Shows
Minding the ForestForestry markets through the eyes of a forester — Ep. 66Send a textMarkets are a challenge in the forest products industry, which trickle down to the small forest landowner. Consulting forester and Louisiana Forestry Association Past President Tim Holland talks about markets, which also was the topic of his Forestry 101 article in the Marsh issue of Forests & People magazine. Slow markets for mills to move their products means less wood going to the mills and fewer trees harvested.Holland's company is Mudd & Holland Consulting Foresters in Shreveport (https://www.muddandholland.com/).Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association...
2026-03-1550 min
Minding the ForestCarbon a big topic in the Louisiana Legislature's Regular Session — Ep. 65Send a textLouisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen keeps a keen eye on the Louisiana Legislature whenever it's in session. The 2026 Regular Session began Monday, March 9 and is due to end in June. More than 20 bills filed for the session so far deal with Carbon Dioxide, in some form. And there are many other bills that the Forest Products industry will be following this session. Buck also puts out a Legislative Report periodically, sometimes a few times a week, depending on what bills are being heard. If you'd like to get the Legislative R...
2026-03-1344 min
Minding the ForestFeral hog bait seems promising — Ep. 64Send a textFor more than a decade, Dr. Glen Gentry and a team have been working on a way to curb the population explosion of feral hogs in Louisiana. An example, he said if Louisiana had 1 million feral hogs, 750,000 would have to be eliminated every year to keep the population at 1 million. However promising, the process of getting it approved through the Environmental Protection Agency is still a decade away. Gentry talks about the bait and what is the next phase to get it to market.You can contact Dr. Gentry at GGentry@agcenter...
2026-02-151h 05
Minding the ForestManaged forests are perfect for birds! — Ep. 63Send a textDifferent species of birds need forests of varying ages to thrive. To talk about that is Emily "EJ" Williams, who recently retired from the American Bird Conservancy as the Southeast Director of Sustainable Forest Partnerships. She's a wildlife biologist with bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Georgia. While at the American Bird Conservancy, she worked "to stop the decline of migratory birds and enable conservation throughout their life cycle, according the conservancy's website, abcbirds.org. Because she is now retired, we don't have an email to share, but you can check out...
2026-01-1535 min
Minding the ForestCO2: How are the wells permitted and how is it stored underground? — Ep. 62Send a textGeologist Corey Shircliff works for Cavern Solutions in Baton Rouge and was a guest speaker at the LFA's convention in August 2025. A former state employee who worked with permitting wells in Louisiana, she has great knowledge about the new permits concerning Class VI wells that allow for injection of CO2 underground. This subject is topical in forestry as some companies looking to turn wood into biofuels would use residuals and small-diameter wood — pulpwood — such as paper mills used. Because of the decline of paper mills in Louisiana, the new biofuels industry could be a way...
2025-12-1650 min
Minding the ForestMaking biofuel from wood: Beaver Lake Renewable Energy facility to come to La. — Episode 61Send a textBeaver Lake Renewable Energy is working toward building a biofuel facility in Rapides Parish at the former site of an IP paper mill. The plant will use about the same amount of pulpwood as the old mill, as well as residuals. Dan LeFevers, vice president, external affairs for Beaver Lake, talks about the facility and the challenges the company has experienced. Construction is hoped to begin next year.LeFevers' contact is dlefevers@sungasrenewables.comFind out more about the project at www.beaverlakerenewable.com.Minding...
2025-11-1541 min
Minding the ForestEndangered species update — Ep. 60Send a textPaul Stone is a conservation and senior forester for Crosby Resource Management based in DeRidder, Louisiana. He also is the chairman of the Endangered Species Committee for the Louisiana Forestry Association. Paul gives us an update on what is happening in that area. The red cockaded woodpecker has been down listed to threatened, for example, and the Monarch butterfly is under consideration to be added to the list of Endangered Species. If you'd like to reach out to Paul, you can contact him here: pstone@crosbyresource.comMinding the Forest i...
