Georgia FORESTRY Georgia FORESTRY Dec. 1968 No.4 Vol. 21 Published Quarterly by the GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION Box819 Macon, GeorgiJ 31202 Georgia Forestry Mailing Address Route 1, Box 85 Dry Branch, Georgia 31020 OFFICIALS A. Ray Shirley Director James C. Turner, Jr.-Asst. Director CONTENTS Tree Planting Time in Georgia.......................................................................... 3 Rural Fire Defense Program Initiated............................................................... 4-5 Barber Named R FD and CD Coordinator......................................................... 5 Senator Russell Addresses State Foresters....................................................... 6 Pulpwood Production Remains Constant........................................................ 7 Rain Deficiency Critical.................................................................................. 7 Forest Education Facilities Dedicated............................................................. 8-9 Memoriam....................................................................................................... 10 J.D. Beauchamp Retires................................................................................. 10 Personnel Take Defensive Driving Course....................................................... 11 Ranger Of The Quarter................................................................................... 11 Georgia Chapter, SAF-Aiumni Hold Joint Meet.............................................. 12 Georgia Claims Fourth National Tree Champion............................................ 12 Mobile Fire Simulator Increases Fire Suppression Efficiency......................... 13 Logging The Foresters................................................................................... 14-15 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Hugh M. Dixon chairman W. George Beasley M. E. Garrison L. H. Morgan Alexander Sessoms Vidalia Lavonia Homer Eastman Cogdell STAFF Frank E. Craven- Editor Thomas R. Fontaine, Jr.-Assoc. Ed. Thomas B. Hall- Artist DISTRICT OFFICES GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION DISTRICT I - Route 2 Statesboro, 30458 DISTRICT II P 0. Box 429 Camilla, 31730 DISTRICT Ill - P. 0. Box 169 Americus, 31709 DISTRICT IV - P. 0. Box 333 Newnan, 30263 DISTRICT V - P. 0. Box 96 McRae, 31055 DISTRICT VI - P. 0. Box 881 Milledgeville, _31061 DISTRICT VII - P. 0. Box 2136 Rome, 30161 DISTRICT VIII - P. 0. Box 1160 Waycross, 31501 DISTRICT IX - P. 0. Box 416 Gainesville, 30501 DISTRICT X - Route 2 Washington, 30673 Member of the Georgia Press Association Second class postage paid at Dry Branch, Georgia Cruising the News The Big Trees We are glad to note that the Georgia Forestry Commission cares so much about this state's woodlands that it is having its rangers seek out championship trees. Vinnie Williams' report in the Journal-Constitution Magazine on Sunday said three national champions have been found--a buckeye near Vogel Park, a pondcypress in the Alapaha Swamp and a winged elm on the Morehouse College campus. "One good reason for our search for big trees is state pride," said Frank Craven, chief of forest education for the commission. "After all, Georgia is one of the most beautiful and well-forested states in the nation, with some 200 species growing on about 25 million acres." Having three champion trees is all very good, and we congratulate the forestry boys on their finds, but to us this kind of attitude about the state's forests implies an even higher value. If properly translated, such an attitude will protect forests that in past decades were so recklessly cut out. Nature is being interfered with too much by expressways, urban expansion, pesticides and pollution. In the cities the people have neglected to protect the trees, and we are seeing how less handsome concrete and asphalt are. But across the state there are miles and miles of splendid forests, some of the densest this side of the Mississippi. These woods are important to animal life, water conservation and soil preservation. No doubt without someone to watch over them they would be going the way of streams, islands, marsh and city trees. The Georgia Forestry Commission, stuck off in Macon where it is sometimes overlooked, is doing a good, necessary job. (From the Atlanta Journal) Fire Prevention Week It is appropriate that the observance of National Fire Prevention Week comes in the first of October, when we are soon faced with the necessity of heating our homes again after the summer months. During this period many fires occur, due to faulty heating systems and unsafe furnaces and chimneys. To call the public's attention to the danger of such tragedies, National Fire Prevention Week is set aside from October 6th through October 12th this year. Observance of this week is also intended to remind citizens of the many deaths, and huge property losses, which result each year from carelessness in the use of fire. Carefulness in the woods at this time of year can also save many millions of dollars worth of timber, consumed by forest fires every year. When one realizes that several farms in the United States burn every hour, the seriousness of Fire Prevention Week in the country will be appreciated. (From the Oconee Enterprise) TREE PLANTING TIME IN GEORGIA Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Forestry Commission, points out that the world's population is due to double by the year 2000, and the use of wood and paper products is already zooming astronomically_ As the population and standard of living increases, a corresponding increase in wood and paper products occurs_ The Southeastern Section of the United States, Georgia in particular, has been referred to as the timber basket of the nation by the U_ S. Forest Service, Shirley stated. In order to meet the anticipated heavy demand for wood, Shirley urges all landowners to appraise their woodlands to determine if each acre is fully stocked. A farm forester in your area is available to assist you in determining your planting needs. He may be contacted through your local county forestry unit. Shirley emphasized that Commission produced tree seedlings constitute one of the best bargains in Georgia today. Shirley disclosed that more than half of this year's seedling crop has been sold. In view of this, landowners need to place their orders immediately as the seedlings are being sold on a first come, first serve basis. Seed Iings sold out include improved slash, loblolly and white pine, white oak, sawtooth oak and sweet gum. James C. Wynens, chief, Commission Reforestation Division, stated that as of the first of December small packages of tree seedlings became available for immediate pickup from Commission county unit offices and nurseries. This procedure is enabling landowners to obtain a small number of tree seedlings without going through the ordering process. It also will enable those landowners who have miscalculated their larger orders to complete their planting without the delay of order processing, Wynens added. Tree seedling costs range from $4.50 APPLICATION FOR NURSERY STOCK ORDERNO _ __ GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION MACON, GEORGIA 31202 P.O. BOX 819 NAME OF APPLICANT PHONE NO ADDRESS: CITY ZIP CODE IF SEEDLINGS ARE TO BE DELIVERED TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN APPLICANT, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING AGENT'S NAME ADDRESS: - - - - - - - - - P H O N E NO _ _ __ CITY ZIP CODE DELIVERY DESIRED AS SHOWN BELOW: DATE SPECIES NUMBER OF SEEDLINGS COUNTY OF PLANTING FOREST DISTRICT TYPE OF OWNERSHIP i(hed on" 0 1. Pr~ot .. I>" ion. Clubs. Assocolons & Pr,~ote School I. 0 2. P"~Oie Forest InduS!')'- Lv,.ber Mill 0 J. Pro vote Fore.! Industry- Pvlp & Paper. 0 4. p,~ou Forest Industry No~ol Store. Plywood, etc 0 5. Prrvoteotherndustrylo"ds. 0 6. Town, Cour>ty, ondPubloc School. D 7. StoteondotherPubl,clonds. 0 8. Fede,cl Go~e,nm.,.,l 0 9. Otherlspecdyl METHOD OF SH1PM~NT: 1 Chec~ one 0 I. STATE TRUCK TO COUNTY FORESTRY OFFICE 0 2. APPLICANT WILL Pl(l( UP AT NURSERY I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I DESIRE TO PURCHASE THE ABOVE NURSERY STOCK AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION WILL ADVISE ME AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF SEEDLINGS. PAYMENT: S - - - - - - D A T E - - - - - - - - - SIGNATURE - - - - - - - - - - - DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE NURSERY ASSSIGHED' 0 DAVISBORO D HERTY 0 HIGHTOWER D WALKER 0 MORGAN per thousand for pines to $25 per thousand for dogwood and redbud. A transportation charge of 50 cents per thousand is added if the trees are delivered by state truck to the local county forestry unit. Seedling price lists and order blanks may be obtained at your local county forestry unit. Ordering Instructions Payment must be in the form of check, money order, or government purchase order for the correct amount, made payable to the Georgia Forestry Commission. The following plants may be purchased; availability depends on supply. SPECIES COST/M Arizona Cypress Baldcypress Bicolor Lespedeza Black Locust Black Walnut Catalpa Cottonwood Dogwood Red Cedar Redbud Sweet Gum Sycamore Tupelo Gum Yellow Poplar Chestnut Oak Swamp Chestnut Oak PINES Improved Loblolly Longleaf Shortleaf Slash Virginia $10.00 10.00 6.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 25.00 10.00 25.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 6.00 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 A transportation charge of $.50 per thousand must be added to above cost if trees are delivered by State truck to County Ranger Headquarters. 