Minding the Forest

State 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 forest 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 [email protected].

If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.
Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.

Jeremy 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 [email protected].

If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.
Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.

LFA 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected].

If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.
Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.

The 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 Credit. Check them out at firstsouthland.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 [email protected].

Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.
If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Whitney 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 [email protected].

Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.
If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Lots 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 [email protected]. Not an LFA member? Click here to learn how to join.

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 [email protected].

Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.
If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

Project 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 [email protected]. If you'd like to find out more about the Louisiana Educators Tour, contact Gracee Texada at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.
If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

The 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.us
or call 225-922-1234.

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 [email protected].

Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.
If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

The 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.
If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.

John 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 [email protected].

Check out our website at laforestry.com.
Click this link to join the LFA.
If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.