Georgia forestry, Vol. 45, no. 2 (Summer 1992)

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Georgia

FORESTRY

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US PS No. 217120

Summer, 1992

STAFF '~ tl ;;;:: }; :. "

I.

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Howard E. Bennett, .EB'itQr .

William S. Edwards, As so: Editor

Jackie N. Cundiff, Graphic Artist

Bob Lazenby, Technical Advisor

Zell Miller, Governor John W. Mixon, Director

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Jim L. Gillis, Jr., Chairman, Soperton
Felton Denney, Carrollton James Fendig, Savannah Dr. Gloria Shatto, Rome Robert Simpson, Ill , Lakeland

DISTRICT OFFICES
District One 3086 Martha Berry Hwy.. NE/Rome, GA 30161
District Two 3005 Atlanta Hwy./Gainesville, GA 30501
District Three 1055 E. Whitehall Rd./Athens . GA 30605
Di<trin Four 1B4 Corinth Rd / Pwnan. GA !0261
D istrict Five 119 Highway 49/Milledgeville, GA 31061
Di<trin Six 146S Tygnall Rd./Wa>hin gto n. GA 10h71
District Seven Route 1. Box 23A/Ameri cus. GA 31709
District Eight Route 3, Box 17/Tifton . GA 31794
Distri ct Nine P.O . Box 345/Camilla . GA 31 730
District Ten Route 2. Box 28/Statesboro, GA 30458
District Eleven Route 1. Box 67/H elpna. GA 31037
District Twplve 500J Jacksonville Hwy./Waycross. GA 31501
Urban Fo restry 6835 Memorial Drive StonE' Mountain. GA 30081
Georgia Forestry is published quarterly by the Georgia Forestry Commission, Route 1, Box 181, Dry Branch, GA 31020. Second class postage paid at Macon, GA POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Georgia Forestry Commission, Route 1, Box 181, Dry Branch, GA 31 020.
2/Georgia Forestry/Summer 7992

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTS OUTSTANDING AWARD TO GEORGIA'S PROJECT LEARNING TREE

Georgia is nationally recognized for its excellence in the administration of Project Learning Tree, one of the most widely recognized and broadly used environmental educational programs in the country.
The Outstanding Program Award was presented this spring at the Project Learning Tree (PLT) 1992 International Coordinators Conference in Denver and was accepted on behalf of the Georgia program by the state's coordinators, Sharon Dolliver, Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon; Laura
Newbern, Georgia Forestry Association, Atlanta; Richard Osorio, Rock Eagle Center, Eatonton; and Dave Francis, Louisiana Pacific, Inc., Chairman of the PLT Steering Committee.
The international organization cited the Georgians for an effective regional coordinator network that helps administer workshops statewide for school teachers. More than 1,100 teachersin the state received PLT training in 1991.

PLT officials said other accomplishments that led to the award included the work of Georgia's active steering committee, the publication of a newsletter and brochures, a good relationship maintained with state legislators and an effective approach to fund raising.
Sue Shaddeau of the Ameri can Forest Council, one of the foundin g organizations of PLT in 1976, said the presentation in Denver was especially a high honor as the state has been in the program less than five years.
Using the forest (or a single tree) as a window to the natural world, PLT provides educators with activities they can integrate with all school subjects. The material is now available in 50 states and seven foreign countries. It has been translated into French, Swedish, Finnish and Spanish.
Materials are available for kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Teachers and other youth group leaders attend six-hour workshops.
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FORESTRY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Georgia Forestry Association Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 28-29 on Jekyll Island and officials said the staff and th e GFA Annual Meeting Committee have worked to make the meeting interesting and enjoyable.
Some of the highlights include the Sunday evening reception, Monday morning awards breakfast/business session, general session, afternoon golf and skeet tournaments, and evening banquet and children 's programs.
The Georgia Tree Farm Committee and Georgia Project Learnin g Tree are coordinating a silent auction in co njunction with the meeting.
In the General Session , Carroll Lamb, Executive Director, Florida Forestry Association, wil l address forestry re gulations in Florida; VIP 'sDr. Robert Shaffer will speak on the

nationwide trend towards forestry regulations with emphasis on California; GFA's Publicity Chairman Lynn Klein , Georgia-Pacific, along with the public relations firm of Hill and Knowlton's Ken Willis and Laurie Olsen, will unveil GFA's new public relation s initiative. Dr. Tom Jauch, the final speaker, will tie the issues and PR effort together with a motivation talk on how individual members can become involved and be more effective.
The program has been approved by the Georgia Center for Continuing Education for CFE credits (3 hours under Category 1) for attending foresters.
The theme of this year's meeting is "The Time Is Now!" . It builds on last year's "Communications - No Time For Idle Talk".
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ON THE COVER- Forester-Photographer Bob Goebel of Mansville captured
thispeaceful rural scene in mountainous Rabun Co unty. The scene istypi cal of th e north Georgia mountains surroundin g Dillard, a popular area with tourists and other sightseers. Goebel travels statewide, specializing in landscape phot o graphy .

Reforestation and Afforestation, Forest and Agroforest lmprovem.~nt, Soil and Water Protection and Improvement, Riparian and Wetland Protection and Improvement, Fisheries Habitat En\ ~tic11r\l/~il~life Hab_itat Enhance~,iiiriJ lo~ecreat1on Enhancement.
FEB 1 0s~AL COMPONENTS

T t.LhiT~~L~tna_tor emphasized that E(~&l.VJ!I'lWii,~ contains several com p~effl~'HHfi - can be implemented il"

desired by the landowner and recom-

mended by the resource professional.

Thompson said some of the com-

ponents under the general practices

could include wildlife food plots, erosion

control on existing roads, stabilizing

critically eroded areas with permanent

vegetation, preparing land and planting

trees, establishing endangered species

Landowner Tom Aiken, right, stands with Chief Forest Ranger Homer Bennett at habitat protection, building bird and

the sign that designates his Lamar County woodlands as a Stewardship Forest. other wildlife housing, establishing non-

Aiken is the second Georgian to meet rigid qualifications of the program and vehicular trails and many others.

rece ive the distinction.

He pointed out that SIP is similar to

other cost-share programs that are
LANDOWNERS URGED TO PARTICIPATE familiar to many Georgia landowners, but said there are some differences. He

IN STEWARDSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM listed general eligibility requirements: Ownership of 25 contiguous acres of non-industrial private land in Georgia, of

The Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP), a federally funded cost share concept administered by the Georgia

other." The coordinator expiained that the
integrated approach to forestland

which 10 acres is currently in forest land or proposed to be converted to forest land; landowners owning less than 25

Forestry Commission in cooperation management, as promoted by FSP , acres, or between 1,000 and 5,000 acres

with the USFS and ASCS, has through encourages landowners to have writ- of forestland, may qualify if approved

the end of May, approved 226 Georgia ten plans called Forest Stewardship through a written request to participate.

landowners for $286,000 to install Plans prepared by qualified resource He said landowners with more than

multiple resource practices on their professionals such as registered for- 5,000 acres of forestland are not eligible

forestlands.

esters and wildlife biologists. "When a to participate in SIP and land currently

Forester Larry W. Thompson of the plan is developed, a landowner can enrolled under the Conservation

Georgia Forestry Comm ission, state- take an active role in his or her forest Reserve Program is not eligible for cost

wide coordinator for the program, said acreage, for instance, as it is being share assistance. There are other eligi-

interested landowners are being managed productively and com- bility requirements that apply to SIP. The

encouraged to take advantage of the patibly with other resources," he said. Georgia Forestry Commission can

incentive which provides financial "The Forest Stewardship Plan is the explain them to those who are inter-

assistance to private non-industrial written guide a landowner can use to ested in participating under SIP.

forest landowners in gaining greater accomplish certain actions and recom-

"As with other federally funded cost-

economic, environmental and social mendations that complement each shared programs, there are conditions

benefits from their lands by practicing resource within a suggested timetable required by the government,"

multiple resource management. the landowner has agreed to. It is the Thompson said. "Provisions in this pro-

Resources of concern include timber, blueprint by which, if followed, can gram generally require the landowner to

wildlife, soil, water, recreation and improve the quality of forestland and maintain the practice for a period of

aesthetics.

associated resources over a period of ten years. "

Thompson said the program be- time, benefiting not only the land-

Landowners can apply for SIP at their

came available to Georgia landowners owner, but society as well."

local county ASCS office at any time

February 3. "There is nothing new about the concept," Thompson said.

EIGHT PRACTICES

since the program observes an open enrollment period.

" It is the approach that is new and different; the Forest Stewardship Program

Thompson said actions and practices listed in the landowner's plan as

Georgia forest landowners interested in learning more about multiple resource

(FSP) the initial and companion pro- objectives may qualify for cost-share management through Forest Steward-

gram to SIP, was developed in 1990 as assistance under SIP. He said the eight ship, and its relationship to SIP and

a practical means of integrating SIP practices available under the pro- eligibility requirements, are asked to call

management of the various resources gram include Landowner Forest the Georgia Forestry Commission at its

in ways that complement each Stewardship Plan Development, toll free number: 800-GA-TREES.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/3

Melinda Parker, Miss Georgia Forestry, poses with the forestry team representing the Pierce County High School FFA Chapter after the students captured first place at the annual field day. Below is the Bleckley County High School team, second place winner.

PIERCE, BLECKLEY FFA CHAPTERS
TAKE FORESTRY FIELD DAY HONORS
[ ! ] he competition began in regional meets in early spring and the conclusion came when almost 100 students representing 19 public schools came to Macon for the showdown in the 1992 FFA Forestry Field Day statewide finals.
The Pierce County High School Chapterofthe Future Farmers of America was declared the first place winner after the team scored highest in forestry skills. Second place honors went to the FFA team from Bleckley County High School.
The students competed on the grounds of the Georgia Forestry Commission state headquarters in ski lls including tree identification, tree planting, timber estimation, selective marking, pulpwood estimation, land measurement and several others.
A highlight of the annual contest at the forestry center was an address by Dr. Maitland Adams of the School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia.
After the judging and prior to the awards ceremony, a dinner was served to the students, advisors, judges and special guests. The field day was sponsored by the Trust Company Bank of Middle Georgia in Macon, Union Camp Corporation of Savannah and the Coca-Cola B_ottling Company of Macon.
The contest begins each year with Don Register, Malcolm Dillard and Steve Meeks, consulting foresters of the State Vocational Agricultual Department, co ndu cting regional field days around the state. The two top teams in each region are eligible to compete in the state meet in Macon.
Schools competing in the State Finals this year include Pi erce County, Effingham County, johnson County, Loui svi lle High, Bleckley County, Brantley County, Harris Cou nty, Rockmart High, Putnam County, jackson County, Gilmer County, Northwest Georgia High, Miller County, Pelham County, Charlton County, . Clinch County, Colquitt County, Coffee County and Perry High.
The Pierce County FFA Chapter, directed by Dave Madray, received an inscribed plaque and cash award. The Bleckley County FFA Chapter also received a plaque and a cash award and the first through fourth place winners in the individual events received cash awards provided by the bank.
First place winners in the various events included: tree planting, jason Smith of Perry Hi gh; standing pulpwood, Matt Corbitt of Cl inch County; standi ng sawtimber, Rodney Austin of jackson County; tree identification, Bryan Gill of Pierce County; ocular estimation, Shane Cronan of Gilmer County; land measurement, Martin Pecci of Harris County; compass, Chris Crews of Charlton County; insects and diseases, Sean Hayes of Louisville High; forest management, Stewart Thi gpen of Bleckley County; and selective marking, jeff Bowden of Harris County.
Register said the annual FFA Field Days give students an opportunity to display their skills in friendly competition with other schools and also helps the school advisor instill an interest in forestry in FFA members.
john Mixon, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, who welcomed students to the forestry center, said this is the fifth year the Field Day State Finals have been held in Macon and added that the FFA program is an effective means of teaching forestry on the high school level across Georgia.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/5

PI NF. PI.ANi 1 TI01I
ESiAIJI.ISIIME~Ij
6/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992

ASPECIAL DAY FOR GEORGIA LANDOWNERS

It was a beautiful spring day on the james Morgan farm near Swainsboro and hundreds of landowners came to tour 16 impressive demonstration stations designed to help them become better stewards of their forests, fields and streams.
But the second bienniel Land Use and Forest Management Field Day was more than lectures by natural resources experts. It was atime of handson experiences, a ride across fields and through wooded tracts on tractorpulled trams to learn more about natural regeneration , soil conservation and wildlife management. It was atime of good food - baked chicken and potato salad - enjoyed at an outdoor pavilion .
Many landowners were vitally interested in the tree planting, hardwood management, naval stores and pine straw production demonstrations, while others sought out the prescribed burning, fish and waterfowl management and estate and tax planning booths, but most visitors took in the complete circuit of demonstrations.
Dan Gary, the Commission's Statesboro District Forester who was in

charge of the event, said he talked with many of the landowners as the day was winding down on May 1 and they considered "the day well spent." He said they enjoyed the outing and appreciated the opportunity of face-to-face discussions with resource people who could help them better understand good land and forest management practices.
The forester said he was told by speakers at the various demonstration sites that visitors asked more questions this year and they seemed to be more attentive.
Forester Chip Bates, also of the Statesboro District and coordinator of the field day, said the Soil Conservation Service, Department of Natural Resources, forest and farm related industries, and several other agencies and organizations helped stage the one-day event.
Gary said plans are already underway for the field day in the spring of 1994. He said several demonstration stations will be added and other expansions are in the works to attract an even larger attendance two years from now.

W. T. Wasden, Jr. of Jenkins County has been around tree farming, logging and sawmi lling all his life. His father owned and operated Millen Lumber and Supply Company for many years and Wasden's work around the mill ranged from hauling ashes and tending to the dry kiln to operating saws and grading lumber.
Wasden admits, however, that his background doesn't provide all the knowledge he needs to always manage his land and forests in the most efficient and profitable manner.
The young landowner came to the Land Use and Forest Management Field Day when it was first held two years on the Emanuel County farm near Swainsboro and he came back again this year. He said he was so impressed with the 1990 event that he brought his father, now 75 and retired, to see the many demonstrations and hear the advice given by resource experts during the field day.
Wasden said he picked up some good information on the correct method of using chemicals to control undergrowth in his woodlands and learned some new techniques that will improve wildlife management on his land. He also said he has benefited from many other demonstrations featured this year and two years ago.
Longleaf pine was one of Wasden's interests at the field day and he spent some time seeking advice from the Commission's Larry Thompson, a staff forester who helped man the longleaf station. The station pertaining to pine straw production caught his attention, as he started marketing some straw from his forests two years ago. This year, he expects to harvest about 5,000 bales.
Wasden said the family lumber business, which was at one time supplied by 30 "peckerwood" sawmills in the 1950's, was phased out in 1981 because of a sagging housing market and labor problems. Some of the people who worked for the company are employed part time to gather straw.
The landowner, who remembers a time when pine straw, tree bark and sawdust had no value, seemed to be interested in all the modern forestry practices that utilize the whole tree and said he would attend future field days to keep abreast of new developments.

W. T. WASDEN
LANDOWNERS IMPRESSED WITH SCOPE OF BIENNIAL FIELD DAY
SAM SMITH

Sam Smith of Twin City is a friend of James Morgan and he came to the first field day on the Morgan farm two years ago to see what it was all about. He said he was impressed with the many demonstrations and other activities and asked hiswife Margaret to accompany him to the event this year.
Sam and Margaret Smith live on a 1,200-acre farm , with about two third s ofthe property in timber, mainly planted pine. Their main interest is the production of pecans; they own som e groves and rent others.
But their work in growing pecan s doesn't mean they neglect their growing timber on their Emanuel County farm. Smith said they had several concerns when they attended the field day this year and they received som e valuable advice from foresters and other resource specialists at the various demonstration stations.
The landowner said he had cut some hardwood from wetlands on th e farm and sought advice on the best management practice to take; he w as advised to let the tract return to hardwood through natural regeneration. He said he received some good suggestions on controlling hardwood on a tract of planted pine and picked up
some other good tips that will help th e coup le enhance their forests.
The Smiths said the day went by too swiftly for them to visit all th e demonstrations they were interested in, but that they plan to be back for th e fie ld day in 1994 to take advantage of more events.
Smith said they regret there wasn 't time to visit the pine straw demonstration, as they have been thinkin g of marketing the straw from their pin e stands. He said there is a lull in work on the farm in January and February an d those would be months in which he cou ld keep his labor occupied by gathering pine straw.
The couple said they are looking forward to the next Land Use and Forest Management Field Day near Swainsboro and Smith said he might attend a similar field day scheduled for 1993 near Griffin, as he has some forest property in that section of the state.
Smith and others who attended thi s year said the field day is of interest to all landowners and indi cated they would urge others to take advantage of the information that will be available at the one-day event in 1994.

8/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992

Chief Forest Ranger Billy Roland, left, Wayne Varnum, park manager, and Mrs. Elizabeth Fudge, board treasurer and project supporter, stand on one section of a long walkway in the wetlands forest.
MILLER LOWLANDS BECOME SCENIC NATURE WALK

dismal swamp on the outskirts of Colquitt in Miller County has been transformed into an enchanting wetlands forest, the result of six years of planning, negotiating and working by a group of determined citizens. Visitors to the area just off State Highway 91 will find a broad, slightly elevated wooden walkway shaded by towering cypress trees, leafy maples and oaks and 35 other forest species as it winds its way across lowlands adjacent to Spring Creek. Two paths that stem from the main passageway lead to fishing decks. The original concept for the development dates back to the summer of 1987 when a student of landscape architecture laid out plans to extend an existing recreation park into the nearby lowlands. Mrs. Elizabeth T. Fudge, treasurer of the Colquitt-Miller County Recreation Board and one of the project's most ardent supporters, said Daniel Hope Ill, a consultant with the Institute of Community and Area Development, University of Georgia, provided valuable assistance in the beginning and other indi-

viduals and organizations joined in as work progressed.
Mrs. Fudge said she considers Chief Forest Ranger Billy Roland and other personnel of the Commission's Miller County Unit major contributors to the project. At her request, Roland negotiated with a major South Georgia lumber manufacturer to purchase 24,680 board feet of number one grade treated lumber "at cost" from funds provided by the board and then supervised construction of the 1,044foot walkway.
The ranger and his men, who assisted in the project when forest fire suppression, seedling sales, equipment repairs and other Commission duties were not pressing, worked with Wayne Varnum, park manager, in completing the scenic trail.
GROUPS COOPERATE TO
MAKE CREEKSIDE A
PLACE FOR NATURE
STUDY, RELAXATION

Mrs. Fudge said the Fish and Game Division, Department of Natural Resources, also played a significant role in the development of the area and grants from several sources were obtained to help finance the project. She said retired banker G. C. Jinks, Sr. of Colquitt, now deceased, was a very generous financial backer and others in the community have come forward to support the project.
The treasurer said the nature walk was built to rigid specifications, with thought given to handicapped persons and others who will come to the unique forest for fishing, nature study or relaxation. Designers also had teachers and students in mind who will consider the area an "outdoor classroom."
Ranger Roland said the treated lumber in the attractive walkway (some supports are submerged in water) is expected to last at least 50 years. That means that the planners of this extraordinary attraction in the southwest corner of Georgia are expecting a lot of traffic to move across the pine boards and under the great canopy of trees before the woodwork has to be replaced sometime in the new century.
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/9

tong ago hunting trips with grandfather gave Lowery Hunt a special reverence for nature and a sense of stewardship.
MORGAN COUNTY LANDOWNER NAMED GEORGIA'S TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR

[ I ] owery (Whitey) Hunt of Madison has pleasant childhood memories of hunting in the woods south of town with his grandfather, but it's not the thrill of stalking wild game that he recalls so vividly: it's how the elderly relative inspired him to keenly observe, study and truly appreciate the wonders of nature.
"When I went into the woods years ago with my grandfather, Samuel Candler, we didn't go just to hunt animals, "Hunt said." Those were the times when he taught me to stop and take a close look at everything around us...trees, plants, flowers, animals, animal tracks, berries...everything!"
The lasting impression made by his grandfather was evident on a recent day as Hunt bounced along forest trails and across meadows in his pickup truck during a tour of his highly diversified woodlands. He pointed to four wild turkeys seeking cover from a clearing, while quail on the forest road scampered out of the vehicle. Startled deer along the way bounded to safety, and at one point Hunt stopped the truck at a patch of blackberry vines to show his visitors a rare

By Howard Bennett
and beautiful bird he had observed earlier in the week.
The young landowner is equally pleased to show fine stands of pine in various stages of maturity, the successful results of controlled burning in several sections, and prized hardwood along Little Indian Creek and Big Indian Creek, active streams that border the bulk of his forestland .
Outstanding stewardship of the 900

acres of multiple-use forests near the Godfrey Community in Morgan County has earned Hunt the title of Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year. The property, known as lnnisfail, has been a registered Tree Farm since 1982.
Forester James K. Johnson of the Commission's Morgan-Walton County Unit nominated Hunt for the honor, emphasizing the landowner's adherence to a multiple-use concept

Forester james johnson discusses forest management plan with Hunt.
10/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992

of his forests, including timber production, wildlife habitat maintenance, water quality protection and recreational pursuits.
" He is directly involved in all activities regarding the management of his forests, including burning, hardwood injection, selective thinning, natural pine regeneration, clearcutting, beetle salvage, tree planting and others," said johnson.
The selection committee appointed by the Georgia Forestry Association readily agreed with johnson on his recommendation and the state's new Tree Farmer of the Year will be honored in june at the organization's annual convention on jekyll Island.
GIFTED COMMUNICATOR
"Whitey Hunt is not only dedicated to good stewardship of his own land," said johnson, "he is a gifted communicatorand does an excellentjob in spreading the forestry message." He referred to the tree farmer's leadership in the Green-Morgan County Landowners Association, a club organized mainly by Hunt three years ago.
Hunt said he got the idea from his membership in the Morgan County Cattlemen's Association. "We have regular dinner meetings and good speakers in that group," he said, "I felt it would work well with forestry."
It has worked extremely well. Beginning with 35 charter members, the club has doubled its membership and picked up 14 corporate sponsors.
Hunt, a graduate of Morgan County High School who attended West Georgia College for two years and then went on to the University of Georgia to earn a degree in animal science, is in the feed and fertilizer business in his hometown. He raises cattle on a portion of his land.
johnson said Hunt consults a professional forester before taking any major action on his woodlands and has implemented all recommendations on a current management plan submitted by the Forestry Commission.
RIGID BURN SCHEDULE
The landowner in 1986 harvested 225 acres of pine, leaving pine shelterwood and mast-producing hardwoods. He harvested the shelterwood on the same tract five years later, again leaving the mast-producing hardwoods to establish natural regeneration. More than 500 acres on the place have been planted in seedlings or have undergone natural regeneration during the past five years. A rigid burning

Landowner and forester' discuss benefits of controlled burning in a tract of mature pine.

