Just got mailing from my tree nursery informing me that FL will no longer be selling trees to private land owners. All sales will now be to gov't and commercially mananged lands. ???
This has me P*$$ED to say the least! Not only do the FEDGOV and State Gov. HISTORICALLY have an extremely poor record of managing forest resources while the commercial timber companies typically grow trees only for their own use. Beyond that in 8 yrs. I have to come up with some other Ag use for my land. The land planted in pines is poor land anyways and pines permit some ROI. I have already sent my letter to State Ag Commisioner Charlie Bronson expressing my DISCONTENT. >:(
This change has hugh ramifications for various property owners and IMHO the intent is to convert land from Ag Exempt to something else with higher tax revenue. ::)
In the meantime if anyone knows of a good nursery I am in the market for Large Caliper Rust Resistant Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii). Thanks!! :P
ShepFl, I've not received a mailing like that. Do you have a copy?
The last trees I planted came from the foresters of a paper mill. That may still be a good source. I've been lax in keeping up with seedlings since I'm all planted but will try to get envolved again.
I agree with your interpretation of the effort to convert AG property to something else of higher revenue. It's nothing new that this has been suspected of being a goal in Florida and relates primarily to the fact that our Governments have fewer agricultural people. They have lost touch with llifestyles other than Urban where a monstrous budget is required to keep the infrastructure alive and a large population of citizens-on-the-dole quiet. This comprises, after all, a pretty good voter base for the perpetuation of the "system'.
Tom -
I will try to scan ltr. and send to you via email. Look for it on Monday.
ShepFL
While you're on the subject look up Florida house bill HB1407 and let me know what you think. HB1407 (http://www.myfloridahouse.com/BillInfo.aspx?bid=10631)
Get a copy of the new Federal Farm Bill. Your State Forester, Conservation District Forester, Ag Commissioner etc.should all be familiar with it.
Reforestation of private nonindustrial forest lands is a provided management activity. The needs to be a local source of planting stock available to private landowners to accomplish this.
Contact your local USDA-Farm Agency and USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service for further information and sources of planting stock.
Found a new nursery - located in Perry FL (not far from home).
Buckeye Nursery for those interested
800.838.2218
850.838.2680
Hey Shep! Glad ya got that sorted out. Remember me? I'm Dan G, from over here in Soganofla. I don't hang out where we used to "see" each other, any more...the wimmen have about took it over. I go back and check in, from time to time, but don't find much of interest.
Still got that big ol' Oliver you restored? I'd like to see it, someday....actually, I'd like to steal it from you. ;D
Hey Ya Dan!!!
I was wondering where you got off to? I have doing ok. Work is to stressful and never enough time any more.
Shoot me an email so we can catch up!
Regards,
ShepFL :)