Overview information regarding pine bark beetles.

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.

GFC worked with the University of Georgia on a longleaf pine stem quality study funded by a grant from the US Forest Service. This study was performed with the primary objective of quantifying the sawtimber and pole potential of longleaf pine trees planted in old-fields/pastures/hay fields. More than 200 landowner sites were
inventoried for stocking, condition and form quality.

The Forest Stewardship Program is designed to integrate forest management objectives of sustaining quality native timber, native wildlife populations, soil & water resources, aesthetics, & recreation, over a 10-year planning period. This template provides landowners with technical guidance that places near-equal emphasis of these objectives. It prescribes conservation practices to establish new longleaf pine forests using either artificial planting methods or natural regeneration methods.

Awareness of the location of pine beetle infestations near them and research based information relative to the management options available is the best defense a homeowner can have.

Overview information regarding the southern pine beetle.

Outline of projected expansion of southern pine beetle infestations.

Forecasting map for the spread of southern pine beetle infestations.