d 0, / ::J,...II G6NeRAt U8RAR'f DEC 1 1052 GEORGIA FORESTRY CJitorial Protecting Woodlands Vital (From the Rome News Tribune) Georgia's woodlands and forests are one of our most important crops. Forest products annually bring in more cash returns than do cotton and tobacco combined. And the woodlands are becoming more and more important, as additional industries using wood are developed, and as science finds new ways to use wood products. Therefore, it's of vital 1mportance that we protect and expand our forests. No matter how small an area is involved, timberlands must be protected against fire or careless damage. And the areas from which timber is cut must be replanted. The pulp and paper industry in the South is setting an example for all to follow, in the pro- tection and expansion of wood- lands. A survey shows that the pulp and paper industry in the South has been responsible for having planted 277 million pine trees during the past five years. And the number of trees planted has increased each year during that period. Five years ago, 26 million treeswereplanted. This year a peak of 74 million trees is being reached. This planting activity by the pulpwood industry has converted 277,000 acres ofworthless land into productive forests. About 200, 000 acres of the land was owned by individuals, to whom the pulpwood industry contributed the trees. Protection and expansion of forests is a job for industry, organizations, and individuals. It will mean billions of dollars to the future of this section. Vol5 GEORGIA FORESTRY November, 1952 Published Monthly by the GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION, State Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia. Guyton DeLoach, Dtrector No. 11 Members, Board of Commissioners: G. Philip Morgan, Chairman....--..---Savannah John M. McElrath....---Macon K. S. Varn....--Waycross C. M. Jordan, Jr............-.................Alamo H. 0. Cummings.........._Donalsonville Georgia Forestry is entered as second-class IJlatter at the Post Office under the Act of August 24, 1912. Member of the Georgia Press Association. EADSISTOORC-I-A-T-E-ED-ITOR-S___-__-__-___-___-__-________-___-_____-__-__-Ro-be-rtRR. uEt.heDrfaovrids Patricia McKemie DISTRICT OFFICES, GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION: DISTRICT I-P. 0. Box 268, Statesboro DISTRICT VI-P. 0. Box 404, Milledgeville DISTRICT 11-P. 0. Box 26, Camilla - DISTRICT VII-Route 1, Rome DISTRICT III-P. 0. Box 169, Americus DISTRICT VIII-P. 0. Box 811, Waycross DISTRICT IV-P. 0. Box 333, Newnan DISTRICT IX-P. 0. Box 416, Gamesville DISTRICT V-P. 0. Box 96, McRae DISTRICT X-P. 0 .. Box 302, Washington Forestlands Becoming Key To Prosperity (From th~ Daily 'Tifton Gazette) As each year passes, trees are becoming more of the keys that open the door of prosperity in Tift County and in Georgia. The products of our woodland acres are enriching more people and, in addition, the new forests are storing up assets for years to come whichwill benefit future generations. Other sections of America look to oils and minerals for natural wealth, but these resources can become exhausted in a comparatively short span of time. They are non-renewable. Georgia's trees, however, are renewable annually like an 1nsurance policy. The wealth potential of our forest lands is almost limitless. There are many acres right here in Tift County that can be put to growing trees and will yield a perp~tual harvest, if proper forest management is used. More fire lanes cut, more thinning, more selective cutting, and more trees planted each year would not only improve the stand of timber, but would also provide more protection against soil erosion, produce more timber for construction, and furnish more raw materials for industry. Everyone can have a share in protecting and nurturing our valuable forest lands. One ' way any citizen can help is to guard against the greatest enemy of trees: Fire. A cigarette thrown carelessly from an auto can start a milliondollar forest fire. When you're in the woods, or near wooded areas, remember to heed the AOC'Sof fire prevention: ''Always Be Careful.'' You can help fight woods fires by reporting those you see. The telephone numbers in Tifton are 1602, day, and 1112-M, night. NOVEMBER, 1952 AFA Praises Talmadge As Forestry Advocate Georgia's Governor Herman E. Talmadge has been presented one of the American Forestry Association's five annual conservation awards for 1952. Presentation ceremonies were held in Asheville, N.C., at the Association's 77th yearly meeting. U.S. Representative W.M. A bitt, of Virginia, presented the coveted award to the Governor and to five other national figures in the field of conservation. The Congressman, an ardent conservationist himself, praised Governor Talmadge as a conservation leader ''not only in his own state, but in the entire South. ''Your speeches,'' he told the Georgia governor, ' 'your radio and press interviews and public statements have stimulated a wide interest in extensive use and perpetuation of your state's 25 million acres of forestland, its wild,l,ife, and its water resour- ces. Governor Talmadge was acclaimed for his support of a state-wide forest fire control bill, his av CNed determination