Georgia forestry, Vol. 22, no. 1 (Mar. 1969)

Georgia
FOREST RY

Georgia FORESTRY

March, 1969 No. 1

Vol. 22

Published Quarterly by the GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION
Box 819 Macon, Georgia 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
Arbor Day 1969......................... .......................................................................... 3 Fire Weather Office Cited..................................................................................... 4 Trash Fires Canned in Paulding County................................................................ 4 Georgia's Christmas Tree .................................................................................... 5 Rural Fire Defense Program Grows........................................................................ 6 Natural Resource Institutes Scheduled.................................................................. 7 Workshop Applications Available.......................................................................... 7 "Man and Nature Intimately Related".................................................................. 8 Shirley Named State Conservationist.................................................................... 9 Youths Win National and State Awards................................................................ 10 Commission Report Highlights........................................................................... 11 Ranger of the Quarter.......................................................................................... 11 A Watershed Constructed on 'Cooperation'......................................................... 12 The Not So Quiet Crisis................................................................................... 13 Dixon Reelected Board Chairman....................................................................... 14 Logging the Foresters.......................................................................................... 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
Congratulations To Monticello
Recent announcement by Georgia-Pacific Corp. that it is building a $7 million plant two miles southeast of Monticello obviously is cause for great rejoicing in the Monticello area.
All of Middle Georgia benefits, though, and all of Middle Georgia should join in expressing gratitude, along with Monticello, that hundreds of additional jobs will be created, a new market will be found for the region's pine timber, and the economy in general will be enhanced.
For too long, many of our towns have taken too narrow a view of industrial development. Of course, every town wants to land new industry. But the next best thing is for the industry to locate in the area, for as the area prospers, so do the individual units making up the area. There is a crying need for cooperation as well as competition in attracting industry.
(From the Macon News)
Forestry Important To Cook County
Since the time that man learned to sharpen rocks and steel, timber and its related products, have been an important part of the American life.
Years ago, it was used wholly in the construction of houses, fences, and vehicles. And even, today, it is a necessary ingredient in each and every building that is constructed.
The impact of the lumber industr~ is clearly felt in Cook County, with its sawmills, crate factories, particleboard, and pulp wood, as well as many affiliated industries. The high employment of these industries, with its huge annual payroll is clearly felt by every business in the county. Cook County should, indeed, be proud of them.
It is generally believed that there is an abundance of everything in this country. But there is one thing that is not growing, and will never grow, and that is the amount of land that the country has, and that Cook County has. So it is necessary to utilize to the best advantage the land that we have, and protect to the utmost the timber that is growing on this land. As the old saying goes, that's all there is, there ain't any more.
One of the chief destructive forces of timber is fire. Many of these are caused by carelessness, or by malicious burning. Everyone should be especially careful of fire when in the woods, whether it be camping, hunting, or just strolling. And malicious burning should be put to an end. Before any burning is started, the Cook County Forestry Unit should be notified of the intent to burn, so that they could make a survey before the burning, and put in certain precautionary measures that are an aid in preventing fires from spreading.
Let's all cooperate to keep Cook County's 86,000 acres of forests green.
(From the Adel News)

ARBOR DAY IN GEORGIA
1969

cially proclaimed Arbor Day in Macon. On February 21, thousands of dogwood trees were planted in the city. Taking part in the proclamation signing were Allen Dennis, left, chairman, MaconBibb County Beautification Commission and Frank Craven, chief, Forest Education Division, Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Atlanta Downtown Beautification Committee and the Women's Chamber of Commerce are placing 200 tree planters throughout downtown Atlanta. Mrs. Anne P. Moore, left, is chairman of the Beautification Committee. Other project participants are, 1-r, C. M. Alexander, city arborist; Mrs. Evelyn Ozment, committee member; Mrs. Marguerite Bridges, president, Women's Chamber of Commerce; Jack Foley, committee member; and John Mixon, Metro forester, Georgia Forestry Commission.

The boys and girls at the Cerebral Palsy Center of Atlanta, Inc., have a special planted pine tree for each member of of the Center's Boy Scout Troop 75 and Girl Scout Troops 316 and 691. The trees were checked, certified and planted by "Smokey the Bear". He was assisted by George Lyon, ranger, DeKalb County Forestry Unit; and Kenneth Bailey, DeKalb County Metro forester, right.

Georgia's State Tree, the Live Oak, finds a place on the capitol grounds in A tlanta. In ceremonies commemorating Arbor Day, Governor Lester Maddox, assisted by Georgia Forestry Commission Director Ray Shirley, shovels the first spade of dirt.

