Georgia forestry, Vol. 55, no. 3 (Fall 2002)

Georgia
FORESTRY

USPS No. 217120 Fall 2002

No. 3

Vol. 55

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 Johnnie B. Hall, Dudley William M. Oettmeier, Jr., Fargo

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. Periodical 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: 478-751-3530, Fax: 478-751-3559, Toll-Free: 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 (478) 751-3500, Fax (478) 751-3465

Roy E. Barnes Governor
J. Frederick Allen Director

Dear Georgia Citizens and Forest Landowners:
During the past few months, we have been working on the FY03 Georgia Forestry Commission Strategic Plan. Through the Strategic Plan and its implementation, we look forward to providing the highest quality service possible to our customers, Georgia citizens and forest landowners.
Our Strategic Plan focuses on six goals:
1. Reduce the damage caused by wildland fires to Georgia's forest resources, citizens, and property.
2. Improve the health and productivity of Georgia's forestland. 3. Implement and encourage forest management practices that improve and protect
water and air quality. 4. Assist Georgia communities of all sizes in the management of greenspace and
natural resources in the urban environment and at the wildland/urban interface. 5. Provide information and education on the protection, management, and value of
Georgia's forest resources. 6. Improve the diversity, competence, and skills of the Georgia Forestry Commission
workforce.
From each of these six goals, the Strategic Plan Team has identified specific objectives that we believe will greatly benefit our customers in the future.
Using these goals and objectives as guidelines, Georgia Forestry Commission personnel look forward to working with Georgia landowners in the upcoming year.
Sincerely,

J. Frederick Allen Director

Jim L. Gillis, Jr. H. G. Thomas New

Chairman, Soperton

Louisville

J. G. Fendig Savannah

Larry S. Walker Oglethorpe

P. W. Bryan Thomasville

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Johnnie B. Hall Dudley

William M. Oettmeier, Jr. Fargo

ON THE COVER: This scene of Georgia's beautiful fall colors was captured near Jasper and is a great example of Wildland/Urban Interface.
Photo by William Godfrey

Georgia Forestry

Fall 2002

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/Fall 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 BMPs Rank Water Quality a Top Priority
GFC Has Water Quality Specialists Statewide

6 CCA Wood is Safe During Transition to Alternatives
Industry Responds to Customer Interests

7 Georgia Trees May Be Sweetening Your Coffee
Xylitol Research Shows Marketing Potential

8 Managing for Quail in Pine Forests
How to Make Your Pine Forest Accommodate Quail

12 The Wildland/Urban Interface
Pilot Projects: Camden and White Counties

14 Measuring Success of the Model Urban Forest
Five Evaluation Levels for Communities

18 Announcements
Connie Head Receives Regional Forestry Award Forestry Community Honors 2002 State Forestry Pageant Winners 2002 Tree Farmer of the Year 2002 GFA Award Winners

21 Fun Page
Let's Have Some Fun in the Woods

22 Fun Page
Tree Identification

23 50 Years Ago
Fair Exhibits Stress Good Forestry Practices

24 Native Trees of Georgia
Water Oak (Quercus nigra L.)

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3

Georgia's increasing concern for availability of clean water has promoted a heightened awareness among tree farmers to protect water quality. During the past two decades, this situation led to the creation of Georgia's Best Management Practices (BMPs). GFC has water quality specialists located throughout the state to provide education for forestry practitioners.

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There are an estimated 500,000 private forest landowners in Georgia; these landowners are often Tree Farmers. Most forestland in Georgia is owned by private individuals or corporations - many of these forests have been nurtured by the same family for generations. When asked, most of the landowners consider themselves good stewards of the natural resources that have been entrusted to their care.

In years past, simply reforesting land that had

have ribbons of trees and other vegetation along

been harvested was considered "good

their banks. This practice results from streamside

stewardship." However, as Georgia's concern

management zones being left by landowners to

for the quality and availability of clean water

filter water flowing across the landscape; root

has increased, there has been a heightened

structures also provide stability to streambanks

awareness among tree farmers to protect water

and channels, even in situations where historical

quality. This concern has led to the creation

agricultural practices have scarred the landscape

and adoption of Georgia's Best Management

with erosion gullies. Foresters and loggers have

Practices (BMPs) for forestry during the past

found that where these old gullies exist, it is

two decades.

important to avoid reactivating them. Some

elements of Georgia's forestry BMPs are

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is

mandated by federal law or regulations.

charged with the responsibility of overseeing Best Management Practices (BMPs). Working

Walker

However, because of Georgia's landscape diversity, and diverse forest management

in concert with the U.S. Environmental

objectives of numerous private landowners,

Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Environmental many BMPs are considered voluntary. Forestry, however, along

Protection Department (EPD), GFC has brought together with any other land use, is covered under the Federal Clean Water

landowners, scientists, and forestry professionals to develop Act. The forest landowners' best method -- to ensure that they

practical, science-based BMPs designed to protect Georgia's are not in violation of clean water regulations -- is to utilize the

water quality as landowners conduct forestry activities.

forestry BMPs. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that forestry

operations, when conducted with BMPs, have minimal negative

EPA and university studies show that the impact of forestry impacts on water quality. Maintaining healthy forests protects

activities on water quality is minimal when compared to other water quality better than other land uses.

land uses - such as urban development and intensive

agriculture. Most people realize that the best land use for As noted, GFC focuses on education of landowners and others

water quality protection is without a doubt - forestry. involved in forestry activities. Recent studies and compliance

However, some forestry activities, if not performed with proper surveys indicate that over 95% of Georgia's forestry activities in

care, can create runoff and erosion problems. Best the late 1990's were conducted utilizing BMPs. In most cases

Management Practices (BMPs) were developed to address the where the BMPs were violated, GFC persuaded the landowner

potential of these consequences.

or other responsible party to go back and remediate the problems.

In a few rare instances where the landowner or operators refused

The Georgia Forestry Commission has over a dozen water to cooperate, GFC turned the cases over to EPD, which has the

quality specialists located throughout the state. Their primary authority to levy fines for violation of clean water regulations.

role is providing education for landowners, loggers, and other

forestry practitioners. GFC works with the University of Fortunately, these instances are by far the minority, and GFC

Georgia on scientific water and wildlife habitat impact studies, continues to put the bulk of its focus on educational outreach.

and to educate landowners, loggers, and others. Over 2,000 Frank Green, GFC's State Water Quality Coordinator, recently

loggers have participated in the UGA Master Timber Harvester commented that "everyone understands the need for clean

curriculum during the past three years. This curriculum water, whether it's for human consumption, fish and wildlife

addresses threatened and endangered species, and other habitat, or just its own natural beauty; we all recognize the

wildlife habitat concerns, in addition to focusing on BMPs for importance of protecting this valuable resource. So when we

protection of water quality. Likewise, many forest landowners talk to forest landowners about conducting their forestry

have attended workshops and had on-site consultations with activities in a manner that protects water quality, it's usually an

GFC foresters.

easy job to sell them on Georgia's BMPs."

Georgia's forestry BMPs provide for protection of streams primarily through stream buffers called Streamside Management Zones (SMZs). You may have noticed, as you ride the rural highways of our state in recent years, that more and more streams

You can obtain a copy of the Georgia BMP manual from your local GFC office or website http://www.gfc.state.ga.us. For further information, contact Frank Green at 478-751-3500.

Fall 2002

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Residential decks will be one of the main structures affected by the transition from CCA-treated wood to alternatives. Manufacturers are responding to customer interests in new preservatives providing the same benefits as CCAtreated wood.

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has issued a statement assuring the public that continued use of CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) treated wood does not pose any unreasonable risk during the wood treatment industry's voluntary transition to preservative alternatives over the next two years.
The statement was released in the wake of continuing public concerns following the transition decision prompted by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies related to wood treatments. The change affects all residential (nonindustrial) use of wood treated with CCA including wood used in decks, play structures, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, and walkways.
Officials with GFC emphasize that EPA has not concluded that CCA-treated wood poses any unreasonable threat to the public or environment; however, arsenic is a known carcinogen and EPA believes any reduction of potential exposure is desirable. Manufacturers will continue to produce CCA for industrial applications such as highway construction, utility poles, and pilings.
RESEARCH CONFIRMS SAFETY Research studies show that people may be exposed to over 30 times more arsenic from food, water, and other natural sources than from contact with CCA-preserved wood; one analysis by the Florida Department of Health shows that a child would have to eat a spoonful of dirt, taken from next to a CCA-treated play structure, every day for 30 years before there would be any potential health influence.
Neither GFC or EPA recommends replacing CCA-treated wood structures or surrounding soil. For those still concerned about exposure, simple steps such as covering picnic tables

and hand washing are recommended such sanitary procedures could be beneficial precautions in any situation.
Other common sense suggestions for minimizing unnecessary exposure to CCA include: Treated wood should never be burned in open fires, stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers. And always follow precautions outlined in EPA's Consumer Safety Information Sheet before working with CCA-treated wood (for a copy of the Safety Sheet, visit http//www.ccasafetyinfo.com/).
INDUSTRY Decisions resulting in the EPA-announced transition allow for an orderly movement to the "next generation" of preservatives. The deadline of December 31, 2003 is generally considered ample time for planning. Some industry leaders consider the transition to be a change that could open the door to new opportunities in the future.
The fundamental safety of CCA-treated wood has not changed, but marketplace conceptions have changed. The wood preservative industry stands by the safety of all wood products treated with CCA, which have been used for nearly 70 years.
Manufacturers have made a decision to be responsive to customer interest in new preservatives that provide the same benefits of CCA-treated wood. A new generation of preservatives is on the way.
"Regardless of preservative treatments used, Southern pine will remain the species of choice for application," said GFC Director Fred Allen. "Southern pine's strength and unique ability to accept pressure makes it ideal for protection and a universal priority for building."

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GEORGIA TREES MAY BE
SWEETENING YOUR COFFEE
Xylitol Research Shows Marketing Potential

BENEFITS According to the latest research, xylitol is better for you health-wise than regular sugar. It has a third fewer calories, does not cause cavities, and may even prevent tooth decay. Xylitol can also be used as a sugar alternative for diabetics. This sugar substitute has also been known to inhibit growth of certain bacteria, including a form of bacteria that is a common cause of ear infections in children.
Although xylitol is found naturally in various fruits and vegetables (such as raspberries, strawberries, spinach, and cauliflower), the concentration is generally considered too low for commercial extraction to be practical.
However, Now Natural Foods, a health food company in Bloomington, Illinois, has been profitably selling xylitol, extracted primarily from a vegetable source, for more than 10 years. Established in 1968, the Now company sells a wide range of health related products ranging from seeds to vitamins.
Although the health-promoting xylitol also carries a healthy price ($4.99 for an 8 ounce pack), a well-defined market
continued on pg. 17

R esearch in progress at the University of Georgia (UGA) indicates that a sugar substitute termed "xylitol" could be derived from byproducts of the pulp and paper industry. Georgia, a national leader in the pulp and paper industry, offers a large untapped source for xylitol.

Dr. Jim Kastner, a biological and agricultural engineer with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has been working for more than a year on a research project focused on a fermentation process to extract the alternative sweetener from common byproducts of the pulp and paper industry. Considering Georgia's 26 pulp mills, the potential for a lucrative market becomes obvious.

Xylitol would be derived from an under-utilized byproduct stream. Kastner points out that xylitol does not come directly from the tree; it is actually produced from a wood residue substance.

"The sweetener, xylitol, is a highly valued product that is growing in worldwide demand," Kastner said. "It's commonly used in chewing gum, pharmaceuticals, and dental hygiene products. Xylitol has many benefits. Not only is xylitol just as sweet as regular table sugar, it also generates a cooling sensation in the mouth."

Jim Kastner, research scientist and biological engineer, prepares fermentation reactor for xylitol testing. The university research project involves production of the sugar substitute (xylitol) from byproducts of the pulp and paper industry.

Fall 2002

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Managing for Quail in Pine Forests
- condensed from "Managing for Quail in Forested Habitats"
by Reggie Thackston Bobwhite Quail Initiative Coordinator Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division

PINE FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES In Georgia, pine forests comprise a substantial proportion of the bobwhite's geographic range. Pines produce pine seeds, used by quail as fall food, and large quantities of pine needles, which serve as a fuel for prescribed burning. However, on many sites, trees occur at densities that shade and out-compete desirable food and cover plants. Within pine forests, the abundance of quail and other important nongame birds are strongly associated with the structure and composition of the ground layer vegetation.

then will be comprised of trees of all age classes. When appropriately applied, this is the most complex and intensive method of forest management. It requires an extensive access system throughout the forest stand and increases the complexity of prescribed burning since young pine regeneration areas (except for longleaf) must be protected from fire. Since southern pines are shade intolerant, all-aged management necessitates maintaining a low density of overstory trees, which also
enhances ground cover conditions for bobwhite quail.

In general, quail benefit from grass and forb ground cover that develops in open and frequently burned pine forests, and for the first two to four years following forest regeneration cuts. Management for maximum economic return from timber is not consistent with providing optimum habitat for quail. However, through careful planning, timber can be managed for reasonable economic returns while maintaining huntable quail populations.
A variety of silvicultural techniques and habitat management practices can be used to integrate quail habitat with pine forest management. These practices include timber harvest and regeneration, establishment and management of openings, and prescribed burning. The specific timing and intensity of implementing these practices often must be varied to meet site-specific conditions. However, there are some general management guidelines that can be followed to enhance habitat for quail and other early successional wildlife in pine forests.
PINE FOREST MANAGEMENT METHODS All-aged and even-aged management are the two primary methods of forest management. All-aged management results from harvesting groups of trees frequently throughout the life of a stand. The stand

Even-aged management is the most

commonly used forest management

method. It results from the harvest and

regeneration of entire stands of trees at a

given point in time (called the rotation

age) thus creating a new stand of trees of

the same age. Regeneration methods

for even-aged management include

clear-cutting followed by planting

of seedlings, leaving a few seed

trees or many seed trees, called a

shelterwood.

Even-aged

management is less complex and

less costly to implement on an

extensive scale than all-aged management. Quail

populations often increase during the first two to four

years after a stand has been cleared for regeneration.

However, even-aged management results in entire

stands of trees passing through the sapling stage (ages

four to 15 years depending on the site) at stocking

densities that shade out ground cover and are not

conducive to providing quality habitat or desirable

hunting conditions for quail.

Quail habitat can be maintained in pine forests that are managed with even-aged or all-aged methods. The management goal is to keep most of the ground in direct sunlight, control plant succession to maintain a diversity of grasses and forbs in the understory, and control hardwood invasion.

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PINE SPECIES SELECTION All pine forest types can be managed to enhance habitat conditions for quail. However, pine species historically indigenous to the site should be used when regenerating pine stands. Longleaf pine, within its historic range, is better suited for quail management than loblolly, shortleaf or slash pine because: 1) it has a sparse crown thereby allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor; 2) it is long-lived thereby providing increased management flexibility and a greater percentage of the total stand life in a suitable habitat condition; 3) it has a seed that is nutrient rich and highly preferred by quail; 4) it is relatively disease and insect resistant; 5) it is less prone to windthrow; and 6) it can be burned while in the grass stage.
The longleaf pine ecosystem once occupied approximately 21 million acres in Georgia. Unfortunately the longleaf ecosystem has been greatly diminished due to conversion to other forest types and land uses, contributing substantially to the decline in quail populations.
SITE PREPARATION Sites can be prepared for regeneration in a variety of ways ranging from those of low intensity, like prescribed burning, to those of high intensity, like shearing, raking, piling, burning and/or herbicides. The methods used affects plant succession. Prescribed burning and intense mechanical methods, especially when applied during winter months, seem to produce the most desirable food and cover conditions for quail. These techniques result in extensive stands of erect annual weeds including important quail food plants like ragweed, partridge pea and lespedezas. This provides excellent brood range, fall/winter food, and screening cover.
Herbicides are commonly used for site preparation, as well as later in the life of the stand, to retard or kill competing vegetation. The impact of herbicides on quail

habitat varies greatly depending on the herbicide(s) used and the method of application. In general, selective applications that leave legumes, blackberries, native grasses, and other important quail food and cover plants should be favored over those that control all vegetation.
SEEDLING SPACING Pine stand re-establishment requires artificial or natural regeneration. Seedling spacing determines the number of years until the tree crowns overlap and shade out the understory. With artificial regeneration, wide tree row spacing (such as seedlings every eight feet in rows 12 feet apart) allows for the establishment and maintenance of grasses, forbs, legumes, soft mast producers and cover plants. Additionally, 15 to 40 percent of each stand should be established in openings of two to five acres in size. These openings can be managed through combinations of winter disking, prescribed burning, herbicide application, mowing and planting to provide food, cover and brood range.
Natural regeneration by seed tree or shelterwood often results in dense seedling stands that quickly outcompete grasses and forbs. These seedling stands should be thinned pre-commercially or the stem density can be reduced by judicious skidding of the residual seed trees at the time of their removal.
THINNING Thinning should be frequently used in pine stands to improve quail habitat, upgrade timber quality, and provide revenue to the landowner. Stands should be thinned to maintain 40 to 60 percent of the ground in direct sunlight at noon (Fig. 1). Heavier thinnings are necessary on infertile soils to produce the desired ground cover. Within pine plantations, removing entire rows (Fig. 2) and then thinning out the diseased or deformed trees within rows, is recommended. Regardless of the thinning method used, the majority of the ground must be in direct sunlight.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fall 2002

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When practical, conduct thinning operations during the winter months so that the resulting soil disturbance stimulates growth of important quail foods and cover plants.
ROTATION AGE The time to harvest and regenerate pine stands depends on economic, wildlife and aesthetic objectives, pine species present, site fertility and overall stand health. Where quail are part of the management objective, long rotations should be favored. This can be over 60 years for loblolly, slash and shortleaf pine, and over 200 years for longleaf pine. Long rotations present managers with the opportunity to maintain a greater percentage of the total stand life in a suitable condition for quail. They also offer greater flexibility and ease in management. However, huntable populations of quail can be maintained on sites under short rotation management if careful planning occurs to ensure the establishment and maintenance of suitable ground cover conditions.
Where short rotations are used, special consideration should be given to the location and distribution of forest regeneration areas, establishment and maintenance of openings, and the management of roads and roadsides to provide food, cover and travel avenues for quail.
PRESCRIBED BURNING When used correctly, prescribed burning is one of the most effective and efficient tools available for managing quail habitat. Prescribed fire: 1) increases insect, legume, and soft mast abundance; 2) improves ground layer vegetative structure to enhance nesting cover, brood range, and insect and seed foraging conditions; 3) helps to control hardwood invasion into the forest midstory; 4) decreases the abundance of invertebrates that parasitize quail; and 5) decreases the chances of wildfire.
Prescribed burns should be applied to recently thinned stands that have at least 40 percent of the ground in sunlight. Burning is of little wildlife value in forest stands where sunlight cannot reach the forest floor. Prescribed burns should be conducted annually, with approximately 30 to 50 percent of the land left unburned to provide food, nesting and escape cover.

