Georgia forestry, Vol. 52, no. 1 (Summer 1999)

MACON CANOPY STUDY HAS STATEWIDE IMPLICATIONS
MALONE IS SOUTHS TOP TREE FARMER
LANDOWNERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND REQUIREMENTS
RESPONSE TO FORESTRY SURVEY SHOWS NEED TO EDUCATE PUBLIC
LIFETIME TREE FARMER HONORED FOR 25 YEARS CERTIFICATION

Georgia
FORESTRY
USPS No. 217120
Summer 1999

No. 1 Vol. 52

Roy E. Barnes, Governor J. Frederick Allen, Director Sharon Dolliver, Chief - Forest Information and Urban & Community Forestry
STAFF Lynn A. Walton, Editor William S. Edwards, Assoc. Editor Julia Baker, Graphic Artist
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./Rome, GA 30165 706-295-6021
District Two 3005 Atlanta Hwy./Gainesville, GA 30507
770-531-6043
District Three 1055 E. Whitehall Rd./Athens, GA 30605
706-542-6880
District Four 187 Corinth Rd./Newnan, 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./Americus, GA 31709
912-931-2436
District Eight 2395 U. S. Hwy. 41 N./Tifton, GA 31794
912-386-3617
District Nine 3561 Hwy. 112/Camilla, GA 31730
912-336-5341
District Ten 18899 U. S. Hwy. 301 N./Statesboro, GA 30458
912-681-0490
District Eleven Route 1, Box 67/Helena, GA 31037
912-868-5649
District Twelve 5003 Jacksonville Hwy./Waycross, GA 31503
912-287-4915
Georgia Forestry is published quarterly by the Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, Georgia 31020-9699. Periodicals postage paid at Macon, GA. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, Georgia 31020-9699.

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

Georgia Forestry Commission
P. O. Box 819, Macon, Georgia 31202-0819 (912) 751-3500, Fax (912) 751-3465

J. Frederick Allen Director

Dear Georgia Citizens and Forestland Owners:
The Georgia Forestry Commission and other State Forestry Agencies across the South have agreed to coordinate their efforts with the US Forest Service and several other Federal agencies to support a study to evaluate the status of Southern forests.
The study being initiated is expected to be a two-year examination of the Southern landscape including Georgia's 24.4 million acres of forestland. The intent of the study is to provide public land overseers and most importantly, private landowners a firm foundation of information they will need to make decisions on how to address factors affecting forests of the South.
With continued demand for wood products from the South, it is important to know the productive capacity of the forest. Also, the study should identify potential threats including land fragmentation, reforestation rates, and any air or water quality issues related to the forest.
The Southern Region encompasses the 13-state area from Virginia to Texas and includes Kentucky and Oklahoma. The lead agency is the U.S. Forest Service and will include leadership from Region 8 as well as technical leadership from the Southern Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service.
Study results should be available by mid 2001. The last study of this type was the U.S. Forest Service Fourth Forest Report utilizing data that is now being updated for this new evaluation. Results from the new study are expected to contribute to outlining forest research needs for the future.
For public input, plans are to conduct a round of public involvement activities aimed at including citizens, state leaders, local officials, and others interested in providing input for the study.
We believe, that by determining what is the best and most accurate sets of data available for decision making, we will be better able to work with Georgia's citizens in the ever present tasks of managing and protecting our forests.
Sincerely,

J. Frederick Allen, Director

Jim L. Gillis, Jr. Chairman, Soperton

C. M. Eunice, Jr. Blackshear

J. G. Fendig Savannah

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Larry S. Walker Oglethorpe

P. W. Bryan Thomasville

ON THE COVER -
Natural regeneration of loblolly pine is demonstrated on the Brender Forest near Juliette, Georgia. Photo: William Godfrey

2/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

Georgia FORESTRY/Summer 1999

Page 4 Page 5 Page 12 Page 15

4 Forestry CD-ROM Features Trisha Yearwood Country music star lends her fame for Georgias Forests Forever
5 Georgia State Capitol Exhibit Focuses on Forests Forestry exhibit is made possible with grant from USDA and APHIS
6 Quick Sellout Expected for Improved Seedlings GFC seedlings rust resistance and rapid growth benefits increase demand
8 Forest Stewardship Prescribed burning for wildlife
10 Forest Stewardship Garrett Timbers is certified forest steward
11 Forest Stewardship Future forest program
12 Georgia Celebrates Arbor Day Statewide Trees were planted around the state
14 Darlington Oak Regains National Champion Status Controversy over trees classification kept it from title
15 WANTED - Big Trees: State and National Do you have a record-breaking tree?
17 Langdale Marks 50th Year as Tree Farm Ceremony in Valdosta honors a privately-owned tree farm
18 New Acid Rain Research Reveals Accelerated Threat to Forests Damage occurs much sooner than previously thought
20 Smokey Goes to College Smokey spreads his message at UGA and Georgia Tech
20 Legislative Fish Fry Forestry queen greets legislators at Atlanta event
23 Book Review Legal aspects of owning and managing woodlands
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/3

FORESTRY CD-ROM FEATURES TRISHA YEARWOOD

C ountry music star and Monticello, Georgia native, Trisha Yearwood, recently taped the introduction and closing scenes for an interactive CD-ROM called "Georgia's Forests Forever." Ms. Yearwood was gracious enough to donate her time for the educational project spearheaded by the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Among a busy schedule of television and public appearances, Trisha was recently inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

The opening segment features Trisha welcoming students to the interactive tour of a Georgia forest and briefly talks about the importance of forestry to our state's environment and economy. In the closing segment, Trisha expresses how important it is for students to learn about Georgia's forests and forestry community.
The "Georgia Forests Forever" CD-ROM is in the final stages of production and will be available to the public sometime in the fall.