to bring the entire state under an organized forestry pr ~ram within the next two years, his interest in tree planting and his active campaign for passage of legislation Georgia's prominence in the world of forestry was emphasized before a national gathering of foresters as Governor Herman E. Talmadge received one of the American Forestry Association's five annual conservation awards. Our November cover shows U. S. Representative W. M. Abbitt presenting the award at the Association's annual meeting, Asheville. creating the Georgia Forestry Commission and a state board of registration for foresters. He also was commended for spearheading legislation and authorizing finances that have made Georgia one of the most progressive states in the South in forest conservation and forest betterment practices. Hugh Dobbs, President, Georgia Forestry Association, nominated the Governor for the special nation-wide award. The Georgia Governor's conservation record was reviewed along with scores of other nominees from throughout the nation by a five-man awards committee headed by Robert N. Hoskins, Forester, Seaboard Air Line Railway. The committee's final five selections, and their fields for selection, were Governor Talmadge, public service; W. S. Rosecrans, Los Angeles civic and business leader and chairman of the California Board of Forestry, public service; Ovid Butler, OlevyChase. Maryland, distinguished forester and veteran conservation writer and editor, education; Howard C. Fetterolf, chief of agricultural education for the state of Pennsylvania, education, and Ernest WALNUT PLAQUE '... outstanding service.'' ERLE COCKE SPEAKS Reforestation Story L. Kurth, Texas Lumberman and paper mill executive, industry. A walnut plaque engraved ''In recognition of outstanding service in the conservation of American resources, of soil, water, and forests.'' was presented the award winners. Awards carry with them life memberships in the American Forestry Association. Other award committee members were Representative Abbitt; Milton M. Bryan, U. S. Forest Service, ~. M. D. Mobley, executive secretary, American Vocational Agricultural Association, and Fred Morrell, retired Washington representative, American Pulp and Paper Association. Erle Cocke, President, Fulton National Bank, and reforestation leader in the business and industrial world, delivered the keynote address at the presentation banquet. Speaking on Georgia's role in reforestation, he outlined the part played by banks of the state in cooperation with railroads and conservation, forest, and agriculture agencies in purchasing tree planting machines. Another Georgian, Charles Connaughton, Regional Forester, Region 8, U. S. Forest Service, had addressed the meeting ear1ier on ''Forest Management and Research in the Southern Appalachians for Watershed Protection.'' Ri~~o::rge~:~~~=:e, DISTRICT FORESTER MILES KOGER, LEFT PHOTO, ADDRESSES GROUP CutsRibbon inSpecia!Ceremony 'WooJA. .fGIJ.e, 0 emuIgee D1. str.1ct Off.1ce Celebrates Grand Opening Several hundred persons from throughout South Central Georgia enjoyed hospitality of the Ocmul- gee Forestry District at a dedi- cation of the new 5th District Headquarters on Sunday after- noon, October 15. The standout affair included the addresses of prominent officials, official opening of the 5th District head- quarters with a ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house. Serving as master of ceremonies for the afternoons celebration was C. M. Jordan, member of the Board of Commissioners, Georgia Fares try Corrmission. Speaking to the group were H. E. Fuark, Assistant Director, Geargia Forestry Cnmmission and Miles Koger 5th District Forester. Also introduced during the course of the speaking were Forestry Board members, office personnel and County Foresters and Rangers of the 5th District. All counties in the District were represented. Mr. George Callahan, Mayor of McRae,snipped the broad green ribbon across the headquarters doorway, thereby officially placing the beautiful new building in use. 'HOUSEWARMING' DRAWS IN1ERESTED PUBLIC FROM TIIROUGHOUT SOUnt GEORGIA Long Lines Gather To View New Fifth Distrtct Headquarters At Ocmulgee MJGeu:i.U.snc~.~,(J~a. eJto the hardwoo~-studded foot-hills o1~nfeat~rhnneeinwBgl.uanetdhRen1iodrvgeefl last month began orestry lessons manner- via the rad10 auwaves and a ''musical forestry'' program entitled,' 'The Swingbillies .. '' .Produced th1s year.by .the Gear- g1a Forestry Cnrrm1ss1on, the series of 15-minute radio shows was presented to the public for the first time in October. Led by the singing master of ceremon1es, Ray McCay, who also al?pears regular! y with his hillb1 l~y band on TV, the Swingbillies dunng the past few weeks have been making themselves - and the colorful lore of Georgia's forest world- known in hundreds of homes throughout the state. During one minute spot announcements interspersed in the pro- grams, County Rangers and Fores- ters have brought local forestry messages which have aroused en- thusiastic comment. Messages from the F~restry Unit leaders highlight outstanding causes of forest fires in their respective areas, pinpoint their appeals for fire prevention to special groups, announce special forestry event, proceedures for plant- ing seedlings, and management services available from the Commission. NOVEMBER , 1952 Chicago Bound Collins, Willis Win 4-H Forestry Honors Mitchell County's Chappell Collins andTiftCounty's Jean Willis have been declared top winners among t he 1952 statewide 4-H forestry competitions. Attending last month's statewide 4-H Club meeting in Atlanta the two youthful contenders won out over a stiff competive field of top-ranking district winners in forestry competition from throughout Georgia. As guests of Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, sponsors of 4-H Forestry in Georgia, both will go to Chicago, where they will attend the annual national 4-H Club convention. Collins will vie for the national 4-H forestry champion title which carries with it a $300 college scholarship from American Forest Products Industries, Inc. Although girls are not allowed to enter the national forestry event, Miss Willis will be at the Chicago convention " .. to show 4-H' ers in other states that we Georgia girls know our forestry too." JEA N WI L L I S , WI T H D I 8 8 L E Miss Helen Zachos Helps Collins, a veteran of seven years' 4-H work in Camilla, demonstrated before fellow 4-H'ers, judges, and advi sors at Atlanta's Piedmont Park that ''Pruning Pines Pays.'' Armed with charts citing figures from actual forest operations in which operational and harvesting statistics from pruned and non-pruned stands were compared, the Mitchell County youth showed pruning tools and gave an actual demonstration of pruning operations. Collins' 1952 victory marked his second statewide 4-H crown. In 1951 he won the state 4-H dairy contest. Miss Willis, of Tift County's Brooksfield Community has been in 4-H work for frur years. Using Piedmont Park as her demonstration site also, she showed proper methods of reforestation. Ten other district winners competed for the state title by presenting special forestry demonstrations. Roger Than, of Atkinson County, opened the contest session with a demonstration on the preservative treatment of fence posts. Frank Hardee, of Baxley, Appling County, demonstrated how to cruise timber. George Copeland, of Bartow County, a three-year veteran of 4-H work, utilized a novel methoci to illustrate his talk, ''What's in a Tree.'' Using a large, hollowed log as a speaker's rostnlJTl, he lifted out from the log eac~ forest product which he described - paper, turpentine, building mater1al s and many others. Carl Walker, Augusta, Richmond County, described to the group the advantages o f protecting his count y's timberland from the ravages of i nsects , d i sease, and fi re . Guy Rut l and, of Polk County, to l d t he gr oup t he story o f forestry and of forest f i re protection in his county. Jean Gainous, of Grady County, opened t he girls' c ompetition by demonst r ating ''How To Protect t he Farm Woodland.'' CHAPPELL COLLINS Points On Pruning Gladys Brown, who for the past six years has followed 4-H work in Hancock County, described ' 'How the Tree Grows. ' ' Velda Hayes, Catoosa County, also described mahy species of trees, demonstrated several instruments used by the farm forester, and gave a graphic presentation of the advantages of thinning pines. Elizabeth Hendrix, of Charlton County, managed to keep some 20 samples of Georgia trees she presented for her demonstration nearly as fresh as the day she gathered them in South Georgia. This was accomplished by wrapping the samples in newspapers and ''plenty of stops for water en route to keep the packages wetted down." She described how to identi fy the trees and listed the chief commercial uses of each species. Barbara Jones, of Upson County, demonstrated methods of re forestat i on , using plant i ng t ools and s eedl ings for a ''real- l ife'' demonstration in Piedmont Pa rk. J udges were Howard Doyl e, Area Forester, Southern Pulpwood Conservation Associ at ion; J. F. Spiers, Forester, Central of Georgia Railroad, and Dorsey Dyer, Extension Forester, Georgia Agricultural Extension Service. Dyer and Walter Chapman, Assistant Extension Forester, Georgia Agricultural Extension Service, officiated at the demonstration. Nurseries Lift, Ship A. D. OSBORNE, BERRIEN COUNTI FORESTRY BOARD MEMBER, ADDRESSES GROUP OUtlines Value of Forestry Unit's Activities To Citizens of County ~~ ~a~Ju, BM~ Malliz ~owelt Food, forestry and farming was the order of the day as approximately 1,000 South Georgians gathered in Berrien County Sat- urday, October 18, for the dedi- cation of the Cat Creek Forestry Fire Lookout Tower. Serving as Master of Ceremonies for the event was A. D. Osborne, member of the Berrien County Forestry Board and President of the Farm Bureau. Highlighting the day's festivities was an address by H. E. Ruark, Assistant Director of the Georgia Forestry Commis- ~ec:IJcaiion sion, and official christening of the tower by beauteous Miss Amelia McMillian, Eighth District Farm Bureau Queen. Miss McMillian smilingly splashed the traditional bottle of gum turpentine upon the steel structure of the 100 foot forest sentinel post. Puark told of the purpose of the tower and related the fact that the construction of the tower was financed by the Forestry Commission. He extended