Georgia forestry, Vol. 40, no. 3 (Sept. 1987)

Georgia

FORESTRY
USPS No. 217120 September. 198 7 No. 3 Vol. 40
Joe Frank Harris Governor John W. Mixon Director
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Jim L . Gillis, Jr ., Chairman. Soperton Felton DEnney , Carrollton Eley C. Frazer, Ill, Albany
Patricia B. Robinson. Atlanta Robert Simpson. Ill, Lakeland
STAFF Howard E. Bennett , Editor WilliamS. Edwards, Associate Editor Jackie N. Swinson, Artist
DISTRICT OFFICES
District One
3088 Martha Berry Hwy., NE
Rome, GA 30161
District Two Route 11 . Box 37 Gain-ille. GA 30501
District Three Route 4. Box 16SA Athens, GA 30605
District Four P. 0. Box 1080 Newnan. GA 30264
District Five Highway 49 Milledgeville, GA 31061
District Six Route 2. Sox 266 Washington, GA 30673
District Seven Route 1, Box 23A Americus, GA 31709
District Eight Route 3, Box 17 Tifton, GA 31794
District Nine Route 2, Box 722 Camilla. GA 31730
District Ten Route 2, Box 2S Statesboro, GA 30458
District Eleven Route 1, Sox 46 Helena. GA 31037
District Twelve Route 6. Box 167 Waycross. GA 31501
Urban Forestry 6835 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Georgia Forestry Is published quarterly by the Georgia Forestry Commission, Route 1, Box 181, Dry Branch, GA 31020. Second cl888 postage paid at Macon, GA. POSTMASTER: Send addr8ss changes to Georgia Forestry Comml11ion, Route 1, Box 181, Dry Branch, GA 31020.
2/Georgia Forestry/ September 198 7

Wood-using enterprises from the smallest cabinet building shop to this giant Armstrong World Industries plant in Macon- said to be the largest ceiling material manufacturing plant in the world- are included in the Commission 's revised industry directory.
INDUSTRY DIRECTORY COMPLETED

A directory of wood-using industries in Georgia has been completed and is being distributed through local offices of the Forestry Commission. The publication is a 198 7 listing of plants that manufacture or process wood, and a report of timber volumes used during 1986 by plant type, species, and section of the state.
Paul Butts, Commission utilization foresterwho prepared the 103-page publication, said the directory is prepared as a marketing aid for Georgia grown or manufactured forest products. The utilization report is designed to show trends in timber production and use, and to emphasize the importance of forestry to the local economy.
The publication is based on a statewide survey made by Commission personnel at three year intervals. All plants were contacted by personal visit or telephone.
Primary industries, such as sawmills, are those which use round timber as a raw material, and 500 listings are in this section. Secondary industries, such as furniture plants, use timber and other partially manufactured wood. Listings in the secondary processors section total 1,005.
The directory also includes 1 5 pulp mills which process wood, and nine which process pulp from other mills or waste paper.
Primary manufacturers are listed by plant type, county, facilities, employment class, species used, and major products. Secondary processors are listed by type, county, employment class, and major products.

The utilization report reveals that round timber use in 1986, excluding pulpwood, firewood, and posts, totaled 3.04 billion board feet. This was a six percent increase over 1983, and a 1 31 percent increase over 1964, when the report series started. During this 22-year period, pine sawtimber use increased 186 percent from 922 million board feet.
Thirty-five percent of sawtimber was processed in the Southeastern part of the state, 16 percent in the Southwestern, 34 percent in the Central, nine percent in the North Central , and six percent in the Northern. State pulpwood harvest for theserespectiveareaswas46, 10,24, 13, and 7 percent. Yellow pine accounted for 87 percent of sawtimber and 83 percent of pulpwood.
The report shows that 17 6 sawmills processed 82 percent of sawtimber, 18 veneer and plywood plants used 1 5 percent, 20 primary treaters used 2 percent, and 15 other round timber processors used the remaining one percent.
Including pulp mills, 91 percent of all bark residue was used as industrial fuel. Eighty-four percent of pine and 70 percent of hardwood coarse residues were used for pulp. Less than one percent of bark, chippable, and fine residues were unused .
Secondary manufacturers include 14
bark processors, 77 box and pallet plants, 507 cabinet-millwork-custom furniture, 108 furniture, 48 mobile home-camperprefab, 54 preservative treatment, and 42 truss plants.

ON THE COVER
Miss Georgia Forestry, Kim Deal of Waycross, waves to the crowd on Peachtree Street as the Georgia Forestry Commission float moves along the July 4th parade route in Atlanta. Miss Deal was selected for the crown from a field of 46 contestants. (See story on Page 14).

Trucks hauling logs and other forest products, as well as other large tractor-trailer rigs on Georgia highways , are sometimes involved in serious accidents and the general public often condemns the entire trucking industry, according to a trucking association official.
Although recognizing that many large trucks are operated by expert, safety conscious drivers, the Georgia Forestry Association, with full support of the Georgia Forestry Commission, is waging a campaign aimed at reducing the number of accidents involving forest-related trucks.
In the past, logging trucks have been exempt from roadside safety inspections required of most other trucks. It is anticipated that legislation will be passed by the General Assembly in the next session that will require all log trucks to have safety inspections conducted by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).
Twelve counties in Georgia now have regulations limiting logging traffic access to county roads. These counties, located mostly in the red clay Piedmont area, require a surety bond and notification to officials of the intent to log a tract of timber.
Logging trucks have been regulated in the Western United States for nearly 40 years. Additional county and municipal ordinances were also enacted in the 1970's to regulate logging activities in those states. Several southern states since 1980 have adopted laws affecting logging activities.
The American Trucking Association is also going to crack down on log truck drivers. Lana Batts, vice president of the Association, told the industry attending the recent annual convention of the Georgia Forestry Association on Jekyll Island that her group is focusing on improving driver qualifications, equipment safety and making safety a higher priority of trucking companies.
'We're going to inspect the drivers more," Batts added. "If the drivers can't meet the safety requirements, they're out of business."
The new president of the Georgia Forestry Association, Bill Oettmeier,told those attending the meeting that trucker safety is going to be the number one issue. Incidentally, Oettmeier is a forester who manages 216,000 acres of timberlands near Fargo.
Ofthe 18thatdiedinGeorgiain 1986,one occurred when a log truck, 30,000 pounds overweight and over two feet overheight, snapped a powerline suspended over an Evans County road. Residents who had lost their power called the local electric company. While two men who were sent by the company were repairing the powerline, another truck, also 30,000 pounds overweight and nine inches overheight, hit the line again. The pole snapped, killing the man on the pole while breaking the back and leg of the other repairman.
Georgia law currently requires all heavy trucks to be inspected by the PSC, but the law had exempted farm vehicles and log trucks.
John Mixon,directoroftheGeorgia Forest-

