Are you a landowner looking for programs and services for your forested land?

From Planting to Maintenance

Forestry BMPs are an important part of the practice of sustainable forestry. Simply defined, sustainable forestry is ” … the management of forests to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.”

The purpose of this manual is to inform landowners, foresters, timber buyers, loggers, site preparation and reforestation contractors, and others involved with silvicultural operations about common-sense, economical and effective practices to minimize non-point source pollution (soil erosion and stream sedimentation) and thermal pollution. These minimum practices are called BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES and are commonly referred to as BMPs.

Important dosage information for treating infestations of hemlock woolly adelgid.

The 1457 cogongrass spots encompass a total of 373 acres. The status and treatment for each spot is at varying levels. The Georgia Forestry Commission recognizes a spot as eradicated after three consecutive years of finding no cogongrass resprouts.

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.

The state is divided into five regions to ensure the best management of water controls.

The American Forest Foundation (AFF), in conjunction with Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc.(SFC), developed the original components, outlines, structure, and drafts of the Landscape Management Plan (LMP) and the associated geodatabase. AFF and SFC also worked cooperatively to evaluate and incorporate edits, comments, and modifications that resulted in the final LMP and geodatabase.

During a previous survey of the primary wood-using industries in Georgia, the following companies reported to GFC personnel that their listed sawmills used mechanical grading systems. Please note that not all mills responded to this question and there may be other Georgia mills that utilize mechanical lumber grading. Final determination will depend upon individual contact with the mills.

This Document is intended to aid homeowners and local government staff in planting and directing the establishment and maintenance of community trees.

This document is a guide to reforesting cities and towns.

Checklist for planning and executing a Georgia ReLeaf-funded Tree Giveaway

This example budget can be used as a reference and a template to develop your giveaway project budget. If your project is for both a giveaway and planting, all budget items can be included in one budget sheet. 

This example budget can be used as a reference and a template to develop your planting project budget. If your project is for both a giveaway and planting, all budget items can be included in one budget sheet.    

Daily forecasts with NFDRS Ratings and State-wide Fire Danger Ratings

Steps on assessing storm damage around our home and property.

Learn about different types of insects and diseases that can affect our trees.

How to assess various types of trees and explains certain risk factors.

The importance of hiring an #ISA #Certified #Arborist to care for our trees.

Shows us how to identify common trees in our backyard.

Liability Waiver

A review of some of the Internal Revenue Service rules, regulations and or Revenue Rulings pertaining to Casualty Losses.

The Code of Ethics for Prescribed Burners

Form for landowners to submit for assistance with cogongrass eradication.

GFC began treating cogongrass in 2007 and has developed several methods to combat the problem.

14 minute Youtube video descriving cogongrass and its impact in Georgia

30 second Youtube video advising Georgians to be on the look out for cogongrass

Comprehensive information on cogongrass in Georgia along with links to other southeastern state efforts on cogongrass

The Cooperative Forestry unit of the USDA Forest Service works closely with partners to enhance and maintain forests across watersheds and ecosystems, both on private and public land, for the benefits they provide to the American people. Cooperative Forestry delivers its work through states, local governments, other federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners leveraging additional resources and fueling innovation.

Learn about Cost-share and conservation assistance through federal and state programs.

Several federal, state, local and private cost sharing and incentive programs are available to help you meet your forestry management goals. Review programs.

Daily updates of fire risks across Georgia

The USDA Disaster Resource Center offers information about specific disasters and emergencies, how to prepare, recover, and help build long-term resilience, as well as information about USDA assistance during disaster events.

Website formed through a multinational effort to provide the latest information about the emerald ash borer (EAB)

Managing hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) can involve use of insecticides. When it does, the non-target impacts (negative effects to other organisms) need to be thoroughly considered
and weighed against the environmental cost of inaction or alternative management approaches. Insecticides applied for HWA management are used for conservation purposes, which may seem counterintuitive. However, hemlocks are a key forest species, and so their loss can result in severe ecological consequences. To justify insecticide use against HWA, we have to ask: What are the possible negative consequences of using insecticides in the forest? We must consider these trade-offs in hemlock management. It is important to remember that there will be trade-offs in any kind of resource management discussion, even if it may not initially seem apparent. The negative environmental consequences of hemlock mortality must be weighed against the known consequences of insecticide use to preserve hemlocks.

Information for the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), which oversees policies and protections for air quality and radiation exposure

The purpose of this book is to provide guidelines and assistance to nonindustrial private forest owners and the legal, tax, financial, insurance, and forestry professionals who serve them on the application of estate planning techniques to forest properties.

Overview of the Clean Air Act and corresponding protections and actions by the EPA

View GA Map of disaster declaration by FEMA.