schedule has kept pine stands clean and growing rapidly.
"Whitey divides his forests into blocks of less than 50 acres for controlled burn purposes and that makes it easy for our unit to put in some good firebreaks," johnson said. "We plow about 15 miles of break on the property each year." The landowner said he has never had a serious wildfire; trains on a railroad that bisects his land started fires for a while, but that ceased several years ago.
Good stands of oak, gum, ash and birch are found in the bottomlands, but Hunt takes special delight in showing visitors some prized yellow poplar that stand along the creeks. It's a stand that has caught the eye of several loggers, but Hunt is not interested in selling that particular timber.
Hunt maintains generous food plots for wild game and leases about 160 acres to a hunting club, a source of revenue that helps pay taxes on the land. The property abounds with wildlife, but there is one animal that is
not welcomed at lnnisfail: the beaver

populations along the creeks spell trouble from time to time.
The landowner inherited part of the tree farm and owns it jointly with his brother Candler and sister Suellen. The brothers later bought three adjacent tracts. Hunt's sons, Weyman and Robbs; his brother's son, Chip; and his sister's son, Charles, help with a number of chores on the farm. Weyman prefers controlled burning. When his father announced that the award means all the hard work on the farm has paid off, the boy replied , "Work? What work? Burning is not work, it's fun!"
Other fun things on the farm include game hunting for Hunt and his friends, fishing in the clear streams and ponds, and long walks through some of the finest pine stands in Central Georgia.
Forester johnson said Hunt, an elder in the Madison Presbyterian Church, and his wife Marilyn "are good stewards in many, many ways and I have never known a landowner more deserving of the Tree Farmer of the Year than Whitey Hunt."
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/11

Urban Forester Cathy Black inspects Trees For Life planting.

AUGUSTA TREE PROGRAM BENEFITS CANCER SOCIETY

The City of Augusta and the American Cancer Society have combined forces in a dual program designed to fight cancer and benefit the environment through a local tree planting program based on donations.
Launched at Augusta's annual Arbor Day ceremony, the new program will plant a tree for a $150 donation to the Amerian Cancer Society and issue a certificate of recognition to the donor. Under program guidelines, trees may be planted in memory of a loved one, to honor an individual, or for a special occasion or accomplishment.
Dr. Vendie H. Hooks, M. D., an Augu sta cancer specialist who originated the program, said he just thou ght it was a good idea that would create longterm benefits from medical and environmental perspectives.
"The Trees for Life project is something from which everyone benefits," sai d Dr. Hooks, who has served as vice
72/Georgia Forestry/Summer 7992

DR. VENDIEHOOKS
president/medical of the RichmondColumbia County unit of the American Cancer Society since 1985. "Not only can we help fight cancer and benefit the environment through this project,

but we can also add tremendously to the beauty of our city. We have a responsibility to future generations."
Cathy Black, Commission urban forester for the Augusta area who is also active in the project, said that in most cases, requests for tree species and specific locations within the Augusta city limits will be honored. " These are not seedlings," she pointed out. "They are large trees, at least two inches in caliper, from 10 to 12 feet tall."
"The City of Augusta has selected the following tree species as candidates for planting on designated streets:Japanese zelkova, Chinese pistache, willow oak, laurel oak, gi nkgo, trident maple, flowering dogwood, bald cypress, Chinese elm, Southern magnolia, chalkbark maple, sawtooth oak, cherrybark oak and Northern red oak.
"There are some tree species that would be incompatible with Augusta's

climate and soil, but there are plenty of species to choose from," said Urban Forester Black, who serves on the Trees for Life board.
One ofthe special opportunities this program offers is the option of having a "block" of trees planted on a selected street or location. A block consists of ten or more trees; the per-tree donation remains the same. All such blocks would have a bronze plaque identifying the donor.
"To my knowledge," Dr. Hooks said, "this is the first time planting trees has been used for this type of fund raiser." He stressed the seriousness of the project by citing the fact that cancer will touch one in four families.
As a result of research ad vancements, 50 percent of those diagnosed this year with cancer will live. Funds raised by the American Cancer Society are used in program areas of research, education, and service for cancer patients and their

families. Augusta's programs emphasize risk reduction and early detection.
To complement the health benefits of cancer programs, the planting of trees in urban environments is also being increasingly recognized as a health benefit. Trees are natural air purifiers, consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen - in essence, trees contribute vitally to clean air. In addition, trees also offer aesthetic beauty, shade, a buffer against noise pollution, homes for birds and other small animals - and help control global warming.
Everyone involved in the Trees For Life program shares the view that this project will estab lish a lasting influence that will bring benefits for generations to come.
For more information on the Augusta program, call the American Cancer Society, 404-724-9970.
0

FOREST FARMERS ASSOCIATION ELECTS CLARK AND STUCKEY
Peggy Clark, a timberland owner from Hot Springs, Arkansas, was installed president of Atlanta based Forest Farmers Association at the organization's 51st Annual Meeting. She becomes the first woman to head the group since its founding in 1941 .
Bill Stuckey, Jr., Stuckey Timberland, Inc., Eastman, was named presidentelect and will take office atthe end of Ms. Clark's term._
Ms. Clark manages her family's timberland holdings in Arkansas. The family first started in the timber business in the 1870s when her great-grandfather built several sawmills.
Stuckey, principal in Stuckey Timberland, Inc., is better known as a fiveterm congressman representing South Central Georgia, having retired from public service in 1977.

PUBLISHED HISTORY PROVIDES BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF BEETLE PATTERNS

A History of Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks In the Southeastern United States
By the Southern Forest Insect Working Group

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A vast amount of data concerning the destructive Southern Pine Beetle has found its way into filing cabinets and archives for many years. Some of the early information is sparse, but data collected since 1960 are reasonably accurate and very beneficial to those charged with battling this stubborn number one insect killer of pines in the Southeastern United States.
Thanks to four specialists dealing with pest control, the accumulated information during the past three decades has been brought together in a detailed publication entitled "A History of Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks in the Southeastern United States." More than 30 tables and charts provide a regional record of long term patterns of the Southern pine beetle outbreak, data crucial to a proper understanding of factors that control the pests.
The publication deals with aerial surveys, ground checks and host surveys; it discusses levels of infestation and damage estimates. The book features a lengthy history of the beetle, dating back to outbreaks in the 1700's and tells of research efforts and control successes that have occured in this country down through the years. Terry Price, entomologist of the Georgia Forestry Commission and one of the authors, said a limited number of free copies ofthe publication are available from the Commission or the U.S. Forest Service.
Other authors of the publication are Pest Control Forester Coleman Doggett, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources; John M. Pye, ecologist and research forester, U. S. Forest Service; and Tom P. Holmes of the U. S. Forest Service.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/13

Tom Roberts is owner and manager of a hardware and building supply company in Spa,rta, but when the fire alarm goes off in his Hancock County town he takes on his role as fire chief.
As volunteer chief of the Sparta Fire Department, ,Roberts has the support of 25 volunteer firemen, all equipped with radio pagers. The firefighters include a banker, newspaper editor, two pharmacists, an aircraft pilot, forest ranger and others.
The town is particularly proud of a fire truck recently purchased for $252,804 to replace a 41-year-old piece of equipment; the new truck was the centerpiece of the bienniel Georgia Fire Equipment Show at the Macon Coliseum.
Roberts and Mickey May, the assistant fire chief who operates an auto repair shop in Sparta, said they also have a fire knocker at the station and both expressed gratitude for the cooperation they receive from Don Freyer and Roger Browning of the Georgia Forestry Commission, personnel who coordinate the rural Fire Defense Program.
They said Freyer was very helpful in drawing up specifications for the new truck, which was placed on order a year before it was delivered. Although

TOM ROBERTS
the town is not known for its tall buildings, the truck is equipped with a "Tele-Squirt" telescopic ladder that extends to 50 feet. The chief explained, however, that the LaFayette Hotel, a recently restored historic tavern and inn in the heart of town that is now a multi-storied apartment building occupied by elderly residents, the stately courthouse next door, several large homes in the community and a newly established state prison warranted the purchase of the modern equipment.
Roberts said the department operates within a three mile range of his city and some of the fires concern forests.
The chief and his assistant said they consider the Commission-sponsored show one of the best in the state.

14/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992

COMMISSION'S FIRE EQUIPMENT SHOW ATTRACTS GEORGIA FIREFIGHTERS

Chief Doug Brock of the Haralson County Fire Department came to the biennial Georgia Fire Equipment Show for the fourth time and this year he brought 20 volunteer firemen with him.
Brock maintains headquarters at the fire station in Buchanan, but he directs activities in four city and five rural departments around the county. He said 25 pieces of equipment are involved countywide, including 11 fire knockers, four mini-pump and two front mount trucks obtained through the Commission -administered Rural Fire Defense Program.
The chief is a salaried professional, but the 140 men and women who respond to the alarm in the various stations are volunteer firefighters. He said they are linked by a pager system and 10 to 12 will generally be on hand for a typical fire.
Brock, who has been a firefighter for 12 years and chief for four years, said there is an excellent working relationship between the stations and the nine chiefs meet monthly to coordinate

DOUG
BROCK
activities and attend to any problems. The chief said recent fires in the
county involved a manufacturing plant, a country mansion and a school, resulting in a loss exceeding $4,000,000. He said arson is causing some of the fires and the county now has an arson investigator.
Brock said he looks forward to the show in Macon as it always features a wide range of vendors and a display of the latest in equipment. He said it is a good time for firemen to get together from across the state for a day and discuss problems and ideas and to leam from each other.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/15

Patients on west side of Emory University Hospital have this spectacular view ofa sea of trees, p lus Atlanta's skyline in the distance. Current research indicates that a tree-view from hospital windows accelerate patient recovery.
RESEARCH SUGGESTS TREE-VIEWS ACCELERATE HEALING

Increasing research evidence suggests that simply looking at trees in a natural setting can be highly effective in reducing human stress factors and accelerating recovery times for hospital patients.
The general belief that trees are somehow beneficial to humans is old. Residents of ancient Rome complained about the stresses of noise and congestion of city life, while the poet Vergil wrote of restoration upon leaving the city and communing with nature .
Later, this theme of nature benefits in urban environments became popular among Western essayists. In t he Nineteenth Century, renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead wrote with great insight concerning urban stresses and the need
16/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992

By Bill Edwards
for visual contact with trees to promote psychological and physiological we ll being of urban dwellers. He often referred to an established tranquility.
Today, Olmstead's concepts are
"Visual exposure to everyday forms of nature has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes by lowering blood pressure and easing muscle tension."

widely used in urban forestry programs, including Atlanta's new Lenox Park. Only recently, however, have researchers begun to scientifically test the notion that trees offer psychological and physiological health benefits to urban residents.
A pioneer researcher in this field is Dr. RobertS. Ulrich, who has a Master's and Ph. D. degrees from the University of Michigan. Ulrich is Associate Dean for Research for the College of Architecture at Texas A&M and holds a faculty appointment as Professor of Lands cape Architecture and Urban Planning. One of Ulrich's most valuable assets as a researcher is the ability to make correlations where nothing has been noticed before .
A case in point is Ulrich's investigation of a suburban Pennsylvania has-

pital's records dating from 1972 to 1981. Ulrich's findings revealed that 23 surgical patients assigned to rooms overlooking a natural view (with trees and other vegetation) had shorter postoperative hospital stays, had fewer negative comments in nurse notations, and had fewer minor postsurgical complications such as headaches and nausea.
"In contrast," Ulrich pointed out, "the wall-view patients needed more doses of strong narcotic pain drugs, while the tree-view patients usually received weak analgesics like Tylenol." Ulrich pointed outthatthese findings parallel by prison research
indicating that prisoners with window views of nature had lower frequencies of stress symptoms such as headaches and digestive upsets.
To establish uniformity, the patient sampling at the Pennsylvania hospital consisted only of patients who had undergone a cholecystectomy, a common type of gall bladder surgery.
' .'This is a comparatively standardized procedure with similar postoperative management," Ulrich said. "Only this type of operation performed between May 1 and October

Dr. Robert Ulrich
20 during the nine-year period were included because the trees have foliage during those months."
These carefully coordinated factors are typical of Ulrich's research that have been going on for more than a decade and is now beginning to demand serious consideration by the scientific/medical community.
"In supporting laboratory research," Ulrich said, "visual exposure to every-
day forms of nature has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes by lowering blood press.ure and easing muscle tension." Ulrich said the basis for these positive changes may be . rooted in the history of mankind. "Humans might have

a biologically prepared readiness for reducing stress in natural settings," he said, "but we very well may not have any such biological mechanism related to the urban scenarios."
One of the possible implications of this concept is that human beings have a built-in wellness mechanism relating to natural surroundi ngs, that has been diluted by civilized evolution. Research indicates that the wellness benefits from nature contacts are experienced without conscious effort; if deliberate communion with nature could be established for health benefits, a whole new sphere of metaphysics might be opened.
One of Ulrich's earlier research experiments used only pictures of trees and other nature scenes to test reactions of patients in a Swedish psychiatric ward (1986). Ulrich selected a ward of short term mental patients (1 0 days to three months). The ward was decorated with a variety of paintings and prints depicting a wide ran ge of subjects .
POSITIVE ATTITUDES
" Interviews suggested that the patients had positive attitudes concerning pictures of trees and nature," Ulrich said, "In contrast, abstract paintings and prints, especially those with ambiguous content, elicited negative responses. Some patients even said these pictures disturbed them."
Further investigation by Ulrich covered the previous 15 years in the ward and revealed that past patients had been more disturbed by some pictures than the present group; Reac-

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/17

tions included tearing pictures from the wall and smashin g them; pictures prompting such responses were not dominated by nature content. None of the paintings or prints showing trees and natural landscape had been attacked during the 15-year period.
Ulrich suggests that the harmony and balance of these natural scenes offered a sense of security needed by these patients. "But for some patients," Ulrich said, "an abstract painting of disorder might threaten whatever fragile sense of security they have."
If this is true, how much more increased influence would a positive rapport with real nature provide for anyone hospitalized or under various forms of stress, especially if rapport cou ld be cultivated. Only time and research will tell.
FACTORS ESTABLISHED
Even in these early stages of research, certain factors are being established. "While short term exposure to nature can foster impressive stress recovery," Ulrich points out, "it seems possible that wellness benefits may tend to be greatest in situations involving long duration exposures to nature."
In 1870, when park planner Frederick Law Olmstead wrote that trees and other forms of nature reproduced in cities "bring tranquility and rest to the mind," he may have been closer to a universal well ness concept than anyone at that time imagined. Now, science is connecting more and more holistic evidence that emphasizes the vital mind-body link to good health. Norman Cousins, in his w idely read current book "Anatomy of an Illness," writes about curing himself of a rare connective tissue disease by watching Old Marx Brothers movies. In essence, he describes laughing himself well by maintaining a cheerful and tranquil state of mind.
THE LINK OF TREES
The link of trees and nature to that state of mind could be another important step in that direction.
One thing, however, is for sure to Ulrich. "To the extent that future research contributes credible evi dence concerning the role of trees in fostering human well-being and health," Ulrich said, "urban forestry will be assigned higher priority in allocation decisions."
18/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992

Ros Zollinger with oils of trees extracts.

EMERGING ALTERNATIVE IN MEDICINE MAY BE PROFITABLE FOR FORESTRY

If looking at trees can accelerate human healing and reduce various kinds of stress - consider taking a good, healthy whiff of tree essence oil for even more benefits.
There is such a tree-related art or science - depending on viewpoint emerging in the United States to such an extent as to be considered a serious form of alternative medicine. Defined as aromatherapy, the process uses pure essential oils of trees and other plants to treat a variety of conditions ranging from lung ailments to alcoholism. According to aromatherapy concepts, psychological problems such as depression and anxiety can also be favorably influenced by the appropriate essences.
Although new and bizarre to most U. S. citizens, aromatherapy is recognized and well respected in Europe and other parts of the world. Far from new, the Egyptians used aromatics for medicine 3,000 years before the birth of Christ. Popular tree essences used during the Egyptian

period included cedar and cypress. Aromatherapy designates specific
therapeutic effects for different tree and plant essences. For instance, pin e (one of the most useful species in aromatherapy), purifies the lungs and sinuses while producing a natural calming effect. Myrtle is a popular antiseptic. Bitter orange is designated to treat anxiety and reduce fever. The essence of juniper tree berries promote good digestion and treat skin problems. Cypress is regarded as an excellent regulator of blood flow and also used for a live tonic. The bark of the cinnamon tree produces an essence that has been a popular stimulant for centuries, while birch leaves offer an essence that creates an almost opposite effect of relaxation...The list goes on and on.
Ros Zollinger, a certified Atlanta aromatherapist, stressed that all tree and plant essence oils are for inhalation and external massage use only. She also emphasized that some o f these oils -toxic in their extreme con-

centration - should be used with extreme caution and only under qualified supervision. She said the most beneficial application is accomplished by combining aromatherapy with reflexology. This approach consists of massaging the proper essential oil remedy into reflexology points which correspond with acupuncture meridian lines.
APPROACH EFFECTIVE
'This approach, combined with inhalation is very effective," Zollinger said. "The oils are absorbed rapidly into the system, while inhalation carries molecules directly to the olfactory nerve cells at the base of the brain. From there the transmission goes to the limbic system that activates the essences in relation to controlling body functions ."
Zollinger says this natural reaction is the key to the effectiveness of aromatherapy. "There are no claims in aromatherapy which conflict with the legal requirements of traditional Western medicine," she said. "We (aromatherapists) do no claim to cure or heal anything by applying the concepts. What aromatherapy does in a physical and psychological sense is to naturally balance the body's functions. If some undesirable condition disappears in the process, then that is good." She added the range of "disappearances" can range from minor ailments to conditions with life threatening potentials.
When Ros Zollinger came to Atlanta several years ago, she was already thoroughly trained in aromatherapy and blending tree oils. Although benefits of aromatherapy were relatively unheard of in most parts of the U. S. at the time, Zollinger began to gradually practice from a sunroom in her Atlanta home. She also taught classes on aromatherapy and related subjects. Within three years, the demand for Zollinger's skills were so great that she opened an Atlanta clinic concentrating on aromatherapy. The
clinic also includes practitioners of chiropractic, homeopathy, hypnosis and various other sorts of alternative treatments.
A native of South Africa, Zollinger's aromatherapy training consisted of two years at the Institute of Clinical Aromatherapy in London. She pointed out that England is one of the world's primary areas of aromatherapy.
"The practitioner never stops learning, and that this is a highly intuitive art that progresses with experience -

blending tree and plant oil essences being one of those progressive experiences," Zollinger said.
European and U. S. research is revealing mounting evidence that the effects of aromas on the body and mind are much more than previously considered by the scientific community; and that proper blending of tree and plant essence oils can have even more powerful effects than single essences.
Initial preparation and subsequent blending of tree oils are major factors in the success of aromatherapy treatment, according to Zollinger. "Creating a synergy is vital in blending," she said. "This is the creative part of this science that requires practice and i n t u i t i o n ."
Zollinger emphasizes that the extraction of the tree oil must be done properly to ensure quality. Among the most common methods of extraction are distillation, enfleurage, pressing, and a process called "extraction" that involves immersing the tree part in a solvent to separate the oil. Zollinger said. "There are many poor quality oils on the market. This is mainly due to recent advances in chemistry that produce synthetic oils and essences. But the action of essential oils depend on their natural chemical interactions, so synthetics will never replace natural oils."
INDUSTRY GROWING
The alternative medicine industry in the U. S. now exceeds $25 billion a year. For any number of debatable reasons, there is obviously a growing dissatisfaction with some aspects of traditional medicine. Some of the alternatives are becoming an established part of traditional U.S. medicine with insurance companies covering their treatments; chiropractic, acupuncture and biofeedback are examples.
Zollinger believes aromatherapy and other alternative medicines are on their way to being established in the mainstream of U. S. medicine. She points out that many of these ancient sciences formed the foundation of modern medicine. "We are gravitating toward the gentle, non-invasive, natural forms of healing whenever possible," she said. "Aromatherapy is all these things, using the life force of trees and other plants in total harmony with nature. What could be more natural than this? We breathe oxygen . Trees and plants breathe carbon dioxide; they are our mirror image."

THE BOOK CORNER
SHADING OUR CITIES, edited by Gary Moll & Sara Ebenreck/ American Forestry Association. Island Press, Washington, D.C./ Covelo, California. $34.95
hardback, $19.95 paperback.
When people think of forests, they usually envision deep woodlands or sprawling tracts of timber. There is another forest, a vast nationwide forest separated by concrete ribbons; clusters of forest becoming linked as one by the environmental awareness penneating American society.
These are urban forests - the subject "Shading Our Cities", a 333-page book addressing ecological needs for urban forests from the perspectives of a variety of experts in the volume's 38 chapters. Topics range from "In Search of an Ecological Urban Landscape" to "Developing aSuccessful Urban Tree Ordinance." The chapter on urban tree ordinance is well worth the price of the book to community leaders involved with preserving and cultivating urban resources.
As America's cities pose an escalating threat to urban clean air, the demand forthis 1989 book has increased among those with responsible attitudes concerning the future. For nature has offered the obvious warning that when a creature begins to foul its own nest, death is not far away; and few things seem to pollute air more drastically than the congested byproducts of cities.
Trees cleanse the air and their purifying effect may well be saving grace for many urban areas and their suburbs. "Shading Our Cities" provides a how-to transfonnation guide to demonstrate the already proven concepts and values of urban forestry.
This book belongs on the shelf of not only every urban and envir~>nmental planner, but anyone Interested in improving the quality of urban life.
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/19

LOOKING
BACK
1834
Several turnpike companies in the state have been chartered for the purpose of building plank roads...the Savannah and Albany Railroad also was authorized to lay plank roads to connect its various terminals...a Maine company purchased 700,000 acres of land between the Oconee and the Ocmulgee rivers and set up five mills to cut pine lumber and send down the Altamaha River to Darien.
1928
A Forest Fair was recently held in Waycross and promoters of the event claim that the response and attendance was so great that plans are being laid to make it an annual fair.
1955
The Ocilla Star reports that although the old custom of landowners' burning off woodlands so scrub cows could have early grass to eat, it is believed the wasteful habit had decreased somewhat, thanks to the Closed Range Law to keep livestock fenced in.
1959
Houston, Randolph and the lower section of Clinch counties recently were brought under state protection, according to James C. Turner, Jr., Commission fire control chief. He said the new counties bring the total to 148 now under fire protection.
20/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992

THREE SHORT COURSES FOR FORESTERS AND LAND MANAGERS SCHEDULED AT UNIVERSITY

A short course, Logging Cost Analysis, will be held at The University of Georgia's Center for Continuing Education July 7- 9 to address the principles and application of logging cost estimation and analysis.
Computer models such as the Auburn Harvesting Analyzer will be used to examine the operating characteristics of complex harvesting systems. An optional half-day orientation on microcomputers will be available prior to the course to prepare for the computer lab sessions.
This course is designed for professional foresters in wood procurement, sale layout and harvesting, forest engineers, and representatives of forestry equipment manufacturers. The instructors are Dr. Dale Greene of The University of Georgia and Or. Bobby Lanford of Auburn University.
A short course entitled Introduction to Image Processing and Geographic Information Systems will be held at the Center for Continuing Education july 15-17. The three-day computer laboratory course will provide hands-on experience with state-of-the-art personal computer software packages such as the Desktop Mapping System and pc ARC/INFO.
The course is designed for foresters, ecologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, wildlife biologists, planners, and others interested in integrating image analysis and GIS. The instructors are Or. Roy Welch and the staff of The University of Georgia's center for Remote Sensing and Mapping Science.
A short course, Negotiating Skills for Foresters, will be held at the center july 30 to introduce the principals of successful negotiations, discuss the traits of good negotiators and carefully examine the negotiating process.
Class exercises will be conducted throughout the course to develop participants' negotiating skills. The course is designed for procurement, service and consulting foresters and others who are responsible for buying or selling forestry services or products. The instructor is james E. Qim) Doescher, president of jim Doescher & Associates and a consulting forester with Natural Resources Planning Services, Inc. of Panama City, Florida. He is also a visiting lecturer at the Auburn University School of Forestry.
For more information on the july courses write: Forestry Programs,Georgia

Center for Continuing Education, The University of Georgia, Athens GA 306023603 or call (706) 542-3063.
NURSERY GROUP PLANS
CALLAWAY CONFERENCE
Timely discussions on environmental concerns and cultural practices and a field trip will highlight the annual conference of the Southern Forest Nurserymen's Association scheduled for July 20-23 at Callaway Gardens.
john Branan, chief of Georgia Forestry Commission's Reforestation Department, said the famous gardens at Pine Mountain is an ideal site for the annual meeting as "several pioneering studies and research projects relating to nursery and tree improvement problems have been carried out there."
The conference, to be co-sponsored by the Commission and the International Forest Seed Company, (IFSCO), will also feature discussions on hardwood weed control, irrigation management, nursery diseases, shed versus field packing, soil fumigation and several other subjects.
Harry Vanderveer, marketing manager of IFSCO, said he believes the association members "will find the program committee has compiled an enlightening and forward looking schedu le of presentations and field tour stops."
The trip will include the Commission's Flint River Nursery and seed orchard and the IFSCO Sisley Nursery at Buena Vista.
Commission Director john Mixon will present the welcome address and retirees will be recognized at the annual banquet.
Branan and Vanderveer said the conference at Callaway Gardens provides attendees with an excellent opportunity to combine a professional meeting with a family vacation at one of the South's most popular and beautiful resorts.
Although the four-day event is the official conference of the Southern Forest Nurserymen's Association and its members throughout the 13 Southeastern states, Branan and Vanderveer said the sessions are open to all persons interested in nursery operations. They said hotel reservations at the resort should be made as soon as possible.

.. ~ .

-

,.--

"Thoughts From A Live Oak"
As children climb on my long, outreaching limbs, and people rest under my canopy of shade, I feel special. My coarse, hardwood is used for furniture, and my acorns are food for animals such as squirrels and deer. In addition to being Georgia's state tree, it is rumored that I have become a symbol of the South. Old plantation homes boast of their big, sprawling live oaks which have survived droughts and storms.
My simple leaves do not match their name. Inside, a complex food-making process called photosynthesis takes place. Unlike other deciduous trees, my branches are never completely bare of leaves. Once my leaves begin to fall, other leaves begin to grow in their place.
In my tree stem is a layer of growing and dividing cells called the cambium. Cells pushed outward form my bark, as cells pushed inward form my wood.
My roots play a very important role in my survival. They absorb water and minerals from the soil. Roots, anchored deep in the ground , keep my trunk stable.
As I serve my state and the rest of the South, I feel very proud...yes, even special.
By: Katie Foote Baldwin Middle School

The Liteot a Live Oak

A

squirrel

picks

up

an

a~or~t

in its mouth and carHe never digs it up,



ries

. 1t

away.

S0 ~ n

he

bunes I . k rows

there.

. .

though, Many

abnirddsabhuvl.el~otahei.gr

nest k

in

the tree while It IS their nests there.

young. Later, sqUirrels.t mdeaveelops a hollow, and a

When it is tully grown, I

racoon lives there. 'd d tood tor many animals

By such

naoswsiqtuhirarselpsroavnl~

edet~arItbohnas

also turned dioxide into

thousands ot ph~un t~a~was useful when it was

oxygen - somet lng

young, but is vital today. ots the old giant, but

finally, a some roots

rteomrna~md'?1\u~speriot~rdoeunndin,

and it lives on . the hole where

Soon a black bear ma the tree's roots once

~e~e.ot

one

hundred

.and

One year, seventy eight

yaetarths,egl. sg~~sae

kills the ancient gla.nt. man out deer hunting

The bear has move 'a t that winter, he cuts up

notices the old tree. La er

the tree tor firewood . b n the lite story ot the

This easily could h.ave .teerovided while it was

live oak, and t~e ~hmgs I p

.

alive and after 1t d1es.

Matt Morns

West Laurens Middle School

[ ! ] he brief essays on this page were authored by the top winners in a statewide contest sponsored by Project learning Tree, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Urban Forest Council.
Katie Foote, a seventh grade student in Milledgeville won first place in the Georgia State Tree Essay Contest and a $200 savings bond. lee Smee of Gainesville and Matt Morris of Rentz tied for second place and each received a $100 savings bond. The contestants were asked to write about the live oak, Georgia's state tree which thrives mainly along the coast and westward in the lower coastal plain.
The competition is part of a nationwide celebration of the National Grove of Trees in the National Arboretum in Washington, D. C. The grove consists of a 10,000 square foot area "deeded" to each of the 50 states for the planting of its official state tree.

Oakley's Revelations

~eoMrgyian.amTehrisouOgahkoleui'~n~ -~ h.~e near the coast of
renc~d numerous advenfur' etrme, I have experpre~rstoric Mound Build es. When I was young
rntn.gued me with their ers and Creek Indian; fragrle balance. I watch d awaren~ss of nature's H~rnando deSoto . e as the frrst white man MISsrs.srppr River. 'JOurneyed fro m Flonda to the'

. Dunng Colonial times

hrs men welcomed th , James Oglethorpe and

beneath my dense e ?PPOrtunity to cam

Throughout the Revol, r wrde-spreading limbf

bel dglr_nogssywohbilleongmlyeavbersarfu~rvor.ndaerdy

and Civil Wars soldiers with

m

.

prote~tion .

c es offered shelter and

I enJoyed many good

.

when changes occurr lears untrl the mid-1900's

pie became careless destroyed many of m were cleared I w

y:ir~~1~atrm~vheyess.euArnsrv~lraurnonddnismnngesen.atrPameneed-

doomed? Wo~ld I b odrrred constantly. Was I

lu. ckily, peop1e beegaestroyed? tehnencchouthnetryssoiidl,ec. oInsaemrvenmtoor.strueraeli,zaendthbaet aturetiefys

~knndowstnreaeststhbeeclaivueseOIak. a~ almovaelfyaveovreitergrfeoer nlawonask

rnsects, and diseasesrelsrhst damage from storms

moments during my lit arve seen many great'

memorable was be. e rme, but my most

Tree.

rng named Georgia's State

s

les Smee

outh Hall Middle School

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/21

FORESTER KIRBY SETS LONGEST CAREER RECORD

[I] wo important milestones were reached in the life of Forester John O'Brien Kirby of

Stone Mountain this spring;

he celebrated his 80th birthday and he

retired from the U. S. Forest Service.

His retirement, however, was not

the conclusion of an ordinary career.

Kirby's retirement

came after 58

years of dis-

tinguished ser-

vice, termed by

Regional Forester

John E. Alcock as

the longest career

ever attained by

KIRBY

an employee in the USDA Forest

Service.

