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The new list of Louisiana Champion Trees is out for 2023. So how are champion trees discovered? Louisiana residents contact us and we put LFA Champion Tree Chairman Rick Williams on the case! Rick also is the State Forester for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana. This episode was recorded in February, so comments about measuring trees while leaves have fallen might seem a little out of place in May, but the idea of better measurements during winter months should be taken from that part. This episode is sponsored by First South Farm Credit. Check them out at firstsouthland.com. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Whitney Wallace, forestry and wildlife agent for the LSU AgCenter in Southeast Louisiana talks about how sustainable forestry fits perfectly in the idea of conservation. We caught up with Whitney at a 4-H event in Amite City, Louisiana, and also got a chance to talk to a few 4-Her's.  Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Lots of issues are expected to be debated in the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, including how surplus money will be spent, property rights and the possibility of a ballot initiative. Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about those issue and more in this episode of MTF.  If you're a Louisiana Forestry Association member and want to receive the Legislative Newsletter each week during the session, send an email to lfa@laforestry.com. Not an LFA member? Click here to learn how to join. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an international program that teaches educators about trees and the benefits of forests through interactive programs that involves science, math, vocabulary and other disciplines they can incorporate in their classes. Stacy Blomquist is Interim State Coordinator for Louisiana PLT talks about the program and encourages teachers in the state to participate in the annual Louisiana Educators Tour, slated for May 2023. If you'd like more information about PLT, contact Stacy at stacy.blomquist@usda.gov. If you'd like to find out more about the Louisiana Educators Tour, contact Gracee Texada at gtexada@laforestry.com. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry does  plenty to help the small landowner and has an important role in the forest products industry. Included in its offerings is the Forestry Productivity Program, which is geared to the small forest landowner who wants to manage forestland perpetually for the owner's goals that actually benefit all in the region. Want more information about LDAF? Check out its website www.ldaf.state.la.usor call 225-922-1234. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) supports standards that help keep forests as forests, using science. Gordy Mouw is director of network relations for SFI, working with SFI State Implementation Committees in states across the U.S.  Want to find out more about what SFI does and the standards it develops and promotes, check them out online at forests.org.Have a question, comment or episode suggestion? Send an email to jzeringue@laforestry.com. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

John Michael Kelley calls himself an amateur botanist who has a passion for finding unique ecosystems in Louisiana.  In his enthusiastic efforts, he also has found several new state champion trees. This interesting young man seeks opportunities to contact landowners who might have old-growth forests or unique ecosystems to share and educate. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Forestry Extension Agent Keith Hawkins of DeRidder has done much with prescribed fire and helping connect landowners with training to become certified in prescribed burning. He also has had a hand in the development of Prescribed Burning Associations, which is just getting off the ground in Louisiana. What are the benefits of prescribed fire? How does becoming a certified prescribed help with legal protection? Learn that and more here. Also, if you'd like to contact Mr. Hawkins to find out more, reach out to him by email at khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

New wood-using facilities coming to Louisiana will be a great impact on rural areas. Listen to Dr. Joe Chang, a professor at LSU talks about Forestry  Economics and his work at the state's flagship university. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Some successes for loggers and others in the forest products industry. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about how the Louisiana Legislature Regular Session 2022. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

This year is the 75th anniversary of the Louisiana Forestry, and who better to talk about this exciting event than Michael Crowell, president of Crowell Forest Resources, a fifth-generation owner. We talk about the event set for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the Golden Nugget Hotel Casino & Resort in Lake Charles. Want to learn more and register, go to our website.Register for 75th annual meeting! Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Paul Stone is a conservation forester for Crobsy Land and Resources and chairman of the Endangered Species Committee for LFA. Paul talks about what the ESA means to Louisiana and some of the things landowners should keep in mind when managing for wildlife that could include endangered species. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the next regular session of the Louisiana Legislature. Vandersteen also has a Legislative Report that is sent via email. LFA members can sign up to receive the the report by calling the LFA office at 318-443-2558 or by sending an email to lfa@laforestry.com. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Troy Mallach is the state biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana (NRCS) who assists with helping forest landowners develop management plans that enhance habitat for wildlife.  Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Lisa Delaney launched Seeds4Trees in 2021 as a way to teach students in elementary and middle schoolers about where seeds come from in various species of trees. The project can be used at almost any level of school and provide projects for various subjects. For more information, email her at info@seeds4trees.org. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Richie LeBlanc is the president and CEO of Hunt Forest Products and LaSalle Lumber. The family-owned business is embarking on a second endeavor with Tolko Industries, a Canadian company. The partnership gave birth to LaSalle Lumber in Urania, a state-of-the-art lumber mill that is a model for the new mill to be built in Taylor, Louisiana. LeBlanc talks about the company and its partnership with Tolko. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Robbie Hutchins is a forestry and wildlife agent for the LSU AgCenter, which helps educate landowners about their forested land and many other things.  Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Tony Diaz, a chip mill operations manager for Graphic Packaging International in West Monroe, talks about his job as a procurement forester. Diaz also is president of the Louisiana Forestry Association. Learn more about the Louisiana Forestry Association by goin to www.laforestry.com. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

With the 2021 Regular Legislative Session wrapped up, LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the Louisiana Logger Relief Act, one of the industry's big wins. In the time of this recording and its release, the governor has signed HB 642, which created Act 410 and officials, including representatives of the LFA and Louisiana Logging Council, will help with creating the guidelines to help loggers and log truck businesses that lost revenue in 2020 due to the pandemic.  Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Each year, Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vanderstreen keeps an eye out on the state Legislature to see if any action it takes would affect landowners, loggers or wood manufacturers and uses his longtime experience promoting the forest products industry. When the Louisiana Legislature begins its next Regular Session April 12, what should we look out for? Also, if you'd like to get updates on the session from the LFA, send an email to lfa@laforestry.com and ask to be included in the LFA's Legislative Update. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.