Connecting with the next Generation of Passionate Professionals
One of the most important aspects of sustainable forestry is connecting with the next generation of passionate professionals. We reach out to them in a number of ways, including camp programs for school kids and special training for educators. The Georgia Forestry Commission also works with several colleges and universities to target young adults who … Continue Reading →
USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) is now available from July 22, 2021 through October 15, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2021 The USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) will provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses due to COVID-19. Timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. … 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 →
Landowners Can Help Reduce Wildfire in Georgia
By Frank Sorrells, GFC Chief of Protection. Over the years, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Protection team has responded to tens of thousands of wildfires. In fact, each year more than 3500 wildfires are recorded in our state, and most of them got their start in the same way. Escaped debris burning. It’s not that … Continue Reading →
Georgia Burn Notification Law Changing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 15, 2021 Changes are coming to laws affecting Georgians who burn outdoor yard debris. As of July 1, 2021, landowners will no longer be required to notify the Georgia Forestry Commission of their intention to burn hand-piled vegetative matter. However, the legal responsibilities of those burning outdoor yard debris will be … 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 →
SPB & IPCP Applications
Written by Ryan Phillips, Cost Share Coordinator Currently the Georgia Forestry Commission is accepting applications for two programs that provide financial incentives to help landowners manage their forestland. The purpose of the Southern Pine Beetle Cost Share Program (SPB) is to help landowners implement forestry practices that will improve forest health and tree vigor in … Continue Reading →
Lumber Boom Not Benefitting Southern Forest Owners – So What Now?
Reference: Southern Perspective – Southern Group of State Foresters You’ve seen it all over the news for months now – the shortage and ever-escalating price of lumber amid the housing boom. According to the National Association of Home Builders, lumber prices have more than tripled since April of last year. This boom has clearly created … Continue Reading →
Crawford County Man Pleads Guilty to Setting Wildfires
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 3, 2021 A Crawford County man has plead guilty to three counts of arson of lands in the third degree and has been sentenced to 15 years’ probation, $4,500 in fines, plus restitution. Georgia Forestry Commission Law Enforcement Officers charged Matthew DeFore with six counts of arson of lands December 2015, … Continue Reading →
Reflections on the Big Fire of 2007
Fourteen years ago, the Georgia Forestry Commission was leading an intense battle against one of the worst fires in U.S. history. A downed power line sparked the blaze on April 16, 2007, southwest of Waycross. It was named the Sweat Farm Fire, and it consumed 20,000 acres in the first 48 hours alone. By April … Continue Reading →
