Georgia Forestry Today (July | August 2016) by Luke Clark

GEORGIA FORESTRY TODAY Volume 12, Issue 4 July | August 2016

JIM ADAMS WITH BUCKELEW FARM NAMED 2016 GEORGIA TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR

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Georgia Forestry Today

On the Cover:

GEORGIA FORESTRY TODAY Printed in the USA PUBLISHER: A4 Inc. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alva Hopkins ahopkins@a4inc.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Wendy Burnett Alva Hopkins Stasia Kelly Sandi Martin Roland Petersen-Frey

PRODUCTION MANAGER Pamela Petersen-Frey p.frey@a4inc.com

The Georgia Tree Farm Program is proud to announce Buckelew Farm, a 1,554-acre tree farm owned by Jim and Jane Adams near Macon, as the 2016 Georgia Tree Farm of the Year. Buckelew, formerly known as Big-K, is a property worthy of imitation with well graded roads, profitable timber harvests and flourishing wildlife. To read more, turn to page 08.

GEORGIA FORESTRY TODAY is published bi-monthly by A4 Inc., 1154 Lower Birmingham Road, Canton, Georgia 30115. Recipients include participants of the Forest Stewardship Program and the American Tree Farm System. Opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of the publisher, A4 Inc., nor do they accept responsibility for errors of content or omission and, as a matter of policy, neither do they endorse products or advertisements appearing herein. Part of this magazine may be reproduced with the written consent of the publisher. Correspondence regarding changes of address should be directed to A4 Inc. at the address indicated above. Advertising material should be sent to A4 Inc. at the e-mail address: p.frey@a4inc.com. Questions on advertising should be directed to the advertising director at the e-mail address provided above. Editorial material should be sent to A4 Inc. or to Alva Hopkins. GEORGIA FORESTRY TODAY 1154 Lower Birmingham Road, Canton, Georgia 30115

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Volume 12, Issue 4

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Table of Contents

Jim Adams with Buckelew Farm Named 2016 Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year

Men at Work

Message from the GFA President & CEO The Future of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Working Forests Depends on Your Collective Engagement GFC News

Georgia Forestry Today

P.21

Message from the GFC Director

P.26

The Outdoorsman | Visit the New Jekyll Island

P.22

Renew, Reforest, Repeat

July | August 2016

LIST OF ADVERTISERS Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

HEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

American Forest Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

International Forest Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Beach Timber Company Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

James | Bates | Brannan | Groover LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Blanton’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Canal Wood LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Cantrell Forest Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

LandMark Spatial Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Lanigan Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Davis - Garvin Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Meeks’ Farms & Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover

F4 Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Outdoor Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Farm Credit Associations of Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Flint Equipment Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Rivers Edge Forest Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 SuperTree Seedlings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Forest Resource Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Forestry Mutual Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Weyerhaeuser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

F&W Forestry Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Whitfield Farms & Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Georgia 811 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

Yancey Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover

Georgia Forestry Today

JIM ADAMS WITH BUCKELEW FARM NAMED 2016 GEORGIA TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR

The Georgia Tree Farm Program is proud to announce Buckelew Farm, a 1,554-acre tree farm owned by Jim and Jane Adams near Macon, as the 2016 Georgia Tree Farm of the Year.

nnually, the Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year award recognizes private landowners that have done an exceptional job of forest management on their property and are also actively promoting sustainable forestry. rough this award program, these individuals are honored as leaders in good forestry while their land demonstrates the benefits of good forest management. Buckelew, formerly known as Big-K, is a property worthy of imitation with well graded roads, profitable timber harvests, and flourishing wildlife. e farm has been under the forest management plan, written and overseen by forester Lynn Hooven, for 14 years and has been a certified tree farm for 12 years. “We are proud to recognize Jim and Jane Adams this year for their stewardship and dedication to their Tree Farm,” Phillip Exley, chair of the Georgia Tree Farm Program, said. “eir land is certainly representative of the program’s dedication promoting the sustainable management of forestland for wood, wildlife, water, and recreation.” e Tree Farm committee met Adams, Hooven, the nominating forester, Chris Howell of the Georgia Forestry Commission 8