3 Rural Fire Defense Program Initiated The Georgia Forestry Commission, in cooperation with county and local governments, has initiated a Rural Fire Defense Program in many areas which are unprotected by organized fire departments, announces Ray Shirley, Commission Director, Macon . The program is aimed at assisting community and residential areas that have need of fire equipment in the suppression of building and residence fires and fires of unknown character_ Many of these fires originate in grass or debris adjacent to suburban areas. The volunteer rural fire control groups will make more effective fire suppression efforts by the Commission who is now called to many of these fires. These groups will also advise the Commission of any burning or threatened burning of forest areas. It was stated that the volunteer fire units will also support the Commission when fires occur in the same area and equipment is available. In setting up the program, the Commission is providing suppression equipment, maintained and housed by the local Rural Fire Department. The equipment furnished by the Commission is surplus from the federal government and the Forestry Commission . The Commission will help in setting up a training program and advising in the use and maintenance of the equipment. This program was authorized by the Forestry Commission Board at its May meeting. Hugh Dixon of Vidalia is Chairman of the Board. Other members are Alex Sessoms, Cogdell; Luke H. Morgan, Eastman; M. E. Garrison, Homer; and Walter G. Beasley, Lavonia . Equipment has been placed in 33 communities in 24 counties. Equipment has been requested for another 46 communities in 32 counties. Counties having or requesting units are Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Clayton, Columbia, Crisp, Dawson and Dodge. Others include Echols, Elbert, Evans, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Grady and Glascock Counties. Hugh M. Dixon, chairman, Georgia Forestry Commission Board, presents rural fire suppression equipment to the Cedar Crossing and Johnson Corner communities in Toombs County. Representing the communities are, 1-r, J. Hall NeSmith, county canmissioner; Dixon; P. H. Tool and H. P. Fowler, fire chiefs; Payne Denmark, county commissioner; and T. B. Clifton, Toombs County forest ranger. Greene, Hancock, Houston, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lowndes, Madison and McDuffie Counties are also on the list. Additional program participants are Montgomery, Morgan, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding and Taliaferro Counties. Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Troup, Turner, Walton, Warren, Washington, Wayne; Whitfield, Wilkes and Wilkinson Counties complete the list. It is the responsibility of the Commission to suppress uncontrolled forest fires, conduct a fire prevention program, encourage and assist landowners in the use of accepted forestry practices and aid in the reforestation of idle land. It is believed that this cooperative Rural Fire Defense Program will enable the Commission to better serve the communities and areas in the State. Rural Fire Defense Units will be called \ on to suppress grass and other non for- est fires releasing Forestry Commission equipment for forest fires. Barber Named RFD And CD Coordinator Turner F. Barber, Jr., regional forest- General George J. Hearn, head . The er, Georgia Forestry Commission, Ma- Forestry Commission has the mission of con, has been named to coordinate performing rural fire fighting, rural res- Rural Fire Defense and Civil Defense cue work in case of enemy attack or activities for the Commission. natural disaster and rural radiological Ray Shirley, Commission director, monitoring. The Commission's commu- stated that Barber's responsibilities in nication's system is utilized by CD dur- the RFD Program will include deter- ing emergencies and alerts, Shirley add- mining the need for establishing and ed. equipping volunteer rural fire depart- Barber's role as coordinator, Shirley ments and increasing capabilities of ex- said, will be to provide training in this isting facilities, allocation of equipment, advising on preparation and utilization Turner F. Barber, Jr. of equipment and training of Commis- sion personnel in the RFD Program . ) The RFD Program is aimed at assist- ing community and residential areas that have need of fire equipment in the suppression of building and residence fires and fires of unknown character. These fires are usually started from grass and debris burning. In the Civil Defense Program, Shirley pointed out that the Commission co- operates with the Civil Defense Division of the State Defense Department, Major