4/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

This large tree is actually a forestry exhibit that will be in the Georgia State Capitol until the fall of this year.

Georgia State Capitol Exhibit Focuses on Forests

A n exhibit titled, "Georgia's Forests", is now on display at the Georgia State Capitol. The display was made possible by a grant from the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). APHIS cooperates with the Georgia Forestry Commission in surveying the state of Georgia for the European gypsy moth.

60 pages of information pertaining to the importance of forestry to Georgia and its citizens.
Located on the ground floor of the capitol next to the snack bar, the exhibit is expected to be in the capitol until the fall when it will be relocated to the National Fair at Perry.

One of the features is a section on forest health which includes the gypsy moth and other forest insects and diseases. A computer touch screen allows the visitor to access over

GFC Director Fred Allen (left) and Senator Hugh Gillis of Soperton (far right) watch as Secretary of State Cathy Cox unveils the exhibit in a March ceremony.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/5

QUICK SELLOUT EXPECTED FOR IMPROVED SEEDLINGS

P remium Slash, a genetically improved strain of slash pine seedlings offered by GFC for the 1999-2000 planting season, is expected to sell out in record time due to a combination of benefits.

The new variety of slash seedlings combines superb growth capabilities with impressive fusiform rust resistance. "This previously unavailable combination makes Premium Slash the perfect choice for all slash sites in Georgia," said Russ Pohl, GFC Tree Improvement Specialist. "These seedlings are products of a second-cycle seed orchard established from selected trees throughout the Southeast.

reduction in a moderate or low hazard situation," Pohl said.
Tests indicate Premium Slash seedlings should reduce fusiform rust infection by 60 percent compared to unimproved seedlings at all rust hazard levels. This performance level is comparable to Rust-Resistant Slash, the preferred strain for many years on Georgia's high hazard sites.

Pohl, a staff forester assigned to GFC state headquarters in Macon, said the new seedlings are currently available at a cost of $45 per bundle of 1,000. "Orders placed by August 2, 1999 will be selected at random. After that date, orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis."
RUST RESISTANCE Resistance to fusiform rust infection is surprisingly stable across a wide range of rust hazard levels. "This means a genetic variety that incurs a reduced level of infection in a high hazard environment will incur the same percentage of

RAPID GROWTH Premium Slash seedlings also provide rapid growth on a variety of sites. Testing shows a production increase of 16 percent more volume than unimproved seedlings provided on sites where rust infection was classified as insignificant. This is a considerable increase over the first cycle seedlings that yielded about 10 percent more volume on similar sites," Pohl said.
On sites where rust infection is a serious problem, the advantage of Premium Slash becomes even more impressive. Studies show volume growth differ-

6/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

ence between resistant and non-resistant varieties increases as stand infection increases.
"This result is over and above increases related to mortality," Pohl said, "since the data involves measurements of living trees." While the explanation for this observed effect is not clear, the conclusion is evident. Where rust hazard is severe, resistant seedlings outgrow susceptible seedlings by margins not explained solely by growth potential.
"So, when the rapid growth and rust resistance of Premium Slash is combined on high rust hazard sites (more than 60 percent infection)" Pohl said, "the results are a whopping 29 percent increase in volume compared to unimproved seedlings. Considering this percentage increase, it's obvious why we expect to sell out of Premium Slash in record time."
For more Premium Slash details and ordering procedure contact your local GFC unit or call I-800-GA-TREES (ext.) 3518.

Georgia Communities are Honored with Tree City USA Designation

The National Arbor Day Foundation and the
Georgia Forestry Commission approved 81 Georgia communities to receive the Tree City USA designation for outstanding urban forestry accomplishments in 1998.
Those certified for the first time include Camilla, Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Oglethorpe and Oxford. The four standards a community must meet to be eligible for Tree City USA designation include: (1) a legally constituted Tree Board, (2) a tree ordinance, (3) a budget of at least $2 per capita for tree care, and (4) an Arbor Day Proclamation and ceremony.
Communities that were approved for Tree City USA Growth Awards were: Cornelia, Covington,

Dalton, Gainesville, Macon, Newnan, and Robins Air Force Base. Growth Awards are bestowed upon recertifying Tree Cities that have increased their tree budget from the previous year and have accomplished special projects rewarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation point system.
In addition to being recognized as leading communities in urban and community forestry accomplishments, Georgia's Tree Cities are eligible for special offerings. These include scholarships for city personnel or Tree Board members to attend workshops, seminars and conferences, and opportunities to receive Tree Board development programs. Communities that participate in this program are also better positioned to receive Urban and Community Forestry grants.

Legislative Fish Fry

Crisp/Dooly Georgia Forestry Queen, Leia
Crenshaw, greeted Georgia legislators and state department heads during the 11th annual fish fry hosted by the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce. Fifty-plus volunteers made the trip to Atlanta this year to host and prepare a dinner that includes hush puppies and 550 pounds of cat-

fish for legislators during their annual legislative session. An official resolution recognizing appreciation for the "eagerly anticipated and much appreciated event" noted that the cheerful attitude of the Cordele and Crisp County coordinators and workers involved "greatly reduces the tensions and burdens of a legislative session".