TH~ TROUBl~ WITH TRUCKS

Let's hear it for the Georgia Forestry Association I 'Trucker safety is going to be the No. 1 issue," said Bill Oettmeier who has just been elected president of the 3,800-member Georgia Forestry Association. For too long, safety has failed to receive enough attention. The group is calling the situation "critical." We agree. It is time to focus on improving driver qualifications, equipment safety and keeping safety a top priority. The association has issued a call "to get the bums off the road." That's strong language, but it is past due in coming. The timber industry is vital to Georgia's economy. However, we don't need to stay asleep at the wheel when it comes to highway safety. We encourage the GFA to keep on trucking for higher, safer standards for the logging industry.
-From the Ludowici News

ry Commission, said that the forest industry, along with other forest interests across the state, have a big and important task ahead. "By working together and working closely with those in the logging industry," Mixon added, " I feel sure we can prove to the general public that forestry is indeed a responsible industry."
The new Georgia law requiring that the name of the registered owner of a truck or the name of the person leasing the vehicle be painted on the truck as follows:
"40-8-9. It shall be unlawful to operate in this state any truck or truck tractor having an owner declared gross weight of 43,000 or more pounds which does not comply with the name display requirements of this Code section . Each such truck or truck tractor shall have displayed on each side thereof the name and principal place of domicile of the registered

owner or, if the truck or truck tractor is operating under a lease arrangement, the name and principal place ofdomicile ofthe lessee, except that trucks and truck tractors operating pursuant to aauthority granted by the Public Service Commission or the federal Interstate Commerce Commission shall display the name of the holder of such authority and such other information as may be required by these commissions. The display shall be in sharp color contrast to the background and shall be of such size, color, and shape as to be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance
of 50 feet while the vehicle is not in
motion; and such display of additional information which does not interfere with the legibility of the display required by this Code section. " (All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.)
Georaia Forestry/Seotember 198 7/ 3

KNOW YOUR PROP~RTY liN~S

DON'T LET TIME AND WEATHER ERASE YOUR FOREST lAND BOUNDARIES

BY ROBYN ANTHONY

" Land is the only thing in the world that amounts to anything for 'tis the only thing that lasts... 'Tis the only thing worth working for, worth fighting for - worth dying for."
Gerald O' Hara in Gone With the Wind.
eorgians have historically been tied to
Gthe land. Land has been equated with wealth , and the antebellum South was full of small farmers as well as large plantation owners whose very existence depended on the land . Although this dependence on the agricultural way of life contributed to the downfall of the Old South which found itself mismatched in the Civil War against the industrialized North, tradition is hard to break, and many Georgians still hold close ties to the land that has been passed on through many generations.
Today, there are many types of landowners in Georgia. Some owners actually make their living off the land, others prefer to dwell in rural areas although they don 't cultivate the land, and yet others are absentee landowners who live in the cities or suburbs and visit their land only a few times a year.
All Georgia landowners, no matter how small their property is, are encouraged by the Georgia Forestry Commission to manage their land and the first step is knowing exactly what land is theirs. Establishing and maintaining property boundary lines lets the landowner and everyone else know precisely what land belongs to whom, said Lynn Hooven, chief of the Commission's Management Department.
'The number one reason I know to be knowledgeable about your property boundaries is so you can communicate the information to someone else," said Hooven.
The ability to communicate the knowi-
4 / Georgia Forestry/ September 198 7

edge to someone else is necessary when any type of forestry activity takes place. This activity can be anything from timber cutting to a prescribed burn, and unless the correct lines are established, any number of difficulties may arise. There has been an increase in legal problems concerning boundary line disputes in Georgia, and Hooven points out the need for landowners to take the initiative to clearly and accurately define their boundary lines.
l
"THAT IS ONE OF THE INTANGIBLE BEAUTIES OF OWNING LAND. YOU CAN GET UP EARLY IN THE MORNING AND DRIVE AROUND YOUR BOUNDARIES AND TAKE PLEASURE IN THE FACT THAT THE LAND IS YOURS."
Hooven told of an experience he had while working as a ranger. It involved a landowner who wanted to stage a controlled burn.
"The man requested help from the Commission, and I went out to assist him. I was in the process of plowing a firebreak around the property he thought was his when his neighbor came running out saying we were plowing on his land. Luckily

the situation was resolved and no harm done, but if it had been people cutting timber, it would have been pretty disasterous at that point," said Hooven.
It's also wise to have accurate boundaries of the property defined when the land is to be bought or sold.
" It's a whole lot easier to sell property if you take the potential buyer out and point out the boundaries," Hooven said. "And if you're buying a piece of property, establish boundaries and maintain those boundaries."
Billy Humphries, a professional forester and president of Forest Resource Consultants, Inc. with offices in Macon, also emphasizes the need for landowners to be aware of their correct property boundary lines.
Humphries said there was a case recently in Morgan County where a landowner sold his tract of land which supposedly consisted of 580 acres. as that was the figure on the deed. After the purchase had taken place, the new owner had the land surveyed and found the tract was in actuality only 4 7 5 acres. The land was both bought and sold in good faith, and it was just a simple case of ignorance for all involved, but the buyer ended up losing about $63 ,000 in the deal.
Humphries also points out another complication that might develop for a landowner who is unsure of the exact boundaries of his land.
" You can actually lose land by not establishing and maintaining boundary lines. Adverse possession occurs when a landowner uses a 'safe but inaccurate' method of establishing the boundary lines, " Humphries said.
For instance, if landowner A decides to harvest the timber on his land but isn'tsure exactly where his boundary line is, he may start cutting the trees at a line he knows is

