ESFPA E-News

Federal Efforts to Reduce Plastic Waste

On Nov. 21^st, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of its National Strategy to Prevent Plastics Pollution: Part Three of a Series on Building a Circular Economy for All. The Strategy has six main objectives that address plastic pollution throughout the lifecycle of plastic products: 

1. Reduce Pollution from Plastic Production.
2. Innovate Material and Product Design.
3. Decrease Waste Generation.
4. Improve Waste Management.
5. Improve Capture and Removal of Plastic Pollution.
6. Minimize Loadings and Impacts to Waterways and the Ocean.

Each objective is followed by opportunities for action that support the United States’ shift to a circular approach to materials management, which is restorative or regenerative by design, enables resources to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aims to eliminate waste in the management of plastic products. 

Under Objective 3, the Strategy calls for the reduction of the production and consumption of single-use plastic products, potentially including plastic wrap and strapping used for bulk shipments of lumber and other wood products. ESFPA will be coordinating with our national affiliates on responding to these objectives.

NELA Awards for 2024

The Northeastern Loggers’ Association (NELA) is now accepting nominations for industry achievement awards through January 31, 2025. Through their annual awards program, NELA strives to recognize significant achievement in eleven categories. 

To be eligible for one of those awards, or to make a nomination, the person or organization need not be a member of the Northeastern Loggers’ Association. An individual can nominate themselves or their organization, or it may be done by an outside party. The nominee must reside or conduct business in the Northeast and Lake States. Awards are presented each year at the Loggers’ Banquet held just prior to the Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Exposition. Look for the call for nominations in The Northern Logger and Timber Processor.

Click the link below for more information regarding entry procedures and award categories:

All The Above Energy Approach

Last week, Ken Pokalsky of the Business Council of New York State wrote an opinion piece on an “all the above” energy plan approach for New York in the Utica Observer Dispatch. It offers a great explanation of the joint business messaging we have been collaborating on, and we will continue to push this message as we approach the work on the State Energy Plan and begin our advocacy for 2025.

Click the link below to read the article:

New York's ELF Program

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has announced $4.5 million is available through the Establishing Large Forests (ELF) Grant Program for private landowners to establish new forests. ELF expands on New York State’s popular Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant Program and is designed to support the creation of new forests crucial for mitigating climate change, providing wildlife habitat, protecting air and water quality, and supplying timber, an important renewable resource.  

Under the new grant opportunity, private landowners (or their representatives) with five or more acres of unforested land in New York State may apply for a minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum of $750,000 to reimburse costs for establishing new forests. Applicants must work with a forester or a qualified natural resource professional to develop their projects and must agree to maintain the new forest for at least 15 years. 

DEC will host a webinar on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 9 - 11 a.m., to provide information and answer questions about this new funding opportunity. Applications will be accepted through January.

Click the link below to learn more about eligibility and the application process:

Wood Innovation Grants 

Grants are still available from the USDA Forest Service to support the forest products economy: Wood Innovations Grant, Community Wood Grant, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs. Deadlines are December 11 for Wood Innovations Grants, and December 18 for Community Wood Grants & Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grants. 

The agency is seeking proposals that support innovative uses of sustainably sourced wood in construction, as a renewable energy source, and in manufactured and processed products. These programs also provide direct support to expand and retrofit wood energy systems and wood products manufacturing facilities nationwide.

Click the link below to learn more:

Lingering Ash Trees

In 'Points North' podcast, researchers discuss trying to save ash trees from extinction. This includes research on "lingering ash" trees, which are genetically resistant to the emerald ash borer, and kill EAB larvae.

Click the link below to read more and listen to the podcast:

DEC Seeks Input on Species of Greatest Conservation Need

DEC is seeking public input on the draft list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and associated species status assessments which will be used in updating the State Wildlife Action Plan for 2025-35. SGCN are species native to and extant in New York that are currently experiencing threats likely to result in further decline of their populations in the state if conservation actions are not implemented within the next 10 years. The State Wildlife Action Plan guides management actions for SGCN and is a requirement for New York to participate in the federally funded State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program.

The draft SGCN list and revised species status assessments are available to download from DEC’s website, and input and data can be submitted by email to nyswap2025@dec.ny.gov. Please include “Draft SGCN List” in the subject line. Information may also be sent by mail to:

SWAP Coordinator
Division of Fish and Wildlife
NYSDEC
625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4754

The public can also nominate a new SGCN, or propose a species be removed from the list. Anyone interested in providing data, updates, or other comments pertaining to the nomination of a new SGCN can download copies of a blank form from the website, populate one form per species, and send to nyswap2025@dec.ny.gov. 

The deadline to provide input and data, nominate a new SGCN, or propose a species be removed from the list is Jan. 14, 2025.

Curious to know more about SGCN or rare, threatened, and endangered species? Check out the recording of the webinar offered in 2022.