Budget worksheet to be used with all TAG grant applications.

A close estimate of the fine dead fuel moisture (FDFM) on your burn unit any time a FDFM reading is desired

Graphic data from statewide fire danger weather stations

Current Fire Weather Forecasts and current National Fire Danger Ratings by GFC Areas

A program that teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together to prevent losses

Species list for U&CF funded grant projects involving food forest. Contains species for North Georgia and South Georgia

Daily updates for 24-hour fire danger forecast

Forecasted weather conditions and fire danger ratings for the Co-Op Area (Oakland Station – North Marion County)

A healthy forest is a working forest. They work to filter our water, clean our air, and provide homes for wildlife and peaceful spaces for us to enjoy. Learn more about healthy forests.

As the Nation’s continuous forest census, the FIA program projects how forests are likely to appear 10 to 50 years from now. This enables us to evaluate whether current forest management practices are sustainable in the long run and to assess whether current policies will allow the next generation to enjoy America’s forests as we do today.

A forest management plan is the roadmap to a healthy forest. Landowners have diverse goals for their forested land. Explore the benefits of creating a forest management plan.

Sample contract agreement for private landowners selling trees, timber or wood by lump sum.

Sample contract agreement for private landowners selling trees, timber or wood by unit.

A glossary of Forestry & Wildlife terms. Authored by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Episode two of our Forest Stewardship Virtual Field Day Video series. The topic of this video is Longleaf Pine.

Episode seven of our Forest Stewardship Virtual Field Day Video series. The topic of this video is Managing Land for Wildlife.

Episode one of our Forest Stewardship Virtual Field Day Video series. The topic of this video is Pine Bark Beetles.

Episode five of our Forest Stewardship Virtual Field Day Video series. The topic of this video is Prescribed Burning.

Episode four of our Forest Stewardship Virtual Field Day Video series. The topic of this video is Shortleaf.

Episode six of our Forest Stewardship Virtual Field Day Video series. The topic of this video is Tree Thinning.

Episode three of our Forest Stewardship Virtual Field Day Video series. The topic of this video is Water Quality.

This cost-share program is focused on reintroducing prescribed fire in the Chattahoochee Fall Line area of Georgia to provide ecological benefits and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The program will be implemented by the Georgia Forestry Commission with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Forest Foundation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Bobwhite Quail Initiative, Landscape Scale Restoration Grant, and other partners.

Contact information and resources for the state’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD)

Overview of permissible and impermissible open burning practices

Fact sheet showing Georgia’s latest forestry statics.

GFC is not liable for the distribution of out-of-date material. This document is not legal advice and cannot replace legal advice. Current Georgia Statutes are maintained by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, and can be accessed through their website.

Georgia Forestry Magazine is published by HL Strategy in partnership with the Georgia Forestry Association and Georgia Forestry Commission. Together we are focused on telling the story of Georgia’s working forests, the landowners and producers who steward the land, and the manufacturers who are promoting innovative uses of wood.

Prescribed Burn Laws from the Official Code of Georgia, Section 12-6-90 and Sections 12-6-145 through 12-6-149

Council for prescribed fire advocacy across the state

Georgia manages water resources in a sustainable manner to support the state’s economy, to protect public health and natural systems, and to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

Map to the State Agency Headquarters Complex

Recommended Tree Species Selections for Urban and Community Forest Sustainability

Budget worksheet to be used with all TAG grant applications.

Foresters and others who work outside and those who enjoy being in the outdoors are often confronted with hazards that can cause sickness, injury, or death. This booklet provides a brief description of those hazards to help you avoid an unpleasant encounter.

HWA is a serious pest of hemlock trees in Georgia. The aphid-like insect feeds on eastern and Carolina hemlock trees, eventually resulting in tree mortality. The very existence of the eastern and Carolina hemlock species is greatly threatened by HWA.

Guidelines for addressing infestation of hemlock woolly adelgid pests.

Important information about the illegal practice of burning household waste

Peligros ocultos de la quema del patio trasero. En Georgia, es ilegal quemar la basura que generamos en nuestros hogares.

2014 bill authorizing GFC Forestry Investigators to enforce laws related to the protection, security, conservation, and sale of forest resources.

The goal of the Timber Impact Assessment survey is to determine the current overall damage to the forest in Georgia and to document widespread impacts to the region affected by hurricane conditions.

Map of 95 counties eligible for the Recovery Block Grant program.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture will accept online applications for the $347 million in block grant funds beginning March 18, 2020. Georgia farmers and forest landowners in 95 eligible counties, who suffered losses to beef, dairy, fruit and vegetable, pecan, poultry, timber, and uninsured infrastructure can enroll. The federal block grants seek to help recover losses not covered under existing USDA Farm Service Agency programs. Only online applications will be accepted. All applications must be completed and submitted by April 8, 2020.

Description of the Farm Recovery Block Grant program.

Map of counties in Georgia declared disaster areas for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Michael.

Video 1 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections)

Video 2 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections)

Video 3 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections)

Video 4 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections)

Video 5 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections)

Video 1 of 3 – Video footage of Colquitt Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into three sections)

Video 2 of 3 – Video footage of Colquitt Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into three sections)

Video 3 of 3 – Video footage of Colquitt Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into three sections)

Tax credits can only be claimed in the taxable year in which the taxpayer first completes:
1. Replanting of timber and/or 2. Restoration of timber

Learn more about Hurricane Michael tax credit and who is eligible.

Presentation from Scott Griffin, GFC’s Forest Management Chief.

In November of 2018, the Georgia General Assembly enacted House Bill 4EX. This bill allows eligible taxpayers to apply for a Timber Tax Credit to assist in offsetting the substantial economic losses incurred during Hurricane Michael. This document outlines general eligibility requirements and guidelines.

Map of counties declared to be in a state of emergency following Hurricane Michael.

Press release about resource available to landowners impacted by Hurricane Michael.

View presentation from Yanshu Li, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Forest Taxation and Economics.

A taxpayer seeking pre-approval for the Timber Tax Credit, must apply electronically through Georgia Tax Center. Get instructions.

In November of 2018, the Georgia General Assembly enacted House Bill 4EX. This bill allows eligible taxpayers to apply for a Timber Tax Credit to assist in offsetting the substantial economic losses incurred during Hurricane Michael.

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has established procedures for landowners seeking assistance with debris clearing and restoration of pre-existing forest roads and firebreaks.

This survey examined landscape‐level impacts and classified them accordingly.

Helpful tips for identifying invasive cogongrass.

The IRS is the nation’s tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.

Helpful resource for managers to plan and execute prescribed burns in Southern forests and grasslands

Excel sheet for itemized reimbursement requests

Would you like to see a live prescribed burn or visit a site that has been burned to see what it looks like afterward? Then Landowner Field Trip (LFT) is perfect for you. When our agency partners and volunteer landowners are conducting a prescribed burn, we will give you a guided tour of a burn.

More information on Learn & Burns

GFC and the Southern Group of State Foresters launched “Learn, Plan, Act” as a way to promote sound forest management practices and provide helpful educational materials, guidance and other resources to Georgia landowners.

A forest management plan is the roadmap to a healthy forest. There are many reasons why it is helpful to have a forest management plan for your property. Find out how to develop a plan.

Check out this resource for the Do’s and Don’ts on how to manage damaged trees from a storm. Includes: how to hire a professional for clean up, chainsaw safety, pruning and maintenance for damaged trees and more.

View GA Map of counties declared under State of Emergency EO under Hurricane Michael.

Budget worksheet to be used with Non-IRA TAG grant applications.

Excel sheet for mileage reimbursement

A reference source for timberland landowners; also for accountants, attorneys, consulting foresters and other professionals who work with timberland owners regarding the tax treatment of timber related activities.

Book showing illustrations of trees native to Georgia.

Observed weather conditions and Fire Danger Ratings for the Co-Op Area (Oakland Station – North Marion County)

County: Greene
Location: Oconee WMA
Deadline: 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Bid Process Contact: Ben Hammond, GFC, 706-612-3729
Sale Area Contact: Forrest Buckner, GA DNR, 404-987-4112

Important dosage information when treating for hemlock woolly adelgid.

GFC offers a wide variety of pine and hardwood seedlings. We cater to small, private, non-industrial landowners and we serve thousands of customers in that capacity. Seedlings are available in small or large quantities and we offer varieties suitable for all environments in Georgia.

County: Berrien 
Location: Paradise Public Fishing Area (PFA)
Deadline: 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Bid Process Contact: Ben Hammond, GFC, 706-612-3729
Sale Area Contact: Michael Staton, GA DNR, 404-844-6448

Utilization and Marking Analysis:  Study of SYP Standing Volumes and Acreage

How to plant a containerized tree.

The GFC provides the service of plowing pre-suppression firebreaks to landowners.

Assistance with prescribed burning, including firebreak installation, burn plan development and assistance carrying out a burn

Overview of best practices for preparing a prescribed burn plan

Assistance with prescribed burning, including firebreak installation, burn plan development and assistance carrying out a burn.

Overview of a prescribed fire near Thomaston, GA conducted by members of an inter-agency burn team

GFC instructors are providing instruction on fire behavior, fire weather, and fire tactics.

Date: October 7-8

Location: Coastal Pines Technical College – Brunswick, GA

Registration information coming soon!

GFC instructors are providing instruction on fire behavior, fire weather, and fire tactics.

Date: June 10-11

Location: Chattahoochee Technical College Appalachian Campus – 100 Campus Dr Jasper, GA 30143

Registration for this class is now open! Click here to register.

Helpful resource for detailed information on prescribed burning

Mulch is organic material placed on the soil’s surface around trees and plants to enhance their growing conditions. Mulch helps maintain soil temperature and moisture, reduce water loss from soil, reduce weed competition, improve soil structure, and give landscapes a clean appearance. Often overlooked, spreading mulch around your trees is one of the easiest and most beneficial techniques that can have great impact on the health and vitality of your trees.

A consistent, comparable set of scientific results to be used as a foundation for wildfire mitigation and prevention planning in the Southern states

This application allows you to search for consulting foresters that cover the state of Georgia. These professionals are registered foresters within the state and have personally requested to be added to GFC’s database.

A trailer containing tools which supplement and assist landowners in conducting safe prescribed burning is now available for rent through the Georgia Forestry Commission. The West Central Georgia Forest Landowners Association initiated the idea to provide local forestland managers with professional equipment needed to conduct safer and more efficient prescribed burns. The trailer and tools are also used at training events for private landowners.

This video provides helpful tips for safely burning debris.

County: Wayne
Location: Sansavilla WMA
Deadline: 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Bid Process Contact: Ben Hammond, GFC, 706-612-3729
Sale Area Contact: Darcy Tripod, GA DNR, 404-844-6451

County: Wayne
Location: Sansavilla WMA
Deadline: 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Bid Process Contact: Ben Hammond, GFC, 706-612-3729
Sale Area Contact: Darcy Tripod, GA DNR, 404-844-6451

County: Wayne
Location: Sansavilla WMA
Deadline: 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Bid Process Contact: Ben Hammond, GFC, 706-612-3729
Sale Area Contact: Darcy Tripod, GA DNR, 404-844-6451

Georgia’s basic procedures and requirements for managing smoke from prescribed burns

Specifications for soil reconditioning after removing impervious surfaces, based on research conducted by Virginia Tech.

Overview information regarding pine bark beetles.

Overview info and resource documents for the hemlock woolly adelgid, originally from Asia, which was first discovered in the eastern U.S. in the 1950’s. It has since spread throughout the range of hemlock in the East, and caused extensive mortality of mature hemlock – especially in the Appalachian Mountains.

Community Forest Storm Mitigation Plan for Georgia Communities Template

Community Forest Storm Mitigation Planning for Georgia Communities Workbook

The information below provides both quick answers to general questions about Sudden Oak Death, as well as more in-depth information.

Federal Compliance Employee Time and Effort Worksheet

List of recipients of TAG grant.

A guide for reimbursement reporting for TAG recipients.

Instructional video on reimbursement requests

This is a collection of documents published by the Forest Service. It includes previous versions of the “Annual Tax Tips for Forest Landowners” as well as other publications related to the tax treatment of timber and timberland.

Overview of enforceable laws for harvesting of timber and forest resources in the state of Georgia

More information about the Timber Tax Credit program from the Department of Revenue.

During a storm, trees are at risk and can cause significant damage to infrastructure and personal property. A storm mitigation plan keeps citizens safe and protects valuable urban forest canopy in the event of a natural disaster.

Overview information for management of HWA invasive insects

The Cooperative Forestry unit of the USDA Forest Service works closely with partners to enhance and maintain forests across watersheds and ecosystems, both on private and public land, for the benefits they provide to the American people.

Example volunteer sign-in sheet

If you would like to see the current weather conditions within a 24 hour period for the Co-Op Area (Oakland Station – North Marion County), please click this link.

Tool to provide a consistent, comparable set of scientific results to be used as a foundation for wildfire mitigation and prevention planning

Chip Mill Industry in Georgia

Chip-Log Wood Products

Energy Products

Log Home Wood Products

Wood Mulch Products

Panel & Engineered Wood Products

Post-Pole Wood Products

Pulp Wood Products

Sawmill – Hardwood/Softwood Products

Sawmill – Hardwood Products

Sawmill – Softwood Products

Wood Shavings Products

Veneer Wood Products

Template (with Mills by County)

The Young Harris College (YHC) Hemlock Proiect is a volunteer effort of community members and students to help raise Sasajiscymnus tsugae, a tiny ladybird beetle that is one of the few natural predators of the HWA. The organization works in conjunction with the Forest Service and GFC to decide where to release the adult beetles.