Georgia forestry, Vol. 47, no. 2 (Summer 1994)

Georgia
Forestry
USPS No. 217120
Summer, 1994 No.2 Vol.47
STAFF Howard E. Bennett, Editor William S . Edwards, Assoc. Editor Jackie Bleemel, Graphic Artist Bob Lazenby, Technical Advisor
Zell Miller, Governor John W. Mixon, Director
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Jim Gillis, Jr. , Chairman, Soperton
Felton Denney, Carrollton James Fendig, Savannah Dr. Gloria Shatto, Rome Robert Simpson, Ill, Lakeland
DISTR!Cf OFFICES District One
3086 Martha Berry Hwy., NFJRome, GA 30165
District Two 3005 Atlanta HwyJ Gainesville, GA 30507
District Three 1055 E. Whitehal RdJAthens, GA 30605
District Four 187 Corinth Rd JNewnan, GA 30263
District Five 119 Hwy. 49/Milledgeville, GA 31061
District Six 1465 Tignall Rd.jWashington , GA 30673
District Seven 243 U. S. Hwy. 19 N/Americus, GA 31709
District Eight Route 3 , Box 17{nfton, GA 31794
District Nine P> 0 > Box 345/Camilla, GA 31730
District Ten Route 2, Box 28/Statesboro, GA 30458
District Eleven Route 1, Box 67/Helena, GA 31037
District Twelve 5003 Jacksonville Hwy./Waycross, GA 31503
Urban Project 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 class postage paid at Macon, GA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Georgia Forestry Commission, Route 1, Box 181, Dry Branch, GA31020.
2/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994

Aviatrix Julie Oster of Tampa, Aorida flew into Macon recently to personally present an invitation to Commission Director John Mixon to attend the celebration commemorating the 20th anniversary of the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas.
The pilot, a member of the International Organizaton of Women Pilots, said the invitation to the event, scheduled for June 21-23, is being presented by members to all state foresters across the nation.
The International Forest of Friendship is a memorial to the world history of aviation and aerospace. It consists of trees representing all 50 states and U. S. territories and 35 other countries around the world.
Winding thorugh the forest is Memory Lane, a walkway honoring such internationally recognized flyers as Amelia Earhart, Charles Undbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, the Wright Brothers, Sally Ride , President George Bush and others.
Oster said the organization is also known as the Ninety-Nines, as that was the number of members shortly after 17 was organized, with famed flyer Amelia Earhart as the first member. She said there are now abut 3,000 members in the organization.
The forest is a gift to the organization from the City of Atchison. Atchison is also the birthplace of Earhart, legendary woman pilot mysteriously lost on a flight over the Pacific in 1937 and the subject of many books and magazine articles for more than a half century.
ON THE COVER - Main entrance into picturesque and historic Wormsloe, a former plantation on the Isle ofHope near Savannah. (Photo by Billy Godfrey)

STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM EXPERIENCING INCREASE IN CONSULTANT FORESTER ACTIVITY STATEWIDE

An increasing number of consulting foresters throughout Georgia are taking an active role in working with private landowners in developing management priorities for the Forest Stewardship Program.
Commission records show that among 166 consulting foresters in Georgia, approximately 90 are actively involved in the Stewardship Program; a primary example of this increasing activity is the Commission's District 10 . With headquarters in Statesboro, the district includes the following counties: Bryan,

Chatham, Bulloch , Candler, Evans, Tattnall, Effingham, Emanuel, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, Mcintosh and Screven.
Dennis Pope, District Reforestation Forester, said of the 1200 participants in the Forest Stewardship Program, onethird are located in District 10. "In Bulloch County alone," Pope said, ''There are 120 participants in the Stewardship Program." Pope added that the Bulloch County Stewardship Program plan , developed by Stilson landowners, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Whitney - with private forestry consultant Jerry Marsh , is an

excellent example of results that can be obtained when a good working relationship of this sort is sustained.
Jerry Marsh is a retired 1989 Commission forester who now operates a private consulting service out of Statesboro. Marsh has worked with the Whitneys for 30 years in managing their 900 acres. While employed with the Commission , he worked with the Whitneys (as with other forestland owners) within the specified regulations of the Commission. After retirement, he
(continued on page 14)

District 10 group displaying sign and award reflect increasing statewide role of consulting foresters working with landowners in Forest Stewardship Program. Left to right are: Thomas Joyner, Soil Conservation district supervisor; Jerry Marsh, Consultant Forester; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Whitney, landowners; and Dennis Pope, Commission district reforestation forester.
Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994/3

GEORGIA COMPANY REV VNG LOST ART OF BU LDIN'G WOODEN ROLLER COASTERS
By Bill Edwards

Atlanta's Mike Black is on a roll reviving the once almost lost art of building wooden roller coasters - with his latest offspring requiring shipment of a million board feet of Georgia pine to Japan for a 115-foot tall fright ride that is the highest cyclone-style roller coaster in the world.
President of Atlanta-based Roler Coaster Corporation of America (RCCA), Black and his company have designed and built a number of the nation's most famous wooden coasters, indicating a resurgence of interest that has now spread overseas. Unknown to Black, Togo Japan , Inc ., one of the most accomplished amusement ride manufacturers in the world, had been researching RCCA and other companies to offer somebody the job of building a giant wooden roller coaster near Tokyo; the designated site was Yomiuri Land amusement park in Inagi-Shi, Japan.
The Atlanta RCCA organization was selected because, according to Togo representatives, they were considered to be the best in the world at building "Woodies" (which in roller coaster rhetoric means wooden coasters) . Togo needed this specialized expertise; the company is well versed in the manufacture of steel roller coasters, but had no experience with wood.
Togo's research quickly revealed that RCCA had plenty of experience with wood through more than 20 years of constructing Woodies, including such famous rides as The Great American Scream Machine;Six Aags Over Georgia
4/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994

(Atlanta) , The Aorida Hunicane-Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus World (Orlando), and Judge Roy ScreamSix Aags Over Texas (Arlington).
MILLION BOARD FEET OF GEORGIA
PINE IN TOKYO COASTER
RCCA also constructed in 1992 the world's highest wooden roller coaster The Rattler; this giant of Woodies,/ located at Resta Texas theme park in San Antonio, is 179 feettall and $100 millionplus and 5,080 feet long. The structure is secured by 23,500 pounds of nails and has enough lumber to encase 95 homes with 1,500 square feet each.
Togo has also acquired an impressive reputation for construction of steel roller coasters. World record status includes establishment of the Bandit (1988 speed and height record holder), and the Surf Coaster, first roller coaster actually built over an ocean. Togo has been the leader in Japan's amusement ride fabrication since 1953.
Considering Togo's background and RCCA's experience in wooden roller coaster construction, it seems inevitable that the two worlds join forces for Japan's

big Woodie christened White Canyon. Togo's experience in steel roller
coasters prompts the question of why the Japanese company was determined to build this large wooden coaster- and why the revival of general interest in Woodies after steel coasters seemed to have stolen their thunder for so many years.
According to Mike Black, a number of factors influenced Togo's decision. ''The Japanese like many things about American lifestyle," he said, "and what could be more American than the traditional American wooden roller coaster."
There were also market pressures from within; a Japanese competitor had already started work on the country's first Woodie, and the prestigious Togo was not about to be surpassed. Also, as Black points out, "The Japanese have amusement parks and a high standard of living - which means they have discretionary income - and lots of Japanese visitors go to our theme parks, ride wooden coasters and like them. You can't help notice the difference between American Woodies and the steel coasters the Japanese have at home."
WOOD PREFERENCE
Further evidence of preference for wooden roller coasters is emphasized within the 4,000 worldwide membership of the American Coaster Enthusiasts; many members proclaim there's no comparing the ride of a wooden coaster with steel ones that took over so much of the market from 1940 to 1970.

~

~

Japanese cranes set sections of giant wooden roller coaster in place. More than a

million feet of Georgia pine were shipped to Japan for this cyclone-style (figure 8)

coaster.

"They're totally different rides," said Matt Crowther, "an Atlanta coaster enthusiast who was married on a Woodie, and claims he has ridden every roller coaster in the country. "If you took a poll of enthusiasts, most of them would tell you they prefer wooden ones . Wooden coasters are rougher - more of an exhiliration," Crowthers said.
Eventually, Togo Japan's president, Mr. Kazuo Yamada, rode the Texas Cyclone (Houston) and decided on a cyclone-style (figure 8) wooden coaster for his country. Black described Yamada as one of the world's leading roller coaster enthusiasts and obviously highly qualified to make style comparisons.
Black described the steel ride is smoother, more streamlined, more hightech, like being shot out of a gun barrel; while the Woodie ride vibrates, jerks,

jostles, sways, clacks and feels like the rider might become airborne any second.
"That excitement factor has always been part of the Woodie appeal," Black said, "Just as the mystique that surrouded the old wooden coasters. There were constant rumors floating around that the old Woodies were condemned and would only be allowed to run another

year if the essential wood supports were replaced. Actually, statistics show you would have always been safer on a wooden roller coaster than driving your car home on the freeway. "
Black said today's high-tech design , engineering knowledge , makes all currently built coasters the most exciting - and safest- of all. "Things have come a long way," he said, "although we've still got wooden coasters running safely that were built in the 1920s, our company now uses computer animation to propose wood coaster projects to clients here in the U. S."
Although roller coasters always created an aura of excitement, the safety factor was not honed to current high-tech specifications in the beginning. Black said, like most amusement park rides, roller coasters can be traced back to Europe - with crude ancestors of today's models built as early as the 1700s in Russia.
The U.S. began building roller coasters around the turn of the century. Coaster popularity peaked in the roaring 20s when more than 1500 wooden roller coasters operated throughout the nation. "Nearly every state had one or two during this heyday of wooden roller coasters," Black said. "But steel roller coasters really started coming on strong in the 60s, and this was when the Woodies had just about played out."
The decline of the Woodies was steady, and Black estimates there are now only approximately 100 to 150 left in the U.S.- some of these dating back to the

Japanese supervisors oversee building of the world's highest cyclone-style roller coaster near Tokyo. Atlanta based RoUer Coaster Corporation (RCCA) designed and prefabricated the coaster from Georgia pine.

1920>. ''Most of them either deteriorated or were torn down, Black said. "Then demographics of the citi~ changed and popularity of the locations just faded away. This is what happened with Atlanta's old Greyhound coaster at the Lakewood Fairgrounds where I used to go as a kid."
The pendulum began to swing back in the mid-60s when modern theme parks, such as Atlanta's Six Rags Over Georgia, began to emerge. It was primarily Six Flags that launched the nostalgic renaissance of wooden coasters when the park enlisted the help of Black's company in 1972 to build the classic Great American Scream Machine - a $1 ,800,000 coaster 105 feet tall and 3 ,450 feet long, with 508,000 board feet of lumber, secured with 11,000 pounds of nails.
'When we built the Scream Machine in '72, it was the second wooden coaster built in the U. S. since the 50>." Black said. "After that, theWoodiesbegantogain popularity again. There were probably four or five more built during the 70s, 12 or 15 during the 80s, and they're still being built in the U.S.during the 90s as evidenced by the record breaking Texas Rattlerthat we built.
JAPAN PROJECT
When the Japanese project came along, Black knew that it offered future potential, but there were also significant problems that had to be worked out. "The Japanese prefer agreements to be simple. Then it's up to the two parties to solve problems that come up."
Black had toured Japanese businesses as part of his MBA curriculum at Georgia State University in 1984, but there were still surprises. ''The big difference was that our presentations went through several levels until we were finally talking to line workers," he said. "Corporate policy is a process of consensus in Japan,allowing
6/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994

Like a giant erector set, roller coaster sections of the world's highest cyclone-style coaster are fastened together in Japan. Technical expertise andlumber were furnished by Atlanta's RCCA company.

workers to buy in raU1er than observe. It was most interesting to watch ."The basic problem was solved when the Japanese government agreed to modify their strict building codes and regulations prohibiting tall wooden structures (such as roller coasters). The government, however, requested that the roller coaster be redesigned from proven American standards to make it more resistant to earthquakes.
'We didn't really know how to go about giving them information on this sort of redesigning ," Black said . "Then we remembered the earthquake that hit San Francisco in 1989 and registered 7.1 on the Richter scale - a major quake! Well, a fault from the epicenter went to Santa Cruz and just about demolished the whole place; but a wooden coaster in Santa Cruz withstood the earthquake to the extent that it only required cosmetic repairs - replacing boards and filling in the foundation. It was all done within a week."
Findings concerning the Santa Cruz roller coaster satisfied the Japanese, but they still wanted to use double

colunms that required more than one million board feet of Southern yellow pine. "This is twice the lumber that would be used to build a cyclone-style coaster in the U. S .," Black said.
PINE FROM GEORGIA
Since Japan has no forestry industry, RCCA shipped the equivalent of 70 tractor-trailer loads of Georgia pine to Japan. All wooden pieces were prefabricated, painted, and packaged by Black's company. "Think of it like a giant erector set," Black said. "This is a 90 percent American product going to Japan, sort of unusual under current trade situations."
As part of the project, Black also acquainted the Japanese with wooden roller coaster operation and maintenance. The company also provided tracks and trains (through Morgan Manufacturing) . Brakes were supplied by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. The completed bent frames were even test assembled in Atlanta before shipping.

This unusual venture may open future doors for increased import of Southern yellow pine. As Black points, Japan had previously imported considerable Douglas fir until environmental pressures restricted such activities. Black believes the import of Southern yellow pine could

very well fill this need in the future for roller coasters - and many other - lumber related projects.
'We are very excited about becoming part of the international amusement community with this project, our first venture outside the United States," Black

said. "I hope we can build roller coasters all over Asia and ship Georgia pine for construction of every one of them?" Since the average roller coaster can now cost $8 million, there is little doubt that Black's successful Japanese partner, Togo Japan, shares his views.