not the actual boundary line, but is definitely within the bounds of his property. He starts cutting at this line to be safe. At a later date, his neighbor, who is landowner B. decides to harvest his own timber, and not knowing his exact boundaries either, cuts up to the " safe " line established by landowner A. Landowner 8 now thinks that the " safe" line is the actual boundary line, and landowner A disputes this claim. Both landowners have a disagreement on their hands that can only be resolved in court.
" Landowner A has, at this point, lost his
timber and will have to pay about $5 ,000
in legal fees. There's just no way he can win, " said Humphries.
"Establishing the boundary lines is also a good idea from a neighborly point of view as well as a legal point of view . After all ," said Humphries, " you don't want to purposely encroach on someone else's pro-
perty.'Humphries explained that 25 or 30
years ago there wasn't as much need for clearly marked lines. Fathers and sons walked the boundary lines generation after gene~ation to keep the lines established . Neighbors also kept in closer touch with each other. If one landowner wasn 't sure of his boundary line, his neighbor was and they trusted each other.
Unfortunately, today most landowners are not as familiar with their land as the generations of owners before them, and there are stories everyday of people filing lawsuits against their neighbors for trespassing. It's often an easy way to capitalize on someone else's mistake, and all landowners would be wise to protect themselves.
Both Humphries and Hooven advise landowners to contact a licensed consulting forester that does land surveying or alicensed land surveyor to have their correct boundary lines established. It should be pointed out. however, that to have the boundary lines on a piece of paper isn 't enough. A landowner should request a "true line survey", and once that true line is established , it should be marked with a permanent material such as concrete, metal, or paint.
It is important to use something permanent as a line marker so that the land will not have to be surveyed again years later. As Hooven warned, "to slash a tree isn't really permanent. Time and weather will erase that slash ." Paint can be used, he said , but it is advisable to mark enough trees so that if a storm blows over one or two, there will still be plenty of marked trees standing. He also reminded landowners that wooden stakes will decay in time.
Hooven said he once knew a landowner who frequently drove along the boundaries of his land after clearing a path of trees and undergrowth.
'That's one of the intangible beauties of owning land. You can get up early in the morning and drive around your boundaries and take pleasure in the fact that the land is

A landowner and a forester inspect a permanent and highly visable boundary line marker.
Georaia Forestrv/ Seotember 198 7/ 5

LAND-USE AND

GA 92

TO ATLANTA
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FOREST MANAGEMENT

Cannot get on Ellis Rd here
ELLIS RO .

GEORGIA
EXPeRIMENT
STATION

FIELD DAY

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Z
TO 8AANESVILLE

Private landowners throughout the state can learn the latest techniques for increasing_land value and preserving natural resources by attending the September 16 Land-Use and Forest Management Field Day at the University of Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin.
Scheduled to begin at 8 :30 a.m. and
continue through the afternoon, the event is described by one of the sponsors as a '" unique and enjoyable approach to landuse seminars:
Sponsored by the Forestry Commission, University of Georgia College of Agriculture, and other related organizations, the ali-day session will feature several distinguished speakers and 12 demonstration sites where state and national specialists will not only demonstrate a variety of valuable techniques, but also offer landowners the opportunity to participate.
Demonstrations will include kudzu control, wildlife management, prescribed burning, herbaceous weed control, forest herbicides/ controlling undesirable species, logging road construction and streamline management, mechanical site
6/ Georgia Forestry/September 198 7

preparation and artificial regeneration, forest pests, thinning practices, timber marketing, natural regeneration, and hardwood management.
.. .I THINK IT COULD BE COMPARED WITH THE PLEASANT QUALITIES OFA COUNTY FAIR!
According to Dr. AI Smith, professor of agronomy for the UGA station, the coordinators of the meet are using a new

approach. '"We found many landowners want to attend such meetings because they realize the importance of the information,'" he said, "but they don't look forward to sitting in a building all day listening to one speaker after another until it becomes drudgery. We have some great speakers that no one will want to miss and they are well integrated into a fast-paced format."
Dr. Smith, who served on the budget committee, said those involved in planning felt there is no reason why such a meet has to be dull and tiring, so committees were formed to use creative approaches. The result is a non-regimented field day offering demonstrations and vigorous speakers - with ice water and refreshments at the various sites and no set schedule for anyone to follow; landowners may choose to attend the demonstrations that interest them.
To make things even more interesting, a
barbeque lunch is included in the $6.00 registration, and $2,000 in prizes will be
awarded throughout the afternoon. Although the field day concentrates on site demonstrations, several distinguished

speakers will address vital topics on land use and forest management. Speakers include former Senator Herman Talmadge, John W. Mixon, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission ; and Bob lzlar, executive director of the Georgia Forestry Association.
Bob Farris, reforestation forester with the Commission's Newnan District, who served as chairman of the committee organizing the field day, said there is another plus factor in the non-restrictive schedule for demonstration sites. "When landowners hear about a meet like this, " he said, "too many of them are less than enthusiastic because they envision themselves having to struggle through thick wooded areas and fight off an army of ticks."
However, Farris said that won't be the situation at the Griffin meet. He predicted landowners will be pleasantly surprised to find themselves taking leisurely walks down shaded grassy pathways, with a break now and then for refreshments from a soft drink wagon or a cup of ice water. Then they might decide to visit any one of a
FOREST LANDOWNER
CONFERENCES ARE SET
FOR SEPTEMBER
A series of Forest Landowner Conferences will be conducted in September by the Georgia Forestry Commission and other organizations to better inform the landowner on how timber can be more profitably grown through wise planting, management and marketing techniques.
The conferences will be held from 1:15 P.M. to 4 :30 P. M . Landowners are being asked to attend the conference in his or her area and to expect to spend a profitable day in learning more about the potential of forest land.
Conference dates and locations are as follows:

SEPTEMBER 10 - ROME: Krannert Center Main Ballroom - Moderator: Francis Morris, Georgia Kraft. SEPTEMBER 17 - ATHENS: Flinchum 's Phoenix - Moderator: John Gunter, UGA Head, Extension Forest Resources. SEPTEMBER 22 - TIFTON: Rural Development Center- Moderator: W. D. Erickson, ITT Rayoneir. SEPTEMBER 25 -JESUP: Cracker Williams Recreation Center - R. L. Maim, Union Camp Corporation.

Other sponsors include the Georgia Forestry Association, Extension Forest Resources, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, and Forest Farmer Association .

number of display booths, comfortably set up in tents by forestry and land management organizations.
" We've attempted to make this session as enjoyable as possible," Farris said, " and I believe it's going to be reflected in attendance. I wouldn 't go so far as to call it a carnival atmosphere, but I think it could be compared with the pleasant qualities of a county fair. "
Farris credits the idea for this attractive atmosphere to Preston Fulmer, Commisstion District Forester for the Newnan District. Fulmer, who served as chairman of the speakers committee, said he believed the field day should be enjoyable as well as educational. " After all," Fulmer said, "there shouldn't be anything unpleasant about learning how to manage your land profitably, while preserving natural resources for future generations."
Fulmer also pointed out that much ofthe planning for the meet is geared to the absentee landowner and many landowners from Atlanta and other urban areas are expected to attend. Although the meet is expected to attract landowners mostly from the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain regions of the state, he hopes to attract a favorable percentage from all sections of Georgia and even from surrounding states.
" This field day is very well put together," Dr. AI Smith said. 'The information and techniques presented could be of equal benefit to landowners in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. I don 't know that I've ever seen so many agencies of this type coordinate efforts to reach common goals. It's very exciting."
Sponsoring agencies include: Department of Natural Resources; Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service; Soil Conservation Service; Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Committee; Georgia Forestry Association; and United States Forest Service.
Landowners interested in attending the field days should call toll free 1-800-GA TREES for registration information.
TIME TO CUT WOOD
It might be a little early for Georgians to think ahead and plan for the first autumn chill in light of the present scorching weather the state is experiencing, but the Commission is reminding homeowners that now is the best time to cut firewood so that it will be properly seasoned when cooler.
In order for the firewood to dry sufficiently, it should be stacked in a shelter or have some type of protective covering. The sides of the stack should be left open so that the air can circulate and dry the wood.
Free literature on cutting, curing, and storing firewood, as well as information on how to operate a chainsaw safely, is available at all Commission offices.

STRANGE RECEIVES
WISE OWL AWARD
When " Red " Strange decided to retire from his position with the United States Forest Service, the board of directors would not accept his resignation. The members said they realized what an asset this man was to forestry! He did retire, however, but forestry continues to reap benefits from his knowledge and contributions .
The Georgia Forestry Association showed James D. Strange just how important he was when the members of the GFA Awards Committee honored him with the coveted Wise Owl Award. Mr. Strange was unknowingly nominated by the members and presented the award at the recent annual convention on Jekyll Island.
Red Strange, nicknamed from his once red hair, has been working for the interests of forestry for over 55 years. He received his bachelors degree in Forestry from the University of Georgia in 1932 and began
(continued on pg. 15)
Georgia Forestry/ September 19B 7/ 7

IN THE LO
NO SU

ailroads long ago gave up w ood as a
Rfuel to fire their locomotives, but down through the years they have never found an adequate su bstitute for t he w ooden crossties that support thei r rails.
Railroads in the United States have been using wooden crossties since 183 2 . Stone blocks were laid as the first support in 18 27, but one winter the quarries closed and some innovative maint enance ma n thought of using wood . That idea began the enduring relationship between

t he railroads and t he forest. Wood has not been the only material test-
ed, but the major railroads have either stuck with t he wood or returned to the dependable material. Steel ties were used but were found t o be too expensive; Ameri ca in t he early 1800's was a st ruggl ing new country that could not afford to install miles of expensive st eel ties.
Concrete ties have also been tried, but eng ineers are still trying to perfect their use. An official of t he Railway Tie Associ a-

tion reported that a concrete tie is an engineering problem - t he tie can be draw n many times on paper but may still crack under pressure.
Virtually every type of tree grown in Georgia has been used in the manufacture of crossties , excluding extremely soft hardwoods such as cottonwood and willow . The most commonly used species are oak, sweetgum, birch, beech, maple, sycamore and hickory. The oak is the predominate species manufactured for crossties.
One of the reasons the railroads use wood is because of its service life. When treated, a crosstie from a sycamore, for example, can be used effectively up to 40 years . The average life expectancy of a properly treated wood tie is 30 to 40 yea rs. This length of time depends on tonnage, ra il changeouts, roadbed quality, maintenance, climate and track curvature.
Most ties manufactured in America are treated with various formulations of creosote coal tar solutions. A creosote tar solu tion is a mixture of number one distill ate creosote oil , a derivative of coal tar, and of the coal tar itself.
Creosote pressure-treating results in long-term resistance to decay and insect damage. This procedure also slows moisture movement out of the t ie while reducing rainwater absorption.
Wood has another property that makes it a popular and practical choiceforcrossties. Wood has a high strength-to-weight ratio. This means that the bending strength of wood is exceptional, as demonstrated by the fact that less than five tenths of one percent of all wood ties removed from tracks are classified as broken . A singl e t reated tie is said to withstand a maxim um of 260 pounds per square inch.
The nine inch square by nine foot piece of wood has been used in Georgia for more than 11 0 years. The British railroads w ere using stone blocks, cast iron chairs and wrought iron edge rails , which were beyond t he meager American capital. A mile of railroad in Great Britian, counting costs of equ ipment, land, track, and bridges, totalled $180,000 in the 1840's. T he same distance in America with wooden

