Wildfires on the Rise in Georgia
Hot temperatures and low rainfall are pushing up wildfire activity in Georgia. The Georgia Forestry Commission is urging people to be extremely cautious about the use of fire outdoors, especially with campfires and outdoor cooking devices.
Kemp Leads Forest Field Day
Landowners got a first-hand look at how good forest management enhances Georgia’s woods, water, wildlife and recreation recently at a special event in Madison County. The Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia Tree Farm Program put on a field day at “Plantation Partners” Tree Farm to highlight the resources available that support sustainable forestry.
Searching for the Next “Great American Tree”
Trees work hard for us every day. They give us clean air, cooler temperatures, nourishment and they even mitigate floods. In celebration of trees’ innumerable accomplishments and the benefits they provide, The American Grove is sponsoring the 5th annual Great American Tree Competition.
Forestry Education Tools at Hand Through New Websites
Georgia’s educators and the learning community have enhanced access to forestry and natural resource materials through a new web portal. The Georgia Project Learning Tree and Georgia Teacher Conservation Workshop programs are now being administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission, giving teachers a wealth of study tools and hands-on learning opportunities that enrich students’ environmental awareness.
Annual Northern Georgia Burn Ban Begins May 1
Georgia’s annual ban on outdoor burning begins May 1 in 54 counties, mostly in the northern half of the state. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) puts the restrictions in place during the summer months, when increases in ground level ozone may create health risks.
Cusseta Man Facing Charges of Serial Arson
A Cusseta, Georgia man has been charged with arson in connection with a series of fires near Fort Benning spanning two years. Georgia Forestry Commission Law Enforcement led the investigation resulting in the arrest of 63-year old Samuel Lloyd Hudson, who is charged with two counts of arson of lands.
Report Card for Georgia’s Forestland Released
A new report shows Georgia’s forests are healthy today and are ready to meet the needs of tomorrow, if we’re mindful of some emerging trends. The 2019 “Sustainability Report for Georgia’s Forests” details the condition of the state’s 24-million acres of forestland.
Forestry Employees Honored by Georgia Legislature
A group of employees from the Georgia Forestry Commission has been recognized by state legislators for their outstanding leadership, service, and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia’s forest resources.
Free Prescribed Fire Class for Select Applicants
Forest landowners in Mitchell, Grady, and Decatur Counties are eligible for a free prescribed fire certification class, April 17-18, 2019, in Moultrie, Georgia. Training will be held at Southern Regional Technical College from 8 AM – 5 PM. The no-charge offer is available to the first 15 applicants only, and registration must be completed by April 10.
Area Timber Thefts Yield Arrest and More Investigation
A Hephzibah man is in the Richmond County jail facing felony charges for timber theft. Ryan Casey Price, 23, was arrested after Georgia Forestry Commission investigators traced a trail of illegally cut trees to his home. Authorities believe Price stole timber on several nearby properties in Richmond County, then cut, split, and sold it as firewood. He is formally charged with theft of more than 100 tons of timber on one tract.
