Georgia forestry, Vol. 51, no. 2 (Fall 1998)

of-way. Landowners, hunt

clubs, wildlife organizations, or

any other individuals inter-

ested in creating productive

wildlife habitats on Georgia

"' Power Company rights-of-way '-> are eligible to receive grants

under this program. Interested

parties should contact their lo-

cal Natural Resources Con-

servation Service (NRCS) office

to find out if Project W.I.N.G .S.

is available in their area. NRCS

offices can be found under the

U.S. Department ofAgriculture

listing in your local phone di-

- rectory.
...

o -
4) '::!

Geor&ia Reforestation to En-

o~ hance Environmental Needs

(G.R.E.E.N.) - G.R.E.E.N . is a

cooperative effort between

Georgia Power Company and

!/) - the Georgia Forestry Commis-

= i::
aS ()

sion (GFC).

Georgia Power

-- Company provides funding for

Q.~ cost-share payments and GFC

provides technical assistance to

eligible landowners. Landown-

ers receive payments based

upon established rates for

implementing approved prac-

=. . tices. However, funding is lim-
s -<IS <ii) ited and all applications may
'::! not receive funds. G.R.E.E.N.'s .!: primary objective is to plant
trees on productive agricultur-

ally based row crop or pasture

land. Anyone who owns at least

10 acres of productive row crop

or pasture land is eligible. Ap-

plications are accepted only

during a 30 day enrollment pe-
--GI._ riod, usually during August. Information may be obtained by

contacting the local GFC office

that is responsible for your

county. Contact GFC by look-

ing for Georgia Forestry Com-

mission under state govern-

ment listings in your local

phone directory or call 1-800-

E-... GATREES. "'

10/Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998

HARD MAST
by Karen Johansen, DNR Stewardship Biologist

Mast is the word wildlife managers use to describe the seed and fruit of a tree or shrub that is eaten by animals. It can be either hard mast, or soft mast. Hard mast includes nuts and acorns; and soft mast includes catkins, berries, and other fruits . Since mast follows the plant's blooming season, it is abundant periodically. Additionally, weather factors such as late freezes or summer droughts may alter the availability of mast. For these reasons, wildlife managers usually prefer to maintain a variety of mast-producing trees and shrubs in the landscape. This discussion will focus on sources of hard mast.
Hard mast sources include oaks, hickories, walnuts, and beeches. These trees provide acorns and nuts which are often the primary high-energy food available to familiar forest wildlife species during the fall and winter months. Deer, turkey, and squirrel heavily utilize hard mast during these times. Chipmunk, woodpecker, blue jay, and wood duck, along with other species, also utilize hard mast. In some areas, hard mast failures brought about by late freezes during previous spring blooming periods can actually affect deer populations. In fact, acorns alone are a major portion of the total wildlife food base in forested habitats in the fall and winter.
To maximize availability of acorns, plan forest management to include adequate areas of upland hardwood that include a variety of acorn and nut producers. White oak (including the entire white oak group of post oak, chestnut oak, white oak, live oak, and others) is often favored by managers because of the highly palatable acorns it produces, but

be sure to manage for a variety of oaks. Why? Because different oak species have different advantages and disadvantages. For example, it is true that white oak acorns are relished by wildlife, and are usually the firs t to "disappear" following mast drop. However, the low tannin content that renders white oak acorns so palatable also leaves them very perishable. Oaks from the red oak group (including southern red oak, northern red oak, black oak, willow oak, water oak and others) however, have a high tannin content that tends to give them a less perishable nature. As winter progresses and other acorns have disappeared or rotted, the tannin content slowly breaks down in the black oak acorns, their palatability improves, and they provide a much-needed source of food when other foods are scarce.
Another important difference between the two oak groups is the length of time from bloom to acorn. The white oak group matures their acorns in a single year, while the red oaks take two years to mature acorns. In a season when a late frost interrupts white oak acorn production, the red oaks may be the only source of critical mast for wildlife.
Hickories and beech are also important hard mast sources. Beechnuts are heavily utilized by songbirds and squirrels. The small, triangular nuts are often in short supply, however, due to frequent mast failures. Hickories, similarly to walnuts, produce nuts utilized especially by squirrels, chipmunk, and wood duck. Different species of hickories have different shell-thicknesses, and this affects their use by wildlife.
No discussion of hard mast would be complete without

mentioning the American The nut was high in available for many species of wildlife .

Chestnut. The chestnut began energy, and was readily utilized Maintaining a diversity of

to be lost from the eastern for- by wildlife. Efforts continue to mast-bearing tree species will

est when a blight was intro- breed a blight-resistant strain help cushion the effects of in-

duced from Asia in 1904. To- of true American chestnut . evitable periodic mast failures.

day, this valuable tree has all Perhaps when this is achieved, By providing for mast sources """i

but completely disappeared . a great mast source can once when selecting land manage- -.

Reportedly, it was a reliable and abundant source of hard mast for deer, turkey, squirrel, and
- a host of other wildlife species.

again be reintroduced to the eastern forests.
In summary, hard mast is an important source of nutrition

ment options, you can help ::!

ensure healthy
populations. :W'9.,._

wildlife

~
(II "I:!
= ....,
"'I

...fll
~

....

-~II.I

- NATIVE PLANTS FOR WILDLIFE
by Karen Johansen, DNR Stewardship Biologist

.... ';->n~i



Thinking of planting trees or shrubs this Fall? Give special consideration to species that are native to your area.

a rain-bearing front is a good choice.
To prepare for planting, dig a hole that is broader and deeper

carefully removed from the root mass. Bare-root seedlings need to be carefully handled to prevent drying of

"'I
V:i Q.
--<:> ...
-. D"

Not only are they well-suited than the specimen plant. the roots prior to planting.

to your soils and climate, but Break up soil for backfill, and Bare-root specimens are

they require little upkeep add any amendments to the soil VERY perishable prior to

once established. Native at this time. Amendments planting, and must be kept

trees and shrubs that provide would include soil conditioners cool, dark, and moist until

fruits and nuts are especially such as peat or humus, or the moment of planting.

valuable to wildlife. As de- slow-release fertilizer (NEVER

Water requirements of the

mand for native species has use a standard fertilizer, as this newly-planted specimens are

increased, so has their sup- could bum new roots). Back- a bit higher during the first

ply. Both specialty nurseries fill the bottom of the hole, then year until the root system

and home garden centers are place specimen to where its becomes established. Fertil-

now likely to carry at least depth will match the depth at izer should be avoided dur-

some "natives".

which it was previously grown. ing this time, except perhaps

Examples of native woody Lightly pack soil around posi- for a small amount of encap-

plants available at various tioned shrub, and water thor- sulated slow-release fertilizer

nurseries in this state are: oughly. Mulch if appropriate that is non-burning to new

American beautyberry, to the species, and keep the growth. Some protection from

beech, blackbeny, bluebeny, plant watered for the first grow- wildlife damage may also be

Carolina buckthom, Carolina ing season to help in establish- appropriate, especially for

cherry laurel, Chickasaw ment.

tree seedlings. Tree seedlings

plum, chokebeny, crabapple,

Plants usually come as and saplings can be protected

dogwoods, hollies, musca- balled-in-burlap, container- with "tree shelters", corru-

dine, oaks, persimmon, sas- grown, or bare-root. The gated plastic tubes that sur-

safras, servicebeny, sumacs, balled-in-burlap can be planted round the trunk and protect

and viburnums.

with the burlap loosened and the plant from nibbling and

Autumn is actually one of rolled down to below soil level antler-rubbing. Start with

the best times for planting ifthe burlap is jute burlap, and healthy stock, plant in the

trees and shrubs. Bitter win- not a synthetic. The burlap is appropriate location, and

ter winds have not yet arrived, useful in lifting the plant into provide some additional wa-

but temperatures have cooled the planting hole with a mini- ter for the first year, and you

to allow for better root estab- mum ofdisturbance to the root should have an established

lishment. Choose planting ball. If the burlap is synthetic, and healthy plant within a

times with cool weather and it must of course be removed year's time.

adequate soil moisture. prior to backfilling with soil.

