LATEST NEWS
Chad Shelton of Virginia Loggers Association Appointed to Governor Northam's Board of Forestry
Governor Ralph Northam announced Friday September 17 that Chad Shelton, Vice President of Virginia Loggers Association, was appointed to the Board of Forestry (BOF). Chad will serve as advisor on the BOF to the Virginia Department of Forestry and Governor's office, representing the forest harvesting sector of the forest products industry.
Chad Shelton grew up in a logging family. His parents, Howard & Lana Shelton and owners of H. J. Shelton Logging, Inc. welcomed Chad's interest in the business. Chad is an important part of the business now and helps his parents with operations, marketing, contracts and more.
While Chad is active in the family business, he is also adding on a new specialty sawmill, and serving as an active leader in his community and VLA. He is an active board member who serves the industry at large with conviction and dedication for the industry.
Chad works closely with Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau and other committees dedicated to forestry, agriculture, and the businesses who make it up.
Chad had long envisioned that forest harvesting and agriculture were too similar to be treated differently under the law.
In 2019, Chad led VLA on a legislative journey to change the Virginia tax code and sought the Virginia General Assembly's approval for an amendment that would treat forest harvesting equipment just like farm machinery. He ultimately sought an exemption from all personal property and machinery taxes in all Virginia Counties.
Through Chad’s efforts and close county leadership connections, he was able to secure Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau’s commitment to put forth a local resolution that would accomplish his goal. Chad also worked closely with Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors and Commissioner of Revenue winning their support for this change.
Chad joined his local Farm Bureau representatives to their annual Resolutions committee in Charlottesville and together won the overall Farm Bureau support. The resolution was adopted by the full voting body of the VA Farm Bureau.
Mr. Shelton continues to support Virginia logging businesses and mills by maintaining a visible profile in the forest products industry. He is working to ensure that forest biomass is included in Farm Bureau's official policy. Chad represents the principles of keeping Virginia pro-business environment and helping all businesses grow.
John Deere Intros 330-Horsepower Option for the 853M and 853MH Machines
MOLINE, Ill. (August 10, 2021) — Looking to meet the needs of the most demanding forestry applications, John Deere now offers a 330-horsepower option for the 853M Tracked Feller Buncher and 853MH Tracked Harvester equipped with the optional Dedicated Travel System feature. The combination of the travel and horsepower options on the 853M and 853MH machines enables John Deere to deliver enhanced performance in harsh conditions.
“We know that machine performance is critical for our customers, and we strive to find new solutions that further enhance operation, even when working in challenging conditions,” said Jim O’Halloran, product marketing manager, John Deere. “This new horsepower option on the 853M and 853MH further enhances the functionality of the Dedicated Travel System, ensuring our machinery always surpasses expectations. Now, operators will have the option to further improve overall productivity and efficiency on their job site.”
The Dedicated Travel System feature provides focused hydraulic functionality for the tracks, while providing independent hydraulic power and performance to the swing, boom, and attachment functions. This hydrostatic control of the travel function increases overall machine efficiency, especially during heavy multifunctioning. The additional horsepower is fully available for additional work, adding to the increased performance and productivity of the equipment.
The horsepower update further adds to the customer-driven features found on the M-Series and MH-Series machines. The operator station was designed by loggers, for loggers, with maximum comfort in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize visibility, and ergonomically designed controls further enhance the operator experience. The Rapid Cycle System allows for low-effort joystick control of all boom functions, considerably reducing operator fatigue and increasing productivity.
To learn more about the 853M Tracked Feller Buncher and 853M Tracked Harvester, as well as the complete John Deere lineup of forestry equipment, visit www.JohnDeere.com or your local John Deere dealer.
Contact: Allison Winer, allisonw@imre.com, 410-830-0011
Logging Equipment Operator Academy - Hinds Community College Mississippi
Class starts the end of August. Contact Wayne Withers @ (601) 857-3583 to secure your spot!
About Program
The Diesel Equipment Technology Program is an instructional program that provides students with the competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment, including but not limited to agricultural tractors, commercial trucks, and construction equipment. Students learn to inspect, repair and maintain engines, power trains, hydraulic systems, electrical, air conditioning, and brake systems, in addition to earning multiple industry accredited certifications in each area of concentration over a course of 14 consecutive months.
Experienced faculty prepare students for an entry-level Diesel Technician position in the Heavy Duty Truck and Heavy Equipment industry. The curriculum utilizes both the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) 2014 Medium/Heavy Truck standards and the 2014 Standards for Construction Equipment Technology (AED). These documents serve as national standards for certification of medium/heavy truck and construction equipment technician programs.
The program offers an accelerated transition pathway of a career certificate at successful completion of 30 semester credit hours, a technical certificate for transportation (medium to heavy trucks) option at successful completion of 45 semester credit hours or a technical certificate for heavy equipment option at successful completion of 45 semester credit hours. Students have the opportunity to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Equipment Technology degree (AAS-DET) simultaneously or after completion of the technical certificate by successfully completing the required 15 to 16 semester credit hours approved college-level academic courses.
The Diesel Equipment Technology Program offers 12-14 students the flexibility of beginning this program five times a year: January, March, June, August, and October.
Employment Potential
Sponsors of the Diesel Technology Academy include Stribling Equipment, Empire Truck Sales, and Total Transportation. Students will find the Diesel Equipment Technology program a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in the Diesel industry. The program has an excellent reputation with local industries looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Graduates of this program typically go to work at local dealerships that sell and service heavy duty trucks and or Industrial equipment such as Dozers, Excavators, Backhoes, logging equipment etc. The average annual income for these positions is $50,000 at the state level.
Application Package For PATHH Program
The majority of the applications being submitted are only including the Form FSA-1118. There are four other forms that need to be submitted along with FSA-1118.
To complete your application process you must complete the following forms and submit online or to your local FSA office.
FSA-1118 - This is the application and should be in the name of the business/individual this is who will get the payment
AD-1026 - Needs to be completed by all members of the entity; if it is an individual filing the app, then just one needs to be completed from that individual
AD-2047 - Also needs to be completed by all members of the entity; if it is an individual filing the app, then just one needs to be completed from that individual
Form-901 - Only needs to be completed if it is an entity, partnership, etc.
SF-3881 - Direct Deposit Form - This form must either be signed by the bank or submitted with a check copy showing the routing and account numbers.
Ponsse North America Featured on Tomorrow’s World Today
Pittburgh, PA: Tomorrow’s World Today, a cutting-edge television show for the latest developments on sustainability, technology and innovation will feature Ponsse on its Emmy-nominated television show in Season 4. Tomorrow’s World Today explores the concepts of science and technology that are changing lives today for making a difference tomorrow.
In this episode, Field Reporter David Carmine heads out to Eugene, Oregon where the 2020 wildfires of 2020 ravaged the state. In fact, 1.2 million acres of land were destroyed in just 72 hours. The show will explore how Ponsse helps with post-fire salvage, which not only supports local timber industries, but also promotes future forest development and reduces the chance of fires happening again.
Carmine meets with Pekka Ruuskanen, President and CEO of Ponsse North America to learn about the process. He also speaks with Matt Mattioda from Miller Timber Services, who discusses two Ponsse machines that are pivotal to post-fire salvage: the Harvester and Forwarder.
“Seeing the devastation first-hand was incredibly emotional,” said Carmine. ”And looking at the Bootleg fires happening now, and the difficulty firefighters are having to contain them, I know there will be a lot of work that needs to be done in a short amount of time for foresters to be able to salvage the trees that are damaged.”
Next, Carmine will take viewers through the sawmill process to learn how burnt wood is salvaged and then he heads back to the forest to discuss the importance of forestry management and shares technological advancements taking place in the milling industry.
Season Four, Episode Three of Tomorrow's World Today, featuring Ponsse, will air on Saturday, August 7 at 8:30 am EST on Science Channel and Sunday, August 8 at 6:30 a.m. on Discovery. It will also be available to stream on DiscoveryGo and ScienceGo the following week.
