Partnerships in Forestry: North Carolina Forestry Association

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina Forestry Association

THE IMPACT OF FORESTRY DAY IN THE LEGISLATURE

Jeanne Harmor, Director of Communications, North Carolina Forestry Association

Established in 1911, the North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) is the state’s oldest forest conservation organization. Today, the non-profit partnership represents approximately 4,000 forest managers, landowners, mill operators, loggers, furniture manufacturers, educators, and others concerned about the long-term health and productivity of the state’s forest resources and the industries they support. All year long, the NCFA serves its members through advocacy, training for forestry professionals, education, and a variety of communications. This is all possible, of course, through our collaborative partnerships with organizations, like Forestry Mutual Insurance Company, that align with our mission to ensure healthy, productive, and sustainable forests.

Like many forestry associations, the NCFA plays an important role in hosting an annual event called Forestry Day in the Legislature. This is a day where all entities of the forest products community come together for a common cause and commit to advocate for change. Members of the North Carolina General Assembly and their staff attend and NCFA members have an opportunity to speak with their elected officials on the issues that matter most to them. The efforts behind Forestry Day – and everything we do –are a testament to our investment in the future, and we are strategically involved in the legislation behind the policies that affect our industry.

The NCFA is more than an association – it is a team of individuals with boots on the ground, making great strides to advocate for its members. We’ve collectively made admirable progress over the years in passing effective legislation that protects the interests of the forestry industry, and in blocking legislation that would jeopardize the collective progress our industry has made in this region and beyond. The legislation that is blocked has just as big of an impact as what is passed, and the level of influence required to affect these decisions does not happen by chance. It is fostered by a passion for our industry, a dedication to building and maintaining relationships, and a commitment to showing up when it matters the most.

Like many partner organizations, Forestry Mutual Insurance Company provides the NCFA a platform to continue its collaboration efforts and to keep the lines of communication open. We’ve found that our partnership has offered many benefits to our members and has opened the doors to new opportunities to further our advocacy efforts. Through these efforts we’ve had many policy wins over the years, and we’ve celebrated those wins on behalf of our whole organization. Beyond the celebrations, we realize that our work is never done, and there will always be an opportunity to advocate for our members and to support an industry we all simply could not live without.

At the NCFA, we are proud to be the voice of forestry across the state of North Carolina. We’re proud because we represent a collective voice comprised of individuals who care deeply about the health and sustainability of our forests. The best part? There’s no limit to how many voices can be a part of it!

On behalf of all of us at the NCFA, we encourage you to get involved in your local organizations. Find your voice, and make sure it is heard. Whether it’s joining a new organization, engaging in the issues that matter most to you, or attending events like Forestry Day, we all have the potential to make a positive impact.