Planting before the arrival of Containers likewise need to be

Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998/ 11

GENIE WORKSHOPS
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), in cooperation with Georgia Project Learning Tree (PLT) and the University of Georgia's (UGA) Warnell School of Forest Resources conducted two residential teacher workshops this summer, known as the Georgia Environmental Network In Education (GENIE) Institutes. The workshops gave 53 Georgia educators from all over the state, representing grades K-12, opportunities to increase their content knowledge and awareness of Georgia's natural resources. Major financial funding was provided by an Eisenhower Higher Education Grant and the Georgia Forest Stewardship Program. Additional support was provided by the forestry community through significant contributions of personnel and facility resources, financial donations, and resource materials.
For more information on the 1999 GENIE Institutes, contact Deborah Breedlove at the Georgia Forestry Commission after February 16, 1999: 1-800-GA TREES.

SOUTHERNGENIE Institute Workshop Held in June

NORTHERN GENIE Institute Workshop Held in August

Lumber mill tour Valdosta, GA

Learning about forest stewardship & m.anagement Valdosta, GA

Col!ecling stream organisms to determine water quality Cohutta, GA

PLT activities at UGA 's Whitehall Forest Athens, GA

Oceans offun learning coastal issues St. Simons, GA
12 /Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998

Demonstrating tree splicing Brunswick, GA

Hands-on with wildlife sp ecies Athens, GA

Fire suppression demonstration Da wsonville, GA
Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998/ 13

Secret Life of
Tree Roots Being
Revealed by
Research
14/Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998

Underground Video Cameras Monitor Roots Continuously

There's another world - extending from directly underfoot to the opposite side of the earth - alleged to contain everything from UFO bases to the community of Hell. There are, however, other below ground residents that have been validated - such as tree roots.
The underground world of tree roots - that has eluded comprehensive investigation for so long - is now being unlocked by tiny, long-term research cameras.
According to a small number of patient researchers, potential revelations of the new technique could provide vital concepts for the future of forestry. "Out of sight out of mind has been a previous general concept regarding tree roots ," said Dr. Ron Hendrick, a forest ecologist with the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forest Resources. "Now, however, we 're finally able to get clear and concise images that we can study and analyze at le n g t h . "

13ASIC ADVANTAGE

Hendrick said the basic advantage of the technological

improvements enables researchers to sustain continu-

ous observation of tree root systems by means of a small

camera mounted on the end of a plastic tube; the camera

can be inserted in the ground and left indefinitely. He

said this type of monitoring can provide records of indi-

vidual roots from the time they first appear until the time

they die. Hendrick compares the study to actuarial analy-

sis fo llowing children from birth through their entire

lifespan.

"Actually, the basic technique has been around for about

80 years," Hendrick said. "But, in the late 70s, video

technology reached a point that made it no longer nec-

essary to dig underground chambers to observe tree

roots - which was disruptive and provided some ques-

tionable results ."

For more than 60 years, soil scientists have relied on

mini-rhizotrons (long, clear tubes they use like periscopes)

to peer at underground roots.

Mini-rhizotrons, from the Greek

"rhizos" meaning root and "tron"

meaning device or instrument,

are smaller versions of

rhizotrons, underground labs for

observing roots as they grow

against glass panes.

Used in the past mainly by

agricultural researchers for

short-term study of shallow

field crops like cotton and soy-

beans, mini-rhizotrons made

early root studies possible.

Fixed camera photos, however,

provided only low-resolution

images that were difficult to Researcher Ron Hendrick shows

analyze.

tiny camera in plastic tube.

COMBINING METHODS
Hendrick, as a graduate student, worked in related research projects ten years ago at Michigan State University. He is currently one of the few scientists worldwide to use micro-video cameras in combination with mini-rhizotrons for ecosystem research. He described the untapped potential of mm1rhizotrons for studying natural plant communities in a 1996 issue of Pln.nt and Soil Journal
"We can now begin to understand what really goes on during the long lifespan of a tree root," Hendrick said , "because they (tree roots) do a lot of things and an accurate account can be obtained if observation can be sustained without disturbing the natural process." Describing the lifestages of a tree root, Hendrick pointed out, that during the early state, roots absorb. During a sort of midlife period they transport water and nutrients. Finally, if they survive, roots become important for storing carbon and nutrients - plus serving as anchorage .
"It's only been during the last 20 years that we've gained an understanding of the importance of below ground productivity in forests, " Hendrick said. "When it became obvious that fifty percent of productivity was going on underground, interest began to increase rapidly. From the perspective of a tree's annual budget, roots and leaves are the quantitatively prevalent items ."
Drawing conclusions from research to answer longstanding questions about how

s oil resources translate into

Since working with UGA,

above gro u nd growth and Hendrick's root research pro-

yields, Hendrick believes gram has included a number

mini-rhizotrons may help re- of species including Piedmont

searchers understand the oak, slash pines, loblolly pines,

role of soil microorganisms, and short rotation sweetgums

arthropods, and nematodes in in the Coastal Plain (all in

the forest ecosystems.

Georgia). He said the project

Hendrick's combination of is also linked with a large study

old tools and new technology is funded by the National Science

already revealing new informa- Foundation, which has

tion. For instance, videotapes projects in Alaska, New Mexico,

show production and die-back Michigan, North Carolina,

of deep roots corresponding to Florida, and Georgia.

periods of high and low water

Hendrick emphasized that

needs, unlike shallow roots the new research video cam-

that are produced continu- eras offer considerable poten-

ously. In essence, the re - tial for current and future

search is revealing a magni- projects. In addition to tech-

tude of underground produc- nological superiority, the cam-

tivity in forests .

eras are durable, compact, and

easily transported to and from

the field. These

combined charac-

teristics make

them ideal for

projects located in

remote locations

and dense vegeta-

tion.

Before develop-

ment of the tiny

video cameras, re-

s e arc he rs used

periscope lenses

and 35 mm cam-

eras to make still

photos from inside

the mini-rhizotron

tubes. Later ,

flexible optic

endoscopes (a medi-

cal instrument)

were used. Neither

technique, how-

ever, was capable

of providing the

quality images now

''"'s11a1Jon byLor1Msr1uron

produced by the

small video cameras.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

"It's too bad that more

studies haven't exploited the

As Hendrick's research time power of mini -r hizotron to

lengthens with the roots being ob- address some of the long-

served, it is expected to reveal new standing questions about

information on root longevity and trees and other natural

how this longevity is influenced plant communities," Hendrick

by fertilization, irrigation, manage- said. "I hope the effectiveness

ment techniques, burning, pests, of the new technology will

weather, etc.

change this. " ..

Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998/ 15

Anybody confronted with learning to use a computer - and having an aversion to the process - might gain a positive outlook by considering the case of Gary McFerrin. A Ranger H with the Richmond County Unit, McFerrin had a similar attitude before becoming a self-taught computer expert who became coordinator for computer operations in his unit and GFC District Six.
Computer-phobia, for reasons ranging from intimidation to lack of interest, is prevalent enough to have spawned a number of television infomercials promising quick-and-easy learning.
When the first computer was plugged in at the Richmond County Unit, McFerrin said he was more lacking interest than intimidated by something he knew nothing about. "The closest I had been to operating a computer ," McFerrin said, "was using one of those old Army adding machines with a crank handle."
Gradually , however , McFerrin's interes t in creased as he saw what could be done with computers . "So, I started fooling around with it and soon found out that it wasn't as hard as I thought," he said . "You don't have to be a rocket scientist to operate a computer. It might seem that way at first, but you just have to take things one step at a time."
When McFerrin started, he had no source of instructions except an "old WINDOWS book" that he did not find to be of much help. What he found most helpful was a simple discovery of the on-line help system. "So at that stage," he said, "I would just go to the help menu and try one thing, then another, until I got something close to what I was looking for and could put the pieces together."
EVOLUTION
McFerrin put many pieces together with this process of elimi-

COMPUTER-
PHOBIA
CAN BE CURED
Ranger Becomes Self-Taught Expert
nation, but remains modest about his accomplishments . "I don't claim to be a computer expert by any m eans ," he said. "There's a tremendous amount about computers that I know nothing about. But on e }<ey thing I do know is that if you get a good software program, you can learn and do a lot with it. The right software has made our job a lot easier here ." McFerrin pointed out that almost every report submitted by the unit is now generated by computer on forms that "look like warehouse stock with data already entered, so all you have to do is print it out."
However, the first thing that impressed McFerrin was the revelation that he could use the computer as a "glorified typewriter." Later, he was more impressed when he learned about spreadsheets. "With spreadsheets," he recalled, I suddenly saw that if the right formulas are entered, you don't even have to w orry about the calculations being correct. The computer does
~\\ it all for
you ." All
things

considered, McFerrin says it may have been better to go to tech school to learn basics- but then again, maybe not. He believes it depends a lot on the individual and to what degree the process will be taken . "After all," he points out, "there are a lot of good auto mechanics who never went to trade school a day in their life. And I believe, in a lot of situations, that there's something about learning on your own that makes it stick in your mind."
BOOKS
Eventually, McFerrin bought some computer books and completed a beginner's course in EXCEL. "I enjoyed the course," he said, "but I found most of the things taught were fundamentals I had already learned on my own." McFerrin added, however, that after taking this course, he highly recommends this eighthour session for employees interested in learning EXCEL basics. "Even if you have learned or think you've learned - something on your own ," he said, "it's good to know you're doing it the right way."
Now, McFerrin realizes , "I'm always learning. For instance, there's so much to learn that I could spend almost full-time on that one software program."
McFerrin continued, mostly on his own, and advanced to a point that enabled him to teach a class

16/Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998

at nearby Fort Gordon Hospital on EXCEL fundamentals.
All counties in GFC District Six have received assistance from McFerrin in setting up computer operations. Jesse Townsend, Chief Ranger Senior for the Richmond County Unit, said McFerrin's computer knowledge and innovations have been invaluable in developing programs. "We're looking a lot more professional since Gary took over the computer operations," Townsend said.
AT HOME
For somebody having no interest in computers, McFerrin made a rapid transition when the computer bug bit him. Within three months after his GFC unit installed the first computer, McFerrin bought one and took it home; he now has two at home. "That's how fast your interest can develop when you get into these things," he said.

In retrospect, McFerrin said what he learned about computers has been about half at home and half on the job. At home, he uses computers for keeping records of bank transactions, bills, and other routine operations . He also is constantly experimenting with new approaches. "I'm always learning," he said. "It's fascinating - a never ending process."
FOR BEGINNERS
Does McFerrin have any basic advice for beginners who know little or nothing about computers? Yes, and he believes in keeping everything step-by-step and simple; he should know, he's been there with nothing to start with but one outmoded book.
McFerrin's basic recommendations are: Get some tutorial help with WINDOWS . Become familiar with the "mouse." Notice construction on "menus." Know your "menu bars" and "title

bars ." Also know y our "tool bars." Determine the different things that controls do on programs.
"I know this sounds simple to those familiar with computers," McFerrin said. "But if you know as little as I did starting out, you have to start simple."
As for the Internet, McFerrin considers it a wonder. He also considers it addictive and warns it can take all your time, if you let it. "Of course, you can just play around on it, ifyou want to," he said. "It all depends on your objectives, because the Internet is one of the most interestin~and valuable computer tools. " ~
That 's McFerrin's computer story and advice to beginners. By the time this story is in print, McFerrin may have retired from GFC with 34 years service. However, instead of being put out to pasture, he plans to begin another career. In computers - what else?

COREY MATHIS of Atlanta poses with Georgia Forestry Commission mascot, Smokey Bear, at the Scotty Dog Mascot Challenge, sponsored by Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center. The Mascot Challenge was held in conjunction with the Eighth Annual nationwide Ch ampionship Senior PGA Tour at the Golf Club of Georgia. More than fifteen mascots joined Scotty Dog on the links for the annual putting contest. Prior to this year's tou rnament, the Nationwide Championship has d onated more than $980,000 to Georgia children 's charities. The proceeds from the 1998 tournament benefited Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center.

Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998/ 17

HIGH-TECH GEORGIA PLANT PRODUCES GLULAM BEAMS

Super-Strong Beams Require Strict Certification

The strength of glulam beams is a marvel of high-tech forestry, but the real beauty of this engineered timber is an atmosphere of natural security and comfort that it can create in a home.
Anthony Forest Products, located in Washington, is the only Georgia plant manufacturing laminated (glulam) beams. The highly specialized facility is also one of only several plants in the United States certified to produce the "30F" beam, a superstrong laminated structural lumber (LSL) used for heavy duty construction. One of the other certified plants is Anthony headquarters in Arkansas.
Laminated wood is userfriendly and compatible; it can be stained to match any decor
and offers a sense of spaciousness without constraints . Applications in residential buildings include exposed roof rafters, ridge, basement, garage, and floor beams. Glulam can also be used for remodeling carports, dens, and family rooms.
"It's one of the strongest beams on the market," said Warren Newsome, safety/environmental coordinator for Quality Control of Anthony's Wash ington plant. "You have to be AITC (American Institute ofTimber Construction) certified to run this beam, and

the Anthony plants are currently among the few plants in the United States authorized to do this. " He emphasized that Southern yellow pine is the only type wood used for Anthony's beams, and all pine used in the process must be number 2 grade or better.
Newsome, who has been with the Washington plant since it began operation four years ago, said AITC is the most demand ing ins pector of glued-laminatedstructural timber to be found anywhere. "That's why Anthony acquired their services," he said. "To ensure necessary standards for manu facturing such a pr:od uct are sustained."
LAMINATING PROCESS
Everything done at th e Wa shington plant is done with product quality and strength being primary concerns. "This is not an operation that can permit any significant deviation from predetermined standards," Newsome said. "Our beams are used for main support and floor systems are fastened to it. Floor systems are one of ou r biggest markets n ow."
Newsome said the Anthony plant in Washington produces approximate ly eight million
Warren Newsome, Quality Control Coordinator for Anthony Forest Products in Washington , GA, displays a variety of laminated structural lumber samples.