8/ Georgia Forestry/ September 198 7

HISTORY OF THE RAILROAD

ITUTE FOR THE WOODEN TIE

BY DEANNA MILLER

crossties cost only $20,000 to $30,000. With the exception of crossties, wood has
been eliminated from American railroads. Wood-burning locomotives vanished by the middle 1880's; wood freight cars were made obsolete by steel in the late 1890's, with wooden passenger cars following in the next decade. Train stations made of wood are often preserved merely as Victorian relics. But the wooden cross~ies remains essential in the 340,000 miles of railway tracks that crisscross this nation.
Today, approximately 800 million ties are in use; only about 19 million are new ones replaced each year. Since the ties can last for 40 years (even 60 in some remote areas) the manufacturers are not receiving as many orders as they did in the past. The nation's railroads were putting down 100 million crossties per year in 1900; in recent years manufacturers annually sell about 33 million ties.
Georgia experienced a big business in the manufacture and sale of crossties at the turn of the century. The oak, found throughout the state, was in high demand. Today, approximately 200,000 ties are produced in Georgia each year. Crosstie producing plants in the state are becoming as scarce as old wooden train depots. An official with Southern Wood Processing in Spartanburg, North Carolina. explained the recent slump in sales. The railroads in the 1970's, he said, were experiencing the same recession that had hit other industries. The railroads were cutting back on crosstie orders and apparently were not replacing ties as often as they had in the past. Some plants are switching to producing furniture parts instead of crossties.

Despite the rece nt d rop in demand for wooden crossties, offi cials of t he Rai lway Tie Association beli eve t he story of wooden crossties is not over. The railroads

w il l g radua lly increase its performance and demand more crossties . The forest and its vast resources will continue to be a vital part of t he country's railroads.

During the first half of the nineteenth century, virtually everything about the Georgia railroad was wooden, from its freight and passenger cars to the wooden trestles that would suspend the railway high above rivers and deep crevices. Many of the durable structures still exist.

Gear ia Forestry/ September 198 7/ 9

One of the most aggressive potential enemies of the Georgia Forestry Commission and otherforest interests is making its way South. The gypsy moth, which has mainly been seen in the Northeastern United States, is now appearing as far west as the state of Washington and has been detected throughout the South.
The gypsy moth concerns the Commission because the pest is a serious defoliator of trees. Although it feeds on over 100 species oftrees and shrubs, the pest's favorite tree is the oak. The caterpillar also prefers such types as apple, alder. beech, basswood, gray and river birch, hawthorn, cherry, elm, blackgum, hickory, hornbeam, larch, maple, and sassafras. Older larvae will successfully feed on pine trees.
Forests filled with aspen or gray birch in the Northeast were the most susceptible during the first 20 years of the moth's infestation. The reason for this vulnerability is that these species of trees grew mainly after certain disturbances in the woods, such as storms and urbanization. Trees that have been thinned or damaged by a storm favor occurrence and persistance of the gypsy moth because this creates protected places on the trees for the moth to rest. pupate, and oviposit.
Although the Commission is watching the spread of the gypsy moth carefully, a serious epidemic is not apparent, according to Terry Price, the Commission's entomologist. 'The .Georgia Forestry Commission has been setting traps throughout Georgia to survey for the moths," Price said.Traps are baited with a sex lure that attracts only the male gypsy moth, he explained. If a male moth is found, teams of specialists will go into the area surrounding the particular trap and inspect the woods. Later more traps will be set in order to determine whether the one moth was incidental, he said.
One of the most popular ways a gypsy moth travels is by hopping a ride on a recreational vehicle. A family, for instance, may be leaving their home in Massachusetts, where the moth first appeared, and egg masses or even an adult moth may be attached to their vehicle. Once the vehicle reaches its destination, perhaps in a Georgia recreational area, the eggs could hatch and the caterpillars would be introduced to a new locale.
The United States first saw the gypsy moth in 1869 when a biologist, L. Trouvelot, wanted to interbreed the moth with silkmoths to produce a hardy race of silk-producing caterpillars. Larvae escaped from his Medford, Massashusetts lab causing the current infestation of the Northeast United States.
Professor Trouvelot warned Boston officials of the potential disaster, but he failed to convince them to destroy the moth. Efforts to eradicate the moth became necessary when the pest was so numerous in Medford and surrounding areas. In 1890, the Common-

A
HITCHHIKER PEST IS HEADING SOUTH

wealth of Massachusetts undertook steps to establish the first law in the United States for the extermination of an insect.
Along with the serious damage done to trees and shrubs, the gypsy moth can also cause car accidents and is a health menace. The gypsy moth has been known to blanket roads by the millions in such states as Connecticut and Massachusetts, causing cars to slide as if on ice. People with allergies and sinus trouble may experience discomfort during the caterpillar's moulting season. The . discarded skin will get into the air and result in sufferers of sinus-like problems.
10,000 MOTH TRAPS SET ALONG GEORGIA'S NORTHERN BORDER, OTHER SECTIONS

sion will continue to monitor the pest and advise the public if the situation becomes threatening.
The Commission, in cooperation with other organizations, has set approximately 10,000 moth traps along Georgia's northern border and other sections of this state. "We don't want to be caught napping," said Dr. Wayne Berisford, a professor with the University of Georgia's Entomology Department and chairman of the state's Gypsy Moth Advisory Committee. He said the traps serve as "an early warning system."
It has been pointed out that the female moth cannot fly, which slows their natural rate of movement Southward, However, they can lay egg masses on recreational and other vehicles and if the eggs hatch while such vehicles are passing through Georgia, a population is established in this state.

Since the escape from the Medford lab in 1869, the gypsy moth has defoliated 200 thousand square miles of forest and ornamental trees. Price said the Commis-

10/Georgia Forestry/September 198 7

Governor Joe Frank Harris and Congressman Ed Jenkins were featured speakers September 4 at a ceremony marking the 50th annivers:?ry of Chenochtah Tower.
Other dignitaries participating in the brief ceremony at the mountaintop landmark near Cornelia were Director John Mixon of the Georgia Forestry Commission; Supervisor Pat Thomas, U. S. Forest Service; Senator John Forester; Glenn W . Ellard, Clerk of Georgia House of Representatives and others. Forestry and other exhibits were featured on the tower grounds.
Carolyn Stewart, one of the program planners, said the Habersham County High Schools ' Blue Band performed, vocalist Janet Robertson sang and the local Boy Scouts posted colors.