The Seventh Grade class of the Perkerson Elementary School, Atlanta, celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees on the school grounds. John Mixon, Metro forester, center, supervised the planting. The teacher is Miss Rose Drake.
3

Fire Weather Office Cited

The 1968 "Golden Smokey" Award has been presented to the Fire Weather Service of the U. S. Weather Bureau, announces Edward P. Cliff, chief, Forest Service, U. S. Department of Agricul ture.
Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Fores try Commission, Macon, recently presented the certificate of award to Paul H. Hagerty, supervising forestry meteorologist, and E. Lowell Croom, forestry meteorologist, both with Essa Weather Bureau, Macon .
Shirley cited the meteorologists for outstanding service in keeping field personnel abreast of sudden weather changes in detail. Hagerty and Croom made available area fire weather forecasts by hourly periods, from day to day, seven days a week during the peak fire periods.
Shirley emphasized that the forecasts were invaluable fire prevention and suppression instruments. Personnel utilized the forecasts to advise landowners on burning conditions, and in directing fire suppression action.
The Forest Fire Weather Forecasting Office in Georgia is located at the Geor-

The 1968 "Golden Smokey" certificate is accepted by Paul H. Hagerty, right, supervising forestry meteorologist, Forest Fire Weather Forecasting Office, Macon. Making the presentation is Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Forestry Commission. The other member of the forecasting team is E. Lowell Croom, forestry meteorologist.

gia Forestry Center near Macon. The Forestry Commission is provided the forecasting service by the U. S. Department of Commerce Weather Bureau in cooperation with the Southeastern For-

est Experiment Station, U. S. Forest Service and the Georgia Forest Research Council.
The Georgia station is one of 50 throughout the nation.

Trash Fires Canned In Paulding County

Taking note that trash fires were the

percent in combatting the incendiary

t 1-

leading cause of forest fires in northern

problem. Craton credits Sheriff Shipp

Paulding County, Ranger AI Craton be-

with holding incendiary fires to a mini-

gan looking into programs to overcome

mum. District Forester Tommy Mauldin

this threat to the county's woodlands.

has met with railroad officials to discuss

He hit upon the idea of furnishing

ways and means of preventing fires es-

homeowners, in the wooded area, with

caping from rights of way.

trash burning barrels. By taking the bar-

Now, that these two problems are be-

rels to the homeowner, Craton had a

ing met, a new threat to Paulding Coun-

chance to discuss the proper way to

ty's timberland looms on the horizon.

burn trash. In addition, he kept looking

Mobile homes are being set up in dense-

at yards with barrels in them which, due

ly wooded areas. Craton is now thinking

to their position , endangered the woods.

of an approach to talk to these resi-

He talked to these people and demon-

dents about the dangers of fire.

strated how to properly burn trash . As a result of this program, trash

AI Craton

David Mclain, Commission Seventh District management forester, Rome,

fires, in the community , dropped off vent sparks from flying out. Some 18-20 has also played a big role in reducing

from 25 in 1963 to five this past year.

barrels have been placed in the once fires in the county. Mclain continually

Craton stated that he has been for- heavy trash fire area.

impresses landowners with the need to

tunate in locating empty barrels around the county for use in this program . He

During 1968, Paulding County had 83 fires, 12 of which were debris burn-

prevent forest fires as he advises timberland owners on how to manage their

and his personnel clean and paint the barrels, punch holes in the bottom for

ing. Craton says the problem, however, keeps changing. Now, incendiary and

timber for the greatest returns. Ranger AI Craton typifies the dedi-

drainage and put a fire prevention stick- fires from railroad rights of way are cated personnel of the Georgia Forestry

er on them. This is done to dress up the barrel and make it look more present-

presenting a new headache for he and his personnel.

Commission who constantly seek and adopt new means of implementing the

.

able. The homeowner is asked to pur-

Paulding County Sheriff Bob Shipp Commission's programs of assistance to

chase a screen to cover the top to pre- and his deputies have cooperated 100 Georgia landowners.

4

"

The Harvest

Transportation

Georgia's Christmas Tree

--

Out of the hills of North Georgia

flowed a bit of greenery to enhance the

capitol grounds and add a touch of

Christmas Spirit to Metropolitan Atlan-

ta.

A large Christmas tree, harvested in

the upper reaches of Cooper Creek in

Union County, the heart of the Chatta-

hoochee National Forest, ended its 125

mile journey by truck to its place of

honor on the lawn of the Georgia Gov-

ernor's Mansion.

This 20 year old white pine from the

Chattahoochee National Forest was cut

at the request of Ray Shirley, director,

Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon .

The growing site in rugged Union Coun-

ty was only 15 miles north of Dahlone-

ga .

The 42 foot tree was trucked to At-

lanta by the Forestry Commission. It

Erection

was erected on the grounds of the Capi tol Mansion by personnel of the Commission and the Georgia Power Co.

Georgia's First Lady Mrs. Virginia Maddox admires the stately white pine.

The tree, 12 inches across the stump,

branched out to a diameter of 22

feet at its widest point. It is the fourth

white pine which has graced the capitol

;

grounds since the Commission and the

U. S. Forest Service began providing a

state tree for the Yuletime Season.

Rural Fire Defense Program Grows

The growth of the industrial type community, and its ever changing populace along with the farm-machine age, has resulted in a community change that sees an expansion of urban communities.
Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Forestry Commission, states, "It is in this area that the Commission and county and local governments are working together to provide a fire protection network that will adequately serve both rural and urban Georgia".
The cooperatively initiated Rural Fire Defense Program encompasses, as of February 21, 1969, 50 units in 41 counties throughout Georgia, according to Turner Barber, Jr., program coordinator. Barber added that there are 49 requests pending.
One of the most unique rural fire defense operations is in Richmond County . Five commun ity units have organized themselves into the Richmond County Volunteer Firemen's Association. They are Blythe, East Augusta, Hephzibah, McBean and Wrightsboro Road.
All of the Units, except Hephzibah, have been assisted in the acquisition of truck and tank equipment through the

cooperative Rural Fire Defense Program. A sixth Unit, the Richmond County Prison, has been organized and is participating in the program.
The six units have greatly expanded the rural fire coverage in Richmond County. This coverage makes Forestry Commission forest fire suppression ef-

forts more effective. In the past the Commission has been called upon to suppress the building, residence, grass and debris fires.
Shirley adds that cooperatively, the program objective is to minimize the loss of life and property as a result of uncontrolled fire in rural areas.

Wrightsboro Road Volunteer Fire Department 6

Natural Resource Institutes Scheduled

-.

what the Instructors discussed in class.

The courses will be taught by specialists

in their fields from the ranks of state,

federal and industry personnel. Two

widely known conservationists, Dr.

Philip Greear, Shorter College, and Dr.

Clyde Connell, Valdosta State College,

wi II coordinate the Institutes.

The object of the course is to give

teachers an adequate background in

conservation . Much emphasis is placed

on classroom presentation of the materi-

al, and the student-teachers are given a

gold mine of information, materials and

ideas to use with their own students.

Past participants have found the course

invaluable, not only in teaching natural

resources but history, social studies,

natural science, geography and English.

The cost of the Institute, including

School teachers interested in learning

lege.

tuition, materials, room and board, is

more about conservation in Georgia and

The Natural Resources Institute may $150.00. A limited number of scholar-

obtaining five quarter hours of college

be used to fulfill requirements of addi - ships are available, and in some cases,

credit are urged to attend Georgia's

tional study for teacher certification or

teachers may receive a grant-in-aid from

fourth annual Natural Resource Insti-

certificate renewal. However, the teach-

the State Department of Education.

tute.

er should check with the local school

Applications may be picked up at a

There will be two three-week sessions

board and/or the Georgia State Depart-

Georgia Forestry Commission County

held in 1969. The first Institute is sche-

ment of Education.

Unit office, or by writing to Jim

duled for June 16-July 3 at Shorter Col-

Teaching will be held in indoor and

Morrison, chairman, Georgia Natural

lege in Rome and the second from

outdoor classrooms. Area field trips will

Resources Education Council, 401 State

June 23-July 11 at Valdosta State Col-

enable the students to see first-hand

Capitol, Atlanta 30334.

Workshop Applications Available

Applications are being taken for the

eighth annual Natural Resources Conser-

vation Workshop. The workshop will be

held at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural

College near Tifton from June 8-13.

Workshop Director Sam G. Dunaway,

Soil Conservation Service, Winder, states

that the school is designed to accomo-

date 200 boys. A $25 scholarship is pro-

vided for each boy by sponsors in his

community. This pays for the meals,

lodging and prizes. Instructors and ad-

ministrative costs are furnished by the

cooperating agencies, Dunaway added.

The workshop director adds that appli-

cations may be obtained from Georgia

Forestry Commission county forest ran-

gers, Soil Conservation district super-

visors, Soil Conservation work unit con-

)

servationists and Georgia Game and

Fish Commission rangers.

Dunaway pointed out that the boy search and Watersheds in Conservation,

The workshop is co-sponsored by the

attaining the highest scholastic standing Gum Naval Stores, Timber Stand Im - Georgia Chapter, SCSA, and the Georgia

will receive a $333 scholarship to the

provement, Forest Fire Prevention and

Association of Soil and Water Conserva-

college of his choice in the Georgia

Forest Management. Others are Soil and

tion District Supervisors. Dunaway is

University system. A determining ex-

Land Judging, Planning and Applying

being assisted by A. P. Barnett, Agricul-

amination is based on material presented Conservation On Open Land , Wildlife ture Research Service, Watkinsville, and

during the week.