2025-10-1539 min
Minding the ForestForestry Economics for 2025 — Ep. 59Send a textBrooks Mendell, CEO of Forisk Consulting, was guest speaker at the 78th annual convention of the Louisiana Forestry Association and took time to talk about the state of the forestry industry in Louisiana and the South. His research and insight gives us a good snapshot of the forest products industry in 2025 and what we can hope for in the coming year. Forisk Consulting website — https://forisk.com/Contact Forish — https://forisk.com/contact/A video of Mendell's presentation at the LFA's 78th annual convention will be posted on the ass...
2025-09-1544 min
Minding the ForestLoggers around the country to meet in Louisiana — Ep. 58Send a textDave Cupp has been a forester in Louisiana for more than 40 years, 30 of which he's worked for Walsh Timber Co. He has always maintained good relationships with Loggers and of late has served as Vice President of the American Loggers Council (ALC). This year he is set to take the reins of the ALC as its president when the organization that represents loggers in 47 states across the United States holds its convention in Lafayette, Louisiana. Dave talks about the importance of loggers to the industry and the hope for new markets to help the...
2025-08-0125 min
Minding the ForestLegislative Logger Jack McFarland — Ep. 57Send a textState Rep. Jack McFarland is a Master Logger from Winnfield, the only logger in the Louisiana Legislature, giving his colleagues a different perspective of the forest products industry. Jack gives us an update on what happened in the Legislature that affects loggers and the rest of the industry.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go...
2025-07-151h 02
Minding the ForestA look a the business side of tree farming, benefits of hunt clubs — Ep. 56Send a textDavid Young is a third-generation tree farmer in Natchitoches Parish. His approach might be more business-like, but he still loves the land he's managed for several decades. Part of his philosophy includes having hunt clubs leasing portions of land. It's the "row-crop" of forest landownership. 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.
2025-06-1840 min
Minding the ForestA look at the business side of tree farm, benefits of hunt clubs — Ep. 56Send us a textDavid Young is a third-generation tree farmer in Natchitoches Parish. His approach might be more business-like, but he still loves the land he's managed for several decades. Part of his philosophy includes having hunt clubs leasing portions of land. It's the "row-crop" of forest landownership. 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), g...
2025-06-1840 min
Minding the ForestLFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen — Ep. 55Send a textLFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature and how the forestry could be affected by laws that were passed.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.
2025-06-1329 min
Minding the ForestCasey Durand, 2024 Logger of the Year — Ep. 54Send a textCasey Durand of Central Timber Services of Pollock, Louisiana, was selected the 2024 Outstanding Louisiana Logger for the Louisiana Forestry Association and Louisiana Logging Council. Casey takes time to talk about his year with that honor and the state of the logging industry in Louisiana.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.
2025-05-1528 min
Minding the ForestJackie Harvey, 2024 Outstanding Louisiana Tree Farmer — Ep. 52Send a textJackie Harvey has been blessed to keep The Shades, a tree farm in West Feliciana Parish, in her family for more than 200 years. She is proud of that fact but is especially proud that her son will one day take the reins and carry on a family tradition for another generation. Jackie talks about how her father became a transplanted Louisianan from California and her experiences at the Shades, as well as the importance of having a tree farm.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his...
2025-04-1532 min
Minding the ForestStart of a new Legislative Session in Louisiana Ep. 53Send a textLouisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature where insurance and tax reform will be the big issues it will address. How those bills will affect the forest products industry, especially forest landowners and loggers, will be included in the upcoming LFA Legislative Reports. If you would like to be added to the list for those updates, send us an email request to lfa@laforestry.com.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA M...
2025-04-1426 min
Minding the ForestLandowner Rights — Ep. 51Send a textA forester and wildlife biologist is contesting the way wildlife enforcement agents are trained to enter private landowners property without a suspicion of a crime and warrant giving them permission to search the property. The lawsuit is being handled by the Institute for Justice, a Washington-based nonprofit law firm that fights for private property rights. The forester, Tom Manuel, tells his story of what led to the lawsuit.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent...