agricultural fields have fuel conditions that are best suited to winter burning, while longleaf/wiregrass stands are well adapted for growing season fires.
Prescribed burning should be initiated in pine stands at the earliest possible age. Longleaf stands can be burned in their second year when seedlings are still in the grass stage. Other pine species usually can be burned for the first time when they are 10 to 15 feet tall. Timber stands managed under all-aged systems require special consideration for prescribed fire. Prior to prescribed burning, young pine regeneration areas, which are scattered throughout the stand, must be protected by firebreaks. Longleaf pine seedlings are the exception, and should be burned when in the grass stage to control brown spot disease.
Dense scrub hardwood stands have little value for quail and are difficult to manage. Repeated late spring burning helps open the stand, allowing the growth of beneficial quail plants. However, if the sprouts are more than one and one-half inches in diameter at chest height, mechanical means such as cutting, rotary mowing, bulldozing, and/ or herbicides may be required in initial control attempts.
Before burning, a person experienced in fire behavior must evaluate the property's fuel type, planning the timing of the burn with relative humidity, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction. The fire plan should allow for adequate firebreaks, identifying smoke sensitive areas. Burn permits and proper equipment are required. Permits may be obtained from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The GFC and the Department of Natural Resources can make recommendations for controlled burning.

Bobwhite Quail
INITIATIVE

BQI Headquarters Rum Creek WMA 116 Rum Creek Dr. Forsyth, GA 31029 478/994-7583

East Di-Lane WMA 4854 Box D Herndon Rd. Waynesboro, GA 30830 706/554-3745

Another alternative is to establish permanent firebreaks that divide the site in a checkerboard fashion into 10acre to 50-acre blocks (smaller is better). Then, these blocks can be burned in a mosaic pattern on a two-year cycle where one half of the woodlands are burned each year. On infertile soils, burning on a three-year or longer cycle may be sufficient. On most sites, prescribed burns should be conducted during winter through early spring. Occasional growing season burns may be needed to more effectively control hardwood encroachment into pine stands. More specifically, pine stands established on old

Southwest 601 Tallahassee Rd. Albany, GA 31707 229/420-1212

Central River Bend WMA 1945 South Hwy. 199 East Dublin, GA 31027 478/296-6176

The publication "Managing for Quail in Forested Habitats" is available from the DNR's BQI Wildlife Biologists, GFC offices, or online at www.gfc.state.ga.us/Publications/Rural Forestry/ Managing for Quail.

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Dear Forest Landowners,
Share your ideas, gain new insights, and take a well-deserved break from daily routines at our second GROWS Conference in beautiful Savannah, February 24-25, 2003. Savannah offers a relaxing blend of mild Spring climate, interesting historic sites, ample scenery, quality hotel accommodations, shopping, golf, and other amenities that beckon you to plan for a little rest and relaxation.
An exciting slate of speakers is scheduled, covering a variety of topics
s a v a n n a h including expert tax advice on casualty losses due to southern pine beetle and other catastrophes, dealing with fire ants, encouraging bobwhite quail populations on your property, quality deer management, and the Callaway Gardens' secrets to managing piedmont lands. The field tour on Tuesday afternoon will be to the exclusive Melon Bluff Plantation. An expanded group of exhibitors will be in attendance to demonstrate the latest in products and services of interest to forest landowners.
Bring your questions and suggestions, as we are encouraging ample questionand-answer times with each of our speakers. View exhibits from various companies and firms that serve private forest landowners and managers. See forest stewardship in action through our scheduled field trip.
Our conference will be held at the new Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island, overlooking the Savannah River. The Convention Center has ample parking, and can be reached via the Talmadge Bridge, or you may choose to take the water taxi from the hotel and shopping district on River Street.
Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will send you a confirmation and a meeting agenda. We're looking forward to meeting with you in February.
See you in Savannah!

Karen L. Johansen Director, GROWS
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Print or type all information below. This form must be accompanied by check or money order.
2003 GROWS CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 24-25, 2003 SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTER SAVANNAH
Mail the completed form with payment to GROWS CONFERENCE, Georgia Forestry Commission, P.O. Box 819, Macon, Georgia 31202-0819

LAST NAME

FIRST NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE ( )
DAYTIME PHONE

Registration: RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 1, 2003 $75.00 per person
$50 for each additional attendee from the same family
RECEIVED AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 2003 $100.00 per person $75 for each additional attendee from the same family

ZIP
________ @ $75 = $___________ ________ @ $50 = $___________ ________ @ $100 = $___________ ________ @ $75 = $___________

Hotel Information:
Luxurious hotel accommodations are available at the special group rate of $95 per night at the new Historic District Radisson. Reservations for lodging may be made by calling the Radisson directly at 912.790.7000 and asking for the special GROWS Forestry Conference rate.

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $___________

Enclose check or money order for the full amount due. Make checks or money orders payable to Georgia Forestry Commission.

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Pilot Projects: Camden and White Counties

Georgia seems to be on a lot of people's minds these days, as thousands are flocking here to work, play, and live. From the pristine majesty of the state's coastline, to the unspoiled forests of its mountains, Georgia's natural beauty is attracting many and there is a growing trend to live as close to nature as possible.

Like other areas of the country, Georgia has been impacted by dramatic increases in development and residential growth in what were once wildland areas. These areas are also known as the "wildland/urban interface" (WUI). It is defined as the line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. Generally speaking, it is the area where homes have been built close to or in wooded or natural areas.

A sudden influx of people moving to the interface presents many challenges and concerns for natural resource managers as well as its residents. Some of the problems brought about by the rapid development of small communities in forested areas include: forest insect/disease, vegetation management, urban forestry, and fire-related concerns.

In order to address these issues, the Georgia Forestry Commission selected two Georgia counties (Camden and White) to participate in a Wildland/Urban Interface Pilot Project designed to implement specialized programs of fire prevention, forest stewardship and urban and community forestry programs. The project was prompted by devastating wildfires in similar wildland/urban interface situations in Florida and California. Commission Director Fred Allen said, "This project will serve as a model for other developing Georgia areas that are experiencing similar forestry-related interface challenges."

