Volume 9, Issue 1, April 2020

We hope that everyone is doing well during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with those individuals and families that are dealing directly with COVID-19, as well as those dealing with the aftermath of the recent tornado outbreaks. Like most people in the state, the Forestry Extension group is also working remotely. While in-person programming and site visits are restricted, you can still contact us for help with any forestry issues. On the last page of this publication is a list of Extension Forestry Specialists and their respective contact information. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

We will increase our use of social media and on-line educational meetings, as well as newsletters like this one, to reach as many of you as possible with forestry related information. We have posted salvage and safety tips on Facebook for dealing with tornado damaged trees, and are beginning to offer some programs through WebEx, Zoom, and other related platforms. We will send notices out to clientele and county agents as we develop these programs.

In an effort to gauge current forest industry activity, we have within the last week gathered information from consultants, loggers, landowners, and industry representatives. The term that we hear a lot is “Uncertainty”. We have been advised that a number of mills have placed quotas on incoming wood due to limited or suspended operations, while others, typically the paper mills, are operating normally. In most cases, with the one exception being paper Mills, this has adversely affected stumpage rates for landowners and limited opportunities for loggers. Hopefully, this uncertainty will be short termed and conditions will improve once the governor feels it is safe to resume activity in the state.

MSU Extension has created a webpage to assist business owners with the new government assistance programs. Additionally, landowners may find some relief through new tax programs designed to benefit individuals during this crisis. More information can be found at the link below: http://extension.msstate.edu/content/financial-and-economic-information-and- resources-for-small-businesses

We urge you to continue to follow the advice of state officials until they determine we can once again continue business as usual, safely. Together, we can get through this difficult time. Everyone in Extension is here to help in any way we can.

On behalf of the Forestry Extension Group, please stay safe.
John B. Auel, Assistant Extension Professor, Department of Forestry, MSU