Pictured from left: Morris Cook, Georgia Forestry Commission Crisp-Dooly County Unit Chief Ranger; Donnie Haralson, Crisp County Sherriff; Leia Crenshaw, Crisp/Dooly Georgia Forestry Queen; Trina Whitman, pageant assistant; and Mark Taylor, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/7

Prescribed Burning for Wildlife

Forest Stewardship

By Tim Wilson Forest Stewardship Biologist Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources

Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners Timber, Wildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics

Prescribed burning is a
highly utilized and valuable wildlife management technique. Prescribed fire can be used to enhance the habitats of many forest interior species as well as many open-field, grassland wildlife species. Deer, turkey, quail, rabbits, dove, songbirds, and various reptiles and amphibians all benefit from periodic fire. Prescribed burning also enhances the habitats of several threatened and endangered species, (i.e., gopher tortoise, indigo snake, and red-cockaded woodpecker). Periodic fire can enhance a forest understory for wildlife by reducing hardwood competition and build-up of woody debris. Prescribed fire also stimulates the growth of many grasses, forbs, and legumes that are utilized by wildlife.
Selecting the proper size, frequency, and timing of burns is crucial in using fire to improve wildlife habitat. Areas larger than 50 acres should be broken into smaller blocks to facilitate burning. Rotate the burning of these blocks over a period of years to further diversify the area for wildlife. Burn rotations of 3-4 years will control hardwood encroachment, yet allow the development of many soft mast producing species such as blackberry and dewberry. This rotation is suitable for deer and turkey. Shorter burn rotations of 1-2 years are often better suited for quail management

as vegetation is kept in the weed, grass stage and not allowed to develop into shrubby, less desirable hardwoods. When burning a tract, allow some areas to go unburned to further diversify the structure of the vegetation. Having a mosaic of burned and unburned areas within a forest and open field will create "edge," which is beneficial to "edge-dependent" species such as deer, dove, quail, rabbits, and various songbirds. Burn plans should also accommodate the biological requirements (such as nesting periods) of targeted wildlife species. For example, prescribed burning should be avoided between the middle of March and the end of August to prevent disturbing ground nesting species such as wild turkey and quail. Winter burns favor legume growth, which most seed-eating birds and mammals prefer. Summer burns encourage grass rather than legume growth.
Type of burn can also effect outcome. A backing fire is a fire that burns into the wind at a slow, steady pace. This type of fire produces a hotter burn and is more efficient in controlling hardwoods since the vegetation is exposed to the flame for a longer period of time. Headfires burn with the wind and typically have larger flame lengths and move at faster rates than backfires. As a result, headfires do not burn as efficiently as backfires.

8/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

Strip-head firing is where a series of lines of fire are set progressively upwind of a firebreak in such a manner that no individual line of fire can develop to a high energy level before it reaches either a firebreak or another line of fire. Strip-head fires permit quick ignition and burnout, and provide for smoke dispersal under optimum conditions. However, higher intensities will occur wherever lines of fire burn together, increasing the likelihood of crown scorch.
A general understanding of the separate and combined effects of several weather elements on the behavior of fire is needed if you are to plan and execute a successful burn. Wind, relative humidity, temperature, rainfall, and air mass stability are important elements to consider. Prescribed fires behave in a more predictable manner when windspeed and direction are steady. Windspeed generally increases to a maximum in the early afternoon and then decreases to a minimum after sunset. The preferred range in windspeed in the stand is 1 to 3 mph. Relative humidity also has a big impact on the success of a fire. High relative humidity will result in a fire that does not burn well. Low relative humidity may cause your fire to become too intense and get out of control. Preferred relative humidity for prescribed

Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners Timber, Wildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics

burning varies from 30 to 55 percent. Rainfall is another important weather variable to consider as it affects both fuel moisture and soil moisture. Preferred soil moisture should be damp. Too wet and your fire will not burn, too dry and you run the risk of burning too deeply into the ground and damaging the roots of trees. Atmospheric stability will also determine the success of your burn. Atmospheric stability is the resistance of the atmosphere to vertical motion. This determines how well smoke from the fire will dissipate. Stable air conditions tend to pro-

duce better burning conditions, however, smoke and combustion products are held in the lower layers of the atmosphere. Smoke tends to stay closer to the ground and visibility is likely to be reduced as a result of this. Unstable atmospheric conditions permit air columns to rise to much greater heights. These conditions allow for better smoke dispersal, however, fire control can be more hazardous. Preferred atmospheric stability should be slightly unstable to neutral.
Prescribed burning is a valuable and highly utilized tool in

wildlife management. Prescribed fire can stimulate the growth of many grasses, forbs, and legumes, reduce build-up of understory woody debris, and increase the amount of edge available to wildlife. However, improper use of fire can have devastating consequences. To complete a successful burn, always follow a written burn plan, protect areas not meant to be burned, and pay close attention to the weather. When in doubt about using prescribed fire, employ the services of a forestry professional.

n There are currently 2,807 landowners enrolled in the Georgia's Forest Stewardship Program covering more than three-quarters of a million acres of woodland!
n Timber Management is the primary objective in 79% of the Forest Stewardship Plans in Georgia. (Aesthetics Management is the top priority of Stewardship landowners in Massachusetts.)
n Bulloch County ranks first in Georgia with 187 landowners with 51,260 acres enrolled in the Forest Stewardship Program.

Stewardship Facts
n The top five counties in Stewardship participation in Georgia are Bulloch. Emanuel, Laurens, Screven, and Candler.
n There are 125 Certified Forest Stewards in Georgia.
n Bulloch County leads the State with 12 Certified Forest Stewards. Screven County ranks second with seven.
n Karen Johansen is the Department of Natural Resources, Stewardship Wildlife Biologist for North Georgia. You can call Karen at 706-369-6078 or send your wildlife manage-

ment questions by e-mail to kjohansen@compuserve.com.
n Tim Wilson is the Department of Natural Resources, Stewardship Wildlife Biologist for South Georgia. You can call Tim at 912-435-5936.
n Ray Hart is the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Stewardship Soils Specialist for Georgia. You can call Ray at 912-283-5598 with your soil or water quality questions.
n Rick Hatten is the Forest Stewardship Coordinator for Georgia and can be reached @ 1-800-GA TREES or send an e-mail to rhatten@gfc.state.ga.us.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/9

Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners Timber, Wildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics

Garrett Timbers is Forest Certified Forest Steward
Stewardship

Mrs. Allean K.
Garrett and her son Mr. Charles E. Garrett Sr. own land in Nashville, Georgia, called "Garrett Timbers." It has been selected by the Forest Stewardship Program to become a Certified Forest Steward.
Charles E. Garrett, Sr. Charles Garrett and his stepdaughter
Jada Carter are the primary managers of this Berrien County farm that has been in the Garrett family through six generations with the first family settling on the property in 1857. Through the years the farm has been used for cultivated crops, cattle, and naval stores operations.

