The Georgia Forestry Commission has named its outstanding groups of employees for 2019, and last week they were recognized at the state capitol.

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.

Georgia’s forests are being sustainably managed to meet the numerous needs of our state today. To ensure our forests will continue to meet the ever increasing demands of future generations, many challenges must be met. This initial report, submitted to the General Assembly on July 1, 2008, highlights the conditions of our forest resources, along with the challenges and opportunities being faced by Georgia’s forest managers and owners.

There were 95 new detections in 2019, bringing the number of known cogongrass spots in the state to 1351, scattered across 65
counties.

Twenty three new detections have been confirmed from January 1, 2020 through March 10, 2020 in Georgia, bringing the statewide cumulative total to 1,374 cogongrass spots.

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) participates annually in the southern pine beetle (SPB) prediction trapping program. The southern pine beetle is the most destructive forest pest in the southeastern states. Survey results are documented in an annual report so that activity and damage levels can be anticipated and mitigated.