Members,

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in July that $200 million in aid for timber harvesters and haulers included in a bipartisan $900 billion COVID-19 relief package approved more than six months ago would be released and Maine loggers and truckers could begin applying for the funds July 22.

The full announcement by USDA may be found HERE, including details on who is eligible and how to apply.

Loggers and truckers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 22 through Oct. 15, 2021. The relief program is being called the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) and is administered by FSA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

Who is eligible?

Timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2019, are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for payments, individuals or legal entities must be a timber harvesting or timber hauling business where 50% or more of its gross revenue is derived from one or more of the following:

-Cutting timber

-Transporting timber.

-Processing of wood on-site on the forest land (chipping, grinding, converting to biochar, cutting to smaller lengths, etc.).

How much aid can I receive?

Payments will be based on the applicant’s gross revenue received from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 1, 2019, minus gross revenue received from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 1, 2020, multiplied by 80%. FSA will issue an initial payment equal to the lesser of the calculated payment amount or $2,000 as applications are approved. A second payment will be made after the signup period has ended based upon remaining PATHH funds.

The maximum amount that a person or legal entity may receive directly is $125,000.

How do I apply?

Loggers and truckers can apply for PATHH beginning on July 22 by completing form FSA-1118, Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program application, and certifying to their gross revenue for 2019 and 2020 on the application. Additional documentation may be required. Visit farmers.gov/pathh for more information on how to apply.

Applications can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery, or via electronic means. To find a local FSA office, loggers and truckers can visit farmers.gov/service-locator. They can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.

Information on where to locate your nearest Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Maine is available HERE.

Webinar, Q&A

FSA hosted a stakeholder webinar on the new PATHH program last Thursday. If you missed it the recording is available HERE.

The American Loggers Council has also provided a helpful Q&A on PATHH. It is available HERE.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the PLC.

APPLY HERE

Only 21 days to go!!!

If you have not already registered for or sponsored the PLC’s upcoming Log A Load for Maine Kids Southern Maine Golf Tournament on Aug. 27 there is still time! We look forward to seeing you at this important event at Kezar Lake Country Club in Lovell to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals right here in Maine.

Last year we raised more than $27,000 at the tournament, and we hope to exceed that amount this year.

There are still team registration and sponsorships available! You don’t have to be a golfer to play, this is all about helping the kids!  Don’t delay! Register or sponsor now through the online link below or by mail if you prefer.

If you have questions please contact Jessica at jessica@maineloggers.com or by calling (207) 688-8195.

REGISTER OR SPONSOR ONLINE

PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM