Georgia forestry, Vol. 49, no. 4 (Winter 1996)

Back view ofchalet and lake after a light snow.
SWISS ADVENTURE INSPIRES GEORGIA HOME BUILDER

By Howard Bennett

B urton (Chip) Chandler took off at the end of his senior year at the University of Georgia for four months of backpacking across Europe, and after spending some time admiring the picturesque chalets of Switzerland, he knew exactly what he had to do.
He had to return to Georgia and build his dream home!
And now, for the past 22 years, Chandler and his wife, Dena, have enjoyed the peace and comfort of their sturdy, authentic log chalet deep in the
JO/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

forests of Madison County. After being back from the Alpine re-
gions just five days, the adventurer used a modest inheritance to buy a small, wooded tract of land near the little town of Carlton and soon set out looking for old structures with logs that could be salvaged. He also had to spend some time making his newly acquired property habitable; the land had been a garbage and trash dump over the years and he had the hard task of removing tin cans, old washing machines, tires, and other accumulated

refuse. "I honestly believe that in cleaning
up woods, Chip really began to have a new appreciation of his forest," said Senior Forester Ed Banks of the Commission's Athens District. "Since that time, he has become one of the most ardent environmentalists in our area." He later bought three other tracts and now owns 275 acres, with most of the land in forests. He has restored several severely eroded areas, planted trees almost every year, established a network of firebreaks and woods trails,

cleared plots for wildlife, and faithfully followed other recommended forestry practices, according to the forester.
"I've planted thousands of pine seedlings by hand," Chandler said, "and I started out with a shovel, until someone gave me a dibble." Now, when visitors come, he often hands them a dibble and invites them to join him in planting more trees.
Chandler, an emergency medical technician, county commissioner, and chief of a local volunteer fire department, somehow finds time to manage his forests and continue to enlarge his 2,660-square-foot chalet. The builder, who had no experience in carpentry, but read a half dozen books on log home construction, decided at the outset he wouldn't use manufactured logs - those that are milled to a uniform size. Instead, he began searching for logs hand-hewn by workmen generations ago and found them in several long forgotten cabins in remote areas of Madison and adjoining counties.

0

ne abandoned farmhouse, clad in modern siding, turned out to be constructed of solid

logs and Chandler hired a crane to dis-

mantle the massive timbers. Growth

rings indicate some of the logs were

from trees about 160 years old when

they were felled and squared with a

broadaxe in about 1820.

In the beginning, Chandler worked

alone with native stone and salvaged

logs in building his home at the end a

long forest trail some distance from his

nearest neighbor, but he said friends at

times came to help in the spirit of a

"barn raising" reminiscent of pioneer

days.

Today, the spacious dwelling with

its steep sloping, cedar-shingled roof

and wide overhanging, features inte-

rior walls of exposed logs that were

carefully selected from the supply of

heavy timbers rescued from obscure,

vine covered buildings within a 20-

mile radius. Several stained glass win-

dows - odd glass Chandler said he

lucked upon in his search through ag-

ing structures - lend an appropriate

Swiss Alps touch to the chalet. Ask about the wide, heart pine floor-
ing boards, and the homeowner relates how they were "taken from a house once owned by the mother ofCrawford Long," Georgia's famous pioneer anesthetist. The Chandler home is furnished in antique lamps, chests, and other treasures, and iron pots and other utensils hanging from kitchen ceiling beams add to its old world charm. The cathedral ceiling allows space for a balcony.
After completing the basic structure, the builder had a dam built across one end of a deep ravine; now a lake reflecting the seasonal colors of the surrounding forests are viewed and enjoyed from the rear wooden deck of the chalet. He is currently working on a stone fireplace and chimney at the front of his home.
One frustration the landowner experienced when he started his home was the lack of electrical power; he had to rely on manual hand tools. The power company ultimately ran a line to his remote home site, however, and now he operates saws, a planer, and other equipment as he enlarges his dwelling, and works on other projects.
Chandler said his home is relatively modest compared to many he saw in Switzerland. "Some of the elaborate chalets were actually three and four

stories," he explained. "The language barrier prevented me from discussing some of the architectural details, but I was able to visit many of the homes. One of the chalets I visited was built in 1712."
As Chandler consulted with Banks and other natural resource specialists and his interest in forestry deepened, he saw an urgent need for forest landowners to band together to learn management and other techniques if they were to become good stewards of their land and at the same time reap maximum benefits from their forested acreage. He was instrumental in the formation ofthe Broad River Forest Landowners Association. Landowners from three counties gathered on the deck of his home for the initial meeting.
"Chip has done a great job locally in promoting forestry," Banks said. "Farmers and others who own timber in Madison and surrounding counties respect him for his self-taught knowledge of forestry. He has held tree planting and other demonstrations on his place for the benefit of other growers."
When he made his first timber sale, Chandler said he used some of the cash to buy a used front-end loader. He used the equipment to build a pond and a

Front view of Chandler's chalet Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996111

network of forest trails that conform to the specifications endorsed by the Commission to prevent erosion.

ADVISES OTHERS
Chandler has become so proficient in seeking out logs hewn in Georgia's pioneer days, re-working them and using them in new construction, that Athens area residents interested in building a cabin look to him for advice. Many have visited his chalet on tours of interesting and historical homes and other buildings. He has participated in "A Day in the County," the annual "Folk festival," and other events to show adults some of the intricacies of working with logs and to build simple log cabins for children.
The builder is currently working with an Athens resident to add two logconstructed rooms to a historic house, and he has other projects in mind. He now has a surplus of good, sound logs retrieved from abandoned buildings and will use the timber to build a wedding chapel in a wooded retreat near his home. Now that the word is out that he is interested in old logs, Chandler said he often receives calls from persons who come upon old structures.
Chandler knows he will never experience the kind of heavy snows here in Georgia that routinely transform the chalets in the high Alps of Switzerland into a storybook setting, but he enjoys the modest snowfall that occasionally blankets his home in Madison County. That is enough to conjure up images of the chalets he visited on his European adventure.

SPEAKER CITES CHALLENGES FACING FOREST INDUSTRY

The forest industry faces major challenges as the century nears an end, including competition from alternative materials such as plastics, the growing impact of technology, globalization of markets, environmental regulation, and the considerable capital needed to stay competitive.
There were observations made by Jerry Ballengee, chief operations officer of Union Camp Corporation, when he recently delivered the 1996 Fall Colloquium at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forest Resources.
"Even with these challenges, ours is a sunrise -- and not a sunset industry," Ballengee told the audience of about 300, many of whom were students. "In fact, Fortune magazine recently identified only two industries in America as leaders in efficiency, and they are the forest and pharmaceutical industries. The forest industry continues to be a major economic engine in this country."
Ballengee, who has been with Union Camp since 1981, outlined issues and opportunities for the coming decade. Among his concerns are increas_ing competition from plastic shopping bags, which he said now represent some 70 percent of the market, returnable crates, and other reusable packaging.
Ballengee said Union Camp is researching how technology will affect wood resources, genetically engineered trees, and silviculture systems for intensive management. "We are

also studying the impact of electronic media on the use of paper and paper products," he added.
Ballengee said environmental issues will continue to dominate the forest products industry. "The cry for a cleaner environment must be recognized in all of our plans," he said. "Our commitment is fundamental, both as a social and legal obligation. But the pressures to eliminate discharges and odors is not going away. I just hope we don't emasculate our world leadership position in complying with the new cluster rule and comprehensive water and air regulations."
The officer said, "The capitol required in this business is among the highest in the world. It's twice the average of all manufacturing and we'll spend another 20 percent in the future on environmental controls to meet regulations."
Ballengee said while U.S. paper and paper product exports currently exceed imports by about 12 percent, that figure could change as globalization affects price and transportation costs worldwide. Per capita paper consumption in the U.S. is 732 pounds, while per capita consumption is only 48 pounds in China, 28 pounds in Russia, and 79 pounds in Mexico.
"Developing countries, especially Pacific Asia, which is the world's largest wood-deficit area, offer the greatest opportunities for future growth and expansion," said Ballengee.

