The Invasive Plant Control Program (IPCP) is a forestry program administered by GFC and funded by the U.S. Forest Service. Forestry practices covered include the use of herbicides (or a combination of mechanical and herbicide treatments) to eradicate nonnative, invasive plants.
Th IPCP program targets certain invasive plant species listed as a top concern in Georgia. The twelve most harmful invasive plants in Georgia are known as the Dirty Dozen. They include Non-native privet, Chinaberry, Japanese climbing fern and Chinese tallowtree (pictured above).
We encourage landowners to join our efforts.
Private, non-industrial landowners* who own at least 10 acres of forested land and can provide a practice area of at least 3 acres are eligible to participate in GFC’s IPCP Program.
* – A “Private non-industrial landowner” is defined as any private individual, group, association, corporation, Indian tribe or other native group, or other private legal entities. The program is also available on lands owned by local governments (Cities, Counties, Board of Education, etc.).
There are exclusions to participation.
Corporations whose stocks are publicly traded, or legal entities principally engaged in the processing or manufacturing of wood products are excluded from participation.
Become part of the solution to rid the state of invasive plants.
Participants receive a rate of $60 per acre for areas treated. To apply, please contact your local GFC forester.
Helpful Resources
| Title | Description | Audience | Document Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Dirty Dozen (Top Twelve Nonnative Invasive Plants) List | 72 counties have had cogongrass detections since 2007, and to date 34 of the 72 counties have no active cogongrass. Georgia’s proactive treatment program assists landowners across the state, and 85% of all known cogongrass spots in Georgia are considered inactive. The Georgia Forestry Commission documents all known cogongrass infestations.Invasive Species: Any plant or animal that has been introduced and aggressively competes with and displaces local native communities; normally having no native enemies to limit reproduction and spread. The Dirty Dozen List of Non-native Invasive Species is ranked by the total acres occupied according to Forest Inventory and Analysis data. Honey Suckle and Fescue are not included in this list. Credit for the data used to make this list to the US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program and The Georgia Forestry Commission FIA Foresters. | ||
| 2022 Chinese Privet Identification Sheet | Chinese (Ligustrum sinense), European (Ligustrum vulgare) and Japanese (Ligustrum japonicum) privets are all listed as invasive-exotic species that threaten native South Carolina forests. These are semi-evergreen, multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees that can grow up to a height of 20 feet. Ligustrum sp. are native to China, parts of Europe and Japan, and were first introduced into the United States around 1909 for ornamental use as shrub borders, erosion control plantings and wildlife forage. Characteristic flowers of Ligustrum species are showy, panicles of tiny, creamy-white flowers that are very fragrant and abundant in late spring through summer. Fruit produced are small, rounded dark-purple berries that persist throughout the winter, especially favored by birds. | ||
| 2023 Cogongrass County Density Map | Community, GFC Partners, Homeowner, Landowner, Student | ||
| 2023 Cogongrass Percent Inactive Map | Community, GFC Partners, Homeowner, Landowner, Student | ||
| 2023 Cogongrass Spring Update | GFC Partners, GFC Staff, Landowner | ||
| 2023 Cogongrass Winter Update | Community, GFC Partners, Homeowner, Landowner, Student | ||
| 2023 Known Cogongrass in Georgia | Community, GFC Partners, Homeowner, Landowner, Student | ||
| Callery Pear Information | Callery pear is one of the most rapidly-spreading invasive plants in the eastern U.S. This plant stems from cultivars of ornamental pears, most commonly the Bradford pear. Callery pear can have long thorns, and grows singly or in thick patches in old fields, roadsides, or forested areas. | External Website | |
| Cogongrass Eradication Agreement | Form for landowners to submit for assistance with cogongrass eradication. | Landowner | |
| Cogongrass Eradication Strategies | GFC began treating cogongrass in 2007 and has developed several methods to combat the problem. | Landowner | |
| Cogongrass in Georgia | 14 minute Youtube video descriving cogongrass and its impact in Georgia | Landowner | Video |
| Cogongrass in Georgia PSA | 30 second Youtube video advising Georgians to be on the look out for cogongrass | Landowner | Video |
| Cogongrass: Identifying one of the Most Invasive Plant Species | Cogongrass is one of the most invasive plants in Georgia. Follow along with Lynne Womack, our Forest Health Coordinator, and Mark McClure, our Forest Health Specialist, as they discuss the characteristics, common look-a-likes, and location of Cogongrass. | Video | |
| Cogongrass.org | Comprehensive information on cogongrass in Georgia along with links to other southeastern state efforts on cogongrass | Landowner | External Website |
| Georgia Invasive Species Task Force | The Georgia Invasive Species Task Force is comprised of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Georgia. For more than 15 years, members of this group have worked cooperatively together in invasive species detection, education, and control. | External Website | |
| Identifying Cogongrass (Field Guide) | Helpful tips for identifying invasive cogongrass. | Landowner | |
| Invasive Climbing Fern Fact Sheet | Overview information about invasive climbing ferns. | ||
| Invasive Plants of Georgia Forests | Overview of invasive plants in forests across Georgia. | ||
| Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests | Information on accurate identification and effective control of the 33 plants or groups that are invading the forests of the 13 Southern States at an alarming rate, showing both growing and dormant season traits. | External Website |