About Tomorrow’s World Today
Tomorrow’s World Today is an Emmy-nominated television show that focuses on finding a better way for us to live more sustainable lives. We spotlight the latest in technology and sustainability in four different areas: inspiration, creation, innovation, and production and our field reporters travel the world in search of the innovative pioneers who are utilizing our natural and technological resources. New ideas are the source of innovation. What will you do with yours for tomorrow’s world, today?
https://www.tomorrowsworldtoday.com/ and https://www.twtshow.com
PATHH Webinar Rescheduled: Pandemic Assistance to Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program
Due to technical difficulties today’s webinar on the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 12:00 noon eastern.
PRE-REGISTRATION will again be required. Please click on this link https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1483657&tp_key=858211eeee
and complete the five registration fields and click submit. You will not be able to use today’s registration link.
After registering an email will be sent to you with the link and new password for tomorrow’s webinar.
After tomorrow’s webinar, a transcribed link to the webinar recording and the webinar slides will be posted here for your convenience. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/outreach-and-education/webinars/index
Frequently Asked Questions: Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program
USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept PATHH applications from July 22 through October 15, 2021. Learn more at farmers.gov/pathh.
About PATHH
Q: What is the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program?
A: USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) is a new program that will provide up to $200 million in financial relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses in 2020 due to COVID-19. PATHH is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
Q: What USDA agency is administering PATHH?
A: PATHH is administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). FSA will be the principal agency charged with implementing PATHH with the USFS providing technical assistance. Applicants will work with FSA to submit their PATHH application and supporting documents.
Q: When does the signup period for PATHH open and close?
A: USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept PATHH applications from July 22 through October 15, 2021.
Q: Are PATHH funds a loan that must be repaid? Is there a fee to apply?
A: No. PATHH is not a loan program and there is no fee to apply.
Q: I don’t participate in any USDA programs. Can I apply for PATHH?
A: Yes. Participation in other USDA programs is not a prerequisite to apply for PATHH.
Q: Is there an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limit to receive PATHH assistance?
A: No. Average adjusted gross income limitations will not apply to PATHH.
Q: What is the funding amount and funding source for PATHH?
A: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, allocated $200 million in funding for PATHH to provide financial relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Eligibility
Q: How do I know if my timber harvesting or timber hauling business is eligible for PATHH?
A: PATHH will support timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced a loss of at least 10 percent gross revenue from January 1 through December 1, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. You can calculate your loss in revenue using the following formula, where both years reflect gross revenue from January 1 through December 1:
Percent Revenue Loss = ((2019 Gross Revenue – 2020 Gross Revenue) / 2019 Gross Revenue) x 100
Additional eligibility requirements include deriving at least 50 percent of gross revenue from cutting timber, hauling timber, and/or producing wood chips on forest land during the above time periods and confirmation of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, among others. Visit farmers.gov/pathh for a full list of program eligibility requirements.
Q: My timber harvesting or timber hauling business was not in operation for the duration of January 1, 2019 through December 1, 2019 and/or January 1, 2020 through December 1, 2020. How will this impact my eligibility and the calculation of my gross revenue?
A: To be eligible for PATHH, applicants must have been in operation as a timber harvesting business or timber hauling business for at least part of the periods from January 1, 2019, through December 1, 2019, and January 1, 2020, through December 1, 2020. USDA will adjust your gross revenue proportionally if you did not operate during the entire period for one or both years.
Q: Are minors eligible for PATHH?
A: No. Minors under 18 years of age are not eligible for PATHH.
PATHH Payments
Q: How will PATHH payments be calculated for eligible truckers and loggers?
A: PATHH payments will be based on the applicant’s gross revenue received from January 1, 2019 through December 1, 2019, minus gross revenue received from January 1, 2020 through December 1, 2020, multiplied by 80 percent. The below equation represents this calculation:
Expected PATHH Payment = (2019 Gross Revenue – 2020 Gross Revenue) x 0.80
The Farm Service Agency will issue an initial payment equal to the lesser of the application calculated payment amount described above or $2,000. A final payment will be made after the signup period closes to applicants whose expected total payment exceeds $2,000. The sum of both payments will be no greater than $125,000, and USDA may prorate final payments and/or reduce this payment limitation if total calculated payments exceed the total funding allocated for the program.