Ranger Brion Williams of the Habersham County Forestry Unit, who supervised much of the structure's renovation, stands on the stone platform at the base of historic Chenocetah Tower.

OLD MOUNTAINTOP TOWER NOW USED BY COMMISSION

50th ANNIVERSARY OBSERVED

0n a clear day you can see a half dozen Georgia Counties and the moutains of two neighboring states. Your eyes can pick out the beginning of the celebrated Appalachian Trail and follow it for some distance into the blue haze of North Carolina.

The vantage point is the observation room atop Chenocetah Tower,an imposing stone structure built a half century ago on the summit of Chenocetah Mountain on the outskirts of Cornelia.
Built by local labor under a federal program during the country's depression era,

the familiar Habersham County landmark was used for forest fire observation on a seasonal basis by the U. S. Forest Service for 34 years. It was abandoned in 1971 in favor of surveillance by aircraft.
Now the fortress-like tower has been reactivated by the Forestry Commission. Ranger Brion Williams and his personnel of the Habersham County Unit renovated the 54-foot tower for Commission use after they were forced to dismantle a conventional steel tower that had been constantly hit by vandalism because of its remote location.
The unit last summer replaced some of the woodwork, replaced windows, added mortar to part of the stonework and repainted the spiral staircase. "We worked long and hard to get it in good shape," said Williams. The unit's efforts today are reflected in the attractive tower and the surrounding mountaintop grounds that are the scene of a community Easter Sunrise Service each year.
The Commission, however, was not alone in the restoration of the old tower. Members of the Chenocetah Conservation Corps, formed several years ago to preserve and protect the old tower and grounds, and the Cornelia Garden Club have been active in extensive landscaping planning and fund raising for the project. The local chamber of commerce and other groups are also involved.
Park benches and lights will be installed on the grounds and native flowers and ground cover will be planted along the walkways.
The Chenocetah Tower is built of huge granite stones, with walls two feet thick. It is situated on a square stone platform with a granite balustrade. It is 1,830 feet above sealevel.
Architecturally, the tower is both an example of the 1930s era of public works design and the construction and craftsmanship of local people using local materials under federal direction, according to a survey by the U.S. Forest Service.
Georgia Forestrv/Seotember 798 711 1

many years; so they assume the trees are completely healthy and okay," Dolliver said. " But, unfortunately, this is often not the case. All too often, when the general public begins to notice a decline in urban tree population, it's too late. Also, there is always the danger that an entire species can be wiped out by a single type of insect or disease."
Dolliver said potential loss of an entire species is most likely a monoculture (large number of a single species) of trees exist.
"Macon is approaching such a monoculture in cherry trees, " Dolliver pointed out. 'The city is now internationally known for the annual cherry blossom festival. This fact alone warrants the services of a fulltime urban forester."

Urban forestry is discussed at City Hall in Macon by (left to right) Commission Director Joh~ Mtxon, Mayor George Israel, forestry student intern Terri Bates, Forester Sharon Dolltver, forestry student intern Ken Sewell, and Emory Greene, chairman of the Bibb County Board of Commissioners.

SURVEY REVEALS NEED FOR CITY

.TO HALT RAPID DECLINE OF TREES

survey of the city of Macon's urban
Atree population, now being conducted jointly by the Commission and city, is revealing with increasing clarity that the city 's scenic tree population faces drastic decline unless appropriate professional care is provided.
Sharon Dolliver. statewide urban forestry coordinatorfor the Commission. said the current study was prompted by a similar Commission study conducted last summer which revealed that one third of the trees in Macon's historic district were dying , dead. or had already been removed. and more than 60 percent of those remaining were in poor condition.
The current survey, being conducted by college interns hired by the Commission and city for three months. continues to confirm previous negative findings of the previous study. Dolliver said current conclusions indicate the definite need for professional services of a full-time urban forester to monitor tree populations and coordinate preservation and replanting activities .
" Much of Macon's tree population consists of old trees that are in declining condition," Dolliver pointed out. " Most of these are beautiful representatives of their species that could enhance the beauty of the city for many years to come- but only if professional monitoring and resulting care is provided . Then whatever loss is inevi-
_ _ 1c_.?L./Gnnmia Fnre.<;;trv/ St:mtP.mber 198 7

table can be regulated so the character of the city will not be disfigured."
Dolliver. who has worked on urban forestry projects throughout the state. emphasized that if professional care is not provided for Macon's trees. a large percent-
age of Macon 's trees will be lost, and possibly lost so quickly that the city's image will be seriously marred.
'The problem with most situations like this is that people see urban trees every day, and have probably seen them for

L. L. "Pete " Phillips
A FO RESTRV FRIEND
CLAIMED BY DEATH
The Georgia Forestry Commission and every other agency and organization in the state that is vitally concerned with conservation last month lost a true friend.
State Representative L. L. " Pete" Phillips of Soperton died after a lengthy battle with cancer and many state officials and other friends from across Georgia gathered for the funeral in his home town to pay tribute to a leader who worked so dilligently for the preservation of the state's natural resources.
Commission Director John Mixon said the representative from District 120 " was a great and true friend of forestry and the entire forestry community will now miss his friendship and support. " Mixon said Representative Phillips, himself a professional forester, worked through the General Assembly to help the Commission in a number of important projects. He was chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.
The Commission extends deepest sympathy to the family during this time of sorrow.

