Pass the Tissue, it’s Pollen Time!
It’s that special time of year in Georgia, when Mother Nature coaxes everything around us to sprout, bloom, and reach for the sunshine. For many people, however, it’s the most miserable time of year, when all the pollen, both visible and invisible, wreaks havoc on human bodies. Despite its shady reputation with some, we’d be … Continue Reading →
Recognizing the Value of ‘Good Forest Fires’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 31, 2022 Georgia is the #1 Forestry State in the Nation, and the private landowners who own 90 percent of the state’s forestland make that claim to fame possible. Wise stewardship of Georgia’s forests is the foundation of the $39.1 billion forest products sector, which is why Prescribed Fire Awareness Week … Continue Reading →
Georgia’s Family Forest Landowners – 2021
Georgia’s forestry sector annually contributes about $36 billion to the state’s economy. Family forest landowners own 57% of forestlands in the state. These forestlands not only provide round wood for sustaining rural economies, but they also provide several other environmental (e.g., clean water and air, carbon sequestration and storage, wildlife habitat, and pollination) and social … Continue Reading →
Would wood work? Builders eye mass timber for construction, conservation
By Dan Chapman, Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hawkinsville, Georgia – Dr. John Bembry roams his 2,200-acre tree farm pointing out the ecological wonders bestowed by “the good Lord.” Here, he says, is an age-old longleaf pine stand towering over wiregrass and gallberry scrub. There’s a gopher tortoise whose sandy … Continue Reading →
Georgia’s Burn Notification System Changes – Coming Soon!
As of July 1, 2021, changes go into effect regarding the legal responsibilities of Georgia landowners burning outdoor yard debris. Under Senate Bill 119, GA code section 12-6-90 was changed to eliminate the need to notify the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) by the person, firm, corporation, or association who intends to burn hand-piled natural vegetation/yard … Continue Reading →
Think safety before starting a burn.
* Georgia law no longer requires notification to the Georgia Forestry Commission by people planning to burn yard debris. Charges may apply if wildfire results from escaped burning and evidence show reasonable fire prevention precautions were not taken. Weather conditions have been ideal this year for creating a busy prescribed burn season. Landowners across the … Continue Reading →
Spring Tree Care
By Seth Hawkins, GFC Urban Forest Specialist Springtime is here and with longer days and warmer temperatures at hand, trees are waking up for the growing season. Trees’ water needs are also waking up, so it’s time to start a watering regime for trees that were recently planted or planted within the last two years. … Continue Reading →
Forestry Considered Critical Workforce Under “Shelter in Place” Executive Order
This article was published by our friends and partners, the Georgia Forestry Association. For more information, visit www.gfagrow.org/covid-19. On April 2, 2020, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued an Executive Order, which instated a statewide “shelter in place” order in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Georgia Forestry Association has prepared an issue … Continue Reading →
Prescribed Fire and COVID-19
* Georgia law no longer requires notification to the Georgia Forestry Commission by people planning to burn yard debris. Charges may apply if wildfire results from escaped burning and evidence show reasonable fire prevention precautions were not taken. During the #COVID19 pandemic, it is imperative that prescribed fire practitioners statewide exercise heightened judgement about smoke … Continue Reading →
#SpringIntoAction with GFC!
Springtime in Georgia is always a sight to behold – even, and especially – in these challenging times. Whether enjoying the outdoor splendor an acceptable social distance from other humans, or just peering out the living room window, nature’s finest is on full display right now. Let’s capture these memorable moments together! What are you … Continue Reading →
