WEA Forester Examines Humanizing Hunting on Blood Origins Podcast

 

Wiregrass Ecological Associates (WEA) Forester Alex Harvey was recently featured on the 97th episode of the Blood Origins Podcast. The Blood Origins podcast uses unique storytelling to raise awareness for conservation and change how hunting is viewed. Episodes encompass all aspects of hunting and conservation, featuring guests like Weatherby Award Winner Enrique Zamacola, Matt Drury (Drury Outdoors), and Cuz Strickland (Mossy Oak).

Blood Origins host Robbie Kroger and Mr. Harvey met in our Gulfport, Mississippi office to chat about humanizing hunting and the current stereotypes that come with being a hunter. Mr. Harvey encourages those to break the mold on what it means to be and look like a hunter, emphasizing that any and everyone can be a hunter no matter who you are or where you come from. The podcast can be found on Audible or Apple Podcasts and by clicking the link here: Episode 97 – On Humanizing Hunting

Mr. Harvey holds a BS degree from Mississippi State University in Forestry (with a Wildlife Management concentration) and has over 15 years of experience working in the public agency, non-profit, and private forestry sectors. He is a Registered Forester and USDA Forestry Technical Service Provider in Alabama and Mississippi.

WEA Presents on Imperiled Species Considerations at Florida Master Logger Workshop

 

Wiregrass Ecological Associates (WEA) recently instructed students during the 2021 Florida Master Logger Workshop in Lake City, Florida.  This 2-day initial training workshop is sponsored by the Florida Forestry Association and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) State Implementation Committee (SIC).  Loggers earn their Florida Master Logger certification by completing this workshop which includes modules on safety, business management, and environmental regulations.  George Fullerton, WEA Senior Biologist, presented about logging considerations for imperiled species in Florida.  His program discussed the history and status of environmental regulations in US and Florida, detailed descriptions of imperiled plant and animal species and critical habitats in Florida, best management practices and regulations for interacting with these species and their habitats, potential future listings and legal challenges, and the value of logger’s efforts towards biodiversity and conservation.  This opportunity to address loggers is valuable because the SFI Principles call upon every program participant to meet market demands while complying with applicable laws and agreeing to use environmentally responsible practices that promote the protection of biodiversity, wildlife, plants, soil, water, and air quality.  WEA has presented environmental modules during this Master Logger training workshop since 2016.

 

The FFA administers the Master Logger program for the Florida SFI-SIC. The program is designed to enhance the professionalism of loggers through training in safety, timber harvesting, business, and environmental regulations. Following initial training, Master Loggers must complete Continued Logging Education (CLE) credits annually  to maintain their certification.

https://www.flforestry.org/programs/master-logger/

Ashley Farms Recognized as 2020’s Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year

 

Southern Forestry Consultants (SFC) is excited to announce that Ashley Farms, owned by Don Ashley and Theo Meadows, has been recognized as the 2020 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year.  This award is presented annually by the Florida Tree Farm Program, a non-profit organization, and the state affiliate of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS).  Our SFC team in Monticello, Florida assists Ashley Farms with forest and wildlife management, a relationship maintained for over 25 years.

SFC Vice-President, Dave Lewis, began working with Mr. Ashley’s and Mrs. Meadows’ parents in the early nineties and attributes a great deal of the success at Ashley Farms to the family’s willingness to adapt.  From local shifts in weather patterns to global influences on forest product markets and anything in between, the determination to “make the best of things” is unwavering.

Dave characterizes the resolve and adaptive approach of Ashley Farms in his comments that, “Regardless of the next management challenge, Don and Theo are always ready to tackle any obstacle with a solution-focused mindset.”

Ashley Farms has experienced quite the transition over the last four decades from a shade tobacco farm to a diverse property focused on striking a balance between timber production, wildlife habitat, and row crop production.  These efforts also led to Ashley Farm’s recognition as the Florida State Forest Stewardship Landowner of the Year in 2007.  While recognition as the Florida Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year may be the culmination of efforts focused on maintaining this sustainable, multi-use farm, Ashley Farms is excited to continue and improve for years to come.

SFC and WEA are fortunate to work with outstanding landowners who are committed to sustainable management.  As a result, Ashley Farms is our fifth client since 2010 selected as the Florida Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year.

For more information on Ashley Farms and their award, please visit the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences announcement.