Q: How will PATHH payments be distributed?
A: Eligible program applicants will receive up to two PATHH payments through direct deposit. The first payment up to $2,000 will be made after an application is approved. A second and final payment will be made after the application period closes on October 15, 2021. The sum of both payments will be no greater than $125,000, and USDA may prorate final payments and/or reduce this payment limitation if total calculated payments exceed the total funding allocated for the program.
Q. Is this a first-come, first-serve program? What if you run out of money?
A: To ensure there is adequate funding for all eligible loggers and truckers, the Farm Service Agency will make an initial payment of equal to the lesser of the application calculated payment amount or $2,000. A final payment will be made after the signup period closes to applicants whose expected total payment exceeds $2,000. The sum of both payments will be no greater than $125,000, and USDA may prorate final payments and/or reduce this payment limitation if total calculated payments exceed the total funding allocated for the program.
Q: When are PATHH payments expected to begin?
A: Farm Service Agency county offices will process applications as they receive them beginning July 22, 2021. Program approval is handled at the local level and the timeline for this approval process, including required internal controls and data validation, varies from county to county. Initial payments of up to $2,000 will be made shortly after applications are approved. A second and final payment will be made after the application period closes on October 15, 2021.
Q: What is the payment limitation for PATHH?
A: The sum of PATHH payments that a person or legal entity, including a joint venture or general partnership may directly receive, is $125,000. [KJ-FWD1] USDA may reduce this payment limitation if total calculated payments exceed the total $200 million in funding allocated for the program.
Like all other programs administered by FSA, payments made to a PATHH applicant that is a Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, as defined in section 4(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304), will not be subject to payment limitation.
Unlike other programs administered by FSA, applicants that are a joint venture or general partnership will be treated like a corporation and will be eligible to receive a single payment limitation per entity.
Q. Can PATHH payments be withheld to satisfy a debt?
A: No. These payments will not be subject to administrative offset. This means the payments will not be withheld to satisfy any USDA debts nor will they be offset by Treasury.
Q. Are PATHH payments going to be counted as taxable income?
A: The Farm Service Agency reports program payments to the Internal Revenue Service and program participants on a CCC-1099-G. This report is a service to help program participants report taxable income. Please consult with the IRS or your tax preparer for any additional questions on how this income impacts your business.
How to Apply
Q: How can I prepare to apply for PATHH in advance of the signup period?
A full list of program eligibility requirements and information on applying is available at farmers.gov/pathh. We recommend you review this list before initiating your application once the signup period opens on July 22.
Your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff will work with you to fill out the PATHH application. Visit farmers.gov/service-locator to find contact information for the FSA office at your local USDA Service Center. FSA staff are available to support you in preparing your application. You may also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance or answer any questions.
Q: How do I apply for PATHH once the signup period opens on July 22?
You will apply for PATHH through the Farm Service Agency office at your local USDA Service Center. Visit farmers.gov/pathh for a full set of application requirements, including forms that will be needed to finalize your application. Please remember, USDA staff are available to assist with every step of your application process.
Q: Do I need to work with a third-party entity to complete my PATHH application.
A: No. USDA helps applicants complete program applications and other paperwork free of charge. USDA Service Center staff can guide you through the process of preparing and submitting required paperwork to apply for PATHH on your own, with no need to hire a paid preparer. Language translation services are available in all USDA Service Centers, so one-on-one assistance with a Service Center employee can be translated in real time for applicants requiring translations.
Q: What documents do I need to submit with my PATHH application?
The forms needed to complete your PATHH application are available for download at farmers.gov/pathh. These include the program application form – FSA-1118 – along with forms to confirm your personal information, enable your direct deposit payment, and certify compliance with USDA conservation compliance provisions. You may also be required to provide certain documentation from your tax records.
Q: My local USDA Service Center is not open for walk-in service. How does this impact how I’ll submit my application?