2025-03-1534 min
Minding the ForestReminiscing over 60 years of tree farming with John Gallaspy — Ep. 50Send a textMr. John Gallaspy has been a Tree Farmer since the 1960s. His father even before that. Raised in DeSoto Parish, but settled in Washington Parish where his late wife was grew up, Mr. Gallaspy reminisces about how there have been changes in forestry. He also is the author of the book, "The City that Refused to Die: Bogalusa the First Hundred Years". 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.I...
2025-02-1549 min
Minding the ForestInsurance affecting forest products industry — Ep. 49Send a textLouisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple talks about the progress made in 2024 during the Legislative sessions and the hopes for 2025.Want to contact the Insurance Commissioner's Office, the website is https://ldi.la.gov/ and their phone number is (225) 342-3612.Gov. Landry's veto of HB 423Minding 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go...
2025-01-1540 min
Minding the ForestForestry Works in U.S. forestry — Ep. 48Send a textEach year forestry association directors and communicators from across the southeast United States get together to discuss what each is doing to spread the word about forestry and the forest products industry. This year's topic is Forestry Works, which is a program that started in Alabama and has since spread to 10 states. Minding the Forest teams with Voices of Forestry, a podcast of the Arkansas Forestry Association in this program. Joining Louisiana and Arkansas this year of representatives of the Alabama Forestry Association and Mississippi Forestry Association. Seth Stephenson with Arkansas (sstephenson@arkforests.org), S...
2024-12-151h 04
Minding the ForestForest products with Dr. Rich Vlosky — Ep. 47Send a textDr. Rich Vlosky had a round-about way to coming to Louisiana, but the LSU researcher has investigated many things about many forest products. Dr. Vlosky talks about his experiences in the forest products industry and the different products he's with which he's worked. You can contact him at rvlosky@agcenter.lsu.edu. References about Cross Laminated Timber ... Fire testing video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TXEEBb4pLMBuilding with Mass Timber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flssymz4vZ8Portland air...
2024-11-151h 11
Minding the ForestUrban Forestry — Ep. 46Send a textYes, there are tree canopies and forests in an urban setting! Paul Johnson, vice president of Urban and Community Forestry and Career Pathways for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Darren Green, urban forester for the city of Alexandria, Louisiana, talk about the many aspects and benefits of trees in our cities. SFI even has standards that now include urban forestry. Want to reach out to Darren? email him at darren.green@cityofalex.comWant to contact Paul Johnson? email him at paul.johnson@forests.orgWant to...
2024-10-151h 08
Minding the ForestEconomics of Louisiana Forestry, Ep. 45Send a textBrooks Mendell is founder, president and CEO of Forisk Consulting and has been a guest speaker at the Louisiana Forestry Association's annual convention often over the years. His expertise in researching markets and trends is stellar and he is happy to share his knowledge of the forest products industry and the many facets of it. 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.If you want to find out more a...
2024-09-1539 min
Minding the ForestState Treasurer John Fleming — Ep. 44Send a textLouisiana Treasurer John Fleming talks about taxes and potential changes that could be considered in the future by lawmakers. Included are his views on dedicated taxes and tax exemptions.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the...
2024-08-1551 min
Minding the ForestInvasive Species with Dr. Jaesoon Hwang and Dr. Wood Johnson — Ep. 43Send a textInvasive species are troublesome for many reasons, but especially because they can harm native species of trees. Be they plants, insects or pathogens. Dr. Jaesoon Hwang and Dr. Wood Johnson of the U.S. Forest Service talk about these inventive pests and what to look out for. Jaesoon Hwang: jaesoon.hwang@usda.govWood Johnson: Crawford.Johnson@usda.govLSU AgCenter Invasive species informationMinding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can...
