Georgia
FORESTRY Fall 1999
PARK PRIDE ATLANTA LONGLEAF PINE LANDOWNER WORKSHOPS VERY POPULAR UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CAMPUS DESIGNATED AS ARBORETUM 1999 GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNERS BRANTLEY AND JEFFERSON FFA CHAPTERS WIN FORESTRY FIELD DAY STATE FINALS
Georgia
FORESTRY
USPS No. 217120
Fall 1999
No. 2
Vol. 52
Roy E. Barnes, Governor J. Frederick Allen, Director Sharon Dolliver, Chief - Forest Information and Urban & Community Forestry
STAFF L ynn 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. S e c o n d cl a s s po s t a g e paid at Macon, GA. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, Georgia 31020-9699.
2
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
Roy E. Barnes Governor
J. Frederick Allen Director
Dear Georgia Citizens and Forest Landowners:
Another fire season in Georgia has come and gone. About this time last year, I wrote a similar letter to thank everyone for their support during the 1998 fire season. During 1998, we experienced the largest Georgia fire in over 40 years. As an outcome of the 1998 fire season, we undertook several steps to strengthen our training and preparedness for future fire seasons.
Governor Barnes and the Georgia General Assembly were very supportive of our funding request to purchase fire suppression equipment. Because of the different fuels, loads, and terrain encountered, there is a need to upgrade some of our fire equipment.
As the complexity of a fire increases, so does management of the fire and personnel assigned. FOCUS 99 was implemented to strengthen all the Forestry Commission districts in the implementation of the Incident Command System. The Incident Command System is a standardized, on-the-scene emergency management concept specifically designed to allow an integrated organizational structure equal to the complexity and demands of the incident.
The State Forestry Agencies in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina; US Forest Service; and representatives of forest industries from each state were invited to Atlanta to determine how we can better work together on complex fires.
Meetings were held in Commission districts with various local emergency response agencies to look at cooperation and support if major wildland fires developed.
While the fire season in 1998 was devastating, it helped us prepare for what became another devastating year in 1999. Drought conditions of 1999 laid the groundwork for an increase in Georgia fire activity. During the first six months of 1999, Georgia experienced a 40% increase in the number of forest fires and a 90% increase in acreage lost over the five-year average.
Given weather factors and fuel conditions, Georgias wildland firefighters have done an outstanding job in combating forest fires across the state that could have easily been more destructive.
I would like to thank the employees of the Forestry Commission for their commitment and dedication in protecting the forest resources. I would also like to thank forest industry, local fire departments, and the public for their support during this time.
Sincerely,
J. Frederick Allen Director
Jim L. Gillis, Jr. Chairman, Soperton
C. M. Eunice, Jr. Blackshear
J. G. Fendig Savannah
Larry S. Walker Oglethorpe
An Equal Opportunity Employer
P. W. Bryan Thomasville
ON THE COVER -
Beautiful autumn leaves in an assortment of brilliant colors are illuminated by the Georgia sun. Photo: William Godfrey
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
Georgia FORESTRY/Fall 1999
Page 4
Page 8 Page 12
Page 18 Fall 1999
4 Park Pride Atlanta Speaks softly but carries a big tree
7 GFC Awareness Campaign Georgia's FANTASTIC Forests...part of your everyday life!
8 Longleaf Pine Landowner Workshops Very Popular Interest in longleaf pines behind gatherings across the state
9 Community Base Station Online Global Positioning Systems base files are now available on the Internet
10 Longleaf Pine Planting Programs Appeal to Georgia Landowners A new interest in longleaf pine is growing throughout the South
11 Summer Interns Georgia Forestry Commission holds second year of Forest Stewardship Intern Program
11 Forest Stewardship Program Recognizes Newest Certified Stewards Four landowners are named for special forestry status
12 University of Georgia Campus Designated as Arboretum Benefits of arboretum include research, aesthetics, public awareness, and tourism
15 Miss Georgia Forestry 1999 Niki Hartzog of Attapulgus, GA in Decatur County is the new queen
16 1999 Georgia Forestry Association Award Winners Forestry honorees are named
17 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Patricia McCarthy of Ware County receives top award
18 Brantley and Jefferson FFA Chapters Win Forestry Field Day State Finals 150 students from 17 high schools competed to test forestry related skills
20 Highlights from "Georgia Forestry Night at the Macon Braves" The Georgia Forestry Commission organizes public relations event to promote forestry
23 Book Review The Illustrated History of the Naval Stores (Turpentine) Industry
Georgia Forestry
3
PARK PRIDE
atlanta
Speaks Softly but Carries a Big Tree
P ark Pride Atlanta (PPA) is one of those organizations you may not hear much about but they are al ways there working behind the scenes to enhance Atlantas international image as a city in a forest.
Although Atlanta has its tree loss problems due to urban expansion, PPA works with organizations of similar ilk to find compatible solutions and preserve Atlantas built-in-a-for est aura. During the past decade, Park Pride has been responsible for the planting and preservation of thousand of trees in Atlantas city parks.
Compared with the concrete jungles of most big cities, the image is still intact and Park Pride is doing everything we can to keep it that way and even make it better in relation to trees and green space, said DeAnn Boyd Fordham, public affairs coordinator for PPA.
all of them. Eventually, we may have ongoing programs in all the parks. The need and the Park Pride potential is there.
Park Pride Atlanta, Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization working within the city of Atlanta to preserve, enhance, and promote parks. Establishment of new parks and green space is also on the PPA agenda. Since incorporation, PPA has developed a number of tree-related programs, one of which (Big Tree Search) expanded into 13 adjoining Atlanta metro counties. However, most of PPAs activities are concentrated within the city.
So far, PPA has made an indelible impression with specialized contributions to this objective. Park Pride Atlanta was formed in 1986 as an advisory group of concerned citizens concerned about the future of Atlantas parks, trees, and green space. The organization was incorporated in 1990 and now has the self imposed jurisdiction over Atlantas 293 parks.
PPA programs encompass the potential for all of these parks, said Fordham, although we dont have current projects in
ADOPT-A-PARK
Park Prides Adopt-A-Park pro-
gram
is
one
of
the
organizations most effective ef-
forts. This unique initiative
provides an opportunity for in-
dividuals and groups to take
an active role in care and main-
tenance of local parks.
Each one of these Adopt-APark agreements is unique, Fordham said. Every agreement is defined with consider ation of the amount of time, energy and funding that the adopter can provide in relation to park needs.
4
Georgia Forestry
Current adoption agreements range from taking responsibility for all maintenance and aesthetic improvement to volunteer groups providing quar terly maintenance. Participants include corporate sponsors, schools, neighborhoods, individuals, civic clubs, youth organizations, and senior groups.
This continues to be one of our most successful programs, Fordham said. We now have around 50 parks adopted.
One reason for success is the appeal to diversified adoptive sources. The proud, adoptive parents of Atlanta parks range from the downtown Hard Rock Cafe to Girl Scout Troop 3170.
Park adoption contracts are for one year with renewable options. All participating adopters are invited to attend quar terly information seminars. The three levels of adoption are Contributor, Sponsor, and Community Partner. Participation in the program may involve contributions of funding, materials, labor and service, or a combination depending on selected adoption level, park, and size.
DONATE-A-TREE Atlanta loses approximately 3,000 trees a year on city property alone. Contributions to Park Prides Donate-A-Tree program buys trees to plant in parks.
Fall 1999
This is not a program that makes contributors wonder where their money went, Fordham points out. Contributors may choose the species and size of a tree, as well as designate the park where it will be planted.
Tree prices range from $50 to $250 depending on species and size. If a tree is donated in
honor of someone, an acknowledgment and photo of the tree are sent as a gift.
This personal approach has generated a lot of response, Fordham said, and the donor knows exactly what the contribution is being used for.
BEAUTIFICATION PPAs Beautification Incentive
Program offers an opportunity for employees of Atlantas Bureau of Parks to develop park projects separate from their normal work schedule. This annual competition program rewards outstanding projects.
Park crews compete in four categories: Creative Landscaping, Xeriscaping & Wildflowers, Erosion Control, and Renovation.
Pool Park
Gilbert House
Chastain Park
Garden Hills Park
Hardy/Ivy Park
Fall 1999
Atlanta Civic Center
Georgia Forestry
Georgia State University
5
This program provides an unusual educational opportunity for park employees, while creating a stability through building teams, Fordham said. Theres definitely a series of benefits that result from the additional care parks receive from this program.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE One of Park Prides main objectives is to involve Atlantas citizens in city park programs. The Volunteer Service program has become an essential factor in achieving this goal.
Individuals and groups can
participate by volunteering
their time in the Park Pride of-
fice or in a park. Activities in-
clude planting trees, pruning,
weeding, general maintenance,
clean-up and clerical duties.
PPA volunteers range from
teenagers to senior citizens.
The organizations records
show
an
increase
in
volunteerism that may be re-
lated to a growing public
awareness concerning envi-
ronmental factors.
We (PPA) really had noticeable increase in volunteerism the year of the Olympics, Fordham said. People simply wanted to be involved in this international event being held in Atlanta and it showed with a 1996 total of 14,000 volunteer hours. In 97, it dropped to 10,000, then sort of evened out at 11,000 hours for 98.
Atlantas well-known Grant Park was among those upgraded for the Olympics; PPA planted 87 trees there as part of an original 1912 Frederick Law Olmstead plan. Funding came from a $14,000 Small Business Administration grant, Park Pride, and the Grant Park Neighborhood Association; one member of the Association gave a $12,000 in-kind donation for research and design.
6
Park Pride now works with an average 2,200 volunteers a year with some unexpected benefits. In recent years, PPA has experienced a surge of volunteerism during spring break, when college students passing through Atlanta volunteer their services.
Instead of going on to a Florida beach for the traditional spring break, students now give us a call and volunteer to work on any project available, Fordham said. There are several different universities that have become regulars, and each group usually totals 15 to 20 students. Fordham sees this trend as a positive indication that the younger generation is becoming more concerned about the relation of trees and green space to the urban environment.
ARBOR WEEK In 1933, Atlanta schoolteacher Hattie Rainwater organized the citys first Arbor Day celebration. The modest event was held in Atlanta Memorial Park, near Northside Drive, where an osage orange tree was planted.
The tree still stands and Arbor day continues to be an annual celebration for the city but on a much larger scale resulting from efforts of Park Pride and other tree oriented groups.
Arbor Day has now become Ar bor Week with tree-planting activities increasing each year in Atlanta. For the past ten years, Park Pride has taken Arbor Day into a week of tree plantings and educational programs. We (PPA) have been fortunate in gaining assistance of the best forestry organizations, businesses, and environmental groups, Fordham said.
PPA considers Arbor Week to be one of its most significant accomplishments. The highlight of the last Arbor Week cel-
Georgia Forestry
ebration was the participation of Governor Roy Barnes in a tree planting ceremony held on the Georgia Capitol lawn.
Trees Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific, Outdoor Activity Center, and the Georgia Forestry Commission are among those organizations that remain part of a core group supporting Atlantas Ar bor Week activities.
Every year, it seems were getting more people at our tree plantings, Fordham said. And if they plant a tree for one Arbor Day, they almost always call us the next year to be involved again.
NEW PROJECT Park Pride may soon become a home of sorts for the homeless or at least a focal point providing a sense of identity and belonging. One of PPAs latest projects is working with a number of agencies training the homeless in job skills. As the program progresses, some trainees will assist in maintaining Atlantas parks.
Funds for paying the homeless doing park maintenance will be provided by corporations and other organizations that have adopted parks under the PPA program. This latest initiative is expected to improve conditions of the parks and conditions of the homeless.
We think this program has a lot of potential, because there are a lot of homeless people in Atlanta who want opportunities like this, Fordham said. And were always looking for new and innovative ways to benefit the parks and people of Atlanta.
For more information on Park Pride Atlanta call: (404) 8176760 or (404) 817-6761.
Fall 1999
GGFFCC AAWWAARREENNEESSSS CCAAMMPPAAIIGGNN
The Georgia Forestry Com-
mission is launching a
statewide effort to make
Georgians aware
of the impor -
tance of forest
products in our
everyday lives.
The
slogan
Georgias
FANTASTIC
Forestspart of your ev-
eryday life! refers to
the fact that Georgias
trees provide us with
lots of things we use ev-
eryday. Along with the
many environmental,
social, and eco-
nomical ben-
efits
of
trees, there
are actually
thousands of
common con-
sumer items that
play an important
part in improving
our health and lives.
Here are just a few of those products: Newspapers, toilet tissue, photographic film, lipstick, tires, ice cream, football helmets, apples, neck ties, nail
polish, make-up, perfume, eyeglass frames, bandage strips, crayons, candle, gum, combs, cough syrup,
shampoo, pencils, toothpaste, milk cartons, maple syrup, sponges, crackers, paint, parmesan cheese, capsules/tablets, and baseball bats. Some of the ways in which the message will be delivered is
through public service announcements on radio, television, billboards, and print. Exhibits featuring forest
products on a 5-foot simulated tree are already being displayed around the state.
An
inter -
active CD-ROM called
Georgias
Forests
For ever, developed by
Georgias forestry com-
munity, will comple-
ment the GFC effort. It
will be making its way
to Georgia middle
school students via
a high-tech 40-foot
long tractor -trailer
with twelve computer
stations surrounded
by forest scenes. Theres
even a web site high-
lighting the Georgias
FANTASTIC Forests t h e m e s :
www.gfc.state.ga.us/fantastic
The campaign will be introduced statewide during National Forest Products week, October 17-23, 1999.
For more information about Georgias FANTASTIC Forests call the Georgia Forestry Commission at: 1-800-428-7337 (1-800-GA-TREES) or visit the GFC website at: www.gfc.state.ga.us
Fall 1999
Georgia Forestry
7
Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners T imber, W ildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics
StFeworaersdt ship
Longleaf Pine Landowner Workshops Very Popular
n CARE & PLANTING OF CONTAIN-
ERIZED LONGLEAF SEEDLINGS Mark Hainds, The Longleaf Alliance
n BAREROOT SEEDLING HAN-
DLING GUIDELINES Bob Franklin, Clemson University
n PRESCRIBED BURNING & THE
JONES ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH CENTER Bob Mitchell & Steve Jack, The Jones Ecological Research Center
n ECONOMICS OF LONGLEAF PINE Rhett Johnson, Direc-
tor of the Solon Dixon Forest
and Co-Director of the Longleaf
Louis Justice, NRCS Wildlife Biologist, explaining CRP requirements to a group of landowners in McRae
Alliance
ue to the great interest in the planting
D of longleaf pines, a series of nine landowner workshops were held across the State of Georgia.
The first workshop was held in Waycross in the fall of last year. Sessions soon followed in Statesboro, Dublin, Pine Mountain, McRae, Americus, Moultrie, Blakely, and Abbeville. Over 1200 landowners attended these infor mative workshops.
Some of the topics covered were:
n THE LONGLEAF ALLIANCE & THE
LONGLEAF ECOSYSTEM Dr. Dean Gjerstad, Auburn University and Co-Director of The Longleaf Alliance
n OBJECTIVES & STANDARDS FOR THE
18th CRP Louis Justice, Wildlife Biolo-
gist, USDA Natural Resources Conser vation Service
n LONGLEAF HERBICIDES & SITE PREPA-
RATION Mark Hainds, Research Coor dinator, the Longleaf Alliance, and Larry Nelson, Clemson University
Several tree planting vendors and seedling nurseries were present to show their products and equipment. The tree planting demonstrations were very informative, showing a new mechanical tree planter specially engineered for longleaf seedlings. Tom Doody, a tree planter specializing in hand planting, demonstrated several different tools.
Any landowner or group interested in a program on tree planting or any other forestry subject should contact their local Georgia For estry Commission office or call 1-800-GATREES.
Planting vendor Tom Doody demonstrates several tree planting
tools at the McRae Workshop
8
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
Rhett Johnson, Co-director of the Longleaf Alliance, discussing seedling planting depth at the Moultrie workshop
Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners T imber, W ildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics
Mechanical longleaf seedling planter on exhibit at
the Moultrie workshop
Mechanical longleaf seedling planter in action
StFeworaersdt ship
Community Base Station Online
T he
Georgia
Commissions
Forestry Community
Base Station (CBS) is now online.
The website is located at
www.gfc.state.ga.us and is avail-
able to anyone needing Global Po-
sitioning Systems (GPS) base files.
The antenna and associated computer equipment are located at the Georgia Forestry Commission Headquarters in Macon.
Fall 1999
GFC Foresters Bert Earley (left) and Chuck Norvell learning to use GPS receivers
Georgia Forestry
9
Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners T imber, W ildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics
Longleaf Pine
StFeworaersdt ship
Planting Programs Appeal to Georgia Landowners
andowners in the Forest Stewardship
L
Program have recognized the benefits for wildlife that can be attained by slight
alterations in their timber management. And
the management of a longleaf pine forest lends
itself perfectly to improved wildlife habitat.
A tremendous, new interest in the longleaf pine and its ecosystem has been resurrected throughout the South. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (PFFW) both place an emphasis on the wildlife benefits associated with the longleaf pine and Georgia landowners have completely embraced each program.
The 18th CRP enrollment, held in the Fall of 1998, included a newly established Longleaf Pine Conservation Priority Area. This Priority Area extends throughout the 90-million acre historic range of the longleaf pine and covers parts of nine southern states. Today, there are less than three million acres of longleaf pine forestland. Nearly three-fourths of Georgia is included in Priority Area. Only north-east and north-central Georgia did not qualify to be in the Priority Area.
increase in the practice of forest stewardship management in the longleaf pine ecosystem. This ecosystem exhibits great biodiversity and is being replaced with less diverse plant and animal communities.
One component of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is a longleaf pine reforestation costshare practice. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service selects the participants and provides expertise with the other plants and animals desired in this ecosystem. The Georgia Forestry Commission provides the technical expertise with the longleaf tree planting plans.
The Longleaf Alliance, headquartered at the Solon Dixon Forest in Andalusia, Alabama, is also a partner in this program. The Alliance is essential in the administration of the program and also provides invaluable technical expertise regarding the longleaf pine.
This past planting season was the first for this program. There were ten landowners selected with a total of 500 acres of cut-over or open land. There is a 50-acre maximum limit for participants in the tree planting component of this program.
Almost 110,000 acres across the South were approved for planting longleaf pine and 74,000 of those acres are in Georgia. The land approved for planting had to have been in agricultural production two of the past five years. While the soils did not have to meet a highly erodible status, they did have to be capable of supporting longleaf pine growth.
While it is unlikely that those of us living in the South will ever see 90 million acres of longleaf pine forests again, it is encouraging to find so many landowners willing to adapt their timber management to include planting this valuable tree.
The CRP is a national program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. As a partner in the CRP, the Georgia Forestry Commission provides the technical assistance for all forestry-related practices in the program.
Early in 1998, David Hoge of the U.S. Forest Service asked the Georgia Forestry Commission to look into the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Services Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to determine if their objectives were compatible with Georgias Forest Stewardship Program. After meeting with Robert Brooks of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was determined that there is a mutual desire to encourage and promote an
Longleaf pine once covered 90 million acres in the Southeast.
10
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
Forest Stewardship. . .management plans for Georgia landowners T imber, W ildlife, Soil & Water Conservation, Recreation, and Aesthetics
StFeworaersdt ship
Summer Interns
S
cott
Berta,
Paul
Carson, and Alan
Preston, rising seniors
product identification, growth rate determination, documenting scenic areas, and
at the Daniel B. Warnell School
identifying erosion problems.
of Forest Resources at the Uni-
They were able to develop
versity of Georgia, have spent
their ability to communicate
the past summer working as
with landowners, Georgia
Interns in Georgias Forest
Forestry Commission employ-
Stewardship Program. These
ees and other agency person-
young men are working on de-
nel. All in all, it was an
grees in Forest Management.
excellent learning experience.
Each will receive three hours
of course credit for completing
Scott worked in the Newnan
the internships along with
District while Paul and Alan
writing a paper regarding this
worked in the Americus Dis-
work experience.
trict. The District Forest-
ers, John Merrill in Newnan
The primary goal of the intern-
and Phil Porter in Americus,
ships is to let these future for -
were very supportive of the
esters work with forest land-
Internship Program and
owners and Georgia Forestry
were more than satisfied
Commission foresters to gain
with the work completed by
some experience with stewardship forestry concepts. The interns gather forest data nec-
Alan Preston (left) and Paul Carson measuring growth rates
these young men and were complementary of their work ethic.
essary for the preparation of Forest Steward-
ship Management Plans.
This was the second year of the Forest Stew-
ardship Intern Program and the Georgia For -
Some of the work the interns have performed
estry Commission looks to continue it in the
includes forest stand mapping, plant and
future.
Forest Stewardship Program Recognizes Newest Certified Stewards
This Spring four landowners were recognized for their efforts in managing their forestlands following recommendations made for them in their Forest Stewardship Plans. They are:
Bob and Celeste Becker of Walton County Vic Sullivan, III of Newton County Larry Lamb of Washington County City of Atlanta Airport Authoritys Dawson Forest in Dawson County
The addition of these well-managed forestlands brings the total number of Certified Stewards to 125 in Georgia.
Fall 1999
Georgia Forestry
11
UUNNIIVVEERRSSIITTYY OOFF GGEEOORRGGIIAA CCAAMMPP
he University of Georgia
T campus in Athens, well known for its impressive trees, has been designated as an arboretum due to diligent efforts of plant enthusiasts from several University departments, including members of the War nell School of Forest Resources faculty.