Continued Support for the Forest Recovery Act during COVID-19

 

As owners, managers, and stewards of natural resources, we talk often of the resiliency and ability of natural systems to recover from disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.  However, as we collectively navigate another challenge in the form of COVID-19, it is apparent that the people that make up our forestry industry have a similar resiliency.  Over the past twenty months we have experienced pressures on our industry that are unprecedented beginning with the onslaught of Hurricane Michael in October 2018 and continuing now with the current pandemic.  The weeks and months following Hurricane Michael were filled with uncertainty and confusion, but ultimately we forged a path forward with confidence that our working forests were important and meaningful enough to restore.  While the recovery effort is far from over, efforts continue in earnest to restore full functionality to these working lands.  Assuredly, the resolute people of our industry will confront the current pandemic with the same perseverance that has allowed us to overcome the challenges of the past.

To that end, Southern Forestry Consultants (SFC) and Wiregrass Ecological Associates (WEA) are proud to share the letter below sent to leaders in Washington and endorsed by members of the Legislature pushing the inclusion of the Forest Recovery Act in legislation addressing COVID-19 relief.  SFC and WEA feel this is a product of the tremendous effort by the agricultural industry in general, and specifically our forestry industry, to educate our lawmakers about the financial aspects and subsequent implications of the long-term investment in timber.

While this letter alone may not result in monumental changes for the forestry industry, it is symbolic of the policy changes that our collective effort will continue to target.  To that end, SFC and WEA want to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to our clients, partners, and colleagues who have dedicated their time and resources on behalf of our industry.  Furthermore, we want you all to know that we will continue to stand with you in this effort through our participation and leadership in national organizations like the Society of American Foresters and state level Forestry Associations, Farm Bureaus, and Forest Landowner Associations across the Southeast.

We will continue to face challenges as we move forward, but with a resilient group of people grounded in the natural resources entrusted to our care, SFC and WEA are confident our industry will continue to thrive and produce the many products, environmental services, and outdoor opportunities that benefit all of society.

FRA and COVID-19 Letter to Leaders in Washington

SFC and WEA Presidents Address COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Over the past few weeks we have all watched the rapidly evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Like you, we have been overwhelmed with news reports, email notifications, and inquiries surrounding this situation.  The health and safety of our staff, our customers and partners, and our collective families is the top priority of Southern Forestry Consultants (SFC), Wiregrass Ecological Associates (WEA), and Southern Forestry Realty (SFR).

While we are not experts on this disease, we are professionals and scientists who focus on science and data-driven decisions.  Therefore, we echo the recommendations of many of our colleagues and associates and encourage you to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for details and updates to navigate this rapidly changing landscape in our daily lives.

SFC, WEA, and SFR are prepared to navigate these challenging circumstances.  Our efforts began internally almost a month ago when our executive leadership restricted business air travel and attendance at large group meetings, increased cleaning efforts in our offices, promoted remote work technologies, and discussed COVID-19 risk mitigation procedures with our staff.  As you know, much of our work is in remote locations and allows us to enjoy the spring weather, but our staff does face challenges in the office, in our communities, and in caring for our families.  We embraced emerging technologies years ago that now allows our staff to routinely utilize remote work environments, social distancing, and virtual meetings to provide nearly uninterrupted service to our customers and partners.

The forest products industry has been deemed an “Essential Critical Infrastructure Business” by the US Department of Homeland Security, so we anticipate that mills and support businesses will make every effort to remain fully functional.  While our offices may be less full, we remain open and plan to provide you the same level of support and service you have come to expect.  Please excuse us if we don’t shake your hand when we see you or rely more on phone calls than in-person meetings with you over the next few months.

SFC and WEA will continue to monitor the conditions surrounding this event and adhere to the guidance of federal and state leadership. We will also evaluate any fiscal stimulus measures or changes that may impact your management decisions.

We recognize that during this time of social and fiscal uncertainty you may have many questions regarding your assets or work on your projects.  Do not hesitate to call or email us as you normally would.  The turbulent days ahead will not diminish our commitment to our trusted and valued clients, partners, and customers.  We know you value the same principles of loyalty, community, and resilience that have built the SFC family of companies. Thank you for your patience and trust in the days ahead.

We wish you and your loved ones all the best!

 

 

 

Michael J. Dooner, President, Southern Forestry Consultants

 

 

 

Austin D. Carroll, President, Wiregrass Ecological Associates