PFPA Membership

The Benefits of Sawmill/Primary Manufacturer Membership In The Pennsylvania Forest Products Association

PFPA works diligently to maintain rational access to the Commonwealth's forests and guards against those who would endeavor to increase governmental regulation on every sector of the industry. This allows all segments of the forest products industry to add value to local raw material at a reasonable price. One of your biggest worries should be continuing the means to realistically access Pennsylvania's bountiful supply of hardwood. The Pennsylvania Forest Products Association (PFPA) is ready and willing to assist you.

Consider these reasons for joining PFPA:
  • Over 100 sawmills/primary manufacturers are members of PFPA. Our association represents 75% of the hardwood production capacity in Pennsylvania.
  • PFPA is Pennsylvania's only organization focusing on state government issues and activities that affect all sectors of the forest products industry.
  • PFPA membership provides you the opportunity to network with peers from various sectors of the forest products industry, suppliers and customers alike. One of these multiple opportunities is the biennial Timber Show hosted by PFPA, highlighting equipment and technology in the forest products industry. Timber 2007 will be held at the Ag Progress Grounds near State College.
  • You will get market exposure through PFPA's Annual Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide, recognized as the best listing of Pennsylvania's sawmills and other forest product suppliers in the state.
Our recent lobbying successes on your behalf:
  • We recently won enactment of a law that makes it illegal for townships to ban logging plus obtained passage of a law that sets strict rules for how municipalities can post and bond both roads and bridges.
  • PFPA supported passage of the ACRE law, which provides a streamlined process for legal disputes between forest product businesses and townships over the legality of local ordinances.
  • Our association successfully negotiated with DEP to modify General Permit 7 (Permanent Road Crossings) and General Permit 8 (Temporary Road Crossings), which enable our industry to cross wetlands and streams without an extensive permitting process.
  • At the request of PFPA, PennDOT agreed to provide annual hauling permits to transport oversized forestry equipment, saving the time and expense of obtaining daily permits.
  • PFPA hosted a series of meetings between industry and DCNR's Bureau of Forestry to identify and implement improvements to the design, contract and implementation of State Forest timber sales.