Sustainable Forest Management in Georgia - Georgia … · two out of every three falling raindrops in Georgia landing on forest lands, the sustainable management of our forests is

Sustainable ForestManagement in Georgia

Prepared by the Georgia Forestry Commissionfor the Georgia General Assembly July 1, 2008

GEORGIA FORESTRYC O M M I S S I O N

Executive Summ

ary

ExecutiveSummary

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. Success will dependon proactive decisions by our state leaders and the entire forestry community addressing a myriad of forestry-related issues.

Georgia boasts about 24 million acres of forest land. The forestry industry contributes $27.7 billion to Georgia’s economy and tree inventory volumes are atan all time high. We have 78% more cubic feet of wood growing in Georgia thanwe did 50 years ago. However, the state’s population is increasing at a record rate,and 106 acres of forest land are lost to development daily. These and other trendsthreaten forest sustainability and the numerous economic, environmental, and social benefits that our thriving forests provide.

Georgia’s forest area has remained stable over the past 50 years at about 24million acres. Approximately 92% of this acreage is privately owned. However,ownership patterns have been changing and average parcel sizes are shrinking. This is due to a number of factors, including the effects of urbanization and thetremendous divestiture of forest industry-owned lands. Several issues, such as stateand local tax structures and the strength of forest product markets, affect the economic viability of owning and managing forest land.

Fifty-five Georgia counties are dependent on forestry activity, and while the numberof mills has declined, total productivity remains high. Strong markets for forestproducts are crucial to the future of traditional pulp and paper, lumber, and polesupplies. Forest growth well exceeds removals and is available to supply global andlocal markets. The development of a forest resource-based bioenergy industry ispoised to contribute significantly to Georgia’s economy and reduce our dependenceon nonrenewable fossil fuels.

Georgia’s forests provide valuable ecological services that help supply our statewith clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. With two out of every three falling raindrops in Georgia landing on forest lands, the sustainable management of our forests is one of the most significant factors affecting our water quality and quantity. The General Assembly’s recent adoptionof the Statewide Water Management Plan recognizes Forestry’s Best Management Practices as a model program that other land use practitioners should emulate. Carbon sequestration is an emerging ecological market opportunity that will soonprovide additional incentives for landowners to keep their property forested.

Continued on other side

Executive Summary

1

Forestry professionals ensure public safety by providing fire prevention servicesin the form of prescribed fire as well as wildfire suppression. The health andsustainability of Georgia’s forests are dependent on attention to both. Urban-ization places more lives and property at risk from wildfire and greatly complicates the management of wildfires and prescribed fires.

Urban sprawl and fragmentation impact natural habitat and the nature servicesforestry provides. Forest recreation contributes $1.8 billion annually to Georgia. A system of public and private conservation strategies is needed tosupport forest and wildlife sustainability. The professional use of prescribed fire and the eradication of invasive plants and animals are needed to maintainthe full suite of habitats required by native species. Expansion of the GeorgiaLand Conservation Program supports this goal, as does the State Wildlife Action Plan.

Forest land valuations for tax purposes are inconsistent across Georgia and“highest and best use” land valuation threatens forest sustainability. The General Assembly’s overwhelming support and passage of the 2008 ForestLand Protection Act is an excellent first step. However, additional legislation isneeded to support the fair and equitable treatment of forest land to help ensureGeorgia’s forest resources for future generations.

The cooperative efforts of a diverse group of natural resource professionals developing this report have confirmed the need for a comprehensive statewide assessment of Georgia’s forest resources. The Georgia Forestry Commission hasinitiated a comprehensive assessment and action plan that will be completed inApril, 2010.

With the wise use of knowledge and resources, Georgians can keep our forests sustainable for present and future generations.

Executive Summary (cont.)

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Introduction

Introduction

Georgia’s population is increasing atrecord rates. Within 25 years, thenumber of people calling our state“home” is expected to jump from 9million to 12 million. As we monitorthe impacts of that growth, it is prudent to pay special attention to itseffect on vital natural resources, including the state’s water, air, andwildlife. The one critical link that impacts the health of each of theseother resources is Georgia’s 24.8 million acres of thriving forest land.

In 2007, the Georgia General Assembly enacted into law SenateBill 176. It requires the GeorgiaForestry Commission (GFC) to submita report every five years which summa-rizes the sustainability of our state’sforests.

Specifically, the bill requests verifica-tion of “the ability of forest resources in

this state to meet the needs of the present

without compromising the ability to meet the

needs of future generations.”

This initial report, submitted to theGeneral Assembly on July 1, 2008,highlights the current conditions ofour forest resources, along with thechallenges and opportunities beingfaced by Georgia’s forest managers andowners. It concludes that while Georgia’s forests are being sustainablymanaged for the numerous needs of our state today, their future viabilitywill be determined by specific actionsof state leaders and the forestry community.

It is the GFC’s goal to help educateGeorgians about their role in guaranteeing the sustainability of ourprecious forest resources - for the benefit of each of us today, and forevery future generation.

Introduction

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I. Georgia’sForests Today

I. Georgia’s

Forests Today

An OverviewSince the beginning of recorded history, Georgia has been distin-guished by its forest land bounty.

William Bartram, one of the first naturalist-botanists, roamed this region in the mid-1770’s. He foundforests of different ages interspersedwith expansive savannahs, swamps,and river bottomlands filled with arich diversity of broad-leaved species.

It was not until the 1880’s that largescale commercial logging practicesbegan to alter the appearance of Georgia’s landscape. By the late 1920s,most of the virgin stands in Georgiahad been cut over. By 1930, heavy removals forced increased taxes on theremaining timber, which in turncaused its rapid liquidation.1

Georgia’s forest land acreage has remained relatively stable since thattime, and perhaps more importantly,timber volumes have also remainedstable. Georgia’s timber volumes are atan all time high since the forest inven-tory of Georgia began in the 1930’s.

The number of forest land acres inGeorgia has stabilized at approxi-mately 24 million acres, or 67% of ourtotal land area, as demonstrated by theForest Inventory and Analysis reportscompiled since 1936 (Figure 1).

However, it is the current trend toward shrinking parcel size (Figure 2)that can be expected to impact thequality, quantity and availability ofour forest resources into the future.

Georgia’s Forests Today

Fig. 1 Area of Forest Land - Georgia

Fig. 2. Family Forests by Size of Forest Landholdings and Owners

Source: USDA Forest Service, FIA and Georgia Forestry Commission, 2006.

Source: USDA Forest Service National Woodland Owner Survey, 2006.