BILLION DOLLAR
Governor Joe Frank Harris and other state dignitaries were among more than 150 0 people attending the recent dedication of Effingham County's new $1 billion Fort Howard paper mill located on the Savannah River outside Rincon.
The Governor, who performed the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the dedication, pointed out that Fort Howard 's 19 85 decision to locate the new forestry related industry in Georgia set a record as the largest single captial investment in state 's history. Recalling that he operated a
BEETLE UPDATE
The Southern Pine Beetle is beginning to increase in portions of Pickens, Whitfield, Dawson, and Rabun Counties and populations are expected to continue on an upward swing to several North Georgia Counties before the end of 198 7, according to Terry Price, Commission entomologist.
Based on the most recent aerial survey and field reports from district personnel , 985 spots were recorded throughout the state. Dawson County had the biggest occurance with a total of 85 spots.
Historically, the duration of outbreaks in the more northern counties of the state is about one season as opposed to 18 months to three years in the Piedmont and the current activity, therefore, is not expected to carry over into 1988. Price said.
"The total acres of hardwood has increased considerably in this region of the state si nee the 19 7 2 Forest Service survey," he said, " while the total acres of pine has decreased ...This may possibly explain why the duration of outbreaks is considerably shorter in this region than in other areas of the state. " He said spots tend to die out when pine is intermixed with hardwoods.

MILL DEDICATED
bulldozer two years ago at the plant's groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Harris said, " I remember digging and breaking ground for this beautiful plant that is here today. "
Constructed 15 miles upriver from the port city of Savannah, the faci lity began making paper products last September and became fully operational in March of this year. Now employing approximately 300 workers from six surrounding counties, Fort Howard officials expect total employment to reach 1,000 by 1992 when plant expansion is completed.
Robert Holt, a spokes man for the company, said rapid progress is being made and the plant's second paper machine should be installed by mid-19 8 8. W hen this second machine becomes operational. Holt said an additional 500 workers will be employed.
Fort Howard, with national headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a major manufacturer of paper and paper products. The majority of these products are sold through wholesale distributors to food service markets. Other users include hospitals, educational institutions and the dairy industry.
Holt said the Effingham County plant is classified as a tissue mi ll and specializes in four products: bathroom tissue, facial tissue, napkins and paper towels. He said the company also has tissue plants located at Green Bay headquarters and Muskogee, Oklahoma. Holt said the Rincon plant produces 22-foot-wide sheets of paper at speeds exceeding a mile a minute.
The Fort Howard spokesman pointed out that the company has rights to patents that enable it to process waste paper in the production of their tissue paper products. He said this process becomes high ly technical in some phases and requires special train ing for numerous employees.
Economic impact of the Fort Howard facility on the Rincon/ Springfield area is already obvious. A new shopping center and numerous businesses have been establ ished since the plant began operation. New chain establishments included Walmart, Revco, Hardee's, and Huddle House.
Governor Harris commended Fort Howard on its progress and said the decision ofthe forestry related industry to build in Georgia was the result of "teamwork between state and local government. the public and private sector, and the state's congressional delegation."
Fort Howard spokesman Robert Holt echoed the governor's views when he said, " Our company has received tremendous cooperation for the Governor's office and all state and local agencies. We look forward to many years of success and service in Georgia."

REALISTIC FLOAT TREE FOOLS BIRDS
A female bird knows that the best place to build a nest for her young is in a tall tree. She searches for the perfect tree that wil l shelter her newly hatched chicks from nature's harmful elements. In Ware County, a mockingbird did just that, but what she found for her nest was afake tree on a Georgia Forestry Commission float!
The display on the float is actually a talking tree complete with a huge trunk, spreading branches, and moving eyes and mouth. Designed by commission personnel at the Macon office and bui lt by the Berrien and Ware County Units, the float accomplished its purpose this summer by appearing in numerous parades to represent forestry.
The float was parked behind an old shed for a much needed rest. and thats when the mocking bird decided to build her family's home in the artificial tree.
PERRY STUDENT TAKES
TOP WORKSHOP HONORS
Student Keven Beckham of Perry captured top honors at the recent Natural Resources Conservation Workshop, an annual summer training event sponsored by the Commission and several other conservation-minded organizations.
The high school student received a $75 0 scholarship, a camera and a plaque at the workshop held on the campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton.
Other top achievers and their awards were Stanley Slater of Collins, $500 scholarship, $25 cash and a plaque; Bobby Mathis of Cochran, $400 scholarship, $25 cash and a placque.
WORKSHO P PLANNED
Vendors and landowners who are planting pine seedlings under the federal costshare programs (FIP, ACP and CRP) are asked to attend one of the Commission's vendor workshops to be held around the state this fall.
Frank Green, GFC staff reforestation forester, said the Commission has been given the responsibility of making sure quality reforestation is being carried under the various programs. Proper planting procedures and related topics will be discussed. Workshop dates at GFC District Offices will be announced.
Georgia Forestry/ September 19 8 7/ 13

dent Council, 4-H club,and editor of her high school newspaper.
Placing second in the pageant was Miss Nita Jane Browning, representing Crisp and Dooly Counties. Miss Browning is the 17year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Browning of Cordele.
Miss Stacy Lynn Garrett of Watkinsville was voted Miss Congeniality by the other contestants. She is the daughter of James and Sheila Garrett of Oconee County.

Miss Kim Deal of Ware County was No. 46 in a field of 46 contestants, but the judges made her No. 1 when they selected her for the Miss Georgia Forestry Crown.