12/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

Mary Helen Ray of Savannah holds plaque she received for outstanding leadership in urban forestry. Standing with her are, left to right, James Hull, National Association of State Foresters; Cindy Zimar, National Tree Trust; and Ed Macie, U.S. Forest Service.

RESIDENT OF SAVANNAH HONORED FOR PROMOTING URBAN FORESTRY

Historic Savannah is indebted to Mary Helen Ray for her devotion to the perpetuation of the beauty of the coastal city though the saving and planting of trees, according to the Georgia Urban Forest Council.
It was little surprise, therefore, when the Savannah resident was recently honored as the Georgia Award recipient at the Southern Community Forestry Summit Awards luncheon in Mobile.
The event recognized an individual from each state for their "championship" performance in promoting urban and community forestry activities in their state. The Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia Urban Forest Council selected Ray on the basis of "the boundless energy and grace she has dedicated to the cause of saving and planting trees in conjunction with educating the public to do the same."
For 30 years, Ray has been active through garden clubs on the state and national level to promote tree preser-

vation and planting. In 1974, she was appointed to the Savannah Park and Tree Commission and served as chairman of the organization from 1978-96.
A special event was held this year to honor her exceptional urban forestry achievements for her city and the state.
Ray's urban forestry leadership in Savannah has inspired numerous other Georgia communities to adopt similar policies, council officers said. She is a charter member of the Georgia Urban Forest Council, has served on the board of directors and was instrumental in establishing Georgia's Historic and Landmark Tree Program.
BARRS AWARDED FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHING
Project Learning Tree is the winner of the 1996 North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Award recognizing outstanding service by an organization active at national and inter-

national levels. A spokesman for the NAAEE
Awards Committee said the organization was impressed with PLT and other environmental education activity supported by the American Forest Foundation (AFF). The NAAEE Board unanimously accepted the Committee's AFF nomination.
Another indication ofPLT standards of excellence was an award presentation to Wanda Barrs as one of PLT's 1996 National Outstanding Educators. A member of Knapp-Barrs Associates and Bleckley County School Board, Barrs received the honor during a special American Forest Foundation reception at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Barrs was selected from among 21 nominated U.S. educators for her innovative approach to classroom environmental education, use of outdoor teaching resources, and leadership promoting environmental education expansion. During her Washington stay, she met Senator Paul Coverdell, the staff of Senator Sam Nunn, and Secretary of Education Madeleine Kunin. PLT benefits to Georgia were discussed at these meetings.
WANDA BARRS
Barrs' award includes an expense paid trip to participate in a Summer Educators Institute sponsored by the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon.
Barrs and Richard Osorio are currently providing leadership for the "PLT Strategic Plan." This effort is directed to determining a written plan detailing PLT activities for the next three years.
Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996113

NATURAL BEAUTY OF WOOD SIDING CAN BE RETAINED

BY DAN RAHN

T he appeal of natural wood siding is hard to deny. Its beauty has highlighted many a new home. In Georgia's humid climate, though, mold and mildew can turn wood's warmth and beauty to a dirtylooking, splotchy gray. Some people begin to wonder what they ever liked about wood.
But the wood's beauty doesn't have to be lost. "Over time, all unfinished wood, exposed outside, will develop a soft gray patina because of ultraviolet rays in sunlight," said Julian Beckwith, a wood products specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service. "That blotchy look that's so unattractive," he said, "is caused by mold and mildew that results from uneven wetting by rain and dew. Keeping wood siding and decks looking like newly cut lumber forever is nearly impossible," he said. Some clear finishes will slow the process of graying, and many contain preservatives which reduce mold and mildew growth. "These finishes aren't very durable," Beckwith said. "They have to be reapplied every year or two. Chemicals that block ultraviolet rays are being added to newer clear finishes, making them a more attractive alternative than before," he said. "But a good water-repellent preservative, especially one containing ultraviolet inhibitors, is probably the best thing available to date," he said. Longer-lasting protection is available, though. "For a finish that can last as much as 10 years on rough-sawn siding, use two coats of a 'semitransparent' (lighting pigmented) stain containing ultraviolet inhibitors." "For long-lasting finishes on smooth siding, apply a water-repellent preservative first," he said. "Then apply an acrylic latex primer and an acrylic latex or solid-color stain as a topcoat." Over the life of siding finishes, periodic washing with
14/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

soap and water can greatly brighten their appearance. If mold and mildew have accumulated, you may need to use a bleach solution to remove them. "Besides restoring its beauty, a good cleaning can increase the life of the siding, too," Beckwith said. The best cleaning solution for weathered, mildew-stained wood includes six to ten tablespoons of trisodium phosphate and one cup of bleach in a gallon of water.
But Beckwith said common household detergents and bleach will work, too. If you use the latter, though, follow the instructions on the bleach label carefully mixing chlorine bleach with some cleaning agents can release poisonous chlorine gas.
After cleaning and bleaching, rinse the wood surface thoroughly and allow it to dry. If you're applying a new finish, be sure to brush, scrape, or sand any peeling or flaking old finish before you do," he said.
"Using the right finish and cleaning it from time to time should keep you from having to refinish it often," Beckwith said. "The pleasure of wood siding doesn't have to be a high-priced luxury.
(Dan Rahn is a news editor with the University of Georgia Extension Service)

the Etowah River discussing the im-

portance of clean water supply being

produced by streams flowing into the

river from the surrounding forests.

The visiting foresters spent more

than two hours touring the sprawling

Flint River Nursery near Byromville

and an adjacent wildlife preserve. Re-

forestation Chief Johnny Branan said

they showed keen interest in the meth-

ods the nursery employs in cultivating

the wide variety of tree species.

While at headquarters in Macon, the

Visiting foresters cross a bridge in the Commission's Hightower Education Forest near Dawsonville. They also toured the Flint River Nursery and other GFC facilities.

group was greeted by each department and a summary was given on the functions of the various offices and how

they relate to the district offices and

JAPANESE FORESTERS TOUR county units across the state. Following a tour of the Georgia Forestry Mu-

SEVERAL COMMISSON SITES seum, the visitors and their guides moved on to the Brender Forest.

After completing the Georgia tour,

The Hightower Education Forest porosity of northern red oak wood.

the foresters traveled to Virginia and

near Dawsonville, the state headquar-

The day ended with McClure and other states before finally ending their

ters in Macon, the Brender Forest, and the Japanese visitors on the banks of study in Canada.

the Flint River Nursery were visited

recently by ten Japanese foresters on

a study tour organized by the National

Forestry Extension Association in Ja-

pan.

The visiting foresters were in the

United States to visit Georgia Forestry

Commission facilities and other points

to better learn of forestry education

methods, forest management tech-

niques, reforestation, and new forest

products.

The group was guided at the educa-

tion forest by Forester Nathan

McClure and Norma Rainwater

through the "Talking Tree Trail" and

into the pine plantation study area.

Along the way, they learned how

Southern forests grow naturally and

about tree planting methods employed

by American forest landowners and managers. Several members of the group participated in a bubble-blow-

Forester Nathan McClure discusses the features ofthe popular education forest as the group pauses on a hillside during the tour.

ing contest which demonstrated the

Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996115

THE SEARCH FOR THE BUTTERNUT

Seen a butternut tree lately? Ifyou have, retired forester Jim McConnell

of Lilburn would like to hear from you:

Butternut, Juglans cinerea, also known as white walnut, grown

throughout the highlands of North Georgia on rich loamy soils in mixed

hardwood stands is being killed by a fungus most likely introduced from

outside North America. The disease was first reported in Wisconsin in

1967, and since then it has spread throughout the range of butternut. The

disease has contribut~d to as much as an 80% decrease in living butter-

nut trees in some states.

Declining populations of butternut have prompted the US Fish and

Wildlife Service to declare it a "species of federal concern." In an at-

tempt to stem the decline, the University of Tennessee in Knoxville has

proposed a strategy for locating, evaluating, and mapping surviving but-

ternut trees. The identification of supposedly resistant trees will be at-

tempted with subsequent integration of the germplasm into breeding

programs for, hopefully, species restoration. Surviving nonresistant trees

located in the survey will be used in a breeding program.

McConnell worked for the US Forest Service for 36 years before re-

tiring in 1993. He is responsible for the butternut survey in Georgia.

Since the trees usually grow singularly along streams or in mixed stands,

they are hard to find and locate. If you know of surviving butternut trees

and would like to participate in the survey, you can be of immense value

by sending the location to McConnell on a post card or letter. A simple

sketch or map will do.

The butternut is similar to the black walnut, except the nut of the tree

is oval instead of round. The wood is often used in fine cabinet construc-

tion. The species is an asset to wildlife habitat, and Indians once de-

pended on it as a source of oil.

.

Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. He will

follow up with a visit to the tree to confirm the identification, location,

and condition. The address is: James L. McConnell, 3699 Wentworth

Lane, Lilburn, GA 30247-2256.

Trail Of Trees Tour '97 Returns to Georgia

Tim Womick, environmentalist and amateur marathon runner, returned to Georgia in January to promote tree planting and help school students and community leaders become more aware ofthe benefits of the state's trees and forests. Womick's Trail of Trees program was presented to students in 22 schools.
Often called a modern day Johnny Appleseed, Womick has run thousands of miles in Georgia and other states to spread his message about the importance of trees. He has planted trees with Governors and homeless people
16/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

alike. One observer said, Tim Womick's Trail of Trees program "leaves a sense of hope and purpose with every person he meets."
Womick's trip across the state was sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Urban Forest Council, the National Tree Trust and many local sponsors. An important goal of the program was to encourage Georgians tojoinin celebratingArborDay and increase the overall awareness of urban forest benefits and make a greener Georgia for future generations.

WINGS LAUNCHED
A ceremony was held recently at the Commission's Baldwin State Forest on the outskirts of Milledgeville to kick off the new project WINGS, a program sponsored by the Georgia Power Company.
The program is designed to help landowners convert the company's right-of-way acreage into productive habitat for wildlife.
The northern section ofthe Baldwin State Forest is set aside for bird dog field trials; therefore, making this an ideal location to demonstrate the feasibility of placing food plots beneath transmission lines.
The essential personnel, equipment, and man-hours needed in the planting and preparation for the establishment of food plots were furnished by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The Heart of Georgia Field Trial Club, Milledgeville Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and The Ocmulgee Chapter of Quail Unlimited were instrumental in supplying the needed expertise on recommended plantings, planting rates, and fertilizer recommendations.
The campaign is designed to help land users of Appling, Baldwin, Brantley, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Johnson, Jones, Marion, Monroe, Putnam, Talbot, Troup, Upson, Walton, Wayne, Washington, and Wilkinson Counties convert the land. WINGS offers grant money and land management expertise to those who participate in the program for three years.

WOODMEN SAVE FALLEN GIANT
When a lone tree in the woods is lost to a disease, insects or a storm, it is usually not economically feasible to harvest it for lumber and is left to slowly decay on the forest floor, but a huge cherrybark oak downed by Hurricane Opal in 1995, however, escaped such a fate.
Hunters came upon the big tree on Mead Corporation land in a creek bottom 30 miles south of Columbus during the winter and notified the company's foresters. When the weather cleared in the spring, Lewis Bennett started logging in the area for Mead and began efforts to salvage the mammoth oak.
BIGGEST IN MILL
The logger had to order a 36-inch bar for his chain saw before he could cut across 58 inches to free the tree from its uprooted stump. The three 12foot logs cut from the tree went to Oak Crest Lumber Company near Buena Vista, where sawmill owner Wesley Weaver said he had never had an oak that big in his mill. Several mechanical adjustments were necessary before the logs could be sawn into 2,400 feet of clean lumber.
Surprisingly, the tree was only 65 years old; foresters thought it was at least twice that age until they were able to count the rings. Another giant cherrybark oak has been found on the property and Mead Forester Jack Harris intends to preserve the tree and a buffer zone around it. He hopes a nursery will be interested in the valuable acorns it produces.
-Joel Robertson
Thanks to Joel Robertson ofRoute 1, Lumpkin, for providing this story and the photographs.
-Editor

Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996117

Sheila Long's husband and children at first insisted that she ride in the back of the car when she was in clown costume and grease paint, but now she is up front, smiling and waving to people along the way!
Long, secretary to the Commission's Forest Management Department, said she has always been "somewhat of a clown," but really became intrigued with the art five years ago when a friend, Mary Anne Kelley, encouraged her to study professional clowning.
She said her husband, David, a Baptist minister, was not amused with her antics and "wondered how a grown woman could do this," but supported her when he saw the smiles and laughter that a "white faced clown" brings to audiences ranging from small children to senior citizens.
JOY BRINGER
The secretary explained that there are three types of clowns: the White Face, known as the joy-bringer, the type she portrays; the Auguste, the character that mirrors human imperfection; and the Tramp or Hobo, the sad clown that appeals to the caring instincts of the audience.
She said her earliest interest in clowns probably came when she was
18/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

about seven years old. ''There were six kids in the family and we were saving money in a tin can to go to the circus, but when the circus finally came to town, the others came down with the mumps and only my father and I ended up going to the big top. The clowns were the best part of it."
In attending seminars, Long quickly learned clowning can be expensive and time consuming. "Makeup has to be carefully applied in stages and it usually takes an hour to get it on, and a half-hour to take it off," she said. ''The paint is not the stuff kids buy at Halloween, but material I order at a pretty high price." And then there's the costumes. "They are always dressy," she

explained, "and they include sportswear, casual, and even those designed for church."
She recalls one instance when she was in costume for a presentation at a church, but the expected audience wasn't there! She remembers it as a day, however, when she learned that a clown's appeal knows no age limit. "It was a small church," she said, "and we had announced well in advance that there would be a special surprise for children on that particular Sunday. Well, my daughter, Mandy, was working with me in the skit and when the day came, we peeped out at the congregation and there was one infant and the rest were adults. We went ahead anyway with the children's surprise and as it turned out, we were the ones who were surprised! The adults loved it and talked about it for weeks."
Long said she is inspired by the life of the late Emmett Kelly, who joined Ringling Brothers and Barnam and Bailey Circus in 1942 and made his Weary Willie character one ofthe most famous clowns in the world. She also enjoys watching and learning from old Three Stooges, Laurel and Hardy, and Red Skelton movies.
"There is one sure thing about clowning," said the Forestry Commission's secretary-clown, "You can get your point across because you have the undivided attention ofpeople

RANGER BOBBY G. CROWE REMEMBERED AT FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL

Before the grease paint
when you' re out there performing in all those brilliant colors."
She has made her point, usually contained in a religious message, at nursing homes, Christmas parties for the
"Sheila is a great ambassador for the Georgia Forestry Commission. She can rival Smokey Bear in getting the message across that our Georgia forests are our greatest and most valuable natural resource, and, believe me, she does in a very colorful way!"
Lynn Hooven, Chief, Forest Management Department.
elderly, and the Childrens Hospital. She also has appeared at the Georgia State Fair, the Commission's Christmas parties, and played Minnie Pearl at a Thanksgiving dinner, and entertained at Halloween carnivals and other events.
"Nothing could be more rewarding than being a clown," Long said. ''To see the faces of little children light up and to bring smiles to men and women is a great sense ofjoy to me and to hear their laughter is truly a blessing."
Before long, the clown will again apply the necessary layers of makeup, choose the appropriate costume and head out to entertain some particular group. She will be up front in the family car, waving and smiling all along the way.

Ranger Bobby G. Crowe of Covington, who lost his life on the way to a fire in March, 1995 was recently remembered with a permanent memorial in national ceremonies in suburban Washington, D.C.
Crowe, who worked for almost 34 years with the Georgia Forestry Commission, died enroute to a fire at the Mock Pallet Company in Covington. He had just transported his bulldozer to the site where he planned to plow firebreaks around a one-acre fire burning wooden pallets when he suffered a fatal heart attack.
The Georgian was among 102 career and volunteer firefighters from 34 states who were remembered October 13 at the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Since 1981, some 31 Georgia firefighters have been honored at this service as new names are added each year to a bronze plaque.
Crowe's widow, Sylvia, was invited to attend the service in Emmittsburg, Md., headquarters of the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Academy. The memorial to the firefighters is in the form of a 24-inch bronze Maltese cross on top of a 7-foot pyramid
ARBORETUM COMPLETED IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Commission support contributed to establishing a new Washington County Arboretum.
The new aboretum, located on the grounds of the Washington County Medical Center, features a wide, gravel trail winding through a natural wooded area with shrubs and trees labeled. The trail was built with Commission grant funds and matching funds from the Pilot Club, Releaf Sandersville, and other contributors. For additional information on arboretum classes contact Matt Devine at 912-552-0992.

made from Indiana and York County limestone, she said.
Crowe was two weeks away from retiring from the Commission when he died. He had worked as a ranger with the Newton-Rockdale Unit for most of his career.
MARKET WAS STRONG
AT END OF THE YEAR
For a second consecutive month, prices paid to private timberland owners for pulpwood in Georgia rose during November and sawtimber markets overall remained strong in timber sales.
Eley C. Frazer III, chairman of Albany-based F&W Forestry services, Inc., said despite a recent decline in both new housing starts and home sales, the home building industry is expected to rack up an exceptional year in 1996, which has provided a strong market for large lumber-class trees.
He said finished lumber prices rose eight percent in November, even though the U. S. lumber industry is somewhat unsettled by confusion and uncertainty over the imposition of import caps on Canadian lumber into this country. "I expect sawtimber stumpage (standing timber) to continue to be strong," Frazer added.
Frazer said continued improvement in pulpwood prices received by landowners from smaller-sized trees in November appeared to signal that the pulp and paper industry has bottomed out. "I believe we will see a gradual increase in pulpwood stumpage prices," he said.
The largest category of woodusing industries in Georgia consists of the cabinet and millwork manufacturers. There are 654 of them listed in a survey, along with another l 06 listed as manufacturing furniture and furniture parts...In Georgia, approximately half the Southern pine lumber produced in the state is treated with preservatives, and there are 48 companies listed that apply preservatives to wood.
Warnell School of Forest Resources
Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996119

Commission personnel from Morgan/Walton/South Gwinnett Unit flank designated outdoor class area in James E. Owen Memorial Arboretum at Morgan County Elementary School. Six class sections are marked with historical trees. Left to right are: Rangers Gary Head, Julian Beasley, Butch Malcom, and Chief Ranger Mark Batchelor. Unit members peiformed 90 percent ofsite preparation for arboretum.

COMMISSION ASSISTANCE VITAL

IN ARBORETUM ESTABLISHMENT

A $5,000 Commission Urban Forestry Program grant and 400 hours of labor provided by Commission personnel was vital in establishing the fiveacre James E. Owen Memorial Arboretum at Morgan County Elementary School. The project is an outdoor teaching facility divided into six historical period class areas represented by historical tree species.
Mark Batchelor, chief ranger of the Morgan/Walton/South Gwinnett Unit, who coordinated the Commission's role in establishing the recently dedicated arboretum, said personnel from his unit performed the 400 -hours of community service over a two-year period. He estimates that local Commission personnel did 90 percent of the site preparation.
Batchelor said his Commission crew did "anything and everything necessary for site preparation including land clearing, burning, harrowing, mulching, planting cover crops, bush-hogging, installing irrigation, and planting
20/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

trees." Commission equipment was used in the operation.
Students in such programs are fascinated in learning that the nation's economic, social, and scientific progress can be traced through trees linked with early inventors, writers, military leaders, philanthropists, and a variety of other contributors to our evolving way of life.
"We also expect to be erecting signs identifying the 36 historic trees," Batchelor said. Commission crew

personnel directly involved in the project include: James K. Johnson, senior forester; Butch Malcom, ranger; Gary Head, ranger; and Julian Beasley, ranger.
Batchelor emphasized the arboretum project is a prime example of what can be accomplished when community factions work together for an objective. Organizations involved in the project included: Oconee River Resources, Conservation and Development Office, Morgan County Board of Education, Boy Scouts of America, Morgan County Board of Commissioners, Lambert & Roffman (attorneys), Treadwell-Tamplin & Company (accountants), and the (NRCS) Natural Resources and Conservation Service.
PROPOSED STUDIES
Located on a five-acre tract adjoining the Morgan County Elementary School's nature trail, the arboretum is designed as a park-like facility for scientific study and public exhibition of rare trees. The project was initiated in 1994 as a joint agreement between the Morgan County Board of Education and Boxwood Garden Club. Ed Ruark, a retired Georgia Forest Research Council employee, presented the idea to the garden club.
Proposed studies will include American history, forestry, geology, soil and water, wildlife, and other environmental aspects. The arboretum was dedicated to James E. Owen, who taught mathematics and served as band director at the district A&M School in Madison from 1924 to 1932. Owen requested the University of Georgia donate 257 acres to Morgan County for "educational purposes." UGA granted the request and the arboretum is now established on this site.

The six class sections of the arboretum are marked by historical period signs and groves of trees planted from seeds or cuttings of trees (or direct descendents) associated with significant events and/or people in American history. Each tree will have a marker describing historical origin.
CLASS SECTIONS
The six class sections and representative trees are - Presidents: George Washington Tulip Poplar, Monticelo Catalpa, Lincoln Overcup Oak, Reagan Hackberry, Buchanan White Ash, Eisenhower Green Ash, and Franklin Roosevelt Longleaf Pine.
American Revolution: White Plains Sycamore, Williamsburg Golden Raintree, Nathan Hale Red Oak, Saratoga Black Cherry, and Betsy Ross Sycamore.
African-American History: George Washington Carver Green Ash, Martin Luther King, Jr. Water Oak, Jesse Owens honey locust, and Harriet Beecher Stowe White Ash.
Civil War: Chickamauga Willow Oak, Kennisaw Mountain Southern Red Oak, .Appomattox Courthouse Sycamore, Robert E .. Lee Chestnut Oak, U.S. Grant Sycamore, and Gettysburg Sycamore
Regions of the United states: Tidal Basin Cherry, Berkeley Plantation White Ash, Juliette Gordon Lowe Magnolia, Trail of Tears Redbud, and Moon Sycamore.
America's Veterans: Sullivan Brothers Crabapple, Alvin York Tulip Poplar, Minuteman Red Maple, and Eisenhower Cottonwood.
FUTURE INVESTMENT
Schools incorporating the "living classroom" of historical trees into teaching curriculums have discovered that students quickly become enthusiastic about learning. Students participating in such programs are fascinated in learning that the nation's economic, social, and scientific progress can be

traced through trees linked with early inventors, writers, military leaders, philanthropists, and a variety of other contributors to our evolving way of life.
Investments such as the James E. Owen Arboretum are an investment in youth, community, and national future. To become a sponsor of a "Living Classroom" project, or to learn more about this unique teaching program call: 1-800-320-TREE (1-800-3208733).
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO ENTER ARBOR DAY POSTER COMPETITION
Fifth-grade students are encouraged to participate in the national Arbor Day Poster Contest, an annual event sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and on the state level by the Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia Project Learning Tree.
The winner in each school will be eligible to compete in the state finals and the winner in that competition will receive a $100 U.S. Savings bond, a plaque from Georgia Project Learning Tree, be invited to participate in a Georgia Arbor Day ceremony, and entry in the national contest. The second and third place winners will receive a $75 and $50 savings bond, respectively.
Contestants should design a poster depicting the theme, "Trees are Terrific...Arbor Day is Too! 125 Years of Stewardship." The deadline for posters to be received is January 31, 1997. The state winner will be announced by the Georgia Forestry Commission on Georgia Arbor Day, February 21, and the national winner will be announced April 26 by the foundation.
For a copy of the Arbor Day Poster Contest Rules and Curriculum Package, write : Arbor Day Contest, Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020, or call your local Georgia Forestry Commission office.

CERTIFICATION OF FOREST PRODUCTS/ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES Edited by Virgilio Viana, Jamison Ervin, Richard Donovan, Chris Elliot, and Henry Gholz. 320 pages. Tables, figures, and index. Island Press, Covelo, CA. Cloth $40. Paper $25. 1-800-8281302.
Certification of Forest Products traces the history of certification development of an internationallyagreed upon set offorest management principles, and a variety of certification programs currently underway. In addition to providing the most current information on the certification process, the volume includes a valuable discussion and analysis of the social and political context in which certification must function.
As the editors explain, "Certification was developed as an alternative to the perceived inefficiency of international initiatives, government policies, and boycotts in reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management."
Products derived from forests that have been managed and harvested in a sustainable manner are certified as such - thus providing consumers with a direct means of addressing deforestation and creating a positive incentive for improving forest management practices around the world.
An overview of the mechanics, background, and implications of voluntary certification programs is presented. The editors also feature perspectives from all parties involved, from both Southern and Northern hemispheres - including the forest products industry, indigenous communities, aeadeinics, biologists, certifiers, policy makers, environmental activists, and retailers.
A valuable and informative book for anyone interested in forestry or forest products.
Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996121

"We in the Southeast have a distorted view of what pines can do...The same trees in Brazil and South Africa yield four to six cords per acre per year under intensive management."

FOREST ACREAGE DECLINES

AS FIBER DEMAND INCREASES

BYHELEN FOSGATE

While the world demand for paper products is growing dramatically, the available acreage for production is declining. Some industry analysts believe that urban and suburban development -- as well as public pressures to preserve public lands for recreation, aesthetics and wildlife -- mean that much of the nation's future fiber supply will have to come from intensively managed plantations.
"Growing fiber this way is analogous to growing peanuts, com or any other high-value field crop," said Barry Shiver, associate professor of forest resources at the University of Georgia. "Environmentally, this approach is preferable to harvesting from extensively managed public or private woodlands and more economical than importing the huge volumes of wood needed for making pulp."
Shiver and his colleagues in the Plantation Management Research Cooperative, a cooperative with private industry at UGA's Warnell School of Forest Resources, are looking at just how fast Southern pines can grow, given optimal soil, water, fertilizer, site preparation and weed control. Their studies, some of which have been ongoing for nearly 20 years, show that it's possible to push loblolly and slash pines far beyond the average Georgia yields of one to one and a half cords per acre per year.
"We in the Southeast have a distorted view of what these pines can

do," said Shiver. "The same trees in Brazil and South Africa yield four to six cords per acre per year under intensive management."
Grasses, weeds, and hardwood seedlings all compete with the trees for moisture, nutrients and rooting volume. Shiver said woody vegetation should be eliminated during site preparation.
"This is also the time to carry out subsoiling or disking operations so that pine roots will have room to grow and spread," said Shiver. "In our studies, grasses are the worst problem in new plantings because oftheir massive root systems. After a couple of years, grasses are shaded out and hardwoods are more of a problem."
At several sites across the state where researchers applied fertilizers regularly and killed competing vegetation, the growth rate of pines is averaging between three to four cords per acre each year. At another site, trees are growing at a rate of 4.7 cords per year.
The vegetation control studies in particular, have shown dramatic results. Pines grew 51 percent faster in the first nine years where researchers controlled grasses and herbaceous weeds with banded chemical applications. Shiver said after 10 years, larger trees benefited more from vegetation control than smaller trees.
"It's kind of the same principle as 'the rich get richer'," said Shiver. "Be-

22/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

Strenkowski

Dolliver

GREG STRENKOWSKI, a native of New Jersey and a graduate of the School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, has succeeded ROBERT FARRIS as Milledgeville District Forester. He came with the Commission as an intern at the Dixon Memorial Forest near Waycross following graduation from the university in 1984, but was soon transferred to the Rome District as a staff forester. Strenk:owski and his wife, Diane, have two children, Nicole, 4, and (continued on next page)

cause the larger trees are stronger and more vigorous, they're able to take advantage of any additional resources."
Shiver said landowners can spend from $300 to $500 an acre on site preparation, fertilizers, and vegetation control, and depending on stumpage prices, still realize a return of 10 percent or more. But he stressed that intensive management is not for every grower or situation.
"It requires more involvement on the part of the grower and higher costs," said Shiver. "And like row crop production, intensive management isn't appropriate on highly erodible sites. Also, because its grown so fast, the wood from trees grown this way isn't as strong structurally."
Still, intensive plantation management could be the wave of the future. And given the alternatives, it may be the best way to ensure a steady, affordable supply of fiber.

(Helen Fosgate is communications coordinator, UGA Warnell School ofForest Resources)

people
1n the nerns

Matthew, 2. The family is active in the Presbyterian Church. Farris, who had headed the 12-county district since 1984, transferred to Macon headquarters earlier this year to become the Commission training coordinator...SHARON DOLLIVER, coordinator of urban forestry and associate chief ofthe Commission's Information, Education and Urban Forestry Department, was presented the prestigious Chairman's Award at a recent meeting of the Southeastern Section, Society of American Foresters. She was cited as "the best example of a professional serving her profession" and was recognized for her work with the annual Georgia SAF Youth Camp. Dolliver has served as camp director three times and is credited with developing most of the camp curriculum. A leader in the Georgia Learning Tree Program, the forester has served in several capacities in the SAF chapter...FORESTER KEITH MOSS, a native of Hiawassee and a graduate of the Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, was recently named chief ranger of the Towns-Union County Unit. The forester, who had served in the Bibb County Unit since coming with the Commission in 1994, was transferred to the North Georgia unit to assume the post vacated by the retirement of CHIEF RANGER EVERETT RHODES. Moss and his wife, Heather, who had taught school in Houston County, are active in Bell Scene Baptist Church in Hiawassee...JOE COWART, the commission's accounting officer has been granted the designation of Certified Government Accountants. Cowart successfully met the board's rigid certification requirements as an

MOSS

COWART

expert government financial manager

to qualify for the designation. BOB

LAZENBY, chief of the Information

and Education/Urban Forestry Depart-

ment, was recently elected to the So-

ciety of American Foresters Council,

District 10, which represents Georgia,

Florida and Alabama. The council is

the governing body ofthe SAF and the

elected representatives serve their ar-

eas in a manner similar to a legislator

LAZENBY

COLLINS

serving his constituents. VIRGINIA COLLINS, secretary of the Camilla district office, has retired after 25 years of service. She came with the Commission in 1971 when Forester Hugh Allen headed the district. The secretary and her husband, Lewis, a retired farmer, have three children: Sarabeth, Bob, and Ellen. A reception at state headquarters in Macon and events in Camilla were held in her honor. Collins said she will continue as organist at First Baptist Church in Camilla and devote time to other church activities during her retirement...LILA LANE, a native of the Panama Canal Zone and

presently a resident of Pelham, succeeds Virgina Collins as secretary of the Camilla district office. The secretary, who previously worked for a Pelham attorney, moved to South Carolina from the canal zone as a teenager and attended Aiken High School. Lane and her husband, Roger, have four children: Heather, Ernest, Michael, and Melody. The family attends St. Johns Catholic Church in Camilla, where she is Sunday School director...VIRGINIA TYNDALL, secretary of the Forest Products, Utilization, Marketing and Development Department, has retired after 34 years of service. A native of Twiggs County, she came with the

LANE

TYNDALL

Commission in 1956 as secretary, but

later resigned to be with her husband,

Ken, on his military assignments

around the country. She returned in

1975 as secretary to the field supervi-

sors and became secretary to the For-

est Research Department three years

later. The department continues today

under it,s new

name. Tyndall

and her husband

attend East Ma-

con United Meth-

odist Church and

she said she in-

MIXON

tends to do volunteer work in her

retirement. A re-

ception for the retired secretary was

held at the state headquarters ...JOHN

MIXON, former director of the Com-

mission, has been named 1996 Distin-

guished Alumnus of the Daniel B.

Warnell School of Forest Resources,

University of Georgia. He was cited for

his continued support ofthe school and

was presented a plaque by Dean Arnett

C. Mace, Jr.

Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996/23

IT IS ESTIMATED MORE THAN 240,000,000 TREES WILL BE PLANTEDIN GEORGIA THIS YEAR AS THE STATE CONTINUES AS ONE OF THE NATIONAL LEADERS IN REFORESTATION.
. ...
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT DRY BRANCH GEORGIA AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES
Approximate Cost of Press TIIDe and Paper Only COST: 3606 QTY: 8M

FORESTRY WINTER, 1996

-

FORESTRY

USPS No. 217120 WINTER, 1996 No. 4

Vol.49

STAFF Howard E. Bennett, Editor
William S. Edwards, Assoc. Editor
Jackie N. Mitchell, Graphic Artist
Bob Lazenby, Technical Advisor

Zell Miller, Governor David L. Westmoreland, Director

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Jim L. Gillis, Jr. Chairman, Soperton C. M. Eunice, Jr. Blackshear J. G. Fendig, Savannah Larry S. Walker, Oglethorpe P. W. Bryan, Jr., Thomasville

DISTRICT OFFICES
District One 3086 Martha Berry Hwy.NE /Rome, GA 30165
District Two 3005 Atlanta Hwy./Gainesville, GA 30507
District Three 1055 E. Whitehall Rd./Athens, GA 30605
District Four 187 Corinth Rd./Newnan, GA 30263
District Five 119 Hwy. 49 West/Milledgeville, GA 31061
District Six 1465 Tignall Rd./Washington, GA 30673
District Seven 243 U.S. Hwy. 19 N./Americus, GA 31709
District Eight 2395 U.S. Hwy. 41 Ntnfton, GA 31794
District Nine P. 0. Box 345/Camilla, GA 31730
District Ten 18899 U. S. Hwy. 301 N.
Statesboro, GA 30458
District Eleven Route 1, Box 67/Helena, GA 31037
District Twelve 5003 Jacksonville Hwy. N./Waycross, GA 31503
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 change to Georgia Forestry Commission, Route 1, Box 181, Dry Branch, GA31020.

The pine straw industry in Georgia now exceeds $10 million annually and some producers use old converted school buses to haul big loads oftheforestry products to the Atlanta Farmers Market, garden centers, and other retail outlets. A bill passed in 1989 protects landowners from trespassers who would gather straw on their land withoutpermission, and now gatherers must obtain a "Certificate ofHarvest" before the straw can be raked, baled, and sold.
ON THE COVER - The sun was struggling to break through the fog shrouding this lone oak on a West Georgia hillside when photographer Bill Godfrey happened by.

2/Georgia Forestry/Winter,1996

Wetlands Center main building includes central exhibit/learning lab, 50-seat auditorium, offices, and conference room. More than 18,000 people visited the center last year.
PROGRESSIVE WATER AUTHORITY ESTABLISHES WETLAND CENTER

BY BILL EDWARDS

I n 1979, when the Clayton County Water Authority began spraying treated wastewater on more than 3,000 acres of loblolly pine forests, no one had any idea the controversial land application project would lead to cultivation of the Wetlands Center that now serves as an environmental model.
The Wetlands Center consists of 32 acres of wetlands surrounded by 4,000 acres of woodlands owned by the Clayton County Water Authority. A wooden boardwalk, more than half a mile long, winds through an impressive variety of plant, animal, bird, and reptile life. The building complex includes a central exhibit/learning lab,

50-seat auditorium, offices, restrooms, and a conference room. A wetlands video and wildlife exhibit area is available to visitors.
Despite the impressiveness of the center - which opened to the public only a year ago - the concepts leading to its development did not evolve without predictions of environmental disaster for the area.
BEGINNING
By the late 1960's, the Flint River had become a depository for much of Metro Atlanta's raw sewage. Unacceptable pollution levels of the river prompted the nearby Clayton County