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1-9 10-19 20-49 50-99 100-199

200-499

500-999

1,000-4,999

5,000-9,999

10,000+

Acres

Ownership of Georgia’s ForestsThe majority of Georgia’s forests areprivately owned. Only eight percent are public lands, including state andnational forests, parks, and other fed-eral, state and local government lands(Figure 3). Therefore, the continuedsustainability of Georgia’s forests fallslargely on individuals and corporations.

These landowner groups are facing newchallenges that will determine the future of Georgia’s forests. State andlocal tax structures, along with the inconsistent valuation of forest landand struggling forest product markets, will have a major impact on theselandowner decision makers.

Shrinking Parcel Sizes and Their ImpactsThe shrinking size of forest landparcels is of concern. When owners oflarge tracts die, their heirs may be leftwith enormous tax bills, often leadingto the sale of some or all of the land inorder to pay taxes. Such land is moreprone to be subdivided. Much of themore productive timber land is being purchased by timber investment management organizations (TIMO’s).One result of greater TIMO involve-ment is a more rapid turnover in forestownership and an increased potentialfor subsequent parcelization intosmaller-sized properties.2

As landholdings get smaller, the implementation of sound forest man-agement may decrease. One impact ofthis change is the disruption of wildlife corridors and migration patterns.Other impacts include adverse changesin water quality and quantity. As moreprivate forest lands are split up intosmaller acreages, this land becomes lesslikely to ever provide forest products.Although the trees may still be pres-ent, good land management practiceswill be harder to implement, especiallyif this trend continues and the pressureof taxes is not addressed.

Composition of Georgia’s ForestsAs of the 2004 survey, there are 24.8million acres of forest land in Georgia.Hardwood timber comprises 42%, softwood (mostly pine) 45%, andmixed oak/pine, 12%. One percent ofthe forested area is nonstocked, i.e. recently harvested land that has not yetseeded or been planted with seedlings(Figure 4).

Forest Certificationin Georgia

Fig. 3 Ownership of Timber Land (Million Acres)

Fig. 4 Area of Forest Land by Type (Million Acres)



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Other Corporate16%

Forest Industry17%

Other Public5%

National Forests2%

Family Forests59%

Upland Hardwood27%Lowland Hardwood

15%

Planted Pine27%

Natural Pine18%

Oak / Pine12%

Nonstocked1%

3.8

14.3

3.6

6.5

4.3

3.0

4.3

1.2

.6

6.6

Historical Growth, Harvesting and Reforestation Georgia’s forests are currently growingmore wood than is being harvested onan annual basis. Timber volumes havebeen increasing since 1953, whichmeans that today we have 78% morecubic feet of wood growing in Georgiathan we did 50 years ago (Figure 5).

Tree planting has declined recently,likely due to decreased prices (Figure6) paid to landowners for timber. Ifprices increase, tree planting shouldalso increase. If reduced tree plantingbegins to impact timber volumes, thentree planting incentive programs maybe warranted. The high peaks in treeplanting coincide with federal treeplanting cost-share programs.

Forest landowners are facing several challenges to their ability to retain ownership of their workingforests. Highest use tax valuations areunfavorable to forest ownership. It isnot economical to grow trees on landthat has been valued at residential,commercial, or industrial rates. Often,it takes many years before income isgenerated from forest land, but property taxes must be paid annually.

Ownership Changes Impact Forest SustainabilityThe changing ownership patterns fromtraditional, rural-oriented landownersto new, younger owners migratingfrom cities has brought about a loss in the basic understanding of forest management. Many landowners are unaware of the importance of manage-ment of the resource to achieve specificgoals, such as sustainability. Produc-tivity of the forest is critical to ensuring that sustainability.

Georgia’s Forests Today

Fig.5 Volume of Live Trees on Timber Land by Species


Fig.6 Tree Planting Levels and Pine Pulpwood Prices

Source: Georgia Forestry Commission and Timber Mart-South, 2007.

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An increasing amount of forest landis being left idle. This is partly due tolow or poor markets that are too weakto drive the investment in reforestationafter a timber harvest.

Tree seedling costs are reasonable atthis time, but the loss of industry nurs-eries will impact the availability ofseedlings, leading to higher prices forthose seedlings. Genetic research is alsodiminishing. Such research is criticalto the improved productivity of com-mercially important tree species. Ge-netic research is also vital forcombating diseases and insects, espe-cially in light of the non-native inva-sive pests that are finding their wayinto Georgia.

Retaining and Maintaining Forest LandLand conservation programs create opportunities for forest landowners toplace restrictions on their propertiesthat limit or prohibit development.Such restrictions will help eliminateany highest use designation other thanforest land for tax valuation. The stateis now positioned to enter into conser-vation easements with forest landown-ers, as are a number of land trusts andnon-governmental organizations.

Funding sources are quite limited,and it will take support from the General Assembly if conservation easements are to contribute signifi-cantly to forest sustainability.

Some forest lands are unique due tospecies diversity, location, recreationalopportunities, historic significance, orother important characteristic. State acquisition of these properties shouldbe considered. Funding sources arequite limited and support from theGeneral Assembly is needed to preservethese areas.

Strong markets for forest productsare necessary to ensure forestlandowners are able to maintain forestland. The traditional pulp and paper,lumber, and pole markets need to be

encouraged to expand, along with thenew markets for bioenergy and ecosys-tem services. Forest landowners canform cooperatives to facilitate manage-ment activities over larger land areas,letting economies of scale improvetheir opportunities in the open market.

Forest land valuations for tax purposes are inconsistent across thestate. The General Assembly should address these inconsistencies through a legislative mandate beyond the Conservation Use Valuation Act. Fair valuations will limit the need for forest land owners to divest themselves of that resource, helping to ensure sustainability.

Technical assistance to landownersis critical for good management of theforest land. Professional ConsultingForesters alone cannot meet the needsof the 526,000 forest landowners acrossthe state.

The Georgia Forestry Commissioncan provide technical assistancethrough personal contact, landowner

workshops, conferences, educationalforests, publications and other media,and public meetings.

Forest Certificationin Georgia

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II. Benefits ofGeorgia’s Forests

II. Benefits of

Georgia’s Forests

Georgia is in the middle of one of the primary wood producing regions of the world.