Conservation and Recreation in Con- Charles B. Place, Jr., Georgia Forestry

The workshop courses include Re- servation .

Commission , Macon . 7

''Man and Nature Intimately Related''

Space abundance, increased power

too maintain established systems by

and agricultural output and a relatively

applying the appropriate feedback

unpopulated western world ten years

through management".

ago led ecology to shun the study of

The technical session featured topics

man and devote itself to the study of

relating ecology to nature, forests, water

undisturbed and natural habitats.

and air. The speakers were Robert E.

"This mistaken notion that man was

Hanie, executive director, Georgia Coun-

separate from nature", said Dr. Frank B.

cil for the Preservation of Natural Areas,

Galley, executive director, Institute of

Decatur, "The State of Nature In Geor-

Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens,

gia"; Dr. Richard G. Clements, Institute

"has risen to the surface as the popula-

of Ecology, University of Georgia,

tion responded to increased production

Athens, "Ecology and Forest Uses";

and our space has filled with people,

R. S. Howard, Jr., executive secretary,

structures and rubbish ."

Water Quality Control Board, Depart-

Dr. Galley, in keynoting the South-

ment of Public Health, Atlanta, "Water

eastern Section, Society of American

and Its Importance In Today's Environ-

Foresters annual meeting in Macon,

ment''; and William A. Hansell, director,

January 9, emphasized that "it is abun-

Air Quality Control Branch, Department

dantly clear that man and nature are in-

of Public Health, Atlanta, "Ecology As

timately related". The address was gear-

It Relates to Air".

ed to the convention theme, "The Im-

The presentation of the Section's

portance of Environment to Life".

Technical Award highlighted the annual

He pointed out that "ecology has

banquet. Gail L. Carver, retired Mercer

responded to this relationship of becom-

University professor, Macon, was the

ing interested in problems associated

recipient.

with human systems. The distribution of some of the principles of ecology

Dr. Frank 8. Go/ley

The presentation was made by Section Chairman Ed Knapp, Macon. In

point out that ecological systems are

Dr. Galley concluded that "stable presenting the award, Knapp cited Pro-

capable, if left alone, of establishing evidence of the structure of system."

systems are not highly productive of materials useful to man, and so we can

fessor Carver for his contributions to knowledge and practice of forestry in

-

the Southeast.

Professor Carver, in 1935, established

the first college conservation course in

Georgia, "Conservation of Natural Re-

sources". In his classroom lectures, he

encouraged the preservation of timber

from both the conservation and esthetic

viewpoints. The course included timber,

game, soil and water with related field "

trips.

The native of Climax, Michigan has

encouraged many to work toward better

conservation practices through the Gail

Carver Award initiated in 1953. This in-

cludes cash awards to the top three Ma-

con Garden Clubs with the most out-

standing civic improvement conservation

project. To assist the garden clubs,

Professor Carver annually purchases and

donates 1,500 to 2,000 tree seedlings to

clubs for planting.

Approximately 200 foresters from

Alabama and Georgia attended the two

day session. The Chapter chairmen are,

Alabama, Tom Glass, superintendent of

Wood Procurement, Union Camp Cor-

poration, Montgomery, Ala. and Geor-

Participating in the Technical Award presentation are, 1-r, Ed Knapp, Section chair- gia, Frank E. Craven, chief, Forest Edu-

man; Gail L Carver, award recipient; and Dr. Mason C. Carter, Awards Committee cation, Georgia Forestry Commission,

chairman, Auburn University.

Macon.

8

Ray Shirley, director, Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon, is the 1968

Shirley Named

State Conservationist of the Year in Georgia. Ollie L. Knott, Jr., Commis sion Forest Education assistant, Macon,

State Conservationist

was named Forester of the year.

The presentations were made by

Governor Lester Maddox at the recent

annual meeting of the Georgia Sports-

men's Federation in Macon. The Sears

Roebuck Foundation sponsored the a-

wards program .

Shirley was cited for his dynamic

forestry leadership in Georgia. Through

his efforts Georgia has statewide forest

fire protection, landowners are planting

improved seedlings from seed of geneti-

cally tested seed orchard production

areas and forest management assistance

has been expanded to include areas of

utilization, aerial insect and disease de-

tection and computerized forest re-

source data.

The Forestry Commission's multiple

state and federal cooperative forestry

programs were obtained .

