Best Jeff Zeringue Podcasts (2025)

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Loggers around the country to meet in Louisiana — Ep. 58 25:36

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1M ago25:36

25:36

Send us a text Dave Cupp has been a forester in Louisiana for more than 40 years, 30 of which he's worked for Walsh Timber Co. He has always maintained good relationships with Loggers and of late has served as Vice President of the American Loggers Council (ALC). This year he is set to take the reins of the ALC as its president when the organizatio…

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Legislative Logger Jack McFarland — Ep. 57 1:02:28

2M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Send us a text State Rep. Jack McFarland is a Master Logger from Winnfield, the only logger in the Louisiana Legislature, giving his colleagues a different perspective of the forest products industry. Jack gives us an update on what happened in the Legislature that affects loggers and the rest of the industry. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the…

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A look a the business side of tree farming, benefits of hunt clubs — Ep. 56 40:02

3M ago40:02

40:02

Send us a text David Young is a third-generation tree farmer in Natchitoches Parish. His approach might be more business-like, but he still loves the land he's managed for several decades. Part of his philosophy includes having hunt clubs leasing portions of land. It's the "row-crop" of forest landownership. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the L…

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LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen — Ep. 55 29:58

3M ago29:58

29:58

Send us a text LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature and how the forestry could be affected by laws that were passed. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@lafore…

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Casey Durand, 2024 Logger of the Year — Ep. 54 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

Send us a text Casey Durand of Central Timber Services of Pollock, Louisiana, was selected the 2024 Outstanding Louisiana Logger for the Louisiana Forestry Association and Louisiana Logging Council. Casey takes time to talk about his year with that honor and the state of the logging industry in Louisiana. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Loui…

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Jackie Harvey, 2024 Outstanding Louisiana Tree Farmer — Ep. 52 32:39

5M ago32:39

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Send us a text Jackie Harvey has been blessed to keep The Shades, a tree farm in West Feliciana Parish, in her family for more than 200 years. She is proud of that fact but is especially proud that her son will one day take the reins and carry on a family tradition for another generation. Jackie talks about how her father became a transplanted Loui…

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Start of a new Legislative Session in Louisiana Ep. 53 26:43

5M ago26:43

26:43

Send us a text Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature where insurance and tax reform will be the big issues it will address. How those bills will affect the forest products industry, especially forest landowners and loggers, will be included in the upcomin…

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Landowner Rights — Ep. 51 34:08

6M ago34:08

34:08

Send us a text A forester and wildlife biologist is contesting the way wildlife enforcement agents are trained to enter private landowners property without a suspicion of a crime and warrant giving them permission to search the property. The lawsuit is being handled by the Institute for Justice, a Washington-based nonprofit law firm that fights for…

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Reminiscing over 60 years of tree farming with John Gallaspy — Ep. 50 49:12

7M ago49:12

49:12

Send us a text Mr. John Gallaspy has been a Tree Farmer since the 1960s. His father even before that. Raised in DeSoto Parish, but settled in Washington Parish where his late wife was grew up, Mr. Gallaspy reminisces about how there have been changes in forestry. He also is the author of the book, "The City that Refused to Die: Bogalusa the First H…

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Insurance affecting forest products industry — Ep. 49 40:01

8M ago40:01

40:01

Send us a text Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple talks about the progress made in 2024 during the Legislative sessions and the hopes for 2025. Want to contact the Insurance Commissioner's Office, the website is https://ldi.la.gov/ and their phone number is (225) 342-3612. Gov. Landry's veto of HB 423 Minding the Forest is a podcast of the…

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Forestry Works in U.S. forestry — Ep. 48 1:04:38

9M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Send us a text Each year forestry association directors and communicators from across the southeast United States get together to discuss what each is doing to spread the word about forestry and the forest products industry. This year's topic is Forestry Works, which is a program that started in Alabama and has since spread to 10 states. Minding th…

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Forest products with Dr. Rich Vlosky — Ep. 47 1:11:25

10M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

Send us a text Dr. Rich Vlosky had a round-about way to coming to Louisiana, but the LSU researcher has investigated many things about many forest products. Dr. Vlosky talks about his experiences in the forest products industry and the different products he's with which he's worked. You can contact him at [email protected]. References about …

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Urban Forestry — Ep. 46 1:08:07

