The California Licensed Foresters Association, with a membership responsible for the sustained management of millions of acres of California forestland, represents the common interests of California Registered Professional Foresters.

The Association provides opportunities for continuing education and public outreach to its membership, which includes professionals affiliated with government agencies, private timber companies, consultants, the public, and the academic community.

Governed by an elected Board of Directors, CLFA was established in 1980 after the passage of the landmark California Professional Foresters Law.

By: Frank Mulhair, CLFA President

During this “Great Recession” some things have decreased such as monetary support for associations. This recession has been tough on many associations and CLFA is not alone. We, like so many others have felt a decline in membership and workshop attendance, and therefore a decrease in operating revenue.

However, many things have not decreased such as the introduction of anti-forestry bills, rule development by the Board of Forestry (BOF), pressure from environmental activists, and forestry related policies from multiple resource agencies (regional water boards, DFG, EPA, etc…)

Is there still work for CLFA to do? You bet!

In an effort to continue this work with less money we have made many cuts and have streamlined many of our processes. We have been cutting where we can in an effort to save money and still pay for those things that you have expressed to be important. We have moved workshop venues, renegotiated contracts, decreased travel for the GAS position, and added package deals and reduced registration fees for workshops.

It is difficult to talk about membership dues during these times, but I assure you that your Board of Directors (BOD) is aware of these difficulties. Since I have been on the board (April 2008) we have seen members of the BOD and the Association lose their jobs, struggle to find work, and switch to furlough scheduling.

Many members read the newsletter and attend their local CLFA breakfast meeting when possible, but for the most part they pay their dues knowing that it supports a representative at the BOF and at the legislature fighting for their profession. Many members pay their dues knowing that it supports the Association staying vigilant so that they can focus on work. Many members want to not only know what is going on, but also how the BOD is utilizing their dues, time, and attention. When talking to members about dues during these tough times we are frequently asked “Money is short, what do I get for my dues?” Whatever type of member you are, the BOD and I feel obliged to remind members of the benefits of CLFA membership.

Yes, at last I have revealed to you the point of this message.

We are the only Forestry related association that requires you to have a license to be a Voting member. This means that our voice carries weight; we are all PROFESSIONALS and/or EXPERTS. We have been asked on multiple occasions to comment on rules, proposed legislation, submitted documents, and partner with sister groups (SAF, Farm Bureau, CFA, FLC, etc…) because of our “professional voice”. We were part of a coalition that fought back against the proposed fee for THPs during the 2011 state budget. We joined a grassroots coalition to petition the NCWQCB to roll back the 2009 Timber Waiver. We fought to keep AB1005 from getting a hearing (2011 bill transferring final review authority to the Secretary of Natural Resources and proposed to charge THP submitters in order to finance the new layer of agency and Secretary reviews.) and we are ever present at the BOF submitting input during the rule making process. This is a powerful benefit that members enjoy.

We provide representation at the BOF, at the Legislature, and other boards when needed (such as the regional water boards). Information is then brought to you via the newsletter and monthly breakfast meetings. [Note: the newsletter is a membership privilege, so please don’t share it with non-members, this hurts your Association]. Each CLFA region has representatives available to bring concerns forward such that representation in Sacramento can be directed towards relevant issues. We also produce multiple workshops throughout the year in an attempt to enhance the professional forester’s role. And of course one of the most easily seen benefits is the networking opportunity, including job postings and employment connections. In a nutshell, membership keeps you plugged in.

We are not the biggest, and we are not the smallest, but we are the only association that represents YOUR license. If you are in a career that requires a license, then you NEED to be in an association that represents your license. Honestly, I can’t imagine working in our ever changing, ever evolving, frequently polarized, and constantly under attack industry, without being in an association.

I see our Association, and to a greater extent our profession, very similar to the forests that we steward over. Together and united we are resilient, resistant to disease, growing, and ever providing. However, if we become fragmented we become susceptible to deforestation (loss of infrastructure), diseased (ineffective), and fail to provide (loss of profession). The Forestry solution would be to resist fragmentation, fight disease, practice active management, and stimulate perpetual growth. Help us continue to serve you the best way that we can by attending your local breakfast meeting, reading your newsletter, talking with your BOD representatives, complain and belly ache to your BOD representatives, and strongly encourage others that are not members to become a member today.

Fellow Foresters and resource professionals, these tough times will end eventually. The real question is, what will our profession and the lands that we steward look like when this recession ends? Support CLFA so that CLFA can continue to support you.