2024-07-1748 min
Minding the ForestTrey and Melinda Maxwell: 2023 Outstanding Louisiana Logger — Ep. 42Send a textTrey Maxwell was a rising star in high school baseball before joining the college ranks. His drive and determination were strong in the sport, but he knew that wasn't going to be his future. Almost 30 years ago, he took his intensity to start a log truck business, married his then-girlfriend Melinda and soon turned that into a logging business. The two from Sarepta have been through the ups and downs of life, but they look to be coming out on top. In 2023, Trey Maxwell Logging was selected Outstanding Louisiana Logger. We get to know...
2024-06-1545 min
Minding the ForestHow did forestry industry do in the latest legislative session? — Ep. 41Send a textLouisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about how the forestry industry faired during the latest session of the Louisiana Legislature. Landowners narrowly escaped another try at allowing people to travel on any waterway, even if it isn't traditionally navigable and meanders through private property. The perpetual attempts at that law closed the gap that has protected property rights. Also carbon capture is an up-and-coming industry that will be an ongoing issue. And following extensive wildfires in Louisiana in 2023, firefighters will get help of possible PTSD. Minding the Forest is a pod...
2024-06-1138 min
Minding the ForestBrown Spot Needle Blight in Louisiana — Ep. 40Send a textDr. Laura Sims, assistant professor at Louisiana Tech University, is leading a study in the state on Brown Spot Needle Blight (BSNB), a fungus that has spread more among loblolly pine in Louisiana. Although early on in the study, samples of possible BSNB has shown BSNB in several parishes. Landowners who believe they might have BSNB on their trees can contact a regional forester in the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/organization/for or 225-925-4500 or email at forestry@ldaf.state.la.us. A regional forester can...
2024-05-1528 min
Minding the Forest2023 Tree Farmer of the Year — Ep. 39Send a textMelanie and Gaston Lanaux were selected the 2023 Tree Farmer of the Year by the Louisiana Forestry Association for their tree farm, Chardet, in Husser, Louisiana. Affectionately called "The Krumpi", the Lanauxs have enjoyed the rural setting and practicing sustainable forestry. They also have endured two major hurricanes — Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ida in 2020. The Lanauxs talk about their gem and what their tree farm means to them.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...
2024-04-1652 min
Minding the ForestEffects of drought linger in Louisiana — Ep. 38Send a textLouisiana is coming out of an extreme drought as spring rains bring more moisture to the land, but the effects of the extreme, hot drought can last for years. Minding the Forest talks to Jim Meeker and Colin Bonser with the USDA Forest Service about the drought in Louisiana, its effects and for what forest landowners and folks with trees in their yards that have been stressed by the drought should be on the lookout. Have more questions? You can contact the USDA Forest Service office in Pineville, Louisiana, at (318) 473-7160 or you can...
2024-03-1546 min
Minding the ForestLegislative Session 2024 — Ep. 37Send a textEpisode 37: Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the regular session of the Louisiana Legislature which starts Monday, March 11. If you're an LFA member and want to receive the Legislative Update email newsletter, submit the request by email to lfa@laforestry.com.Not a member, visit our website to find out more and how you can become a member by clicking here.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...
2024-03-1128 min
Minding the ForestCarbon storage and forest landowners — Ep. 36Send a textCarbon storage is still a new topic for landowners with few acres of forest, but there are programs out there that owners of smaller forests can learn more about carbon storage and their forests. Michael Lauve of NativState talks about this emerging topic for owners of smaller forests and issues landowners need to learn bout to determine whether carbon storage could fit into their forest management plan.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...
2024-02-1535 min
Minding the ForestTalking Timber Taxes — Ep. 35Send a textTax attorney Paul Spillers of Theus, Grisham, Davis & Leigh, is a past president of the Louisiana Forestry Association and makes presentations at forestry forums all over the state. We've taken the opportunity to have Paul talk about the issues he presents at forums. Please be sure to take this information only as general. No one should take any of the information provided in this episode as legal or tax advice, but you can use this to better ask questions of one's personal tax attorney or CPA.Minding the Forest is a podcast o...