Knott was recognized for his contri-

butions to forest conservation through

his photographic talents. He was cited

for his photography work in the award

winning film, The Burning Issue, and in

Georgia Governor Lester Maddox, right, presents Georgia Forestry Commission Direc-

other films promoting the cause of for-

tor Ray Shirley with a mounted eagle which designates him as the 1968 State Con-

-

est conservation . They included the Wonderful World of Wood from which the use of wood, early to modern

servationist of the Year.
Beetle Epidemic in Georgia, Georgia On

writer, Augusta Chronicle; Educator,

America, is illustrated.

The Move, Georgia Trees of Tomorrow, Sam Dunaway, work unit conservation-

The Second Pay Day, The Recreating and Boys' Forestry Camp are others.

ist, SCS, Winder; and Soil, Miller Dial,

Spirit, Georgia's Hardwood Country,

Other Conservation winners were

president, Georgia Association of Soil

Watersheds and You, Southern Pine Communications, Bibb Baab, outdoor and Water Conservation District Super-

visors, Walnut Grove.

The list included Water, Harold

Hefner, Gilmer County commissioner,

Ellijay; Wildlife, Jim Silver, retired,

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta;

and Legislator, Representative Paul

Nessmith, Statesboro.

FFA and 4-H youth were recognized

for their achievements. Jim Cline, Wa-

leska, was the Youth Conservation win-

ner representing the Ninth Congressional

District. Other District winners were

First, Andy Burns, Effingham County;

Fifth, John Verner, Duluth; Sixth, Lynn

Gable, Carrollton; Seventh, Rise Spear-

man, Felton; Eighth, Royce Roberts,

Echols County; and Tenth, Linda Craig,

Oconee County.

The outstanding Conservation Organ-

ization was the Georgia Conservancy,

Norman Smith, president.

All state winners are entered in na-

tional competition. The competition

Georgia Governor Lester Maddox, right, presents Georgia Forestry Commission Edu-

will take place at the 1969 annual

cation Assistant Ollie L. Knott, Jr., with a mounted elk which designates him as the 1968 Forester of the Year in Georgia.

meeting of the National Wildlife Federa-
tion. 9

Youths Win National And State Awards

Georgia has claimed one of the six

national 4-H Forestry winners. He is

Monty Griffin of Barney .

The 18-year old son of Mr. and Mrs.

Ed F. Griffin topped District and State

competition that enabled Griffin to win

a $500 educational scholarship at the

National 4-H Congress in Chicago, Ill.

Griffin was unopposed on the county

level.

The Brooks Countian's forestry pro-

ject was primarily in naval stores. He

worked 900 trees, hiring his younger

brother to help with the dipping. Griffin

said that it took him approximately five

hours to chip 300 faces.

He said the combination of acid paste

and hard work enabled him to pay off a

bank loan and realize a $200 profit.

Griffin expects to make $400 this year. Griffin's total forestry program in-

Monty Griffin

cludes 72 acres under forest manage-

competition, was on the history of

freshman at Abraham Baldwin Agricul-

)

ment. For the past six years he has naval stores beginning when an ancient tural College, Tifton. He is seeking a de-

planted 4,500 pine seedlings, prescribed Greek accidently knocked a hole in a gree in Agriculture, looking ahead to

burned eight acres, plowed more than tree and later discovered the accumulat- someday becoming a county agent.

two miles of firebreaks, thinned 15 acres and controlled insects on 46 acres. This in addition to his naval stores work.

ed sap. The demonstration, along with an excellent record book, saw him to the top.

Griffin is a member of the American Turpentine Farmers Association. He recently received recognition for his suc-

Griffin's winning demonstration, used

The Brooks County youth, who cess in that organization's monthly jour-

throughout local, state and national values his forestry project at $8,000, is a nal.

James Thompson, 18 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Thompson of Poulan has been selected as the State winner of the Seaboard-Rayonier Forestry contest. As a Vo Ag student at Worth County High School young Thompson operated a 47 acre Forestry plot on which he practiced selective thinning, weed tree control, reforestation, plowed fire breaks and controlled insects and diseases.
10

James Thompson
During his four years in Vo Ag, he cut 258 cords of pulpwood and 3,300 fence posts from the thinnings. He clear cut two acres of pines which had stagnated and planted improved slash pine purchased from the Georgia Forestry Commission. Yellow poplar was planted in hardwood sites which are well protected by fire breaks. Fornes annosus

infected trees were cut and the stumps treated with borax. A black turpentine beetle outbreak was controlled by using BHC.
James has two chain saws, a 1 1/2 ton truck, a small tractor and several hand tools which he has used in cutting and land clearing for his neighbors, as well as on his own land.
As winner in the Seaboard-Rayonier contest, he received in addition to a $500 scholarship, a tour of New York, Boston and other major cities where he was guest of agri-business' in the area. The trip was climaxed in Kansas City where the national FFA Convention was held. Even though he was not the national winner, James was among the top finalists in the competition.
The young businessman, now a student at ABAC College in Tifton, credits his Ag Teacher Don Register, Vo-Ag Forester Gene Carswell and Worth County Forest Ranger L. A. Conger with the success he has had in Forestry. He was also second place winner in the Union Camp Forestry contest.

