The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Timber Pines, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
Eco-friendly & clean work area.
PDCA Certified Member.
Your Go-To House Painting Company in Timber Pines, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Timber Pines, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Timber Pines, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
352-212-1533Free Consultation
Latest News in Timber Pines, FL
39 Majestic Trees Native to Florida
Heather Hallhttps://a-z-animals.com/blog/13-majestic-trees-native-to-florida/
AdvertisementWhen it comes to choosing trees for your landscape, native Florida species are a great option. They look beautiful and are well-adapted to the climate and soil of the state. Smaller trees like redbuds or red maples will make any yard pop in the spring with their bright pink or red flowers, while larger options like bald cypresses or live oaks will provide shade and help create a statement piece in your landscape. It’s important to research each tree you’re considering so you know its exact needs when it comes ...
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When it comes to choosing trees for your landscape, native Florida species are a great option. They look beautiful and are well-adapted to the climate and soil of the state. Smaller trees like redbuds or red maples will make any yard pop in the spring with their bright pink or red flowers, while larger options like bald cypresses or live oaks will provide shade and help create a statement piece in your landscape. It’s important to research each tree you’re considering so you know its exact needs when it comes to light, water, and soil requirements; this is true even if you choose a native species. Some of our favorite native Florida trees include cypress, elm, and pines – all of which feature unique foliage that can add texture and interest to any garden!
Native Cypress Trees
Two types of cypress trees are native to Florida. These trees are important for the state’s economy and ecology. Cypress trees often grow in large, circular patches called cypress domes. In the middle of these cypress patches is usually a pond. There are also areas of marshland known as cypress savannas, which are mostly made up of pond cypress trees that grow in poor soil.
Native Oak Trees
There are many species of oak trees native to Florida, many of which are common and attractive. These trees provide valuable habitat and food for wildlife, and some offer showy autumn foliage. Oaks are typically strong and durable, and when pruned properly, many of them are fairly hurricane-resistant. Here are 11 of our favorite Florida oak trees.
Native Fruit Trees
There are many types of fruit trees native to Florida. There are also berries, vines, palms, and nuts that are edible and grow throughout the state. Many native plant species in Florida could potentially be domesticated and cultivated as new types of fruits and vegetables. These plants are resilient against pests and pathogens and can withstand extreme weather conditions, making these fruit trees ideal for Florida gardeners. Here are a few of our favorite fruit trees in Florida.
Native Pine Trees
Florida is home to seven species of native pines, which are part of the larger pine family of cone-bearing plants (conifers). These trees and shrubs are known for their diversity and hardiness, and they are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves all year round. Although most pines are better adapted to cooler climates, the species that grow in Florida are able to thrive in warm weather.
The slash pine is one of the most iconic trees in Florida, growing in every climate zone from 7A to 11. This tree grows in the cooler half of Florida and up into the Smokey Mountains. Slash pines are extremely fast-growing and self-pruning, with a mature height that ranges between 75 – 100 feet tall.
The sand pine is a species of tree found in sandy areas throughout Florida. It can be identified by its zone range (7A through 10B) and size (15-40 feet tall). Sand pines have short needles 2-3 inches long and often have twisted trunks and branches.
Longleaf pines are native to Florida, and they prefer warm climates. They grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 7A through 10A, which encompass most of Florida. Longleaf pines are well-named. they have the longest needles of all pine species found in Florida. Some can reach a whopping 14 inches long.
Loblolly pine is a common choice for pine plantations in Florida. This tree often reaches between 50 and 80 feet tall but can grow up to 100 feet with a spreading crown. This pine does best in loamy soil and is almost never found in wet ground or sandy areas. Because loblolly quickly takes over unused fields, it is also called “old field pine.”
The pond pine is a type of tree found in North and Central Florida. These trees tend to grow in poorly drained areas, such as flatwoods or near ponds. Pond pines are often confused with loblolly pines because they have similar-looking needles. Both types of trees have needles that are 5-6 inches long and come in bundles of three (or sometimes two or four). However, pond pine cones are smaller, only 2-3 inches, and more egg-shaped.
Spruce pines are a species of evergreen trees native to the southeastern United States. Named for their silver-gray bark, reminding naturalists of spruce trees, they are one of Florida’s least common pines. Their location is in zones 8A through 9B. They can be found growing among loblollies and hardwood trees because they are the most shade-tolerant out of all the other types of pines in Florida.
Shortleaf pines are a species of coniferous tree native to only North Florida, west of the Suwannee River. While they occupy the same range and habitat as spruce pine, looking at the bark of mature trees is the best to tell them apart. Shortleaf pines have reddish-brown bark, while spruce pine has silvery gray bark. Additionally, shortleaf pines are identifiable by their cones. The cones are considerably smaller than those of other Florida pine species; with an average length ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in length. They make for some of the smallest found in all varieties of Florida’s native pines.
Native Palm Trees
Are palm trees native to Florida? Although there are 12 palm trees native to Florida, only two of them are endemic. Florida is the only place you will find them. You can find the other ten palm trees native to Florida in other locations outside of Florida. Here are the 12 palm trees native to Florida:
Florida Elm
The Florida elm is a great choice for a long-living shade tree. It is fast-growing and can reach up to 80 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and fade to yellow in the fall. It also produces small green flowers in the spring. The Florida elm is moderately tolerant of drought and salt spray and is also used for making furniture and canoes.
Florida elm is an important part of the ecology in Florida. It provides food and shelter for wildlife, as well as shade from the hot summer sun. The seeds provide a valuable source of nutrition to many species of birds, including cardinals and mockingbirds. Rabbits, deer, and other small mammals eat its bark. In addition to providing food, the tree’s dense canopy creates a safe haven for animals such as squirrels or opossums seeking refuge from predators or inclement weather.
Florida Maple
The Florida maple is a beautiful tree that can reach up to 60 feet in height. It is known for its stunning fall colors, which can range from muted yellows to oranges. Older trees also have very attractive gray bark. This maple tree is ideal for use as an ornamental or shade tree in Florida due to its higher heat tolerance.
The Florida maple is an important tree for wildlife, providing an early spring source of nectar for bees and a home for birds and squirrels. Pollinators visit its flowers, and songbirds, bluejays, and mockingbirds eat its seeds.
Summary of 39 Trees Native to Florida
The photo featured at the top of this post is © VIKVAD/Shutterstock.com
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The Largest Forest in the United States
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About the Author
Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How are cypress trees grown in Florida?
Cypress trees are important for the state’s economy and ecology. Cypress trees often grow in large, circular patches called cypress domes. In the middle of these cypress patches is usually a pond. There are also areas of marshland known as cypress savannas, which are mostly made up of pond cypress trees that grow in poor soil.
What is a conifer?
A cone-bearing plant.
Florida is home to seven species of native pines, which are part of the larger pine family of cone-bearing plants (conifers).
Why is the Florida elm an important part of its ecology?
Florida elm is an important part of the ecology in Florida. It provides food and shelter for wildlife, as well as shade from the hot summer sun. The seeds provide a valuable source of nutrition to many species of birds, including cardinals and mockingbirds. Rabbits, deer, and other small mammals eat its bark. In addition to providing food, the tree’s dense canopy creates a safe haven for animals such as squirrels or opossums seeking refuge from predators or inclement weather.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
Sources
From needles to timber: Longleaf pines have deep historical roots in the area
Les Harrisonhttps://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/home-garden/2020/08/27/needles-timber-longleaf-pines-have-deep-historical-roots-area/5597198002/
Guest columnistThe current potential for extreme foul weather has many residents of Leon County concerned about the safety of the trees near their homes. While it is almost inconceivable to imagine the area without these important plants, in the wrong circumstance, they can be quite hazardous.While any debilitated or unhealthy tree has a high risk factor, many native shallow rooted species are on the list of what inevitably falls during storm events. Laurel and water oaks are notorious for being on the top of the...
Guest columnist
The current potential for extreme foul weather has many residents of Leon County concerned about the safety of the trees near their homes. While it is almost inconceivable to imagine the area without these important plants, in the wrong circumstance, they can be quite hazardous.
While any debilitated or unhealthy tree has a high risk factor, many native shallow rooted species are on the list of what inevitably falls during storm events. Laurel and water oaks are notorious for being on the top of the problematic list.
One durable, deep rooted native genus that is usually one of the last standing after stormy weather is the pine. Its sturdy structure is one of its many useful features.
Pines offered a variety of potential enterprises for industrious settlers and those who followed. These common trees are rarely appreciated and often overlooked today for their true resource status.
Arguably, the stateliest local pine is the longleaf. It is capable of reaching 80 to 125 feet in height with a 30- to 40-foot-branch spread.
A distinctive characteristic of this beautiful tree is the new growth clusters at its branch, end which is silvery white during the winter. These buds are commonly called candles, and it requires little imagination from the viewer to see the similarity.
Longleaf pines stay in a tufted, grass-like stage for five to seven years after germinating. They grow slowly in this phase while developing a root system.
Once the root system is firmly established, the growth accelerates. The bright evergreen needles may extend up to 14 inches and are very flexible, giving a weeping effect to the tree.
Flowers are inconspicuous and occur in spring, along with abundant pollen. The dusty yellow pollen covers vehicles, lawn furniture and about everything else outside.
Soon large, spiny cones follow and may remain on the tree for several years. Birds and animals use the seed within the fallen cones as a food source.
The timber from longleaf pines has a reputation for strength and excellent grain quality. The resinous heartwood is especially durable and is found as flooring in many older homes.
In addition, the sap has historically been a valuable commodity. Its many applications included being a component for waterproofing wooden ships and as the base product for turpentine. The longleaf was sometime called the turpentine pine.
The slash pine is another large, stately, heavily-branched, long-needled conifer native to Panhandle Florida It is capable of rapid growth and has the potential of reaching 100 feet in height with a three- to four-foot-diameter trunk.
The six-inch-long cones appear among the dark green, eight-inch-long needles, and are favored by wildlife. Squirrels are particularly fond of the seeds, scattering the cone debris below.
Slash pines self-prune their lower branches, forming an open, rounded canopy that creates a light, dappled shade beneath. The gray-brown bark is deeply furrowed and scaly.
The filtered light allows just enough sun to reach understory plants that grow beneath this tall, evergreen tree. This high, shifting shade provides an opportunity for wildlife habitat in the undergrowth.
Healthy pines typically have deep roots except in poorly-drained soil. Once established, slash pines are more tolerant of wet sites than most other pines and are moderately salt-tolerant.
Pines grow well on a variety of acidic soils in full sun or partial shade. The tap root is prominent in well-drained soils and can make young trees difficult to transplant from the wild.
While pines go largely unnoticed, they are still an integral part of modern life. Pines produce timber for structures, pine needles and bark for mulch, pulp for paper and many other products for commercial uses.
They also are excellent for home landscapes. Many residents of the Tallahassee area should consider them when selecting a tree for their home site. While not a visually striking exotic, they have numerous positive features. And do not forget their deep roots, both historically and literally.
To learn more about pines in the Leon County region, contact the nearest UF/IFAS County Extension Office or visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu. To read more stories by Les Harrison visit Outdoorauthor.com.
Les Harrison is a UF/IFAS Wakulla County Extension Agent Emeritus.
Women in Forestry: Spotlight on Terri Hall (Florida, USA)
CSR Wirehttps://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/768166-women-forestry-spotlight-terri-hall-florida-usa
Follow a typical day in the field with one of Rayonier's veteran forestersSubmitted by RayonierFew people can say they’ve been with the same company since graduating college 30+ years ago. Forester and Resource Land Manager Terri Hall is one of those people.“Rayonier was my first permanent job after graduating from college. I started working for Rayonier in 1989 in the old Chandlery Building in downtown Fernandina. At that time, it was known as ITT Rayonier, Corporate was in Connecticut and the timberlands we...
Follow a typical day in the field with one of Rayonier's veteran foresters
Submitted by Rayonier
Few people can say they’ve been with the same company since graduating college 30+ years ago. Forester and Resource Land Manager Terri Hall is one of those people.
“Rayonier was my first permanent job after graduating from college. I started working for Rayonier in 1989 in the old Chandlery Building in downtown Fernandina. At that time, it was known as ITT Rayonier, Corporate was in Connecticut and the timberlands were primarily in Florida and Georgia.”
Today, Rayonier’s timberlands span across the Southeast from South Carolina to Texas, and in Washington and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest as well as forests in New Zealand.
Terri soon found her home in Rayonier’s Florida Resource Unit, our team based in Rayonier’s southernmost forests in Florida.
“I started in Technical Services, then worked for the Florida region as a timber sales forester. Since 1992, I have had 5 different job titles but my office for all of them has been right here at the Bradford Forest Office.”
If that isn’t extraordinary enough, her boss has been with her for the span of her career. Rick Piagno, a colleague who eventually became her boss in 1996, is still her boss and Resource Unit Leader today.
“So I’ve had the same boss for 26 years and have worked for the same company for 32 years!” she chuckled.
Forging a career path all her own
Many foresters have a family background in the profession or some previous experience, but not Terri. She chose this career based on her own goals and objectives.
“I had no experience and no family background, I just wanted a job that was not going to be boring. I didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day long, and I wanted variety in my line of work. I definitely have variety. We always say: don’t make too hard of plans because every morning things are likely to change.”
Terri studied hard to earn her forestry education. She holds a Bachelors and Masters degree from Auburn University. Yet, she still encounters many misconceptions about her field of expertise.
“When I say I’m a forester, people think I sit in a fire tower. So I get to explain all that’s involved, from site management to seed selection, planting, disease control, working with loggers, fire fighting, sampling and statistics. People don’t realize all that goes into the education and daily work of it all.”
Terri began when few women worked directly in the field
Terri says it never concerned her that she was one of only a few women foresters. Nor did it motivate her to approach her job or make career decisions any differently.
“When I went to school there were 3 other women in my forestry classes. When I began working I think there was — I don’t really pay attention to this — no, there were not any other field women when I came. Then a couple more did come on but most of them did not stay in the field, they went into specialized things like technical services, GIS or research. I don’t know of many who were actually in forest management.
“I’ve never had a problem though. The nice thing about forestry is everyone is so great. Whether it’s Rayonier employees, contractors, loggers or employees with the Florida Forest Service, everyone’s just good, down-to-earth people. I’ve loved every minute of it. Honestly, unless somebody pointed out that I was one of the only women around, I never paid attention to it.”
A day in life of this Rayonier forester
In December 2021, when Rayonier employee Robert Hall shadowed Terri for a day and took the photos included in this story, she and her team were dealing with seasonal planting. She began her day in the field supervising planting and taking plots.
“In this picture, I’m laying out my pole to measure it for the correct length for a 35th-acre plot. I then swing the pole and count the seedlings on the plot.”
Terri has to count the number of trees to ensure the contractor is planting the correct density. “Planting compliance is complicated. Planting density can be affected by so many factors including bedding width, quality of the site prep and weather conditions. Really, the only thing a planter can control is how far apart the trees are in the bed.”
Back at the office, there are forest fire maps to review and analyze
“We do a lot of work looking at fire protection and things we can do to reduce fire danger, especially in Florida. Sometimes that’s through release work, in which we chemically spray under the trees to reduce competition. You create a map of all the stands to show what areas need a reduction in fire danger. After evaluating the map, we make plans for the coming year to do activities in these high risk areas such as mowing or spraying to mitigate the danger.”
Next, it’s on to timber sales — of which Terri has 21 pending for Bradford County
This involves checking in on and meeting with the loggers every 10 days to make sure harvesting is going according to plan.
“When I go out there, my biggest concerns are: stumps being low and trees being cut to the right top diameter so they’re getting proper utilization of the trees. Also, I check that the roads are not being torn up, no oil spills, that the right area’s being cut — you’d be surprised what can happen! — and that they only use our designated crossings. Since it rains a lot in Florida and we’re so close to the water table, we’re also very concerned about soil disturbance and wood not being left on the ground.”
“So I go to the field every week to check on the loggers and walk the timber sale area, making sure they haven’t messed up any sites, channels or roads and ensure they have what they need. I try to maintain a good working relationship with the loggers where they feel free to call and tell me what they need whether it is road work, additional tickets or clarification of the sale area.”
Now, she moves on to overseeing planting and nursery inventory
“Whenever the planting crew works on my forests, I give them maps showing the planting area, number of acres, species to be planted, the seed lot number and the trees per acre to be planted. One of the most challenging things about planting season is getting the seedlings from the nursery to the field when the planters need them. It is a huge coordinated effort when the forests in different states are all planting at once and getting their trees from our one nursery in Elberta, Alabama.”
The seedlings are delivered in refrigerated vans which are left on-site. When that inventory runs low, it’s up to Terri to ensure they have a new van of seedlings on the way so planting isn’t interrupted or delayed.
With the seedlings taken care of, Terri checks on the health of the larger tree stands
No matter how well you plan, cultivate and care for them, some trees are bound to experience pest pressure and/or disease. A regular part of Terri’s work includes evaluating trees for early signs of trouble.
“When you find a spot in a stand where the pine needles are turning red, you look for evidence like pitch tubes, popcorn or sawdust to try and identify the forest pest. Once you figure out the pest, you have to decide on a course of action. For example, if it’s southern pine beetle, we know that pest travels fast! So you might have to cut them down plus create a buffer around them to capture the red, dead and dying. This creates a buffer to protect the healthy trees. So when we see dead spots we have to look at them and see what’s going on.”
This level of consistent observation is critical to preserving and maintaining healthy forests and wildlife habitats.
What Terri loves most about being a forester
Terri’s love and passion for her work comes through in everything she does. Here’s what she loves most about her job.
“Some of it has to do with the actual work and some of it has to do with the management. I enjoy the freedom and the responsibility, I’m free to make decisions and I’ve been given a lot of responsibility. I appreciate the trust that’s involved. I like the challenge because we’re always looking for better ways to do this and solutions for the problems that come up. I especially like having an area that’s mine to manage.
“I love that I have the whole spectrum. From the time I put the seedling in the ground to the time the loggers cut it. I choose the seedlings for each stand, I determine whether the stand gets some intermediate treatment, and I’m the one who’s out there helping to protect it either through fire fighting or pest management.
“Another thing I like about my job is how we’re structured. There’s a lot of accountability. If I don’t make sure the logger got it right then I’m going to hear it from the site prep guy. If I don’t ensure that the site prep is right, I am going to hear it from the planting contractor. I’m in charge of the whole rotation. Also, I oversee planning of road work in preparation for new timber sales so just about anything that happens, it’s my responsibility…and I like that.”
Terri adds: “I’ll tell you a secret, the Florida Resource Unit is the best. We have a great time together, we really do!”
Rayonier
Rayonier (NYSE:RYN) is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. We own or lease under long-term agreements approximately 2.8 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. South, U.S. Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. We are More than trees because we recognize that our 90+ years of success in the timberland industry comes from our people, an empowering culture and the courage to constantly challenge “the way it’s always been done.” Get to know us at www.rayonier.com.
Southern Timber Owners and Industry Hit Hard by Hurricane
United States Department of Agriculturehttps://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/11/15/southern-timber-owners-and-industry-hit-hard-hurricane
Posted by Patty Matteson, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service in ForestryNov 15, 2018Hurricane Michael, which roared through Florida, Alabama and Georgia on October 10, hit timberland owners and timber markets hard.John Alter and his wife Elizabeth manage more than 1,000 acres in Malone, Florida, including 18 Tree Farm stands. The Alters were honored as Florida’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in...
Posted by Patty Matteson, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service in Forestry
Nov 15, 2018
Hurricane Michael, which roared through Florida, Alabama and Georgia on October 10, hit timberland owners and timber markets hard.
John Alter and his wife Elizabeth manage more than 1,000 acres in Malone, Florida, including 18 Tree Farm stands. The Alters were honored as Florida’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in 2015.
“This is a true disaster,” said Alter. “My immediate focus is on determining what to do with what’s left of my timber, and I do not have access to everything right now.”
The monetary estimate of timber damage in Florida alone is well over $1 billion. The hurricane also caused extensive damage in Georgia and Alabama.
Research shows that damage from individual storms and other forest threats, such as insects, fire, and disease, can create widespread wealth redistribution among timber land owners. The entire supply chain is impacted – from landowners to loggers to the mills and beyond. Southern Research Station Forest Economics and Policy researchers Thomas Holmes and Jeff Prestemon’s studies show that growers with damaged stands lose wealth.
“Prices fall during the salvage period due to the spike in volume and quality degradation,” said Holmes. “Plus, not all damaged timber can be salvaged.”
Timber growers with damaged stands and timber consumers – mills – tend to lose out, he explained. However, timber producers with undamaged stands benefit because wood is still needed, and prices can rise to make up for the lack of high-quality wood available after salvage operations. He predicts that, based on a timber market welfare analysis, the aggregate losses to timber producers and consumers in Florida from Hurricane Michael may exceed the current $1 billion estimate.
In the past, state governments have taken steps to assist timber managers with salvage operations. Some examples include relaxing weight limits on roads; allowing logging trucks to carry heavier loads; permitting larger than normal log storage volumes at mills; and assisting private landowners and nongovernmental organizations with salvage planning.
“It would take 2.4 million logging trucks to remove all of the dead trees that we have in Florida as a result of this hurricane,” said Florida Forest Service State Forester/Director Jim Karels.
The Forest Service is supporting restoration efforts by working closely with state foresters in Florida and Georgia to increase timber sale and salvage operations. At the states’ request, agency specialists will also provide technical assistance to help private landowners write plans for treatments and get their timber to market. The Forest Service will also provide funding to state forestry agencies to administer landowner reforestation programs.
“Active cooperation between state and federal agencies will be the key to recovery,” said Rob Doudrick, SRS Director. “Our research will provide the sound science for making decisions.”
Category/Topic: Forestry
Tags: Forest Service Forestry Southern Research Station Hurricane Michael
Study shows wood products markets reel long after hurricanes subside
Virginia McDanielhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/features/study-shows-wood-products-markets-reel-long-after-hurricanes-subside
When Hurricane Michael made landfall in October 2018, it was a Category 4 storm that damaged more than 6 million acres of forest and destroyed 10 billion cubic feet of timber across Alabama, Georgia and Florida. That’s enough timber to frame 3.4 million houses!In Hurricane Michael’s aftermath, the landscape looked as if every tree had snapped in two in some places. After the hurricane, mills were flooded with salvaged pine and hardwood timber — causing timber prices to fall. A year later, when fallen trees were too r...
When Hurricane Michael made landfall in October 2018, it was a Category 4 storm that damaged more than 6 million acres of forest and destroyed 10 billion cubic feet of timber across Alabama, Georgia and Florida. That’s enough timber to frame 3.4 million houses!
In Hurricane Michael’s aftermath, the landscape looked as if every tree had snapped in two in some places. After the hurricane, mills were flooded with salvaged pine and hardwood timber — causing timber prices to fall. A year later, when fallen trees were too rotten or damaged to be salvaged, lumber prices rose. With a scarcity of timber in the area, landowners who still had standing trees were able to sell them at higher prices, and the increased cost passed on to the mills that make wood products.
Hurricanes have short- and long-term effects on people, their property and economies. In the case of Hurricane Michael and the wood products market, the event deeply destabilized the delicate balance of supply and demand, causing prices to fluctuate. Unstable prices can hurt producers, as they are unable to plan effectively. They hurt consumers, who are often stuck paying higher prices. Sadly, the negative effects of Hurricane Michael on the local wood products economy will likely be felt for decades.
Understanding the effects of hurricanes on forests, forest products and markets is crucial to forest landowners, mill owners and the people who rely on forest products every day. This is even more important with the potential of increased storm activities due to climate change.
Forest Service Research Economist Jesse Henderson from the Southern Research Station explored the effects of hurricanes on forest products markets in a recent study. The study also recommended steps timberland owners can take to mitigate damage from hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Because there is little data that characterizes how hurricanes damage forests, the researchers used measurements from Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 storm that hit South Carolina in September 1989, as a surrogate to answer some questions.
“We used data from both hurricanes and modeled different scenarios 60 years into the future to understand forest sector and carbon storage changes after the storms,” said Henderson.
Henderson found that after a natural disaster, not all wood products are affected equally. For instance, the study shows that the markets for pine pulpwood, which is used to make paper products, recovered faster than pine sawtimber markets.
“Pulp sourcing has more flexibility, meaning that a wider range of tree sizes and species can be used to make pulp, which makes for a faster recovery,” says Henderson. “The main driver of pulp’s faster recovery is that young trees take a shorter time to grow than older ones.”
The model also shows that markets recover fastest when damaged forests are replanted soon after logs are salvaged. When pine stands were replanted and after supplies recovered – between 10 and 20 years – pine pulpwood prices returned to baseline levels. But pine sawtimber prices returned to normal only in the case with the highest replanting rate.
However, only about 1% of hardwoods were salvaged following Hurricane Michael. In addition, hardwoods are typically slow growing, taking more time to increase to a marketable size. The model suggests that hardwood markets may be affected for decades.
Replanting large numbers of trees quickly could have benefits beyond the timber marketplace. Reforestation also may counteract the release of carbon caused by hurricane damage. Despite the damage to millions of acres of forests, the model suggests that if more replanting occurs, the amount of carbon stored would increase.
The research underscores the need to act quickly after a natural disaster. It also illustrates the need for extensive reforestation capabilities, like seedling nurseries, to replant trees following natural disasters.
The Repairing Existing Public Land by Adding Necessary Trees Act, or REPLANT Act, prioritizes land in need of reforestation due to natural disasters that are unlikely to naturally regrow on their own. The act will quadruple investments to support the Forest Service planting 1.2 billion trees over the next 10 years. The act also includes a federal subsidy system that considers proximity to sawmills when funding federal land restoration projects.
The Forest Service plays an important role in helping to restore forests affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. To support those who work with forest products and other crops, the agency, in partnership with the USDA Southeast Climate Hub, offers a series of commodity guides to help farmers and foresters prepare for and recover from hurricanes. The Pine Forest Landowners Guide focuses upon pre-hurricane planning and post-hurricane evaluation and recovery actions that forest owners and managers can take.
In addition, through programs such as those offered through State, Private, and Tribal Forestry and Reforestation, Nurseries and Genetic Resources, the Forest Service provides technical support to help procure supplies and equipment needed to rebuild and repair nursery infrastructure.
Nationwide, there are approximately 1,500 forest and conservation nurseries producing over 1.4 billion seedlings annually to be outplanted on federal, state, tribal, private and industrial lands. The agency’s nursery system and seed banks encompass six nurseries and two specialized seed facilities across the country. These nurseries produce about 25 million tree seedlings each year, along with other native plants, such as shrubs, grasses and wildflowers.
Learn more about how the Forest Service is working to restore forests.
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Conservation, Economic Opportunities, Forest Management, Forest Products, Natural Resource Use, Private Land, Reforestation, Restoration, Timber
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forest landowners, disturbance, Natural Disaster, hurricane, hurricane recovery, timber, carbon, forest management, markets, supply and demand, forest economics
Timber business booming throughout North Florida
Melissa Nelson Gabrielhttps://www.orlandosentinel.com/2015/09/09/timber-business-booming-throughout-north-florida/
LIVE OAK — The towering grove of century-old longleaf pines surrounding Roger Ward’s family home is a rare site in this verdant swath of north-central Florida: Most pines here are cut and processed for profit as soon as their 15-to-18-year growth cycle is complete.The demand for timber worldwide is booming, and this remote section of Florida, along with other timber-growing regions of the southeastern U.S., is benefiting.In a state where undeveloped real estate quickly gives way to neighborhoods, strip malls, hotels...
LIVE OAK — The towering grove of century-old longleaf pines surrounding Roger Ward’s family home is a rare site in this verdant swath of north-central Florida: Most pines here are cut and processed for profit as soon as their 15-to-18-year growth cycle is complete.
The demand for timber worldwide is booming, and this remote section of Florida, along with other timber-growing regions of the southeastern U.S., is benefiting.
In a state where undeveloped real estate quickly gives way to neighborhoods, strip malls, hotels or amusement parks, this timber-rich part of Florida is unique.
Dozens of lumber mills and pine-straw, bark and wood-pellet processing plants have sprung up in North Florida to take advantage of the unique soil composition, lengthy growing season and warm, moist climate in which pine trees thrive.
Ward jokes that the acres of tall pines constituted his college fund and his parents’ 401(k). The family’s fortunes have long been linked to the rise and fall of the timber market.
“This is certainly one of the better times around here for timber,” Ward said as he inspected a field of tree saplings on a recent afternoon.
Timber prices are rising as demand grows for timber used in building, paper products and biofuels worldwide. Prices for Florida saw pine peaked around 2005 — before the housing bust and the recession — at $40 a ton, according to Timber Mart-South, a Georgia-based nonprofit organization that tracks the timber industry. Prices fell to $21 a ton in 2011 but are now around $25 a ton and rising.
Thomas Mende, president of U.S. operations for the Austrian-based timber company Klausner, is another person banking on the Southeast timber market. Mende’s company recently invested $130 million in a new Suwanee County timber mill, which ships pine boards to Asia, South America, Europe and beyond.
On the main road outside the mill, a billboard encourages locals to apply for jobs. Klausner currently employs 300 people here and hopes to hire about 50 more.
“What you have here is an ideal location where the trees grow fast, there is political stability, excellent infrastructure and a solid work force,” Mende said from his office, which overlooks acres of processed wood awaiting shipment.
In the American Northwest and in Canada, some federal restrictions on foresting, longer growing cycles and problems with wood boring beetles have created supply issues and driven up costs, Mende and other experts said.
“Wood is being rediscovered as environmentally friendly,” Mende said.
He points to major building projects, including a 10-story wood building recently built in Australia and a taller wood building in Austria. The buildings use massive wood panels up to 64 feet long and 8 feet wide.
The building trend is one of many factors fueling a steady increase in price of pine, said Sara Baldwin of Timber Mart-South.
“Certainly with the opening of a brand-new mill in the middle of that region, I would say Florida pine is experiencing a resurgence,” she said.
Nowadays Ward and his fellow Suwanee County farmers are turning to Brian Coble, the region’s longtime state forestry manager, for his expertise on nurturing tree saplings to maturity and making sure they make the best use of their land. On a recent morning, Cobble and Ward waded through acres of waist-high saplings, assessing their health.
The fresh smell of dog fennel sprouts, also known as wild chamomile, permeated the muggy midmorning air as gnats and mosquitoes buzzed over the young trees.
Ward and Coble used a tape measure to help count the 31 saplings within a 26.3-foot radius or a 20th of an acre. Coble inspected saplings that weren’t thriving to determine whether they had bugs or were being smothered by the surrounding vegetation. He advised Ward to mow in some areas and use herbicide in others.
But as has often been the case in Florida, despite the growing demand for timber and rising prices, some in the area think the tree farms will eventually give way to development.
Timber expert Sara Baldwin said development, especially in Florida, frequently wins out over other land uses.
“Trees are not always the highest and best use of land, and there are often economic pressures to develop,” she said.
But Mende, of the Klausner mill, says trees, at least in the short term, are the region’s future.
Ward agreed.
“It comes down to the math,” he said. “If trees are the best return on investment available for the land, people will plant trees.”
Loblolly pine a key timber source
Chronicle Onlinehttps://www.chronicleonline.com/news/real_estate/loblolly-pine-a-key-timber-source/article_c350bc18-870a-11e8-9026-1b528fc7ca91.html
Four major southern pines dominate the softwood timber industry in the Southeastern U.S. on the Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont inland foothills. They range from eastern Texas and Oklahoma, east to Florida and north to Delaware and southern New Jersey. The most important southern pine is Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), with over 50 percent of commercial softwood production. Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) and Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) make up much of rest of the lumber and pulp and paper industries in...
Four major southern pines dominate the softwood timber industry in the Southeastern U.S. on the Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont inland foothills. They range from eastern Texas and Oklahoma, east to Florida and north to Delaware and southern New Jersey. The most important southern pine is Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), with over 50 percent of commercial softwood production. Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) and Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) make up much of rest of the lumber and pulp and paper industries in the Southeast.
Six minor southern pine species are Sand Pine (P. clausa), Spruce Pine (P. glabra), Table Mountain Pine (P. pungens), Southern Pine or Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida), Pond Pine (P. serotina), and Virginia Pine (P. virginiana). Minor pines are generally harvested with major pines and can cross pollinate with the dominant pines. The Ocala National Forest has the largest stand of endemic Sand Pine in the world.
Native Loblolly Pine, called southern yellow pine, is the most important commercial timber tree in the Southeast. According to the United States Forest Service (USFS), Loblolly Pine is the second-most common species of tree in the United States, after Red Maple (Acer rubrum). Loblolly grows in many soil types, prefers wetter habitats with poor to moderate drainage and can grow from lowland coasts to 2,000 foot elevations. Pines are not tolerant of shade. Globally there are 262 pine species in the Pinus genus.
Fast-growing Loblolly Pine can reach a height of 160 feet with a spread of 30 to 60 feet in diameter. The limber straight trunk can reach up to 5 feet in diameter. The tallest Loblolly Pine, at 169 feet tall, is in Congaree National Park southeast of Columbia in South Carolina. Medium length, stiff, slightly twisted needle-like leaves can reach 9 inches and are generally in bundles of three called fascicles. Loblolly needles generally last about two years, making these pine trees evergreen throughout the year. Some old needles die and fall throughout the year, but mostly are shed in the autumn.
Cone-bearing species include pines, cypress, yews, cedars, spruces, firs, larches, podocarpus and cycads such as coonties and sagos. Pine cones are called strobilus; the plural is strobili. Each year, late winter or early spring brings a flush of male pollen cones called microstrobilus and female cones, megastrolilus. On pine trees, male staminate cones are typically lower on a branch while female cones are at the tips. Female ovulate cones grow into familiar pine cones. Each species has different looking cones than other pine species. Pine cones have individual overlapping plates called scales.
Cones of Loblolly Pines are 3 to 6 inches long. Green unopened cones are up to 1.25 inches in diameter. Cones open 2.5 inches wide to release seeds, which are dispersed by the wind, rain and wildlife. Cones may persist on the tree for several years.
Stands of Loblolly Pines are habitats for wildlife such as deer, squirrel, turkey, rabbit, quail and dove. Birds that nest in pines include pine warblers, Bachman’s warblers and brown-headed nuthatches. Near water, eagles and osprey often build large nests in the tops of Loblolly Pines. In the past humans harvested too many slow-growing Longleaf Pines (Pinus palustris), so the faster-growing Loblolly Pine has expanded to fill the vacancy. Endangered species like Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Fox Squirrels have to depend more on Loblolly Pines for their existence.
Locally, the finest young Loblolly stand is on the west side of County Road 495, Citrus Avenue, opposite Shamrock Acres Farm. Ed and Sean Gerrits planted them about 1997–1998. Compare the Loblollys to the farm’s improved Slash Pines trees on the east side of C.R. 495. Some old-growth Loblolly Pines with resin harvesting slashes are in Crystal River Preserve State Park along the trail at the west end of State Park Drive.
Jane Weber is a professional gardener and consultant. Semi-retired, she grows thousands of native plants. Visitors are welcome to her Dunnellon, Marion County, garden. Contact her at jweber 12385@gmail.com or phone 352-249-6899.
New ice cream parlor offers a place to keep cool this summer
Beth N. Grayhttps://www.tampabay.com/news/business/new-ice-cream-parlor-offers-a-place-to-keep-cool-this-summer/2122833/
SPRING HILLJust in the nick of time, with summer around the corner, Don and Ellyn Pulver have swung open the doors on the Sweet Spot, a multi-flavored ice cream parlor where customers can chill out.Retirees in the adjacent Timber Pines community and elsewhere likely remember the famous boast of the Howard Johnson's restaurant chain: "Twenty-eight flavors."At Sweet Spot, try 34 flavors — or perhaps put in a request from a total 150 varieties created by the parlor's supplier, "right here in Florida,&qu...
SPRING HILL
Just in the nick of time, with summer around the corner, Don and Ellyn Pulver have swung open the doors on the Sweet Spot, a multi-flavored ice cream parlor where customers can chill out.
Retirees in the adjacent Timber Pines community and elsewhere likely remember the famous boast of the Howard Johnson's restaurant chain: "Twenty-eight flavors."
At Sweet Spot, try 34 flavors — or perhaps put in a request from a total 150 varieties created by the parlor's supplier, "right here in Florida," Don Pulver noted.
"Spumoni," he mused, as he dug out a well-rounded scoop. "I've heard nobody around here has it." A regular cone: "two scoops and a little more."
Pulver, 63, retired from a career in retail administration, but not from a lifelong interest in food.
"Ice cream sounded like a fun business," he said, "so here we are."
His gesture took in the spiffy-clean surroundings, with ice cream-color decor, heroic circles of pastels replicating the commercial ice cream containers. Little tables and bentwood-style chairs of a bygone era provide a place for customers to sit.
"When you walk in, it's like an ice cream parlor," said Lauren Jolly of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. "It's so cheery and so colorful."
Pulver and his wife researched suppliers online, toured the manufacturing plant of the Ice Cream Club in Boynton Beach and tasted samples.
"We said this is the one. They've won lots of awards, most recently for their chocolate," he said, pointing out a deeply dark concoction.
While chocolate may seem pedestrian, Pulver said it ranks among the top three choices of customers at the shop, joined by butter pecan and caramel caribou.
The adventuresome might order up a cone, sundae or milk shake from a tub of "garbage can." Its label explains that the vanilla ice cream base is chocked with bits of seven kinds of candy bars, plus handfuls of peanuts.
Cherry oblivion, key lime pie and blue moon flavors rank among the 24 on display. Ten more in a back-room freezer — carrot cake among them — appear on a rotation basis.
With a decorator's skill, Ellyn Pulver designs and builds the shop's ice cream cakes. She makes mini-cheesecake pops, finishing the treats-on-a-stick with a chocolate coating.
The Pulvers recently expanded their sandwich menu, originally limited to homemade sloppy joes and hot dogs with six topping choices. New are egg salad and chicken salad fillings, along with meatball, sausage and eggplant subs, the mainstays all ladled with Ellyn's homemade tomato sauce and blanketed in Parmesan cheese.
The next treat she has in mind: individual cheesecakes.
Don Pulver is trying to perfect a pizza dough and sauce.
"But until I get it right," he said, "I'm not going to bring it out."
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Beth Gray can be contacted at graybethn@earthlink.net.
Wilton Simpson requests $2 million from Florida Legislature for state’s timber industry recovery
Caden DeLisahttps://thecapitolist.com/wilton-simpson-requests-2-million-from-florida-legislature-for-states-timber-industry-recovery/
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson submitted a $2 million legislative budget request this week to aid the state’s timber industry following the impact of Hurricane Idalia.The request comes one week after state assessments revealed that the hurricane yielded $64 million in damages across six counties using data derived from wind speed estimates, modeling, and ground-level observations.“We continue to work with key legislative members to create additional state-funded grant programs to...
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson submitted a $2 million legislative budget request this week to aid the state’s timber industry following the impact of Hurricane Idalia.
The request comes one week after state assessments revealed that the hurricane yielded $64 million in damages across six counties using data derived from wind speed estimates, modeling, and ground-level observations.
“We continue to work with key legislative members to create additional state-funded grant programs to support Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers severely impacted by Hurricane Idalia,” said Simpson.
The sought funding was made in addition to a $4 million request for Florida’s Future Forests Program, a cost-share program, in the 2023-2024 state budget and the launch of an assistance program to provide support to agricultural producers who were impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
“While disaster recovery programs at the federal level can take years to support impacted producers, this targeted and state-funded grant program can quickly help Hurricane Idalia impacted timber landowners offset the initial cost of site preparation, seedlings, and the planting of seedlings.”
Per the damage evaluations, pine forests bore the brunt of the damage, with catastrophic damage impacting 1,674.27 private acres and causing the loss of 26,553 tons of timber, valued at $669,335.87. Severe damage further compounded financial losses, affecting 93,531 private acres and 2,425 public acres, resulting in the loss of 1 million tons of timber valued at $25.3 million. Moderate damage, while comparatively less severe, still impacted 75,525 private acres and 7,727.01 public acres, leading to the loss of 660,191.63 tons of timber valued at $16.6 million.
Mixed forests containing both pine and hardwood trees, as well as hardwood forests, saw total losses reach 526,485 tons of timber valued at $8.1 million and 756,243 tons valued at $11.7 million, respectively. Cypress forests were found to lose 135,985 tons of timber, valued at $2.2 million
Despite being a relatively dry storm with low precipitation, damage evaluation found that Idalia produced significant storm surge and widespread flooding along the Gulf Coast, resulting in significant damage to mature live oak trees, which are typically considered to be wind-resistant.
A preliminary report conducted by the University of Florida places total estimated agriculture losses to fall between $78 million and $371 million, encompassing damaged crops, livestock, and infrastructure, including irrigation systems and fences. Livestock losses are estimated to be between $30.1 million and $123.4 million, while field and row crop losses range from $30.7 million to $93.6 million. Greenhouse and nursery products also suffered losses ranging from $4.7 million to $68.8 million.
Total estimated insured losses following Idalia’s landfall have swelled to $230 million, as of Wednesday, with varying percentages of claims closed across different lines of business.
Perry after Idalia: Florida's 'Tree Capital of the South' becomes a 'tarp village'
Tallahassee Democrathttps://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2023/09/02/perry-florida-becomes-a-tarp-village-after-hurricane-idalia-power-trees/70737195007/
PERRY — About 48 hours after Idalia uprooted trees and downed power lines in this Big Bend town ...
PERRY — About 48 hours after Idalia uprooted trees and downed power lines in this Big Bend town of 7,000, Jerry Wells summed up the situation.
“If you don’t have a generator, you are going to be in deep trouble,” said Wells.
Wells had filled a half dozen, five-gallon containers with gasoline at a Citgo station along U.S. 19 and was holding a 14-gallon container steady while his spouse Anne pumped it full.
Except for a six-year stint in the Air Force, Wells has spent all of his 78 years in Taylor County. He said Idalia is the worst hurricane he has ever seen.
“All the way up (U.S.) 19 through Taylor County the forest is just devastated. I don’t know how many people have trees in their homes. It’s turning into a tarp village,” said Wells, who estimates he has spent $1,000 on gas to power a generator.
He expects to be without electricity for a month.
“If we don’t. We lose everything in our freezer, in the refrigerator. And, yeah, the humidity at night, with the windows open? Ain’t no way in hell you sleep,” said Wells about stockpiling gasoline.
Don Everett owns the gas station where Wells was filling up.
He spent part of Friday directing traffic in the parking lot as a long line of cars and trucks waited for fuel.
The gas station, Huddle House restaurant, convenience store complex sits along Perry’s business district where Idalia punched out the signage when it pounded the region with hurricane-force winds.
The gusts ripped from the foundation one of the canopies Everett had over an island of gas pumps – it will cost an estimated $175,000 to replace it, he said.
“It’s just a madhouse down here, just amazing. It’s like a bomb went off. That’s all there is to it,” said Everett.
Everett said he was down on the coast during the Storm of the Century in 1993, when it produced an 11-foot storm surge and spawned tornadoes that claimed three lives.
He finds that Idalia in Perry is 10 times worse than the Storm of the Century was in Steinhatchee.
“We didn’t lose power then. But now you got all these trees down. And all the power lines down. That’s the biggest thing ... no power,” said Everett.
Ninety-three percent (12,863) of the customers with Duke Energy and/or the Tri-County Electric Co-op, in Taylor County were without electrical service at sunset Friday. But by dawn Saturday, 50% of customers were back online
“We will just pick up the pieces, you know, as soon as we get the power on,” said Everett.
'The Tree Capital of the South' becomes the 'Florida Chainsaw Massacre'
Perry’s history, economy, and identity is rooted in forestry and the trees that plunged it into the dark for Labor Day Weekend 2023.
In 1965 then Gov. Haydon Burns cited 525,000 forested acres in Taylor County to proclaim Perry “The Tree Capital of the South.”
Since 1954, the Foley paper mill there, now operated by Georgia Pacific, has harvested fibers (cellulose) from pine trees to produce more than 5,000 paper products.
Today the Foley plant provides 600 jobs, according to media reports, which would be 12% of the jobs in Taylor County, according to the U.S. Census.
Nearly a quarter of the local economy is tied to the plant.
While people lined up at a Salvation Army food truck Friday and compared notes about the previous two days, the town’s biggest employer came up in the discussion.
“All the devastation for as far as you can see to the pine tree farms that feed our Georgia Pacific,” said a Walmart worker who asked not to be named. “They sure lost a lot of money.”
West of the city, the tops of rows of six-foot pines tilt to the northeast, pointing to Idalia’s path.
Within 30 miles of Perry, pine straw, limbs, debris and downed power lines begin to appear along U.S. 98, the Scenic Coast Highway.
Ten miles out, power poles are broken into pieces and uprooted trees litter yards.
Once in the city, the sides of roads and sidewalks are blocked by neat piles of sawed pine and oak trunks.
“We staged the Florida Chainsaw Massacre,” said Father Matthew Busch of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Perry with a smile when asked about the debris lining the roadway to his church.
Busch said as soon as Idalia cleared the city Wednesday, volunteers began to clear a path through the driveway that winds from the Byron Butler Parkway and around the Immaculate Conception campus.
Tallahassee descends on Perry to help its neighbors
Thursday morning supplies from Second Harvest of the Big Bend, and other groups began to arrive with volunteers from Tallahassee to unload, bag, and cook.
Busch said groups from the World Center Kitchen, Catholic Student Union at Florida State University, Catholic Charities, and the Knights of Columbus prepared and distributed 700 meals Thursday – and another 1,500 by noon Friday.
“As soon as we put up signs that said free food traffic started rolling in,” said Busch as a line of cars backed up at least a quarter mile on the Parkway to pick up prepared meals.
Across town at a Winn-Dixie parking lot, next to a FEMA staging area for supplies to help homeowners, a Salvation Army food truck was on pace to distribute 3,000 meals of beef and beans on Friday, according to Major Thomas Richmond.
Vickie Gatlin waited in line, hugging a four-pack of paper towels she picked up from FEMA.
Gatlin considers herself a hurricane veteran, having lived in Panama City when Michael struck in 2018.
“I know what to expect,” she said, while lamenting post-Idalia life.
“We can’t get power. We can’t get cell service. People need tarps. And we need help with these trees. It’s hot,” said Gatlin, as the heat index exceeded 100 degrees Friday.
The 53-year-old Gatlin and husband Jimmy evacuated to Marianna when Idalia approached Taylor County.
They returned Thursday to find their home intact but with no electricity.
To beat the heat Friday, they and their five dogs were spending the day in an air-conditioned pickup truck.
"There were tornadoes. You could hear them," said Steve Loschmann, who lives in a neighborhood behind the Winn Dixie on U.S. 19.
A landscaper, Loschmann moved to Perry in 2002 from Colorado.
"All the other hurricanes, they always went off to the left or right. This is the first that actually hit. It was like a cluster of tornadoes, more than a hurricane. I was watching the rain and a gust would come up and turn it into a mist," said Loschmann.
Rep. Neal Dunn: State responders 'covered themselves in glory'
Congressman Neal Dunn, R-Panama City, toured Perry, Steinhatchee, and Keaton Beach, Friday with Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett.
After viewing the devastation, Dunn praised Florida’s preparation and response to the storm.
He said efforts to restore power across the eight most affected counties appear to be running 12 hours ahead of schedule.
At one point Wednesday more than 300,000 households in the Panhandle, Big Bend, and North Florida were without electricity. By 9 a.m. Saturday the number was down to 63,000.
“I don’t think any other state could have responded this quickly," said Dunn.
Dunn supports the emergency declaration President Joe Biden approved for eight counties, and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call for the Commerce Department to declare a fishery emergency.
He urged local tree farmers to apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for block grants created for the timber industry.
“Nobody ever wishes for a storm, but I think the state has covered themselves in glory with their response here and now it's the feds turn to try to do as well,” said Dunn.
How to help
With Tallahassee escaping the brunt of Hurricane Idalia's wrath, this story is part of a continuing series profiling hard-hit communities. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on Twitter: @CallTallahassee