I The Georgia Forestry Commission is providing surplus equipment for use by the volunteer fire units. field that will enable the Commission to efficiently carry out the responsibilities assigned the Commission by the State Operational Survival Plan. Other duties ) include coordinate training of volunteer light duty rescue teams on a statewide basis, be custodian of all radioactive source equipment, and coordinate com- munication activities and planning and conducting of all CD drills and opera- tional tests. First aid training will be coordinated under both programs. Barber came with the Forestry Com- mission in July of 1949 as a ranger in Dougherty County. In 1950 he was pro- moted to assistant Third District man- ) agement forester at Americus. Three years later he was put in charge of the Commission's Fifth District at McRae. Cliftondale recently dedicated their rural fire department facilities. Participating in The native Maconite moved to the Com- the ceremonies were Jas. H. Aldredge, member, Fulton County Commissioners; mission's state headquarters in 1956 as James F. Bass, ranger, Fulton County Unit; Ralph W. Emerson, fire marshal Fulton assistant chief, Forest Protection Divi- ) Co.; Turner F. Barber, Jr., RFD coordinator, Georgia Forestry Commission; Charlie sion . Barber was elevated to Regional Brown, chairman, Fulton Co. Commissioners; and Joe Wallace, assistant chief, Forester in 1960; the position he has Cliftondale Fire Department. held until his new assignment. 5 Senator Russell Addresses State Forester-s Calls For Expansion Of Natural Resource Utilization "Our nation's prosperity and growth are dependent on our ability to derive maximum benefits from our forests." Georgia's senior Senator, Richard B. Russell, in addressing the annual meeting of the National Association of State Foresters in New Orleans, La., further stated that we owe it to future genera tions to increase and expand our present level of land, water and timber utilization . This, he said, will have to be done in the face of increasing population requirements on land space. One avenue of travel is increasing production through better husbandry of our forests, Senator Russell added . The long time friend of forest conservation pointed out "that the essentiality of our forests to the welfare of our nation justifies a realistic and basic level of support for fire protection from the Federal Government". "But, the the states have an even bigger stake in this program. New wood -using industries give primary consideration to the nature of the fire protection in states where their investment is . " Senator Russell cited the need to expand our research and development program as well as accelerate the dissemination of research results to assist in the more efficient management of forest resources. He concluded that time is of the essence. " The public is not going to declare a moratorium on its demand for forest products or recreation while we procrastinate in seeking satisfactory solutions. The responsibility upon the members of your organization will be great to keep the advancing production of our forests abreast of increasing needs." The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and vice-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Commit- The National Association of State Foresters recently cited Georgia Senator Richard B. Russell, right, for his active support of forest conservation. Georgia Forestry Commission Director Ray Shirley, past association president, presented Senator Russell with a plaque commemorating his services in the development of our natural resources. tee was recognized by the national organization for his support of forest conservation. Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Forestry Commission, and past president of the Association, presented a plaque to Senator Russell, recognizing him for "his keen insight in fostering and supporting forest protection, management and research" that has resulted in his making "a significant contribution to building and maintaining a stronger America." Shirley, in making the presentation, called Senator Russell a "champion of the nation's natural resources". During his 35 years of service in the U. S. Senate, he has supported and been a part of every piece of legislation dealing with all phases of conservation in the development of our natural resources. Forest protection has received his support under the Clark-McNary Act. The Farm Forestry Program that makes possible federal and state assistance in forest management on private lands, came into being with his backing. The 1956 Soil Bank Program , which permitted reforestation programs across the nation to be accelerated, was given the Senator's vigorous support. His interest and support of forest research can be seen across our land in the research centers, labs and other educational facilities. He has been a chief supporter of forest genetics, insect and disease control, the small watershed program and utilization. An image that has been taken to by young and old alike, Smokey Bear, received this leader's attention. He cosponsored the Smokey Bear Act of 1952. Shirley made note that Senator Russell's accomplishments have given purpose to the perpetuation of our forest resources in Georgia and throughout the nation. 