11M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Send us a text Yes, there are tree canopies and forests in an urban setting! Paul Johnson, vice president of Urban and Community Forestry and Career Pathways for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Darren Green, urban forester for the city of Alexandria, Louisiana, talk about the many aspects and benefits of trees in our cities. SFI even…

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Economics of Louisiana Forestry, Ep. 45 39:32

12M ago39:32

39:32

Send us a text Brooks Mendell is founder, president and CEO of Forisk Consulting and has been a guest speaker at the Louisiana Forestry Association's annual convention often over the years. His expertise in researching markets and trends is stellar and he is happy to share his knowledge of the forest products industry and the many facets of it. Min…

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State Treasurer John Fleming — Ep. 44 51:50

1y ago51:50

51:50

Send us a text Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming talks about taxes and potential changes that could be considered in the future by lawmakers. Included are his views on dedicated taxes and tax exemptions. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to…

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Invasive Species with Dr. Jaesoon Hwang and Dr. Wood Johnson — Ep. 43 48:26

1y ago48:26

48:26

Send us a text Invasive species are troublesome for many reasons, but especially because they can harm native species of trees. Be they plants, insects or pathogens. Dr. Jaesoon Hwang and Dr. Wood Johnson of the U.S. Forest Service talk about these inventive pests and what to look out for. Jaesoon Hwang: [email protected] Wood Johnson: Crawfor…

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Trey and Melinda Maxwell: 2023 Outstanding Louisiana Logger — Ep. 42 45:15

1y ago45:15

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Send us a text Trey Maxwell was a rising star in high school baseball before joining the college ranks. His drive and determination were strong in the sport, but he knew that wasn't going to be his future. Almost 30 years ago, he took his intensity to start a log truck business, married his then-girlfriend Melinda and soon turned that into a loggin…

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How did forestry industry do in the latest legislative session? — Ep. 41 38:53

1y ago38:53

38:53

Send us a text Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about how the forestry industry faired during the latest session of the Louisiana Legislature. Landowners narrowly escaped another try at allowing people to travel on any waterway, even if it isn't traditionally navigable and meanders through private property. T…

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Brown Spot Needle Blight in Louisiana — Ep. 40 28:02

1+ y ago28:02

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Send us a text Dr. Laura Sims, assistant professor at Louisiana Tech University, is leading a study in the state on Brown Spot Needle Blight (BSNB), a fungus that has spread more among loblolly pine in Louisiana. Although early on in the study, samples of possible BSNB has shown BSNB in several parishes. Landowners who believe they might have BSNB …

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2023 Tree Farmer of the Year — Ep. 39 52:27

1+ y ago52:27

52:27

Send us a text Melanie and Gaston Lanaux were selected the 2023 Tree Farmer of the Year by the Louisiana Forestry Association for their tree farm, Chardet, in Husser, Louisiana. Affectionately called "The Krumpi", the Lanauxs have enjoyed the rural setting and practicing sustainable forestry. They also have endured two major hurricanes — Hurricane …

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Effects of drought linger in Louisiana — Ep. 38 46:44

1+ y ago46:44

46:44

Send us a text Louisiana is coming out of an extreme drought as spring rains bring more moisture to the land, but the effects of the extreme, hot drought can last for years. Minding the Forest talks to Jim Meeker and Colin Bonser with the USDA Forest Service about the drought in Louisiana, its effects and for what forest landowners and folks with t…

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Legislative Session 2024 — Ep. 37 28:09

1+ y ago28:09

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Send us a text Episode 37: Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the regular session of the Louisiana Legislature which starts Monday, March 11. If you're an LFA member and want to receive the Legislative Update email newsletter, submit the request by email to [email protected]. Not a member, visit our webs…

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Carbon storage and forest landowners — Ep. 36 35:04

1+ y ago35:04

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Send us a text Carbon storage is still a new topic for landowners with few acres of forest, but there are programs out there that owners of smaller forests can learn more about carbon storage and their forests. Michael Lauve of NativState talks about this emerging topic for owners of smaller forests and issues landowners need to learn bout to deter…

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Talking Timber Taxes — Ep. 35 1:08:40

1+ y ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Send us a text Tax attorney Paul Spillers of Theus, Grisham, Davis & Leigh, is a past president of the Louisiana Forestry Association and makes presentations at forestry forums all over the state. We've taken the opportunity to have Paul talk about the issues he presents at forums. Please be sure to take this information only as general. No one sho…

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Communicators on Forestry — Ep. 34 47:02