Of total world production, the forestsof the 13 southern states provide 18%of all wood products (Figure 7). Onefourth of the world’s pulp is producedin the South’s forests. In 2003, Georgia

led the 13 southern states in total produc-

tion of pulpwood and other forest products.3

Georgia’s 24.8 million acres of forestland, containing vast supplies of renewable raw materials, sustains animportant economic engine for thestate. In 2006, total economic activitysupported by Georgia’s forest industrywas $27.7 billion in output, including149,347 jobs and $6.8 billion inpayroll and compensation and $580million in taxes to Georgia’s statebudget (Figure 8).4

Based upon employment, 55 Georgiacounties are either ‘critically,’ ‘very,’ or ‘moderately’ dependent on forestryactivity; 50 additional counties werefound to be ‘somewhat’ dependent onforest-related industries (Figure 9).

Benefits of Georgia’s Forests - Economic

Fig.7 Intensity of Harvest for All Products in the United States by County

Source: USDA, United States Timber Industry - An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 1996.

Fig.8 Forest Products Manufacturing Trends in Georgia

Fig.9 Forestry Dependency Based on Employment 2006

Source: Riall, B William, Economic Benefits of the Forestry Industry in Georgia: 2006, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 2007. Source: Riall, B William, Economic Benefits of the

Forestry Industry in Georgia: 2006, Georgia TechResearch Corporation, 2007.

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Georgia has 185 primary forest products manufacturers: 12 pulp mills,15 chip mills, 9 engineered-wood millsand 140 sawmills and pole mills; approximately 1,500 secondary manufacturers provide further process-ing to Georgia’s wood products.5 From1986 to 2005, Georgia lost 137 primary forest products manufacturers.(Figure 10).6

Although the number of mills has declined in the last 20 years, mill productivity remains at historicallyhigh levels (Figure 11).7

The depressed housing and construc-tion market of 2007-2008 has causedseveral dimensional lumber mills andengineered wood products mills to reduce output or shut down operationsaltogether. These mill shutdowns havea domino effect on each region’s econ-omy, including the loss of logging jobsand fewer markets for timber growers.

Georgia’s Forests are Capable of MoreGeorgia’s abundant forest lands are capable of providing economic benefitsabove current levels. As previouslymentioned, according to the most recent Forest Inventory Analysis datafor 2006, Georgia’s forest growth exceeds removals for all species, softwoods, and hardwoods, by 30%,26% and 46%, respectively. This excessgrowth could support additional capac-ity at existing mills or new mills couldbe established to utilize the excess.

Consider this softwood example: Excess growth for softwoods equals 9.7 million tons of wood per year. In perspective, 9.7 million tons of excess

wood could support 21 new sawmills,each receiving 450,000 tons of woodper year, with each mill creating approximately 125 jobs; alternately, the excess softwood growth could support six new oriented strand boardmills with each mill creating 200 jobs.

Consider this hardwood example:Excess growth for hardwoods equals6.2 million tons of wood per year.Again, in perspective, 6.2 million tonsof excess wood could support 21 newsawmills, each receiving 300,000 tonsof wood per year, with each mill creat-ing approximately 150 jobs.

Since only about one dozen millsapproach these production levels,it is not unreasonable to project thatdozens of smaller mills, at smaller production levels, could be locatedacross the state to utilize the excesssoftwood and hardwood growth. Thesescenarios are plausible if markets andeconomic conditions existed to warrantmill expansions or the addition of newmills.

Fig.10 Number of Forest Products Manufacturing Mills in Georgia

Number of Pulp Mills

Number of Sawmills

Number of Veneer Mills

Source: GFC Timber Product Output Survey, 2005.

Fig.11 Average Annual Output of Timber Products by Product & Species Group

Source: Harper, Richard, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, 2007.

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Growing global competition and the availability of markets for woodand wood fiber are two factors thatwill influence the future of the forestindustry in Georgia. Forest productscontinue to be an important exportcommodity to world markets. In 2006,exports from Georgia to world marketsfrom the paper and wood products sectors accounted for 10% of the totalexport valuation from Georgia, or $2billion.8

Meeting the ChallengesRecent economic swings in forestproducts markets have created chal-lenges for firms and landowners alike.Although the economic impact reporton Georgia’s forest industry shows im-provement for 2006, the recent declinein housing starts and construction havecreated a challenge for the buildingproducts industry, resulting in de-clined production and delayed startupsof new projects.

However, continued population migration to the South and internalgrowth in the region should createsolid demand for building productsover the long term.

Another challenge for the forest industry in Georgia is increased market competitiveness on a globalscale. For example, southern lumbermarkets have been negatively impactedby subsidized lumber from Canada and

other countries, and low-cost finishedwood products are flooding U.S. markets because of lower productioncosts in overseas factories.

The current abundance of Georgia’s forest resources has attracted nationaland world-wide attention and createdopportunities to attract new forest in-dustry firms. However, we must address the challenge of maintainingreforestation levels that will result in along future of high economic returnsfrom forests to our communities andenvironment.

A Future in BioenergyGeorgia companies are seeking oppor-tunities in the commercialization ofbioenergy, or the conversion of forestbiomass into energy, which will benefitboth forest landowners and forest industries.

The development of a bioenergy industry will foster new products fromthe forest, a sustained demand for forest resources, and the opportunity tomanage forests differently. Landownerswill begin to see more waste materialutilized from their lands. This may notmean additional income at first, but itwill certainly result in a savings inreforestation costs. As the value of biomass for energy uses becomes moredefined, the market for small diametertrees, or pulpwood, can be expected toimprove.

Loggers will begin to find newways to efficiently harvest biomass.Landowners will have an additional incentive to plant trees. The actions ofboth landowners and loggers will certainly be influenced by local bioen-ergy markets, just as they have been byother forest products manufacturingfacilities.

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Forest biomass is organic material thatcomes from the forest and includes logging residues, sawdust and otherbyproducts of wood manufacturing facilities, waste wood from construc-tion and demolition activities, land-clearing debris, and trees.

Georgia’s sustainable forests produce an abundance of forest biomass that could be converted to energy. A huge potential exists to capture a portion of biomass resourcesthat are currently not utilized.

In 2004, a harvest and utilizationstudy was conducted which found that14% of total softwood volume and26% of total hardwood volume wereleft in the woods after harvest.9

Residues from timber harvesting(tops and branches) exceed five million dry tons (no moisture con-tent) annually, another 13 million drytons of unmerchantable timber is po-tentially available annually, and 1.4million dry tons of urban waste woodmust be disposed of annually.10

It is estimated that Georgia’s unmer-chantable timber and waste woodstreams could supply 22% of Georgia’scurrent energy needs if converted to energy.11 These “new” forest productswill be a majorcomponent ofGeorgia’s futureforest industryand will be important renew-able feedstocksfor industriesthat produceelectricity, heatand liquid trans-portation fuels.