6 Pulpwood Production Three Alabama counties led the South in pulpwood production. They were Baldwin, 221, 182; Washington, Remains Constant 203, 165; and Choctaw, 192,430 cords. Georgia again led the South in wood residue production with 900,600 cords, a three percent increase over 1966. Wood residue production in the South was more than 6.4 million cords. The daily pulping capacity for Geor- gia's 14 pulpmills was 12,903 tons. This is an increase of 830 tons per day over 1966. The daily pulping capacity for the South 's 92 mills reached 70,527 tons per day. This is an increase of more than eight percent. A 15th mill was added in Georgia in early 1968. The Interstate Container Corporation began operation of its $25 Round pulpwood and residue pro- other record high of 33,651,100 cords. million facilities at Riceboro. The Rice- duction in Georgia leveled off in 1967. This represents 63 percent of the na- boro mill will produce initially 400 tons The production of 6,326,400 cords was tion's total. of linerboard per day and 600 tons per an increase of approximately one half Other southern states producing day when the mill moves to full pro- of one percent according to the report, more than two million cords were Ar- duction. Maximum production will be Southern Pulpwood Production, 1967, kansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, approximately 210,000 tons of liner- ) released by the USDA Forest Service in North and South Carolina and Virginia. board annually. cooperation with the Southern Pulp- Georgia had eight of the 41 counties The report includes charts and graphs wood Conservation Association. throughout the South that produced on the number of companies procuring Georgia, for the 20th consecutive over 100,000 cords each. They were wood, mill capacity, production in- year, lead the South in total production . Appling, Bryan, Camden, Charlton, creases and declines and detailed tables I Alabama was second with a production Clinch, Echols, Ware and Wayne Coun- on all phases of production by state. of 5,633,900 cords of round pulpwood ties. Wayne County led Georgia with Hardwood and pine pulpwood cordage and residues. The South established an- 149,083 cords. is listed by state and county. Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Fores- try Commission, has urged all citizens to use extreme care with all sources of Rain Deficiency ) fire in or near woodland areas. Shirley, in making the plea, cited the ac.ute deficiency in rainfall during the Critical past 21 months ending the first of Octo- ber'. From Middle Georgia-South, the rainfall deficiency ranges from approxi- m'!tely 20 to 33 inches. He emphasized that the long range weather forecast in- dicates that the fire weather danger will ) continue in general with only isolated relief. Shirley pointed out that below nor- ) mal rainfall, coupled with a brush and grass killing frost, makes our fire danger situation critical. Through September of this year, more than 67,800 forest acres for this period. tion since little control burning is being have burned as a result of 10,025 wild- Shirley added that more than 37 done at this time of year, the Commis- fires. In August, 531 fires blazed through percent of the fires and 59 percent of the acreage burned was unavoidable. sion director said. Shirley strongly suggests that persons 2,201 forest acres. This is 41 more fires These fires were caused by lightning. wanting to burn trash and/or debris to than the previous four years combined This pinpoints the severity of our situa- contact their local county forest ranger. 