2024-01-151h 08
Minding the ForestCommunicators on Forestry — Ep. 34Send a textEach year, forestry associations across the Southeast United States gather in Alabama to share what each is doing to spread the word about the benefits of managed forests and support the forestry industry. The people who work in communications for the associations often work on a joint project and this year decided to talk about what the associations do and forestry issues in each respective state. This conversation includes Susan Stutts of the Texas Forestry Association, Lee Ann Fisch of the Florida Forestry Association, Seth Stephenson of the Arkansas Forestry Association and yours truly...
2023-12-1547 min
Minding the ForestIncoming Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple — Ep. 33Send a textTim Temple was selected Louisiana insurance commissioner before the primary election. Now he faces challenges to an ever-growing crisis in insurance in many areas. Temple talks about the issues and his hope to have insurance in a special session in 2024 before the Legislature's Regular Session in March. 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to f...
2023-11-1533 min
Minding the ForestLouisiana Wild Fires — Ep. 32Send a textWildfires have destroyed thousands of acres of forest and several homes, costing Louisiana millions of dollars to suppress them. Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain talks about the causes and dangers of the 2023 wildfires that also destroyed homes. 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our w...
2023-10-0429 min
Minding the ForestLouisiana Master Naturalists — Ep. 31Send a textBette Kauffman is president of the Louisiana Master Naturalists Association, a statewide organization that promotes learning and conservation. The conservation message the group gives coincides well with managed forests. Want to find out more, check out the LMNA's website at https://www.louisianamasternaturalist.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.
2023-09-1725 min
Minding the ForestLegislative Logger — Ep. 30Send a textState Rep. Jack McFarland is a Smart Logger (Master Loggers who go the extra mile to get audited by a third-party) and is the only Logger in the Louisiana Legislature. McFarland talks about how he has been able to educate his colleagues about the forest industry and its contributions to the state's economy and jobs. If re-elected for a third term, it would be his last eligible term, making him one of the senior members of the State House of Representatives. The challenge, he says, is the disconnect many urban-area representatives have with the...
2023-08-1326 min
Minding the ForestSustainable forestry and BMPs — Ep. 29Send a textJeremy Poirier, senior manager for fiber certification at International Paper in Shreveport, talks about IP’s responsible fiber sourcing policies and how they meet the evolving sourcing requirements from their stakeholders. Jeremy also was part of a group of Louisiana Forestry Association members who participated in updating the state's Best Management Practices manual, which took effect this year. 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.If you want to fin...
2023-07-1429 min
Minding the ForestLook back on the 2023 Regular Session of the Legislature — Ep. 28Send a textLFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen takes a look back at the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Some bills were close calls for the forest industry. You can contact Mr. Vandersteen if you'd like to learn more by emailing 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check ou...
2023-06-1531 min
Minding the ForestHow trees can become a Louisiana champion tree — Ep. 27Send a textThe 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...
2023-05-1522 min
Minding the ForestEarth Day and Forestry — Ep. 26Send a textWhitney 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), g...
2023-04-2119 min
Minding the ForestLouisiana Legislative Session 2023 — Ep. 25Send a textLots 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 p...
2023-04-1122 min
Minding the ForestLouisiana Project Learning Tree — Ep. 24Send a textProject 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...
2023-03-1519 minMinding the ForestNavigating the Forest Productivity Program and more from LDAF — Ep. 23Send a textThe 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 L...
2023-02-1546 min
Minding the ForestSustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) wants forests to stay as forests — Ep. 22Send a textThe 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 L...
2023-01-1529 min
Minding the ForestThe Amateur Botanist and Big Tree Hunter — Ep. 21Send a textJohn 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable F...
2022-11-1931 min
Minding the ForestPrescribed fire for forests — Ep. 20Send a textForestry 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....
2022-10-2423 min
Minding the ForestForestry Economics — Ep. 19Send a textNew 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.C...
2022-09-2726 min
Minding the ForestLegislative 2022 Wrap up — Ep. 18Send a textSome 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.
2022-06-1528 min
Minding the ForestCelebrating 75 Years of Excellence in Forestry! — Ep. 17Send a textThis 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...