Dr. Scott Merkle, professor of forest resources, said designating a campus as an arboretum is a common practice of universities, especially in the Northeastern U.S. where campuses have older trees. Merkle said tree mapping and placing tree identification labels are now part of the UGA arboretum process, with a printed tree itinerary for walking tours.
Merkle served on the initial ar boretum promotional group with Dr. Kim Coder, an associate professor of forest resources also on the War nell School faculty. Both professors see the arboretum as a highly beneficial establishment for the University with academic and social implications.
UGA has some very nice older trees, a diversity of species, and some unusual species like the Chinese sweetgum, Coder said. He also pointed out the campus arboretum has some historical surprises, like the socalled Hitler tree, an Olympic Gold Medal Award Tree from the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Coder also says there are many socially significant trees on campus whether they are historical or not would often be in the eye of the beholder. He defines socially significant trees as those important to
12
people in relation to some social aspect of their lives. Much of this perspective at UGA could be involved with the alumnis romanticized view of their college years, especially when they return years later to see the big tree, that they sat under in the spring, still standing.
In any case, trees will be mapped and labeled throughout the campus. Probably there will be at least one identification of each species and hybrid on campus from a representative specimen, Merkle said. This would, of course, be a good specimen and accessibility would also probably be a factor in selection so people could see it easily. I would say these should be major factors in selecting a representative.
lab. This would help students, and it would encourage people to get out and enjoy the plants. It would improve the quality of life at the University.
Making the campus an arboretum would not only be educationally beneficial, but would promote aesthetics, increase public awareness of the university, help fund raising, encourage tourism, and even boost student recruitment, Dirr said.
The informal group that pro-
posed the arboretum idea also
includes Athletics Director
Vince Dooley, Chief Campus
Architect Danny Sniff, horti-
culture
Professor
Allan
Armitage, and Dexter Adams,
head of the physical plant
grounds department.
But its not just naming names and having a list of trees, Coder said. Its how people interact with trees. What is their attitude toward trees? Because a lot of peoples interaction with trees reflects how they interact with the natural world, and in undergraduate students were trying to teach environmental stewardship. Being surrounded by a catalog of trees - that have been well taken care of can be a teaching model.
Other members of the arboretum planning group include: Tim Smalley, Horticulture; Margaret Koepke, School of Environmental Design; Barry Palevitz, Botany; and Ed Macie and Ingrid Sather of USDA Forest Service.
MISSION STATEMENT According to the groups mission statement, UGAs campus is recognized as one of the best planted and maintained, and current plantings qualify for designation as an arboretum.
ENVIRONMENTAL UMBRELLA The arboretum designation places an umbrella over the biological diversity that already exists on campus, said Michael Dirr, professor of hor ticulture and key member of the promotional group. The campus is a great teaching
Georgia Forestry
In fact, the University of Geor gia is highly qualified for ar boretum status, due not only to excellent care and maintenance, but also in relation to the University of Georgia being the oldest land grant university in the United States with the charter established in 1785. Many campus trees have
Fall 1999
PUUSS DDEESSIIGGNNAATTEEDD AASS AARRBBOORREETTUUMM
Fall 1999
Georgia Forestry
13
had a long time to grow and received excellent care along the way.
The mission statement also points out that, from a teaching standpoint, the tremendous woody plant diversity serves classes in Forestry, Botany, Ecology, Horticulture, and Landscape Architecture. Art and photography instruction also uses the campus as an extension of the classroom.
The statement also points out that it would be possible to apply grants from individuals, foundations, and ur ban forestry programs to develop educational materials, labels, maps, and provide outreach services such as workshops, seminars, and colloquiums. Among benefits listed are research, aesthetics, public awareness, tour ism, and memorial trees and future planning.
The mission statement con-
cludes with the following:
The rationale is to increase
awareness of the campus
planting through the arbo-
retum designation.
To
maintain and enhance
quality of the plantings. To
foster exchange of informa-
tion and ideas of how to
make the campus plantings
more useful to those who
love Georgia.
CONTINUING FOREST RESOURCE EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Wildlife Planting and Erosion Control: BMP's and Beyond GIS and GPS for Natural Resource Managers Herbicides in Forestry Forest Roads: Coastal Applications Forest Finance: Basic Terms and Concepts Making Money in the Forest: Practical Applications in Forest Finance Georgia Forestry Symposium: Southern Timber Inventory and Supply Timber Income Tax
September 20-21 October 20-22 November 2-3 November 4-5 November 10 November 11-12 December 6-7 December 8-9
Check out our web page at: www.forestry.uga.edu/wsfr1/html/continuing_ed.html For more information contact: Laura Owen (706) 542-3063 or owenl@gactr.uga.edu
14
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
Miss Georgia Forestry 1999
iki Hartzog will be pro-
Nmoting forestry around the state as the new Miss Georgia Forestry for 1999. The 19-year -old from the small Southwest Georgia town of Attapulgus, represented Decatur County in the 60th Miss Georgia Forestry State Pageant.
Miss Hartzog currently attends
Thomas Tech studying cosme-
tology, but plans to use the full
scholarship she won in the
pageant to study business at
Thomas
College
in
Thomasville. As part of her
winnings, she will also be
awarded $2,500. She is the
daughter of Freddie and Susie
Hartzog of Attapulgus, Georgia.
Upcoming appearances for the new queen include the Geor gia National Fair in Perry and a tree planting with the Governor in Atlanta.
The June pageant was held in Tifton and featured former
Niki Hartzog
queens Dana Martin (1998), and Deidre Hadden(1997), as Mistresses of Ceremonies. Georgia Forestry Commission Director, J. Frederick Allen, was the guest speaker.