While timber management is the primary objective of the Garrett's Forest Stewardship Plan, the secondary objective is to enhance wildlife habitat particularly for quail. Jada Carter, a student at Berrien County High School, became very interested in managing the farm and even more interested in quail. She assisted in prescribed burning, establishing and maintaining food plots, setting up demonstration and study plots, and has even started a Bobwhite Conservation Club at her school. Recently, Jada traveled to Texas to the Bobwhite Brigade to share her experiences and what she has learned while working on the farm. Her presentation won the event!
In addition to an increase in the quail population, the Garrett family's efforts to enhance the property are evident in many ways. Over 900 acres of pine, hardwood, and cypress timber show a favorable annual growth rate; population of deer, fox squirrel, rabbit, and non-game species, such as bluebirds

Garrett began actively managing the farm 14 years ago after he moved back to the property. He found what was once a productive farm had become a typical Berrien County flat woods ecosystem. Cattle and fire had been absent from the farm for many years, resulting in a dense understory of gallberry, wax myrtle, and overgrown palmetto.

Strips of cover crops are periodically mowed to make seed available for quail and dove.

and songbirds, have increased; water quality has been maintained though the implementation of Best Management Practices; and the aesthetic quality has been greatly enhanced by thinning, prescribed burning, and wildlife plantings.

A sunflower food plot for wildlife also serves as a firebreak and protects the soil from erosion.
The changed ecosystem caused a dramatic decrease in the quail population.

The hard work, accomplishments, and dedication to forest stewardship, demonstrated by the current three generations of the family, makes Garrett Timbers a premier example of the Certified Forest Steward Award.

10/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners Timber, Wildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics

Future Forest Program

Forest Stewardship

By Rick Hatten Forest Stewardship Program Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission

A new educational program involving the Geor-
gia Forestry Commission and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) was initiated this spring. It is called the Future Forest Program. FFA students will learn the activities and decision making processes involved in actual forestry practices, specifically a reforestation practice and a wildlife habitat enhancement practice. The FFA classes will have an opportunity to work with a landowner in their county, a forester from the Georgia Forestry Commission and a wildlife biologist from the Department of Natural Resources. The first three schools selected to participate are Oconee County High School, Jefferson County High School and Brantley County High School.
The FFA will select a landowner to participate in the Program based on a desire to reforest a tract of land (10 to 50 acres) along with committing a small part of the tract (1 to 2 acres) to be developed as wildlife habitat. The landowner will allow the FFA class to join the forester and the wildlife biologist on the property for the pre-planting in-

spection, site prep inspection, planting inspection, and final performance check. Cost-share assistance is available to the landowner to help cover a part of the expense of implementing the practices. The landowner will also receive a sign to designate the tract as being a "Future Forest."
During the pre-planting inspection the forester will explain the various site preparation and tree planting options available for that particular site. The FFA class will develop a site prep and planting plan under the forester's guidance. The wildlife biologist will also explain the options available for creating a wildlife habitat.
The classes will meet on the property when some of the site prep or wildlife habitat enhancement work is being completed. This will give them experience with the actual work involved. They will also meet when the tree planting is being done. The forester will show them the proper planting technique and students will inspect the planting to make sure it is being done correctly.

FFA students will work with landowners, GFC foresters, and wildlife biologists in the Future Forest Program.

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/11

Georgia Celebrates

Tree planting ceremonies
statewide marked Georgia's 1999 Arbor Day as one of the most successful in the state's history. For more than 50 years, Georgians have celebrated Arbor Day on the third Friday in February by renew-

ing one of the state's most valuable natural resources with tree plantings.
Since the Georgia General Assembly designated the official Arbor Day date in 1941, hundreds of thousands of trees

have been planted in observance by school children, civic organizations, homeowners, and numerous other groups and individuals.
Also indicating the increasing interest in urban forestry activi-

NEWNAN...Sara Shipman is the winner of the National Arbor Day Poster Contest. She was presented her plaque during Newnan's Arbor Day Ceremony. Back, from left: Fuller Anderson, GFC Forester; Willie Boston, GFC Chief Ranger, Coweta Unit. Front, from left: Mrs. Shipman, Sara's mother;
Sara Shipman; Ms. Kay Wood, Sara's teacher; B a r bara Kendrick, Northside E l ementary Principal.

OGLETHORPE...Tree Board members and GFC personnel help Mayor Beckum celebrate their first Tree City USA designation.

COVINGTON...Academy Springs Park hosts Arbor Day ceremony.
12/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

MACON...The Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission planted a Red Oak Tree to honor local celebrity, Chuck Leavell. Not only does Leavell tour with the rock band "The Rolling Stones" as their keyboardist, but he is also a tree farmer and spokesperson for the Georgia Forestry Association. Pictured from left: Russell Fellows, KMBBC Chairman; Jim Marshall, Mayor of Macon; Lynn Hooven, GFC Chief of Forest Management; Larry Justice, Bibb Country Board of
Commissioners; and Rosa Spivey, Trees for Macon.