WAYCROSS STUDENT CAPTURES MISS GEORGIA FORESTRY TITLE

Miss Kim Deal of Ware County was recently crowned Miss Georgia Forestry for 198 7. The 18-year-old student at Waycross Junior College was selected from a field of 46 contestants who had won pageants in their local home counties.
She was crowned at the state finals held in conjunction with the annual convention of the Georgia Forestry Association on Jekyll Island.
The pretty blue-eyed blonde, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Deal of Waycross, enjoys playing basketball and tennis and spends much of the summer each year as a coun selor at the Rock Eagle 4-H Camp. She said she feels that being a counselor of children
14/ Georgia Forestry/ September 198 7

ranging from 11 to 13 years of age is one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
Miss Deal is obtaining an Associate Degree in Journalism from Waycross Junior College. She later plans to work toward a bachelor's degree but says it is too early to t ell where and what she w ill be studying.
The new Miss Georgia Forestry, who was crowned by the retiring queen, Miss Kathy Laurie Finch of Jackson County, was featured on the Georgia Forestry Commis sion float in the July 4th parade in Atlanta and will participate in other parades, festivals, fairs, and other events concerning forestry.
Along w ith being a camp counselor, Miss Deal has been active in the Anchor Club, Stu

Miss Gum Spirits of Turpentine poses with Jim Gillis, president of the American Turpentine Farmers Association.
MISS NANCE WINS GUM SPIRITS CROWN
Heather Marie Nance of Charlton County was crowned Miss Gum Spirits during the finals ofthe annual Miss Georgia Forestry pageant on Jekyll Island.
Each year, pageant contestants representing the tier of South Georgia counties comprising the state's naval stores belt are eligible to compete for the Miss Gum Spirits crown.
Miss Nance, 18, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.William R. Nance and is currently studying finance at the University of Georgia.
The new Miss Gum Spirits will represent the American Turpentine Farmers Association in parades, fes tivals and other events. Her portrait will appear on the association's 1988 calendar.
Miss Nance succeeds Miss Kara Boatright of Bacon County, the retiring Miss Gum Spirits.

FORESTER CHARLES A. GREMILLION, Newnan District Office, has been named district forester in Camilla, to replace Paul Bledsoe, who recently retired. Gremillion started with the Commission in 1984 as a forest

PATE
ranger. He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech (1966). He and his wife, Karen, from Douglasville, have two children, Michael and Christan...WILLIAM PATE, JR. has become the new ranger of Washington County Unit. Sandersville, to replace Wade Robinson. Pate, a native of Davisboro, came with the Commission in 1985 as a forest patrolman. He served two years in the U. S. Army, with one year in Vietnam. He is married to the former Lynn Schlup of Angola, Indiana...

DEVEREAUX

GRINER

THERON L. DEVEREAUX. veteran Athens district forester, has been assigned a new position of managing special statewide projects with offices in Athens. Devereaux, a Wayne County native, graduated from Jesup High School and received a BSF from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, the former Christine Barret from Ludowici, have five children. Devereaux came with the Commission in 1959 in Elbert and Madison Counties. He served in the U. S. Army for three years...RICHARD DONALD GRINER. district forester, Washington District, has been reassigned to head the Athens Office. Griner began working for the Commission in 1958 as an assistant ranger in Worth County. He is a graduate of Mitchell County High School and received a BSF from the University of Georgia. He is married to the former Polly Tye from Shorterville, Alabama,and they have two boys, Richard and Bob. Griner

served in the U. S. Marine Corps for two years...SAMUEL SWEAT has become the new ranger of Atkinson County. Sweat, a Waycross native, is a graduate of Ware County High School. He is married to the former Michelle Taylor of Waycross. They have one daughter. Sweat began with the Commission in 1982 as a forest patrolman in Ware County...WADE ROBINSON, ranger of the Washington-Johnson County Unit was honored recently by many friends as he retired from the Commission after 32 years of service. He was cited for his service
to the two counties in fire prevention, RFD promotion and other contributions . Robinson and his wife, Lavonia and a granddaughter live in Tennille.
PERSONNE*L* A*WARDED
The Georgia Forestry Association recognized the " Best District and the Best County Unit" of the Georgia Forestry Commission at the organization's recent annual conference on Jekyll Island.
The Awards Committee of the GFA selected District Nine as the best district of the Commission. District Forester Paul L. Bledsoe accepted the award for the district,which is composed of Baker, Mitchell, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Seminole, and Thomas Counties.
The GFA also presented Newton-Rockdale County Unit the award for the best unit ofthe Commission. Ranger Beryl Budd accepted the award. Other unit personnel included Forest Patrolmen Bobby Crow, Larry Mitchell, and Archie Ballard, and Tower Operator Geraldine Cargile.
(Strange - cont. from pg. 7)
working for the U. S. Forest Service in 1933.
While working with the USFS, Strange appraised and acquired land for national forests, gave professional and management advice for national forest timber. He was also

SEMINAR ON EXPORTS
PLANNED FOR SEPT. 11
Georgia 's small businesses will explore the importance of exporting softwood products when the International Trade Development Center (ITDC). a division of the Georgia Small Business Development Center, holds a day-long seminar September 11 at the Coastal Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Savannah.
The theme of the seminar, "Softwood Lumber Exporting: What are the Poss ibilities?", will focus on exporting pine and cypress lumber products and increasing worldwide trade for forestry products in Georgia and the Southeast. The event is expected to draw attendees from a tenstate area.
Speakers for the seminar will be representatives from state forestry departments, forest products association, and lumber companies from throughout the Southeast. Topics include exporting from Georgia, the function of agents and brokers in overseas markets, special packaging requirements, and export lumber quality.The agenda also includes atourof a Savannah lumber firm that specializes in handling and packaging lumber for export.
The seminar is being sponsored by the ITDC, the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Extension Forest Resources Department of the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service, the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade, and the U. S. Foreign and Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Registration and other information may be obtained by calling Tom Hammett at the ITDC, Small Business Development Center, Athens, (404-542-5760) or Julian Beck at UGA's Extension Forest Resources Department, Athens, (404-542-3446) .
associate director for the southeastern area of USFS.
Since his retirement in 1969, Strange has continued to work in aforest-related capacity. He is a consultant to attorneys, public organizations and agencies, private landowners and banks, on the management and acquisition of forest land.
Georgia Forestry/ September 198 7/ 15

ARE YOUR CHILDREN INVOLVED?

PROJECT LEARNING TREE

Project Learning Tree, the award winning environmental education program designed for teachers working with students ranging from kindergarten through high school, is now co-sponsored in Georgia by the

Georgia Forestry Commission. Ifyour children are not involved in this exciting program, write to Georgia PLT, P. 0. Box 819, Macon, Georgia 312984599 for some very interesting details.

SECOND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT MACON, GEORGIA

SERI LS SECTION

UGA - U IV RSITY LI RARIES

ATHEr S

GA

30602