Georgia forestry, Vol. 54, no. 3 (Fall 2001)

Georgia
FORESTRY

USPS No. 217120 Fall 2001

No. 3

Vol. 54

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 H. G. Thomas New, Louisville James 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
478-445-5164
District Six 1465 Tignall Rd./Washington, GA 30673
706-678-2015
District Seven 243 U. S. Hwy. 19 N./Americus, GA 31709
229-931-2436
District Eight 2395 U. S. Hwy. 41 N./Tifton, GA 31794
229-386-3617
District Nine 3561 Hwy. 112/Camilla, GA 31730
229-522-3580
District Ten 18899 U. S. Hwy. 301 N./Statesboro, GA 30461
912-681-0490
District Eleven Route 1, Box 67/Helena, GA 31037
229-868-5649
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. Second class postage paid at Macon, GA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, Georgia 31020-9699. For subscription additions, changes, or deletions, please contact Kassie Odum: E-mail: kodum@gfc.state.ga.us, Phone: (912) 751-3530, Fax: (912) 751-3559, TollFree: 1-800-GA-TREES, Mail: P.O. Box 819 Macon, GA 31202-0819.

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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:
The future of the nation's Southern Forest has become a topic of regional and national concern. The question most often raised is: "What is the accurate status of the Southern Forest?" Federal and state agencies have combined efforts to answer this question. A collaborative study of the Southern Forest is now being conducted by Southern state forestry agencies, the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The purpose of the study is to compile and analyze information necessary to evaluate the status of forest resources in the Southern United States with emphasis on productivity, ecological diversity, and sustainability. Forest resources being evaluated include timber and forest products, environmental concerns, and aquatics. The magnitude of this project requires that evaluations be limited to subjects with existing data that pertain to critical questions; collection of new data is not currently feasible.
Forest productivity evaluations will include determinations concerning timber, wildlife, recreation, water, and range. Sustainability, as defined by this study, pertains to meeting present forestry needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Both present and future considerations involve practicing a land stewardship ethic which integrates growing and harvesting trees for products with conservation of soil, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and aesthetics.
While the overall project is focused at the regional level, data and information will be retrieved and analyzed at the state and "section" ecological unit levels. The study is scheduled to be released in October and highlights will be covered in the winter Georgia Forestry magazine. Additional information of the Southern Forest Resource Assessment can be found by accessing the web site: www.srs.fs.us/sustain.
Sincerely,

J. Frederick Allen Director

Jim L. Gillis, Jr. Chairman, Soperton

H. G. Thomas New Louisville

J. G. Fendig Savannah

Larry S. Walker Oglethorpe

An Equal Opportunity Employer

P. W. Bryan Thomasville

ON THE COVER: Woodland color changes of fall are enhanced by scenic river.
Photo by William Godfrey

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Georgia FORESTRY/ Fall 2001

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Table of Contents

4 Model Urban Forest Book
A New GFC Publication
8 Stewardship Program Reaches Milestone 10th Anniversary
Expiring Plans Bring Policy Changes
12 Expo 2001 Held at World Congress Center
Attracts Elite of Forest Products Industry
14 Georgia Forest Trend Data Released
Georgia's Timberland Area Increases
16 Georgia Forest Resources Council: Seeking Common Ground
Diverse Group Looks for Similar Interests
18 Marie Browning Crowned Miss Georgia Forestry
120 Contestants Compete in Annual Pageant
19 GFC Wins Award for News Release
Edwards Receives "Award of Excellence"
20 Announcements
Bill Oettmeier, Jr. of Fargo, GA Recognized as Certified Member of State Tree Farm Program
Georgia Urban Forest Council's 2001 Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon
Wildland-Urban Interface: "Sustaining Forests in a Changing Landscape
21 Georgia Forest Facts
21 Smokey and Me
23 50 Years Ago
105 County Foresters, Rangers Make Ready for Dangerous Fire Season

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Savannah at its worst. Development in some areas has created a vast wasteland for urban forests.
Savannah at its best. Urban streets shrouded by oak canopy complements the city's historic atmosphere.

Savannah's oak-shaded squares enhance the city's image as a model urban forest. The coastal city was chosen as a role model for the GFC
guidebook because of extreme positive and negative factors.

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Editor's Note: The following article is the first in a series on an urban forestry development guidebook.

The Georgia Model Urban Forest Book is a new 78-page GFC guidebook providing communities with information for preserving and developing a green infrastructure in an urban environment.

"We wanted to give the public an easily understood guidebook on the principles of green infrastructure ," said Susan Reisch, statewide GFC Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator. "Something to make people more aware that trees are just as important in an urban environment as roads, utility lines, and buildings. The book is based on examples that can be used as role models to make the model urban forest happen in virtually any community."
An urban forest is simply defined as the collection of trees in and around communities and cities. This tree population provides varying degrees of influence on sustaining healthy communities. "In an urban forest, a single tree may be as important as a remnant forest in another environment," Reisch points out. "So the obvious conclusion is that we must preserve existing trees, plant new ones, and then sustain them in order to benefit from an urban forest."

