FORESTRY HB239 (Knight) and SB126 (Watkins) directs the Department of Forestry's forest tree nurseries to continue to use

methyl bromide gas fumigation in their pre-seeding land preparation under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's listed usage exemption QPS (Quarantine & Pre-Shipment). The bill also authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to issue a phytosanitary certificate or a permit verifying that shipments of conifers and hardwood seedlings are free of pests and diseases. Farm Bureau supports. It has passed both houses. HB995 (Ransone) and SB428 (Ruff) limits the payment made to localities by the Department of Forestry to one-fourth of the gross proceeds derived solely from the sale of timber harvested on state forest lands. Currently, localities receive one-fourth of the gross proceeds from revenue generated by any revenue-generating activity occurring on state forest lands. Farm Bureau is supporting. It has passed both Chambers. HB291 (Johnson) requires the owner of any property on which timber is to be cut to send written notice to all adjoining property owners at least 60 days before cutting timber and to send written certification to the State Forester that such notice was sent at least 45 days before cutting timber. Farm Bureau worked with the patron so that stakeholders can meet during the year to continue discussing the issue. The bill was stricken from docket in committee.