environment and have an opportunity to visit local forestry dealers and logging contractors. Upon completion of the certificate, you’ll have the skills needed for entry-level positions in forestry working in dealer workshops and maintaining logging contractor equipment.
Tigercat Launches LogOn
Tigercat is pleased to announce the launch of LogOn, a powerful onboard information system to optimize machine performance and reduce downtime. Users can now easily access detailed machine data and diagnostics tools at the worksite, including mechanical parameters, fuel economy, performance metrics, service codes, service manuals and more. Users can access detailed fault codes and important troubleshooting information onsite to help ensure the correct fix the first time.
For the full news release and a high resolution image visit: https://www.tigercat.com/tigercat-launches-logon