Pete Allen, GFC Chief Ranger for Columbia County, was presented the Howard Bennett
Award for his outstanding efforts to help make the State Forestry Pageant a success. The award is given in honor of the late Howard Bennett, former editor of Georgia Forestry.
The Miss Georgia Forestry Pageant is held annually during the third weekend in June in Tifton, Georgia. It is open to contestants from all over the state. To enter, call (912) 3862681 or check your phone book to contact your local Georgia Forestry Commission unit.
The Miss Georgia Forestry Pageant is the oldest scholarship pageant in the state. Established in 1940, the pageant is sponsored by the Georgia Forestry and Educational Association, Inc. This years pageant provided $60,000 in scholarships to the top winners.
1st runner-up: Tonya Fulp, Tift County 2nd runner-up: Marie Browning, Brooks County 3rd runner-up: Brande Puckett, Middle Georgia College 4th runner-up: Crissy Simpson, Echols County
Tifton Mayor Paul Johnson presents a key to the city to Miss Niki Hartzog, as GFC Chief Ranger Tommy Ganas and GFC Director J. Frederick Allen crown the new queen.
Fall 1999
Any organization wishing to have the Georgia Forestry Queen make a special appearance at their next event may call Pageant Director Dianne Dominy at (912) 386-2681 or the Decatur County Georgia Forestry Commission Unit at (912) 248-2616.
Georgia Forestry
15
1999 Georgia Forestry Association Award Winners
GFA Wise Owl Award - Jim Fendig Forestry Activist of the Year - Larry S. Walker Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year - Patricia McCarthy Outstanding Logger of the Year - Chris Weidner GFA Meritorious Service Award - John Godbee GFA Meritorious Service Award - Frank Green
GFA Presidents Award - Blake Sullivan GFA Presidents Award - Bob Lazenby
Best Management Practice Award - Meg Jones Best Management Practice Award - Ted Mikalsen
Tree Farm Inspector Award - Steve Chapman Log-A-Load for Kids Outstanding District Chair Winner - Tom Ritch Log-A-Load for Kids Outstanding District Chair Runner Up - Bill Guthrie Project Learning Tree Outstanding Field Coordinator - Reba Bishop
Project Learning Tree Outstanding Facilitator - Wanda Barrs County Extension Agent Award - Greg Sheppard
Outstanding Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) District - Rome District Office Outstanding GFC Unit - Region I - McDuffie/Warren Counties Outstanding GFC Unit - Region II - Berrien County
Other Award Winners
Bill Barrett - Treutlen County Man of the Year Award Sharon Dolliver - Project Learning Tree National Gold Star Award Tommy Hewell - U.S.D.A. Forest Service Robert Browning Award Tommy Loggins - U.S.D.A. Forest Service Rural Development Outreach Project Award
Duck Taylor - FFA Blue and Gold Award Adrian Tippens - 1999 F & W Young Forester of the Year Award
16
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
Patricia McCarthy Tree Farmer of the Year
atricia McCarthy has
P been named the 1999
Outstanding
Tree
lected equipment. The or chard provides an added benefit to wild game due to crim-
Far mer of the Year by the
son clover planted between
Georgia Forestry Association
the rows of pecan trees.
for exceptional forestry man-
agement of 2,000 woodland
The farm uses a four-wheel
acres in Ware County.
drive tractor with tree cut-
ter attachment. A spraying
D r. M c C a r t h y , w h o h a s a
device, attached to the trac-
Ph.D. in science education,
tor, can release herbicides to
manages the family tree farm
recently mowed areas. The
with her four daughters.
tractor is also used to main-
She has no sons or brothers.
tain good road systems that
One daughter, Martha, has
expand hunting opportuni-
an MIS (Management Infor-
ties, plus improving timber
mation Systems) degree and
value.
a masters degree in educa-
tion. She also has an asso-
Certified as a tree farm in
ciate degree in forestry man-
1990, the McCarthy wood-
agement; computer analysis
lands serve as a yearly site
of forestry activities on the
for environmental class
farm is her specialty. Before his death, five years
Patricia McCarthy manages her 2,000-acre tree farm in Ware County with her four daughters.
tours from Waycross Community College. In 1995, the tree farm was used by the
ago, Mrs. McCarthy and her
Georgia Extension Service as
husband (Bill), who had a Ph.D. in banking and
a demonstration forest to train landowners.
finance, made a highly efficient tree farming
Those who know Patricia McCarthy say her in-
team. Since then, McCarthy and her four daugh-
terests in forestry are equaled by her interests
ters have excelled in forestry activities tradition-
in education especially forestry education.
ally considered to be a male pursuit.
She is a member of the Georgia Forestry As-
The impressive tree farm has 200 acres of
sociation, Forest Landowners, and National
planted longleaf pine, which is being cultivated
Woodland Owners Association. McCarthy is
for pine straw and fiber production. The farm,
also director of the Georgia Federated Forest
which has been in the McCarthy family for four
Owners (GFFO); an organization based on con-
generations, has 1,900 woodland acres certi-
cepts to organize divisional forestry factions
fied as a tree farm. Primary objectives of the
into a unified group representing the states
operation include management for timber, wild
private forest landowners. GFFO objectives
game, soil conservation, and water quality.
include adding value to forest products be-
Management techniques have taken advantage
fore they leave the state, establishing favor -
of large power lines running the farm to estab-
able legislation for forestry harvesting, and
lish wild game food plots. Deer, turkey, quail,
launching a statewide publicity campaign on
and fish are actively managed on the tree farm.
forestry.