Kirby, a native

of Grand Rapids, Michigan and a

graduate of the University of Michigan,

where he earned a degree in forestry in

1933, came with the Forest Service in

that year and served as ranger and in

other capacities in a half dozen

Southern states before he was

assigned to the Region 8 headquarters

in Atlanta in 1966.

Under his guidance as claims

specialist in the Lands and Minerals

unit, 33,054 miles of boundary lines

were surveyed and monumented in

the Southern Region. "He can certainly

be proud of this achievement, a long

life coupled with a lon g, successful ca-

reer," said Alcock.

UVING HISTORY BOOK

Chuck Steele, Directorofthe Regional Office Lands and Minerals unit, said "Kirby's experience, wealth of information and knowledge of the Forest Service have made him invaluable; we think of him as a kind of living history book."
The veteran forester helped make history during World War II when he left the Forest Service to serve with General George Patton's Third Army in Europe. He entered the army as a private and came out of the war as acaptain with four battle stars.
The forester said he has high respect for the Forestry Commission and doesn't recall having encountered a landline problem with the state agency. "I was concerned with federal lands from Virginia to Texas," he said, "and when you have 131f2 million acres to look after, there has to be some line disputes."

22/Ceorgia Forestry/Summer 1992

Chief Forest Ranger Tommy Hewell, left, and Marty Williamson of the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Company in Athens, pose with Smokey in front of one of the billboards condemning the work of wood arsonists and appealing to the public to report those suspected ofsuch crimes. (Photo by Paul Efland)
"Mother Nature Didn't Do This. Human Nature Did." Th~t's the slogan t.hat caught the eye of motorists travelling earlier this year m the 12 count1es that make up the Forestry Commission's Athens District. The m.ess~ge , aimed at alerting the public of the high percenta~e of forest wild f1res that are set by arsonists, appeared on 20 highway b1llboards throughout the area. . Chief Ranger Tommy Hewell of the Clarke-Oconee Forestry Unit, coordmator for the campaign, said "Arson-related fires accounted for approximately 23 percent of all forest fires in the state of Georgia for fiscal year 1990-91 and the problem continues." The billboard featured a burned forest area in the background and an appeal to t~e public to get involved by promptly reporting suspected wood arson1sts to the nearest office ofthe Commission. The campaign is sponsored by the Southern Group of the National Association of State Foresters and the U. S. Forest Service. Tommy .said "We would like to express our sincere appreciation to ~artyW1IIIamson, Account Exe.cutive, and Georgia Outdoor Advertising 1~ Ath~ns for generously donatmg the space for 20 of these fire prevention b1llboards. Georg1a outdoor advertising has made other contr!butions to our fire prevention campaign in the past by donating billboard space and have been recognized for providing significant service in wildland fire prevention." Persons who have information regarding suspected woods arson are asked to contact their local forestry unit listed in the front of the phone directory in many counties or CALL 1-800-GA TREES, said Hewell.

Three foresters were hired by the Commission recently to fill vacancies in three districts. SIDNEY SLATON MOORE, a native of Douglas and a graduate of the University of Georgia, has been assigned to the Tifton District. The forester and his wife, the former Dawn Burch of Douglas, have a two-year-old son. They are members of the Baptist Church ... RISHER A. WILLARD, a native of Mayfield, Kentucky, and a graduate of the University

of Kentucky, has been assigned to the Savannah area. He is married to the former Miss Tally Smith of Decatur and the couple attend the Baptist Church ... The third forester coming with the Commission is MARK McCLURE, a native of Anderson, South Carolina. McClure, who earned a degree in forestry at Clemson University, has

McCLURE

CABE

been assigned to the Americus District...REBECCA CABE, firetower operator in the Commission's LamarPike-Spalding County Unit, was recently awarded the coveted Bronze Smokey Bear Award for initiating the Home Wildfire Protection Program and providing widespread publicity for the project. The award was presented at the Commission's annual employees meeting in Atlanta for the North Georgia area and several others were presented certificates for outstanding

accomplishments. Awards also were

presented at a similar meeting in

Mount Vernon for employees in the

southern half of the state. Cabe has

noticed that there is a growing ten-

dency for homes to be built on

wooded lots or in isolated wooded

areas and many are built by people

without rural backgrounds or little

knowledge of the dangers of wildfire.

Homes surrounded by forests, often

with poor access, and with highly flam-

mable fuels in close proximity, have

created potentially disastrous situa-

tions. The firetower operator recog-

nized this developing problem and

determined to do something about it.

She conceived the idea of a program to

alert homeowners to the dangers

wildfire can pose to their homes, and

to guide them in steps they can take to

reduce these dangers. Other Commis-

sion personnel receiving Performance

of Excellence Awards at the meeting

were SHERRIE GABRIEL, District 3 Sec-

retary; KEVIN jOHNSON, Forester,

District 5; DALE HIGDON, Forester,

District 20; JAMES JOHNSON, Ranger/

Forester, District 3; BRION WILLIAMS,

Chief Ranger, District 2; BOBBY

SMITH, Ranger 1, District 1; SPENCER

McGRAW, District Ranger, District 1;

JAMES ALEXANDER, Assistant Chief,

Macon Office, Administration; FAYE

CARR, Secretary, Macon Office, Field

Supervision; JACKIE CUNDIFF, Artist,

Macon Office, Information & Educa-

tion; VIRGINIA COLLINS, Secretary,

District 9; JOE MATIHEWS, Forester,

District 8; JEFF STONE, Chief Ranger,

District 10; TIM WEAVER, Ranger 1,

District 9; JIMMY LEE, District Ranger,

District 12; and FRANK GREEN, Staff

Forester, Macon Office, Manage-

ment...Mrs.

GEORGE RAY of

Savannah receiv-

ed the joyce

Kilmer Award

from the National

Arbor Day Foun-

dation in recent

ceremonies in

Nebraska City, Nebraska, home

RAY

of the National

TURK NAMm TO HEAD MILLEDGEVILLE DISTRICT

Forester George Turk, a native of

Wilcox County who came with the

Commission in the summer of 1961

and has served in several positions

around the state, was recently pro-

moted to Milledgeville District For-

ester.

Turk, who grew

up on a farm near

Rochelle and at-

tended Pitts High

School, earned a

degree in forestry

at the School of

Forest Resources,

University

of 1----.:..__---l

Georgia. After

two months of '--------~

Commission ori-

entation at Dixon Memorial State

Forest in Waycross, the forester was

named ranger of the Chatham County

Unit and in 1965 was assigned to the

McRae District as management for-

ester. In july, 1969 he was promoted to

area forester for Washington, jeffer-

son, Glascock and johnson Counties,

later becoming management forester

for johnson and Washington Counties

after the area system was phased

out.

Turk was transferred to the Milledge-

ville District Office in january of this

year and in March was promoted to

district forester, the post formerly held

by Bennie Brant, who recently retired.

The new district forester supervises

Commission activities in 13 counties. His

personnel cooperate with 67 Rural Fire

Defense units throughout the large

district.

Turk and his wife, the former Miss

Nelle Haralson of Ashburn, live in

Sandersville. They have two married

children, Trent and Glenda, and a one-

year-old grandson, Tyler.

The forester and his wife are members

of the historic Sisters Baptist Church in

Washington County, where he is a

deacon and Sunday school teacher.

Much of Turk's free time is spent in his

home shop, where he engages in wood-

working, his favorite hobby.

Arbor Day Foundation. She was honored for bringing the benefits of environmental education, historic preservation and urban forestry to her state and community.
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1992/23

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO PLANT

FOR IT!

That's been a slogan of the Georgia Forestry Commission for years, but the future often belongs to those for whom
we plant. Although profitable, growing trees is a long range proposition. Many pine seedlings planted this
year represent the timber that will be harvested by another generation. That's why it's important not to let another planting season
slip by before considering reforestation as a sound investment for you and your children.

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