Arbor Day Statewide

ties, there were more than a dozen tree-planting ceremonies in the Atlanta metro area. It is estimated that hundreds of homeowners in the Atlanta metro area also planted trees to observe the annual event. Continuing another trend ini-

tiated in recent years, an increasing number of trees statewide have been planted in parks and other public areas by colleges, churches, and local governments.
Each year, GFC offers free litera-

ture concerning tree selection and proper planting techniques to assist with Arbor Day ceremonies and other tree plantings. GFC personnel also assist in coordinating many of the numerous Arbor Day ceremonies throughout the state.

EASTMAN...The GFC hosted a tree planting ceremony at the Dodge County Courthouse that recertified Eastman as a Tree City USA. State Representative Terry Coleman and Senator Van Streat were honored for their support in the endeavor. Pictured from left: GFC Director Fred Allen; James Wright, Eastman City Manager; Willie Trawick, Tree Board Member; Bea Edge, City Clerk and Tree Board Member; and Representative Terry Coleman.

CONYERS...Memorial Middle School planted a tree during Tim Womick's Trail of Trees program.

ATLANTA...In a special Arbor Day tree planting ceremony on the State Capitol grounds in Atlanta, Governor Roy Barnes read the proclamation designating the traditional day for tree planting ceremonies throughout the state and personally assisted in the planting of a commemorative northern red oak.

MACON...Michael Walton (standing) of the MaconBibb County Parks and Recreation Department gets help from Justin Steele (left) and Jeremy Holmes (right) to plant trees during Arbor Day week and to spruce up Macon's Central City Park. About 3,000 people turned out for the event that was part of Nickelodeon's `The Big Help' civic project.
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/13

DARLINGTON OAK REGAINS NATIONAL CHAMPION STATUS

the laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia) to be identified as a separate species. That declaration, however, has now been reversed by the National Arboretum with a determination that the Darlington Oak is a separate species.

David McTier (left) and Roy Simkins, co-nominators of Darlington Oak in Wrens, are shown with reinstated National Champion.

When the Darlington Oak was removed from the Champion Tree List, Roy Simkins, of Augusta, took exception to the ruling. Simkins and David McTier, of Wrens, nominated the Darlington Oak for championship status. "Would you kindly reconsider and reinstate the National Champion (Darlington Oak) that the State of Georgia and I are proud to have growing in our soil?" wrote Simkins in a letter to AMERICAN FORESTS.

Wrens, Georgia had a special
reason to celebrate the state's 1999 Arbor Day when the town's controversial Darlington Oak was reinstated to National Champion Tree status by AMERICAN FORESTS, the oldest national nonprofit citizens conservation organization.
The Darlington Oak was removed last spring from the list of eligible species for AMERICAN FORESTS' biennial National Register of Big Trees, the list of largest known specimens of 825 U.S. native and naturalized trees. A consulting dendrologist declared that the Darlington Oak (Quercus hermispherica) is too similar to

EXPERT VERSUS EXPERT The tree in question is 96 feet tall with a 95-foot crown spread and 234-inch circumference. All tree experts involved in the controversy agreed that the tree in question was indeed an impressive specimen. But the disagreement boiled down to expert versus expert.
Dr. Albert Little, former Chief Dendrologist of the U.S. Forest Service and author of Audubon Field Guides, said the tree is not truly a separate species. Other equally respected experts, however, disagreed with Dr. Little; the dissenters included Michael Dirr of the University of Georgia, and David Giansi, head of the University's botany department. Then, of

14/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

course, there was the tree's conominator, Roy Simkins, who is well known for his forestry expertise.
According to Bill Cannon, AMERICAN FORESTS' Big Tree program coordinator, the problem of identification was philosophical pitting the knowledge of "lumpers" against that of "splitters." Lumpers lump related species with slight differences in appearance. Splitters recognize these variations as separate species.
"Dr. Little is a lumper," explained Cannon. In the final analysis, however, the deciding vote went to the splitters, cast by Dr. Frank S. Santamour, Jr. of the National Arboretum in Washington, DC.
JUSTICE DONE "We are pleased to have settled this issue in a way that is scientifically sound and also does justice to this magnificent tree," said Deborah Gangloff, AMERICAN FORESTS executive director. "Big trees not only inspire; they are lofty examples of the many benefits of trees from cleaning the air and water to providing wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities for people."
To order a copy of the National Register of Big Trees ($10.95) which includes a complete list of species without champions, the 1999 Big Tree Calendar ($7.95), or a free brochure with complete details on how to nominate a national champion tree candidate, call AMERICAN FORESTS at 800/368-5748, extension 202, or write AMERICAN FORESTS, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, DC 20013.

WANTED

Big Trees: State and National

A nybody in Georgia now said Willard Fell, who coordi- trees for the new millennium.

has an equal opportunity of nates Georgia's Champion The program has planted more

going down in forestry history Tree Program. Fell is a GFC than seven million trees since

as the discoverer of a State staff forester assigned to the 1990.

Champion Tree and in some Statesboro District Office.

cases also a National Cham-

GEORGIA SCENE

pion Tree.

Deadline for national register "Georgia's Big Tree Program

nominations for the year 2000 currently has 177 champions.

