Georgia 2021 SPB Aerial Survey Report

Southern pine beetle (SPB) activity was very low across the state in 2021. Above average rainfall throughout the summer maintained healthy tree vigor resulting in very few pine beetle spots. Flights were flown across the state in August and September for a total of 5,509
miles.

Leaf Watch Report October 13th, 2021

…schedule compared to the previous year. Species highlights: Sourwood – mostly green but showing hints of red in higher elevation Sassafras – fading to yellow with hints of red Sweetgum…

2020 – Georgia Statewide Forest Resources Strategy

Georgia’s original Forest Action Plan was produced with contributions from many program leaders of the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Forest Service. Content contributors included Dr. Jon Ambrose, Constance Buford, Joe Burgess, Scott Thackston, Devon Dartnell, David Dickinson, Frank Sorrells, Ken Parker, Gary White, Scott Griffin, Josh Love, Joan Scales, Jim Ozier, Dru Preston, Dick Rightmyer, Buford Sanders and Risher Willard. Liz Kramer, University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences contractor, conducted the GIS analyses. Final document design and production was accomplished by Wendy Burnett, Kassie Keck and Stasia Kelly. Development and publication of this document was assisted by a grant from the National Association of State 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.

Lancaster Forestry Youth Camp

…in 1988, kids from all over Georgia have participated. Every summer, my family goes to the FFA Center in Covington, Georgia to help out with the camp. Some of my…

Pass the Tissue, it’s Pollen Time!

…Georgia Forestry Commission, pollen is a critical part of the Reforestation Department’s mission. Pine pollen plays an important role in the generation of superior trees that are cross-bred for desirable…

“Wildfires in Georgia”

…of helicopters dumping water on smoky fires below? Pictures like that are mostly associated with western fires that happen in the summer. California, for instance, averages 62,000 wildfires a year,…

NORTH GEORGIA BURN BAN BOOSTS AIR QUALITY

On May 1, an outdoor burn ban will begin in 54 Georgia counties, primarily in the northern half of the state. Affected residents are asked to refrain from burning yard and land clearing debris, whose smoke can negatively impact the state’s air quality during the hot summer months by contributing to high ozone levels. These conditions have been linked to lung and heart disease in humans. Please see this .pdf for more details.