Every field and pasture on the farm has a wild game food plot with an access road. These plots are often rotated to achieve maximum game benefits, while simultaneously conserving soil resources. The tree farm also maintains a hunting lodge, cabin, and bass pond.
A pecan orchard is also maintained by regular forestry management techniques and use of se-
McCarthy says that for estry is not really difficult to understand - if the right questions are asked. She believes in then applying the answers and sharing positive results with as many forest landowners as possible.
Fall 1999
Georgia Forestry
17
Brantley and Jefferson FFA Chapters Win Forestry Field Day State Finals
Flanders of Oconee County, Forest Management; and Glenn Butler of Effingham County, Timber Stand Improvement.
The Brantley County FFA Chapter, directed by Richard Gill, received an inscribed first place award plaque and a cash award. The Jefferson County Chapter received a second place award plaque.
Sponsors for the state finals were American Cyanamid, Union Camp/International Paper Company, Georgia Forestry Association, Coca Cola Bottling Company of Atlanta, and the Georgia Forestry Commission.
First Place Winner in 1999 FFA Forestry Field Day State Finals: Brantley County High School FFA Chapter.
he Brantley County High
T School FFA Chapter was declared first place winner in the 1999 Annual FFA For estry Field Day Finals held on the grounds of GFC state headquarters in Macon. Second place honors went to the Jefferson County High School FFA State Chapter.
ing in the finals included: Clinch County, Wilcox County, Irwin County, Jackson County, Oconee County, Mitchell-Baker High, Bainbridge High, Atkinson County, Perry High, Harris County, Portal High, West Laurens High, Effingham County, Gilmer County, and Pickens County.
More than 150 students from 17 high schools competed in state finals to test a variety of forestry related skills. Each participating school was a first or second place regional winner in meets held statewide.
Steve Meeks, area forestry teacher with the Georgia Vocational Agricultural Department, said the first place winner in the state finals will participate in national competition.
FFA high school teams compet-
First place winners in the various events were: Rusty Cenley of Perry High, Reforestation; Clay Mizell of Atkinson County, Standing Pulpwood Estimation; Eric Hayes of Brantley County, Standing Saw Timber Estimation; Lee Joyner of Effingham County, Dendrology; Dana Reese of West Laurens, Ocular Estimation; Coby Smith of Wilcox County, Land Measurement; Ashley Harper of Brantley County, Compass; Charlotte Jordon of Atkinson, Forest Disorders; Brent Burrell and Matt
Prior to the awards ceremony, a dinner was served to students, advisors, judges, and special guests. Primary coordinators for the finals were Steve Meeks, Allen McAllister, and Blane Marable, all area forestry teachers with the Georgia Vocational Agricultural Department.
Meeks described the annual regionals and finals as an opportunity for students to display and improve their forestry skills in competition with other schools. He emphasized that these events often create initial interests in forestry that can lead to lifetime careers.
Second Place Winner: Jefferson County High School FFA State Chapter
18
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
Regional Winners Compete in Forestry Field Day State Finals
Fall 1999
Georgia Forestry
19
Highlights from "Georgia Forestry Night at the Macon Braves"
The Georgia Forestry Commission sponsored a Saturday night Macon Braves Baseball game in April against the Capital City Bombers from Columbia, SC. Georgia Forestry Night at the Macon Braves attracted thousands of fans who enjoyed the game and got to learn more about forestry in Georgia.
JMSumdilloyekCdegoyueBcvehiall(erFsoiDgreinssttarIincbftoa)rsmehbeaatlpiollsnfotCrhhoeios refdavinnesar.-topropGuFlaCr
Others who volunteered
their time to help make this
year's event a success:
Julia Baker
Sheila Long
Alan Baswell
Mandy Long
Dan Chan
Steve Miller
Sharon Dolliver Russ Pohl
Bob Farris
Susan Reisch
Billy Godfrey
ogFuCuMoteortiesshustsesyntsaft...Biyrssr)atptphnaeiywrttcyohhnoao.fr(rMiyvopeisudusr,tGeaevls"eooGrryghedieaoalprygFeoidlairfee'Sss!mt"ryosFktAiecNyMkTetaAhrdsrSoiToswIonCn ckhpleheaeyreeqaeMldoPppClunAvpouraao.WehGlnrSacitrningmeoteenoetgfoconcofDrodsitfrrrkHia)goeoofseaeynziswnFayisaseoadktrrdnsoeG(o-dGasfFtFCC
GvHKCiFceaaCearer,sdonatqlhnNLuadaautyarnattlbeoereronysu,a((dtASvtiesahctcericliarboembuutlataneerntyatiynonfbotG)eFr,meonboreaeorftgsittithosianPoonrfaofsfbotGtehroeFcruoCstttiuortMyghn.he)actasheonernd-
NUAennaitth)l Ewedmomw. usnthdesocnro(Cwhdiewf RithanhgisesirngGinFgCoUfpthsoenNCaotiuonntayl
20
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
The GREEN color in leaves is from chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is needed for photosynthesis (this is when plants take water and carbon dioxide, and use sunlight to turn them into glucose, which is food for the tree). In the fall, the days get shorter and dryer and there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis to occur. The chlorophyll eventually disappears, revealing the YELLOW and ORANGE of autumn leaves which have been there all along. In some trees, like maples, the leaves turn bright RED and PURPLE . These colors are made when glucose is trapped in the leaves while photosynthesis shuts down in the fall. Warm days and cold nights cause brighter reds and purples. It is the combination of these and other processes that make the WIDE RANGE OF COLORS we enjoy in the fall.