2022-05-1724 min
Minding the ForestEndangered Species — Ep. 16Send a textPaul 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go...
2022-04-1533 min
Minding the ForestLegislative Session 2022 — Ep. 15Send a textLouisiana 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.If you want to find out more...
2022-03-1129 min
Minding the ForestLouisiana legislative sessionLouisiana 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.
2022-03-1129 min
Minding the ForestWorking Lands for Wildlife — Ep. 14Send a textTroy 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the L...
2022-03-0138 min
Minding the ForestSeeds4Trees for Louisiana schools — Ep. 13Send a textLisa 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.If you want to find out more about...
2021-12-2117 min
Minding the ForestLouisianan and Canadian companies form partnership that's working — Ep. 12Send a textRichie 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...
2021-10-2020 min
Minding the ForestLSU AgCenter has forestry agents — Ep. 11Send a textRobbie 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.
2021-08-2719 min
Minding the ForestProcurement Forestry — Ep. 10Send a textTony 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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.
2021-07-2024 min
Minding the ForestLegislative 2024 Wrap up — Ep. 9Send a textWith 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 J...
2021-06-2418 min
Minding the ForestLegislative Session 2021 — 8Send a textEach 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...
2021-04-0818 min
Minding the ForestForest Productivity Program to keep forests as forests — Ep. 7Send a textLouisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry has a program that helps small landowners in their quest to manage their forestland by helping with sustainable forestry practices. State Forester Wade Dubea talks about this program and an overall view of what LDAF does to help keep forests in Louisiana.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to...
2021-03-1621 minMinding the ForestReform & Revenue Part 2 — Ep. 6Send a textUPDATE: Since the release of this series, state Rep. Jack McFarland has withdrawn his efforts to propose a fuel tax in the upcoming 2021 Legislative Session. He said he will continue to purse some reforms of the GRIT Act and restructure the way taxes are spent for transportation.When the Louisiana Legislature convenes this year, it might consider a bill that would reform how money is spent by the state Department of Transportation and Development and propose a new fuel tax that would be limited in how it could be spent. This is...
2021-02-2326 minMinding the ForestReform & Revenue Part 1 — Ep. 5Send a textUPDATE: Since the release of this series, state Rep. Jack McFarland has withdrawn his efforts to propose a fuel tax in the upcoming 2021 Legislative Session. He said he will continue to purse some reforms of the GRIT Act and restructure the way taxes are spent for transportation.When the Louisiana Legislature convenes this year, it might consider a bill that would reform how money is spent by the state Department of Transportation and Development and propose a new fuel tax that would be limited in how it could be spent. Master Logger...
2021-02-0920 min
Minding the ForestTimber & Taxes Part 2 — Ep. 4Send a textTax attorney and estate specialist Paul Spillers, who also is a past president of the Louisiana Forestry Association, talks about the tax benefits of timber landowners. In this episode, he talks about the tax deductions in managing your forest.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website...
2021-01-1115 min
Minding the ForestTimber & Taxes Part 1 — Ep. 3Send a textTax attorney and estate specialist Paul Spillers, who also is a past president of the Louisiana Forestry Association, talks about tax benefits for timber landowners. This part one of a two-part series.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link...
2020-12-2812 min
Minding the ForestMorehouse Family Forest Initiative — Ep. 2Send a textDr. Michael Blazier is a professor and research project leader for LSU and statewide forestry extension specialist for the LSU AgCenter based at the Hill Farm Research Station in Homer, Louisiana. He is project leader for the Morehouse Family Forest Initiative, a project that seeks to help small, family forests to become managed forests, based on goals of the owners, as well as become part of the American Tree Farm System.Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments...
2020-11-3007 min
Minding the ForestHurricanes Laura and Delta hits La. timber hard — Ep. 1Send a textDr. Michael Blazier of LSU talks about the impact of hurricanes Laura and Delta to the Louisiana timber industry.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.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.
2020-11-0612 min