Recent announcements of newbioenergy facilities are evidence of agrowing opportunity for new marketsfor previously unutilized and low valueforest biomass.

The development of a forest resource based bioenergy industrywill add to the economic impacts ofGeorgia’s $27.7 billion forest industry.New industries will create jobs and investment for rural Georgia familiesand communities while providing taxrevenue for the state. Georgia imports

100% of its oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, and coalfrom foreign countriesand other states.

The development of aforest bioenergy industry would allowGeorgia’s energy dollars to stay in our local economy.

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According to Georgia Power Com-pany, renewable electricity from Geor-gia’s biomass is growing rapidly for avariety of reasons. In 2006, the Geor-gia legislature passed House Bill 1018which exempts biomass from fuel salesand use taxes, thereby making it morecost competitive with traditional fuels.

Additionally, in a series of resourcestudies for individual companies, theGFC was able to clearly demonstratethe energy potential from wood bio-mass in Georgia. Two bioelectricityplants have recently been announcedby Georgia Power and are expected tobe in operation in 2010.

Yellow Pine Energy Company, LLC,will build a 110 megawatt plant inClay County, near Fort Gaines, Georgia, utilizing 1,100,000 greentons (approximately 50% moisturecontent) per year of wood biomass.12

Greenway Renewable Power LLC, anaffiliate of Rollcast Energy, Inc. will

build a 50 megawatt plant in HeardCounty, near Franklin, Georgia, utiliz-ing 550,000 green tons per year ofwood biomass.13

The export of compressed wood pelletsto Europe for “carbon neutral” electric-ity and heat production is anothermarket that is gaining momentum inGeorgia. Fram Renewable Fuels, anew forest bioenergy plant in south-east Georgia’s Appling County, beganproduction of wood pellets in Decem-ber, 2007. The wood pellets, madefrom sawdust, will be exported to several European countries, wheremandates exist to decrease carbonemissions from fossil fuels.

Biomass Fuels Energy IndependenceBiomass is a renewable source of energy that can provide liquid transportation fuels, and potentiallycould replace 30% of U.S. petroleumuse.14

One of the most significant eventsin the history of Georgia’s forest industry occurred in November,2007, when Range Fuels broke groundin Treutlen County, near Soperton, Georgia, for the world’s first commer-cial scale cellulosic ethanol factory,converting non-merchantable trees andharvesting residues to ethanol.

The plant’s first phase will produce 20 million gallons of ethanol per year utilizing 400,000 green tons per yearof wood biomass. The final stage of the facility is expected to produce 100million gallons of ethanol per year,utilizing 1.5 million green tons ofwood biomass.

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Production of wood pellets is gaining momentum in Georgia.

Forests Provide Valuable Nature ServicesGeorgia’s forests provide ecologicalservices such as mitigating the “heatisland” effect in urban areas, waterrecharge and filtration, erosion control,wildlife habitat, and clean air. Further-more, forests remove carbon dioxidefrom the atmosphere and store or sequester the carbon in wood fiber.These often-overlooked services are be-coming recognized and given value.

Emerging OpportunitiesCarbon sequestration is an emergingecological market opportunity for for-est owners. The sale of “carbon credits”could provide new income to Georgialandowners.

The GFC and the Warnell School ofForestry and Natural Resources of theUniversity of Georgia have defined aCarbon Registry protocol for Georgiaand developed an online carbon sequestration registry to list and trackforestry projects that are managed tosequester carbon.

The Registry gives Georgialandowners the opportunity to certify that their forests meet specificstandards required by those companieswishing to purchase carbon credits.

Those landowners who wish to developprojects may use the Registry as a marketing tool, and Registry staffmembers actively pursue market opportunities for registered projects. Trading Development Rights (TDR) is a new opportunity for maintainingforests within or near dense develop-ment areas.

In a TDR transaction, the landowneris paid by a developer to give up development rights and, in return, the developer is allowed to create higherdensity developments in areas alreadyzoned for development.

Another nature service being investi-gated is enhancing riparian buffers toprotect water quality. This can be accomplished by a landowner receivingpayment for giving up some or all timber harvesting rights within or neara riparian area.

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What is needed from the Georgia General Assembly to help achieve the greatest sustainability results and economic impacts from Georgia’sforests?

1. Ecosystems Services Study and ResearchThere clearly needs to be more study and research done in the area ofecosystem services benefits, so that potential opportunities for Georgia’sforests and landowners are not overlooked.

2. Development of Global MarketsMore focus should be centered on the expansion and development of globalexport markets for Georgia’s forest products.

3. Funding for Research & DevelopmentFunding for research and development should be increased, particularlywith respect to bioenergy projects. Current research includes optimizingbiomass growth methods, harvesting, and energy conversion technologies.

4. Recognition of Importance of ForestsAnd finally, Georgia decision makers should embrace forestry for its importance to Georgia’s economy and its citizens’ quality of life.

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Many of Georgia’s 44,056 miles ofperennial streams, 23,906 miles ofintermittent streams, and 603 milesof ditches and canals begin or flowthrough forest lands.

Because seven to ten thousand forestryoperations are conducted on some790,000 acres per year statewide, it isimportant for forest landowners to follow Best Management Practices in order to protect these water resources.

Maintaining Georgia’s Water QualityAs a result of the 1972 Federal CleanWater Act, the Georgia EnvironmentalProtection Division (EPD) has been re-sponsible for managing and protectingthe state’s waters from point and non-point sources of pollution. The GeorgiaWater Quality Control Act (O.C.G.A12-5-20) lists standards for water qual-ity such as sediment or temperaturethat, if violated, can result in fines orpenalties up to $50,000 per day.

Best Management PracticesSince 1977, the EPD has designatedthe GFC as the lead agency to develop,educate, implement, and monitor theuse of Best Management Practices(BMPs) for forestry operations, thatwhen used properly, minimize or prevent nonpoint source pollution (primarily erosion and sedimentation)contributions.

The BMPs were first developed in1981 and are continuously updated.Upon passage of the Clean Water Act(CWA) Amendments of 1987, the EPAissued guidance on the relationship ofnonpoint source controls and waterquality standards as part of the WaterQuality Standards Handbook.

The guidance states: "It is recognizedthat Best Management Practices, designed in accordance with a state approved process, are the primary mechanisms to enable the achievementof water quality standards.” It goes onto state: "It is intended that proper installation of state approved BMPswill achieve water quality standardsand will normally constitute compli-ance with the CWA.”

Forestry is the only land use prac-tice in the state that monitors BMP implementation through randomstratified surveys. The Statewide WaterManagement Plan recognizes GFC’sWater Quality Program as a model forother land-use organizations.