But in spite of the city's urban-forest-consciousness, even Savannah has not escaped severe loss of tree canopy. And as Savannah exemplifies, the loss can be a relatively slow and insidious process that is not immediately noticed.
The Savannah Tree Foundation found that in Chatham County, between 1973 and 1992, an estimated 27 percent of the county's acreage lost a significant amount (defined as 20 percent or more) of tree canopy. The report revealed that while 60 percent of tree loss occurred in unincorporated areas of Chatham County, almost 20 percent occurred within the City of Savannah. It was also shown that loss of tree canopy accelerated during the last eight years of the study.
"If this can happen in a city like Savannah," Reisch said, "a beautiful city that does so many things right then it can happen anywhere unless steps are taken to prevent it."

REPERCUSSIONS OF POPULATION GROWTH In the late 90s, a surge of population growth made Georgia the fastest growing state in the South. Four counties in the metro Atlanta area ranked among the 10 fastest growing counties in the U.S. The rapid growth brought many benefits, but it also carried an environmental price tag.
One particularly noticeable downside effect is declining air quality, made conspicuous by Atlanta's ongoing battle to reduce airborne emissions and ground level ozone. Another obvious and negative effect is rapid loss of tree cover, which resulted directly in some Georgia communities not being able to meet clean air and water standards. To compound a number of negative effects, increased potential for flooding is another problem related to loss of trees.
Clarifying the seriousness of the problem, a 1999 study estimated that metropolitan Atlanta was losing approximately 50 acres of trees daily. "However," Reisch said, "as disturbing as this estimate is, losing tree cover is not confined to the Atlanta area. It's happening all over Georgia."
SAVANNAH Savannah has become an internationally known city, famous for its oak-shaded squares and other scenic, urban forest areas. The coastal city's historic atmosphere, complemented by well-preserved urban forests, has attracted a number of Hollywood film makers to the area, including Clint Eastwood.

SENATE BILL 399 The statewide importance of urban tree cover loss was impressed on the general public on April 16, 2000 when Governor Roy Barnes signed Senate Bill 399 Georgia Greenspace Program Act. Bill 399 provides a framework for communities to preserve at least 20 percent land base as open space or "greenspace" for use as passive recreation and natural resource protection. Trees and forests would be ideal greenspace.
Governor Barnes' signing of the Act formally highlighted the fact that trees provide big cities and small communities with economic, ecological, and social benefits. Stressing again, as the GFC guidebook does, that the urban forest is a collection of individual trees in a landscape setting, as well as forest remnants in parks and open spaces.
"It's the tree growing in your backyard or lines of trees under street lights," Reisch said. "It's a downtown shade tree or trees growing along a suburban creek bank. They all make up the valuable composite."
LEADING THE WAY These events, and others, led to the origin of the Georgia Model Urban Forest Book developed from a GFC report that emerged from the Model Urban Forest Workshops held in the spring and summer of 2000.
In January 2000, GFC published Georgia's Urban and Community Forest An Assessment and Five Year Strategic Plan

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GUIDEBOOK DIVISIONS The Georgia Model Urban Forest Book is divided into four basic parts. The first part explains why a community vision for the urban forest is needed in relation to potential benefits. The second part develops policy models that make urban forestry interests compatible with economic growth. The third part organizes techniques required to establish and maintain a model urban forest. The fourth and final part details methods for a community to measure success whether just starting an urban forest or evaluating an existing program.

Along Savannah's Abercorn Street, four development types that can be found in most Georgia communities are represented: urban core, older suburbs, recent suburbs, and rural areas.

The basis for the model urban forest is the need to re-examine current development concepts. This examination can only be effective when approached as a collective vision including perspectives ranging from foresters to engineers (not to mention the politicians in between). The entire spectrum of the community must be involved to give an accurate profile. One useful tool in this process is a table in the GFC guidebook comparing an "Existing Development Model" to the "Urban Model Forest." This table is a simple but revealing comparison.

2000-2004. The plan outlines a strategy to improve the state's collective urban forest environment. The Georgia Model Urban Forest Book is intended to serve as a major tool in implementing that plan.

As an example for examining extreme contrasts in urban forestry success and failure, Savannah was selected to illustrate forestry opportunities and constraints. Savannah's Abercorn Street runs through four development types that can be found in most Georgia communities: the urban core, older suburbs, recent suburbs, and rural areas. Beginning near the Savannah River, Abercorn Street extends through the city's historic district and ends in rural Chatham County (becoming State Route 204). Abercorn's four general development types offer a framework for examining current development patterns and regulations; they can also provide a comparison potential for establishing and sustaining a model urban forest.

Other cities were considered for the "model city example," but Savannah was eventually selected because of its dramatic contrasts. Augusta, Madison, and Monticello were among other cities evaluated for the urban model.

Just taking a walk on one of Savannah's tree-lined sidewalks can be a uniquely pleasant experience.

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est Ecology; Dudley Hartel, Consulting Urban Forester; Ed Macie, USDA Forest Service/Southern Region; and Susan Reisch, GFC Urban Community Forestry Coordinator.
Partners involved in producing the book included: Georgia Forestry Commission, USDA Forest Service Southern Region, Georgia Urban Forest Council, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Savannah Tree Foundation, Atlanta Center for Disease Control, Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Quality Growth Partnership, Trees Atlanta, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Conservancy, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, Georgia Greenspace Program, Inventory and Information Systems, Technical Forestry Service, and Thom's Trees and Plants.
For further information on the Georgia Model Urban Forest Book, contact Susan Reisch at 404-298-3935.
Next in the series: Why an Urban Forest?

