PINES & NEEDLES Summer 2021 Volume 76, Issue 2 Printed July 2, 2021

LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP • a heightened evidentiary standard – clear and on all agricultural land-use categories contained in a convincing evidence is required to establish local government comp plan. This legislation allows Provided by Jim Spratt, Association Lobbyist liability rather than a preponderance of evidence; a local government to adopt ordinances relating to The Legislature adjourned Sine and the setback or buffers for said solar facilities; however, Die at roughly 2:30pm on Friday, April 30, • a shortened statute of limitations for COVID- the requirements must be similar to the setbacks and concluding what can only be described related claims. buffers established for agricultural facilities. as a totally unique and extraordinary 60 days. Although session was different SB 088/ HB 1601, Farming Operations by Sen. Jason SB 920/ HB 287, Liability of Persons Providing Areas because the capitol was largely off limits Brodeur/ Rep. Jayer Williamson for Public Outdoor Recreational Purposes by Sen. due to COVID-19 safety protocols, at the The Association’s number one priority bill for the 2021 / Rep. Jason Shoaf end of the day the final numbers and budget reflect an session, this legislation modernizes and strengthens This legislation provides liability protection for ordinary session. For example, there were north of 3,000 Florida’s Right to Farm Act. Unquestionably, this landowners who enter into contracts with the State, bills filed during the 2021 session; ultimately only 275 legislation reflects the legislature’s intent to protect which allow for ingress and egress through private bills were passed by both chambers. The attrition of food, fiber and foliage producers in Florida. Given property to access public recreational lands. This bills is normal and serves as a great reminder that the the continued population growth of the state, it legislation, which moved rather quietly through the process is really designed to keep bills from passing. also telegraphs the importance of protecting one of process, is a commonsense approach to protecting Florida’s leading industries. landowners who choose to provide a service to the Globally, the legislature delivered on big policy issues state from frivolous lawsuits. which are part of a larger national discussion: anti- The bill includes provisions which minimize the rioting legislation, elections reform, transgender issues, potential for lawsuits by putting guardrails on who SB 1128/ HB 919, Preemption Over Restrictions of and social media platform reforms. can bring a suit and discourage frivolous lawsuits Utility Services by Sen. / Rep. Josie by allowing the farmer to collect attorney’s fees Tomkow As for the state budget, what a difference a few months if they prevail in a court case; limit the amount of This legislation is in response to local governments make! Leading up to the 2021 session, lawmakers compensatory damages to the value of the property who, by ordinance or other actions, have prohibited warned of tough budget times. Honestly, a year ago, no harmed and only allow for punitive damages in specific customers from having access to specific types of one could predict how our economy would function as situations; and modernize the Right to Farm Act by power sources. Most specifically, natural gas access we all dealt with impacts from a global pandemic. In fact, extending protections to agritourism activities and and utilization has been the focus on several local the initial budgets proposed by both the Senate and the expanding the roadside stand provision to include all government actions nationally. Here in Florida, several House were based on roughly a $3 billion shortfall in the “Farm Products” as defined in 823.14 FS. municipal governments have considered actions to state’s revenue collections. However, revenue estimates prohibit new connections to natural gas or other “non- ultimately outperformed predictions and in March, the SB 1876/ HB 421, Burdens on Real Property by Sen. renewable” sources. This legislation would prohibit a estimates were highlighted at $2 billion above original Ben Albriton/ Rep. Kaylee Tuck local government from taking such action to restrict projections. In addition, the state received roughly $10 This legislation contains a number of improvements to or prohibit access to these sources of energy. billion in federal coronavirus relief funds. The result was the Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Act: the passage of a $101 billion state budget. SB 7062/ HB 1309, Ratification of Rules by the • uniformly applies the timeframe to respond to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection The 2021 session was full of victories for the forest Bert Harris claim down from 150 days to 90 days by Sen. / Rep. Bobby Payne and