Co111111ission Report Highlights

An above normal forest fire occurrence, implementation of a metro forestry program in Atlanta and an acceleration of the Georgia Forestry Commission's tree improvement program high lighted that state department's activities for fiscal year 1967-68.
Commission Director Ray Shirley pointed out in his annual report that drought conditions throughout the southern half of the state resulted in an increased number of wildfires. More than 60 percent of t he fires, 7,036, and 72 percent of the acreage loss, 51 ,831 acres, occurred from January through March. The southern half of the state, below a line from Columbus to Macon to Augusta, suffered the greatest loss, 39,383 forest acres.
Shirley emphasized that the demand for timber management assistance throughout the state continues to rise. The 19,525 woodland owners assisted represent a 16 percent increase over 1966-67. The wide acceptance of the new metropolitan Atlanta area forestry program illustrated the need for similar programs in other metropolitan areas of

the state, Shirley added. He cited the expansion of the Com-
mission's tree improvement program with the addition of selected longleaf pine trees. The Commission's largest crop of improved loblolly and slash pine

seedlings was planted. They were first made available in 1964.
The report includes graphs, maps, tables and photos illustrating the multiplicity of service programs administered by the Forestry Commission.

RANGER OF THE QUARTER

Walker County covers an area of 286,720 acres of which 196,200 acres are in forests. This is 71 percent of the total land area . W. C. Huggins, ranger, Walker County Forestry Unit of the Georgia Forestry Commission, has done an outstanding job in promoting good forestry practices.
He has made extensive use of news media to reduce fire occurrence and gain the cooperation of the general public. There were 73 forest fires that
burned approximately 146 acres in fiscal 1967-68. This is an average of 1.99 acres per fire. Unit personnel also suppressed 34 non forest fires.
In an effort to combat the debris fires, Huggins made 500 trash burning guide sheets. These were mailed to urban and rural homeowners throughout the county.
His cooperation with other agencies, both government and private, has been invaluable. This was most evident in his activities with the WACADA Develop-
ment Association. The activities included speaking engagements and personal appearances on radio and TV as

W. C. Huggins

well as personal contacts in an attempt

to motivate landowners to adopt better

forestry pract1ces. ~ -<'



Particular emphasis was placed on reforestation with more than 400,000 tree seedlings planted . During the past ten

years, more than 3.2 million tree seedlings have been planted in Walker Coun-
ty.
Thomas Joyner, assistant Seventh District management forester, Rome, assisted 59 Walker Countians on 6,408 acres. There were 49,000 board feet of sawtimber and 400 cords of pulpwood marked . He gave advice to 15 landowners on 788 acres for weed tree control, and gave advice on 500 acres for prescribed burning and 417 acres for tfee planting.
Huggins, who came to the Commission in 1950 as an assistant ranger in Walker County, served as ranger of Douglas and Fulton Counties in 1951 and 1952, respectively. As head of the Walker County Unit, he has been recognized on three occasions by the Georgia Forestry Association. He received their Outstanding General Performance District Award in 1957, 1962 and 1968.
Other Walker County Unit personnel are Patrolmen Larry Caldwell, Alton Rodgers and Bill White and Towermen Forgest Hegwood, John Morrow and Miss Mildred Roberson.
11

A Watershed Constructed On ucooperation"

Bull Creek Watershed

Nestled between Pine Mountain and the Chattahoochee River, in the western most part of Central Georgia, is one of the most unique watersheds in the United States. The Bull Creek Watershed, an urban endeavor, is the first of its kind in this country.
Born into being by Public Law 566, it developed into a body through the cooperation of federal, state and local government agencies; and sustained in life through the cooperation of local garden clubs, civic organizations and the interest of the people.
In 1959, the Muscogee County Commissioners of Roads and Revenue approved a survey to determine the feasibility of constructing a watershed. The survey, costing the county $6,000, indicated that the watershed project was possible.
The County Commissioners proceeded to make arrangements for a planning group to come into Muscogee County and prepare the watershed plans. The

cost of the planning phase to the county was $26,000.
To sell the watershed project, news media were notified, personal contacts made and two public meetings scheduled. On the days of the public meet-
ings, it rained more than two inches each day. On election day, Muscogee Countians witnessed one of the worst floods in its history. Nature as well as supporters had given a helping hand to the watershed's passage.
The Commissioners of Roads and Revenue and the Pine Mountain Soil Conservation District, as co-sponsors, entered into an agreement with the federal government to construct the Bull Creek Watershed.
The watershed is located in central Muscogee County and south central Harris County. It comprises an area of 44,531 acres.
The primary objective of the watershed is to install a combination of land treatment and structual measures which