A: We are committed to delivering USDA services while taking safety measures in response to the pandemic. Some USDA offices are open to limited visitors by appointment only. Service Center staff also continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Please call the Farm Service Agency office at your local USDA Service Center to schedule an appointment if you’d like assistance or have questions about applying for PATHH.
A call center is available for applicants who would like additional one-on-one support with the PATHH application process over the phone. Please call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer support. The call center can provide service to non-English speaking customers. Customers will select 1 for English and 2 for Spanish. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to the call center staff.
Q: I’ve never worked with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) previously. How do I connect with my local FSA office to get started with my application?
A: There is a Farm Service Agency (FSA) office located in nearly every county across the United States. Visit farmers.gov/service-locator to find the contact information for your local office. We recommend you call your office to connect directly with FSA staff who can talk with you about the program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. You may also contact our call center at 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer support. At USDA, we are here to make your application process as easy as possible and will provide support every step of the way.
Q: Do the Farm Bill’s conservation compliance requirements apply to PATHH?
A: Yes. Producers participating in PATHH must be in compliance with the highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation provisions at 7 CFR Part 12 to be eligible. Producers must agree, by certifying Form AD-1026, that they will not produce an agricultural commodity on highly erodible land without a conservation plan, plant an agricultural commodity on a converted wetland, or convert a wetland to make possible the production of an agricultural commodity. This form is available at farmers.gov/pathh.
We understand that many loggers and truckers participating in PATHH may not have a farming interest. In this case, applicants will be asked to check box 5A of form AD-1026, sign, and return the form to the FSA office at their local USDA Service Center.
Q: I do not have a farming interest. Do I still need to complete form AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification, with my application?
A: Yes. Applicants without a farming interest will be asked to check box 5A of form AD-1026. This confirms the applicant does not have interest in land devoted to agriculture and do not own or lease any agricultural lands themselves.
Q: What is the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and how do I find the NAICS code for my business?
A: NAICS is the 2017 North American Industry Classification System. It is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
The NAICS code for your business will be located on your federal tax return documents for 2019 and 2020.
Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers – PATHH Program
“We thank the American Loggers Council and its state association members for helping us better understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timber harvester and timber hauler sectors,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “They provided insights on their industry that allowed us to develop an effective and efficient program that delivers the greatest benefits to businesses in need.”
The American Loggers Council is pleased to announce that the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) financial assistance program has been developed and will open for applications in the immediate future.
This program is the culmination of the American Loggers Council leadership beginning last summer when Senator Collins (ME) and Senator Smith (MN) introduced legislation to provide financial assistance to the logging and log hauling businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Senator Collins and Senator Smith, along with House members Representative Golden (ME) and Representative Rouzer (NC), in conjunction with the American Loggers Council state associations, were able to negotiate inclusion of $200 million in the 2020 Supplemental Appropriations Bill in December.
The PATHH program will be administered by the Farm Service Agency based on their experience with similar agricultural commodity programs and presence in nearly every county. The USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and the Farm Service Agency developed the PATHH program in record time at the direction of the Biden Administration. The Farm Service Agency will be conducting outreach programs to ensure that all eligible companies will be aware of the program and application process.
The financial and human capital invested by the American Loggers Council in securing this financial aid for American Timber Harvesters (Loggers) and Haulers (Truckers) is a demonstration of representation as the National Voice for Professional Loggers – Loggers Working for Loggers, that the American Loggers Council provides.
This is an historic accomplishment. For the first time ever in our long history of forest management, the timber industry will be recognized as an agricultural commodity like other agricultural sectors.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept PATHH applications from July 22 through October 15, 2021.
To be eligible for payments, individuals or legal entities must be a timber harvesting or timber hauling business where 50% or more of its gross revenue is derived from one or more of the following:
Cutting timber
Transporting timber
Processing of wood on-site on the forest land (chipping, grinding, converting to biochar, cutting to smaller lengths, etc.).
Payments will be based on the applicant’s gross revenue received from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 1, 2019, minus gross revenue received from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 1, 2020, multiplied by 80%. FSA will issue an initial payment equal to the lesser of the calculated payment amount or $2,000 as applications are approved. A second payment will be made after the signup period has ended based upon remaining PATHH funds. The maximum amount that a person or legal entity may receive directly is $125,000.