The Rattler (above), another RCCA famous coaster, is the world's highest wooden roller coaster (not a cyclone-style) at 179 feet Constructed by Mike Black and company in 1992 at Aesta, Texas ' $100 million theme park, this coaster has enough lumber in it to encase 95 homes with 1,500 square feet each. lj;pical RCCA roller coaster construction, (at right) track shows concentration of wood in design. Peak ofroller coasters in U.S. was 1920s when 1500 operated, then steel coasters took overmarket from 1940-70 until wood dwindled to 150 rides. Now, wood coasters are making a comeback.

Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994/7

Ancient oak tree in suburban Albany has shaded an Indian trail, stagecoach route, and Spanish , American War veterans during its long life as a prominent landmark. Roadbuilders contend its in the way ofprogress; preservationists say its a treasure that should be spared.

HISTORIC TREE THREATENED
By Howard Bennett

The sign on a giant live oak tree standing in the path of a proposed four-lane highway on the outskirts of Albany exclaims: ONLY GOD CAN MAKE A TREE, DON'T LET IT DIE BY THE D.O.T.
Officials of the Georgia Department of Transportation acknowledge the soulful plea of local citizens to spare the historic tree, estimated by experts to be about 300 years old, but they contend that any suggested alternate route for t~ new road would cost an additional hundreds of thousands of dollars.
8/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994

Tree enthusiasts and .local history buffs, however, are not being appeased by that explanation.
The "Friendship Oak," as it is called in the neighborhood, is at the busy junction of Jefferson Street and Philema Road and when DOT initially announced the proposed $4 million highway and bridge project, a local arborist quickly cancelled a long awaited trip to Brazil and took up the fight to save the mammoth tree from the axe.
Many citizens have rallied around David Edwards, who has spent more

than $4,000 of his own money in his campaign to save the tree , but the replacement of the road by a modern thoroughfare is favored by some, especially commercial developers with an eye on the rapidly growing suburban area.
"I bought a camcorder and was all set and looking forward to a trip to Brazil to visit and photograph the rain forest when the DOT announcement came out," said Edwards." I decided right then to cancel the trip and stay here and try to help save a historic tree right in my own back yard."

Edwards, owner of D&D Tree Service, and Gayle Hatmaker, also a licensed arborist with the company, set about early in the campaign to enlist the support of the public by setting up tents near the ancient tree as shelters where people could stop by and sign a petition. More than 3,000 signed and many picked up bumper stickers to help promote the drive.
4,000 LIGHTS IN
BRANCHES BRING
ATTENTION TO BIG
OAK SLATED FOR
DESTRUCTION
A local radio station and volunteers helped the arborists kick off the drive and Hatmaker said "we even had people from out of town to stop by and sign the petition and had a DOT official to sign."
Edwards emphasized the prominence of the great tree last Christmas by dressing it with 2,000 white lights, later adding an additional2,000. They remain on the tree and he said he flipped the switch one recent night and witnessed an aweinspiring sight. He said the lighted tree glowing in the darkness "looked like a great eagle" when seen from a nearby elevated highway.
Ron Smith , former managing editor of the Albany Herald, also noted the eagle resemblance in the tree when he wrote poetically: "From a distance it stands majestically, guarding the intersection...like a protective mother. Its eagle-like wingspan is magnificent, its bearing stated, its aura warm and receptive."
SOME FEAR PREVAILS Although Edwards has enjoyed warm and receptive response from rriany citizens, some fear his efforts might be in

vain. Highway engineers have already designed the highway, but Edwards said he understands right-of-way purchasing has not begun. Funds for the project, however, are not presently available, according to DOT, and actual construction could be delayed until1997.
Daughtery County commissioners and DOT officials have agreed they would prefer to save the tree, but claim that sparing the oak and taking an alternate route would be too costly. One estimate is that a different route would involve an extra $300 ,000 in right-of-way acquisition and an additional $300,000 for damages and relocation.
In correspondence with DOT more than a year ago, Bob Takask, Albany's parks supervisor, appealed for an alternate design to preserve the landmark oak. He said a tree of "such importance to the community should warrant imaginative and unconventional design alternatives, and pointed out that "other large, old stately oak trees north of this intersection...could be saved by moving the project work limits a few hundred feet to the south."
VALUED AT $61,000
Several arborists and foresters have determined the value of the tree to be about $61 ,000 and Dougherty County and DOT have agreed to jointly allot that amount to buy and plant trees after the highway construction is completed.
The "sale" of the giant tree doesn't appeal to Edwards and he plans to continue the battle to keep the tree where it has stood for centuries. ''There has been a lot of misconceptions abut the tree," the arborist said. "Some people claim the oak is in poor health, when actually its health is very good. It is, of course, in its declining years, but that doesn't mean its dying! It could live many years."
Senior Forester Chuck Norvell of the Forestry Commission agrees ." Limb angles on the tree are very good and that indicates it is structurally strong," he said, "and the root system is apparently getting the proper nutrients despite the paving

that has surrounded it for 20 years." He said the root system and tree top are in balance and the tree could possibly have many more years of good health.
The forester said the tree is the third largest live oak in Albany and one on a nearby farm was determined to be over 300 years old when evaluated 22 years ago. Norvell said social attributes and aesthetic values are difficult to evaluate in terms of dollars and cents when dealing with a specimen such as the Friendship Oak. He told of a woman stopping her car when she saw him examining the threatened tree. "She rolled down her car window and said' I sure hope you don't cut down that tree. This is the friendliest intersection in Albany, and its because of that tree."'
Local historians say the tree once provided shade at the intersection of important Indian trails - trails that later became roads that accommodated stagecoaches . In 1898-99, several thousand soldiers mustering out of service in the Spanish-American War maintained campgrounds surrounding the old tree. In recent months, a wedding ceremony was performed beneath its spreading branches.
HIGHWAY OFFICIALS
DEFEND POLICY OF
BUILDING 20 YEARS
IN FUTURE TO SERVE
PUBLIC
Edwards said the tree is "a survivor that has been abused by nature and by man, with everything they could throw at it for 300 years, and it has held its ground like an ancient fortress ." He added, however, that "there is no way it can survive a chainsaw or a DOT bulldozer" without the help of other protestors. In his appeal for fellow citizens to join the campaign,
Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994/9

he quoted Anthropologist Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
A DOT spokesman said there are consequences to any progress, but the department builds for 20 years in the future to stay ahead of the need. He stressed that DOT "works for a better transportation system for everyone."

A crusade to save another landmark tree that stood in the way of a highway widening project started in 1988 when it was announced that State Highway 88 in Richmond County was carrying too much traffic and needed extra lanes.
Mrs Lottie McGee led the fight to save the big red oak that accommodated a small roadside park and was said to be at least 200 years old. She recruited the news media, volunteer protestors and civic organizations to join the cause.
DOT spokesman Jerry Stargell said working with the public about a proposed project is a routine event, and the fact that many wanted to save the tree was no surprise. He said the department makes adjustments if at all possible in saving a significant tree, but the first responsibility is to provide safe and efficient roads.
Construction was scheduled to begin in the spring or summer of fiscal year 1992 and the extra lane would have come near the tree, but would have left it standing. Foresters claim any closer to the tree than the existing road would severely damage the root system.
Construction was delayed and now the seemingly doomed oak has been saved. DOT has redesigned the proposed road and it is believed it would be a safe distance from the oak. Those working for its survival, however, point out that a protective barrier would need to be erected to protect the tree's root zone and some kind of maintenance program set up to care for the ancient tree.
10/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 12994

Champion tree farmer James Davis, left, and Forester Alan Lamb discuss benefits of good forestry practices.

BULLOCH COUNTY COUPLE SELECTED

STATE'S TREE FARMERS OF THE YEAR.

Prominent Bulloch County tree grower and cotton planter James E. Davis and his wife Fostine were recently named Georgia's Tree Farmers of the Year when they impressed a selection committee with their devotion to sound forest and land management.
A portion of the 1,380-acre farm east of Brooklet and between U. S. Highway 80 and the Ogeechee River, represents a grant from a Georgia governor in the late 1700's and Davis is of the fifth generation to own the property. Two of the couple's sons, Ray and Ted, help manage the big farm.
They have two other sons; James, Jr., who owns and operates a business in Savannah and Don is a sales representative in Atlanta. There are nine grandchildren.
Forester H. Alan Lamb, area manager of Stone Container Corporation, nominated Davis for the honor after he and Foresters Steve Price and Rocky Johns toured the farm and observed impressive forestry practices. "Mr. Davis has a long term commitment to total conservation of his land,"said Lamb. "He fully understands that a tree farm is a long term investment and not a quick fix to a cash flow."

About 600 acres of the farm are in pine, while most of the cultivated acreage is in cotton and peanuts. About 150 acres are in wetlands.
Davis faithfully adheres to the reforestation policy of replanting every acre that is harvested in timber. He clearcut 375 acres in 1974, 35 acres in 1976, and 121 acres in 1988 and promptly planted seedlings after each cut. The 1974 planting has matured and has now been harvested and the new crops of young trees are again growing on the tract. A thinning schedule is carried out on all the tracts on the farm .
Davis has been in the Landowners Assistance program offered by Stone Container Corporation since 1984 and he said the company's foresters "tell me what species to plant, the best methods of planting, how to manage my forests and I appreciate their advice."
Lamb said Davis, who has been a certified Tree Farmer for 11 years, has an excellent, well managed plan underway and unlike some landowners, "he is not out for what his checkbook needs, but rather what the land needs."
Davis and his sons plant about 20 acres in food plots, mainly wheat rye for
(continued on page 14)

SMOKEY BALLOON VISITS GEORGIA

A giant Smokey Bear hot-air balloon is now touring the country in celebration of Smokey's 50th Anniversary. Georgia appearances included Macon , Rome, Patterson and Augusta. Other states on the Smokey Balloon immediate schedule include NC,WA, SD, Mf, WI, Al, CO, WY, NY, and CA.
The 86-foot tall Smokey likeness has a 10foot nose and 8-foot eye. More than 5 miles of thread were required to make the 120cubic foot balloon. With a diameter of 55 feet, the total balloon assembly weighs over 1100 pounds.
Bill OlapeJ, p1ot ci 1he Srncky Balloon, s a
mtirW U.S.fuest Service employee with 36

years service. When Chapel retired from office, he was assistant to the regional forester in the Albuquerque, New Mexico regional office as coordinator of the Smokey Bear Balloon Program. Previously, he had been assistant director of fire management
Chapel said the purpose of the Smokey Balloon is "education -pure and simple." The future now looks promising for this Smokey project to spin off into a Saturday Morning television show for kids- and an amusement park ride at some ofthe nation's major theme
parks. However, it did not happen overnight.
Chapel started out with only an idea when hestartedhot-airballooningin 1976. He saw

the attraction hot-air balloons had for children and believed a Smokey Balloon could offer and even increase more attraction.
Chapel tried several avenues of approach to get his concept of an educational Smokey Balloon accepted, but had very little success. His dream became a reality when the Friends of Smokey Bear, Inc. was established and the balloon was constructed in May of '93. The Friends organizations was a non-profit organization that obtained a license from the U. S. Forest Service to use the Smokey image. Donations were solicited from various sources and the $87 ,300 Smokey Balloon was constructed. The
(continued on page 13)
Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994/11

Pierce County High Chapter, above, placed first in the FFA forestry Reid Day finals and the team representing Jackson High School, below, captured second place honors. Other photos show students listening to speakers and competing in various skills.
12/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994

PIERCE FFA CHAPTER FIRST IN FIELD DAY COMPETITION

The Pierce County High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America captured first place and Jackson High came in second in the annual state finals of the FFA Forestry Field Day.
More than 200 students representing first and second place chapter winners in regional field meets, along with their advisors, judges and several special guests, attended the annual competition held on the grounds of the Georgia Forestry Center in Macon. Dean Arnette Mace, UGA School of Forest Resources, was guest speaker.
B. M. Dillard and Don Register, consulting foresters with the state's Vocational Agriculture Department and coordinators for the regional field days in April and the finals in Macon each May, said the two top winners are now eligible to enter competition on the national level. Both said the event this year was highly competitive and reflected the FFA members' willingness to work hard for high achievement.
Scotty Hattaway is faculty advisor for the winning Pierce County Chapter and Jimmy Mock directs the second place Jackson County team.
Dean Mace reminded the students of the substantial contribution forestry makes to Georgia's economy and pointed out the steadily increasing demand for forestry products. He encouraged students leaning toward a career in forestry to consider the UGA school for their training.
The educator said the school in Athens ranks as one of the top forestry schools in the nation and one of its advantages is the relatively small enrollment. He said some who enter the school have had the benefit of FFA forestry training in high school and the experience of participating in the field days.
Other schools participating in the

field day finals were Miller, Early

County, Charlton County, Irwin

County, Perry, Macon County, Clinch

County, Appling County, Harlem,

Louisville, Bleckley

County,

Swainsboro, Harris County, Ne<.vton

County, Monticello, Pepperell, Gilmer

County and Northwest Georgia.First

place winners in the various events

were Billy King of Perry, reforestation;

Don Cunningham of Harlem, standing

pulpwood estimation; Will Thomas of

Pierce County, standing sawtimber

estimation; Bryan Gill of Pierce

County, dendrology; and Stacey

Woodcock of Pierce County, ocular

estimation.

Others included Sam Vesuco of

Swainsboro, land measurement;

Frankie Kelly of Harlem, compass; Jay

Boatright of Pierce County, forest

disorders; A. Brian Barrs of Bleckley

County, forest manag~ment; and

Robbie Blocker of Louisville, timber

stand improvement.

The event this year was sponsored

by Union Camp Corporation, Trust

Company of Georgia and the Coca-

Cola Bottling Company, Atlanta.

High school chapters winning first place in the state FFA Forestry Field Day during the past eleven years include:

Pierce County Swainsboro High Harlem High Echols Cunty Perry High Pierce/Louisville Perry High Perry High Louisville High Pierce County Bleckley County

1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

(continued from page 11) largest donor was the company that constructed the balloon. Aerostar, of Sioux Falls , SD , donated more than $20,000 to the project.
Chapel emphasized that the U. S. Forest Service does not own the balloon and that all funds are obtained from donations solicited by the non-profit organization Friends of Smokey Bear Balloons, Inc.
FLYING SMOKEY
There are strict training requirements to fly a hot air balloon. Chapel said the FAA requires a special license to fly a hot airballoon with an average of 20 hours flying time with an instructor befoiJ:! soloing.
Chapel's crew chief is Pat Mitchuson, also a veteran of balloon flying. Mitchuson is no less skillful at his job than Chapel. Mitchuson can tum a dozen unexperienced balloon crew members into a synchronized team in a matter of a few hours;and this is often exactly what he has to do when these itinerant Smokey Ballooners are traveling from town to town and ask for volunteer crews. Mitchuson, who met Chapel at a hot air balloon gathering, is also a veteran of the art with years of experience . Neither Mitchuson, also retired, or Chapel receive any salary for their services; only their expenses are paid by the Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon, Inc.
Although Chapel and Mitchuson are both experienced balloonists, safety first is their practice when it comes to flying - especially since there are so many children around at the Smokey Balloon gatherings. Even the slightest hint of excessive wind or any other form of potential danger prompts them to cancel a flight.
If anything looks dangerous," Chapel said , "we'll just tether the balloon and talk to the kids - sometimes thousands of them . They really enjoy that and so do
we ."
Chapel considers the potential of the Smokey Bear Balloon program for educational purposes to be excellent, with a variety of possibilities for branching off. The half hour tv pilot that we 're doing has great possibilities ," he said . "The show would be for kids and by kids - with kids as actors. The prem ise is a tree hou se setting with a ranger type character as sort of a coach , instructing the kids on fire prevention and other
(continued on page 15)
Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994/13

TREE FARMERS OF THE YEAR
(continued from page 10)
wild game on the farm and it has resulted in large turkey and deer populations. Family members and friends enjoy hunting on the land.
Davis, who graduated from Stilson High School, attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia and served in the U. S. Army's occupational forces in Germany at the end of World War II , said he experimented with growing Christmas trees at one time in his diversified farming operation, but the venture was short lived. "We planted about four acres of Arizona cypress in a place out of sight of the house, and people came by and did the harvesting," he said, "and walked away with free trees."
Lamb said the Davis farm is an ideal place to view good forestry and conservation practices and the family has welcomed visitors. He pointed out that a government conservationist from Venezuela and her associates recently toured the farm to study natural stands of timber versus managed plantations.
Davis is a member of the official board of Hurbert United Methodist Church, a member of the Board of Directors of the Excelsior Electric Membership Cooperative and on the board of Merchants and Farmers Bank in Statesboro. The Davis family was honored as the Bulloch County Farm Family of the year in 1993. The couple is active in several charitable and civic organizations.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis will be guests of honor at the annual convention of the Georgia Forestry Association June 2628 on Jekyll Island, where they will be officially presented as Georgia's Tree Farmers of the Year.
14/Georgia Forestry/Spring,1994

STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
(continued from page 3)
accepted the duties and complete responsibilities of a private consultant. Marsh said 75 to 80 percent of his clients are now interested in the Stewardship Program with "most of them either having applied for the program or currently in the process of applying."
"All of Jerry's clients are diverse," Pope said. "This diversity is what the Stewardship Program is all about. Every client has different needs and individual ideas on priorities. The Stewardship Program enables them to establish a tailor-made plan for their needs.
Marsh points out the Stilson area (location Whitney forestland), is a relatively sparsely populated area of the state that offers good opportunity for wildlife cultivation, which the Whitneys have incorporated into their Stewardship plan.
BASIC AREAS
The Forest Stewardship program is composed of the following basic areas for establishing a plan."Timber Resource Management, Wildlife Habitat (game and /or non-game species) , Soil and Water Conservation , and Recreation and Aesthetics.
Stewardship Program guidelines suggest two primary objectives be selected for an individual management plan . The Whitneys selected Timber Resource Management and Recreation and Aesthetics (with emphasis on aesthetics) Mr. and Mrs. Whitney have been married for 52 years. They live in New York state and spend two months of each year in Stilson to visit and check on their land. Jerry Marsh is responsible for all management details in their absence .
"For the 30 years we've worked with Jerry there have been no problems," Mr. Whitney said. "Now, with the Stewardship Program implemented, things are even better due to clarification ."
As Forester Dennis Pope said, "In the case of Jerry Marsh and Whitneys

working together, it's not so much a change in philosophy as the situation of getting everything down on ppper as part of an officially adopted program that incorporates their views." The Whitneys, like many forestland owners throughout the state, selected Timber Resource Management as number one of two primary objectives in their Stewardship Plan. "In the years I've worked with the Whitneys," Marsh said, "they have clear-cut and reforested 150 acres - and had twelve timber sales. Yet, I'd venture to say that she has more timber value on this property today than she had many years ago."
Marsh also stressed that the timber production, harvest, and reforestation does not mar the total aesthetics concentration (the Whitneys secondary objective) of the Stewardship Plan when properly performed . This is ve ry important to Mrs. Whitney, a native of Bulloch County whose 900 acres have been in her family for three generations.
"One of my earliest memories is picking flowers in the woods," Mrs. Whitney said. Like many landowners with Stewardship plans, she wants to maintain good timber resources and aesthetic qualities. Marsh said the Stewardship program encourages cultivation of aesthetic characteristics, and Mrs. Marsh has improved aesthetics considerably by planting shrubs and other types of plants on various sections of her three tracts.
The Whitneys and Marsh have experienced the influences of changing times since the Commission officially adopted the Stewardship Program in 1990. The fragile balance between private responsibility and public benefit was emphasized by public pressure on government agencies to regulate how land, water and resources might be used. This environmental concern becomes particularly conspicuous in relation to the Stewardship Program's relationship with endangered species.
INITIAL CONCERN
The Whitneys, again like many other landowners in their initial phase of interest, became concerned about what they thought might result in denial of

certain property uses due to discovery of obscure plants on the endangered species list. 'We even attended some college courses on this sort ofthing to get a better understanding of what is going on," Mr. Whitney said.
Marsh said this is a common concern of many landowners,but once they understand the entire situation, their concerns are in perspective and they have little hesitation about participating in the program.
As Marsh explained, locations of any rare, threatened or endangered species are identified with specific habitat enhancement activities to promote recovery. 'This is not something that is targeted specifically by the Stewardship Program," he said . "It is something that influences aspects of many other social and environmental programs. When landowners see there is no real threat to them and understand the reasons, most want to cooperate."
In a similar vein , regulations concerning wetlands and highly erodible soils specified in the 1985 and 1990 Farm Bills are included in Stewardship Program . Stewardship guidelines also point out that many geological and archeological treasures are found within Georgia forests. More modern treasures include old mills, home sites, barns, and other nostalgic glimpses of the vanishing past. A Stewardship Plan can help preserve and identify such findings .
INDIVIDUAL CHOICE
The ForestStewardship Program develops
a management plan based on the individual landowners objectives and potential of the property. Recommendations will be made, but the landowner is not obligated to follow them. Bu~ as Jerry Marsh and other forestry consultants point out "A true Steward of the land will want to follow the recommendations."
An added incentive for following the recommendations is that assistance in funding an approved Forest Stewardship Plan is available through (SIP) The Stewardship Incentive Program. All payments are based on the landowner complying with regulations set forth under the program.
Commission Forester Dennis Pope said the basis for District 12's success in implementing the Stewardship Program is the good working relationship between the Commission and other agencies

involved. Jerry Marsh said, "real success of the Stewardship Program is impossible without the cooperation of the various agencies."
The cooperating agencies include: the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department ofNatural Resources, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, USDA Soil Conservation Service, USDA Forest Service, and USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.
'You could not ask for a more cooperative and productive working relationship than the one that has been developed in District 12," Marsh said. 'That's why the Stewardship Program has been so successful here."
To Start Your Forest Stewardship Plan - Call The Georgia Forestry Commission at 1-800-GA-TREES.
SMOKEY BALLOON
(continued from page 13) related situations." Chapel said the program also plans to provide study guides for schools so classes can follow along with educational objectives of the televisions show.
As for the amusement theme park involvement, Chapel said the program would like to develop miniature forests in addition to the Smokey water rides.
"Actually, the accomplishments and directions this program can go in are

limited only by imagination," Chapel said. "Smokey is the second most recognized figure in the world - Santa Clause is first, but Smokey ge1s more mail."
Attraction and popularity of the Smokey Balloon was indicated by large Georgia crowds. Smokey was at Macon's Wesleyan College for a hot air balloon race; more than 4 ,000 people turned out for the afternoon session, despite high winds that prevented any of the balloons from lifting off. However, Smokey did fly at 6 :00a.m. that morning and a large crowd turned out at dawn.
In Augusta, more than 6,000 elementary school children gathered at Daniel Air Field to wish Smokey a happy 50th birthday. The big celebration was coordinated by the Commission and U. S . Forest Service.
The Smokey Balloon was tethered and did not fly in Augusta, but the children never tired of filing by the giant likeness and squealing when the hissing flight burners were turned on.
Only one Augusta second grader seemed disturbed when looking at the towering face of Smokey. "He looks very old," said James Kelly of Joseph Lamar Elementary School, "I don't believe that's really Smokey."
But as the Smokey Balloon program progresses, all the kids will know that Smokey is forever young.And he11 be back in Georgia to see them again.

The Georgia Forestry Commission is seeking a small sawmill to add to the collection of forestry-related machinery, equipment, tools and other artifacts now on display at the Georgia Forestry Museum on the grounds of the Georgia Forestry Center in Macon . The mill would not have to be operational; it could be a static display to show museum visitors how lumber is manufactured. An old steam-driven mill would be ideal, but any small mill would be appreciated. A plaque denoting an individual or family donating the mill to the museum will be permanently displayed next to the machinery. Please contact the Forest Information and Education Department, Georgia Forestry Commission, Box 819, Macon, Georgia 31298 (Phone 912/751-3530) if you can make such a contribution or have information on someone who might make the donation.
Georgia Forestry/Summer, 1994/15

sqth nnnual ffiiSS Georgia
Porestry Pageant
Y oung ladies who won the forestry pageant on the county level gathered in Macon for the statewide finals; judges selected one to wear the crown of Miss Georgia Forestry. A Miss Gum Spirits also was selected. The colorful pageant, now in its 54th year, was a two-day event in which the contestants were judged on general appearance, personality and ability to meet the public. A reception for contestants was at the Georgia Forestry Center, and the Queen's Luncheon was held Saturday, June 25, at the Radisson Hotel in Macon , followed by the contest in the evening. Denise Michelle Griffin of Fitzgerald was the reigning Miss Georgia Forestry and Amy Marie Thompson of Lyons our Miss Gum Spirits, 1993. Winners will be featured in the next issue of Georgia Forestry.

Zenda Hamilton Atkinson Co.

Aneisa Marie Young Ben Hill-Irwin

Renee Lynn Gregor Brantley County

Michelle Moore Burke County

Misty Renee Haley Butts-Henry

Amy Sarah Gowen Charlton County

Rachel S. Johnston Clinch County

16/Georgia Forestry/Spring,1994

Jennifer Barker Cook County

Brande Gail Puckett Crawford County

Virginia Lee Hurt Crisp-Dooly

Delores A. Blair

Anitra Holley Early County

Marlo Boyer Evans County

Jocelyn Nicole Bramlett Gilmer County

Alicia Newome Johnson County

Lani Kristen Swann Lanier/Lowndes

Crystal E. Middlebrooks Macon County

Jennie Owen Madison-Elbert

Lori Lee Heard Miller County
Amy S. Eunice Pierce County

Stephanie Willis Montgomery County

Ashley Saye Hammonds Morgan/Walton
.
~;\ ;~

Mandy Jackson Oconee County

Nancie Joyce Churchwell Oglethorpe County

Candace Kitchens Richmond County

LaShanna Gail Newton Taylor County

Lisa Benton Telfair County

Amanda Michelle Pitts Tift County

Heather Newsome Toombs County

Krystal Miranda Hooks Treutlen County

Dee Dee Miller Wayne County

Alicia Suzanne Bagley Worth County
Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994/17

Fulmer

Allen

Loggins

FIELD SUPERVISOR PRESTON FULMER RETIRES;

FRED ALLEN AND TOMMY LOGGINS PROMOTED

Field Supervisor Preston Fulmer retired in May to end a 33-year-career in the job he said he always wanted.
"I reached my goal," said the veteran forester. "From the very beginning of my employment with the Commission, I felt that the field supervisor post would be the most challenging and interesting job in our agency and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to work in that capacity."
Fulmer, who came with the Commission in 1961 , was honored by GFC personnel and other friends at a retirement dinner in Macon .
The Macon native is a 1956 graduate of Lanier High School and the School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia. After his initial assignment in Waycross, he served as assistant ranger in Valdosta, forest technician in Camilla and area forester and assistant district forester in Early County. He was Newnan District forester for 18 years before transferring to Macon headquarters in 1990 to become field supervisor.
Fred Allen , who succeeded John Mixon as head of the Commission's Forest Research Department in 1983, assumed the position vacated by Fulmer.
Fulmer cooperated with Supervisor Charles Gremillion in statewide field services. Each was assigned to one-half of the state and they exchanged territories

every two years. "That traditional arrangement set up by the Commission gave me an opportunity to visit every unit and work with personnel in every county in the state, " Fulmer explained. "It has been a rewarding experience in working with budgets, construction and other activities out in the field ."
While in Newnan , Fulmer coordinated the first Land Use and Forest Management Field Day, an event that is now held biennially in Griffin.
The retired forester and his wife , Teena, have three children, Preston, Jr., Karen and Julie. They are active in the Baptist Church. They will again make their home in Newnan.
*
Allen, a native of West Virginia and a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in forestry, began his career as a forest patrolman in the Newnan District in 1972 . He transferred to Atlanta the following year to become urban forester for Cobb County.
He was named urban forester for the Augusta area in 1974 and moved back to Atlanta in 1979 to work as wood energy coordinator in cooperation with Georgia Tech .
Allen came to the Commission 's Macon headquarters in 1979 to serve as

assistant chief of the agency's Forest Research Department and when John Mixon, who headed the department, was named Commission Director, he became chief of the department,. (The name of the department was recently changed to Forest Products, Utilization, Marketing and Development) .
"I looked forward to this new assignment," said Allen, "and now that I'm working in counties across the northern half of the state, I find the personnel very cooperative and the job very interesting."
Considerable progress was made in the promotion of wood energy and the advancement of forest technology during Allen's tenure as head of research and he said he misses his work in that area, but he knows the department is "in good hands with Tommy Loggins as chief. " Logg ins was formerly assistant chief of the department.
Allen and his wife , Teresa, and their children , John and Michael , live in Gray. The family is active in the First Baptist Church.
*
Loggins, a native of Cleveland, is a graduate of White County High School. He attended Truett-McConnell College and earned a degree in forestry from the

18/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994

School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia.
He carne with the Commission in 1970 and worked as forest technician for the Lake Lanier Islands Authority. He later served three years in the Army and following his discharge, worked as metro forester in the Atlanta area. Beginning in 1977, Loggins served five years as forest technician for the Stone Mountain Authority, later moving to Lawrenceville to work in urban wood utilization.
The forester transferred to Macon in 1984 to serve as assistant chief of the Forest Research Department.