Camden County Pilot Project
Camden County was selected as the southern part of the state's representative for the Georgia Wildland/Urban Interface Pilot Project due to challenges resulting from increasing development and residential growth in this coastal region. (see inset)
Camden is 405,200 acres (277,000 totally forested) with most located along the coast and the Florida border. More than two-thirds of this acreage is in forestland, predominantly southern pines. Interstate 95 is routed through the center of the county with exits to the cities of Kingsland, St. Mary's, and Woodbine. Population growth exceeded 44 percent in the last decade and the population stands at over 44,000 today.
Because there is a significant demand on Camden County to maintain a safe environment from fire effects at the urban wildland level, initial emphasis in this project is centered on carrying out risk assessments concerning developments and wildland fires. The Southern Research Station and the Georgia Forestry Commission are cooperating in a research study to evaluate the forest fuels within Camden County in order to identify critical fuel buildup areas that require some form of mitigation.
An outreach through urban forestry is also being carried out in this project. The Camden County Champion Tree Contest is being conducted in a joint effort with the Agricultural Extension Service. The publicity and involvement of homeowners and landowners have led to further urban and community forestry interests.

Camden County, Georgia Population: 44,061 (2001)
Camden County has experienced a phenomenal growth of 6% annually for the past five years due to being located on the coast of Georgia adjacent to Florida and becoming home to the U.S. Navy's Kings Bay Naval Base. This facility is the largest employer in the county with 9,887 civilian and military personnel on site. Most did not reside in Camden County prior to the base arriving.
The area has also become a mecca for retirees who like the mild climate and watching the sun rise and set over the marsh. Camden County also supports a healthy contingent of tourists following the course of I-95 to and from Florida. The Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts 45,000 visitors annually. Many others fish, hunt, camp, and hike while visiting the area.

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Georgia Forestry

Fall 2002

White County Pilot Project
White County was selected as the northern part of the state's representative for the Georgia Wildland/Urban Interface Pilot Project due to the increasing development and residential growth occurring throughout this mountainous area. (see inset)
White County is 73 percent forested, with the Chattahoochee National Forest accounting for almost 27 percent of the land area. Many homes in White County are being constructed on steep slopes in heavily wooded rural areas.
Increasing land values have resulted in a decrease in forest management and agricultural activities including the use of prescribed fire. Thus, forest fuels can increase and pose a threat to homes being built within this wildland/urban interface. To help educate the newly formed rural communities about the fire risks and hazards associated with wildland fire, many programs are being developed. Firewise Workshops targeting county planners, commissioners, and business leaders help to introduce Firewise concepts as part of the planning process in the future development of the county. Other Firewise programs show homeowners and community groups how to make their individual homes safer from wildfire. Posters, roadside signs, and brochures have been developed to reinforce these themes. There are also efforts to work with the White County Fire Department on a countywide risk assessment to access the level of risk from wildland fire.
The Georgia Forestry Commission will help host "Building With Trees" workshops next spring, and is working with Helen and Cleveland to become Tree Cities. They are joining forces with the White County Tree-Scaping Committee for an education project to encourage the preservation and restoration of tree cover during residential and commercial development.
Other ideas for the future include a website, biodiversity studies, and exploring the possibility of Community Stewardship Plans.

White County, Georgia Population: 21,182 (2001)
White County is among the top 15 counties in the state for growth rates. The population increased by a staggering 53% (13,006 in 1990 to 19,944 in 2000.)
A rural county located in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, White County provides recreation and locations for second homes for a growing number of urban residents, vacationers, and retirees.
It is an outdoor enthusiast's dream offering exceptional venues to fish, hunt, camp, and hike.
One and a half hours north of Atlanta, White County is comprised mainly of two cities. Cleveland is "The Gateway to the Mountains" and Helen (a Bavarian village) is known as "Alpine Helen." Tourists from all over the world can be seen at Cleveland's "Cabbage Patch Babyland General Hospital," enjoying themselves in Alpine Helen with Bavarian music and food and drink during Oktoberfest, or just cruising through the wandering roads of the North Georgia Mountains.
White County's cozy forested environment appeals to many Atlantans and other visitors, who return to the area to make it their home.

As development progresses further into once natural areas, other issues become evident; How can I protect my home from wildfire? How will the building of more roads and driveways affect water quality? How will increased runoff and siltation affect our creeks and rivers? Can wise planning prevent future problems? How are natural plant communities being affected by increased development? The Georgia Forestry Commission is exploring these questions and sharing its findings with the community. The goal of the GFC, as related to the wildland-urban interface issue, is to work with the public, elected officials and planning commission to understand development as it is occurring throughout the state and to help prepare for Georgia's future.

NOTE: Wildland fire is an especially important wildland/urban interface issue throughout the entire state. High fuel loads, ignition sources, and drought conditions have raised concern about fire particularly from those who live near undeveloped lands. Providing timely, accurate information in situations of uncertainty and risk is a challenge. One of the ways in which the Georgia Forestry Commission is empowering the public to face wildland fire is by sponsoring Firewise workshops. These programs teach homeowners how to protect their family, pets, property, and homes, from the rages of wildfire. To find out more about the Firewise Communities Program, visit: http://www.firewise.org/communities or call your local Georgia Forestry Commission office.

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Jogger passes through heavily wooded "Circle of Flags" area at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. The 37-acre Carter Center, with buildings surrounded by a thick canopy of urban trees, mirrors Atlanta's potential for developing the Model Urban Forest.

Editor's Note: The following article is fifth (and final) in a series reviewing sections of the GFC publication Georgia Model Urban Forest Book providing communities with information for preserving and developing a green infrastructure in an urban environment.

E very urban forest is different and reflects a community's collective attitude toward trees and the environment. There are five levels of a community forestry program that can be measured for success at any stage of the program.
FIVE LEVELS 1. Non-Participatory Community needs to establish an urban forestry program. 2. Project Level Community is involved in project activities, such as Arbor Day, tree planting, a onetime grant (or any other one-time community forestry project). 3. Formative Level Community decides to start an urban forestry program that includes Project Level activities. A forestry network, community discussions, and a tree board are established. A volunteer program is also initiated; this group provides a basic assessment of the community forest. 4. Development Level Community pursues activities (in addition to those in the Project and Formative Level) to improve overall health of the community forest. A tree inventory is also being conducted; this inventory has a formative influence on the writing of a community forestry management plan, which includes new policy adoption and tree planting regulations.

5. Sustained Level The community forestry program is organized and functional; the program has continuity, planning, awareness, public support, and a budget. The tree board (tree department) is operating with funding for systematic tree planting, removal and replanting, and comprehensive tree maintenance.
CANOPY COVERAGE A good indicator of an urban forestry program is progress in canopy coverage. The basic question being has the canopy coverage been measured and what is the rate of change in the canopy over a designated time period?
Canopy coverage can be measured from field data, aerial photographs, and satellite images. This type of evaluation should be done by an urban forester with experience in photographic interpretation. Communities at higher program levels (Development Level and Sustained Level) will know current canopy coverage and steps will be in progress to protect, improve, and expand the canopy.
BUDGET Full time care and management is the foundation of the Model Urban Forest. Communities with healthy urban forests have a budget for maintenance, improvement, and expansion. Budgets should be based on annual tree care

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activities. Typical items on a forestry budget include: professional staff, tree removals, tree pruning, mulching, fertilization, tree planting, tree ordinance implementation, and community education.
BOARDS AND ADVOCATES The Model Urban Forest should include one or more citizen groups focused on preserving and planting trees. Such groups can be highly organized groups (tree boards) authorized to make recommendations to local officials or loosely organized citizens (advocate groups) with a schedule supporting tree planting events and promoting tree ordinances. To be successful, all citizens groups should be respected and supported by local government.
Communities with lower level programs (levels 1 and 2) will not yet have an organized tree board, but their activities should already be directed at developing a board. Effectiveness of a tree board can be measured by the number of meetings, events, news articles, and various programs created or supported by the group.
TREE PLANTING Urban tree planting on public land should be funded to replant trees at a rate at least equal to that of tree removals. This approach to planting ensures long term forest survival and diversity in age and species of the Model Urban Forest. Annual citizen tree planting events can be especially beneficial to an urban forest program, since such events can plant many trees for a relatively small cost.
However, each tree planted should include provisions for its care and maintenance; this is the basis for sustaining a quality urban forest. Higher level urban programs will have tree planting programs that increase the number of trees with records of all tree removals and plantings.
LAW OF THE LAND Land development laws are a major influence on any urban forestry program; that influence can be positive or negative. A community striving for a healthy, wellbalanced urban forest will examine and modify development laws to improve tree preservation and increase tree planting.

TREE INVENTORY A comprehensive tree inventory is an essential characteristic of the Model Urban Forest. In addition to tree canopy measurements, it is vital for a community to have extensive information on the general health of an urban forest; potential future problems can often be minimized or avoided by using inventory information.
The tree inventory can actually be a statistical sample that can be easily used to determine maintenance and development budgets.
TREE CITY USA Any community with an urban forestry program should strive to be designated a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and State Forester. Selection for this honor is a good indication that a program is approaching or has already attained Model Urban Forest status. At the very least, classification as a Tree City USA acknowledges that an urban forestry program meets minimum standards to promote a healthy urban forest.
Regardless of efforts and honors, the Model Urban Forest can only be sustained by prevailing awareness and increasing knowledge of what can be gained and what can be lost.
The following organizations can assist communities pursuing goals and measuring success of the Model Urban Forest: American Forests, 910 17th Street, Washington, DC 20006 (www.americanforests.org); American Society of Landscape Architects, 636 Eye Street, Washington, DC 20001 (www.alsa.org); Georgia Forestry Commission, P. O. Box 819, Macon, GA 31202-0819 (www.gfc.state.ga.us); Georgia Urban Forest Council, Box 961, Macon, GA 31202 (www.gufc.org); International Society of Arboriculture, Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826 (www.isa-arbor.com); National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410 (www.arborday.org); and the Urban Forest Manual, USDA Forest Service Urban Forestry Technical Service Center (www.urbanforestrysouth.org).

Lower level urban forestry programs (levels 1-3) may not have any preservation laws. Higher level programs will have definite laws established and the infrastructure to enforce these laws.

Any community with an urban forestry program from small towns to big cities should strive for Tree City USA
designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Selection for this honor indicates a program is approaching or has attained Model Urban Forest status.

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Staff members of UGA Pulp Bleaching Pilot Plant facility examine plant configuration while installing new equipment with potential for future xylitol testing. (L-R) Director Ryan Adolphson, Rory Singer (engineer), and Jarrad Bradberry (technician).

continued from pg. 7

sustains the product. Jim Roza, Director of Quality Assurance for the company, describes the Now xylitol as a "niche product" derived mainly from corn. He says the xylitol is sold in the same category as other sugar alternatives such as sorbitol and barley malt powder.
"Xylitol is not one of our biggest sellers, but it is a stable product that sells mainly to customers with special health needs, " Roza said. "We offer a number of such specialty products with a limited market. A lot of our xylitol purchasers are diabetics."
On an ingredient basis, xylitol has been found especially attractive as a non-sugar sweetener for chewing vitamins and gums, tablets, cough syrups, mouth washes, toothpastes, gelatin, puddings, ice cream, baked products, etc.
XYLITOL POTENTIAL Since the late 1980s, 28 countries have been using xylitol as a sweetener. In the early 1990s, annual world production of xylitol was reported at 5,000 tons. Finland, the world leader in production of xylitol, produces about 95 percent of the global total from wood sugar found in birch trees. It is no surprise to many researchers that Finland occupies this number-one slot in relation to xylitol, since Finland is also regarded as the world's leader in general when it comes to developing health-enhancing foods sort of the Silicon Valley of functional foods.
Meanwhile, at UGA, Kastner is hopeful that hardwood byproducts from Georgia's pulp and paper industry will become a viable and cost-effective source of xylitol a source that could possibly reduce retail prices in conjunction with an already available source for mass production. "This is what makes the research so enticing,"

Kastner said. "We're working with what is currently considered a waste byproduct being generated for another purpose in the pulp and paper industry something that has been there for a long time, but has never been used."
The university scientist, who also teaches fluid mechanics and a course in environmental engineering, took his laboratory research and placed it in the real-life arena of industry; Kastner has worked closely with a Georgia pulp and paper mill to determine how well certain aspects of his extraction process works. The findings have led to a number of valuable conclusions.
Kastner's xylitol research has been determined to have the potential to produce a number of useful chemicals in addition to xylose (used in production of xylitol). One such chemical is ribose, which is used to synthesize anticancer drugs.
EXPERIMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS Wastewater from the pulp and paper industry contains many fermentable carbon sources, such as xylose. Kastner's experimentation process involves microorganisms that feed on xylose. As the microorganisms feed, they convert xylose to xylitol. An integral part of the research is designing new strains of microorganisms providing higher conversion yields of xylitol.
"If we develop the technology to apply to Georgia's pulp and paper industry, the infrastructure will be established to possibly produce xylitol on a large scale, at a more costeffective level, and reduce retail prices," Kastner said. "The foundation for this enterprise is already in place. What we need to do is find a way to take advantage of it. The process may take a number of years, but the benefits could be well worth it."

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Connie Head Receives Regional Forestry Award

C onnie Head, urban forestry consultant with Technical Forestry Services of Commerce, received the 2002 Urban and Community Forestry Award presented by the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) at the organization's annual meeting in Montgomery, Alabama.

The annual partnership award, given jointly by SGSF and the USDA Forest Service and Community Forestry Program, recognizes outstanding leadership and education activities related to community forests in the 13-state Southern Region.

Susan Reisch, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for the Georgia Forestry

Commission (GFC), said: "Connie's enthusiasm and dedication are an inspiration

to all who know her. She has made a tremendous impact on the urban forestry

movement in Georgia and the Southern Region." Reisch, who nominated Head

for the award, won last year's SGSF Urban Forestry Agency Personnel Award for

GFC Director Fred Allen presents Urban Forestry Consultant Connie Head with the 2002 Urban and Community Forestry Award from the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF). Susan Reisch (right), GFC Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator, won last year's SGSF Urban Forestry Agency Personnel Award.

her work on a project that has become the basis for future planning on urban forestry programs in the Southern Region.
At the state level, Head's activities include membership in the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) and serving as president in 1993 and 1999. She was also chair of the GUFC membership committee from 1994 to 1996.

Head's regional and national activities include membership in the Society of American Foresters (SAF), International Society

of Arboriculture (ISA), American Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, and Friends of Tree City USA. She is currently ISA Educational

Coordinator and Vice President of the ISA Southern Chapter.

Exemplifying leadership at various levels, Head provided technical expertise and education to communities throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She has inspected more than 80,000 street, park, and lawn trees in 21 cities.

In 1996, Head presented a program titled "Developing A Community Mulching Program" at the National Tree City USA Conference in Nebraska City. The presentation was incorporated into a Partner Handbook, developed by the National Tree Trust, and distributed nationwide.
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Forestry Community Honors

T he Georgia Forestry Association is honoring several members of the forestry community for outstanding achievements in environmental stewardship, education and leadership. Owen Perry of Augusta, Allen Hawkins of Thomson and the Estes-Sherrill family of Gay were recently recognized with the top awards at the 2002 GFA Annual Meeting in Stone Mountain. The awards were part of a larger agenda including education, entertainment and networking for GFA members from across the state.

An Augusta native, Owen Perry was bestowed GFA's highest honor, the Wise Owl Award. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to make significant contributions to the forestry community. Perry is a past President of GFA, past Chairman of the Georgia Forestry Foundation, and served as interim Executive Director for a short period last year. He spent most of his career with Canal Wood, retiring in 2000. Perry was also presented with a 2002 GFA President's Award.
Allen Hawkins, GFA's 2002 Logger of the Year, is the third generation owner of Hawkins Logging and Timber in Warrenton. Not only is this a family operated business with his wife, Kitty, and his children running the office and field operations, but Allen's crew also includes members of several families that have been with the company for many years. He says the people around him are the secret to his success.
Other winners of this year's awards are: Wanda Barrs (Macon) and Rep. Johnny Floyd (Cordele), President's Award; Jane Storm (Valdosta), Project Learning Tree Outstanding Educator; Robert Clark (Temple-Inland, Rome), Log-A-Load for Kids Top Fundraiser; Terrell McCall (Georgia-Pacific Corp, Savannah), Log-A-Load for Kids Outstanding Service; Travis Shepherd (Mitchell Industries, Thomasville), Tree Farm Inspector of the Year. The Georgia Forestry Commission also recognized several of its units. The Jasper/Jones Unit was named the Outstanding GFC Unit in North Georgia; Harris/Muscogee/Talbot Unit was the Outstanding GFC Unit in South Georgia; and Athens was named the Outstanding GFC District for 2002.

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2002 State Forestry Pageant Winners
The 63rd Miss Georgia Forestry State Scholarship Pageant was held in Tifton, Georgia at the Performing Arts Center at the Tift County High School on June 14 and 15, 2002. It is held annually the third weekend in June and is open to one contestant per county and per college in the State of Georgia. The pageant gives over $60,000 in college scholarships yearly. The queens travel the State of Georgia in promoting Georgia's number one industry, Forestry. To learn more about the pageant you can visit the following website: http://forestrypageant.tripod.com or email: pageant@forestry.com.
Tiny Miss Georgia Forestry
(left to right) Tara Laken Roberts - 3rd runnerup, Prettiest Dress Winner
(rep. Bacon County) Georgia Camille Ouzts - 2nd runnerup
(rep. Elbert/Madison County) Angelica Skye Robertson - Queen and Prettiest Smile Winner
(rep. Montgomery County) Raeann Strickland - 1st runnerup (rep. Coffee County) Brooke Leigh Russell - 4th runnerup (rep. Candler County)
Junior Miss Georgia Forestry
(left to right) Brittany N. Greer - 3rd runnerup (rep. Chatham County) Maggie Brooke Purcell - 2nd runnerup (rep. Bryan County) Courtney Elizabeth Merritt - Queen, Photogenic Winner, and
Prettiest Dress Winner (rep. Lowndes County) Erica Gabrielle Moore - 1st runnerup and Prettiest Smile
(rep. Tift County) Lindy Ruth Luke - 4th runnerup (rep. Crisp/Dooly County)

Fall 2002

Teen Miss Georgia Forestry
(left to right) Katy Faircloth - 4th runnerup (rep. Decatur County) Kaleigh Thompson - 2nd runnerup, Prettiest Dress Winner
(rep. Worth County) Amy Bartley - Queen, (rep. Tift County) Kimberly Eckles - 1st runnerup, Speech Winner
(rep. Wheeler County) Jessica Stringer - 3rd runnerup (rep. Brantley County)

Miss Georgia Forestry
(left to right) Tara Rountree - Prettiest Smile Winner (rep. Lowndes County) Brandie Aldridge - Photogenic Winner (rep. Brantley County) Ginger Bennett - People's Choice Winner (rep. Clinch County) Rachael McCall - 1st runnerup (rep. Wilcox County) Erin Smoak - Queen, Interview winner (rep. Clarke County) Celena Mead - 2nd runnerup (rep. Toombs County) Rebecca Register - 4th runnerup, Speech Winner (rep.Worth County) Lindsay Watters - 3rd runnerup (rep. Floyd County) Joni Fulp - Director's Award (rep. Cook County)

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2002 TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR
J.E.S. Partners, Ltd Mrs. Joe Estes Sherrill and Family
J.E.S. Partners, Ltd.: (from left) Rita Salter, daughter; Mrs. Joe Sherrill, owner; Earl Smith, Georgia Forestry Foundation Trustee; and Jean Hale, daughter
In the late 50's, Mr. and Mrs. Sherrill decided to change from planting cotton to growing trees on their property in Gay. Mr. Sherrill began planting Slash and Loblolly pines and soon had a Tree Farm that was an example for others. The family maintained the land after he passed. Now, with over 1,500 acres of productive forests, Mrs. Joe Estes Sherrill and her family will soon be 25year members of the American Tree Farm System. The family also won the GFA 2002 Tree Farmer of the Year Award, with Jean Hale of Roswell managing the property today.

2002 GFA Award Winners
Wise Owl ........................................................ E. Owen Perry Logger of the Year ....................................... Allen Hawkins Tree Farmer of the Year ............................. J.E.S. Partners, Ltd.
(Mrs. Joe Estes Sherrill and family) President's Awards ....................................... Wanda Barrs, Rep. Johnny Floyd,
E. Owen Perry Outstanding Tree Farm District Chair ... Ed Withrow Tree Farm Inspector Of the Year ............. Travis Shepherd PLT Outstanding Educator ....................... Jane Storm Outstanding GFC Unit - Region I ............. Jones/Jasper Counties Outstanding GFC Unit - Region II ........... Harris/Muscogee/Talbot Counties Outstanding GFC District .......................... Athens District LogALoad for Kids Top Fundraiser ....... Robert Clark LogALoad for Kids Outstanding Svc. .....Terrell McCall Outgoing Chairs ........................................... Rick Long, Education Comm.,
Tom Ritch, Membership Comm. Past President ................................................Blake Sullivan
11th Annual Conference - American Paulownia Association, Inc.
Date: September 20-21, 2002 Location: Ft. Payne, Alabama Facility: Hunts Reception Hall, 514 Gault Ave. N., Ft. Payne, Alabama Activities: Lectures, presentations, "expert panel," 2 field trips, product/vendor displays Contact Person: Dan Blickenstaff, APA President Registration and Further Information: Web Site: www.paulowniatrees.org; E-mail: paulownia@erols.com; Phone: 301-790-3075; Fax: 301-790-1717; or Mail: The American Paulownia Association, Inc., 16345 Mt. Tabor Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 Fee (Prior to 9/1/2002): Members: $45/person, Non-members: $55/person Conference Theme: "Paulownia - The Ups and Downs" Participating & Sponsoring Organizations: Auburn University, School of Forestry & Wildlife Management (AL); Alabama A&M University, School of Forestry; Woodson-Jones Car Dealership; ALFA; F-9 Lumber

Georgia Urban Forest Council 2002 Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon November 13-15, 2002 Holiday Inn Select - Decatur, Georgia For more information, visit: www.gufc.org

Society of American Foresters 2002 National Convention October 5-9, 2002 Winston-Salem, North Carolina For more information, visit:
www.safnet.org/calendar/natcon.htm

Southeastern Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting November 3-5, 2002 Macon, Georgia
For more information, call SESAF 706-845-9085
Order your seedlings NOW!
Order Georgia Forestry Commission pine and hardwood seedlings now for the 2002-2003 planting season (last date to cancel orders is Nov 15).
To obtain the current planting year's price list or for more information, contact your local GFC county office, call 1-800-GA-TREES (1-800-428-7337) or visit the GFC website: www.gfc.state.ga.us.

Women In The Outdoors National Wild Turkey Federation,
Georgia State Event December 13-15
Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, Georgia For more information, contact: Kym Abernathy @ 770-312-8316 or e-mail: whym1@bellsouth.net
TAG Workshop for Beginning or Limited Resource Farmers
November 14, 2002 Savannah Rapids Pavilion Columbia County, Georgia For more information, call Rick Hatten 478-751-3491 or visit www.teamaggeorgia.com

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Let's Have Some Fun in the Woods
Color this picture showing children having fun in the woods. Which forest activity have you enjoyed?

Fall 2002

Courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forests are Fun! Activity Book

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County fair time is still a big part of the autumn scene in communities throughout Georgia. Georgia Forestry Commission personnel continue the tradition of providing exhibits on a variety of forestry topics.

From the November 1952 issue of the Georgia Forestry Magazine

Some of the larger exhibits in the state are presented at: Middle Georgia's Georgia National Fair in Perry (October 4-13, 2002); North Georgia's Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee (August 7-18, 2002); and South Georgia's Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie (October 15-17, 2002).

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2000 - Bruce Lyndon Cunningham Nacogdoches, TX - USA

Water Oak (Quercus nigra L.)
J. Frederick Allen Director

DESCRIPTION: Leaves deciduous in winter, usually about 2 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide, narrowed at the base, broader at the rounded, often 3-lobed tip; dull bluish green and smooth above, paler and smooth below, except for tufts of hair in the axils of the larger veins. Fruit an almost spherical acorn with a flat base, 1/2 to 2/3 inch long, light yellow-brown, hairy, enclosed only at the base in a thin saucer-shaped cup; kernel bitter; maturing in two seasons. Bark gray-black, close; often with irregular patches, on older trunks with rough, wide, scaly ridges. A tree 70 to 80 feet high with a trunk 2 to 3 feet in diameter, terminating in a symmetrical, round topped head.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves not deciduous until winter, about 2 1/2 inches long, narrowed at the base, broader at the round, often 3-lobed tip; winter buds blunt, hairy.
WOOD: A red oak. Heavy, hard, strong, close-grained, light brown.
USES: One of the main red oak lumber species and also widely planted as an ornamental.
DISTRIBUTION: A stream bank and low ground tree; found throughout the coastal plain and most of the piedmont.

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