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SC Forestry Association Annual Meeting

SC Forestry Association Annual Meeting. Henry E. (Gene) Kodama SC State Forester November 1, 2012. 2011 Legislation Interpretation and enforcement Major milestone for forestry. The Right to Practice Forestry. SC Forestry Commission Budget

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SC Forestry Association Annual Meeting

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  1. SC Forestry Association Annual Meeting Henry E. (Gene) Kodama SC State Forester November 1, 2012

  2. 2011 Legislation • Interpretation and enforcement • Major milestone for forestry The Right to Practice Forestry

  3. SC Forestry Commission Budget • Property and Firefighter Protection Act • Prescribed Fire Act • Timber Theft Act 2012 Legislative Successes

  4. Funding dropped from $18 M to $10 M over four years but leveled in 2011 • Staffing had to be dropped from 380 to 280, and more reductions would be needed • However, funding recovery started in 2012 with increase to $12.4 M. SC Forestry Commission Budget

  5. Funding to begin replacing unreliable firefighting equipment • Four years of work to design and pass legislation • Creates equipment replacement funding for 5 years ($3 M/yr) Property and Firefighter Protection Act

  6. Clarified Certified Prescribed Fire Manager role • Increased liability protection for Certified Burners: • Not liable for smoke-related damages unless gross negligence or recklessness proven • Not liable for fire-related damages unless negligence proven • Smoke Management Guidelines became agency regulations Prescribed Fire Act

  7. Increased penalties for forest products theft based on value taken • Dramatically increased fines and length of imprisonment for repeat offenders • Example: Product value greater than $5,000 and second offense: • Felony Conviction • Minimum fine of $10,000 (max $20,000) • Imprisoned not more than 10 years Timber Theft Act

  8. SCFA mission: To create “policies that encourage management, utilization, and conservation of forest resources while maintaining or strengthening the pro-business climate for the” forest industry • SCFC mission: “To protect and develop the forest resources of South Carolina” • Legislation is a tactic used to accomplish the mission Why work so hard on legislation?

  9. Use a “Forestry Community” approach: SCFA, SCFC, and forestry and conservation partners working together • Work closely with Governor’s Office and General Assembly as partners • Understand the Forestry Cycle and what drives it, explain it, and expand it • (e.g. 20/15 Project) For legislative and mission success:

  10. $17.4 B economic impact • 90,000 jobs • From 23.4 M tons of wood Forestry Cycle

  11. Macro-economic Industry Drivers • Wood production and consumption increase to new levels after recessions • Forestry is a global industry, and this trend intensifies • Population growth and wood use increase dramatically • Wood shortages intensify in Asia and the Pacific • Europe’s hunger for wood pellets increases • Canadian wood impact lessens

  12. Macro-economic Industry Drivers • Global wood shortages predicted within a few years • South expands its role as world’s largest wood producer • Forests (wood) recognized as strategic natural resource • Plantation production is a key to meeting demand

  13. SC Forestry • 13.1 M acres of forest land • 88% private and 12% public • 350,000 family forest owners (200,000 own <10 acres) • 77 primary mills (7 pulp/paper mills and 39 sawmills). Over 500 secondary mills • Wood production: 73% family forests, 19% industry, and 8% public. [92% private]

  14. SC Forestry’s Economic Impact • #1 in jobs (90,000) • #1 in wages ($4.1B) • #1 cash crop ($700 M) • #1 Charleston port export • $1.3 B export total • $17.4 B in total economic impact …while providing clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreation, and desirable quality of life. “An Ideal Industry”

  15. SC Forestry’s Economic Impact • $17.4 B from 23.4 M tons of wood • One ton = $744 economic impact • 260 tons = one job • 10.4 log trucks = one job …while providing clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreation, and desirable quality of life. “An Ideal Industry”

  16. 20/15 Project • 26.9 M tons of wood or increased manufacturing • 104,000 jobs • $20 B economic impact Forestry Expansion Opportunity

  17. Expands Forestry Cycle • Increases job numbers • Increases per capita income • Improves investment returns • Maintains working forests • Enhances water and air quality • Improves wildlife habitat • Improves quality of life • Improves the state economy The Right to Practice Forestry

  18. SC has a wonderful forest resource, outstanding forestry expertise, and a bright future!

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