particular thanks to all persons in the coun; ty who aided in the start of the operation of the Berrien County Forestry Unit and paid particular tribute to Warren Futch, who donated the land for the tower site. Jim Swindell, Berrien County Representative addressed the group and voiced strong support of DEDICATION SCENES--Cat Creek forest fire lookout tower, left was the scene of the dedication. An old fashioned barbecue, South Georgia style, below was an important part of th~ day's activities. Seedlings Shipments of the first of 55 million forest seedlings, which during coming weeks will be distributed to every county in Georgia, began this month in the Georgia F~restry Comnission' s four nurser1es. Lifting operations at Davisboro, Flowery Branch, Albany and Hightower nurseries are geared to accomplish removal of seedlings fran beds as rapidly as orders can be assembled and shipped. First step in removal is performed by ahigh-set tractor pulling an under-cutting blade. The tractor, mounted on large wheels which run in tracks between beds, pulls a blade which cuts under tree roots and loosens soil so that workers can easily and safely disengage roots from earth. Seedlings are gathered into boxes for transporting to the nursery shed. Assembly line methods are used in inspecting, counting and bundling seedlings for shipment. As the boxes reach the shed, seedlings are placed on a grading belt (Continued on Pa~e lOJ the forestry program ~nd the results being obtained. Also participating in the days ceremonies was Reverend 0. E. Graves, who delivered the invocation at the opening, and D. D. Vickrey, Berrien County Agent. Following the formal ceremony, the entire group enjoyed a delicious South-Georgia-style barbecue prepa red and served by 8th District personnel and theirwives. Diane Miner, Right Photo, Jr." At ?ave &~4 St'te44 t;od 7fJIZUt~U~ 'PIUUttee4 County fair time, as much a part of the Georgia autumn scene as pumpkin pie, falling leaves, and hunting season, means forestry exhibit time in hundreds of communities throughout the state. ~1os t of the Georgia Forestry Commission's 118 County Forestry Units began planning early this year for their fall county fair exhibits. With the Atlanta office of the Commission supplying 10 new three-panel exhibits for use by field personnel, County Rangers and County Foresters were able to offer a new and varied presentation of the familiar but important ''Prevent Woods Fire_ Manage Timber Wisely'' theme. The ear1iest fall stirrings of Georgia's county fair time are to be found in the northern part of the state, and, as a consequence, Forestry Districts Seven and Nine were among the earliest of those in which County Forestry Units prepared fair exhibits. The fair season for District 10 followed shortly afterward, and as the fall season continues, the fair season rolls southward. Exhibit emphasis this year seemed equally divided between forest fire prevention and suppression, scientific forest management, and products and benefits of the forest. Up in Northeast Georgia, a new Smokey Bear made his appearance. A ''native'' of a small community near Dahlonega, the bear made its fair debut at the Polk County fair as part of a wildlife-forestry (Continued on Pa~e 10) FIRE CALL--Those who attended the Coosa Valley Fair in Floyd County saw how fire calls are received and how vehicles and men are dispatched to the fire scene. TIIOSE ATT~DING SOUDIEASTERN FAIR IN A'ILANTA ARE FACED WITH COMMISSION' S "BURNING Q.lJESTION" Turntable Exhibit, Circular Photos, Shows 'Before' and 'After' Look to Stress Wildfire Danger HOWARD DO YLE, SOUmERN PULPWOOD CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION'S FORESTER, DESCRIBES THINNING Photo At Right, Georgia Forestry Commission Fire Control Chief H. E. Ruark, With Microphone (j, dJ.~IUf RUI(J.IJ.aiio.n ~~ BA(]{PUMP LESSON W. N. Stone Teaches More than 1,000 central Georgians gathered last month near Mussella to watch a twentieth century agricultural tran~formation --a transformation in which forestry played a leading role. Assembling on the rolling, red acres of the Robert Harris property the group saw an array of specialized conservation implements perform a six-hour renovation task which left the Harris farmland a model of modern-day agricultural efficiency. Farmers attending were given ample proof of the part that for- estry plays in the modern day farm plan as personnel from the Sixth Forestry District, Georgia ForestryCommission, and ~he Crawford County Forestry Unit conducted a combined fire suppression-forest management demonstration. With H. E. Ruark, Georgia Forestry Commission Fire Control Chief, directing the demonstration, District Forester Walter N. Stone and Crawford County Ranger J. H. Rigdon demonstrated fire fighting equipment used to suppress the ravaging flames (Continued on Page 10} A GOVERNOR, A QUEEN, AND A STATE FORESTER- -Miss Anne Miller, Mississippi's Queen of the Forests, greets the Governor of her state, Hugh L. White left, and Guyton DeLoach, Director, Georgia Fores- Commission, right. DeLoach addressed the recent annual banquet of the Mississippi Forestry and Chemurgic Association in Jackson, Mississippi. ''Georgia's Forest Progress'' was his topic. I ~J ' 8