Water Authority to find an alternative method for discharging treated effluent.
Authority officials found what they were looking for in 1973, a new process called "land application." The procedure called for treated effluent not to be discharged into streams and rivers, but sprayed over forestland to enhance natural benefits. The basic concept was that trees and soil would act as a living filter - drawing needed nutrients from the water and purified water releasing into reservoirs and the water table.
Skeptics, however, warned that this relatively new approach might create a terrible stench, pollute the water sup-
Georgia Forestry/Winter, 199613

ply, contaminate soil, kill trees, and poison wildlife. Ed Huie, Jr., then manager of the Water Authority, disagreed with the skeptics. He believed previous research determined the land application process to be safe and environmentally beneficial, but maintained a policy of frequent testing to ensure positive results.
Huie was right. Land application met the most positive expectations and by 1981, the Clayton County program was attracting international attention, spraying 3,700 acres of pine forest one of the largest spray-irrigated forests in the United States.
WETLAND IDEA
Melvin L. Newman, a graduate of Oklahoma State Tech, began his career with the Water Authority in 1962 as a draftsman. Now retired, Newman became general manager in 1983. During his 33-year career, he was involved in numerous environmental programs and was nationally recognized as an innovative expert in wastewater technology.
One ofhis most innovative and successful efforts was establishment ofthe Wetlands Center, now an environmental oasis of sorts in the wake of Atlanta's urban sprawl and suburban/ forest interface problems.
The project was initiated as part of the federal environmental mitigation program to protect wetlands. The Wetlands Center was established from the need to restore wetlands lost in construction of a new 400-acre reservoir.
WETLAND DESIGN
Carol Lambert, a conservation specialist who manages the center, has a bachelors degree in Environmental Planning from Towsan State University in Maryland. Lambert said the wetlands area is located central to the land application acreage, at a lower elevation.
"So much of the water just takes a natural course and runs downhill to the wetlands area," Lambert said, "but
4/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

there's a network of sprinklers for concentrating more water where it's needed."
She explained that water being sprayed is from holding ponds that also serve as bird sanctuaries attracting many migratory species. Many ofthese birds naturally make their way to the wetlands during yearly visits.
L ambert said water being released and sprayed on the woodland has been treated to what is defined as "secondary stage wastewater." At this stage of treatment, Lambert said many water authorities release the water into creeks and rivers. "In Clayton County, we don't do that." she said. "It's sprayed over pine and hardwood acreage because the water still has a lot of nutrients at this stage. It makes the trees and other vegetation grow really fast and big."
An example of how effective this application can be is reflected by a section of the wetlands trail designated "Beech Hill" because of numerous giant American beech trees. As the boardwalk winds through the wetlands, the landscape turns uphill into what appears to be a tropical rainforest. A lush green forest is covered with a variety of fems and other thick vegetation. A canopy of giant beech trees and umbrella magnolias shroud the area. At certain times of the day, a maze of birdcalls resound through the forest. Deer and wild turkeys are often seen traversing the steep embankment.
"The entire wetland area and surrounding forest attracts wildlife," Lambert said, "but this rainforest atmosphere seems to be a favorite spot for a lot of species. This is a rare and fragile environment that you don't see very often around here, but our land application process has it well established now."
TREE TRANSITION
As in any wetland area, there is a give and take among the evolution. "The center was completed just recently," Lambert said, "so

this transition is in an obvious state."
Tree species declining in varying degrees due to water intolerance include box elders, tulip poplars, sweetgums, and pines. These trees, however, are still doing well on acreage fringing the wetland area. Dead trees also serve a vital purpose in the ecosystem; so far, seven species of woodpeckers have taken up residence.
As the less water tolerant species dwindle, others now thriving in the nutrient-based water include silky dogwood, black willows, swamp chestnut oak, and green ash. Numerous bald cypress have been planted and are growing rapidly in the wetlands. A prolific growth of understory vegetation, including some rare fem species, is appearing throughout the wetland area.
Visitors walking the half-mile tour also see maples, redbuds, shagbark hickories, and mockemut hickories growing side by side. Many of the species are identified by signs, and some are protected from beavers by wire fencing.
WILDLIFE
"We've allowed nature to take its course," Lambert said, "just like it would in a wetland that had no human assistance in forming. We've had a colony of beavers build a den under the boardwalk. Visitors walk right over them."
Lambert said a number of river otters and muskrats have come down through Pate's Creek. One workman even reported seeing a mink making its way down the creek.
"The otters have apparently been attracted by crayfish," Lambert said. "We have some of the biggest crayfish here I've ever seen. The otters have been seen throwing crayfish at each other - having a real food fight."
Being a proliferating wetland, the area has no shortage of reptiles, including a population of snakes. "These are mostly harmless water shakes," Lambert emphasized, "but

Top, left to right: Green heron draws bead on frog. Abundance offrogs in wetland attractfeeding herons during summer. I Deer wades through water on fringe ofwetlands. Area attracts numerous white-tail deer and wild turkeys are numerous in the area. Center, left to right: Zoo Atlanta Education Department takes guided tour of wetlands. Numerous education groups have toured the wetlands. I Pond slider turtles sun themselves on log. Wetland turtle species include: snapping, Eastern box, and painted mud turtle. At right: Boardwalk winds through trees and vegetation, making area look like typical wetland. I Cluster oftulip poplar trees draped with grape vines, grow only afewfeetfrom walkway.

Georgia Forestry/Winter, 199615

a lot of people mistake them for poisonous water moccasins. Actually, only one poisonous snake has been seen in the area, and that was a copperhead, a species which doesn't even live in the water."

V arious species of watersnakes can be seen sunning on logs and rocks. Other species occasionally seen are king snake, black racer, and ringneck snake.
Newts, leeches. tree frogs, and bull frogs are abundant. The large frog population attracted a group of ten green herons. ''Just about every time I saw one of these birds. it had a frog in its bill," Lambert said. "They fed on the frog population through the summer, then moved on.''
BIRD LAND
Where a variety of trees and water exist, there will be birds. Green herons of the past summer were only one of many species attracted by wetland trees and plentiful food supplies.
Lambert, an avid "birder" (birdwatcher), has confirmed identification of more than 200 bird species sighted in the wetlands and surrounding area. Among those most likely to be seen are the great blue heron, wood duck, mallard, belted kingfisher, Louisiana waterthrush, ruby throated hummingbird, wild turkey, osprey, red tailed hawk, and barred owl. During spring and fall migrations, the list increases. "Last winter, a flock of evening grosbeaks covered the feeders for several months," Lambert said. "A very unusual event so far south."
Lambert, who recently took a "birdwatching vacation" in Arizona, described areas of Clayton County as "a very good birding location - especially areas around Water Authority woodlands."
Visitors are requested to report any unusual sightings in Wildlife Sightings Log, located in the Wetlands Center. Those visiting the Center are welcome to wander through the wetlands on
6/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

Coro! Lmnhert. conservmion specialist with the Wetlands Cente1; exploinsfmgile structure of' Wetlands to one of' many school closses that hove taken the tow:

their own, or be part of larger groups guided by staff members. Individuals and groups are invited to visit the Center free of charge.
Facilities and the boardwalk trail are handicapped accessible. Lambert said more challenging upland trails are being developed, but these hiking trails will be accessible only through reservations, and only with a guide.
Groups may currently schedule a guided tour by calling (770) 603-5606, Wednesday through Sunday - 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. Lambert urges school groups to schedule tours well in advance to reserve preferred date and time.
The Wetlands Center is an integral part of the Clayton County Water Authority's progressive forestry-related environmental activities. The Authority manages over 4,000 acres of forestland.
The organization practices land stewardship based on the concept: What is used should be recycled - and what is removed should be replenished. Employees of E. L. Huie Land Application Facility replant 60,000 new seedlings annually to supplement natural seeding of harvested loblolly forests.
Fourteen million gallons of treated effluent are sprayed on the forest areas yearly to continue the tree growth and renewal cycle. For land application to

be most effective, tree populations must he young and vibrant: this means harvesting trees on 15- to 20-year cycles.
While wastewater sludge is turned into profitable by-products for the agricultural industry, wood chips from harvested trees are used as fuel in the sludge pelletization process. The wood chips also serve as a carbon source for composting.
When Clayton County adopted the land application program, only a few similar programs existed in the U. S. Today. in Georgia alone, more than 140 water management facilities use land application.
"The bottom line is," Lambert said, "the Water Authority has taken all the nasty, negative stuff - that could be a terrible environmental problem - and transformed it through a huge recycling process into an innovative, environmental benefit.
'The Wetland Center is a continuation of that process - providing a unique environment for many species of plants and wildlife, as well as offering the public easy access to a natural area with educational opportunities.
"In its first year of operation, nearly 20,000 people from the United States and several foreign countries have explored these environs. We look forward to many more."

A Georgia landowner and businessman recently donated enough logs from his forests to produce lumber for the construction of two Habitat for Humanity homes, but he doesn't want his name to appear in this magazine or any other publication.
The anonymous donor would be pleased, however, if other forest landowners, forest-related industries and others would follow his lead in the international campaign to rid the world of substandard housing.
District Forester John Merrill of the Commission's Newnan office received a call from the donor earlier this year in which he outlined his plan to contribute to the housing project and to seek the support of the Commission. "I know you foresters have direct contact with landowners and forest-related industries all across Georgia," he told Merrill, "and your participation in the promotion ofthis idea would be invaluable."
The district forester said his office and other commission personnel he has contacted are receptive to the idea. "We can plant the seed," he said, "and spread the word as facilitators. In fact, we already have seen some response."
When the donor offered timber for the construction of the houses, Merrill worked with Inland Container Corporation to have the lumber manufactured from the logs. Tracy Dickerson, district manager of the company, said Inland cooperated in the request and he wholeheartedly supports the donor's ambitious plan to aid Habitat for Humanity. The company also made a gene~ous cash donation to help the fledgling program get off the ground.
The donor is proposing that land-

owners contribute to the movement when their timber is harvested and industry cooperate by manufacturing the lumber. "If each landowner would give about ten percent of his profit in a timber sale," he said, "can you imagine what a tremendous blessing this would be to those across our state who now have to survive in poor, sub-standard housing?" He said he is fortunate in having a good, comfortable home of his own, but finds no comfort "in driving by awful slums on the way to my office each morning. I feel an urgent need to try to do something about it."
The benefactor said the federal government does "a poor job in administering public housing," and he feels the

housing problem could be solved in time if enough contributors and volunteer workers dedicated their resources, time, and energy to the cause of Habitat for Humanity. Merrill, Dickerson, and others involved in the early stages of the movement agree with the anonymous donor that, "a miracle would be achieved if the campaign somehow caught on and snowballed across Georgia and then across the nation!"
The miracle would start with two families occupying the new homes to be built in Carroll and Coweta counties, and a compassionate businessman who saw a desperate need and did something about it.

This is a Habitatfor Humanity house in the framing stage, with plenty ofvolunteer workers lending a hand. The photo was made by Ray Sciascia at a project in 1989.

Georgia Forestry/Winter, 199617

Prescribed burning is becoming an increasingly vital factor in ecosystem management. This year's Tall Timbers Research Inc. Fire Ecology Conference was attended by representatives of32 states, 25 universities, and five foreign countries. Tall Timbers has 875 Georgia members. A ranger is shown setting a prescribedfire.
20th Tall Timbers Ecology Conferenee

The 20th Tall Timbers Ecology Conference held in Idaho, attracted a number of Georgia representatives among almost 300 land managers and ecologists interested in this year's topic "Fire in Ecosystem Management: Shifting the Paradigm from Suppression to Prescription."
Tall Timbers Research, Inc., with headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida, has 875 Georgia members. Since 1962, fire ecology meets hosted by Tall Timbers have provided forums for various aspects of fire management.
The '96 conference was attended by representatives from 32 states, 25 universities and five foreign countries. Dr. Stephen Pyne provided the fourth E. V. Komarek Fire Ecology Lecture focusing on how original fire suppression theories emerged from European society.
Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt addressed the conference at a panel discussion on "Philosophical and Politi-

cal Issues Limiting Use of Prescribed Fire." Babbitt complimented Tall Timbers for leadership in fire ecology and management. "I have followed Tall Timbers' conferences for a long time," Babbitt said, "with an increasing sense of admiration for the work that this group has done and the way they have helped to develop prescribed fire issues."
PRESCRIPTION NEEDED
During recent years, the term "ecosystem management" has generated increasing interest among natural resource professionals. A vital element of this approach is managing natural resources for consumptive use while maintaining natural ecosystem processes.
In relation to ecosystem management, Tall Timbers emphasizes that the need for increasing use of prescribed fire has never been greater. Network

news, covering the fires in the American West, clearly shows that long-term fire suppression has resulted in another season of devastating wildfires.
Through membership and contributions, Tall Timbers continues to play a major role in hosting conferences advancing use of fire management. This year's 20th fire conference attracted sponsorship for the U. S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy. Tall Timbers believes there is a need to modify Smokey Bear's message by saying: "Prescribed fires help prevent destructive wildfires."
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Tall Timbers is also involved in numerous other forestry-related projects including the establishment of conservation easements. By the end of 1996, 36,000 acres of environmentally sen-

8/Georgia Forestry/Winter, 1996

sitive land in the Red Hills Region will be held in conservation easements by
Tall Timbers and The Nature Conservancy; 22,000 acres will be in Georgia. The Red Hills between Thomasville and Tallahassee, are home to some of the last remnants of once extensive longleaf pine forests.
Conservation easements are perpetual restrictions that private landowners voluntarily place on their property to limit or exclude development and specified uses for conservation purposes. Restrictions are determined by property needs and owner interests.
Easements keep private lands in private ownership, while allowing tradi-

tional land uses such as forestry and agriculture. In addition to protecting the land for family members and future owners, easements can also provide major tax benefits. An easement that meets federal tax code requirements of permanently protecting conservation resources can qualify as a deductible, charitable donation.
Placing an easement on property can also result in major estate tax savings. By decreasing the land's development potential, the easement lowers fair market value and creates estate tax savings. Whether the easement is donated during life or by will, it can make a

critical difference in an heir's ability to keep the property intact.
There is also the easement potential to reduce local and state property taxes based on applicable state and county policies.
To encourage more easements in the Red Hills, the trustees of Tall Timbers have adopted a model easement designed to protect the land's conservation values while meeting needs of the landowner. The model easement balances ecological property value with the land's revenue potential.
For further information on Tall Timbers call (904) 893-4153.

A prescribed fire is always carefully monitored andfirebreaks are plowed and other precautions taken if necessary.
Georgia Forestry/Winter, 199619