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Georgia Forestry Today

(GFC), Tree Farm District Chair Doug Deloach, GFC District Forester Troy Clymer, and Chris Buchannon at the outdoor classroom to learn of the farm’s history, previous management, and future plans. During the inspection, the property provided the group opportunities to see various stages of pine plantation management, hardwood hillsides, protected streamside management zones, a protected slave cemetery, and a constructed walking path with trees identified by their scientific names. inning and prescribed burns have been completed each year since 2003. Buckelew has hosted the Teacher Conservation Workshop for the last ten years, the Billy Lancaster Youth Camp for six consecutive years, and four Boy Scout outings. e Adams actively participate in spreading the word about the benefits of forests. “is program is something that can help ignite a love for forestry, something they may have never viewed as important,” Jim said in reference to the Teacher Conservation Workshop. “And as a result of the

programs that we do with students, teachers and some legislators here, I think they see the importance of forestry.” e committee also visited the nominated properties of Reese ompson in Lumber City, Georgia, and Rosalie J. Morris

in Camden County. Jim and Jane Adams will be recognized at the 2016 Georgia Forestry Association’s Annual Conference & Forestry Expo Jekyll Island in July. e Georgia Tree Farm Program is part

of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS). ATFS is the largest and oldest sustainable woodland system in the United States, internationally recognized, meeting strict third-party certification standards. For 75 years, ATFS has enhanced the quality of America’s woodlands by giving forest owners the tools they need to keep their forests healthy and productive. More than half the woods and forest in the United States (441 million acres) mostly located in the east—are owned and managed by some 11 million private ownerships. Of those, 95 percent are classified as ‘Family and Individual’ ownerships, four percent are classified as ‘Corporate’ ownerships, and one percent is classified as ‘Other Private’ ownerships. Stemming the loss of America’s woodlands is vital to our country’s clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and producing the jobs, wood, and paper products we all need. Learn more about the Georgia Tree Farm Program at www.gatreefarm.org. v

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Georgia Forestry Today

DNR NEWS

MEN AT WORK

The Danny Smith profile was compiled by Nongame Conservation Section Program Manager Bob Sargent, Regional Game Management Supervisor Alan Isler, and wildlife biologist Phil Spivey. Spivey, who works in southwest Georgia with the Nongame Conservation Section, wrote the piece on Russ Singletary.

There are scores of people who, behind the scenes and never in the headlines, have helped improve and manage state lands for native wildlife and the millions of Georgians who enjoy the outdoors. Here’s a look at two of those people.

On the job in the woods

anny Smith tried retiring once. It didn’t last. So at 71 and with 50 years of service as a state employee to his record, Smith is still on the job, helping the Georgia Department of Natural Resources restore and manage habitats across his home state. “If they find me lying in the woods one day, that’s okay,” Smith recently told nongame program manager Bob Sargent. “They can say that he died doing what he wanted to do.” Smith grew up on his family’s farm west of Albany, spending much of his youth working odd jobs on an adjacent quail hunting plantation. He later served in the Army, and in 1969, as an Army

July | August 2016

Georgia Forestry Today

Reservist, helped Mississippi communities devastated by Hurricane Camille. During those weeks in Camille’s wake, Smith said he witnessed the most horrible things he has ever seen. He hired on with the state on May 2, 1966, working for the Georgia Forestry Commission first as a county chief ranger in Dougherty County and then as a district mechanic. Using mechanical skills learned from his father, Smith repaired all types of heavy equipment for the Forestry Commission. In 1997, he retired with visions of going fishing. But when he went into the Human Resources office one day to take care of paperwork, the office staff told him, “You can’t retire. They can use you in DNR.” The following week, Smith was working as a heavy equipment operator with the DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management Section, based out of a regional office in Albany. Regarding the brush with retirement, he said, “You can only do so much fishing anyway.” Smith later helped Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section with planting and harvesting seed from native groundcover, and soon switched to that part of the division. He works as an equipment operator and mechanic, and assists with groundcover harvest and plantings. Smith is also an experienced prescribed burner, having assisted with the controlled burns on thousands of acres. He has helped, as well, in efforts with multiple agencies to fight several large wildfire incidents. Even after a half-century of service, Smith is as dependable as ever. DNR wildlife biologist Phil Spivey, who works with him, said Smith is always on time. “I can’t remember arriving at a meeting place to work without him already being there. Danny is very determined and persistent and will go after a job like a bulldog until it is completed.” Smith’s wife of some 40 years died in April 2010. The pain of that loss also influenced his decision to continue working. “I couldn’t just sit at home and stare 14

In this 2008 photo at Doerun Pitcherplant Bog Natural Area, Smith shows wiregrass and other plants he and Alan Isler, now supervisor of DNR Game Management Section’s Region 5, were harvesting seed from to help restore native groundcover on state lands. (Credit: Rick Lavender/DNR)

at the walls,” he said. He remarried in 2013. He and his wife Mary are certified barbecue judges and take part in Georgia Barbecue Association events almost every weekend. Smith has one son and two grandsons. When he is not in the woods or at a barbecue joint, he leads forklift training classes for technical schools and companies in southwest Georgia. He’s also taking a PowerPoint class at a tech school to become more skilled at using computers. It’s that type of dogged approach that has kept Danny Smith on the job and effective for 50 years, and more. More than 50 years at River Creek