Benefits of Georgia’s Forests - Water Quality & Quantity

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BMP ImplementationBecause the GFC cannot monitorevery forestry operation, implementa-tion of BMPs is determined throughmonitoring surveys. The protocol andscoring methodology for these surveysis consistent with the Southern Groupof State Foresters (SGSF) BMP Monitoring Task Force’s revised recommendations, developed andadopted in June 2002, titled, Silvicultural Best Management Practices

Implementation Monitoring, a Framework

for State Forestry Agencies.

The SGSF Task Force is composed ofhydrologists and water specialists fromstate forestry agencies, the US ForestService, the forest industry, and the National Council for Air and StreamImprovement (NCASI) in consultationwith EPA Region IV nonpoint sourcespecialists. The GFC conducts theseBMP Implementation and ComplianceSurveys on approximately 400 sitesrandomly selected through county taxrecords.

Surveys were conducted in 1991,1992, 1998, 2002, 2004, and most recently in 2007. The objectives of Statewide Forestry BMP Surveys are to determine: • The rates ofBMP imple-mentation; • Acres inBMP compli-ance; • Effective-ness of BMPsfor any neededmodifications; • Actual miles of streams that mayhave forestry water quality impair-ments; and • Ownerships and regions to target forfuture training.

BMP Implementation is deter-mined by dividing the total numberof individual BMPs that are applicableand fully implemented on the evalu-

ated sites by thetotal number ofapplicable BMPs.The result is thensummarized foreach practice orcategory by over-all site, by region,and statewide.The overallstatewide percent-

age of implementation was 64.9% in1991, 67.0% in 1992, 78.7% in1998, 85.9% in 2002, 89.8% in 2004and 91.8% in 2007.

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BMP ComplianceBMP Compliance is determined bycalculating the units of measure specific to the forest practice (numberof acres, number of stream crossings,miles of road) that were in compliancewith BMPs and dividing by the totalnumber of units measured for that particular practice.

The statewide percentage of acres incompliance averaged 86% in 1991,92% in 1992, 98% in 1998, 99.1% in2002, 99.4% in 2004, and 99.7% in2007.

Results from these surveys indicate excellent compliance with BMPs.However there is room for improve-ment. Regions, landowner groups, andspecific practices can be identified formore education in order to improvethe implementation results. In the caseof stream crossings, compliance is farfrom desired and denotes an enforce-ment and training priority.

The use of skidder fords or debriscrossings accounted for 39% of thenon-compliance. Because of this, theGFC is working with the EPD and thePine Country Resource Conservationand Development Council to secure agrant to subsidize portable bridges, allowing timber buyers to purchasethem at a reduced cost.

This should decrease the occurrence of improper stream crossings and improve compliance. The data fromthese surveys can be queried by river basin and for specific 12-digit Hydrologic Unit Codes, which will

become very useful in the preparationof regional water development andconservation plans as prescribed underthe Georgia Comprehensive StatewideWater Management Plan.

Ensuring SustainabilityMost forest industries in Georgia aremembers of the Sustainable ForestryInitiative (SFI) and require that loggerswho deliver forest products to their facilities are Master Timber Harvester(MTH)-trained.

MTH training is an intensive educational process which includesinstruction in water quality protectionand BMPs. There is a biennial educational requirement to maintainMTH status.

Loggers who do not follow BMPscan be reported to regulatory authori-ties and the SFI State ImplementationCommittee. Individual member com-panies can refuse to allow deliveriesfrom these loggers. This self-regulationapproach has been very effective in encouraging implementation of BMPs and, as a result, ensuring the futuresustainability of water quality andquantity from Georgia’s forest land.

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ChallengesSome smaller companies are not participants in the SFI process and,consequently, do not place high BMPdemands on their suppliers. This creates an uneven playing field. Also, other land disturbing activities followdifferent BMP recommendations, especially with regard to streambuffers, which sometimes create confusion among forestry operators.For example, developers must main-tain only a 25-foot buffer alongstreams, while forestry operators rec-ognize a 40-foot minimum zone.

Conversion of forest land to urbanuse is the greatest threat to sustainability of water quantity and quality. Georgia is experiencingunprecedented population growth, resulting in increased urbanizationand suburbanization. The addition ofimpervious surfaces in landscapes thatwere formerly forested or used foragriculture results in increasedstormwater runoff as well as changesto drainage patterns.

OpportunitiesConscientious conservation and natu-ral resource management will need tobe an integral part of communityplanning for improving water quality

and quantity. Inclusionof green space in devel-opments and require-ments for minimumtree cover density willhelp mitigate the ef-fects of stormwaterrunoff.

Conservation ease-ments and other tax

incentives should be considered toprotect environmentally sensitive ri-parian areas from development.

Additionally, state or local govern-ments may consider purchasingsensitive tracts in areas expected todevelop in the future.

Consistent rules and regulations on land disturbing activities shouldbe adopted and enforcement capabili-ties should be provided.

Funding is needed for technical assistance and educational programs to the forestry community whileworking with other organizations(federal, state, local agencies and non-governmental organizations).

Forestry must be represented on regional water planning councils.

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Georgia boasts a tremendouslydiverse natural heritage across itsfive physiographic provinces, rank-ing sixth among all states in overallbiological diversity.15

Most of these native plants and animals depend upon forest habitats for survival. Over time,some species have successfully adaptedto extensive landscape changes result-ing from residential and commercialdevelopment, agriculture, intensiveforestry, stream impoundment, pollution, and other factors that have accompanied human populationgrowth and a high rate of natural resource consumption.

However, other species are less adapt-able and are in need of careful manage-ment to prevent further declines in theface of extensive habitat loss. Georgiaranks eighth among all states in thenumber of species at risk and fifth inthe number of extinctions.16

Wildlife Species’ Ups and DownsIn general, populations of manyspecies of wildlife that utilize foresthabitats are doing well on public andprivate lands, following shifts awayfrom agriculture in the early 20th cen-tury that increased forest land acreage.

White-tailed deer, wild turkey, andbald eagle populations are thrivingfollowing reintroductions and carefulmanagement. However, other speciesthat are more specialized and dependon specific forest types are declining.For example, populations of the north-ern bobwhite, Bachman’s sparrow, red-cockaded woodpecker, prairie warbler,and many others that once occupiedthe extensive and highly diverse longleaf pine savannahs of the coastalplain have all decreased as their habitats have dwindled.

Other forest habitats in declineinclude mature bottomland hardwoodsand cypress-gum wetlands. Imbeddedwithin forests are small patches of special habitats such as bogs, rock outcrops, caves, and prairie remnantsthat are essential for numerous local-ized and rare species.