Georgia's Social Register of Big Register is August 1, 1999. Eighteen of these are also na-

Trees and AMERICAN FOR- AMERICAN FORESTS has ini- tional champions," points out

ESTS' National Register of Big tiated a special focus on track- Willard Fell. "So considering

Trees records such finds and, ing down tree species with no the current situation, state and

according

national, the

to tree ex-

competition

perts, there

is wide open

is

still

for Geor-

plenty of

gians."

room for

record

Fell empha-

breaking

sized there is

discoveries.

a mistaken

AMERICAN

notion that

FORESTS

champion

lists 136

trees are only

tree species

found in

without a

deep and re-

national

mote woods,

champion,

but records

while the

show numer-

Georgia list

ous cham-

totals 71

pion trees

species with

have been

no cham-

found in

pion; of

heavily

these 71

populated

G e o r g i a Champion trees might be found anywhere. GFC Deputy Director Bob areas in loca-

s p e c i e s Lazenby found this State Champion White Oak near his front yard.

tions ranging

without

from back-

state champions seven of the champions. A total of 823 spe- yards to vacant lots. "Then

species also have no national cies of native and naturalized there are some people who

champion.

trees in the U.S. are eligible for think all the champion trees

inclusion in the national regis- in Georgia have already been

"The bottom line for Georgia ter, but the current big push is found," Fell said, "but that's

tree hunters is that nominat- to fill 136 vacant national a long way from the real situ-

ing any of these seven species, champion slots.

ation. Existing records are

that lack champions on the

frequently broken not to

state and national level, pre- AMERICAN FORESTS' National mention species that have

sents an excellent chance that Register of Big Trees began in never been nominated. As for

you and your nominated tree 1940 and is sponsored by the those on record, we know that

will be recorded in both the Davey Tree Expert Company. there are bigger trees out

Georgia and National Big Tree Global ReLeaf 2000 is AMERI- there for many species. It's

registers simply because CAN FORESTS' educational just a matter of finding the

there may be no competition," campaign to plant 20 million tree and it might be some-

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/15

where that people are walking by every day."
Fell also pointed out that a tree hunter does not have to be an expert dendrologist to identify a champion tree. "If you're interested in just one species and can identify it that's all you need," Fell said. He also said age and occupation has little to do with it, since champion trees have been discovered by people ranging from youngsters to senior citizens.
"If you're interested in finding a champion, just develop a tree awareness," Fell said. "Everywhere you go, just be on the lookout, and you've got a good chance of finding a champion."
CASE IN POINT Big Tree hunting is an ideal way for young people to develop respect and rapport with nature, and acquire a specialized educa-

tion in the process. A case in point is Jess Riddle, who started identifying tree species at age six. By the time he was 14, Jess had visited 21 Georgia towns and cities, often stopping to identify and measure trees.
Some of his most significant finds include a 130-year-old pecan tree of near indigenous stock, and what may be the only known preblight American chestnut surviving in it's native range.
"I like to look at all trees," Jess said, "but more specifically the big trees." In the process, Jess measured trees in Georgia, Arizona, California, and North Carolina. He not only found potential Georgia state champions, but also "cheater trees" (champions with trunk and height errors). Several years ago, while visiting Tucson, Jess looked out a hotel window at Arizona's state champion eucalyptus tree.

However, when he measured the tree, the dimensions failed to match its posted size. Jess became well known for such activities by the time he was 14 years old.
"The Jess Riddle example just shows how fascinating trees can become when somebody really gets into the field," Willard Fell said. "It happens with the young and old and I think it's a very good thing. If more people really became knowledgeable and involved with trees and the natural environment, it could become a much better world to live in."
For complete guidelines on participating in Georgia's Champion Big Tree Program write: Willard Fell, Georgia Forestry Commission, 18899 U.S. Highway 301 North, Statesboro, GA 30461, call Willard at 912/681-5347, or visit the website @ www.gfc.state.ga.us.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES IN GEORGIA WITHOUT STATE CHAMPIONS

Anise-tree Apple, Sweet Crab Ash, Blue Ash, Carolina Ash, Pumpkin Basswood Bayberry, Evergreen Bayberry, Odorless Blackhaw Blackhaw, Rusty Bladdernut Buckeye, Bottlebrush Buckeye, Ohio Buckeye, Painted Buckeye, Red Buckthorn, Carolina Bumelia, Buckthorn Bumelia, Gum Bumelia, Tough Buttonbush Cherry, Pin Corkwood Cottonwood, Swamp Dahoon Devilwood Dogwood, Roughleaf Dogwood, Swamp Elderberry

Franklinia Fringe Tree Gallberry, Large Hemlock, Carolina Hickory, Bitternut

Holly, Sarvis Hoptree, Common Lyonia, Tree
(Staggerbush) Magnolia, Umbrella

Georgia Species with No State or National
Champion
Bayberry, Evergreen Buckeye, Painted Cherry, Pin Corkwood Silverbell, Little
Snowbell, American Viburnum, Possumhaw

Hickory, Shagbark Hickory, Shellbark Holly, Carolina Holly, Georgia Holly, Myrtle-leaved

Maple, Mountain Maple, Sugar Oak, Chapman Oak, Myrtle Parasoltree, Chinese

Pepperbush, Sweet Pinckneya (Fever-tree) Plum, American Plum, Chickasaw Prickly-ash Rhododendron, Catawba Silverbell, Little Smoketree Snowbell, American Snowbell, Bigleaf Soapberry, Florida Stewartia, Mountain Stewartia, Virginia Sumac, Southern Swamp-privet Swampbay Viburnum, Possumhaw Viburnum, Small-leaf Wahoo, Eastern
(Burningbush) Water-elm Willow, Florida Willow, Silky Winterberry, Common Winterberry, Mountain Yellowwood

16/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

Langdale Marks 50th Year as Tree Farm Langdale Forest Products Company recently celebrated its 50th year as a certified tree farm with a
sign-posting ceremony in Valdosta. Georgia Forestry Commission officials and other forestry executives honored Langdale Forest Products, which was one of the first private tree farms to incorporate in the state of Georgia. Georgia Forestry Commission Director J. Fred Allen said that private landowners like Langdale are credited with providing a strong, renewable resource that employs 177,000 people in Georgia and contributes $19.5 billion to the state's economy.
(From left) Mike Ryfun, GFC Tifton District Forester; Buck Kline, GFC Chief Ranger; Harley Langdale, Jr., Langdale Forest Products Co. Chairman; Darrell Welch, District Tree Farm Chairman and Tenneco Packaging Rep; Robert Mathis, GFC Senior Forester; J. Fred Allen, GFC Director.
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/17

Photo: Peter Frey/UGA

Daniel Markewitz, soil scientist with UGA Warnell School of Forest Resources, examines forest soil to determine damaging effects of acid rain.

New Acid Rain Research Reveals

Accelerated Threat to Forests

Collaborative research from three major South-
eastern Universities indicates that damaging effects of acid rain on forests occurs much sooner than that previously estimated. One phase of the study shows that acid rain accelerated nutrientrobbing acidification of forest soils by 38 percent at a South Carolina site, where data was collected over a 30-year period.

Acid rain is formed when emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide react with water and oxygen in the atmosphere. The resulting acidic compounds are deposited on earth as particles or dissolved in rain, snow, or fog. The majority of nitrogen and sulfur emissions come from electric utility plants, automobiles, and other types of transportation.

Institutions involved in the extensive research included the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forest Resources, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. Findings of the study one of the few long-term projects to evaluate acid rain influences on a forest site were published in the The Soil Science Society of America Journal.
"We found a dramatic increase in acidity and steady depletion of nutrients over this 30-year period," said Daniel Markewitz, a soil scientist in the UGA Warnell School of Forest Resources.

INDIRECT KILL Acid rain usually kills trees indirectly as it penetrates and strips the soil of minerals and nutrients. This gradually limits forest productivity and deters the soil's ability to protect trees from toxic substances.
Markewitz said soil acidity must be measured repeatedly over long periods of time to obtain reliable information. He added that uncertainty among scientists concerning acid rain effects stems from difficulty in distinguishing between natural and human-made sources of soil acidity.

18/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

"The soil in most places throughout the South- root respiration and organic acids produced from

east has been altered tilled, fertilized, and limed breakdown of pinestraw, roots, and litter. A vi-

over long periods, from decades to centuries," tal advantage of hydrogen ion budgets is inte-

Markewitz said. "Also, much of the acid in soils, gration of information relating to numerous

especially in an al-

chemical and biological

ready acid forested en-

changes into a single pa-

vironment, is produced in the natural

"The soil in most places

rameter for comparisons.

processes of tree

throughout the Southeast Results from the hydro-

growth and the breakdown of soil organic matter."

has been altered tilled, fertilized, and limed over

gen ion budget showed that changes from 1962 to 1990 were dramatic.

Most acid rain studies have been done over a

long periods, from decades to centuries. Also, much

Soil pH, the measure of a compound's relative acidity or alkalinity, de-

period of 10 years or less. This study, however, began recording

of the acid in soils, especially in an already

creased as much as one unit in the top 14 inches of the soil and half that

soil data in 1957 in the Calhoun Experimental Forest near

acid forested environment, is produced in the

amount in the lower 14 inches. A one-pH unit decrease indicates a 10-

Spartanburg, South

natural processes of tree fold increase in hydro-

Carolina. The threedecade time frame

growth and the breakdown

gen concentration.

provided a rare oppor-

of soil organic matter."

The question is: How

tunity to study the

damaging is that

relative importance of

change to future pro-

acid rain on soil acidification in a growing forest. ductivity of the forest? "The effects of acid rain

are incipient and so is the level of concern about

COMPARISONS

it," Markewitz said. "But this study shows us

To compare contributions of various acid sources, that as we continue to push growth in man-

researchers analyzed what they term the hydro- aged forests, we will have to add not just major

gen ion budget from the Calhoun Forest. This nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, but

involves calculating net gains and losses in hy- also minerals such as calcium and potassium

drogen by measuring accumulated nutrients, tree to ensure sustainable production."

Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/19

Smokey Goes to College
Since 1985, Smokey Bear has attended basketball games at the University of Georgia to
spread his fire prevention message to the fans and students of UGA.

This year Smokey was also invited to attend Georgia Tech's Mascot Day where he and other stars like Planter's Mr. Peanut and McGruff the Crime Dog competed in a spirited basketball game.

Smokey poses with three UGA cheerleaders.

By appearing on both campuses, Smokey felt that he could bridge the gap between the two rivals, because when it comes to fire prevention, it doesn't matter if you're a Bulldog or a Yellow Jacket.

Smokey plays in basketball game with other mascots.

Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster Contest Winners

1999 SMOKEY BEAR Poster Contest First Place Winners:
1st Grade: Charlie Pate, Social Circle, Azalea Garden Club
2nd Grade: Kayla Garner, Ashburn, Camellia Garden Club
3rd Grade: Emily Arnold, Valdosta, Camellia Garden Club
4th Grade: Amanda Fulford, Social Circle, Azalea Garden Club
5th Grade: Dennis Faircloth, Social Circle, Azalea Garden Club

1999 WOODSY OWL Poster Contest First Place Winners:
1st Grade: Megan Leever, Buena Vista, Magnolia Garden Club
2nd Grade: Lisa Michelle Sutton, Gainesville, Laurel Garden Club
3rd Grade: Jamal McFarlin, Social Circle, Azalea Garden Club
4th Grade: Jesse Teter, Albany, Magnolia Garden Club
5th Grade: Stephanie Spear, Muscogee Co., Magnolia Garden Club

20/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

What do we get from trees ?

Apples Fruit from trees such as apples and peaches, as well as nuts from trees such as pecans, are all favorite products grown on Georgia trees.

Neck Ties Cellulose is used to produce rayon and acetate which can be used to make a vast array of clothing such as ties, shirts, dresses, and suits.