7 Forest Education Facilities Dedicated The University of Georgia's new School of Forest Resources and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory of the Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, U. S. Forest Service, Athens, were recently dedicated in joint ceremonies. In dedicating the multi-million dollar educational facilities, Georgia Senator Herman E. Talmadge stated that the buildings are the result of long hours by many individuals and groups. He cited Georgia's senior senator, Richard B. Russell , as being largely responsible for construction of the U. S. Forest Service laboratory. " The laboratory, in conjunction with the teaching facilities, comprise one of the most modern and comprehensive educational installations in our nation," Senator Talmadge po inted out. He marked the facilities as an ou tstanding example of the cooperative relations between the state and the U. S. Forest Service. Georgia's junior senator emphasized that "the producing and processing of forest products is big business in Geor- Dedication participants included, 1-r, John W. Langdale, chairman, Board of Regents; Walt Zil/gitt, director, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station; Fred C. Davison, president, University of Georgia; Georgia Senator Herman Talmadge; George L. Simpson, Jr., chancellor, Board of Regents; Edward P. Cliff, chief, U. S. Forest Service; George Jemison, deputy chief, Research, USFS; Robert G. Stephens, Jr., Georgia Tenth District congressman; Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Forestry Commission; L. W. Eberhardt, director, Georgia Ex tension Service; H. E. Ruark, director, Georgia Forest Research Council; and Dr. A. M. Herrick, dean, University of Georgia School of Forest Resources. 8 Senator Herman E. Talmadge / facilities I would hope that those who uate student instruction. The facility will be working in them will rededicate resembles the headquarters of a bwsi- themselves to the goals of Teaching, ness corporation . In it are housed the Research and Service on a level unex- offices and laboratories of faculty mem- celled by anyone, anywhere", Senator bers, technicians and research assistants. Talmadge concluded. The undergraduate teaching is con- Senator Talmadge was introduced by ducted in the old School of Forestry Robert G. Stephens, Jr., Congressman, building that has recently undergone Tenth Congressional District, Athens. complete renovation. It has instruction- Other dedicatory remarks were made al space and equipment commensurate by Edward P. Cliff, chief, USFS, Wash- with current standards and projected ington, D. C.; Fred C. Davison, presi- enrollment. gia in terms of people involved and the dent, University of Georgia and Dr. The on-campus facilities of the nature of operations. The availability of A. M. Herrick, dean , School of Forest School are valued in excess of natural resources, to a great degree, Resources, University of Georgia, $2,750,000. They occupy approximate- determines the standard of living our Athens. ly 70,000 square feet of floor space. people enjoy. It affects their attitudes Cliff urged that we " dedicate these The Forestry Sc iences Lab was com - and behavior, perhaps their very survi - buildings to a continuing and diligent pleted in two phases. Phase one was val." pursuit of knowledge of how we can im- complet ed in 1963. It contains 22,000 He noted that forestry has moved in- prove, protect and sustain our natural square feet of floor space which is to a highly technical and complex era. resources for use by all our citizens divided int o 34 offices, 13 laboratories, Computers and mechanized equipment and the generations to come. " He added a conference room and two processing are common tools of the profession. that we also "dedicate these buildings shops. ) These facilities will enable us to walk and the achievements of the men and The recently completed phase two hand-in-hand with today's problems and women who work in them to Science encloses 26,900 square feet . It provides and tomorrow's challenges. It is no and the Service of Man." for 15 specialized laboratories, 45 of- longer necessary for our youth to look The new two million dollar School of fices, a conference room and work and across state borders for a place to do Forest Resources includes two ultra service rooms. advanced work in their chosen fields. modern additions t o the old building More than 300 foresters, educators, They only need to look on their own which has been in existence since 1938. business executives, industrialists, gov- doorstep. The modern facilities are designated ernment leaders and others attended the "With the dedication of these fine for administration , research and grad- dedicati on . 9 Georgia Forestry Commission personnel were recently saddened by the sudden death of James E. McElhannon, assistant Ninth District Forest Protection forester, Jefferson, on October 4, 1968. McElhannon, 49, came with the Forestry Commission in July 1952 as ranger of the Jackson County Forestry Unit. He was promoted to assistant Ninth District Forest Protection forester in July 1955. Ray Shirley, Commission director, cited McElhannon for his devotion to forestry in terms of professional contribution and sacrifice of personal time. Shirley stated that McElhannon's job efficiency and devotion to his work was a tribute to him and the state. The Jackson County native was a Memoriam James E. McElhannon graduate of the University of Georgia School of Forestry. He attended Jack- son County and Sanford, Fla. public schools and Martin Institute in Jeffer- son. ' McElhannon, a member of the First Methodist Church of Jefferson, held membership in the Society of American Foresters. He was a member of the ' Jefferson Lions Club and American Legion Post where he was past president and post commander, respectively. During World War II, the registered forester served in the U. S. Army as a first lieutenant. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Johnie Hardy McElhannon and one daughter, Miss Mary Lee McElhannon, Jefferson. J.D. Beauchamp Retires J. D. "Dewey" Beauchamp, 70, ran ger, Dodge County Forestry Unit, Eastman, has retired after 17 years service with the Georgia Forestry Commission. Beauchamp was recently honored at a retirement dinner by fellow employees from the Fifth Forestry District, with headquarters at McRae, and supervisory personnel from Atlanta and Macon. James Reid, Fifth District forester, McRae, presented Beauchamp with a Faithful Service plaque. In making the presentation, he lauded Beauchamp citing the sacrifice of personal time, working long hours and on holidays and weekends protecting the 221,800 forest acres in Dodge County. Grady Williams, assistant Fifth District forest protection forester, McRae, presented Beauchamp a check on behalf of the Fifth District personnel. He pointed out that Beauchamp has set an example for all to follow in his dedication to family, church and job. James C. Turner, Jr., Commission assistant director, Macon, speaking on behalf of Director Ray Shirley, stated that Beauchamp's devotion to the citizens of Dodge County is exemplary of the character and integrity with which he promoted forest conservation. Shirley, in sending his best wishes to the retiring ranger, emphasized that 10 James Reid, Fifth District forester, McRae, left, presents a Faithful Service plaque to J. D. Beauchamp, ranger, Dodge County Forestry Unit at a recent retirement dinner. The plaque, signed by Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Forestry Commission, cites Beauchamp's 17 years of service to the Commission. Dodge County and the State of Georgia has lost the services of a most dedicated public servant. When you speak of forestry in Dodge County, you speak of J. D. Beauchamp, he added. Beauchamp came with the Commission in 1951, and has been ranger of the Dodge County Forestry Unit since 1952. Each year he carried out an outstanding, all around forestry program. This is exemplified by the fact that on three occasions he was recognized by the Georgia Forestry Association as hav- ~. ing the most outstanding county in the state. That was in 1952, 1961 and 1962. On five occasions he had the top unit in the 16-county Fifth District. On becoming ranger in 1952, Beauchamp established the Dodge County Keep Green Committee in an effort to reduce forest fires. The Committee has . grown into the Dodge County Forestry Association which is promoting forest fire prevention, forest management and marketing of forest resources in the county. Beauchamp, through landowner cooperation, demonstrated some of the first weed tree control work by hand and mist blower in the state. Through his efforts B-10, A-7 and A -3 practices were put in the Dodge County ASC Program. In addition, firebreaks are part of the program's requirements. The past 17 years has seen forest acreage increase from 173,300 acres to 221 ,800 acres. Beauchamp, in accepting the plaudits of his fellow employees, stated that he is not retiring from forestry, just the job. He laid the success of the state's forestry program in Dodge County to one thing, unity. Where there is unity. PERSONNEL TAKE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE PRMNTABLE ) Georgia Forestry Commission per- sonnel have taken the National Safety Council's Defensive Driver's Course. Ray Shirley, Forestry Commission director, stated that the eight hour course was designed to improve vehicle operation . He pointed out that each employee was given an opportunity to learn what is involved in defensive driv- Commission defensive driving instructors received their instruction from Max Ulrich, ing, how and why various types of vehi- program director, Georgia Safety Council, Inc. The Commission employees are, 1-r, cle accidents occur and what it takes to Milton Rose, safety officer, Macon; Billy Barber, assistant First District forest pro- prevent them . The trainee was provided tection forester, Statesboro; and Winston West, assistant Tenth District forest pro- a standard of driving excellence that he tection forester, Washington. can use to evaluate and improve his this fiscal year. There were 53 vehicle way Department provided 900 student driving, Shirley added. accidents last fiscal year. Commission workbooks and instructor