Loggers and other stakeholders in the program are highly encouraged to participate in a Wednesday July 21 webinar at 3 p.m. Eastern. Interested participants must register for the webinar.
Westerman Statement on Incoming USFS Chief
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced Randy Moore as the new USFS chief. Former Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen will retire at the end of July after more than 40 years as a professional forester, wildland firefighter and land manager. House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:
"As a forester myself, I'm very familiar with the challenges facing American forestry and the need for a seasoned professional to lead the USFS. Mr. Moore is bringing new experiences and ideas to the table, and I sincerely hope we can work together on mitigating catastrophic wildfires, opening up our national forests to sustainable lumber harvesting, making forests more resilient against insects and diseases and much more. I'd also like to thank Ms. Christiansen for her years of dedicated service and thoughtful investment in forests, both in my district and across the country. We have an incredible responsibility to steward these rich resources well, and I look forward to creating solutions together."
ABOUT RANDY MOORE
Randy Moore has been serving as Regional Forester in the Pacific Southwest Region in California since 2007 where he has responsibility for 18 national forests, covering one-fifth of the state on 20 million acres of land. Additionally, he oversees State and Private Forestry programs in Hawaii and the U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands.
Previously, Moore served as the Regional Forester for the Eastern Region headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisc., for five years.
Moore started his career in conservation in 1978 with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in North Dakota. His Forest Service career began on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests in Colorado and the Comanche and Cimarron National Grasslands in Kansas. He served as Deputy Forest Supervisor on the National Forests of North Carolina and the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri before serving as Forest Supervisor of the Mark Twain National Forest. Moore also has national-level experience in Washington, D.C., serving as acting Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System and the National Deputy Soils Program Manager.
Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and his wife Antoinette have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons.
Senator Collins Urges Agriculture Secretary to Quickly Distribute Delayed COVID-19 Relief Funding for Loggers
Washington, D.C. – At a Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, U.S. Senator Susan Collins urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to expedite the distribution of COVID-19 relief funding for logging and log hauling businesses.
Last year, Senator Collins and Representative Jared Golden introduced the Loggers Relief Act to establish a new USDA program to provide direct payments to loggers who have been seriously impacted by the pandemic. Senator Collins, a lead negotiator of the COVID-19 relief bill that was signed into law in December, successfully secured the inclusion of the Loggers Relief Act and $200 million in funding in the final package.
“I know that USDA announced this morning that this program and others would be implemented in the next 60 days. But I would point out that the program was signed into law on December 27. So it has taken nearly six months just for loggers to be told that it could take yet another two months before they actually receive relief,” said Senator Collins. “And given their losses during the pandemic, this is a problem. Is there any way for the USDA to speed up the implementation of this program so that it does not take another 60 days?”
“We will do it as quickly as we can within the resources that we have and within the legalities that we have to follow. Senator, I really appreciate the fact that you feel that this has been delayed, but I think you have to look at all of the other activities and work that we have had to do at USDA,” responded Secretary Vilsack. “And under the circumstances and given the staffing reductions that we faced coming into this administration, I think our people have done a pretty daggone good job of getting things out.”
“I understand and appreciate your folks are suffering, and we will try to get that relief,” continued Secretary Vilsack. “And I know the chair[man] is also interested in this issue. She has probably talked to me about a half a dozen times. So we will make sure that we'll do it as quickly as we possibly can.”
“Thank you for that commitment. The chair[man] and I worked very closely to get this assistance included,” replied Senator Collins.
In February, Senator Collins and Representative Golden led 19 of their colleagues in sending letters urging the USDA to quickly disburse the relief funding. Additionally, in April, Senator Collins led the Maine Delegation in sending a letter to the USDA to urge the quick distribution of the $200 million in COVID-19 relief funding for logging and log hauling.
The logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year. The $200 million in relief funding will go to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have, because of the COVID–19 pandemic, experienced a loss of 10 percent or more in gross revenue during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year. Maine’s logging industry is a linchpin of the state’s economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities.