Projects & Activities

The Virginia Loggers Association (VLA) is actively engaged daily on important issues impacting the forest harvesting/logging industry. We pursue the achievement of its mission and objectives through participation with the forest industry, government, landowners and legislators. Virginia Loggers Association is a proud participant and supporter of Log- A – Load for Kids.

The Virginia Loggers Association annually participates in either the Richmond Logging Expo or the Mid-Atlantic Logging Expo. Five newsletters are published annually with articles about markets, safety, harvesting and current trends and an eNEWS service is sent to members and subscribers. Once a year, members of the Board attend the annual Fly – In to Washington, D. C. and educate law makers on important issues affecting the harvesting/logging industry and an informative annual conference.

Recent Activities of the Virginia Loggers Association:

  • In 2017 VLA actively opposed the proposed fee on logging inspections.
  • In 2015 VLA actively supported and worked in the Virginia General Assembly to ensure the passage of overweight truck, which allows loggers to haul up to 90,000 pounds of forest products on non-interstate highways.
  • The VLA actively supported and worked in the 2015 General Assembly to ensure the passage of changes in the Forest Products Tax laws to move the responsibility of payment form the logger to the mills. In most cases, the mill or others will be responsible for payment.
  • Members worked closely with City officials in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to allow continued passage of forest products through the City of Emporia which now allows daily passage but haulers must comply with common sense rules (contact info@valoggers.org for details).
  • VLA supports full funding of Virginia’s Reforestation of Timberlands Act (RT Funding) for reforestation.
  • The VLA worked with allied groups to reverse the IRS denial of the 25% reduction in the HVUT Tax on log trucks.
  • The VLA was a major player in a combined effort with other associations to help retain tax exempt status of mobile machinery. This effort represents a major savings for all logging businesses.
  • The VLA worked with other associations to keep the VDOT Blanket Entrance permit program.
  • Initiated action with Governor to implement Hurricane Weight exemption after Hurricane Isabel, to assist loggers working in damaged areas.
  • Worked with other associations to defeat mandatory BMP legislation.
  • Working to address truck weight laws and DOT enforcement procedures.
  • Working to promote woody biomass and other new markets for the industry.
  • Continually monitors local ordinances, state and federal legislation that could impact our industry.
  • Assists with the Virginia SHARP LOGGER training program.
  • Sponsor of LOG A LOAD for Kids 

 

Members of the Virginia Loggers Association are citizens of Virginia communities across the Commonwealth.  Many support local events to improve their communities and the lives of its citizens.  Our members are small business owners who love the opportunity to work in our beautiful forests and are part of one of the most important industries in Virginia and the Nation.