training kits. Upon completion of the course, each personnel drove 5,994,525 miles. The Savannah Area Chamber of Com- student was presented a card indicating The conduct of the course was made merce made possible the immediate he had successfully completed the possible through the Georgia Safety conducting of the course at Statesboro. course. Council, Inc. and the State Highway Through Doug Guthrie and Ed Brum- Shirley emphasized that through the Department. Max Ulrich, program di- field, president and chairman of the course the Commission hopes to de- rector, Georgia Safety Council conduct- Chamber's Safety Committee, respec- crease the number of vehicle accidents ed the Instructor Course for the 13 tively, the Commission was provided the that occurred in 1967-68 by 50 percent Commission instructors. The State High- defensive driver's instructor kit and film. RANGER OF THE QUARTER I Harold Watkins, ranger, Twiggs-Wil- ing the area are Herbert Darley, Twiggs kinson Forestry Unit, heads the second County and James Richey, Wilkinson ) largest unit in the state with 477,000 forest acres. This includes 19,000 acres County. Personnel directed their efforts to- in southeast Bibb County from Ga. 49 ward the search of selected trees for the ) east of the Ocmulgee River. The 14 year veteran came with the Commission Tree Improvement Program . They were concerned with white Commission in 1954 as a patrolman in oak, yellow poplar, bl ack walnut, syca- Wilkinson County . He was made ranger more and sweet gum species. Personnel of the Twiggs County Unit in 1955. In also collected dogwood and black wal- 1965, Watkins assumed responsibility of nut seed for planting in our nurseries. Wilkinson County , and this year began Watkins, a native of Toomsboro, as- protection of a portion of Bibb County. sisted the local FFA Chapter conducting The Unit's central headquarters is located on U. S. 80 in Jeffersonville. The area . Harold Watkins a planting, marketi ng and harvesting demonstration . He al so assisted with the sub-headquarters is located on Ga. 57, Through October, 195 forest fires area FFA Field Day that was held in four miles west of Irwinton. burned 698 forest acres or 3.6 acres per Jeffersonville. Watkins' ability to annually carry out fire. The figures do not include 80 non Newspapers at Irwinton and Jeffer- a well rounded forestry program earned forest fires suppressed by the Unit. Of sonville were cooperative in publicizing his Unit the Georgia Forestry Associa - the total forest fires and acreage burned, the Unit's activities. tion's 1967 Outstanding General Perfor- approximately 55 percent of the fires Unit personnel in Twiggs County are mance Award for the Sixth District with and 56 percent of the acreage burned Billy Raley and Larry Pope, patrolmen ; headquarters at Milledgeville. An annual occurred from January-March 1968. and Pierce McFarland , towerman. Wil - Keep Green Edition, Miss Wilkinson Personnel assisted with prescribed kinson County personn el are Jack County Forestry Pageant and Christmas burning and weed tree control programs Brown, Harlin Day and John Phillips, float promote Commission services and and assembling data for a beaver damage patrolmen; and Miss Ga il Day, tower- the value of forestry to the two county survey _ The management foresters serv- woman. 11 Georgia Chapter, SAF Alumni Hold Joint Meet Georgia Claims Fourth National Tree Champion The SAF Panel was moderated by Carl A. Brown, council member, Georgetown, S.C. Panel members are Jim Bethune, School of Forest Resources, Athens; Nathan Byrd, U. S. Forest Service, Atlanta; Archie McEuen, Georgia Forestry Commission, Greenville; Harold Kendrick, consui'n a h e\ t to Ra l r 6 t P a conservation course for credit dir G r .. ~zry ~ st0 c "/ "" ; au ies St0 I wong For 11th Forestry Field Day ~ i e fair Forestry ' ~e~n ntest Se t ~ t ~ ~oa dhurst Tu e s da y ~). n C. r, s I s re vvee eo st' Pines ~rea hrea o Camp n n er ord Number nv --. aeon C Forestry Page n , _r~day Forest ires Raged I n County Sund , ~st Fires eIn March n gs . 1r. HaY . hir\ ) ssue l:orc. tr) 1 ir ctor, s Rage In rea Hotar) . Jleaker Forest F"res .age In Liberty County ~- l-4ioJ n ]f . { 1 ~,, Beaut u 'l'our .I" '' \ lll \ "t ',. HdI C\a n d s t";!t ' ' oo 1 0r(~: t ~ 1 1~ . lo (" 'fhrt)al ' o lo1n t Timber 0 , Get T ips Tree Killer one " I .rc orestry.Headquor ers S ForeStry Group To Aid Tree Owners .. .... "'\: ll til t.. J ' Landown-er usl Have Sources of Income for Fa s .. I I Fire Warnings Up, r I .. s...... (' II :..t clllgft Small Lan-downe~ N I ts eg ec Timber Conditions Dry Alert Continues Here $500 Reward Posted Calling All G ir s t.rrel ' ClllJ ]Jers I h rg1a 1 f>r r,. e isc ~s Against Forest Fires For Telfair Co Forestry Q ue n I Car.tse JJ7oorl 11, ;,._ ..... ~J n !!. n1ngs I n