It’s no exaggeration to say Russ Singletary began his wildlife management career before most of his coworkers were born. For that half-century of dedication to conservation, including ten years with DNR, the Southwest Georgia Sportsmen’s Club named Singletary its Habitat Manager of the Year for 2016. Regional Game Management staff of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division nominated the Thomasville resident. Before man set foot on the moon, Singletary was working as the land man-

ager at River Creek Plantation near Thomasville. He had attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton and returned home to find a job just across the highway from his family farm. His employer and mentor was famed comic book publisher T.T. Scott. Singletary’s work ethic and conservation values were greatly influenced by Scott, especially concerning the role of fire in the longleaf woods. Scott did not believe in plowing fire breaks, and Singletary was expected to accomplish all the burning on the property using only grassy roads and creek drains as boundaries, which he did for many years with great success, in the process learning much about fire behavior and the ecology of longleaf pine forests. During that time, Singletary also handled livestock on the property, including dairy and beef cattle and a herd of Duroc hogs, and organized all other farming activities while conducting the wildlife management activities, including running all quail hunts. He remained the manager until Scott sold the property in 1989. Many years later, DNR was able to protect River Creek as River Creek, the Rolf & Alexandra Kauka Wildlife Management Area, and just in the nick of time, as the property was slated for development during the real estate boom of the early 2000s. Singletary was still living on his family farm across the highway. His decades of experience and knowledge of River Creek made him a valuable asset, and DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division hired him as a wildlife technician in 2005, shortly after the state acquired the property. Since, Singletary has been involved in all aspects of River Creek’s management, taking part in habitat restoration work and countless surveys and research projects for game and nongame wildlife. He helps the area manager plant all wildlife food plots and dove fields. His understanding of fire and ability to predict fire behavior make him invaluable in planning and conducting controlled burns. On rainy days, Singletary mans the July | August 2016

wood-working shop, where he works on projects varying from making bat boxes and red-cockaded woodpecker cavity inserts to building kestrel and wood duck boxes. People who know and work with him have only praise for Singletary. “It is rare if ever you find a manager who has remained actively involved in the long-term management of a natural resource,” said Alan Isler, regional DNR Game Management supervisor. “Working on River Creek since 1955, Russ has seen many changes on the property, including ownership. His vast knowledge of the management history of River Creek and skills acquired during that time made him a solid nomination for Habitat Manager of the Year. We are grateful to Russ for his work on River Creek and continuing to serve the division as a habitat manager there all these years.” Jessica McGuire, manager of the agency’s Private Lands Program, said she cannot think of anyone “more deserving of this award.” “Russ is a wealth of information and a great asset to the agency,” McGuire said. “He’s also an inspiration to wildlife managers, as he truly cares for the resource that he has invested his life in.” Bob Sargent, a program manager with the Nongame Conservation Section, said the recognition is deserved and marks “a lifetime...devoted to the management of deep southwestern Georgia’s wildlife and forests.” “Russ found his first job in the pinewoods of the lower Flint River basin when he was a teenager, knowing right away what he wanted to do with his life and now more than 50 years later he’s still there. That passion for, and knowledge of, one place is rare indeed, and when combined with Russ’ can-do spirit, makes him an invaluable member of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division.” Singletary plans every project in detail, resulting in a job done right the first time. It’s a practice he has followed for years, and the wildlife and habitats at River Creek are richer for it. v Georgia Forestry Today

Page 12: Danny Smith, a 50-year state employee, works as an equipment operator and mechanic in southwest Georgia for DNR’s Nongame Conservation Section. (Credit: Phil Spivey/DNR). Page 13: Russ Singletary at River Creek WMA. (Credit: Phil Spivey/DNR).

CORRECTION

In the May/June issue of Georgia Forestry Today, a section of the article entitled Planting Longleaf for Wildlife— It’s Not About the Trees omitted the following information due to a printing error:

(Note that metsulfuron is not labeled for use in longleaf pine; however, using metsulfuron in longleaf is not a violation of the label. Bayer, one manufacturer of metsulfuron, recommends testing metsulfuron on any species off-label for damage to desirable species before proceeding with large-scale use. In our experience, metsulfuron causes considerable damage when it comes into contact with the foliage of longleaf pine but it causes no issues when used prior to planting longleaf or when used as an understory spray under overstory longleaf pine.)

What we found in our research surprised us. The herbicide combination we had been using for most of our plantings— imazapyr or a tank mix of imazapyr and glyphosate—was the most damaging to groundcover. Even seven years after application and at rates far below what DNR typically used, the groundcover has not recovered on our study sites. Nearly all native grasses, an important fuel input for our prescribed burns, were substantially reduced or totally eliminated. In their place was a greatly reduced number of species more tolerant of these chemicals, such as dogfennel, blackberry and pokeweed. Although these species do have value they are not significant components of a healthy longleaf pine forest and they do not carry fire.

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Georgia Forestry Association

Message from the President & CEO

Andres Villegas

ThE FUTURE OF GEORGIA’S WORKING FORESTS DEPENDS ON YOUR COLLECTIVE ENGAGEMENT

he mission and vision of the Georgia Forestry Association are well aligned to protect the forestry community’s assets in Georgia, connect members with meaningful resources, and empower them for the future. The success of this mission and vision, however, depends on the collective engagement of the forestry community throughout the year. Forestry remains one of the most important industries in Georgia, providing thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact while producing clean air and water for every one of Georgia’s 9.8 million citizens. However, forest landowners and forest-based businesses continue to face pressure from changes in tax and environmental regulations, policies that reduce markets for wood products, and sprawling urban and suburban development. In 1907 when the Association was established, more than 75 percent of the

Georgia Forestry Today

population lived in rural areas of the state. At that time, tree farming and forest product manufacturing was a family enterprise, and rural citizens had a great awareness of the importance of forestry to their communities. Now, that proportion is inversed, and only 25 percent of the state’s population lives in rural areas. In fact, of the 9.8 million residents in Georgia, 5.2 million

the land. As the GFA continues its work in advocating for our state’s working forests and forest product industries at the local, state, and federal levels, it is important that the forestry community remain engaged not only in political advocacy but also in advocacy in communities throughout Georgia—the forestry community’s collective success depends on it. By protecting, connecting, and empowering our members, the Georgia Forestry Association is working to create advocates for forestry beyond our elected officials and deep into communities throughout Georgia. Protecting Your Forestry Assets

live in Metro Atlanta. The majority of our state legislators, public officials, education leaders, and decision makers live and work in urban areas throughout Georgia. This has generated a shift in perceptions of forestry, and agriculture in general, as the majority of Georgia’s population has become more and more disconnected with

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A focus on laws and regulations that protect private property rights and ensure healthy markets by having a daily presence while the Georgia General Assembly is in session.

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Advocacy for Georgia’s forests at the federal, state, and local levels. 17

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Promotion of the value of Georgia’s working forests, forest landowners, and forest-based businesses.

Connecting You with Meaningful Resources

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Capitol Forestry Reports, which inform you of developments during the legislative session.

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Regular membership updates and alerts via the Association’s monthly e-newsletter, The Forest Advocate.

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Easy access to online resources, allowing you to connect with your legislators and public officials and engage on state and federal issues important to the forestry community.

veloping the future leaders by providing experience, knowledge, and conﬁdence for professionals in our industry.

Conservation Workshop (TCW) and the Project Learning Tree (PLT) education program.

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In 2016, GFA will launch the FoRT (Forest Resource Teams) and Civic Engagement programs to help expand the voice of forestry with our elected oﬃcials and in our communities.

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Through the Georgia Forestry Foundation, we provide educational outreach through the Teacher

Remember, GFA is only as strong as our members make us. So how can you plug in? We’ve made it easy for you to engage in a way that is most rewarding to you. This engagement roadmap can help you to find out how you can be engaged. If you have any questions about our initiatives or how you can get involved, contact us today at 478-992-8110 or www.gfagrow.org. v

Empowering You for The Future

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Town hall meetings throughout Georgia, providing valuable information and opportunities to network with others in the industry. e Emerging Leaders program is de-

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Georgia Forestry Today

GFC News The Georgia Forestry Commission has been granted funding to assist with nine innovative projects impacting the Southern region. The USFS Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Grant program focuses on fire protection, urban and community forestry, water quality, reforestation, utilization, GIS, and forest health. The GFC was awarded $529,333 of $4.1 million in funding and will lead or partner with other southern states on the projects. e The GFC's Protection Department is beginning a pilot project to test a computerized dispatch system that will provide real time resource tracking. The system will show movement of GFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suppression units, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, and personnel, as well as wildfires and prescribed burn and permit activities. These resources and activities will be tracked through a proprietary software program, and GFC vehicles will be equipped with hardwire mounted units that also have battery backup capability. The system will have numerous advantages when fully implemented, including increased safety of personnel and equipment on wildfires, enhanced dispatch and tactical efficiency, as well as reduced response time, suppression costs, and wildfire acres burned. In tracking wildfires, the system helps identify wildfire activity and patterns that may be occurring, along with topographic features and fuels. The system displays locations of prescribed burns and permits, and identifies smoke sensitive areas, possible sources of reported smoke, and helps managers determine if aerial support is needed. The system has desktop, Web, and mobile device capabilities. For more details, visit http://technosylva.com/products/firesponse/ and http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=128. e The Georgia Forestry Commission has been working with landowners in the southeastern part of the state to treat increased Southern Pine Beetle activity. While beetle outbreaks have been low in recent years, ongoing forest health monitoring detected the uptick in pest movement in late spring. GFC forest techs, pilots, forest health specialists, and district personnel were immediately dispatched to locate, identify, and map the outbreaks while working with landowners on treatment plans. Overstocked stands and stands that were burned hot this year are most susceptible to infestations. Call your local GFC office if you suspect any kind of beetle activity on your property. e 20

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Georgia Forestry Commission

Message from the Director

Robert Farris

Dear GFT Reader,

he recent Southern Group of State Foresters' annual meeting provided professionals from its 13 member states with information and inspiration for every segment of our industry. By collaborating with our regional colleagues, we're proud to be serving customers more effectively and efficiently. Here's an overview of SGSF's accomplishments and plans: • Wildfire Protection - GFC and SGSF have shared more than 1500 wildland firefighters and equipment across state lines over the past year. We are now sharing development and costs of real time fire dispatch and GPS tracking of personnel and equipment.

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Forest Health - By sharing best practices and targeting landscape level activity of non-native species that impact millions of acres of our native forests, we are arresting the spread of cogongrass, Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and more. Trapping at

Georgia Forestry Today

ports and regional mapping are contributing to success. •

Urban and Community Forest - Collaborative strike teams are quickly assisting southern communities following destructive weather events.

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Forest Inventory Analysis - SGSF got federal funds reinstated to lower inspection cycles to seven years; GFC provided funds for Georgia's five year cycle.

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Research - Needs and priorities continue to be identified and shared. Funds from SGSF contributed to detailed analysis of forested watersheds and drinking water.

A number of initiatives are in progress, including: • Regional development of a landowner outreach program to encourage greater use of professional forest management advice.

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Keeping Forests in Forests - addressing the projected loss of 23 million acres of southern forests to urban development by 2030.

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Regional promotion of export markets for southern forest products.

Additionally, the SGSF, in conjunction with our National Association of State Foresters and many other partners, have played active roles in fostering discussions and providing testimony affecting policy, legislation, and rules that impact our broad forestry community. The myriad of topics include waters of the US, forest roads permitting, silvicultural exemptions, European Union sustainability standards, the Endangered Species Act, and many more. It's likely that a number of these topics affect you, and we are eager to provide more information and assist you in getting involved. Please give us a call or visit our Web sites at gatrees.org or southernforests.org. Robert Farris GFC Commissioner e 21

RENEW, REFOREST, REPEAT By Stasia Kelly

July | August 2016

Georgia leads the nation in the number of acres of Lebanese descent, Georgia Tech grad, aerospace engineer, Air timberland available for commercial use. Sustainably Force Academy standout, prisoner of war, banking data executive.

managing those 24.4 million acres for today and tomorrow is the bedrock of this dynamic forestry industry, and the private landowners who accomplish that are its indisputable backbone. Each of those landowners has a unique story. Whether it’s continuing the legacy of a big family tree farm in the Coastal Plain, or learning to manage an inherited stand from the middle of Atlanta, each landowner faces endless decisions that directly contribute to the future of forestry in our state. Fortunately, keeping up the cycle of planting, tending, harvesting, and replanting is a practice venerated by most. A passion for trees

Forest landowner B. George Saloom has a résumé that could be the plot of a Brad Pitt adventure movie: Alabama native of

Georgia Forestry Today

The stories he can tell about his worldwide experiences are extraordinary, yet it’s his heart for forest stewardship in Georgia that fuels an obvious inner joy. “I’d been looking at this property for years,” said Saloom of acreage that bordered his mother-in-law’s rural Walton County home. “And I said, something needs to be done.” In 1990, that something was the purchase of the 25 acre tract that Saloom knew could become much more than a privetclogged natural pine forest. For some 30 years he’d watched his brother, Dr. Salem G. Saloom, groom a passion for forestry that transformed his land in Alabama to a timber, wildlife, and aesthetic showcase. His efforts earned him national Tree Farmer of the Year honors in 2009. “My brother inspired me,” said Saloom. “Salem understands

the importance of conservation and I wanted to do that on a smaller scale.” With assistance from Jeff Kastle, GFC Management Forester, Coosa District, and an advisor from the Department of Natural Resources, Saloom set about planning to improve the property. The pines were harvested and the “nearly impenetrable privet” was taken out. Making it better, he said, is simply the right thing to do. “No matter who we are or what we do, we’re all responsible for our own actions, and to do every little bit we can to improve the path that nature would like us to follow,” Saloom said. So when his timber was harvested last fall, and the development-skittish neighbors asked, “Is another subdivision coming in?” Saloom was happy to share his views on reforestation of this renewable resource. Georgia still growing more than is harvested

According to the latest available US Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis figures for Georgia, net growth still outpaces removals for all tree species combined by 45 percent. Georgia’s timber volumes have been steadily increasing since 1953, indicating forest landowners are managing their property sustainably. That has kept a 24

steady flow of products and benefits on tap for all Georgians, though decisions about when to harvest, and what or whether to replant, can still be complex for private landowners. “Many landowners haven't harvested their mature timber because they're waiting for better stumpage prices,” said Gary White, Forest Management Chief for the Georgia Forestry Commission. “As prices improve, these acres will be harvested, and landowners need to have a reforestation plan in place then and there.” Acres that aren't replanted after harvest will bear some natural regeneration, but normally not in healthy numbers, according to David Dickinson, Forest Inventory Analysis Coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission. If the reforestation numbers decline, gaps can be created in the cycle of trees available for market. “Pine volumes in the six-inch diameter class are showing declines from their highest point, which was 2004,” said Dickinson. "In the southeast part of our state, where the majority of our pine volume is located, the decline is showing up in the eight-inch diameter class. That's also occurring in the southwest and north central portions of the state." Dickinson emphasized that total pine volumes are still increasing, yet the concern is for future volumes. “We need to plant now for the future,” Dickinson said. Show me the money

For longtime forest and farmland owner Bob Rawlins of Ben Hill County, the bottom line is the bottom line. “You gotta have cash flow,” he said. “I’ve always been on a short budget and one of the biggest drawbacks for some people is they don’t have money to invest in something with a 20 or 30 year return.” Rawlins is quick to tout the benefits of Conservation Reserve Program funding. “It gives us some income that we can put back into forestland.” Shawn Diddie, GFC Field Forester in the Ogeechee District, elaborated on that scenario. “Cost share doesn’t pay for everything, and some people just don’t have

enough resources to plant. And then you've got landowners who’ve inherited property and have a difficult time coming to decisions about what to do,” she said. Dil Middleton and his two sisters coown some 4,000 acres of timberland that's been in their family for 60 years. Middleton has a degree in forest technology and he's used his knowledge to manage his portion of the property. “We’re strictly into growing timber,” he said. “I’m kind of on autopilot; spray, burn, thin, harvest. And now we’re raking pine straw, slash, loblolly, and longleaf.” Middleton said anything he plants now is loblolly, because it grows faster, is easier to thin, and responds better to treatment. Economic considerations come in many forms when managing forestland for various objectives. Scott Griffin, GFC Forest Management Assistant Manager, urges landowners to be aware of all the hidden costs involved in delaying reforestation. “The longer you wait to reforest the tract after harvesting, the more expensive it becomes,” Griffin said. “Prescribed burning during the rotation can make site prep costs lower by eliminating some of the understory vegetation.” Idle acres can also prove expensive because taxes are being paid on the land, land that’s not producing a product or a financial gain. In addition to the popular cost share programs CRP and EQIP (the Environmental Quality Incentives Program), reforestation tax incentives also exist. Up to $10,000 of qualified expenses for the establishment of commercial timber stands may qualify as a current deduction, and amounts over $10,000 may quality for amortization over an 84-month period. (Details on these and other assistance programs can be found on the GFC Web site at gatrees.org/forest-management.) Knowledge is power

Dodge County forest landowner Tennyson Fordham worked at a Stuckey’s candy plant as a young man, and was impressed by its owner, who had a passion for the land. “Mr. Stuckey would buy land. He used July | August 2016

the CRP to plant timber, and that worked for him. I was in the housing market until I got leery of that and I started to invest in farmland, and then I got to work on timber. I learned it’s not an exact science and you don’t do things the same way on every farm,” Fordham said. Fordham believes the type of soil at hand and the long term plans for the land dictate what should be planted. He said he has “kinfolks who are timber people” from whom he’s learned, and credits GFC Forester Chuck Fore with helping him make sound decisions. “Chuck did the Forest Stewardship plan for us. I’ve never had a case where I called and didn’t get a satisfactory answer from him.” Professional advice is critical to the success of reforestation projects, according to Gary White. “We encourage landowners to contact their local GFC forester or one of the many private registered foresters in Georgia for reforestation advice,” White said. The advice includes matters such as site preparation, seedling type, planting method, planting spacing, and any post planting treatments. George Hendrix’s family forestland dates back to the 1920s and his grandfather had 30,000 acres in turpentine production. Hendrix is a hands-on owner who plants his own trees and drives his own tractor. “You’ve got to manage your land like a business. You’ve got to manage your land right and put some money into it to get your money back,” Hendrix said. Hendrix is sold on improved seedlings that grow quickly for a faster return. “You can grow a tree now in 15 years. It’s not worth it to wait on chip and saw,” Hendrix said. “You need money, you can put in a good rotation of 15-16 year trees. Those trees are something!” Several private nurseries sell softwood and hardwood seedlings, as does the Georgia Forestry Commission. The GFC has been adding to its supply of genetically improved species for many years. Under the recently awarded USFS Southern Region Landscape Scale Restoration grants, several Georgia Forestry Today

projects will impact future seedling supplies. One will fund a longleaf pine seedling seed orchard, grown from improved longleaf pine seedlings. Does healthy, productive forestland guarantee sustainability? That depends, as owners grow older and families reconsider the corresponding lifestyle and investment. “I hate to see people sell,” said Hendrix. “Older people leave the land, and the kids chop it up. I hate to see it.” “I had a customer say she didn’t want to burn because it leaves the land so ugly,” said Shawn Diddie. “I explained why burning is beneficial, and that it wouldn't be black for long if done properly. So I just educate them. Listen. Think. And then come up with a plan to show how it

all can work.” Investing financially and emotionally in forestland for decades has meant a great deal to Bob Rawlins. “I’m 65,” he said. “I’ve got my retirement in pine trees. I hope I can leave plenty of growing timber for my grandkids.” Back in Walton County, B. George Saloom is pointing to a hillside where he plans to plant pollinators that will support the local bee and butterfly populations. Lush ferns and native flowers flourish in the warm filtered sunlight. The site’s intermittent stream, with 20-foot Streamside Management Zones on either side, is dry today, but will emerge again come winter, right around planting time. v

VISIT THE NEW JEKYLL ISLAND By John Trussell

July | August 2016

t is rare that any individual can make a contribution to his fellow man that can reap benefits for many generations into the future. Melvin M. Thompson only served as acting Governor of Georgia for two years, but left a legacy that lives on to this day. It was his vision for Jekyll Island that gave all Georgians their first coastal State Park in 1947. He grew up poor on a farm near Millen, Georgia and things got worse when his father died when he was only two years of age, according to Diane Shearer, Board Chairman of the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island. Thompson dropped out of school in the seventh grade to support his family, but his grandfather soon stepped in and saw that he finished school. Later he worked his way through college selling Fuller brushes and working in the dining hall at Piedmont College. He started teaching school and soon found himself as Governor Ellis Arnall’s Executive Secretary in 1943-45. From there, he stepped into the Lt. Governors position in 1947 and became Governor in 1947 when Governor elect Gene Talmadge died suddenly. During his brief two year term, Thompson later recalled that many school kids who visited the State Capitol told him that they had never seen the ocean, and he knew from personal experience that education, travel, and inspired recreation could change lives, especially those of poor Georgians. So when the state had the chance to buy Jekyll Island at the bargain price of $675,000 in 1947, he and the legislature approved the purchase. Thus, Jekyll Island became the State Park that Thompson envisioned for the “working class, average people of Georgia,” and by its charter, only 35 percent of the island could ever be developed. In recent years, the Jekyll Island Authority, state politicians, and private citizen groups have debated how to fulfill Jekyll’s legacy as the average man’s island retreat while still making it attractive and profitable, or at least self-sustaining. Recent changes are a new Westin Hotel, shopping areas, and improved traffic flow with a traffic circle at the main road intersection. Other new improvements are also being considered, but as we know, the only constant in life is change, and that’s certainly true of Jekyll Island. From the early Native Americans to guests from around the world, the story of Jekyll Island has been captivating the imaginations of explorers for generations. In 1733, General James Oglethorpe named Jekyll Island in honor of Sir Joseph Jekyll, his friend and financier from England. In the late 1800s, Jekyll Island became an exclusive hunting club for families with names like Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, and Baker. However, the 1930s depression hurt the rich too, and during World War II, the rumor of German boats off the Georgia Coast kept residents away. Soon after, the residential district fell into disrepair. Today, the island is a special sanctuary for each of us – and the Jekyll Island Authority is proud to share the island’s history. That once private retreat is now part of The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District, one of the largest preservaGeorgia Forestry Today

A loggerhead sea turtle, having successfully nested on Jekyll Island, returns to the sea at sunrise.

tion projects in the southeast. Jekyll Island has a legacy of entertaining its guests. With ten miles of sun-drenched beaches (all of them different), four awardwinning golf courses, and Georgia’s only rehabilitation center for endangered sea turtles, there’s something for every kind of explorer. Take an eco-friendly Ranger Walk through the maritime forest. Watch the dolphins play while on a guided kayak excursion. Take a bike ride through the Historic District. From the early settlers to millionaires to travelers from around the world, Jekyll Island has fascinated everyone who’s ever crossed its barrier shores and you are invited you to join in the experience. Graceful sea oats and pristine sand dunes line Glory Beach on the south end of Jekyll Island. You’ll be amazed at how wide this beach is—and you’ll see why movie scouts chose to film por-

Many dolphins call the ocean around Jekyll Island home and this one up to check out a tourist boat, where Captain Eric Moody was at the helm.

tions of the movie ‘Glory’ here. Glory Boardwalk is next to the soccer complex on the Island’s south end. The beaches on Jekyll Island are unlike those of any other coastal destination. With ten miles of grand, unspoiled shoreline and a variety of amenities, you’ll find the perfect place to relax and refresh the senses. Best known for their natural bounty, each of Jekyll Island’s beaches is completely different than the other. From bird watching on St. Andrews to photo ops on Driftwood Beach, these sun-drenched sanctuaries offer a truly invigorating experience. If you are looking for some adventure, try Southern Adventure Outfitters which offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating throughout the Golden Isles. The Brunswick shop dock location offers daily kayak tours, kayak sales, and rentals. Reservations are suggested. Contact them at southeast adventure.com or call 9126380-6732 Jekyll Island has lots of fishing opportunities. More than a bait and tackle shop, 28

Jekyll Fishing Center offers nautical gifts, locally made tackle and bait, fishing and beach gear rentals, and a spot to book excursions including air boat rides, fishing trips, and dolphin tours. It is located at 10 Clam Creek Rd. or call 912-635-3556 Captain Eric Moody says fishing along Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, and St. Simons Island is great year round. Thousands of acres of salt marsh flats, miles of rivers and creeks, warm ocean waters, and an abundance of shrimp and baitfish make these waters some of the most productive fishing grounds anywhere. Nearshore and inshore fishing are all available. Speckled sea trout, redfish, flounder, whiting, spanish mackerel, shark, and tarpon are a few of the species that anglers can put in the boat. Contact Captain Moody at (912) 270-3526 or www.coastal charterfishing.com. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a hospital for ill and injured sea turtles. You are welcome to stop by for a visit. The Center is open to the general public and offers an interactive Exhibit Gallery and Rehabilitation Pavilion with a number of viewable sea turtle patients. It is the only hospital of its kind in the state of Georgia. While on Jekyll, be sure to check out the Jekyll Island Club hotel. Boasting elegant Victorian architecture, attentive service, and river views, the Grand Dining Room is a family-friendly fine dining experience featuring continental cuisine. Af-

fording bold flavors and a distinguished ambiance, the Grand Dining Room is the setting for the legendary Sunday Brunch, Sunday Dinner Dances, and Victorian High Tea. Serving a Northern California-inspired cuisine, the Courtyard at Crane offers dining inside or al fresco in the arcaded loggia of the historic Crane Cottage. This casual establishment offers an exceptional wine menu. For more family fun check out the Summer Waves water Park. With 11 acres of fun and frenzy, there is something for everyone. Take a ride down one of the six exciting slides, cool off in the lazy river, splash in the wave pool, and enjoy the kiddie area for smaller swimmers. Summer Waves Water Park is open May-September. One might wonder what Melvin M. Thompson would think about all the changes happening on Jekyll Island. Of course, no one can know, but he believed in the democratic process and would probably put faith in good public servants and concerned private citizens to do the right thing for the future of the Island for the “average, working people of Georgia”. The Georgia Forestry Association is meeting at Jekyll Island on July 23-25, and I bet they’ll like what they see. For more information go to www.Jekyllisland.com v

July | August 2016

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July | August 2016

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