board feet of laminated beams a year. "This type of operation has to rely on high quality across the entire spectrum of production," he said. "From wood and mach inery to employee skills ."
The process starts with selecting a high grade of Southern yellow pine by running the wood through a sorting system to ensure it meets required standards. Pitch is then cut out and cuts are made to specifications for finger joints; the strength of these joints is critical in approval of the final product.
All wood is then run through a m oisture meter - anything running over 16 percent is set aside to be redried in the kiln. The wood is then run through another grading process to establish accuracy. The next step is forming and gluing finger joints. The joints are pressed together and passed through a radio frequency tunnel at 180 feet per minute. Radio frequency in the tunnel cures the beams at high temperatures.
VITAL PHASE
When the individual finger joints have been joined together, they are referred to as "Lams" (s hort for lamination). The next step is running the wood through a radio frequency beam press. The beams are cooked as they were in the previous tunnel, only this time the temperatures are even higher. This is a slower cook - six feet per minute - with speed of passage varying slightly with length and thickness of the beam.
Next comes the critical test of acceptance. Sample finger joints are run through a "tension tester" to ensure strength and safety of the engineered wood. An average joint strength of 6,300 PSI must be recorded for the beams to be accepted. To mee t AITC requirements, this attempt to break the finger joints under pressure is done every

18/Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998

day. Newsome said it "comes with the territory'' in this strictly monitored business.
Newsome also pointed out that the AITC inspector may show up unannounced at any time. This is part of the quality control procedure. The inspector may choose to test any facet of the operation as well as quality and strength of the product.
ETERNAL VIGILANCE

nomical. Glulam beams have a high strength-to-weight ratio, and are usually less expensive than comparable steel or other engineered wood products, par-

known qualities making them desirable for use in areas threatened by high winds and earth quakes (beam resilience absorbs shocks that might rupture materials like steel and concrete). However, fire resistance of the engineered timber seems to be a lesser-known characteristic.
Engineered glulam materials have excellent fire resistant qualities. AITC has done testing to prove this point.

"You have to be ready all the time," Newsome said. "He (the inspector) may come once a week or once a month, you never know. Newsome's daily routine demands constant checks and double checks. His job is meticulous, time consuming, and demanding; but he would not have it any other way. "By operating this way," he said, "we have to maintain top quality all the time - just to stay in business. So there is never any question about quality."
COST EFFECTIVE

Glulam Beams (Photo courtesy ~(Anthony Forest Products)
ticularly in framing applications. Prefabrication can significantly
reduce construction costs, yet glulam can be modified on site if alterations are necessary. Also, energy efficiency of engineered timber can provide savings to the property owner. Insulating characteristics of laminated wood can be combined with thermally efficient insulation to minimize heat loss.

LOOKS
Glulam beams come in three appearance grades - Industrial, Architectural, and Premium. There is also a rough finish for those who want it. The appearance grades apply to the surfaces of glue-laminated timbers and include such considerations as growth characteristics , wood fillers, and surfacing operations.
For further information on any aspect of glue-laminated timber-
Call: 1-800-221-BEAM. 1'

Despite the involved and strictly monitored production process, engineered timber construction is surprisingly eco-

FIRE RESISTANT
Newsome said strength and resilience of glulam beams are well

Vaulted Ceiling

Ridge

Garage Door Header

Stair Treaders
and Stringers
____ Basement _,B_ eam

Window Header

Glulam Applications (Iflustration courtesy ofAnthony Fores/ Producrs)

Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998/19

BOOK REVIEW
TREASURES OF THE LONGLEAF PINE/NAVAL STORES, by Carroll B. Butler, 270 pages, 111 photo-r graphs, appendix, index. Tarkel Publishing Company, P.O. Box 45, Shalimar, Florida 32579. Hardback $40. Phone: 850-651-5473

----- TREASUIRB

An informative volume on America's first colonial industry - turpentine operations in longleaf
pine forests. Author Carroll B. Butler captures the imagination as he transports the reader to a time when this was a vibrant forestry industry that was influential in industrial growth of the South.
Major producing states in the turpentine belt included Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. As the book points out, 1744 marked the first production of naval stores in Georgia.
The industry is traced to and beyond its peak - the first 15 years of the 20'" century - when pine forests in the coastal plains were teeming with turpentiners and gum was processed in hundreds of distilleries. Topics range from how tar and pitch were produced over a 2,500-year period - to how gum was extracted and collected from longleaf pines; even turpentine related Biblical references are included from Genesis and Ecclesiastes.
Chapters are devoted to Tar Production, Woodworking Proeedures and Tools, Processing, Cooperage (barrel making), Turpentine Camp, Transportation, and Marketing. Appendices include: Bibliography, Glossary, Uses of naval store products, Patents, Companies - marketing and hardware, Fire still operations, Naval stores organizations, and Choctawhatchee National Forest.
Now in a survival mode, this labor intensive industry has been exported to countries with much lower labor costs. Current research is focusing on a bore hold gum extraction and collection system from slash pine.
A segment of the book's Afterword on "Industry Overview" was co-written by Grady Williams and Jim Gillis, Jr. Williams is a retired GFC Forester. Gillis is Chairman of the GFC Board of Commissioners, President of the American Turpentine Farmers Association Cooperative, and a gum producer. Both are recognized experts on the gum naval stores industry. In their "Overview" segment, they state future potential: "It is the belief of many industry experts that the demands of gum turpentine and rosin will continue to grow, and the U.S. should be in a position to produce whatever level of naval stores production that might be needed."

Drilling equipment for 191 0 gum extraction system. (Figure 41, Page 67)

Caulking crew on sailing vessel. (Figure 7, Page 15)

20/Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998

Heavy-duty dip wagon, teamster assisting dipper with dip bucket. (Figure 19, Page 67)

FOREST PRODUCTS Crossword Puzzle
All parts of a tree, big and small , are used in one form or another. Below are clues to just
a few of the thousands of products or by-products that we get from healthy forests.