12

will provide full protection for the main part of the residential and other urban areas for the expected 100 year frequency runoff.
Land treatment measures for flood prevention include critical area tree planting, forest fire control, roadside erosion control and planting of grasses and legumes in critical areas.
The structual measures consist of 11 floodwater retarding structures, channel clearing and enlargement and snagging.
The planned land treatment measures are being installed by landowners under cooperative agreements with the Pine Mountain Soil Conservation District. Land treatment measures for flood prevention on non-federal lands, are being established by the landowners and by contract administered by the sponsoring organizations. Structual measures are being constructed under contracts administered by Muscogee County.
The first structure completed was Lake Heath Park. It is an example of flood control and recreation. The cooperation, between the County Recreation and Parks Department and the Georgia Forestry Commission, has been responsible for the thinning and planting of trees in the area. The watershed forester has named and tagged the dif- ..J ferent species of trees in the Park as well as in the other structures throughout the watershed.
Because of the cooperative participation by local, state and federal government and local citizens, the foundation was laid, and the plans put into motion, that resulted in the Bull Creek Watershed.
- Floyd M. Cook, R. F. Muscogee County Forestry Unit
(

The Not
So Quiet Crisis
Miss Elizabeth Mason Director, Women's Activities National Wildlife Federation
Whine... buzz .. .. .crash! And, another shade tree joins its ancestors! The whine of the power saw was once an unfamiliar sound in the urban areas - but, no more.
"Woodman, woodman, spare that tree! Touch not a single bough" are no longer hol low, facetious words. Your shade trees are in danger. You must protect them and urge
friends and neighbors to do the same. True, some shade trees are diseased and decaying and should be cut, but unfortunately many are victims of unscrupulous and unqualified tree "experts". If you are the lucky owner of beautiful trees in your yard, talk to one of the foresters in the Georgia Metropolitan Program of the Georgia Forestry Commission before you allow any trimming, fertilizing, or spraying, unless you are absolutely sure you are dealing with a reliable and qualified tree firm . And, let me hasten to say that many of them are reliable and do fine work. It is the "quacks" we should be wary of. And these quacks may not only damage or ruin your trees, but take your money as well. There are a few do's and don'ts to remember when arranging for tree work. DO ask
for references if you are not certain the company is a well established, well known outfit. DON'T deal with anyone who is unwilling to furnish references. DO sign a written agreement with the firm you deal with and DON'T pay for the work until it is finished to your satisfaction. (The Georgia Forestry Commission will furnish a sample contract for your use and protection.) DO ask about liability and property damage insurance, and DON'T be too bashful to ask the amount carried . DON'T allow men equipped with spurs to climb up and down your trees. They may cut into the tree and cause it to "bleed" which will attract insects. Chances are you purchased the site for your home because of beautiful shade trees- or selected a house already built and landscaped with trees which added scale and proportion to its attractiveness. Trees do much for us all year - spectacular color in fall; green and inviting coolness in summer; fragrance and blossoms in spring; and interesting limb and twig patterns in winter . And the lovely Georgia pines are green all year for our enjoyment. Trees help build soil and prevent erosion. They furnish homes and food for wildlife. Trees are valuable in so many ways, but it is impossible to put a price tag on their aesthetic and intangible values. Joyce Kilmer described so well the beauty of a tree. Shade trees are not weaklings! They can and do take quite a lot of abuse. Exhausts from automobiles smoke and other forms of air pollution; heat from pavement - to mention only a few hazards. But, trees do need protection from unnecessary surgery and other "treatments". And, they have earned our help and care. And, so Garden Clubbers of Georgia - take heed. Remember the warning! "Woodman, woodman, spare that tree.. .. ..... ...... ." The next shade tree that bites the dust may be your own!
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Dixon Reelected Board Chairman
Hugh M. Dixon Mayor Hugh M. Dixon of Vidalia has been reelected chairman of the Georgia Forestry Commission Board of Commis sioners, announces Ray Shirley, Commission director. He was reelected at the January meeting of the Board in Atlanta. The Toombs County lumberman and timberland owner heads a five man Board that supervises the Forestry Commission's programs. Shirley, in making the announcement stated that the five member Board have given unselfishly of their time and counsel in all areas of Commission service. It has been through their support that the Forestry Commission has been able to initiate such services as the Metro Forestry Program ; continue to develop the Commission's Tree Improvement Program that this year saw the production of more than 22 million improved loblolly and slash pine seedlings; and bring all the state and private forest land in Georgia under protection. In other Board business, Dixon noted the appointment of W. George Beasley, Lavonia, to the Board by Governor Lester Maddox. The term is for seven years. Other members of the Board are M. E. Garrison, Homer; L. H. Morgan, Eastman; and Alexander Sessoms, Cogdell. 14

