Pennsylvania Tree Farm Committee Notes

At the June 13, 2017 PA Tree Farm Committee meeting, the leadership continued to iron out details of the transition from a recognition program to a certification program, reviewing the recent area meetings to introduce the "new face of Tree Farm" to members, inspectors, foresters, and interested landowners. We welcome your questions about this transition; please contact our new administrators at Versant Strategies in Harrisburg at 1-800-835-8065 or by email.

The committee discussed combining instead of duplicating efforts with PFA, and it made substantial progress with strategies to improve and streamline communication with all PA Tree Farmers and the billing procedures to be implemented in the fall of 2017.

The committee also opened nominations for 2017 PA Tree Farmer of the Year and Tree Farm Inspector of the Year.

In addition, PA Tree Farm wants to update you on the following upcoming events:

• September 19, 2017: The one remaining Area Meeting to inform you about how PA Tree Farm is from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Ebensburg Borough Building, 300 W. High Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931 (Cambria County)
• Oct 1, 2017: Penn's Walk in the Woods A partnership of forest organizations across the state whose goal is to have a mentored woodland walk hosted in all 67 counties of PA on this date to highlight the wonder of our working forests. We are delighted that a number of PA Tree Farms have volunteered to hold walks.
• Oct 7, 2017: PA Tree Farmer of the Year 2016 Field Tour at Jim and Jan Kessler's Tree Farm in Hallstead, PA in Susquehanna County.

The next PA Tree Farm Committee Meeting is on September 7, 2017, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Sunset West Restaurant in Pleasant Gap, PA. These meetings are open to all PA Tree Farmers, whose input is essential to our program.

Your Tree Farm Tip: Beware of a new, but rare tick borne disease in Pennsylvania. Called Powassan (POW) virus, it is carried by the same black-legged tick that spreads Lyme disease. Symptoms affect the nervous system, balance, and thinking. Tuck those pant legs into your socks! (Information resource)

For additional information, please contact the Pennsylvania Tree Farm Program (Pennsylvania Forestry Association Office) at 1-800-835-8065 or send us an email or visit the website.