Atlanta, although referred to as a city in a forest, has many urban forestry problems. A 1999 study revealed the city lost 50 acres of tree cover daily.
In order to get maximum benefits from the GFC guidebook, the reader should keep in mind that urban forests have different challenges from rural woodlands and wilderness forests. Rural and wilderness forest areas are often under single ownership or a relatively small number of owners; consequently, they can be managed with more simplified policies. In contrast, the urban forest involves a complex maze of ownerships, values, and objectives with differing attitudes concerning tree planting and preservation.

As the GFC guidebook points out - in an urban forest, a single tree may be as important as a patch of forest remnant.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT The GFC published Georgia Model Urban Forest Book was designed and written by James Urban, a landscape architect, and EDAW, Inc., who worked with various agency leaders throughout Georgia to gain insights into the complicated urban forestry situation.

Steering Committee members for the publication included: Joe Burgess, GFC Urban Forester; Dr. Kim Coder, UGA Professor of For-

Scenic Madison was one of several cities considered as the model urban locale for the GFC guidebook.

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

STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM REACHES MILESTONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Expiring Plans Bring Policy Changes

T he 10th anniversary of Georgia's highly effective Forest Stewardship Program coincides with the expiration of the first Stewardship Plans that were written for the decade a transition that brings policy changes expected to increase efficiency and success of the program.

Stewardship Plan practices during the past decade. "Even so," Hatten said, "these landowners should not be denied eligibility for a new plan." He added that in such situations, a letter of explanation from the landowner will be required; this letter must state why plan practices were not implemented.

"A vast amount of beneficial work has been accomplished through the effective use of plan-writing partners," said Rick Hatten, GFC State Coordinator for the Forest Stewardship Program. "We are grateful to everyone who has contributed in any way to the success of this program. Now the question is being asked will the Stewardship Program contract with consulting foresters to rewrite expired plans for the next ten years?"

Following similar guidelines, a current Certified Steward should also have a plan developed.
Hatten said a written management plan is obviously a valuable tool for the landowner, "but it is important that the tool be used." The Certified Stewardship Nomination and site inspection are designed to determine whether or not the landowner is serious about participating in the Forest Stewardship Program.

Hatten answers this question by saying that any landowners wanting a stewardship plan should be able to get one-- but new policies involving contracts are vitally important. "In order to show that the practices and recommendations from plans are being followed, a Certified Steward Nomination--with site inspection--must be be completed by any landowner requesting a second plan," Hatten said.
The concept of the new policy is that if a landowner is a serious steward, implementing a designated plan including guidelines of a Certified Steward, then expenditure of federal funds for development of a second Stewardship Plan can be justified.

Currently, there are 3,410 landowners enrolled in the Georgia Forest Stewardship. Written plans for these participants include 901,968 acres. The one million-acre mark is expected to be reached in less than 18 months with a formal ceremony already planned to acknowledge the historical goal.
"One impressive indication of the success of this program and its participants," Hatten said, "is that one-hundred-forty-eight landowners have been designated Certified Stewards by managing their forestlands following a stewardship ethic and recommendations of their plans. We look forward to continuing this progressive trend."

"The State Stewardship Committee completely supports this process," Hatten said. It is obvious that not all landowners have implemented all designated

Any questions concerning Georgia's Forest Stewardship Program should be directed to Rick Hatten at: rhatten@gfc.state.ga.us or 478-751-3491.

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

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Wildlife

Aesthetics

Georgia Forestry

Water Quality

FOREST STEWARDSHIP IMPROVES.........

Timber

Recreation

Fall 2001

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

PRESCRIBED BURNING FOR WILDLIFE

By Tim Wilson Forest Stewardship Biologist

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 affect 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. 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 airmass stability are important elements

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

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 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 produce 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 condi-
tions 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 burnt, and pay close attention to the weather. When in doubt about using prescribe fire, employ the services of a forestry professional.

Note: If you need assistance with a prescribed burn plan, firebreak preparation, or fire weather forecasting, call your local Georgia Forestry Commission office. Wildlife habitat improvement recommendations are available through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM RECOGNIZES NEWEST CERTIFIED STEWARDS

T his Summer six landowners were recognized for their efforts in managing their forest resources following recommendations made for them in their Forest Stewardship Plan. They are:

David Lindsey, Walnut Creek Plantation Pat McFadden, Lokchasassa Wilderness Project Chuck & Beth Williams Ed Roche Wayne & Karen Middendorf Georgia Forestry Commission, Bartram Forest

Meriwether County Seminole County Oconee County Laurens County Clarke County Baldwin County

The addition of these well-managed forestlands brings the total number of Certified Stewards to 149 in Georgia.

If you are a participant in the Forest Stewardship Program and would like to be considered for designation as a Certified Steward contact your Georgia Forestry Commission Forester or Rick Hatten at 1-800-GA TREES.

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E XPO 2001, the Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition held in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center, attracted thousands of industry representatives from the U.S. and foreign countries during the three-day show.
Every two years, the Forest Products Industry sponsors this most extensive display of forest products machinery in North America. Traditionally, the biennial EXPO draws a high-quality audience. Attendance records show that more than half of those attending list corporate responsibilities as general manager or higher. A large percentage of those attending are owners and operators of their own businesses.
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES The general public is not admitted to EXPO shows. Attendance is restricted to qualified industry representatives with a registration fee charged to all attending. Following the EXPO 2001, each exhibitor was provided with a complete list of attendees. This list includes the industry's top management and purchasing executives representing the complete spectrum of forest products activities including: lumber, panel, plywood, pallet-related manufacturing, treating and secondary processing, harvesting, logging, and other silvicultural operations.
This year's widely publicized EXPO 2001 displayed the latest in new equip-

ment and technology for greater efficiency. The 165 product category listing for the show included: abrasives, bark processing machinery, chipping headrigs, cranes, logging supplies, motors, nuts and bolts, oil coolers, pumps, rip saws, firefighting equipment, veneer machinery, feller/ bunchers, sawmill machinery, satellite equipment, and whole tree processors.
SEMINARS Technical and logging seminars were well received during the EXPO. First day seminars ranged from "E-Commerce--Where Is It Going?" to "Designing Wood-Fired Boilers For Low Emissions." Second day sessions included "Automatic Grading Of Southern Pine," and "Linear Optimization At The Planer Mill." Also on the second day, Logging Seminars included "Master Logger Certification" and "Industry Certification."
The third and final EXPO day concluded with Logging Seminars on "Protecting The Family Business" and "Cut ToLength Operations."
HISTORY OF A SHOWCASE TECHNOLGY EXPO roots go back more than 40 years, when members of the Southern Pine Association (SPA) met to determine how mechanical efficiency of the forest products industry could be im-

proved; the decision was to bring together machinery manufacturers and lumbermen for an exchange of ideas.
The result: a "sawmill breakfast" held at the 1949 annual SPA meeting, where machinery manufacturers displayed equipment and described product efficiency. Shortly after this meeting, the concept of developing an exposition to showcase such products was developed.
In 1950, the first logging and sawmill machinery exposition was held at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans. More than $1 million worth of equipment was displayed. The exhibits attracted more than 500 lumbermen.
Although it was decided that the expositions would be held every two years, the second show was not held until 1953 due to the Korean War. But when show resumed, it was back on track with a new energy fueled by increasing interest in the concept.
During 1952, the first debarker was installed at a lumber mill in Arkansas. Two weeks later, an SPA mechanical efficiency committee set a meeting date so other lumbermen could inspect the machinery. Following this historic meeting, widespread investment in chippers and debarkers provided momentum for the second exposition.

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Beginning in 1953, the machinery expositions sponsored by the association were held on a biennial basis. The scope of the exposition increased with each successive show.
In 1976, the show was granted international status by the Commerce Department, permitting foreign exhibitors to bring in equipment duty free. Attracting foreign and domestic

exhibitors, the show became an international exposition with thousands of potential buyers attending.
The current result is an array of technology and services showcased at the exposition, which has become the largest show of its kind in North America EXPO 2001 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Expo Floor Exhibit

IWF 2002 TO FOLLOW EXPO 2001 SHOWING
The IWF (International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair), which alternates biennial shows with EXPO, is already 94 percent full with exhibit space occupants for the IWF 2002 event scheduled for August 22-25 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
With the addition of a new World Congress Center exhibit hall, IWF 2002 is expected to be the organization's biggest show in its 36 year history. Next year's show currently has more than 1,000 companies signed to fill 778, 518 of the 824,000 square feet of exhibit space. Companies will display and demonstrate the latest technology in machinery, supplies, raw materials, hardware, and services. Exhibits are designed for large manufacturers and professional shops with interests in woodworking, furniture, cabinetry, solid surface, store fixtures, and architectural woodworking.
At the massive IWF 2002 show, buyers can expect new exhibits. Of the exhibitors currently signed, 73 are new to IWF; this means new ideas and new products. In addition to more exhibits, IWF will have a more comprehensive display of U.S. and international products and services than any trade show in the industry. While European and Pacific Rim trade shows feature a predominance of companies from the country or area in which they are held, IWF is unique in its variety of worldwide exhibitors.
The largest trade show of its kind the Western Hemisphere, IWF 2002 expects to host 50,000 participants from more than 90 countries. The show will include a technical Conference Program, and New Product Showcase. Also, Design Emphasis, an advanced level student and furniture design competition at IWF, has announced the addition of "Occasional Furniture" as new award category; the new entry will include traditional tables and small accent pieces.
For more information on IWF 2002, go online to www.iwf2002.com or call 770-246-0606.

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FIA forester records tree data. New annual inventory system provides continuous updating of Georgia's forest trends.

