Executive Summary

Georgia’s are being sustainably managed to meet the numerous needs of our state today. To ensure our forests will continue to meet the needs of present generations and the projected demands for future generations, many challenges must be addressed. sustainability is dependent on both environmental and economic sustainability. A challenge to either element is a challenge to both elements. Success will depend on proactive decisions by our state leaders and the entire and conservation communities addressing a myriad of forestry-related issues.

Georgia boasts more than 24 million acres of forestland. Georgia’s volumes are at an all-time high. We have 49 percent more cubic feet of growing in Georgia than we did 40 years ago. However, the state’s population is increasing at a record rate. Urbanization continues to be a threat to forest sustainability. Further, recent increases in population and changing land-use patterns have made ongoing more difficult in some areas of the state. These and other trends threaten forest sustainability and the numerous economic, environmental, and social benefits that our forests provide. This report describes both forestland (all forests including those not available for commercial harvest – 24.6 million acres) and timberland (all forests that are available for commercial harvest – 23.9 million acres). (GFC 2016)

Georgia’s forest area has remained stable over the past 50 years at about 24 million acres. Approximately 91 percent of this acreage is privately owned, giving Georgia more privately-owned acres of timberland than any other state in the nation. Forest growth exceeds removals by 41 percent annually and is available to supply global and local markets. However, ownership patterns are changing and average parcel sizes are shrinking. This trend is due to a number of factors, including urbanization and the tremendous divestiture of forest industry-owned lands. Several issues, such as federal, state, and local tax structures and the strength of markets, affect the economic viability of owning and managing forestland.

Eighty-three of Georgia’s 159 counties have at least one primary wood-using mill. Strong markets for forest products are crucial to the future of traditional pulp and , , and pole supplies. In 2017, the economic impact of forestry was $35.9 billion and over 147,000 jobs. (Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018) The development of a forest resource-based bioenergy industry is poised to contribute significantly to Georgia’s economy and reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.

Georgia’s forests provide valuable ecological services that help supply our state with clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that benefit all Georgians. A University of Georgia (Warnell School) study valued these ecological services at $37 billion annually, with clean water noted as one of the most important services that benefit society (Moore 2011). Because two out of every three raindrops in Georgia land on forestlands, the sustainable management of our forests is one of the most significant factors affecting the state’s water quality and quantity. The General Assembly’s adoption of the Statewide Water Management Plan recognizes Forestry Best Management Practices as a model program that other land-use practitioners should emulate. A GFC internal analysis (unpublished) of watersheds used for drinking water indicates that 60.5 percent of these areas are forested, so these forests cleanse the water utilized by the majority of Georgians. Wildlife-associated recreation, which is greatly supported by healthy forest ecosystems, generates $5.5 billion annually and supports 40,000 jobs. 1 Executive Summary (cont.)

Forestry professionals ensure public safety by providing fire prevention services in the form of prescribed fire as well as suppression. The health and sustainability of Georgia’s forests are dependent on attention to both. Urbanization places more lives and property at risk from wildfire as growth expands into rural environments and greatly complicates the management of and prescribed fires.

Urbanization and fragmentation impact natural habitat and ecological services forests provide. The loss of forestland to urbanization continues to be the greatest single factor for conversion to other (non-forest) uses, even though we are still emerging from one of the greatest recessions in our country’s history. A system of public and private conservation strategies is needed to support forest and wildlife sustainability. Sustaining healthy forests, including the professional use of prescribed fire, is critical to maintaining the full suite of ecosystem services, traditional forest outputs, and habitats required by native species. Expansion of the Georgia Land Conservation Program supports this goal, as do the State Wildlife Action Plan and the Forest Action Plan.

Timber security is an important component of forest sustainability. Forests are a valuable commodity and deserve sufficient protection under Georgia law. House Bill 790, passed in 2014, strengthened Georgia’s timber security law and made great strides in protecting Georgia’s forests. GFC law enforcement officers have investigated 484 timber complaints since July 1, 2014, when HB790 clarified GFC authority. These 483 complaints represent almost 18,000 acres of forestland with more than $2.5 million of estimated losses. GFC has assisted landowners in recovering $413,434 in damages, with many additional cases still pending judgement.

Forestland valuations for tax purposes have been inconsistent across Georgia and “highest and best use” land valuation threatens forest sustainability. Despite the implementation of conservation use tax programs – Conservation Use Valuation Assessment in 1991 (CUVA) and the Forest Land Protection Act in 2008 (FLPA), property tax burdens on Georgia’s timberland owners continue to exceed those in most other states. During the 2018 election, Georgia voters approved “Amendment 3,” which creates more uniformity in the valuation process for timberland across the state’s 159 counties. Legislation can still be developed to support the fair and equitable treatment of forestland to help ensure Georgia’s forest resources for future generations.

With the wise use of scientific knowledge and resources, Georgia can keep its forests sustainable for present and future generations, providing tangible benefits to landowners, local economies, and forest industry, while continuing to provide vital environmental and ecosystem services from which all Georgians benefit.

2

Introduction

In 2007, the Georgia General Assembly working will be market prices that enacted into law Senate Bill 176. generate enough revenue to allow It requires the Georgia Forestry for an acceptable rate of return of the Commission (GFC) to submit a report landowners’ investment. every five years which summarizes the sustainability of our state’s Georgia’s population is increasing forests. Specifically, the bill requests at record rates. Within 25 years, the verification of “the ability of forest number of people calling our state resources in this state to meet “home” is expected to jump from 10 the needs of the present without million to almost 15 million. As we compromising the ability to meet the monitor the impacts of that growth, it needs of future generations.” is prudent to pay special attention to

Forest sustainability is dependent on its effect on vital natural resources, both environmental and economic including the state’s water, air, and sustainability. A challenge to one is wildlife. The one critical link that a challenge to the other. While we impacts the health of each of these are maintaining acres of forests at a resources is Georgia’s 24.6 million stable rate and growth is surpassing acres of forestland. removals, it is increasingly important to maintain traditional markets and It is GFC’s goal to help educate develop new markets for forest Georgians about their role in products so landowners have guaranteeing the sustainability of our incentives to keep forests in forests, precious forest resources - for the rather than choose alternative uses for benefit of each of us today, and for the land. A key component of helping every future generation. landowners keep their working forests

3

Georgia’s Forests Today

An Overview in place since the 1930’s. All metrics Georgia’s timberland acreage has pertaining to our forests and charts and remained relatively stable for more diagrams are derived from this data. than 60 years and perhaps more (GFC 2016) importantly, timber volumes have increased. Georgia’s timber volumes Georgia timberland remains relatively are at an all-time high since the forest constant with 24 million acres, inventory of Georgia began in the according to 2016 Forest Inventory 1930s. (Figure 1) and Analysis data. This accounts for 67 percent of Georgia’s total land area. Timberland Acreage Through Time in Georgia Figure 1 - Georgia Timberland Acreage Trend However, sawtimber supply remains high in relation to demand. This 28 presents a challenge for timberland 27 owners considering final harvest due 25.8 26 to low prices. Weak markets could

25 24.5 24.4 24.3 pressure landowners to convert 24.2 24.0 24 to non-timberland, subdivide large

23 23.6 timber tracts in land sales, or delay and future timber sale 22 Million Acres Million Timberland revenue. 21 Acres 21.4 20 Ownership of Georgia’s Forests 19 The majority of Georgia’s forests are 18 1936 1953 1961 1972 1982 1989 1997 2004 2009 2013 2016 privately owned, and we lead the Survey Year nation in privately-owned timberland acres. Only nine percent of our Source: US Forest Service 2016 Data and The Georgia Forestry Commission forests are public lands, including state and national forests, parks, Figure 2 - Georgia’s Forestland Ownership and other federal, state, and local government lands. State and local tax structures, inconsistent valuation

Forest of forestland and struggling forest Private Industry product markets, and land-use Individual 6% changes will have a major impact on 55% Public these landowner decision-makers. 9%

Corporate Other Shrinking Parcel Sizes and Their 29% 1% Impacts The shrinking size of forestland parcels is of concern. As forestland is passed to a new generation, it is often in jeopardy of being subdivided for a Source: US Forest Service FIA Data 2016, 2017, 2018 (depending on state) and The Georgia Forestry Commission variety of reasons. Although large blocks of productive timberland are NOTE: The Forest Inventory & Analysis being purchased by timber investment (FIA) program of the U.S. Forest Service management organizations (TIMO’s) is the system of ongoing measurements and real estate investment trusts of our forests in the U.S., and has been (REITS), many acres of forestland 4 are being subdivided and converted of these small woodlots is difficult Composition of Georgia’s Forests to non-timberland uses and split as well. These logistical challenges, Georgia’s forest composition is diverse, into small timber parcels, which are coupled with the diverse management with hardwood timber comprising inherently more difficult to manage. goals characteristic of small forest 42 percent, softwood (mostly ) landowners, have contributed to recent 45 percent, and mixed oak/pine, 11 As landholdings get smaller, the declines in replanted acres. Smaller percent. Two percent of the timberland implementation of sound forest tracts also present challenges to area is non-stocked; i.e. recently management often decreases and the , a priority for GFC. harvested land that has not yet seeded land is less likely to produce traditional Reduced management (e.g. thinning) or been planted with seedlings. forest products. Not only does it cost contributes to higher wildfire risks, more for wood buyers and loggers to and protection of homes becomes Historical Growth, Harvesting and move in equipment needed to harvest more difficult within a network of small Reforestation small tracts, efficient reforestation woodlots. Georgia’s forests are currently growing more wood than is being Figure 3 - Georgia Forestland Acreage by Forest Type Group harvested on an annual basis. While acreage has remained stable for Other decades, timber volume shows a 0.5 million Ac. 2% continued increase. Figure 4 shows softwood net growth and harvest Bottomland Hardwood removals for survey periods from 2004 3.8 Million Ac. Pine 16% 6.8 Million Ac. through 2016. The increased growth 28% to removals ratio reveals the impact Upland Hardwood of improved genetics and 6.4 Million Ac. Natural Pine 26% 4.1 Million Ac. on forest productivity, particularly Oak-Pine Mix 17% for pine . Although these 2.8 Million Ac. 11% plantations only comprise 28 percent of our forests, they are essential to the production of raw materials needed to sustain our forest products industry. Source: US Forest Service FIA Data 2016 and The Georgia Forestry Commission Georgia hardwood growth continues to exceed removals at a higher rate, Figure 4 - Georgia’s Softwood Net Growth vs. Removals resulting in a net change of 39 percent from the 2004 to 2016 survey period, as shown in Figure 5. However, this is 1,600,000,000 due to removal decline (-40 percent) 1,400,000,000 exceeding growth decline (-13 percent). 1,200,000,000 Reasons for growth decline may include 1,000,000,000 changes to age class distributions, with 800,000,000 Growth more volume moving into older, slower- 600,000,000 Removals growing stands, land-use changes, 400,000,000 mortality due to disease and insects, or Net Change

Avg. Feet per year Cubic Avg. 200,000,000 reforesting in pine plantations. Perhaps 0 one of the greatest contributions to 1998-2004 2005-2011 2012-2016 hardwood removals declining is a loss Survey Period of demand for hardwood , as digital options continue to replace Source: Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, US Forest Service, 2016 Data writing and printing paper.

5 As seen in Figure 6, overall timber Figure 5 - Georgia Hardwood Net Growth vs. Removals volume has increased by 18 percent from the 2004 to 2016 survey period. 1,600,000,000 This includes an increase by 26 percent 1,400,000,000 for pine, 11 percent for hardwood, and 1,200,000,000 22 percent for mixed pine/hardwood, 1,000,000,000 respectively. 800,000,000 Growth

600,000,000 Removals Figure 7 shows significant changes 400,000,000 Net Change to timber harvests from 2004 to 2016.

Avg. Feet per year Cubic Avg. 200,000,000 The lumber market is strongly linked 0 to construction activity. Therefore, 1998-2004 2005-2011 2012-2016 while residential construction was Survey Period near an all-time high in 2004, high Source: Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, US Forest Service, 2016 Data demand existed for sawtimber, re- sulting in substantial and replanting. Following the reces- Figure 6 - Volume by Forest Type Group and Survey Period sion, the 2012 timber market saw a significant decrease in final harvests as many landowners in need of cash 1,600,000,000 flow opted to thin timber, hoping saw- 1,400,000,000 timber prices would increase for their 1,200,000,000 final harvest. This delay in clearcut- 1,000,000,000 ting also reduced planting in

800,000,000 2012. The abundance of sawtimber

600,000,000 continues to suppress prices in 2016. Mixed Pine/Hardwood However, Georgia experienced an 400,000,000 Hardwood MerchantableGreen Tons increase in final harvests and pine 200,000,000 Softwood planting, and a decrease in thinning. 0 1998-2004 2005-2011 2012-2016 Survey Period Although Georgia’s timber volumes are still increasing, continued Source: Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, US Forest Service, 2016 Data replanting is necessary to ensure volume growth meets harvesting demands. Our long-term trend has Figure 7 - Annual Harvest and Reforestation shown we are growing 63 percent more pine volume per acre when 500 compared to 1972 figures. Ownership 450 changes could result in less intensive 400 350 objectives for wood production, and 300 this trend could stabilize or reduce 250 2004 per-acre pine volume averages. (GFC 200 2012 2016 2016) More funding for 150

Thousand Acres Thousand 100 or tax incentive programs would 50 make replanting after harvest more 0 Final Harvest Partial Harvest Commercial Pine Planting Hardwood economically feasible for private Thinning Planting forest landowners, thereby increasing

Source: Forest Inventory and Analysis Data, US Forest Service, 2016 Data future wood supply. Some states in

6 companies and small private owners. Figure 8 - Trend in Pine Total Volume Statewide by Diameter Class & Survey Year With an estimated 200,000 landowners who own 10 acres or more of timberland, 4,000,000,000 2004 the delivery of technical information 3,500,000,000 2009 is a tremendous obstacle. Outreach to these private forest landowners is 3,000,000,000 2012 a priority for GFC. State, federal, and 2,500,000,000 Feet private resource professionals should 2,000,000,000 adapt and leverage all opportunities Cubic 1,500,000,000 to provide technical assistance to this 1,000,000,000 diverse sector. Proper management

500,000,000 of the forest by every type of owner is

0 critical to ensuring that our state has a sustainable wood supply.

Diameter Class Professional consulting alone cannot meet the needs of the 200,000 forest landowners (owning at the Southeast offer one or both of broadly affect reforestation across least 10 acres) across the state. The these options to encourage forest the landscape. Incentivizing tree Georgia Forestry Commission can investments (Figure 8). This figure planting with tax incentives or direct provide limited technical assistance shows states that have either a mill tax cost-share payments from a variety through personal contact, landowner (where money is collected at the first of sources should be considered. workshops, conferences, public point of round-wood scaling), state meetings publications, and other media. appropriations, or a combination of As a result of reduced tree planting, Private foresters also play a role in both. A portion of these funds are then we are starting to see slightly lower technical assistance, but tend to serve used to finance forest management volumes in the smaller diameter larger landowners. Reaching a fraction activities (such as tree planting) classes of southern yellow pine. This of these owners is a daunting task, on timberlands to help sustain the trend is likely to continue unless the and is perhaps a function in which the resource. This does not include any reduced tree planting trend is reversed. state should consider investing, since reforestation cost-share programs The good news is that volumes have the ecosystem services our forests funded by the federal government. A increased across most of the other collectively provide benefit every few states have income tax incentives diameter classes in most regions of the Georgian. There is a huge demand specific to reforestation investments. state. This decline is fully depicted in for private foresters to manage larger (Unpublished survey, fall 2013 – the appendix by FIA Survey Unit data, land bases and provide the full suite management chiefs in the Southern and the statewide trend is shown in of services some landowners need. Group of State Foresters.) Figure 8. State foresters are needed to assist in the critical functions of a government In the past, peaks in tree planting Ownership Changes Impact Forest agency, such as protecting water have coincided with federal tree Sustainability quality and the health of our forests. planting cost-share programs, The changing ownership patterns from GFC foresters also help implement cost- illustrating that cost-share programs traditional, rural-oriented landowners share programs to landowners, which can directly contribute to increases to landowners disconnected from collectively provide direct payments in future wood supply. However, agriculture has contributed to a of approximately $7.5 million annually many current federal programs are reduced understanding of basic forest (GFC 2016). These cost-share payments offering lower incentives along with management and the options available. directly benefit the forests of Georgia more specific requirements, which There has also been a shift in ownership and aid in keeping them healthy and limits the ability of the programs to from forest industry to privately-held sustainable.

7 Retaining and Maintaining forestry throughout our state. Policy are unique due to species diversity, Forestland makers should carefully assess the location, recreational opportunities, The ad valorem tax structure for impacts of state and local rules on historic significance, or other timberlands is critical for forest the ability of private owners to invest important characteristics. State owners to retain and manage our and maintain our forest resources. acquisition of specific keystone working forests. Taxes commensurate properties requiring state funding with this use are allowable in both Land conservation programs create should continue to be considered CUVA and FLPA and should be opportunities for owners to reduce by the Georgia Land Conservation embraced by counties to keep these their tax burden by forgoing certain Council. Funding from the general working forests working. A UGA development and land-use rights. assembly is needed to conserve study (Dorfman 2006) concluded that The state is positioned to enter significant properties statewide. lands enrolled in these programs into conservation easements with still contribute more to the counties forest landowners, as are a number Strong markets for forest products than they utilize in county services. of private land trusts and non- are necessary to ensure forest Moreover, these working forests governmental organizations. While landowners are able to maintain provide the ecosystem services (that CUVA and FLPA provide short-term forestland. A key component of benefit society) and forest products land restrictions on development, helping landowners keep their (which directly relate to jobs) critical conservation easements provide working forests working will be to our state. Georgia Department of a means to permanently protect market prices that generate enough Revenue figures show that almost half forestland from conversion, thus revenue to allow for an acceptable of our state’s land base (47 percent) serving as a valuable conservation rate of return of the landowners’ was enrolled in these programs from tool. investment. Traditional pulp and 2009-2012. paper, lumber, and pole markets have been the mainstay in Georgia for Figure 9 - Acreage Enrolled in Tax Programs decades and provide stable markets in most locations. Expansion of these markets, along with new markets for 16,000,000 tax year bioenergy, pellets for export, mass 14,000,000 timber construction, and ecosystem

12,000,000 conservation use services, would benefit the economy valuation assessment and encourage forest investment. 10,000,000 (statewide)

No other single characteristic for forest land protection 8,000,000 act sustaining our forests is stronger 6,000,000 than an active and viable forest Enrolled products market. By expanding 4,000,000 existing markets and encouraging Acres 2,000,000 new market development, Georgia

0 NOTE: Some conservation use can continue to prosper and grow. acreage is not timberland 2009 2010 2011 2012 Tax Year Source ‐ Georgia Dept of Revenue

Forestland valuations for tax purposes Funding sources are quite limited, and and local ordinances are inconsistent it will require the collaborative support across the state. Fair valuations of the state, non-governmental will limit the need for forestland organizations, and forest landowners owners to divest themselves of this if conservation easements are to resource, helping to ensure an equal contribute significantly to forest opportunity to manage and invest in sustainability. Some forestlands

8

Benefits of Georgia’s Forests - Socioeconomic

Forest Productivity and Sustainability percent, respectively, per year. Georgia has 24,564,762 acres of on Georgia’s timberlands are adding forestland. Of this total, 23,990,826 volume at an incredible rate –growing acres is classified as timberland (i.e. 64 cubic feet per second! forest land that is commercially- available with no timber harvesting Forest certification systems including restrictions), ranking Georgia number the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® one in timberland in the U.S. Ninety-one (SFI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), percent of this timberland (21,893,835 and American System (ATFS), acres) is privately-owned – more than provide established mechanisms for any other state in the nation. third-party verification of sustainable forest management. Of Georgia’s nearly Forest sustainability can be viewed, 25 million forested acres, only 3,523,599 measured, and documented in many acres, or 14 percent of the state’s ways. Reports such as this one, which forests, are enrolled in any of the three summarize metrics from sources major forest certification systems: SFI including the U.S. Forest Service – 2,320,719 acres; FSC – 81,601 acres; Forest Inventory and Analysis, will ATFS – 1,121,279 acres. be useful in communicating the ability of the state’s forests to supply Georgia’s abundant, productive, and sustainable wood products for present sustainable forests are an integral and future generations. part of the state’s economy, as shown in the following sections, Wood-Using One measure of quantifying forest Industries & Mill Productivity and sustainability is comparing the Forest Industry Economic Impacts. amount of timber volume to the amount of timber utilized for products Wood-Using Industries & Mill and other uses. According to the U.S. Productivity Forest Service, Georgia’s commercial Georgia’s forests support a forest timberlands grow 626 million cubic products industry with 207 primary feet more wood per year, on average, wood-using mills that convert logs than is harvested, resulting in growth into primary wood products, including exceeding removals by 46 percent lumber, veneer or sheathing, poles for all species combined. Softwood and posts, wood pulp, and energy (pine) and hardwood growth exceeds products, such as wood pellets. There removals by 35 percent and 92 are more than 1,100 secondary wood-

Figure 10 - Georgia Primary Wood-Using Mills by Total Product Type, 2017

Biomass Power-Heat, Wood 4 Pellets, 9 Firewood, 11 Log Home, 3 Chip-Log Export, 6 Mulch, 12

Chip Mill, 21 Panel & , 7

Veneer, 3

Post-Pole, 15 Shavings, 10

Pulp-Paper, 12

Sawmill-Hardwood, -Softwood, 41 16

Sawmill-Hardwood & Softwood, 37

9 using mills that convert primary Forest Industry Economic Impacts wood products into value-added Georgia’s forests support a forest products, including manufactured products industry that contributes homes and buildings, furniture, more than $35.9 billion annually to molding, paper products, trusses, the state’s economy. containers, cabinetry, and more. A recent study (Georgia Institute of In 2015, Georgia’s primary wood- Technology, 2018) reported on the using mills processed 47,268,311 economic benefits of Georgia’s forest green tons of logs: 86 percent industry, including output (revenue), softwood and 14 percent hardwood; companies currently operating in employment, and compensation: equating to 1.9 million truckloads of Georgia include nine wood pellet • $21.3 billion in total revenue output logs from forests to factories. mills and four biomass electricity was generated by all forestry plants, while several other sectors combined. Since 2009, the number of primary companies are perfecting biomass • Georgia’s forest industry provided wood-using industries operating conversion technologies to produce 53,933 jobs; the seventh consecutive in Georgia has fluctuated with the liquid transportation fuels and other year of positive job growth. economy, averaging 190 mills for high-value products. • Compensation (defined as wages the period: 2009 – 180 mills; 2011 – and salaries including benefits) of 172 mills; 2013 – 179 mills; 2015 – 211 Georgia is home to many forest forest industry workers equaled mills; and 2017 – 207 mills. industry leaders: $3.84 billion. • The largest hardwood sawmill • The forest industry generated $970 An important economic success in the U.S. – Battle Lumber million in gross tax revenue for the story has been the growth of the Company – Wadley, GA. state; net tax revenue totaled $97 state’s forest biomass energy • The largest wood rosin plant million. industrial sector. Since 2007, more in the world – Pinova (DRT) – than one dozen bioenergy plants Brunswick, GA. Pulp and paper products was the have been built. These companies • The largest recycled paper mill dominant forest industry sector, convert renewable forest biomass in North America – WestRock – generating 62 percent of total revenue into energy. Forest biomass includes Dublin, GA. output, 36 percent of employment, wood and other organic materials, • The largest wood pellet plant in and 49 percent of compensation. such as small diameter trees from the world – Georgia Biomass – timber harvests, residues, Waycross, GA. Total economic impacts of the sawdust, and other by-products of • The largest crude tall oil bio- forest industry* include: wood facilities and refinery in the world – Arizona • Total output - $35.9 billion. land-clearing debris. Bioenergy Chemical – Savannah, GA. • Total employment – 147,380 jobs. • Total compensation - $8.7 billion Figure 11 - Number of Primary Mills in wages and salaries. • All metrics realized gains for 250 seven consecutive years.

200 * Total economic impact of the forest industry includes dollars brought into the state, which recirculate through all 150 major industry sectors (multiplier effect).

100 In addition to the above data, urban and provides 50 significant benefits to communities around the state. Overall, urban and

0 community forestry companies in 2017 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 created and supported 46,209 jobs,

10 with wages and salaries of $1.7 billion and generated $4 billion of economic Figure 12 - Total Economic Impacts, Output & Employment, 2006-2017 activity. 40,000 160,000

Figure 12 shows the total economic 35,000 140,000 activity represented by output (rev- 30,000 120,000 enue) and employment supported by 25,000 100,000 the forest industry from 2006 – 2017. 20,000 80,000 Jobs 15,000 60,000 Values from ecological services US $ Million such as carbon offset credits, trading 10,000 40,000 development rights, and ecosystem 5,000 20,000 services payments provided by - - Georgia’s forests may develop in the future and provide potential income Output Employment streams for forest owners.

Figure 13 - Forest Products Farm Gate Value, 2016

Christmas Trees 1.3% Pine Straw 8.4%

Other 4.8%

Timber 85.6%

11 Benefits of Georgia’s Forests - Ecosystem Services

Georgia’s 24.6 million acres of forests fiber, and replenish our atmosphere provide a vast amount of essential with oxygen. This carbon-capturing benefits outside of traditional timber process, called , products. Water filtration, clean air, is an important natural process that erosion control, aesthetics, wildlife may serve to reduce the effects of habitat, and soil formation are just a climate change. Georgia’s forests few of the processes of nature that are offset approximately eight percent of of direct benefit to humans. the state’s carbon dioxide emissions, and can sequester one to four tons of carbon per acre, per year. In 2004, Georgia Senate Bill 356 established the Georgia Carbon Sequestration Registry (www.gacarbon.org) to promote environmental markets by enabling the voluntary reporting of carbon sequestration projects in Georgia, recognizing registry participants, advocating the importance of forestry in greenhouse gas emissions policy, and educating the public about carbon sequestration and other ecological services.

Lack of greenhouse gas policy that includes forest-based offset projects has prevented this market from expanding, although some industries voluntarily attempt to reduce their environmental impact and may purchase offset- credits from participating landowners. The monetary value of ecosystem Creating markets and programs offering services is difficult to estimate payments to landowners for managing because few market opportunities for ecosystem services can help ensure the them exist. However, a 2011 report future sustainability of Georgia’s forests. conducted by the University of Georgia, Perhaps future state and federal policies Quantifying the Value of Non-timber will recognize these ecosystem services Ecosystem Services from Georgia’s that benefit all citizens. Private Forests, estimated that these services provided by privately owned Economic Impacts from Wildlife- forestlands are worth more than $37.6 Associated Recreation billion every year. This metric does not Healthy forest ecosystems make strong include traditional economic impacts contributions toward maintaining clean listed previously. Three major services water, clean air, and abundant fish and - carbon sequestration, water quality, wildlife populations. These resources and wildlife habitat - were estimated not only enhance the quality of life in in the 2011 study to be valued up to Georgia and make the state a desirable $381/acre, $8,196/acre, and $251/acre, place to live, but also generate respectively. significant revenue from outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. Georgia Carbon Sequestration Registry For example, fishing, hunting, and Forests have the unique ability to absorb wildlife- associated recreation is big carbon dioxide, store carbon in trees’ business in Georgia and has a $5.5 12 billion economic impact supporting 40,000 jobs. Georgia has about 830,000 resident anglers and 400,000 resident hunters.

Georgia’s rich and diverse forests provide and support these recreational opportunities, resulting in immeasurable value to the state’s residents and visitors. Land use and management decisions that achieve sustainability by balancing growth and development with land conservation should be prudently considered now to ensure these opportunities and the associated economic returns remain available to both present and future generations.

13 Benefits of Georgia’s Forests - Water Quality

Many of Georgia’s 44,056 miles of prevent non-point source pollution perennial streams, 23,906 miles of (primarily erosion and sedimentation) intermittent streams, and 603 miles of contributions. ditches and canals begin in or flow through forestlands. These forest Georgia’s BMPs for Forestry were first streams filter and purify the water developed in1981 and are periodically and make clean water available to updated, most recently in 2019. Upon millions of Georgians. In fact, water passage of the Clean Water Act (CWA) produced by these forest streams Amendments of 1987, the EPA issued is much less expensive to treat at guidance on the relationship of non- municipal water treatment plants point source controls to water quality than stream water flowing from land standards, as part of the Water Quality used for other purposes. Because an Standards Handbook. estimated 7,000 forestry operations are conducted on some 800,000+ acres The guidance states: It is recognized per year statewide, it is important that Best Management Practices, for forest landowners to follow Best designed in accordance with a Management Practices (BMPs) to state approved process, are the protect these water resources. primary mechanisms to enable the achievement of water quality standards. It goes on to state: It is intended that proper installation of state approved BMPs will achieve water quality standards and will normally constitute compliance with the CWA.

Forestry monitors BMP implementation at a state-level basis every two years. GFC accomplishes this monitoring through random stratified surveys. The Statewide Water Management Plan recognizes GFC’s Water Quality Program as a model for other land-use organizations.

Ensuring Sustainability Most forest industries in Georgia are members of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and require loggers who deliver forest products to their facilities to be Master Timber Harvester (MTH)-trained. MTH training Best Management Practices is an intensive educational process Since 1977, the Georgia Department which includes instruction in water of Natural Resources Environmental quality protection and BMPs. There Protection Division has designated is a biennial education requirement to GFC as the lead agency to develop, maintain MTH status. educate, implement, and monitor the use of Best Management Practices Loggers who do not follow BMPs can (BMPs) for forestry operations, which, be reported to regulatory authorities when used properly, minimize or and the SFI State Implementation

14 Committee. Individual member companies can refuse to allow deliveries from these loggers. This self-regulation approach has been very effective in encouraging implementation of BMPs and, as a result, ensuring the future sustainability of water quality and quantity from Georgia’s forestland.

Opportunities Conscientious conservation and natural resource management will need to be an integral part of community planning for improving water quality and quantity. Inclusion of green space in developments and requirements for minimum tree cover density will help mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff.

• Conservation easements and other tax incentives should be considered to protect environmentally sensitive riparian areas from development. • State or local governments may consider purchasing sensitive tracts in areas expected to develop in the future. • Consistent rules and regulations on land-disturbing activities should be adopted and enforcement capabilities should be provided. • Funding is needed for the forestry community to provide technical assistance and educational programs to other organizations (federal, state, local agencies and non-governmental). • Forestry must be represented on regional water planning councils.

15 Wildlife Benefits from Sustainable Forest Management

Georgia ranks eighth among all states Development and Conversion Lead in the number of species at risk and to Habitat Loss fifth in the number of extinctions. High quality forest habitat is being lost through development and conversion Strategies for Sustainability to other uses in conjunction with our A primary tool for guiding efforts to growing population and changing sustain overall forest wildlife in Georgia society. is the “State Wildlife Action Plan” (SWAP). This document, entitled A Contributing factors include urban Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation sprawl, tax laws, and economic Strategy for Georgia, was completed factors that encourage subdivision by the Wildlife Resources Division of and development, intensifying forest the Georgia Department of Natural management demands on the land base, Resources in 2015, with the help of and widespread corporate divestiture many private and public stakeholders. of timberlands. Conservation of forest habitat through a system of public The strategy focuses on those species and private conservation lands, and and habitats believed to be most in need through policies that encourage private of conservation attention because of landowners to keep and manage population declines and continuing their forestlands, will be necessary to threats. It lists 296 high priority animal sustain Georgia’s wildlife. species and 323 plants, along with a number of forest and non-forest habitat Prescribed Fire Enhances Wildlife types. Habitat Fire is a natural and necessary part The plan addresses the extent of our landscape and will continue and condition of essential habitat to occur in our forests. Prescribed types, as well as habitat problems burning can be used as a tool to and conservation opportunities. It benefit forestry and wildlife habitat, as also addresses research, surveys, well as a means of protecting humans monitoring and habitat restoration from the impacts of catastrophic fires. needs, and provides an evaluation of existing conservation policies and In the absence of prescribed fire, programs. In addition, the strategy some habitat types will degrade outlines partnership opportunities and some species will dwindle and and prioritizes the implementation of disappear. Fuel will also accumulate specific conservation actions. and contribute to dangerous wildfire situations. Of a list of 25 “problem categories” for high priority species and habitats, Prescribed burning is becoming developed within the strategy and increasingly difficult to implement in the used in an overall assessment, four face of land fragmentation, air quality have direct ties to forest management regulations, and smoke management activities: altered fire regimes, challenges. A sustainable approach conversion of natural forests to to forest and wildlife management agricultural and more intensive must promote the responsible use of forestry objectives, forestry practices prescribed fire at the appropriate scale not meeting the standards of Best and frequency. This is accomplished Management Practices, and invasive/ through landowner education and alien species. Opportunities exist to training, public relations, and support address these problems and enhance from state and federal agencies, non- sustainability. governmental organizations (NGOs), and private contractors. 16 wildland interface compounds other the National Bobwhite Conservation problems, including conflicts between Initiative, Partners in Flight - North wildlife and humans, pets, and American Landbird Conservation Plan, livestock. and Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation - Habitat Management The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) Guidelines for Amphibians and presents a strategy for working toward Reptiles of the Southeastern United sustainable wildlife populations States. and stresses a comprehensive land conservation program as an essential How can State Government and element. Georgia’s Forestry Community Address These Challenges? Georgia’s Forest Action Plan (FAP), The Georgia General Assembly can written and maintained by GFC as support sustainability by ensuring part of the 2008 Farm Bill, highlights funding for essential forestry and the challenges and opportunities for wildlife conservation programs, managing and protecting the array of including implementation of the (healthy) forested ecosystems. Forest Action Plan and the State Wildlife Action Plan. Numerous Progress continues to be made toward Conservation and Preservation opportunities for the conservation of increasing the wise use of prescribed One of our greatest opportunities for lands exist, including the ad valorem fire as a management tool across sustaining forest wildlife populations tax structure which can encourage Georgia’s forests. The state has a is to continue building a long-term forest ownership and investments, very active Prescribed Fire Council statewide land conservation program permanent easement incentives, and comprised of state, federal, non- consisting of more public lands and public ownership. government organizations (NGOs), and more private lands under permanent private landowners and managers. conservation easements. This will It can also: GFC has worked closely with county require significant ongoing funding, • Provide support for programs commissioners to share information and the longer such a program is to fight invasive exotic species, about the benefits of prescribed delayed, the fewer opportunities there promote practices which result burning and the critical need to allow will be for success. in healthy forests, and facilitate this vital tool to occur wherever prescribed burning. possible. For the last decade, an Other cooperative programs on private • Develop outreach and incentive average of 1.4 million acres have been land are also beneficial. Recognition programs to encourage landowners burned annually across the state. and technical guidance efforts, such to manage for various ecosystem as the Georgia DNR Forestry for services, link urban communities Looking Forward Wildlife Partnership Program, and with rural communities, and facilitate The greatest challenge we face in technical assistance provided to forest markets, either sustaining forest wildlife populations landowners from GFC’s professional in a compliance or voluntary market. in Georgia is to maintain the full foresters need to be expanded and • Further fund research of ecosystem suite of habitats required by native promoted. Landowner access to and services - both detrimental effects species, including those with very involvement in assistance programs, of fragmentation and urbanization specialized requirements, in the face such as the Bobwhite Quail Initiative and precise valuation of important of continuous urban and suburban and those available through the Farm ecological services. growth. Bill, should be maximized. Additionally, • Support technical forestry funding national conservation plans can be to ensure landowners have the Expanding urban areas impact our dovetailed with the SWAP and FAP and knowledge to manage their forests ability to use prescribed fire by may be used to direct conservation wisely. increasing the extent of smoke- efforts and leverage state and federal • Promote funding to prevent pest sensitive areas and by generating funding to achieve greater ecological introductions. air pollution that leads to smoke benefits for landowners and society restrictions. The growing urban/ at large. Examples of these include

17

Threats to Forest Sustainability in Georgia

There are many challenges at hand for monitors them and takes action as Georgia’s thriving forest system and appropriate to minimize their impacts. the people who manage it.

Logging Infrastructure During the recent recession and the slow recovery in housing markets, impacts to the logging industry in Georgia were substantial. As the forest products industry increases its production in response to slowly improving markets, however, the The southern pine beetle (SPB) and limitations of this reduced logging other pine bark beetles continue to capacity are cause for concern. represent the largest threat to pine timber in Georgia and the South. GFC monitors SBP activity annually and takes measures to thwart its spread. There have been no significant SPB outbreaks in Georgia in the last several years, however the Ips beetle (a less destructive bark beetle) was very active during the drought of 2016. GFC is mandated to monitor our forests for the presence of insect and disease outbreaks and is charged with taking action if warranted to suppress or limit the damage of these pests.

Invasive Plants Invasive plants such as cogongrass are finding their way into Georgia. Cogongrass, which destroys wildlife habitat, spreads aggressively and overcomes native grasses and In order to return to pre-recession herbaceous browse. It burns extremely capacity levels, significant re- hot, increasing the threat of wildfires, investment in the industry will be and provides no forage for wildlife or necessary. The industry must be domestic livestock. financially attractive to lure new business owners and employees into Established invasive plants including the . Challenges in recruitment Chinese privet, Chinaberry, kudzu, (and retention) of logging workers and Japanese climbing fern, have and log truck drivers are prevalent increased an average of 14 percent in nationwide. However, the likelihood total population over the past two years. of a secure job with a competitive salary will help the industry begin to recover some of its lost capacity.

Forest Pests & There are numerous native insects, diseases, and environmental stressors that can impact forest health, and GFC

18 These invasive plants will continue to and implementation of a statewide health, and reduce wildfire risk. It actively compete with and displace invasive species management is an integral part of sustainability native plants, and are predicted to plan and continued support by the and is supported and promoted increase in acreage by 30 percent in state Invasive Species Task Force. by natural resource managers. the next 50 years. New invasive species Continued efforts are also needed to Prescribed fire offers a proactive continue to appear, with species such strengthen partnerships with Animal approach, providing many benefits as Nepalese browntop showing a 60 Health Inspection Service (APHIS), for healthy forests in addition to percent increase in acreage in Georgia Customs and Border Protection (CBP), reducing damage from wildfire. over a two-year period, and invasive and state agencies in Georgia to Many of our forest ecosystems, species that have been established in function as the first line of defense at flora and fauna, benefit from Georgia, such as Chinese tallowtree our port of entry. Ongoing education prescribed fire. and wisteria, showing increases of 35 is needed for the general public percent in acreage over the same two- regarding the ecosystem and impacts Urbanization places lives and property year period. The challenge continues of non-native invasives. Interagency at risk from wildfire and reduces to be monitoring native forest health partnerships need to be strengthened options for proper fire management. issues and aggressively monitoring and to address the control and sale of The greatest fire management responding to new insects and disease invasive species in garden centers and challenge for forestry professionals in the forest, urban landscapes, and retail establishments across Georgia. is to ensure public safety by providing at points of entry. Control efforts are fire prevention services in the far more effective when actions are Wildfire & Prescribed Fire form of prescribed fire and wildfire taken early to mitigate infestations Restrictions suppression. The sustainability of while they are small and the chances Fire is a natural part of Georgia’s Georgia’s forest is dependent on of eradication or control are greatest. landscape and must be managed attention to both prescribed fire and for a positive influence on forest wildfire suppression. In today’s global market, the potential sustainability. Wildfire suppression is very real for non-native insects, has been Georgia’s management Urbanization plants and disease organisms to find strategy for nearly eight decades Urbanization is a major threat to their way into Georgia and cause and is essential for public safety and forest sustainability, and continues widespread damage. Global markets in the protection of property. Wildfires to be the largest single reason Georgia have increased with the Port can destroy millions of acres of forests are converted to non- of Savannah becoming the fastest- forestland and threaten lives and forest uses. According to US Forest growing container port in the nation. property if left unchecked. Service assessments, urbanization New introductions of non-native and fragmentation are the leading invasive insects have been attributed Prescribed fire is a safe way to apply threats to the Southern forest. At to facilities accepting and shipping a natural process, ensure ecosystem present, 77 percent of Georgia’s international cargo containing solid wood packing material. These new introductions have the potential to devastate our native environments. New first introduction non-native invaders have no native enemies to limit reproduction and spread, and no native predators to control populations.

Legislative support and policies to prevent the introduction and spread of non-native exotic plants, animals, and pathogens should be considered. Interagency cooperation on invasive species management can also be increased through the development

19 population live in either urbanized or wildland urban interface (WUI) areas. Research has shown that in areas where population density exceeds 150 people per square mile, ongoing timber management ends. This land use change indicates a lack of economic support for local ongoing forestry operations on a significantly increasing land area. This trend is expected to continue, particularly as Georgia’s economy improves. Additional studies will further assess the change in rural land acreage and the pressure of urban growth on the sustainable wood products market.

Urbanization increases apprehension about fire. Air quality has become a major concern in Georgia, and prescribed fire has been targeted as one of many sources of harmful Georgia’s most recent disaster, equipment for GFC. The new equipment emissions. Drift smoke from prescribed Hurricane Michael, brought heavy will be focused on cleaning up debris fire and wildfires concerns urban rain and hurricane force winds (124- and preventing future wildfire risks. dwellers. An important challenge is 150 miles per hour) to southwest GFC, working with the governor’s office to help Georgians understand the Georgia on October 11, 2018. GFC and our sister agencies, devised two life-sustaining properties of healthy estimates that 2,368,226 acres of programs to administer the $20 million forests, and the natural role fire plays forestland were impacted by the allocated for forest debris cleanup in ecosystems. storm, with an estimated value efforts: the Forest Debris Management of $762,683,909. This devastation Program and the Forest Access Road These changes effectively and equated to generational losses for and Firebreak Restoration Project. permanently remove this acreage Georgia’s private landowners. Applications for both programs were from forest cover, thereby increasing being collected at press time, and storm runoff, water quality issues, Georgia’s General Assembly recognized the outcomes of the programs remain and flooding. It also has negative the extent of damage and convened unknown. Initial forest landowner impacts on air quality, aesthetics, a special legislative session in response to the programs has been and local climate. November to address it. The results of overwhelmingly positive. the special session were HB 1EX and Another impact of the change in land HB 4EX, both passed by the House HB 4EX creates a $200 million use is the previously-mentioned issue and Senate and signed by Governor income tax credit program for of forest fragmentation. Fragmentation Deal. forest landowners who incurred results in less efficient management losses within the 28-county disaster units, which contributes to cost HB 1EX provides $270 million for area. The credit is contingent upon increases and resource management immediate and direct relief for those reforestation of the property, and it difficulties. Though fragmentation who have suffered from the storm. is expected to restore approximately may not result in forest canopy loss, in Provisions include $20 million in 500,000 acres of forestland. Eligible many cases the resources on the tract emergency funding for forest debris forest landowners will be required to become unavailable to markets. cleanup efforts approved by GFC apply to the Department of Revenue and administered by the Georgia (DOR) at 100 percent of the value of Natural Disasters Development Authority (GDA). In their timber loss with a cap at $400/ Natural disasters pose a constant addition, $7 million in funding was acre. threat to our forest resources. approved for new heavy firefighting

20 Future aid packages to restore and enhancing the quality of life for all forestlands damaged by natural citizens. Georgia’s wise investment in disasters would positively impact forestland has resulted in increased landowners’ willingness and ability productivity, though challenges to reforest their lands and should be including urbanization, smaller tract considered with future disasters. sizes, and taxation continue to be faced. One of the most pressing issues Conclusion is short term availability of markets Georgia’s forests supply abundant for forest products, as landowners benefits today and are poised to cope with the financial realities of remain sustainable well into the land conversion options and long future. The state’s forested acres term forest investment. Georgia’s have remained relatively stable landowners and Georgia’s leaders for more than 60 years, delivering hold the key to ongoing stewardship of environmental and economic benefits our valuable forest resource.

21

Source References

Forest Inventory and Analysis Data: GFC 2016 – web page (http://gatrees.org/utilization/timber-supply/ru_srs176.pdf); accessed February 2019

Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia, 2017. Enterprise Innovation Institute. Georgia Institute of Technology. December 2018.

Quantifying the Value of Non-Timber Ecosystem Services from Georgia’s Private Forests. Moore, Rebecca, Dr., et al. University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. January 2011.

Georgia’s Forest Action Plan, August 2015; Georgia Forestry Commission et al.

USFS online FIA query tools (http://www.fia.fs.fed.us/tools-data/); accessed December 2019

Dorfman, Jeffrey H. 2006. The Fiscal Impacts of Land Uses on Local Government. University of Georgia. Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

A Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for Georgia, 2015; Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division et al. Georgia’s Forest Action Plan, April 2010; Georgia Forestry Commission et al.

22 Appendix Map - GFC Forest Management Regions

REGION 2 REGION 1 Field Offices: 18 Field Offices: 21 Field Foresters: 6 Field Foresters: 6 Counties: Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Dawson, Counties: Elbert, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Bartow, Glascock, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Butts, Carroll, Hancock, Hart, Jackson, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Catoosa, Madison, McDuffie, Morgan, North Fulton, Chattahoochee, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Chattooga, Taliaferro, Towns, Union, Walton, Warren, Cherokee, Washington, White, Wilkes Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, REGION 3 DeKalb, Field Offices: 21 Douglas, Fayette, Field Foresters: 6 Floyd, Gordon, Counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Haralson, Harris, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Heard, Henry, Chatham, Columbia, Crawford, Lamar, Marion, Effingham, Emanuel, Houston, Meriwether, Jasper, Jefferson, Monroe, Murray, Jenkins, Johnson, Muscogee, Jones, Laurens, Newton, Paulding, North Bryan, Peach, Pike, Polk, Rockdale, Pulaski, Putnam, South Fulton, Richmond, Spalding, Talbot, Screven, Troup, Upson, Walker, Treutlen, Whitfield Twiggs, Wilkinson

REGION 4 Field Offices: 25 Field Foresters: 6 Counties: Baker, Ben Hill, Brooks, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Irwin, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Taylor, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, REGION 5 Webster, Worth Field Offices: 31 Field Foresters: 6 Counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Dodge, Echols, Evans, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Montgomery, Pierce, South Bryan, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox

23 Map - GFC FMO Area Map

AREA 1 Response Units: 13 Counties: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, AREA 2 Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Dade, Douglas, Response Units: 9 Floyd, Gilmer, Counties: Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Gordon, Forsyth, Franklin, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Haralson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White Murray, N. Fulton, Paulding, AREA 4 Pickens, Response Units: 8 Polk, Walker, Counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Greene, Whitfield Hancock, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Oconee, Peach, Putnam, Twiggs, Walton, Wilkinson

AREA 5 AREA 3 Response Units: 9 Response Units: 13 Counties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Counties: Butts, Jefferson, Johnson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Chattahoochee, Oglethorpe, Richmond, Taliaferro, Clayton, Coweta, Warren, Washington, Wilkes DeKalb, Fayette, Harris, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Monroe, Muscogee, Newton, Pike, Rockdale, AREA 8 S. Fulton, Spalding, Response Units: 13 Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Counties: Bulloch, Upson Candler, Chatham, Effingham, AREA 6 Emanuel, Response Units: 11 Evans, Counties: Clahoun, Clay, Jenkins, Crisp, Dooly, Dougherty, Liberty, Lee, Quitman, Randolph, Long, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, McIntosh, Terrell, Tift, Turner, N. Bryan, Webster, Worth S. Bryan, Screven, Treutlen

AREA 9 Response Units: 14 Counties: Baker, Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Early, Echols, Grady, AREA 10 Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, AREA 7 Thomas Response Units: 13 Response Units: 13 Counties: Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Counties: Appling, Ben Hill, Bleckley, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Dodge, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Laurens, Glynn, Pierce, Ware, Wayne Montgomery, Pulaski, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Wheeler, Wilcox

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Funds for this project were provided by grants from the USDA Forest Service administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission. To view the USDA Forest Service non-discrimination statement, visit https://www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement.