OFA Update
The Official Paul Bunyan Show, Oct. 4-6
Roughly 170 exhibitors will showcase their newest products at the Paul Bunyan Show, which is held at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington (Cambridge). Many will include live equipment demonstrations.
Husqvarna (Booth #510-513) is the Paul Bunyan Show’s title sponsor for the 18th consecutive year and will offer training throughout the weekend in chainsaw safety, cutting and felling techniques, technical tree climbing, aerial cutting and hazard cutting.
Other sponsoring exhibitors include but are not limited to:
Buckeye Power Sales (Booth #133)
Columbus Equipment Company (Booth #400, 401, 406, 407)
LaRoche Tree Service, Inc. (Booth #434, 440)
Murphy Tractor (Booth #441, 442, 446)
Rudd Equipment (Booth #452).
Visit thepaulbunyanshow.com to purchase tickets, download or view the 2024 show guide and exhibitor list, find maps and more.
Master Logger Trainings
Master Logger Re-certification Class
There will be an all day Master Logger Recertification class on Friday, October 4 at the Paul Bunyan Show. Training session satisfies most requirements for the Ohio Voluntary Master Logging Company Program.
Master Logger Certification Class
This is a two-day training consisting of BMP, CSAW, and First Aid/ CPR. All needed to gain the Ohio Master Logger Certification. We will be holding in-class portions at the Tar Hollow State Park, Forest Service Center, starting with the in-class portion of BMP's. The CSAW training and First Aid/ CPR will be the following Day.
Contact William Ray at 888-388-7337 or William@ohioforest.org or more information or to register for either class.
Market Update
HardwoodReview Forecasting
Better-than-expected Jun/Jul exports sustained hardwood lumber prices longer than anticipated, but prices for even the strongest species—White Oak, Walnut and the Maples—will start to soften. Widespread #2 Com declines have crept into #1 Com, and upper-grade declines will be more evident through year-end, including in White Oak. The surprising late-summer strength of #1/Btr Red Oak and Poplar prices owes to decent demand and reduced overall sawmill production. Red Oak also continues to get at least some substitutionary lift from traditional White Oak buyers weary after the second record price surge in three years. U.S. imports of hardwood moulding remain near record levels and engineered flooring receipts rose to a 21-month high in Jul—unwelcome developments for domestic manufacturers but nonetheless predictable as still-high inflation pushes consumers to low-priced options. At the same time, domestic demand for solid flooring fell short of hoped-for levels this summer and plants will remain cautious with lumber buying—because of reduced needs and because they anticipate #2&3A Com will remain readily available.
Though prevailing railroad tie prices have remained relatively stable thus far, some producers are now reporting lower sales. And, with lower shipments of North American goods starting to impact pallet demand, we could see flooring lumber price declines begin to spread across the low-grade sector.
Legislative Update
From our national partner, the Forest Resources Association
European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
A letter with about 70 House Member signatures was sent to the President urging the Administration to engage with their European Union counterparts in heading off trade disruptions that will ensue if the EUDR is implemented on December 30 of this year. The letter is forestry and forest product specific and requests a 2-year delay in implementation. FRA worked aggressively to recruit signatories to the letter and will continue our advocacy on this issue both with Congress and the Administration.
In a positive development, the below appeared in the German media this week-
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has now announced plans to review the timeline for the regulation.
In response to widespread criticism from industry, Ursula von der Leyen intends to make adjustments to the already approved deforestation directive. The European Commission President stated on Tuesday evening during a meeting with the European People’s Party (EPP) group that the implementation timeline would be re-examined.
VDL reportedly said the regulation cannot proceed as planned, without specifying further details.
OFA Foundation Update
Application period for conservation education grant program open
The Ohio Forestry Association Foundation opened its grant application window for small-scale projects on September 15, 2024. These grants are designed to assist an organization in a conservation education project, with a maximum individual grant amount of $2,500. Applications will be accepted between September 15 and October 13 this year, with grant awards being selected and announced by December 1 for funding to be used in the following calendar year. See complete details of the grant program, including application details and directions. Click here for the application.
Partner Update
Ohio Auditor of State's Office
As one of five independently elected statewide offices under Ohio’s Constitution, the Auditor of State’s office strives for clean, accountable, and efficient governments for the people of Ohio.
With a statewide staff of more than 800 auditors and other professionals, the Auditor of State’s office is responsible for auditing all public offices in Ohio — more than 5,900 entities — including cities, counties, villages, townships, schools, state universities, and public libraries as well as all state agencies, boards, and commissions.
The Auditor’s office also offers performance auditing for state and local public offices, identifies, and investigates fraud in public agencies, provides financial services to local governments, and promotes transparency in government.
You can find more information at https://ohioauditor.gov
Additional Links
A DAY in the WOODS: Critter Homes - October 11
ECOFA Newsletter
NEOFA Newsletter
Upcoming Events
2024 Paul Bunyan Show
10/4/2024 » 10/6/2024
Location: Lore City (Cambridge), Ohio
2024 Master Logger Recertification Class @ PBS
10/4/2024
Location: Old Washington (Cambridge), Ohio Time: 8:30 AM
Southeastern Ohio Loggers Chapter Meeting
10/9/2024
Location: Shawn Sexton's Lodge, Jackson, Ohio Time: 6:00 PM
Paint Valley Loggers Chapter Meeting
10/14/2024
Location: Bainbridge, Ohio Time: 7:00 PM
Master Logger Training @ Tar Hollow State Park
10/31/2024 » 11/1/2024
Location: Laurelville, Ohio
2025 Annual Meeting
2/5/2025 » 2/6/2025
Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio
2026 Annual Meeting
3/11/2026 » 3/12/2026
Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio
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