G eorgia's first 20 percent sample of data collected under the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) project has been released for public use and comparison with related information.
Larry Thompson, GFC Associate Chief of Forest Management, said the annual forest inventory was initiated in Georgia by the GFC in 1998 in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. Thompson said almost all Southern states have adopted the procedure of annual inventory data collection (authorized by Congress in the Agriculture Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998/P.L. 105-185).
"Before 1998, forest inventories such as this were collected by the USDA Forest Service on a statewide basis every eight to ten years," Thompson said. "That is, the whole state was sampled when the inventory was d o n e ."
Now, however, the annual FIA inventory involves collection of a 20 percent sample every year to complete the statewide analysis. Each 20 percent sample is referred to as a "panel," with five panels making a five-

year "cycle" to complete the study. The 20 percent sample (or panel) includes permanent forest and nonforest plots located throughout the state.
DETAIL CONCERN "This first 20 percent that has been released will not be very detailed," Thompson said, "but it can provide useful information comparison purposes in some situations."
Thompson emphasized that appropriate considerations should be included when analyzing or comparing the current 20 percent data with previous Georgia forest inventory data. He said the possibility of sampling error is much greater with such a small set of data, although for some comparisons, it could be useful.
"As additional panels are added, the sampling factor will be reduced and statistical accuracy will increase," Thompson said. "Actually, the FIA method is much more effective and useful because inventories contributing to the five-year cycle are being conducted continually every year. These current-ongoing results can be accessed by computer anytime. It is the hard-

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two trends indicate an increase in planting and conversion of non-forest lands into productive forestlands," Thompson said. Growing stock inventory only includes trees that are five inches in diameter, or larger.

Sawtimber volume trends, although showing a decrease, contain the largest sampling error (the possibility that Thompson emphasized concerning early panels in the cycle); therefore, this segment may not reflect an accurate profile for this variable.

Measuring tree diameters is one of numerous activities involved in tree inventory analysis. FIA project involves collection of a 20 percent sample every year to complete statewide analysis.

All things considered, Thompson expects the second panel (representing 1999) will be rolled into the first

copy publication in detail that is printed at the end of the five-year panel. Before the annual inventory method was established, there could be a ten-year wait before new information of this sort became available."

In essence, annual inventories allow continuous updating of Georgia's forest trends and provide for a rolling average data. After five years, a detailed and comprehensive report is released, with information detailed down to the county level.

PANEL RESULTS According to the 1998 panel, Georgia's timberland area increased by 97,500 acres from the previous survey; this acreage determination is based on "timberland" defined as forestland capable of producing 20 cubic feet of industrial wood per acre and not withdrawn from timber utilization.

The 1998 panel also determined all live tree inventory increased 1.3 million cubic feet, while growing stock inventory decreased slightly by 497,000 cubic feet. "These

A "witness tree" helps identify plot center in FIA data collection process.

panel to provide a more accurate report of forest trends in Georgia. "The second panel for Georgia should be available shortly," he said.

The latest inventory data, from panel one (1) and previous forest data for Georgia, is posted on the internet and can be accessed at the USDA Forest Service website: www.srsfia.usfs.msstate.edu.

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Increment boring is taken to determine FIA site characteristics. Duties of FIA foresters are exclusively inventory analysis.

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GEORGIA FOREST RESOURCES COUNCIL:
Seeking Common Ground
This diverse group looks for similar interests, as well as solutions, concerning Georgia's forestry-related issues.
P ublic discussion of forestry-related topics is likely to bring polarization, conflict, disagreement, litigation, regulation, and frustration...at least that's been the case in the Northwest United States where there has been contentious debate over whether to cut timber on public lands.
Some feel those disputes drove public opinion toward making decisions to end the arguing rather than finding "win-win" solutions for all parties involved.
Although we here in the Southeast have not faced that level of public debate, we are facing some of those same

questions and issues. Many natural resources professionals in Georgia see the handwriting on the wall, and are warning that steps need to be taken now to avoid having a similar unfortunate situation occur in our own backyard.
An informal group of diverse individuals from the forestry, natural resources, and environmental communities are committed to cooperation and to practical problem solving to tackle current questions and issues. They also want to help Georgia take a proactive approach to anticipated forestry-related issues by finding effective ways to address them before the issues polarize people with otherwise common interests in the well-being of the forests.
Comprised of representatives from state and federal government, local communities, landowners, the timber industry and environmental organizations, the group is known as the Georgia Forest Resources Council (GFRC).
Originally initiated in early 1996 as an offshoot of the 7th American Forest Congress, it was expanded to provide continued dialog.
The group is committed to establishing a much needed vehicle to allow for the productive exchange of forestryrelated information and concepts among parties in Georgia who come from different perspectives. But instead of focusing on their differences, the group's goal is to find similarities.
In order to accomplish this, participants agree that all must be reasonable, positive, and always maintain an open

Some of the topics discussed during the June meeting of the GFRC (pictured above) include: Forest Legacy and Conservation Easements, Forest Certification, Southern Forest Resource Assessment, Canadian Lumber Imports, and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Process in Georgia.

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Georgia Forestry

Fall 2001

The mission of the Georgia Forest Resources Council:
To provide a forum to promote the appropriate stewardship and utilization of healthy forest ecosystems in Georgia
mind. Additional guiding principles for GFRC participants are to seek information, understanding, common ground, creative solutions, new directions, mutually beneficial results for society, and short-term directions for long-term solutions.
While some foresters would automatically be concerned about a representative of the Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society, or the National Wildlife Federation participating in discussions about Georgia's forests, the Council has found it to be most informative for all parties, including those organizations. All participants walk away with a better understanding and perhaps an appreciation for a differing point of view.
Likewise, groups that have been faithful participants in the GFRC, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contribute positively to the group's understanding of many of the regulatory aspects of forestry in Georgia. The GFRC has also provided a neutral opportunity to discuss and debate proposed regulatory programs so that EPA and other regulatory agencies better understand the concerns and constraints of the private landowner, the logger, the forestry consultant, the timber companies, and the timber market.
As a result of these open discussions, there is usually more common ground identified than anticipated. While the GFRC does not have the answers, they are willing to begin dialogue about the issues. But they stress that it begins with a sincere commitment to seeking common ground.
As forest products will continue to be in high demand in the Southeast, the constantly growing population in this sunbelt region puts additional pressure on the shrinking land base to allow for forestry practices. Common ground among Georgia's leaders is sought to assure that these forest products can be appropriately and efficiently produced, and that significant environmental resources are protected.
Cut timber on public lands or not? If so, how much, where, how, who pays, who benefits? While the natural distribution of the spotted owl does not include the Southeast, we have the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, the flatwoods salamander, the bald eagle and many other species of concern. We don't have salmon occurring natu-

rally in the Southeast, but we have many other important game and non-game fish that require good water quality that fisherman want to maintain in our streams in Georgia. What about certification? The list goes on.
Like other areas in life where disagreements arise, you may not find 100% overlap on agreeable positions but you can listen, learn and seek that overlap of common interests. Such is the intent of the Georgia Forest Resources Council. GFRC has attempted to accomplish this through the following:
! The utilization of an informal forum to exchange forestry ideas and perspectives
! The commitment to encouraging and fostering positive and productive "win-win" discussions about, and suggested solutions to, Georgia forestry related issues
! The creation of an effective forestry and conservation information exchange mechanism
GFRC Participants:
Fred Allen...GA Forestry Commission Chris Barneycastle...GA Forestry Association Lynda Beam...Forest Landowner Rex Boner...The Conservation Fund (Co-Chair) Elizabeth Booth...GA EPD Roger Boykin...US Fish & Wildlife Service Dennis Daniel...US Forest Service Ray Ellis...US Forest Service Steve Friedman...The Nature Conservancy George Gay...The Wilderness Society John Godbee...International Paper Company Tom Greene...The Nature Conservancy Rick Hatten...GA Forestry Commission Pierre Howard...GA DNR Board Bob Izlar...University of Georgia Susan Kidd...GA Conservancy Arnett Mace... University of Georgia Drew Marczak...The Timber Company Jerry McCollum...Georgia Wildlife Federation Rob Olszewski ...The Timber Company Doug Parsons...GA Conservancy Hillrie Quin...National Wildlife Federation Tiffanie Starr ...UGA Graduate Student Andy Stone...Stuckey Timberlands Blake Sullivan...Sullivan Forestry Consultants, Inc. MarshallThomas...F&W Forestry Services Larry Walker...Weyerhaeuser Company (Co-Chair) David Waller...GA Department of Natural Resources Tom Welborn...US EPA Mark Whitney... GA Department of Natural Resources WesleyWoolf...Southern Environmental Law Center Mark Woodall...Sierra Club

Fall 2001

Georgia Forestry

17

M iss Marie Browning, of Brooks County, was crowned Miss Georgia Forestry Queen for 2001 at the 62nd Annual Miss Georgia Forestry Pageant held in Tifton at the Tift Theater for Performing Arts.
The popular Tifton event hosted 120 contestants competing for the number one title of Forestry Queen, as well as numerous other titles decided by the judges. Bob Lazenby, GFC Deputy Director, and Tifton Mayor Paul Jones were guest speakers for the Pageant.
Bob Farris, GFC Director of Field Operations with Macon State Headquarters, crowned Marie Browning as Miss Georgia Forestry. The new 2001 Forestry Queen received a cash and college scholarship award. She also received an emerald Miss Georgia Forestry ring, rhinestone studded banner, magnetic signs for her car, a set of business cards, and several hundred dollars worth of gift certificates.
QUEEN'S PROFILE Marie is the 23-year-old daughter of Margie Higgs and the late Wendell Higgs of Quitman, Georgia. She graduated with a 4.0 grade average from Valdosta State University where she received a Master of Arts in History degree.
The newly crowned Miss Georgia Forestry plans to attend law school with a previous academic record that makes her well prepared for the curriculum. Marie was valedictorian of her senior class, an All

Miss Georgia Forestry Queen 2001 Marie Browning of Brooks County
American Scholar, President's First Year Scholar, and 1999 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Valdosta State.
Marie's speech for Miss Georgia Forestry competition was "Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Abstinence." As for winning the title, Marie said she is "very excited" about promoting forest stewardship and forest protection during the next year.

