Continued sustainability of Florida's forests will largely rest with the decisions of private landowners. The Florida Forestry Association has designated this space to provide useful information so that landowners can better understand their forests, its condition and how proper management can keep the forest healthy and sustainable.
Gopher Tortoise
The Florida Forestry Association has joined a coalition of organizations working to avoid the listing of the Gopher Tortoise as a federally “Threatened” or “Endangered” species. The coalition (which includes the Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Land Council, among other groups) will be conducting an exhaustive effort to assemble and document all information pertinent to the Florida population of the Tortoise and the measures currently being undertaken to provide for its protection on public and private lands. An update on these efforts is provided here.
Meanwhile, much could be at stake for forest landowners and the wood products business. The Florida Forestry Association has established a Legal Defense fund to help halt the federal listing. We are calling on our members to support these efforts and any legal challenges that may arise from the attempt to have the specie classified as “threatened”. A form is provided here to signify your interest and payment for supporting this effort.
Property Taxes
Greenbelt Guidelines
A guidance document to help property appraisers correctly apply the Greenbelt law to silvicultural properties. Click here for the Greenbelt guidelines.
Income Tax
Recovery of Federally Threatened or Endangered Species
A provision in the 2008 Farm Bill allows taxpayers, who are engaged in farming, to receive a tax deduction for expenditures paid or incurred for implementing actions benefitting the recover of federally threatened or endangered (listed) species.
Click here for additional information
2009 Tax Tips for Forest Owners
Forest Landowner Feature:
Jon Gould, 2006 Florida Tree Farmer of the Year
Private, non-industrial landowners, like Washington County’s Jon and Carol Gould, own and manage half of Florida’s forestland. Click here to learn what it takes for private landowners like the Goulds, Florida’s 2006 Tree Farmers of the Year, to sustain forestry in Florida for the long term.
Forest Management
Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) Safe Harbor Program
Managing habitat for RCWs can be compatible with timber harvesting, cattle production or quail management. Read more about the myths and truth of this endangered specie and how it effects the management of your land.
Forest Health Publications
Cogongrass - One Nasty Weed! Landowners should become more familiar with this invasive plant. Click here for more information on Cogon Grass.
Forest Management
Prescribed Fire Certification:
Prescribed Fire Training is available through Hillsborough Community College, as well as Florida certification for experienced burners through the Certified Burner Program.
Florida Silviculture Best Management Practices
http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_management/bmp/index.html
Best Management Practices for Silviculture and Notice of Intent to Implement
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/onestop/forms/11305.pdf
Cost Share Programs
Forest Legacy Program
To protect environmentally important forest areas that are threatened by conversion to non forest uses and, through the use of voluntary conservation easements and fee simple purchases, to promote forest land protection and other conservation opportunities.
Forestry and Wildlife Cost Share Programs
Provide non-industrial private forest landowners programs to assist them in implementing forestry and wildlife practices.