1+ y ago47:02

47:02

Send us a text Each year, forestry associations across the Southeast United States gather in Alabama to share what each is doing to spread the word about the benefits of managed forests and support the forestry industry. The people who work in communications for the associations often work on a joint project and this year decided to talk about what…

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Incoming Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple — Ep. 33 33:10

2y ago33:10

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Send us a text Tim Temple was selected Louisiana insurance commissioner before the primary election. Now he faces challenges to an ever-growing crisis in insurance in many areas. Temple talks about the issues and his hope to have insurance in a special session in 2024 before the Legislature's Regular Session in March. Minding the Forest is a podcas…

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Louisiana Wild Fires — Ep. 32 29:34

2y ago29:34

29:34

Send us a text Wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres of forest and several homes, costing Louisiana millions of dollars to suppress them. Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain talks about the causes and dangers of the 2023 wildfires that also destroyed homes. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry A…

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Louisiana Master Naturalists — Ep. 31 25:04

2y ago25:04

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Send us a text Bette Kauffman is president of the Louisiana Master Naturalists Association, a statewide organization that promotes learning and conservation. The conservation message the group gives coincides well with managed forests. Want to find out more, check out the LMNA's website at https://www.louisianamasternaturalist.org/ Minding the Fore…

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Legislative Logger — Ep. 30 26:34

2y ago26:34

26:34

Send us a text State Rep. Jack McFarland is a Smart Logger (Master Loggers who go the extra mile to get audited by a third-party) and is the only Logger in the Louisiana Legislature. McFarland talks about how he has been able to educate his colleagues about the forest industry and its contributions to the state's economy and jobs. If re-elected for…

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Sustainable forestry and BMPs — Ep. 29 29:38

2y ago29:38

29:38

Send us a text Jeremy Poirier, senior manager for fiber certification at International Paper in Shreveport, talks about IP’s responsible fiber sourcing policies and how they meet the evolving sourcing requirements from their stakeholders. Jeremy also was part of a group of Louisiana Forestry Association members who participated in updating the stat…

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Look back on the 2023 Regular Session of the Legislature — Ep. 28 31:04

2y ago31:04

31:04

Send us a text LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen takes a look back at the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Some bills were close calls for the forest industry. You can contact Mr. Vandersteen if you'd like to learn more by emailing [email protected]. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and …

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How trees can become a Louisiana champion tree — Ep. 27 22:23

2+ y ago22:23

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Send us a text The new list of Louisiana Champion Trees is out for 2023. So how are champion trees discovered? Louisiana residents contact us and we put LFA Champion Tree Chairman Rick Williams on the case! Rick also is the State Forester for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana. This episode was recorded in February, so com…

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Earth Day and Forestry — Ep. 26 19:58

2+ y ago19:58

19:58

Send us a text Whitney Wallace, forestry and wildlife agent for the LSU AgCenter in Southeast Louisiana talks about how sustainable forestry fits perfectly in the idea of conservation. We caught up with Whitney at a 4-H event in Amite City, Louisiana, and also got a chance to talk to a few 4-Her's. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana F…

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Louisiana Legislative Session 2023 — Ep. 25 22:03

2+ y ago22:03

22:03

Send us a text Lots of issues are expected to be debated in the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, including how surplus money will be spent, property rights and the possibility of a ballot initiative. Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about those issue and more in this episode of MTF. If you'r…

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Louisiana Project Learning Tree — Ep. 24 19:45

2+ y ago19:45

19:45

Send us a text Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an international program that teaches educators about trees and the benefits of forests through interactive programs that involves science, math, vocabulary and other disciplines they can incorporate in their classes. Stacy Blomquist is Interim State Coordinator for Louisiana PLT talks about the program…

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Navigating the Forest Productivity Program and more from LDAF — Ep. 23 46:04

2+ y ago46:04

46:04

Send us a text The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry does plenty to help the small landowner and has an important role in the forest products industry. Included in its offerings is the Forestry Productivity Program, which is geared to the small forest landowner who wants to manage forestland perpetually for the owner's goals that actua…

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Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) wants forests to stay as forests — Ep. 22 29:24

2+ y ago29:24

29:24

Send us a text The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) supports standards that help keep forests as forests, using science. Gordy Mouw is director of network relations for SFI, working with SFI State Implementation Committees in states across the U.S. Want to find out more about what SFI does and the standards it develops and promotes, check them…

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The Amateur Botanist and Big Tree Hunter — Ep. 21 31:11

3y ago31:11

31:11

Send us a text John Michael Kelley calls himself an amateur botanist who has a passion for finding unique ecosystems in Louisiana. In his enthusiastic efforts, he also has found several new state champion trees. This interesting young man seeks opportunities to contact landowners who might have old-growth forests or unique ecosystems to share and e…

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Prescribed fire for forests — Ep. 20 23:09

3y ago23:09

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Send us a text Forestry Extension Agent Keith Hawkins of DeRidder has done much with prescribed fire and helping connect landowners with training to become certified in prescribed burning. He also has had a hand in the development of Prescribed Burning Associations, which is just getting off the ground in Louisiana. What are the benefits of prescri…

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Forestry Economics — Ep. 19 26:44

3y ago26:44

26:44

Send us a text New wood-using facilities coming to Louisiana will be a great impact on rural areas. Listen to Dr. Joe Chang, a professor at LSU talks about Forestry Economics and his work at the state's flagship university. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Co…

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Legislative 2022 Wrap up — Ep. 18 28:56

3y ago28:56

28:56

Send us a text Some successes for loggers and others in the forest products industry. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about how the Louisiana Legislature Regular Session 2022. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@la…

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Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence in Forestry! — Ep. 17 24:13

3+ y ago24:13

24:13

Send us a text This year is the 75th anniversary of the Louisiana Forestry, and who better to talk about this exciting event than Michael Crowell, president of Crowell Forest Resources, a fifth-generation owner. We talk about the event set for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the Golden Nugget Hotel Casino & Resort in Lake Charles. Want to learn more and registe…

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Endangered Species — Ep. 16 33:48

3+ y ago33:48

33:48

Send us a text Paul Stone is a conservation forester for Crobsy Land and Resources and chairman of the Endangered Species Committee for LFA. Paul talks about what the ESA means to Louisiana and some of the things landowners should keep in mind when managing for wildlife that could include endangered species. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the L…

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Legislative Session 2022 — Ep. 15 29:14

3+ y ago29:14

29:14

Send us a text Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the next regular session of the Louisiana Legislature. Vandersteen also has a Legislative Report that is sent via email. LFA members can sign up to receive the the report by calling the LFA office at 318-443-2558 or by sending an email to [email protected]…

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Working Lands for Wildlife — Ep. 14 38:02

3+ y ago38:02

38:02

Send us a text Troy Mallach is the state biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana (NRCS) who assists with helping forest landowners develop management plans that enhance habitat for wildlife. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comme…

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Seeds4Trees for Louisiana schools — Ep. 13 17:05

3+ y ago17:05

17:05

Send us a text Lisa Delaney launched Seeds4Trees in 2021 as a way to teach students in elementary and middle schoolers about where seeds come from in various species of trees. The project can be used at almost any level of school and provide projects for various subjects. For more information, email her at [email protected]. Minding the Forest i…

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Louisianan and Canadian companies form partnership that's working — Ep. 12 20:41

4y ago20:41

20:41

Send us a text Richie LeBlanc is the president and CEO of Hunt Forest Products and LaSalle Lumber. The family-owned business is embarking on a second endeavor with Tolko Industries, a Canadian company. The partnership gave birth to LaSalle Lumber in Urania, a state-of-the-art lumber mill that is a model for the new mill to be built in Taylor, Louis…

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LSU AgCenter has forestry agents — Ep. 11 19:52

4y ago19:52

19:52

Send us a text Robbie Hutchins is a forestry and wildlife agent for the LSU AgCenter, which helps educate landowners about their forested land and many other things. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to [email protected]. If you wan…

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Procurement Forestry — Ep. 10 24:15

4y ago24:15

24:15

Send us a text Tony Diaz, a chip mill operations manager for Graphic Packaging International in West Monroe, talks about his job as a procurement forester. Diaz also is president of the Louisiana Forestry Association. Learn more about the Louisiana Forestry Association by goin to www.laforestry.com. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana …

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Legislative 2024 Wrap up — Ep. 9 18:16

4y ago18:16

18:16

Send us a text With the 2021 Regular Legislative Session wrapped up, LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen talks about the Louisiana Logger Relief Act, one of the industry's big wins. In the time of this recording and its release, the governor has signed HB 642, which created Act 410 and officials, including representatives of the LFA and Louisia…