Football helmets Ethyl cellulose is responsible for making hard-impact resistant plastics found in football helmets.
Crayons Gum extracted from trees can help make crayons.

Ice Cream Ice cream can be made with cellulose, which comes from trees.
Photo Film Logs are reduced to pulp, which is processed to create cellulose acetate chemicals that can be used to make photographic film.

Eyeglass frames Cellulose wood fibers are dissolved and can then be formed into molded articles like eyeglass frames.
Sponges Cellulose is broken down into chemicals that can be used to make sponges.

Baseball bats The white ash tree is a hardwood that is used to make baseball bats.

Toothpaste Cellulose can be used in toothpaste to give it a paste-like consistency.

Maple Syrup Sap from trees is used to make syrup.

Tires Tree-produced chemicals can be used for making the synthetic rubber found in tires.

Combs Wood pulp and cellulose can be used to make plastics such as combs.
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/21

SMOKEY
BINGO
Heres a game to play around your neighborhood or while traveling on vacation. When you see one of the objects pictured on the SMOKEY BINGO card, mark it with a pencil or crayon. If more than one person is
playing, the first person to see the object, marks it on their card. SMOKEY BINGO can be won by marking all objects on any straight line,
or by playing black out, with all objects having to be marked.
22/Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999

BOOK REVIEW
Legal Aspects of Owning and Managing Woodlands by Thom J. McEvoy, 208 pages: tables, figures, glossary, index, Island Press, Covelo, CA Cloth $45. Paper $20. 800/828-1302.

Author Thom J. McEvoy, an associate profes-
sor and extension forester at the University of Vermont, examines woodland legal matters in practical and easy-to-understand language. Concise descriptions of frequently confusing concepts are clarified in a conversational style.
Owning and managing forestlands is a legal endeavor. From forest acquisitions to deed and boundaries, there are a few things the landowner can do without being confronted with laws, regulations, rules, and traditions defining what is acceptable and unacceptable.
Legal Aspects of Owning and Managing Woodlands is a guidebook designed to help forest managers to use laws to their advantage and avoid litigation. Both new and experienced forestland owners can benefit from the text.
Privileges, rights, and obligations of the forestland owner are explained from a legal perspective. Readers are encouraged to consider strategies that will improve long-term management and care of forestlands. Woodland owners will experience a definite advantage when they know the right questions to ask attorneys and others involved in forest management.
Chapters include: Private Property, Acquiring and Owning Forestlands, Survey and Boundaries, Managing and Using Forestland, Forest Management Contracts, Ethics in Forestry Prac-

tices, Forest Taxation, Planning for Woodlands in Your Estate, Settling Disputes and Shopping for an Attorney.
What makes this book especially valuable is the manner in which the information is presented. Text organization clarifies historical and practical perspectives, revealing how decisions in one aspect of forest management influence others over time. For example, McEvoy explains how early decisions concerning ownership and financial management influence long-range objectives, tax liability, and estate planning. The author regards legal and financial aspects of forest management in the integrated way that foresters understand complex forest ecosystems the bottom line being that everything is connected and interactive.
There are many books and pamphlets offering advice on forestry related subjects such as silviculture, tree planting, and harvesting; but there has been comparatively little available to help the landowner anticipate and resolve legal and financial problems of woodland management.
McEvoy show that rights of U.S. private landowners rest on a complex legal system balancing rights and obligations with those of the public at large an evolved system tested by time. In essence, the past is prologue and McEvoy's book can serve as a planning guide for the future.

People in the News. . . .
Frank Green, staff forester with GFC Macon headquarters, received the prestigious Forest Conservationist of the Year Award from the Georgia Wildlife Federation for his outstanding work in promoting statewide water quality.

Marisue Hilliard, Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests in Georgia, recently transferred to Denver, Colorado where she will be working as the Assistant Deputy of Natural Resources for the U.S. Forest Service. Marisue had worked as Deputy on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests since 1995.

Note: To submit a forestry related candidate for the People in the News section, please send to: EDITOR: Lynn Walton, c/o Georgia Forestry Commission, P. O. Box 819, Macon, GA 31202-0819, ATTN: People in the News (color photographs preferred).
Georgia Forestry/Summer 1999/23

1993 - BRUCE LYNDON CUNNINGHAM NACOGDOCHES, TX - USA

NATIVE TREES OF GEORGIA

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L.)

DESCRIPTION: Leaves or needles 3 to 5 inches long, bluish green on the upper surface, whitish below and occurring in bundles of 5 to a sheath. Fruit or cone 4 to 8 inches long, cylindrical, with flat, usually gummy scales. The small, winged seed mature in September of the second year. Bark on young stems and branches, thin, smooth and greenish in color, becoming on old trunk 1 to 2 inches thick, separating into broad, flat ridges, covered with grayish brown scales. A tree, characterized by its slightly ascending branches, occurring in regular whorls; at maturity, often 80 or more feet in height with a straight trunk 2 to 3 feet in diameter.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves or needles bluish-green on the upper surface, whitish below and occurring in bundles of 5 to a sheath; cones 4 to 8 inches long, cylindrical, with usually gummy flat scales; branches occurring in regular whorls.
WOOD: Light, soft, not strong, usually straight grained, light brown often tinged with red.
USES: General construction, interior finish, patterns, caskets, clocks, cabinet making, matches and many other products; often used as an ornamental shade tree.
DISTRIBUTION: Occurring throughout the mountains in the northern part of the state, usually in the cool, moist coves and valleys.

J. Frederick Allen Director

Periodicals postage paid at Dry Branch, Georgia and additional mailing offices.

Approximate cost of press time and paper only.

COST: $7,293

QTY: 10.8M