agricultural industries as well as the business for all types of property; This legislation combines two separate ratifications of community at large. • allows the property owner to elect to forego a jury the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) trial for damages and move directly to a bench rules. HB 007/ SB 072, COVID Liability Protection by Rep. trial; Lawrence McClure/ Sen. Jeffery Brandes: • adds language reinforcing that a settlement The first, which was a directive in the 2020 Clean A key priority issue for the Governor, President of between a landowner and government entity are Waterways Act, is ratification of the biosolids rule. The the Senate, the Speaker of the House and the Florida in the public interest; updated rule contains restrictions and safeguards on business community, this legislation provides Florida • provides that if a property owner prevails in a Harris where and how biosolids can be land applied. The rule businesses with critical protections from frivolous Act Claim then the property owner is entitled to is consistent with the recommendations provided by lawsuits relating to COVID-19. Working in partnership having the government entity pay the attorney’s the Biosolids Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). with other business groups and participation with the fees; and Associated Industries of Florida RESET Taskforce, many • clarifies that real property includes subsurface (oil, The second ratification contained in this legislation of the recommendations for common sense practical gas and mineral) rights. are the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) measures were included into the law. Specifically, the rules. Roughly 10 years ago, DEP was charged with legislation creates a limited cause of action for COVID-19 SB 896/ HB 539, Renewable Energy by Sen. Jason developing rules for a geographic region of the state, related claims: Brodeur/ Rep. Cord Byrd including Lake, Polk, Orange and Osceola Counties, where groundwater demand was going to significantly • This legislation creates a nexus between solar facilities heightened culpability standards – a defendant exceed water availability. must prove a business acted with gross negligence and agricultural lands prospectively. In summary, this or intentional conduct; legislation states that a solar facility is a compatible use

www.FLForestry.org BUDGET GRAY LOGGING ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION As previously noted, the Legislature ultimately had more EARNS NATIONAL flexibility in the budget process based upon better than expected revenue estimates and the supplemental RECOGNITION federal money through the Coronavirus Relief Package. Congratulations to Gray Florida Forest Service: Logging, LLC, of Madison, FL, for Wildfire Suppression Equipment/Replacement being recognized as the Forest Resources Association’s (includes replacement of aircraft for wildfire control) $12.2 million National Logger of the Year! Jerry Gray and his team at Road and Bridge Maintenance projects $7 million Gray Logging operate 14 logging trucks and semi-trailers, working with a number of mills within a 100-mile radius UF/IFAS: of Madison. In addition to the logging operation, Gray UF/IFAS Workload funding $4 million is very active in his community. He was instrumental in School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatic Sciences $1.1 million launching North Florida College’s Commercial Driver’s Fertilizer Rate Study $1.6 million License program and also provided a logging truck and trailer for training. Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Resilient Trust Fund $500 million Gray was honored at the Association’s 2020 Annual Florida Wildlife Corridors $300 million Meeting as the Florida Logger of the Year. He previously Florida Forever $100 million won that award in 2010 and the regional award in 2011. August 31 - September 2, 2021 Springs Protection $75 million “Jerry Gray embodies the essence of logging at its best,” Sheraton Panama City Beach said Association President Carlton Jones. “He is known On the whole, the 2021 session was extremely productive for his extensive knowledge, his strict adherence to Golf & Spa Resort and successful on both the policy and budget fronts. professional practices, and his passion for the industry.” Panama City Beach, FL We would be remiss if we didn’t specifically thank Gray will be recognized at the Association’s 2021 Annual Senate President and House Speaker Meeting for this latest accomplishment. for their leadership. In addition, there Join your friends and business associates at the were many members who went above and beyond on beautiful Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa behalf of Florida’s agriculture and forestry industries REGISTER NOW FOR MASTER LOGGER Resort for three days of informational sessions and including, but not