7

10

11

13

20

21

22

26

4 5
9 12 16
24

28

17

18

14 19

25 27

29

Across
1. Sprinkle this on pizza and spaghetti 3. Cleanser used for brushing teeth 5. Enamel painted on the end of fingers 7. Dairy product container 9. Sticky pancake topping 10. Cleansing agent for hair 16. Adhesive cover for a wound 22. Atlanta Falcons headgear 24. Animal and saltine are two types of these 26. Cosmetics 27. Writing utensil made of wood and lead 28. These hold your vision lenses in place 29. A cellulose wiper-upper

Down

2. Oral cold medicine

21. Pre-electricity source of light

4. A pleasing scent, odor, or fragrance

23. It's black and white and read all over

6. I scream, you scream, we all scream for this 25. Stick used by the Atlanta Braves

8. Worn by men around the collar

11 . Amixture of colored pigment applied with a brush

12. Rouge for coloring the lips

13. Adam and Eve ate this forest product

14. Drawing tool of choice for young artists

15. Chewing and bubble are two types of this

17. A hoop of rubber around the wheel of a vehicle

18. Basic hair styling tool

19. Use a roll of this in a camera to take pictures

20. Popular bathroom paper product

&nssli lat!Ol oz wno s1 a..i lP'lN 9

sawe.i~ ssetfia,\3 ez Sl&WtaH ue<oo~ ZI: uo~~ >a!W L

. 1es 11eqases sz WI!:! OIO\ld 51 eidd\fu weaJ:l ao1 g

JadedSMaN cz

qwoo s1 ~:J!lsdn z1 OOJnad p

L""'d 'Ll d~~e..., sz

diJls :l!lllld 91 oodwl?t!S o~

4Si0d i.eN s a1sed41001 c

. aipu~ 1z

l&allM 'LI 1UJefl1 dru.\s 46no:) z

efiuods sz

SJ&~~eJ~ pz druAs aidel'I 5 asea.QuesauJJed 1

UMO(]

31ZZOd Ol:IOMSSOl:I~ 01 Sl:l3MSN\f

SSOJO\f

Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998/21

Help Freddie the Squirrel find his way to his favorite product that comes from trees.......nuts!
..
22/Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

EMMETT JORDAN, a Baker County teenager and entrepreneur, is the 1998 recipient of the F&W Forestry Services Young Forester Award and Scholarship. The honor is awarded annually to the Georgia 4-H high school student demonstrating outstanding achievements in forestry activities, and was established to encourage high school students to consider careers in forestry. Jordan's award- winning forestry activity was an ambitious project to plant, manage, harvest, and sell more than 100,000 containerized longleaf pine seedlings. He donated a number of seedlings to local schools and community organizations. Jordan is a junior and honor roll student at Westwood School in Camilla.

Jordan

Note: To submit a forestry related candidate for the "People In The News" section, please send to: EDITOR: Lynn Walton clo Georgia Forestry Commission, P.O. Box 819 Macon, GA 31202-0819, AITN: People In The News (color photographs preferred).

SOUTHERN LANDOWNER OUTREACH CONFERENCE
January 10-13, 1999 Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
Birmingham, AL
Ifyou need information about the services, programs, and benefits available to you for USDA agencies, state agencies, universities, and other organizations, this conference is for you.
For information about the conference, call toll-free: 1-800-LANDCARE (1 888-523-6277), or visit their website: http://www.forestty.uga.edu/sloc
USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

TREE PLANTING ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN GEORGIA 1997-1998
TOTALACRES413 ,407

GOVERNMENT 3,838 acres

FOREST INDUSTRY 150,375 acres

NON-INDUSTRIAL PRIVATE LANDOWNERS
259, l94acres

Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998/23

NATIVE TREES OF GEORGIA

@/ OrJ8 -ft1cl!C. L'f_NJ;o;J o ;;;;.;/A/Gfll'J!VJ .a

/7'

IVA co'GPoC1-!c>. 1></:Js lJ.s, / , ,

SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA

(Magnolia grandiflora L.)

DESCRIPTION: Leaves evergreen, five to ten inches long, two to three inches wide, elliptical, pointed at both ends, margins smooth bright green, glossy, smooth, and leathery above, rusty, hairy, or sometimes green and smooth below. Fruit is an egg-shaped, reddish brown bur, three to four inches long, 1 112 to 2 112 inches thick with the numerous bright red seeds dangling on slender threads. Bark gray to brown or almost black, smooth on the upper trunk becoming somewhat scaly. A tree 60 to 80 feet high with a trunk two to three feet (sometimes up to five feet) in diameter terminating in a spreading, pyramidal head.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves evergreen, five to ten inches long, two to three inches wide; flower large, :fragrant; fruit a reddish brown bur.
WOOD: Hard, heavy, creamy white, but turning brown on exposure.
USES: Baskets, crates. This tree is largely used as an ornamental.
DISTRIBUTION: Found in swamps and along streams near the coast.

..
J. Frederick Allen Director

Periodicals poswge paid at Dry Branch, Georgia and additional mailing offices.
Appro.\:irnarc cost or prc5) tinlC aod paper only. COST: S4240 qty: JO.SM

C,A
f bOO Ipl
Fh 51/2-

9eor!l_ia

FORESTRY

USPS No. 217120

Fall 1998

No. 2

Vol. 51

STAFF Lynn A. Walton, Editor William S. Edwards, Assoc. Editor Jackie N. Mitchell , Graphic Artist Julia Baker, Editorial Asst.
Zen Miller, Governor J. Frederick Allen, Director Bob Lazenby, Technical Advisor

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 3081'> Martha Berry Hwy./Rome, GA 30165
706-295-6021
District 'J\vo 3005 Atlanta llwy. /Gainesville, GA 30507
770-531-6043
District Three 1055 E. Whitehall Rd./Athens, GA 30605
706-542-6880
District Four 187 Corinth Rd./ ewnan, GA 30263
770-254-7218
District Five 119 Hwy. 49 West/Milledgeville, GA 31061
912-445-5164
District Six 1465 Tignall Rd./Washington, GA 30673
706-678-2015
District Seven 243 U.S. Hwy. 19 N./i\mericus, GA 31709
912-931 -2436
Disrrict Eight 2395 U.S. Hwy. 41 N./Tifton, GA 31794
912-386-3617
District ~ine 3561 Hwy. 112/Cam ill a, GA 3 1730
9 1 2 -3 3 6 -5 3 4 1
District Ten 18899 U. $ . Hwy. 301 N./Statesboro, GA 30458
912-681 -0490
District Eleven Route 1, Box 67/ Helena, GA 3 1037
912-868-5649
District Twelve 5003 Jacksonville Hwy./Waycross, GA 31503
912-287-4915
Georgia Porestry is publis h ed quarterly by the Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road , Dry Branch , Georgia 31020-9699. Second class postage paid at Macon , GA. POSTMASTER: Sen d address change to Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road , Dry Branch, Georgia 31020-9699.
2/Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998

From the Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, J. Frederick Allen

Georgia Forestry Commission J . Frederick Allen

P . 0 . Box 819, Macon, Georgia 31202-08 19

Director

(912) 751-3500, Fax (912) 751-3465

Dear Fellow Georgians:
The Georgia Forestry Commission is proud to announce that current survey statistics show a 164,000-acre increase in Georgia timberland since 1989. This lmpressive increase was revealed by the recently completed Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA} based on ongoing comp rehensive research of the state's forestry resou rces and related activities from 1989 to 1998.
The GFC ten -year comparative study verified that there is also a slight increase in the total forest coverage of Georgia since 1989; current figures show that forestlands now cover a lmost 66 percent of the state.
One of the most encouraging and beneficial findings of the FIA study, is that total reforestation in Georgia (including artificial and natural} in 1998 now exceeds final harvest by 25 percent.
The bottom line of the FIA comparisons, however, may be t hat Georgia is growing more wood than the percentage being removed - 5.1 percent more - than in 1989. This is directly related to the FIA statistic that the state now has 2 percent more commercially available wood volume than in 1989.
The collective findings of the JO-year FlA comparative study clearly indicates that progress ive forest stewardship and forest management programs advocated by the GFC arc working. The results are easily discernible benefits to the economy and environment. Georgia forestlands are sustainable and meet present demands without compromising the needs of future generations.
Forestry in Georgia is now a SI 9.5 billion industry. The environmental value of vast forestlands throughout the state cannot be specifically defined; such values as clean air, clean water, and the sociological influences of a dynarruc natural environment are actually priceless.

JimL.Gillis,Jr. Ch::unmin, SOJ)trll)ll

Sincerely.
~~
J. Frederick Allen
!Ji rector

C. J\l. [unici:,Jr.

J. G. f(.11d1g

All /:."qua/ Opportrmity &nployer

Lurry S. WJlkcr
()g_l1:lh\I~

P. W. Bryun
TI 1m11a~\ ill~

Ol'i TH E COVER -
Cloud/and Canyon in the fall. Located in Northwest Georgia 's Walker County. Photography by Wiffiam Godfrey.

9eor!Jia

FORESTRY /
.:'!"'i~. ~:
\\\, \.;~~~~

Fall 1998
Georgia 's first covered wooden bridge in almost a hundred years is a success. . .Page 4

New camera gives researchers a better way to study tree roots... Page 14

Supers/rang beams require strict certification. . .Page 18

DIRECTOR'S LETTER ................. 2
NEW COVERED BRIDGE BLENDS HISTORY WITH ENGINEERING . . . . . . . . . 4
Award-Winning Wooden Bridge Is Role Model
A GUIDE TO COST-SHARE PROGRAMS .... 8
Ten Ways to Get Help to Improve Your Land
HARD MAST ........ .'................ 10
Trees & Shrubs Provide Food.for Wildlife
NATIVE PLANTS FOR WILDLIFE ....... 11
Fall Planting Tips for Fruit & Nut Trees
GENIE WORKSHOP ................... 12
Georgia Educators Learn More about the State's Resources in Regional Workshops

COMPUTER-PHOBIA CAN BE CURED .... 16
GFC Ranger Gary McFerrin Becomes Self-Taught Expert
GLULAM .... ... . . .... ...... . ....... 18
Superstrong Beams Are a Marvel of High-Tech Forestry
BOOK REVIEW ...................... 20
Treasures ofthe LongleafPine/Naval Stores
FUN PAGES ..... ... ......... .. . . .. 21-22
Forest Products Crossword Puzzle/Maze
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS ........ . . .. .... 23
NATIVE TREES OF GEORGIA . .. Back Cover

SECRET LIFE OF TREE ROOTS BEING REVEALED BY RESEARCH . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Underground Video Cameras Monitor Roots Continuously

Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998/ 3

: ~~ I t I
G
Award-Winning Bridge Received GFC Assistance Grant
Construction of Georgia's first covered wooden bridge in almost a hundred years has resulted in a prestigious engineering award as well as an environmentally aesthetic addition to Rockdale County. The $890,000 structure received a $30,000 assistance grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The 150-foot long bridge, located in the Haralson Mill historic district of the county, was designed to give motorists (and pedestrians) safe passage over Mill Creek while preserving the historic atmosphere of the wooded area.
A model of wood-engineering ingenuity, the bridge is already making new history by receiving "Honor Award" status at the 1998 Engineering Awards Banquet held in Atlanta and sponsored by the Consulting Engineers Council of Georgia. Awards are based on major contributions to technical, economic, and social advancement.
"We were in competition with projects that were much larger than ours," said Larry Kaiser, director of the Rockdale County Public Services and Engineering Department. "Ours was probably the smallest project honored. It took a lot of work from a lot of agencies, like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers , to make this bridge a reality."
Kaiser pointed out there was "no bridge here before." He said Haralson Mill Road went through Mill Creek with the creek running across the road. However, due to development of Big Haynes Creek Reservoir, rising water could have cut off residents living north of Haralson Creek.
Rockdale County Commission Chairman Randy Poynter said building the bridge was part of an
Side view of150-foot-long Rockdale County covered bridge shows sturdy design ofaward-winning wood engineering project. (Photo courtesy of Rockdale Co1111ty Public Service a11d 11gi11eeri11g Departme11t) 4/Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998

agreement between the county The total price for Phase II came Haralson Mill House, a general

and U.S. Corps of Engineers. out to be $1 .8 million , so we're store, old mill site, and black-

"Our commitment with the within 5 percent of our origi- smith shop.

Corps of Engineers for our 404 nal engineering budget.

Big Haynes Reservoir is sup-

permit (for the reseJVoir) was to

"In 1994, we were required plied by two tributaries. One of

maintain the integrity of the his- to present alternative scenarios the tributaries, Mill Rock Creek,

toric district," Poynter said . to the Army Corps of Engineers forms the ford approximately 20

"That also included buying a that included other road align- feet wide that crosses Haralson

nearby house and maintaining ments to avoid the historic dis- Mill Road. The existing stream,

it. We were trying to be consis- trict. We put together a sce- only a few inches deep, is easily

tent with our permit and at the nario of costs and all were over passable. However, with im-

same time build a functional $1 million more than our origi- poundment of the reservoir, the

bridge that would stay within nal estimates."

area will be underwater. Since

our project budget."

Kaiser added that the com- the ford crossing could be under

pleted project preserved the 10 to 15 feet of water at certain

COST EFFECTIVE

historic charm of the area with times of the year, a bridge is pref-

a wooden bridge, while satisfy- erable to a culvert so earth fills

Although the county received ing the Corps of Engineers and can be minimized and mature

some criticism for the $890,000 State Historic Preservation of- hardwoods in the area can be

bridge cost,

preserved.

cost effec-

Absence of

tiveness is

this bridge

ob vious

would mean

when facts

areas of land

are consid-

would be in-

ered. Criti-

accessible;

cism was

the road

based on the

would end on

mistaken no-

either side of

tion that

the lake.

funds could

As part of

have been

project im-

saved by

provements,

building a

the connect-

more conventional

ing roadway
l has been

bridge on the

' paved and

site. Kaiser

upgraded to

and Poynter,

a 35 MPH

however, re-

design with

sponded

a 20 MPH

with facts

approach

showing al - E1wi11eered covered bridge proves highly jimclional while preser ving historical near the

ternatives atmosphere al Haralson Mill District. Bridge superstructure contain 11,000 board covered

would have f eet of treated timber.

bridge. Al-

cost much

though pri-

more in the

mary bridge

long run.

fice. Considering t hese col- traffic will be single-axle pas-

"A regular bridge would lective accomplishments, Kai- senger vehicles, the bridge is

have cost $500,000 to ser defines the project as "a constructed to accommodate

$600,00, Kaiser explained. It real success."

multi-axle vehicles. As

is important to remember that

growth increases in the wa-

the bridge is the second phase

NEED FOR BRIDGE

tershed basin, it is estimated

of the Haralson Mill project,

that between 800 and 1,000

which includes road construc-

The covered wooden bridge vehicles will use the bridge

tion, building the bridge, and replaces a ford crossing daily as a primary north-south

raising another nearby bridge. Haralson Mill Road, formerly an passage of the county.

"When we estimated the cost unimproved dirt road on the

In addition to having two

of the project in 1994, we fig- north side of the county. The lanes for traffic, the 37-foot

ured our cost to be 1.6 million. historic s etting includes the wide bridge includes two in-

Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998/ 5

side walkways for pedestrians. available from Georgia suppli- treated with pentachlorophe-

Pedestrian use of the structure ers, or Pentachlorophenol Type nol. The roof is tongue and

is also expected to increase A (Penta) a heavy oil-based groove decking with dressed

significantly with area growth pressure treated preservative. cedar shingles. The bridge su-

as more people are attracted

Stress-laminated bridge perstructure contains 11 ,000

to the scenic woodlands and decking was assembled off-site board feet of treated timber.

historical site.

in 12-foot sections and trans-

ported to the job site. The in-

FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM

DESIGN

novative design of this deck

type is unlike any method pre-

A fire control system has

In selecting a bridge type, viously used in Georgia.

been added to the original de-

Rockdale County considered

The deck is built with two- sign. The water source for the

importance

system is

of historic

Mill Rock

preservation

Creek ,

with the cost

~

which at

factor. A

times will

wooden

be inun-

bridge was

'

dated by

selected, as

the reser-

opposed to

voir. When

conventional

I

concrete and

-1ll1 ~

st ee1 bridges, due

I z "4'5 0 l.O

the reser-

Jlb._

voir is below normal, the

ford cross-

to historical considerations.
The structure emulates a covered

l'-4"-

5'~411

..:::::!!
12'-0" ~ I

I

. I



I

12'-0" 5'-4 11
~
..

l'- 4"

ing reverts to its natural state, a s m a 11 spring fed creek. This creek, only

bridge similar to the 1820s Town Lattice Truss design

I~""__:_,.37~ '-4" ~J

inches deep , is not sufficient to supply wa-

patented by Connecticut

BRIDGE ELEVATION

ter for the fire control

architect

(fl(ustration courtesy ofRockdale County Public Service and Eng ineering Depanment)

system .

Ithiel Town.

The sys-

The bridge includes 3 fifty-foot inch lu mber standing on edge tem requires one hundred

spans with solid concrete piers and spanning perpendicular to gallons a minute for approxi-

and spill-through abutments travel lanes for the complete mately 30 minutes ; the wa-

encased with granite veneer.

bridge width. Each panel is as- ter source must be constant

Bridge superstructure was s em bled with high strength to be effective. A small dam

designed to utilize Georgia bolts torqued to 700 foot - of impound water from the

wood products - while promot- pounds. The advantage to this creek has been incorporated

ing new timber bridge technol- construction is a high-strength into the design. The system

ogy. The structure meets stressed deck within a trans- will draw water from a sub-

American Association of State verse stressed panel. This merged pump in a stand pipe.

Highway and Transportation eliminates problems associated The pipe will be under the

Officials (AASHTO ) Standard with hydraulic jacked panels , normal reservoir pool and

Specifications, or more specifi- on-site nail laminated panels, protect the pump from debris.

cally, AASHTO Guide Specifi- or prefabricated glue laminated

As the system engages , a

cations HS20-44 . All lumber panels.

call is placed to a monitoring

is standard size (2 "x12 " or

Superstructure of the bridge company that contacts th e

smaller) Southern Yellow Pine is covered by a conventional Rockdale County Communi-

treated with Chromate Copper roof/truss system. Exterior cations Department for fire

Arsenate (CCA) commonly framing and latticework are department dispatch .

6/Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998

KAISER,S CONCLUSION
After his long involvement with the bridge construction, Larry Kaiser regards the successful project from a holistic perspective. "Any time you try something new, you're bound to have critics," he said. "But we've displayed that the project is usable, aesthetically pleasing and works historically. That we've been able to get beyond criticism - and recognized by tl?-e Consulting Engineers Council of Georgia - speaks for itself."
GFC VIEW
GFC officials consider the Rockdale County covered bridge as a superb example of wood engineering that could serve as a role model for future projects and similar situations.
Tommy Loggins, GFC Chief of Utilization/Marketing/ & Development, said the Commission has been involved in promoting statewide construction of wooden bridges since 1991. "We've worked with counties throughout the state in assisting them in understanding the numerous benefits of constructing wooden bridges in appropriate locales and situations," he said.
Loggins emphasized that when county officials become aware of the currently available wood engineering technology - combined with numerous other positive factors - that the prospect of wooden bridges can become very appealing. He pointed out that cost effectiveness , lighter weight, engineered stability, durability, and relatively benign impact on the environment are among the positive considerations.
"Actually," Loggins said, "a properly design ed wooden bridge can even enhance the environment in certain situations. The Rockdale County covered bridge is a prime example." He added that many of Georgia's newer wooden bridges have provided quicker and safer passage in counties

that previously had inadequate routes, or no direct route to certain areas. Such improvements benefit area industry, farmers, police protection, ambulances, and fire control.
GFC currently has a grant program encouraging counties to consider engineered wooden

bridges as an alternative to traditional bridges. The program emphasizes how rural communities can improve their infrastructure while using locally grown and processed forest products. For further information call: 1-800-GA-TREES. . .

LOCAL HISTORIAN LIKES NEW BRIDGE

Frank D. Smith, well Rockdale County covered

known in the Conyers area bridge. Smith states in

as a local historian of sorts, conclusion : "Rockdale

was so impressed by County is unaware of any

Rockdale County's new other covered bridges be-

wooden covered bridge that ing built on public roads in

he featured it on the cover the State of Georgia... It

of his 37-page book titled is our belief that the use

Georgia's Covered Bridges. of local products and local

The 85-year-

fabrication of

old Smith has

the wood struc-

written a num-

ture could be

ber of books on

used as a

historical sub-

model for other

jects, but cov-

bridges being

ered bridges re-

built in histori-

mains one of

cally sensitive

his favorite in-

areas ."

terests. The

Author

new book traces

Frank Smith

the history and

was born in At-

lore of covered bridges. "It is

Frank D. Smith

lanta in 1913 and moved to

not as easy as it

Milstead ,

once was to find a covered where he still resides.

bridge," Smith writes. He was educated in

"Once there were more Milstead Company School

than 10,000 covered and Monroe A&M where

bridges on record, most he completed courses in

built in the United States electrical engineering

between 1805 and 1930s." and journalism. An em-

Smith notes that many of ployee of Milstead Plant

the South's covered bridges for 31 years, he also

were burned during the Civil wrote for weekly newspa-

War. He currently lists only pers including the

16 covered bridges left in LaGrange Shuttle and

Georgia. "Each bridge has Conyers News.

a unique story to tell," Smith

Smith's Historic Cov-

states.

ered Bridges may be pur-

The book contains photos chased by contacting:

and historical comments on Frank D. Smith, 1683

each Georgia bridge. The Oak Street, Milstead Vil-

text also includes a special lage, Conyers, GA 30012

section on the new (phone: 770-483-8642) .

Georgia Forestry/ Fall 1998/ 7

A GUIDE TO COST-SHARE PROGRAMS
Prepared by Mark Whitney, Wildlife Biologist, GA Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division

This article is designed to provide private landowners with a starting point that will help them through the maze of available programs to find the one that best fits their specific needs. The programs listed below do not represent an exhaustive list of opportunities available to private landowners but they are representative of the many programs that help improve conditions for timber, wildlife and other natural resources. For more detailed information on particular programs contact the agency or agencies that are listed under
each of the program headings.

Forest Stewardship Program

(FSP) - FSP is a federally

funded program administered

by the Georgia Forestry Com-

mission and re-authorized by

the 1996 Farm Bill. Landown-

ers are furnished a written

management plan prepared by

professional natural resource

managers and tailored to fit

the landowner's personal

stewardship objectives for the

.=:: property. To be eligible for this

program, landowners must

"' Cl

"'".C... V')

own at least 25 acres with at least 10 acres of woodland.

~

'
<\)

There is no upper limit on acre-

~ '."::; ..... .._
l'1 'l::l

age. FSP is designed to enable private landowners to manage

their land with multiple re-

source objectives in mind.

These objectives include tim-

ber, wildlife, soil and water con-

servation, recreation, and aes-

thetics. The Georgia Forestry

Commission administers FSP

and you can receive more in-

formation, or begin the Stew-

ardship process, by calling

1-800-GA TREES.

Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) - SIP is a federal program re-authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill and administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) in cooperation with the Farm Services Agency (FSA), the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Natural Re-
sources Conservation Service (NRCS). Landowners are paid a flat rate for practices approved for SIP and total payments cannot exceed $10,000/ year. SIP's primary function is to cost-share on forestry associated multiple resource practices that complement the goals and purposes of the Forest Stewardship Program. Private, non-industrial, non-corporate forest landowners with 251000 contiguous acres are eligible for this program. Applications for SIP are accepted anytime by the local FSA office and will be forwarded to the

GFC. Contact FSA by looking in your local phone directory under U. S. Departmen t of Agriculture.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - CRP is a federal program authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill. This program pays annual payments to landowners who own property with a cropping history. Payments are based upon soil type , amount of acreage and cost to the landowner for establishing cover on previously-farmed land. The intent of the program is to protect erodible soils by removing them from agricultural production, improve water quality adjacent to agricultural lands, and improve wildlife habitats on the property. Sign-up periods are announced by the Secretary of the U. S. Department ofAgriculture. A continuous sign-up is available in high priority practices. These practices are also eligible for incentive payments in addition to soil rental rate and cost-share payments. The Farm Services Agency (FSA) accepts applications for CRP during sign-up periods and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has technical responsibility for the program. For more information on CRP, contact your local FSA or NRCS office by looking under the local listings for the U. S. Department of Agriculture in your phone book.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EOIPl EQIP is a federal program authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill and will replace the Agricul-

8/Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998

tural Reserve Program and the Water Quality Incentives Program. This program pays up to 75% of the cost of successfully implementing certain conservation practices. The intent of the program is to identify resource conservation priorities and to address concerns such as soil erosion, water quality, wildlife habitat, waste management, and others. Under EQIP, 50% of program funds are targeted to address livestock related conservation practices and 65% of funds will be spent in Priority Areas identified through a locally-led conservation work group. The remainder of the funds will target state priority natural resource concerns. Sign-up for EQIP is continuous, but Priority Areas may change on an annual basis. Find out more about the EQIP program by contacting the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office that services your county. Their number can be found in your local phone book under U. S . Department of Agriculture.
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) - WRP is a federal program authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill. Landowners receive payments based upon the agricultural value of the land and the duration of the easement placed upon the property. Permanent easements pay the total value of the land and 100% of wetland restoration costs, 30-year easements pay 75% of the land's agricultural value and 75% of restoration costs, and restoration cost-share agreements must be at least 10 years long and will pay 75% of the restoration costs. The landowner maintains control of all access decisions and retains ownership of the property. The program is designed to improve water quality and restore wildlife habitats by restoring wet-

lands that have been degraded due to agricultural practices. Sign-up for WRP is continuous and ongoing. In order to apply, or to receive more information , contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office that services your county. Their phone number is listed under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) - WHIP is a federal program authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill. Landowners receive up to 75% of the cost of establishing certain wildlife habitat practices on their property. Anyone who owns land or can show that they have control of land for the contract period may be eligible for WHIP~ The primary focus of the program is to enhance, create, or restore habitats for upland and wetland species, threatened and endangered species, fish and other types of wildlife. Of particular concern are habitats for threatened and endangered species , bobwhite quail, neotropical songbirds, and amphibians. This includes plant communities such as early succession habitats, upland and bottomland hardwoods, longleaf pine community, and habitats associated with isolated wetlands. Sign-up for WHIP is continuous and applications may be accepted by a number of sources. For more information, contact your local Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office, or the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for your county.
Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) - FIP is a federal program re-authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill. Payments made to landowners are based upon established cost-share rates for practices such as tree planting,

stand improvement, and site

preparation prior to natural re-

generation. Payments cannot

exceed $2800 per landowner.

FIP is designed to establish

trees in order to increase the '--3

nation's supply of timber prod- ~

ucts . Sign-up for this program

is continuous and applications
can be obtained by contacting ..,

- the Natural Resources Conser-
vation Office (NRCS) that is re- .....

sponsible for your county. For

more information on this pro-

gram call NRCS which is listed

- = under the U.S . Department of
Agriculture in your local phone ..,

directory.

VlQ.

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Partners For Fish & Wildlife -

Partners for Fish & Wildlife is

a federal program developed

and administered by the U. S.

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) .

FWS will pay landowners up to

100% of the costs connected

with improving wildlife habi-

tats, up to a maximum of

$10,000. The primary objec-

tive of Partners for Fish & Wild-

life is to restore and protect

wetlands and other wildlife

habitats on private lands.

Landowners must maintain the

restored area for a minimum of

ten years . To learn more about ~; this program or to initiate the (II..,

application process, contact the (')

FWS Private Lands Coordina- ~a

tor at (912) 265-9336.

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_o
. ..,

Project W.I.N.G.S. - W.I.N .G.S . .o..<JQ

(Wildlife Incentives for Non- -- I

game and Game Species) is a s:i ;

private conservation grant pro- :::s ;::i

gram funded by t he Georgia l:l. o. Power Company and adminis- ;:i... ~

tered by Two Rivers RC&D : ;::i

Council. Grants are based on _ (l)

a three-year management plan ~;: with an average payment of (II

$100/acre the first year, $35/ 0 acre the second year, and no "'

financial incentives the third

year. W.I.N.G.S . is designed to

enhance wildlife habitats on

Georgia Power Company rights-

Georgia Forestry/Fall 1998/9