Many aquatic organisms have de-clined as a result of impoundments,siltation, pollution, and competitionfrom exotic species. Careful steward-ship of our rivers and streams, as wellas a conservative approach to resourceutilization, will be essential to sustainand restore aquatic systems while sup-plying a sufficient water supply to ourcitizens. Forested watersheds play animportant role in protecting waterquality.

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Strategies for SustainabilityProbably the greatest tool available forguiding efforts to sustain overall forestwildlife in Georgia is the “StateWildlife Action Plan” (SWAP).17 Thisdocument, entitled A Comprehensive

Wildlife Conservation Strategy for

Georgia, was completed by theWildlife Resources Division of DNRin 2005, with the help of many privateand public stakeholders.

The strategy focuses on thosespecies and habitats believed to be most in need of conservation attention because of population declines and continuing threats. Itlists 296 high priority animal speciesand 323 plants, along with a numberof forest and non-forest habitat types.

The plan addresses the extent and condition of essential habitat types,as well as habitat problems and conser-vation opportunities. It also addresses research, surveys, monitoring, andhabitat restoration needs, and provides an evaluation of existing conservationpolicies and programs. In addition, thestrategy outlines partnership opportu-nities and prioritizes the implementa-tion of specific conservation actions.

Of a list of 25 “problem categories”for high priority species and habitats,developed within the strategy andused in an overall assessment, fourhave direct ties to forest managementactivities: altered fire regimes, conver-sion of natural forests to agriculturaland silvicultural uses, forestry prac-tices not meeting the standards of BestManagement Practices, andinvasive/alien species. There are oppor-tunities to address these problems andenhance sustainability.

Development and Conversion Lead toHabitat LossHigh quality forest habitat is beinglost through development and conver-sion to other uses in conjunction withour growing population and changingsociety.

Contributing factors include urbansprawl, tax laws and economic factorsthat encourage subdivision and devel-opment, global competition for forest

products, intensifying forest manage-ment practices, and widespread corporate divestiture of timber lands.Conservation of forest habitat througha system of public and private conser-vation lands, and through policies thatencourage private landowners to keeptheir lands in forests, will be necessaryto sustain Georgia’s wildlife.

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Prescribed Fire Nourishes WildlifeFire is a natural and necessary part ofour landscape and will continue tooccur in our forests. Prescribed burn-ing can be used as a tool to benefitforestry and wildlife habitat, as well asa means of protecting humans from the impacts of catastrophic fires.

In the absence of prescribed fire,some habitat types will degrade andsome species will dwindle and disap-pear. Also, fuel will accumulate andcontribute to dangerous wildfire situations.

Prescribed burning is becoming increasingly difficult to implementin the face of land fragmentation, airquality regulations, and smoke man-agement challenges.

A sustainable approach to forest andwildlife management must promotethe responsible use of prescribed fire through landowner education andtraining, public relations, and supportfrom state and federal agencies.

Looking ForwardThe greatest challenge we face in sustaining forest wildlife populationsin Georgia is to maintain the full suiteof habitats required by native species,including those with very specializedrequirements, in the face of ever ex-panding urban and suburban growth.

Expanding urban areas impact ourability to use prescribed fire by increasing the extent of smoke-sensi-tive areas and by generating air pollu-tion that leads to smoke restrictions. Also, the growing urban/wildland interface compounds other problems,including conflicts between wildlifeand humans, pets, and/or livestock.

The State Wildlife Action Planpresents a strategy for working towardsustainable wildlife populations andstresses a comprehensive land conserva-tion program as an essential element.

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Conservation and PreservationOne of our greatest opportunities forsustaining forest wildlife populationsis to continue building the GeorgiaLand Conservation Program (GLCP)into a larger and longer-termstatewide program consisting of morepublic lands and more private landsunder permanent conservation ease-ments. This will require significanton-going funding, and the longer sucha program is delayed, the fewer oppor-tunities there will be for success.

Other cooperative programs on private land are also beneficial. Recognition and technical guidanceefforts such as the Sustainable ForestryInitiative and the Forestry for WildlifeProgram need to be expanded and promoted. Landowner access to and involvement in assistance programs,such as the Bobwhite Quail Initiativeand those available through the FarmBill, should be maximized.

Additionally, national conservationplans can be dovetailed with theSWAP and may be used to direct conservation efforts and leverage stateand federalfunding toachievegreater eco-logical bene-fits forlandownersand societyat large. Examples ofthese include the Northern Bobwhite Conserva-

tion Initiative, Partners In Flight North

American Landbird Conservation Plan,

and Partners In Amphibian and Reptile

Conservation - Habitat Management

Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of

the Southeastern United States.

How can the Georgia General AssemblyHelp?The General Assembly can supportsustainability by ensuring funding

of essentialforestry andwildlife conservation programs, including implementationof the StateWildlife ActionPlan and in-creased funding

for land conservation through botheasements and fee acquisition. It canalso provide support for programs tofight invasive exotic species and to facilitate prescribed burning.

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Georgia’s increasing urbanizationaffects forest recreation just as it affects other forest benefits.

Prioritizing Needs for Forest LandFederal, state, county and local governments as well as public-privatepartnerships will be needed in the rapidly growing areas of Georgia topreserve and maintain forest land sothat public access to diverse recre-ational opportunities near people’shomes and jobs can be ensured.

Forest conservation should be a special priority north of the fall line,along the coast, and in counties withthe highest growth projections. Keylands for acquisition should be identi-fied and prioritized in these rapidlygrowing areas. According to a tele-phone survey conducted by TheStatewide Comprehensive OutdoorRecreation Plan (SCORP), 88% ofGeorgians support public funding forinvestment in outdoor recreation.

As Georgia becomes more urbanized, it will become more challenging to sustain a connection between urban populations and ournatural resources. Our forest land,parks and nature-based recreation willprovide critically important connec-tions to the environment and promotea conservation ethic.

Additionally, our schools should haveaccess to natural areas for education.Schools must provide balanced inter-pretation, education and outdoorrecreation programs to promotehealthy lifestyles and knowledge of our natural resources.

Benefits of Georgia’s Forests - Forest Recreation

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Recreation Impacts Georgia’s EconomyForest-based recreation provides continued opportunities for economicgrowth and tourism in Georgia.

As an example, Georgia leads the nation in the number of non-resi-dent hunters with 136,000 annually. Georgia sportsmen spend more than$1.8 billion annually that contributesto 31,000 jobs. Investment in publicoutdoor recreation, public-privatepartnerships and promotion of privaterecreational opportunities will continue to provide strong economicbenefits to Georgia in the future.