PAGEANT PARTICULARS The contestants were treated to a tour of the Georgia Agrirama, a police motorcade, and a "Satin-N-Lace" recep-
tion. A tree farm tour for the group was sponsored by the GFC Tift County Forestry Unit, Walter
Stephens, and the Forestry Division of Abraham Baldwin College in Tifton. Tommy Ganas, Chief Ranger of the Tift County GFC Unit, and Michael Staton,
GFC Forester with the District 8 Office, were guides and speakers for the tree farm tour.
The Teen Contestants of the Pageant were provided with a reception by "Uniquely Yours," a pageant-consultant shop in Tifton. Contestants in the Teen and Miss categories were escorted to the Pageant by limousine.
All 120 contestants were scored 50 percent on a seven-minute private interview with the judges, 25 percent on a platform speech, and 25 percent on evening gown competition. Those contestants emerging as the Top 10 state finalists were given a three-minute interview on stage, with scores added to previous totals.
Finalists were: Shelley Nicole of Berrien County, Jessica Brooke Moye of Decatur County, Kristen Nicole Webb of Johnson County, Jamie Evelyn Burns of Montgomery County, Crystal Brooke Hunter of Tift County, Shanna Ray Thompson of Colquitt County (4th runnerup), Brandy Jane Williams of Toombs County (3rd runnerup),Tiffany Kicklighter of Tattnall County (2nd runner-up), Melissa Odum of Georgia State University (1st runner-up), and Marie Browning of Brooks County (Queen).

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Georgia Forestry

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Award of Appreciation

Mr. Steve Eunice received an award of appreciation from Director Fred Allen for his effective and dedicated support to the Georgia Forestry Commission. He served as a GFC Board Member from 1995 until 2001, providing strong support to the

Commission's Nursery and Fire Control programs. Mr. Eunice continues to be a strong promoter of forest and wildlife management. He serves as an impressive role model by practicing (on his land) what he preaches.

H. G. "Tommy" New is GFC Board of Directors Member

G overnor Roy Barnes appointed Tommy New to serve as Board Member of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Mr. New has served as county commissioner for Jefferson County for 22 years and forestry board member for Jefferson

County for 20 years. He retired from forest industry as International Paper Area Manager after 35 years and now owns a forestry consulting practice that serves Jefferson and surrounding counties. Mr. New is also a member of the Rural Development Council, CSRA Law Enforcement Council, and First National Bank & Trust Company Board of Directors.

GFC WINS AWARD FOR NEWS RELEASE

The Georgia Forestry Commission received an "Award of Excellence" for a news release (Research Breakthrough Expected to Revolutionize Tree Planting) in the Communications Concepts APEX 2001 / Thirteenth Annual Awards for Publication Excellence.
Sponsored by Communications Concepts, Inc., of Springfield, Virginia, the international competition included entries from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia, Africa, and England. Categories ranged from "Corporate Capability Brochures" to "Speech & Script Writing." Grand Awards are presented in what the competition defines as Major (broad) Categories, while Awards of Excellence go to winners in (more specialized) Sub-Categories.
The GFC news release, written by Information Specialist Bill Edwards, was recognized for an Award of Excellence in the category of "Media Kit & News Release Writing." The winning GFC release, not supported by a press kit, was recognized solely on the merits of the news release.

"With some 5,100 entries, competition was exceptionally intense," said John De Lellis, Concepts Editor and Publisher. "The Georgia Forestry Commission news release was a skillful blending of direct marketing techniques within a news release format. The head was clear and focused always vital to an effective news release. The copy was well organized with key points obvious and emphasized. But the proof is in the pudding did the release promote sales?"
Johnny Branan, GFC Chief of Reforestation, describes the influence of the release on sales: "We (GFC) were having problems selling hardwood seedlings, simply because the public was unaware of the unusually highquality seedlings available due to recent research advancements. But after the release was sent out, the phone rang off the hook for several months and we sold completely out of hardwood seedlings. An estimated 40,000 white oak seedlings were sold as a result of this release. In fact, we are still getting response and expect to sell seedlings for years to come because of this one news release."

Depending on category, judging of the Concepts annual award program is based on a number of excellence factors including editorial content, structure, objectives, innovative techniques, and ability to achieve overall communications excellence. Other winners of 2001 Concepts Awards include: Walt Disney Company, Burbank, CA, "Feature Writing," and the American Red Cross, Washington, DC, "New Magazines & Journals."
The Concepts judging panel included: John De Lellis, Concepts Publisher; Nancy Rathbun Scott, Editor of Writing That Works; and Paul D. Fisher, Concepts Senior Evaluator and formerly Professor of Journalism with University of Missouri School of Journalism.
Communications Concepts, in addition to publishing and sponsoring the annual APEX Awards, also provides international consulting services for a variety of public relations and marketing organizations.

Fall 2001

Georgia Forestry

19

CLINCH COUNTY'S OETTMEIER - CERTIFIED TREE FARMER - 50 YEARS

Superior Pine President, Bill Oettmeier, Jr. of Fargo, Georgia was recently recognized as being a certified member of the state tree farm program for 50 years. Georgia Forestry Commission Forester, Keith Murphy, presented Oettmeier with a gold sign which will be displayed in front of the Superior Pine office in honor of the designation. The first nationally designated tree farms began in 1942. According to Murphy, Oettmeier's father, (Bill Oettmeier, Sr.), was the first certified tree farmer in the state in 1948.

Fargo's Bill Oettmeier, left, receives his 50-year tree farm designation from GFC Forester Keith Murphy.