WOR D S CR A MB LE
How many of these words can you unscramble? (HINT: They were all mentioned in the section above)
1. trawe 2. vaelse 3. rnege 4. ernago 5. mutanu 6. loscuge 7. gnlituhs 8. holoprycl
ANSWERS: 1. water, 2. leaves, 3. green, 4. orange, 5. autumn, 6. glucose, 7. sunlight, 8. chlorophyll.
Fall 1999
Georgia Forestry
21
Color these leaves all the different colors you see on trees in the fall.
Color this YELLOW
Color this RED
Yellow Poplar Leaf
Red Oak Leaf
Color this PURPLE
Color this ORANGE
Sweetgum Leaf
Sugar Maple Leaf
22
Georgia Forestry
Fall 1999
BOOK REVIEW
The Illustrated History of the Naval Stores (Turpentine) Industry by Pete Gerrell, 138 pages: photos, documents, tables, advertisements, letters, glossary. SYP (Southern Yellow Pine Publishing), P.O. Box 627, Crawfordville, FL 32326. Paperback $19.95. Phone: (850) 421-7420
pen the cover of The Illustrated History of the
ONaval Stores (Turpentine) Industry and step through a time warp to the early 1900s when turpentine was king when 17 million gallons of turpentine and a million gallons of rosin were produced annually in Florida.
Although the book is based on Floridas turpentine industry, there are many references to neighboring Georgia, where naval stores were also having a heyday of activity.
Author Pete Gerrell is well qualified to write this informative text. A sixth generation native of Wakulla County, Florida, he says, Ive been involved in history all my life, reading documents and collecting artifacts. I just decided to finally put it all together in a book.
He put it together very well. The book even includes a value guide for turpentine artifacts.
Gerrell traces the turpentine industry in the U.S. from its inception in the early
17th century to its de-
The practice of cutting a gum cavity (box) in the base of the tree to collect gum was called boxing the tree. (Page 27)
mise in the 1970s. First used for ship building, light-
ing, and as a solvent for other materials, turpentine
quickly became a valuable commodity. Other uses
for turpentine and rosin soon developed including
printing processes, cotton and wool print goods,
paints, varnishes, and the manufacture of patent
leather.
Gerrells book is not only informative, but also entertaining. The narrative is filled with jokes, recipes, old remedies, and historic photos all reflecting a way of life that has virtually disappeared. He explains that the origin of the turpentine industry dates back to Biblical times. Noah was commanded to seal the ark with pitch, both within and without, Gerrell points out. He adds that Egyptian mummies were sealed with varnish for preservation.
From mummy preservation to down-home ailment remedies, turpentine seemed to activate imaginations through the ages for multiple uses. The medical profession might frown on such an approach today, but Gerrell records this treatment for appendicitis: .take one ounce of olive oil, three times a day. Rub turpentine on your side to take out the pain. As for snakebite, Gerrells text offers this bygone suggestion: For snakebite, take one onion, a teaspoon of salt, and a tablespoon of turpentine. Cut the onion up very fine and mix it with the salt and turpentine. Apply it to the wound, if youre still alive.
At the peak of the turpentine industry, almost twothirds of the worlds naval stores were located in the Southern United States, with Florida and Georgia being prolific suppliers. During this period, approximately 400,000 people were employed by the industry in the Southern states.
Turpentine camps were usually established in the pine woods, far removed from any town. Gerrell describes a typical camp as consisting of a fire still, com-
missary, and quarters for employees. Some camps even included a juke (for entertainment), a school, and a church.
After World War II,
the camps began to
fade away as tall
oil
rosin
(a
byproduct of the
pulp industry) was
produced much
cheaper. As a re-
Dip wagon used for hauling the
sult, an industry
dip or scrape bucket from tree to
that once em-
tree. (Page 55)
ployed 400,000
decreased
to
21,000 by 1950, and by 1960 the turpentine giant
had shriveled to a mere 3,300 employees. By the
1970s, this was a vanishing subculture.
Gerrells book, one of the few to detail the evolution and demise of this unique industry and way of life, will probably be a collectors item in time. Meanwhile, it can be a valuable addition to any historical bookshelf.
Fall 1999
Georgia Forestry
23
1989 - Bruce Lyndon Cunningham Nacogdoches, TX - USA
NATIVE TREES OF GEORGIA
RED MAPLE
(Acer rubrum L.)
DESCRIPTION: Leaves deciduous in autumn, opposite on the twig, 1 1/2 to 6 inches long and slightly less wide, deeply divided into 3 to 5 lobes, the margins of which are toothed. Light green and smooth on the upper surface, pale and smooth or only slightly hairy below; stems or petioles red. Fruit usually red, often pale yellow, paired or double, both appearing on one stem 3 to 4 inches long, each seed with a wing about 1 inch long, ripening in the spring. Bark of young stems and branches light gray, on old trunks breaking up into long, narrow, scaly plates, separated by shallow fissures. A tree 50 to 70 feet high with a long trunk 1 to 2 feet in diameter, terminating in an irregular or rounded head.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves green above, silvery below, lobes toothed on the margin, petioles or stems red, twigs dark red, shiny, odorless; buds blunt.
WOOD: Fairly hard, strong but brittle, close-grained. A soft maple.
USES: Interior finish, flooring, veneer, furniture, boxes, crates, crossties, woodenware, slack cooperage.
DISTRIBUTION: Occurs throughout the state, being found in the valleys and on hillsides in the Piedmont and mountains and in swamps and low ground in the coastal plain.
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