Anglers currently spend approxi-mately $569 million each year onfishing in Georgia. The total economiceffect of angling is approximately $1.5billion. There are 10,649 jobs relatedto sport fishing which generate $15million in state income taxes and $19million in state sales taxes.

The new Go Fish Georgia programis a $30 million initiative that willboost economic development in manysmall towns and establish Georgia as anational fishing destination. The suc-cess of this program and maintainingthis viable industry will depend on theclean fresh water that flows throughthe sustainable forest lands in thestate.

Georgia’s rich forest resourceprovides recreation opportunities thatprovide immeasurable value to ourstate’s residents and visitors. Decisionsthat support sustainability by balanc-ing growth with conservation shouldbe prudently considered now to ensurethese opportunities remain available tofuture generations.

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III. Threats to Forest Sustainabilityin Georgia

III. Threats to ForestSustainability

There are many challenges at handfor Georgia’s currently thriving forest system and the people whomanage it.

Unprecedented population growthand the urbanization of our state lead a list of forces that could undermineforest sustainability in decades tocome. Other threats include ownershipchanges, forest pests, invasive plants,wildfire, and limitations on the use ofprescribed fire.

UrbanizationUrbanization is a major threat to forestsustainability. GFC-funded studies bythe University of Georgia’s NaturalResources Spatial Analysis Laboratory(NARSAL) determined that approxi-mately 54 acres of canopy cover werelost in the Atlanta region each dayfrom 1991-2001, while approximately28 acres of impervious surfaces (e.g.roads, buildings, etc.) were addeddaily.

Updating this information to 2005showed a slight decrease in canopy lossbut impervious surface additions increased to approximately 55 acresdaily.

In a similar statewide analysis,NARSAL determined that from 2001-2005, Georgia’s canopy cover declinedby about 398,330 acres, or 273 acresper day. Although canopy loss in ruralareas often reflects ongoing forestry activities, in urban areas it often indicates development. Accordingly,impervious surfaces increased by about154,134 acres, or 106 acres per day.

These changes effectively and permanently remove this acreagefrom forest cover, thereby increasingstorm runoff. This results in waterquality issues and flooding. It also hasnegative impacts on air quality andlocal climate.

Another impact of the change inland use is the previously mentionedissue of forest fragmentation. Frag-mentation results in less efficient man-agement units, which contribute tocost increases and resource manage-ment difficulties. Though fragmenta-tion may not result in forest canopyloss, in many cases the resources on thetract become unavailable to markets.

This fragmentation also impedes themanagement of fire and insect, diseaseor invasive plant eradication efforts. Itdisrupts wildlife corridors and migra-tion routes of many wildlife species.

III. Threats to Forest Sustainability in Georgia

27

Forestry PracticeAt approximately 45 people per squaremile, there is a 50:50 chance of prac-ticing forestry. At 150 people persquare mile, forestry approaches zero(Figure 12).18

The challenge is to provide landown-ers with incentives to retain manage-able tracts of forest land that cancompete with the financial returns ofconverting or selling forest land forother purposes. Some of these incen-tives could be in tax relief and in thedevelopment and support of marketsto increase the financial investmentvalue of forest resources.

Maintaining incentives and smartpublic policy to allow lands to remainin forest cover will provide both environmental and economic benefitsfor Georgians in the future.

Forest Pests & Invasive SpeciesHealthy forests are essential for air andwater quality, habitat, environmentalcooling, recreation, and the multitudeof forest products from which Geor-gians benefit. History shows us that adecimating agent such as the ChestnutBlight in the early 1900’s can drasti-cally alter the forest ecosystem andeliminate important resources.

The southern pine beetle (SPB) andother pine bark beetles continue torepresent the biggestthreat to pine timber inGeorgia and the South.The GFC monitors SBPactivity annually and takesmeasures to thwart its spread.

In today’s global market, the poten-tial is very real for insects and diseaseorganisms to find their way into Georgia and cause widespread damage.For example, the hemlock woolly adelgid, imported from Japan, was detected in Georgia in 2002, and hasnow spread throughout most of ournative hemlock range. It has the potential to all but eliminate hem-locks in north Georgia and drasticallyalter the ecosystems in the area.

The redbay ambrosia beetle wasfirst detected near Savannah in 2002,and is associated with a laurel wilt disease that is killing redbay and sassafras trees across almost six millionacres of forest in the coastal plain region.

Fig.12 Number of People per Square Mile in Georgia (2000 Census)

Source: Harper, Richard, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, 2007.

28

0 - 99

100 - 199

200 - 399

400 - 799

> 800

Interstate HighwaySecondary HighwayCounty Boundary

Invasive PlantsInvasive plants such as cogongrass arefinding their way into the state. Cogongrass, which destroys wildlifehabitat, spreads aggressively and over-comes native grasses and herbaceousbrowse. It burns extremely hot,increasing the threat of wildfires.

Other established invasive plantssuch as kudzu, Chinese privet, autumnand Russian olive, and multiflora rose continue to displace native plants.

The challenges are to continue to monitor native forest health issuesAND to aggressively monitor for newinsects and disease in the forest, urbanlandscapes, and at points of entry sothat control can be undertaken whileproblems are small and the chances oferadication or control are greatest.

Legislative support and regulationto prevent the introduction and spreadof non-native exotic plants, animals,and pathogens is needed. In addition,interagency cooperation on invasivespecies management can be improvedthrough the development and imple-mentation of a statewide invasivespecies management plan and estab-lishment of a state invasive speciescouncil.

Wildfire & Prescribed Fire Restrictions Fire is a natural part of Georgia’s landscape and must be managed for apositive influence on forest sustainabil-ity. Wildfire suppression has beenGeorgia’s management strategy fornearly eight decades and is essential for public safety and the protection of property. Wildfires can destroy millions of acres of forest land andthreaten lives and property if leftunchecked.

Prescribed fire is a safe way to applya natural process, ensure ecosystemhealth and reduce wildfire risk. It is an integral part of sustainability and is supported and promoted by natural resource managers. Prescribed fire offers a proactive approach; providingmany benefits for healthy forests in addition to reducing damage fromwildfire. Most forest ecosystems, floraand fauna, benefit from prescribed fire.

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Cogongrass threatens Georgia’s forests.

Wildfire ConcernsUrbanization increases apprehensionabout fire. Air quality has become amajor concern in Georgia, and pre-scribed fire has been targeted as one of many sources of harmful emissions.Drift smoke from prescribed fire andwildfires concerns urban dwellers. An important challenge is to help Georgians understand the life sustain-ing properties of healthy forests, andthe natural role that fire plays inecosystems.

Urbanization places lives and property at risk from wildfire and reduces options for proper fire management. The greatest fire man-agement challenge for forestry profes-sionals is to ensure public safety byproviding fire prevention services inthe form of prescribed fire as well aswildfire suppression. The sustainabil-ity of Georgia’s forest is dependent onattention to both prescribed fire andwildfire suppression.

Property TaxesSeveral taxation issues affect forestland ownership and the forest industryin Georgia. However, none is morecritical to the future of Georgia’sforests than property taxes.

Ad Valorem System ChangesGeorgia’s ad valorem tax system wascreated during a time when the wealthand profits of the state came out of theproduction of the land – when cottonwas still king in the 1800s. As timeshave changed and Georgia has becomeincreasingly urban, the tax structurehas remained the same.

Landowners throughout Georgiaare reporting dramatic increases inlocal property taxes, many hit with adoubling, tripling, or more of ad val-orem tax liability just in the past fewyears. In this environment, a growingnumber of landowners simply cannotgrow trees fast enough or sell them ata price high enough to pay the currentproperty taxes levied on the land.

In addition, landowners must payseverance taxes on the timber whenit is sold at 100% fair market value.For many, owning forests and timberland has become a poor business decision. Studies show that for every$1.00 in ad valorem tax generated byGeorgia’s timber lands, those samelands receive less than $0.50 return inservices.

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Addressing the ProblemsSome relief is at hand. In November,2008, Georgians will have an opportu-nity to vote on a ConstitutionalAmendment that provides for propertytaxation of Georgia’s forests basedmore on their actual use than on theirpotential use as developed lands.

Currently, a similar, though more limited, tax program is available forforests not exceeding 2,000 acres. Inthe existing conservation use tax sys-tem, available only to private individu-als who own forest land, landownersare required to place their property inten year covenants, severely restrictingthe use of the property. If a covenant isbreached, stiff penalties must be paid.

In the proposed program for largerforests, which allows corporatelandowners to participate, the requiredcovenant is 15 years, and the penaltyfor violating the covenant is severe. This is an excellent first step in help-ing forest landowners keep their landintact and in forests.

However, there is still much more that needs to be done to address the inequity that exists across Georgia inthe application of ad valorem taxes.

Georgia’s forests are a valuable natural resource and economic engine for our state. Forest land owners should be given every reason to hold their property for the benefitsof forest sustainability and the securityand enjoyment of future generations.

ConclusionThreats to forest sustainability inGeorgia come in many forms. Theircommon thread is the human factor.Issues of urbanization, ownership, andeffective forest management can ulti-mately be solved, however, by thatsame thread: humans - equipped withknowledge and tools, both applied judiciously for a sustainable forestlandscape in Georgia.

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32

Source References and Acknowledgements

Source References andA

cknowledgem

ents

1 I.F. Eldredge, The Four Forests of the Future of the South, Technical Report, C.L. Pack Forestry Foundation, Washington, DC, 1947.

2 Wear, D.N., Carter, D.R., and J. Prestemon, The U.S. South’s Timber Sector in 2005: A Prospective Analysis of Recent Change, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station General Technical Report SRS-99, 2007.

3 Johnson, Tony G.; Bentley, James W.; Howell, Mike, The South’s Timber Industry – An Assessment of Timber Product Output and Use, 2003, Resource Bulletin SRS-114, Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 2006.

4 Riall, B. William, Economic Benefits of the Forestry Industry in Georgia: 2006, Community Policy and Research Services, Enterprise Innovation Institute, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, October 2007.

5 Georgia Wood-Using Industries and Forest Products Marketing Directory 2006, Forest Products Utilization and Marketing, Georgia Forestry Commission, 2006.

6 Harper, Richard, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, December 2007.

7 Ibid.

8 TradeStats Express, Office of Trade and Industry Information, Manufacturing and Services, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, http://tse.export.gov/.

9 Bentley, James W.; Harper, Richard A., Georgia Harvest and Utilization Study, 2004, Resource Bulletin SRS-117, Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 2007.

10 Badger, Phil, Biomass Wood Resource Assessment on a County-by-County Basis for the State of Georgia, General*Bioenergy, Inc., Florence, AL, November 9, 2005.

11 McClure, Nathan, Georgia Forestry Commission, 2006.

12 Wallace, Lynn, Georgia Power Contracts with Renewable Plant, News Release, Georgia Power, January 14, 2008.

13 Wallace, Lynn, Georgia Power Seals Deal for Additional Power from a Renewable Generator,News Release, Georgia Power, February 11, 2008.

14 Perlack, Robert D., et al, Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and BioProducts Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply, Oak Ridge National Laboratory,ORNL/TM-2005/66, United States Department of Energy, DOE/GO-102995-2135, April 2005.

15 Bruce A. Stein, States of the Union: Ranking America’s Biodiversity, Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe, 2002.

16 Ibid.

17 Georgia Department of Natural Resources, A Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for Georgia, Social Circle, Georgia, 2005, http://www1.gadnr.org/cwcs/Documents/strategy.html.

18 D. Wear, et al., Virginia Study, USDA Forest Service, 1998.

Source References

33

Sustainable Forestry Report Contributors

Chapter 1 – Georgia’s Forests Today

Brett Butler – USFS

Troy Clymer – GFC

David Dickinson – GFC

Cliff Hargrove – GFC

Richard Harper - USFS

Tim Lowrimore – Rayonier

Chapter 2 – Benefits of Georgia’s Forest

Greg Findley – GFC

Frank Green – GFC

Bill Guthrie – Weyerhaeuser

Mike Harris – DNR WRD

Matt Jones – Rayonier

Nathan McClure – GFC

Jim Ozier – DNR WRD

Dru Preston – GFC

Winston Savell – Georgia Pacific

Reggie Thackston – DNR WRD

Risher Willard – GFC

Keith Wooster – NRCS

Chapter 3 – Threats to Forest Sustainability in Georgia

Alan Dozier – GFC

Liz Kramer – UGA Institute of Ecology

James Johnson – GFC

Ken Masten – GFC

Larry Morris – GFC

David Wear – USFS

Content Review and Editing

Johnny Bembry – Landowner

Sharon Dolliver – GFC

Ray Ellis – USFS

Robert Farris – GFC

Rick Hatten- GFC

Stasia Kelly – GFC

Steve McWilliams – GFA

Rob Williams – UGA Vinson Institute

Acknowledgements

34

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