LETTERS
FIRE CONTROL
Our family wishes to acknowledge the superior and efficient performance of the forestry protection crew of the Macon-Schley County Unit under the supervision of Ranger Chesley Gilmore. Their prompt action prevented many acres of young pine trees from being destroyed by this fire that occurred during August.
I was not present when this f ire occurred but from all accounts of those present, Mr. Gilmore' s unit performed as only a very well trained and efficient unit could, promptly and effective.
Being a graduate of forestry, I can appreciate the accomplishment of this unit in that they contained this very rapidly spreading wildfire, while at the same time inflicting minimum or negligible damage to surrounding trees and property.
Lt. Thomas J. Smith
ANNUAL REPORT
have read your 1968 Annual Report with a great deal of interest. Your organ ization has certainly "spread its wings" since the early days when fire suppression was almost the exclusive job. I note, incidentally, that in a year such as 1968 even one of the best f ire organizations in the country can sustain some pretty heavy Iasses.
The growth of your improved tree program to a level of more than 20 mill ion trees and initiation of your "Metro" forestry program are outstanding.
You and the members of your staff and the members of the Commission are to be congratulated.
Edward P. Cl iff, Chief U. S. Forest Service
RURAL FIRE DEFENSE
Thanks for the quick response and the efficiency in stopping a fire on our farm in South Fulton a few days ago by the Forestry Fire Unit.
The fire was dangerous and could have burned a large acreage with the possibility of reachi ng a church and two residences. It was contained to an area of 25 to 30 acres. The truck from Palmetto came to back up the Forestry Unit and there were a number of volunteers who came along to help.
Thomas L. Camp, Chief Judge Civil Court of Fulton County Atlanta, Georgia

Logging
W. George Beasley, left, Lavonia, has been appointed to the Georgia Forestry Commission Board of Commissioners by Governor Lester Maddox. The term is for seven years.
E. A. Davenport, Jr., chief conservation forester, Union Camp Corp. , Savannah, has been elected chairman-elect of the Southeastern Section, Society of American Foresters. The chairman is John 8. Graves, chief forester, Alabama Power Co., Birmingham, Ala. OBITUARY...Troy Knight, 62, of Ranger has died. The former Gordon County Representative was a member of the Gordon County Forestry Board. He had faithfully served with this body since 1950.

The Foresters
The National Association of State Foresters recently cited Georgia Senator Richard B. Russell, left, for his active support of forest conservation and his services in the development of our natural resources. Georgia Forestry Commission Director Ray Shirley, past association president, presented the plaque.

Miss Lillian Raffo, head, Seeds Section and Forest Statistics , Ministry of Agriculture, Montevideo, Uruguay. recently completed two months of on the job training at the Eastern Tree Seed Laboratory, Macon. Kirk Armstrong, left, seed processor, Georgia Forestry Commission, conducts a tour of the Commission's seed extractory for Miss Raffo and Darrell A. Benson, Seed Lab director.

Carol Cote, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Armand J. Cote, is the 1969 Junior Miss of Dacula. She was crowned by Miss Jerri Lynn Corley. Cote is an assistant Ninth District management forester, Jefferson.

H. E. Ruark, left, director, Georgia Forest Research Council, Macon, receives the 1968 Distinguished Service A ward from the Southeastern Section, Forest Products Research Society. Chairman Terry Sellers, Jr., Reichold Chemicals, Inc., Tuscaloosa, Ala., made the presentation.

E/ey Frazier, consultant forester, Albany, is a new member of the five man Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters. He was sworn in by former Governor's Executive Secretary Tommy Irvin, now Commissioner of Agriculture.
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arch, 969

Here's ow

Pease Bur Your Househo d Trash Careful y!


USE A FIRE-SAFE CONTAINER

PLACE 50 FEET FROM BUILDINGS AND WOODS

CLEAR AREA TO BARE SOIL 5 FEET AROUND B
..................;...: ..
BURN ONLY AFTER 4 P.M. WHEN WIND IS LOW

CHECK FIRE OFTEN UNTIL IT IS DEAD OUT

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