2007 Fly-In Success
The Forest Landowners Association, in partnership with the Forest Landowners Tax Council (FLTC), held its annual Washington Fly-In, February 28–March 1. Attended by about 25, the Fly-In facilitated meetings between FLA members and their respective Congressional delegates in order to advocate for issues important to private forest landowners. Participants from Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia, and Washington provided direct influence on landowner issues facing the 110th Congress. Of key importance at this year’s Fly-In were permanent repeal of the death tax, ESA reform, forest research appropriations, woody biomass initiatives, invasive species, and the pine genome project.
Once participants arrived in DC, they were briefed by some of the leading experts on the issues. After a welcome and introductions by FLA Government Affairs Committee Chair, Joe Hopkins, attendees were treated to an insightful presentation on death tax reform by Howard Segermark of the American Family Business Institute. Todd Wooten, of Senator Blanche Lincoln's personal staff, talked about the introduction of a bill that is a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) approach to updating the Endangered Species Act. BASF's Jim Bean informed participants about efforts to stem the spread of invasive species. Dan LaMontagne, of Plum Creek, talked about how Plum Creek is addressing the potential of wood as an energy feedstock. Finally, Al Lucier brought his experience from the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement to bear upon the effort to learn about the pine genome project (pine's DNA). The day’s events ended with refreshments and dinner at The Monocle Restaurant.
During breakfast at Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant, FLA was honored by a presentation from Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). The Senator was also present to receive the 2007 Forest Landowner Champion Award. As a fellow landowner and strong ally of FLA, Senator Lincoln challenged attendees to take their issues to the Hill and make a difference in this year’s Congress. In addition, attendees of the breakfast heard speakers from Melissa Simpson, Counselor to Mark Rey, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; and Dr. Greg Schildwachter, Associate Director for Agriculture, Lands, and Wildlife at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Attendees were split into lobbying groups with staff members accompanying most groups to provide any requested aid and/or issue information. Some notable Congressional visits included those with Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R–GA), Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D–AR), Sen. Jeff Sessions (R–AL), and Rep. Rodney Alexander (R–LA), Rep. Jack Kingston (R–GA), and Rep. Mike Ross (D–AR).
FLA members can request copies of briefing materials for a nominal fee by contacting FLA at (800) 325-2954.
For more information, contact Frank Stewart, FLA’s contract lobbyist, at FMS@Washington-Resource.com