limited to, Senators Jason Brodeur, networking events. , , Travis Hutson, , TWO-DAY INITIAL TRAINING COURSE and Representatives Jayer Williamson, Jay Trumbull, Josie The state’s largest forestry trade show is held in Tomkow, James Buchanan, Bobby Payne, Toby Overdorf, Do you or someone you know need to conjunction with the Annual Meeting, featuring Chuck Clemons, Chuck Brannan, Wyman Duggan, Jason become a Certified Master Logger or exhibits by the industry’s cutting edge equipment Shoaf, Kaylee Tuck and many other Senate and House Other Participant? and service providers. Make sure to meet with all the members who voted to support our industry. representatives to find out the latest and greatest The Florida Forestry Association hosts an developments for forestry professionals in today’s SFI certified training class once every year. This is a two- marketplace! day training course that covers a multitude of topics to become a certified Master Logger or Other Participant You will also want to check out this year’s Silent in the state of Florida. Auction! We are continually expanding our base of The class will be held July 29th-30th, 2021, at donors of offerings for this event. You will be the envy Gateway College in Lake City, FL. of your friends and associates when you walk away with the top bid on any item in our slate of auction THIS WILL BE THE ONLY TWO-DAY CLASS IN 2021, offerings! PLEASE REGISTER NOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING. VISIT FLFORESTRY.ORG/PROGRAMS/ And of course you will not want to miss our line-up MASTER-LOGGER TO REGISTER. of speakers! We are excited to have some of the best and the brightest in the industry join us to share their expertise and experience.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS! The schedule outlines all the events as well as our The success of any organization is highly dependent on session topics and speakers. The Annual Meeting tab an engaged membership. An easy and effective way to on our website, FLForestry.org, has all the details you be active in the Association is through our committees: need, including online registration. Government Relations, TREEPAC, Environmental, Steering and Communications. To learn more about the Association’s committees and REGISTRATION WANT MORE BUCKS? their missions, please visit the Association’s website at FLForestry.org/Programs/Committees. Register before July 30 Saving money is always a good thing! for early bird savings. Partnering with Outdoor Underwriters, Inc., the Association offers our members Register online at special reduced rates for liability insurance FLForestry.org/AnnualMeeting. for hunting leases and timberland. Contact our office for more information (850.222.5646 or [email protected]).

www.FLForestry.org HOTEL INFORMATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SPONSORS (as of June 29, 2021) Boasting the only AAA Four Tuesday, August 31, 2021 PLATINUM Diamond rating in Panama City 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Trade Show Set-Up/Silent Auction Open Beach, FL, the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort 1:00 PM–6:00 PM Registration Desk Open is a dazzling, award-winning 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Registrant Reception/Exhibitor Meet & Greet beachfront destination. Wednesday, September 1, 2021 Settle into luxurious accommodations and experience 6:30 AM–6:00 PM Registration Desk Open excellent amenities including several heated pools, 6:30 AM–8:00 AM Early Bird Coffee a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center and tennis GOLD courts. They also offer resort guests a range of dining 6:30 AM–10:00 AM Trade Show Set-Up opportunities, which showcase local flavors and 6:45 AM–7:45 AM Tee-Time Coffee & Golf Registration picturesque views of St. Andrews Bay. 8:00 AM–1:00 PM Golf Tournament Shotgun Start Room rate: $154. Reserve by August 10, 2021. 10:00 AM–7:00 PM Trade Show & Silent Auction Open 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Breakout Sessions: To reserve online, please visit the Annual Meeting section PLT – Jessica Ireland, Elise Cassie & Ann Duff of the Association’s website --FLForestry.org. Forest Stewardship & Tree Farm Programs – Jimmy Roberts, Florida Forest Service To make reservations by phone, call 866.912.1042. Tell them you are attending the Florida Forestry Association 12:00 PM–2:00 PM Lunch on your own SILVER SPONSORS Hollinswood Ranch Annual Meeting to receive our special room rate. 2:00 PM–3:45 PM General Session: SVN Saunders Real Estate & Natural Lanigan and Associates, P.C. CPAs Water & Wildlife Mitigation Banks Resource Planning Services, Inc. M. A. Rigoni, Inc. Miami Corporation – Edward Cole, Coward, Hicks and Siler, P.A. BRONZE SPONSORS Morris Timber Products, Inc. 2021 TIMBER TOPPERS GOLF CLASSIC Carbon Panel: Rayonier’s Carbon Achievements American Forest Management, Inc. Nestlé