In assuming his new position as department chief, Loggins said working with industry in the utilization of wood would continue to be an important role of the department, although the use of wood waste is now more widely accepted. He said priority also is given to the promotion of wood-constructed bridges on Georgia's secondary roads , with some serving as experimental projects to modern engineering techniques.
Loggins and his wife Wanda and their two children, Patrice and Ryan, live in Dry Branch . They are active in Grayson First Baptist Church .

Tractor-drawn trams transported visitors to the many sites.

HUNDREDS AITEND BIENNIAL FIELD DAY

The third Land Use and Forest Field Day held recently near Swainsboro attracted hundreds of landowners who had the opportunity to visit demonstrations that featured the most effective methods of managing forests , agricultural lands and streams.
The one-day event on the James Morgan farm and forests included displays and information provided by professional foresters and other natural resource specialists on a wide range of subjects pertaining to wise land use. The

landowners also enjoyed a barbecued chicken lunch and music by a country band.
The field days have been held biennial, alternatives between the Swainsboro and Griffin areas. The Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Farm Bureau, U. S. Forest Service, forest industries and several other agencies and organizations cooperate with the commission in staging the events. Officials of some of the sponsors make brief speeches at the field days.

THE BOOK CORNER
THE ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND POLICY BOOK, By Donald VanDeVeer and Christine Pierce, Wadsworth Publishing Company (Belmont, California) Hardback $37.50.
A brand new (1994) proposed textbook, with both authors from North Carolina State University, containing enough pro and con forestry related material to boggle the minds of all but the most entrenched academicians.
The contrasting views on various key topics, range from The Land Ethic (by A/do Leopold) to Ecosabotage and Civil Disobedience (by Michael Martin) . One entire section of the text is devoted to Forests and Wilderness including such topics as Tropical Forests and Their Species: Going, Going... ? (by Norman Myers); Forest Service Policy, (by Bryan G.Norton) ; and Radical Enrvironmenta/ism and Wilderness Preservation: A Third World Critique(by Ramachandra Guha) .
And so it goes for 638 pages that are almost overwhelming in an array of intricate information and varied viewpoints. Obviously, the authors have served more as compilation specialists than writers in this impressive work; familiar names are scattered through the bylines that offer food for thought on the book's stated purpose of exploring indepth questions about "how on earth we ought to live" and how we can "live respons ibly with nonhumans on the planet."
Designed for undergraduate and graduate university-level courses, this volume is basically a philosophy and ethics guide - with economic overtones that could complement curriculums of forestry and environmental sciences.
Views range from philosophical assumptions to policy, and include materials instructors desire concerning environmental ethics or policy. Results could be influential in the formulation of future forest and land management.
This book is not designed to dictate but to make the reader think. Times are changing and this text - whether catalyzing agreement or disagreement is a sign of the times.
Georgia Forestry/Spring,l994/19

Popular dog helps ChiefRanger W H Woodyard teach lire safety rules to children at a public school in LaGrange.

I TRAINED DOG TEACHES, DELIGHTS STUDENTS I

Smokey Bear, the dedicated 50-yearold crusader against forest wildfire, has some stiff competition in Georgia's Troop and Heard Counties, where he has to share the spotlight with a big friendly dog in parades , festivals , classroom presentations and other appearances.
The popular canine, affectionately known as Smokey the Dog (adopting the middle name the bear used to have) , is an animal so well regarded that he receives a Kentucky Fried Chicken gift certificate from a district ranger each Christmas. His training includes a trip through the Commission's fire simulator, making him a member of the Fire Tactics Team, and when fire strikes in his county, he is always ready to hop on the ranger's pickup truck.
The dog's master and trainer, Chief Ranger W. H. Woodyard of the TroopHeard County Unit, takes the animal along with him to schools for fire safety programs. After the ranger makes his talk, he commands the dog to do tricks that further emphasize fire safety.
"One of the tricks that impresses the
20/Georgia Forestry/Spring,1994

kids the most from kindergarten to fourth grade, the ages we usually work with , is the 'Stop , Drop and Roll ' stunt," Woodyard said. The ranger advises the students to drop to the ground and roll if their clothing should ever catch fire and he then commands the dog to drop to the classroom floor and show how it is done.
"Our Smokey The Dog has performed in front of 12 ,000 to 14,000 school children since we started with him in 1987. Woodyard said. "Some of those kids are juniors and seniors in high school now, but they still remember and call out to Smokey wherever they see him ."
The ranger said he realizes the fondness people of all ages have for the venerable Smokey Bear and he continues to use him in parades and other forestry promotions, but he is accompanied by the dog. One advantage Woodyard pointed out: "It sure makes it easier when you don't have to find someone to wear a dog suit."
Woodyard said "the smaller children are usually afraid of the bear because of

his size, but they come up and shake the dog's paw and pet him. They seem to be more comfortable with the live an imal and it makes a greater impact."
Unfortunately, the gentle 40-pound dog has health problems brought about by his age - he is eleven - and the ranger feels he has only about three more "good years" to help in the fire safety program . Under the advice of a veterinarian, Woodyard gives the dog an aspirin each day to ease the pain of arthritis in his shoulder and hips. The dog has monthly appointments at the vet's office , an expense the ranger handles personally.
Smokey The Dog is content when he is riding in the bed of a pickup, appearing before school children, riding in a crawler tractor or merely dozing on the floor in the county unit office. If his contribution to safety training saves just one child from death or serious injury, Ra nger Woodyard figures he has earned his keep!
One of his rewards will be another KFC gift certificate next Christmas from Athens District Ranger Tommy Hewell.

pproximately 1,000 firemen, ounty commissioners, mayors nd others involved in fire protection attended the recent statewide lOth biennial Georgia Fire Equipment Show for an update on firefighting techniques and to view an array of advanced equipment. David Pritchett, director of the Georgia Fire Academy and featured speaker at the show held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agri-Center, told of new fire training modules at the academy and explained inspection compliance procedures now being carried out jointly with the Forestry Commission. Wesley Wells, chief of the Commission's Forest Protection Department, was moderator for the program. Twenty-eight vendors from nine states maintained booths at the show to display and demonstrate a wide range of equipment, accessories and supplies of interest to firemen . The Commission administers Georgia's Rural Fire Defense Program and most of the firemen attending are affiliated with RFD fire departments across the state.

GAINESVILLE DISTRICT, NEWTON-ROCKDALE AND BRANTLEY UNITS RECEIVE PERFORMANCE AWARDS

Plaques for outstanding performance have been presented to the Commission's Gainesville District and the NewtonRockdale and Brantley County Units by the Georgia Forestry Association. The presentations were made at an awards breakfast during the Association's Annual Convention on Jekyll Island
The Association cited the Gainesville District for the participation of its personnel in a massive cleanup and salvage effort following the blizzard of 1993 and the district's role in coordinating emergency access during the aftermath of the destructive Palm Sunday tornadoes.
During recent months, the district headed by District Forester David McClain also managed to complete several construction projects, including the much-needed renovation of the district office, a nature trail and outdoor classroom for the Dawson County Educational Forest. An antique ox cart was rebuilt for the Macon Museum.
The judges said the Gainesville district is versatile. It is constantly training and
retraining employees, as well as offering expertise to other state and federal agencies. In addition, assigned Commission duties, including completing stewardship plans, fabricating and painting fire knocker tanks, making videos for use by fire departments and the Department of Corrections and other
22/Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994

projects, were carried out. In nominating the Newton-district's
Rockdale Unit for this year's Region I, Georgia GFA Award, District Forester Ken Bailey said the unit, headed by Chief Ranger Budd, is "consistently one of the best kept and run units in this or any other district." All personnel take pride in its looks as well as how it meets the forestry needs of the NewtonRockdale area it serves, he said.
"Chief Ranger Budd has an excellent working relationship with all county, state and city agencies, as well as the public. He makes forestry a part of their program s through the various services the Forestry Commiss ion offers," the district forester said.
For the past two months, the unit has been involved in a project which entailed moving 300 large trees from the Olympic Horse Venue site to schools and public parks in Rockdale County.
Recently, the Georgia Clean and Beautiful organization gave the Athens District the State-Federal Government Award at its annual luncheon. The Covington-Newton County Office of Clean and Beautiful made the nomination--again showing the influence that this unit has with that organization.
District Forester Buck Wynn nominated

the Brantley County Unit as the outstanding unit in Region IT, South Georgia, because of the employees' willingness to assist other uni1s in any project where they are needed.
As an adjoining county to the District Office, the unit is responsible for all yard maintenance at the D. 0 . "They also assist other units with equipment needs; their attitude is that their adjoining county neighbors should be equipped and as fire-ready as Brantley County because we all will be on a fire together at some point in time," Wynn said.
The District Forester said the Brantley County Unit is constantly active in community affairs; they work closely with landowners advising them on proper techniques for burning and managing fire as well as smokes. They work closely with the Brantley County Firemen 's Association, promoting fire prevention and fire safety during the month of October (fire prevention month). The Brantley County Unit was instrumental in helping establish the association.
Chief Ranger Chesser is active in the local reforestation committee and at the present time he is serving as chairman. The committee works with the forestry unit in setting up a local forestry tour which has been held every other year since 1987. Chesser also serves as chairman of the Brantley County Farm Bureau Forestry Commodity Committee, which has won a Gold Star Award each year for the Unit's efforts in promoting reforestation and fire prevention in the county since 1988.

peop e
1n the news
CHRIS BABB, a native of Parker, Rorida, but who grew up in Fayette County, was named chief ranger of the Coweta County Unit earlier this year. He succeeds Kenneth Parker who was transferred to

/

BABB

ISLER

Pike County. The ranger, who came with

the unit as ranger one in February, 1993,

is a graduate of Fayette County High

School and he attended Abraham

Baldwin Agricultural College for two

years. Babb and his wife Sherri have

three children , Joseph , Phillip and

Elizabeth. The family attends First Baptist

Church in Senois...FORESTER LAMAR

ALAN ISLER, a native of Clay County,

has been assigned to the Tifton District

to provide forest management services

MCDONALD

.
KENNEDY

in Brooks, Berrien and Cook Counties. Isler is a graduate of Calhoun County High School. He attended ABAC before transferring to the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in forestry. The

forester is a member of Southside Baptist Church in Early County...WADE E. McDONALD ,a native of Savannah ,has been named manager of the Statesboro Office of F&W Forestry Services, Inc. McDonald , who in 1983 joined the company which provides forest management and consulting services, is a graduate in forestry technology at Savannah Technical Institute ...H. A. STANFIELD , JR. former Tattnall County ranger, is now Statesboro District Ranger, succeeding Monroe Gaines, who now holds that position in the Rome District. Stanfield , who was born in North Carolina but grew up in Tattnall County, came with the Commission in 1969 as patrolman in the unit in his home county. He was later named Chief Ranger for the county and moved to the district post several months ago. The ranger and his wife Aundrey have a .daughter, Crystal, and one granddaughter. The couple attends the Baptist Church . . . CHIEF RANGER BRETT KENNEDY now occupies the Tattnall County Unit position vacated by Stanfield's transfer to Statesboro. Following graduation from Reidsville High School, Kennedy attended South Georgia Vocational and Technical School, where he studied automobile mechanics. He worked with his father's Chevrolet and Oldsmobile Dealership for several years before coming with the Commission in 1982. The chief ranger and his wife Sylvia have three children, Jessica, Rader and Katie . The family is active in Reidsville United Methodist Church. Kennedy is a member of the Tattnall County Cattlemens' Association and Ducks Unlimited.

TWO NEW PLANTS
LOCATED IN STATE
Two forest products companies recently announced plans to build plants in Georgia at a cost of $23 million and provide 250 jobs.
Anthony Forest Products, an Arkansasbased manufacturer of wood products, will build a laminated beam plant in Washington (Wilkes County) . Total investment will be approximately $8 million and employment is expected to reach 100. The company considered 60 sites in Georgia and South Carolina before deciding on Wilkes County. Anthony Forest Products owns and harvests timberlands in Arkansas , Louisiana and Texas. It operates sawmills in Arkansas and Texas, a chip mill in Louisiana and a laminated beam plant in Arkansas.
Fitzgerald Forest Products of Springfield, Oregon has announced plans to locate a $15 million veneer plant in Ben Hill County. The plant will produce dried pine veneer for the domestic and export markets to be used for plywood panels and other engineered wood products.
FOREST FARMERS NAME RONAlD BOSf PRESIDENT
Ronald M. Bast, vice president of Crescent Resources, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina, was installed president of Forest Farmers Association at the group's 53rd annual meeting held recently in Charleston, South Carolina. Bobby J. Neill, a consulting forester in Magnolia, Arkansas, was named president-elect.
"Charting a New Forestry Course Through Troubled Waters" was the theme of the meeting that featured a slate of forestry and property rights leaders imparting their views on ways to stem the tide that threatens to overwhelm the timber growing business.
In other proceedings at the annual meeting, attended by over 400 members, William J . Barton, a forestry consultant and retired division operations manager for Union Camp Corporation Woodlands in Savannah, was recognized by Forest Farmers Association with its highest honor -- the Forest Farmer Award.
Georgia Forestry/Spring, 1994/23

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