GUFC 2001 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Georgia Urban Forest Council announces its 2001 Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 14 at the University of Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, GA.
The theme of the one-day conference is Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Urban Forestry. Topics include the recently completed Athens-Clarke County Best Management Practices Plan and Manual, the many impacts of urban activities on trees and roots, and solutions that encourage optimal results. There will be a one-hour question and answer session to provide a forum for addressing specific issues of those attending the conference. In addition, there will be demonstrations of equipment that facilitate BMPs.
Featured speakers are:
Robinson Fisher, ASLA, Fisher and Associates Roger Cauthen, Athens-Clarke County
Landscape Management Division Kim Coder, Professor of Forest Resources,
Warnell School of Forest Resources, UGA Walter Reeves, Host of GPTV's Gardening in
Georgia with Walter Reeves; retired Horticulture Educator and Media Specialist with the Horticulture Department of the Cooperative Extension Service Tim Womick, environmental educator, coordinator of Trail of Trees

The Annual Awards Luncheon will be held during the Conference. This year, framed prints of an original drawing of the Yarbrough Oak will be presented to Award winners. Artist Barry Nehr has prepared an outstanding pen and ink drawing of this tree, which is located in Oxford. Acorns from this historic white oak were collected and planted in 1999 by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The trees are now available in 3-gallon pots and available for sale. Proceeds benefit the project's partners: Georgia Urban Forest Council, the City of Oxford, and Technical Forestry Services.
A reception for Tree Boards will be held Tuesday evening, November 13.
Related events include: " Monday, November 12: Certified arborist and tree
worker/tree climber study session. " Tuesday, November 13: Exams, a bicycle ride from
Newnan to Griffin led by Tim Womick, a tree planting in Senoia, and climbing and equipment demonstrations.
For additional information or to be placed on the mailing list, please call Kacey Ratterree (800) 994-4832.

THE WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE: "SUSTAINING FORESTS IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE"

November 5-8, 2001 University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Gainesville, FL

This conference will highlight means of enhancing natural resource management, planning, and policy-making at the wildland-urban interface. Natural resource professionals and planners will present new research results and examples of successful programs, approaches, and case studies from the interface. Oral and poster

presentations focusing on innovative ideas and programs for sustaining forests at the interface will be presented.
For information on the conference program, registration, and abstract submission, check the website: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/

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Georgia Forestry

Fall 2001

___% of Georgia is made of forests!
Add the next letter to find how much economic impact that forests have in Georgia each year.

Add all of the red numbers below to find what percentage of Georgia
is made of forests.

445

1

4

2

5 2

213

354

1

2

3

5 2

314

$19.7 B AHKKHNM

#1 #2 #3 #4
Peanuts Vegetables Timber Cotton

What is the highest valued crop in Georgia?
Draw an arrow from the crop to its place in order
from highest to lowest.

ANSWERS: #1. 66% of Georgia is made of forests. #2. Georgia's Forests has a $19.7 Billion dollar a year economic impact. #3. Timber is the highest valued crop in Georgia followed by vegetables, cotton, and peanuts.

Fall 2001

Georgia Forestry

21

Smokey and Me
l. Color this picture and frame. 2. Cut it out of this magazine. 3. Make a hole by cutting out the white circle. 4. Place your school picture behind the frame so that your face shows in
the hole. 5. Tape the photo in place (on the back side of the frame).
Fold Here

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22

Georgia Forestry

Fall 2001

From the

October 1951

issue of

Georgia

Forestry

In 1951, rangers of the Georgia Forestry Commission officially served only two-thirds of Georgia's

Magazine

159 counties. The average size wildfire was 22 acres. Today,

the GFC protects all 159 counties with an average size wildfire that is kept to less than five acres.

The concept of Smokey Bear was a mere seven years old in 1951, but his message, "Only you can prevent forest fires,"

The drought conditions that are mentioned in this 1951 article still holds true today. Without the cooperation of the public in

continued through the mid-50's, and marked 1954 and 1955 as preventing wildfires, Georgia's annual fire loss would be much

being some of the worst fire years in Georgia history. -

greater than it is.

Fall 2001

Georgia Forestry

23

N AT I V E T R E E S O F G E O R G I A

Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.)

DESCRIPTION: Leaves or needles 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, flat and spreading, feather-like in one plane on short, slender branches that fall with the leaves in the autumn. Fruit or cone nearly spherical or sometimes slightly egg-shaped, wrinkled, about 1 inch in diameter. Bark divided into broad, flat ridges, separating on the surface into long, thin fibrous scales, light cinnamon-red in color. A tree sometimes 150 feet high with a gradually tapering trunk generally 4 to 5 feet in diameter above the abruptly enlarged base, terminating in a spreading, rounded crown.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Feather-like arrangement of the leaves, branches deciduous, cone small and round; bark fibrous, cinnamon-red; presence of coneshaped knees around the base of the trunk.
WOOD: Light, soft, not strong, very brittle, easily worked, straight-grained, varying in color from pale brown to nearly black with a somewhat pungent odor. Old growth heartwood very durable.
USES: General construction, boats, fence posts, siding crossties, shingles, poles, piling, tans, silos, coffins, horticultural mulch.
DISTRIBUTION: Principally in swamps and ponds throughout most of the coastal plain, often replaced by a somewhat smaller species, Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens).

1995 - Bruce Lyndon Cunningham Nacogdoches, TX - USA

J. Frederick Allen Director

An Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider

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