Waters North America, Inc. – Tom Fox, Rayonier Beasley Group Prepare yourself for an unparalleled Nutrien Ag Solutions Carbon Opportunity Basics & General Overview Columbia Timber and Pritchett Trucking, Inc. golfing experience. The Nicklaus Design – Damian Adams, UF/IFAS FFGS Environmental Services Championship Course is a pleasure for Corteva Agriscience Resource Management Service, LLC 4:00 PM–5:00 PM Board Meeting golfers of all skill levels. Recognized for Edward Cole Superior Trees, Inc. its premium conditioning and risk reward 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Welcome Reception/Exhibitor Meet & Greet F4 Tech The Langdale Company The Price Companies, Inc. opportunities, the Nicklaus Course has 8:00 PM–until Evening On Your Own/Entertainment Fincher Timber Company Flag Credit Union Timberland Investment Resources, LLC everything needed to challenge you Usher Land & Timber, Inc. and improve your game! Hit the links for an invaluable Thursday, September 2, 2021 Georgia-Pacific WFS LLC networking experience with other forest professionals Great South Timber & Lumber, LLC PATRON SPONSORS 6:45 AM–12:00 PM Registration Desk Open Guest Forestry Services, Inc. and friends! Tee time is 8:00 AM, Wednesday, September A. W. Powers Forestry, Inc. 6:45 AM–8:00 AM Early Bird Coffee INFLOR, LLC AssuredPartners Stoutamire-Pavlik 1, 2021. Register online at FLForestry.org/AnnualMeeting. International Paper 8:00 AM–10:00 AM Awards Breakfast & Associates Mizell Development, Inc. BASF Golf is open to all Association members and their guests. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Trade Show & Silent Auction Open Neal Land & Timber Bayer US, LLC Meeting registration is not required to play in the 10:30 AM–11:30 AM General Session: DC Transition & Issue Update Outdoor Underwriters, Inc. BioResource Management, Inc. tournament, but golfers must register for the tournament – Clay Altizer, FRA Pinova, Inc. – Subsidiary of DRT Brady Squires, CFP • Merrill Lynch Rayonier in advance to ensure a spot. 11:30 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own Cooper Marine & Timberlands Rayonier Advanced Materials Elwood E. Geiger 11:45 AM–1:15 PM Master Logger Lunch: Intrastate vs. Interstate Ring Power Corporation Flint River Timber Regulations – Major Erick McGuire, FHP Robbins Manufacturing Company Florida Tree Farm Program 1:30 PM–2:30 PM General Session: SE Forestry Economic Singleton Forestry Services Ford Properties FIREARM RAFFLE The Lyme Timber Company Update & Market Forecast Gator Timber & Land, L.L.C. $20 donation per ticket or donate $100 and receive Tidewater Equipment Company & Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz, – Marshall Thomas, F&W Forestry Services 6 tickets! Tigercat Industries, Inc. EMINENT DOMAIN LAWYERS 2:30 PM–4:00 PM Trade Show Social and TimberMart-South Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) ONE Winner’s Choice of any ONE of the following: Silent Auction Final Bidding West Fraser, Inc. John A. Cruce Jr., Inc. WestRock John L. Russell Properties, LLC • Liberty Explorer 26 Gun Safe – Holds 24 long guns. 5:00 PM–6:00 PM Dinner Reception Kelley White & Associates Insurance 56”x26”x20” (H x W x D) 340 lbs. Free to take home OR FRIEND OF FORESTRY SPONSORS 6:00 PM–7:00 PM Closing Dinner Knight Farm, LLC Bielling Site Prep & Reforestation $200 delivery fee. Loncala, Incorporated 7:00 PM–9:00 PM President’s Reception Callahan Timber Co, LLC Mitchell L. McElroy Private Forester, Inc. • Browning X Bolt Stalker 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt Action Rifle. Coastal Plywood Company 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Auction Item Pickup & Trade Show Teardown Osceola Pines Deseret Cattle & Timber • CZ USA 1012 inertia semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun Pierce Timber Company, Inc. Farm & Nursery with a 28” green Cerakote barrel and walnut stock. *THE MASTER LOGGER LUNCH IS OPEN TO EVERYONE. HOWEVER, ONLY Roberts Land & Timber Enviva Pellets Cottondale, LLC Investment Corporation • Sig Sauer P320 M18 9MM carry size in a coyote color. MASTER LOGGERS REGISTERED FOR THE FULL MEETING MAY ATTEND AT F&W Forestry Services, Inc. NO CHARGE. OTHERS WISHING TO ATTEND MUST PURCHASE A TICKET BY Roe Sisters Tree Farms Drawing will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021, FESCO®, A Division of Oliver & Skipper Henderson Dahlman Equipment Co., Inc. at the Annual Meeting. You do not need to be AUGUST 13, 2021. Suwannee River Forestry, Inc. Florida Forest Service present to win. T & T Trailer Rental Forest Investment Associates Target Print & Mail Ticket stub(s) will be mailed with meeting Four Rivers Land & Timber Company LLC Van Aernam Timber Management, Inc. Hancock Bank registration confirmation. Whitfield Timber Company Hancock Forest Management, Inc.

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