Georgia FORESTRY USPS No. 217120 Spring 2003 No. 1 Vol. 56 Sonny Perdue, 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. Georgia Forestry Commission P. O. Box 819, Macon, Georgia 31202-0819 (478) 751-3500, Fax (478) 751-3465 Sonny Perdue Governor J. Frederick Allen Director Dear Georgia Citizens and Forest Landowners: In response to increasing concern about the future of forestry in Georgia created by poor economic climate, a Task Force was assembled to identify problems of the forestry community as related to markets and propose general policy solutions to remedy the problems. This Task Force consists of: the Georgia Forestry Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Advanced Wood Products Laboratory of Georgia Institute of Technology, Herty Foundation, Superior Pine Products, Warnell School of Forest Resources of the University of Georgia, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Plum Creek Timber Company, Georgia Forestry Association, F & W Forestry Services, the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering of the University of Georgia along with private non-industrial forest landowners. It became apparent during the research conducted by this Task Force that indeed, "history was repeating itself." During the 30's, Dr. Charles Holmes Herty, using a $50,000 grant from the Chemical Foundation and a commitment of $25,000 a year for five years from the State of Georgia, organized the Savannah Pulp and Paper Laboratory. Through the laboratory's research, it was determined that quality newsprint could be made from what landowners normally regarded a worthless nuisance, young Southern pine. On November 20, 1933, nine Georgia newspapers were printed on newsprint made from young Georgia pines. This created a profitable market and landowners began an economic recovery. These days pulp and paper mills in Georgia spend millions of dollars meeting air and water quality requirements. There is vast competition in the market with countries like Mexico, Canada, etc. Demand for Georgia trees has declined and so has the amount of money paid to landowners for their timber jeopardizing forest management. The great success of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) created an oversupply of small diameter pines and added to the problem of depressed stumpage prices. The Task Force is proposing three opportunities: 1. Economic Development refocus government policy and agency efforts (a) to maintain and expand the forest resource industry, (b) on new forest industry, and (c) on new users of forest products 2. Research and Development develop/improve products that will positively impact primary and secondary industry 3. Marketing appropriate government agencies should develop marketing messages promoting use of products made from Georgia and Southern trees and these messages should target consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and other industrial users. I am confident that as in the past, creativity and persistence will continue to foster the development of the forest industry in Georgia and ensure a healthy forest. Sincerely, J. Frederick Allen Director Jim L. Gillis, Jr. Chairman, Soperton H. G. Thomas New Louisville J. G. Fendig Savannah Larry S. Walker Oglethorpe P. W. Bryan Johnnie B. Hall Thomasville Dudley An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider William M. Oettmeier, Jr. Fargo ON THE COVER: Footnote in history -- gum extracted from this stand of pines, on the land of Jim L. Gillis, Jr., was included in the last commercial shipment of crude gum from Soperton Naval Stores. This final shipment marked the end of the turpentine industry in Georgia (see "End of an Era" story in this issue). Photo by William Godfrey 2 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 Page 4 Page 8 Page 13 Page 14 Spring 2003 /Spring 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 End of an Era Georgia's Turpentine Industry Fades Into History 8 Thinning Pine Plantations Thinning Can Have Biological and Long-Term Economic Benefits 11 GFC Begins Statewide Program to Protect Water Quality Program Offers Landowners BMPs Assurance Examinations Designed to Protect Water Quality 12 Georgia's Official Arbor Day Ceremony Honors Veterans and Trees Ceremony Was Held at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville 13 Fernbank Hosts Innovative Arbor Day Program Features Mary Perdue, Georgia's New First Lady and Tim Womick, a Modern Day Johnny Appleseed 14 Firewise Mobile Classroom Focuses on Homeowner Safety Wildland-Urban Interface Increases Wildfire Threat 16 Forest Biotechnology Advances Public Perceptions Could Influence Technology 18 Announcements In Memoriam - Billy Lancaster Craven, Smith - 50-Year Award Memorial for Firefighter Mary Jo Brown Check Out the New Smokey Bear Website Urban Forester Deployment to Louisiana Hurricane Lili Clean-Up Georgia Prescribed Burn Certification - 2003 Schedule Free Workshop for Farmers 21 Fun Page Forest Animals 22 Fun Page Fire in the Forest 23 50 Years Ago Ray Brinson, World's First Pine Tree Sitter 24 Native Trees of Georgia Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa Nutt.) Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 3 Jim Gillis stands by last load of crude gum sent to commercial distillery from Soperton Naval Stores. This shipment marked the end of the Naval Stores industry for Georgia, the Southeast, and the United States. Georgia's Turpentine Industry Fades Into History On August 9, 2001, the last load of crude gum collected from Georgia pines was transported to a commercial distillery for processing into turpentine. The crude gum was collected by Soperton Naval Stores in Treutlen County and sent to Akzo processing facility in Baxley. Like an invisible line of demarcation in time, this shipment of crude gum marked the end of the Naval Stores (turpentine, rosin, and oils derived from pines) industry in Georgia. For all commercial purposes, it was gone. Jim Gillis, a principal in Soperton Naval Stores since 1938, had sustained operation longer than any other business of its type in the Naval Stores industry. Despite the handwriting on the wall that had forced the industry to exist in a survival mode for many years, Gillis had preserved the business that his family established more than a hundred years ago. 4 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 In Georgia, the name Jim Gillis is synonymous with the Naval Stores business and progressive forestry. GFC Director Fred Allen said, "I know of no other individual who has done more to promote Georgia's Naval Stores industry and beneficial forestry practices than Jim Gillis. In one form or another, he has devoted a lifetime to forestry." "And most of that production was coming from timber leased from small farmers." Among "turpentiners" in general, Soperton Naval Stores was considered to be among the elite of its kind in the United States. BORN INTO FORESTRY James L. Gillis, Jr. was born into forestry in 1916. His family had established Soperton Naval Stores in 1890. Gillis received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia School of Forest Resources in 1937. Following graduation, he served for six months with the Georgia Forestry Department (predecessor of GFC) as a District Forester. He joined the staff of Soperton Naval Stores in January of 1938. He has served as a member and Chairman of the Georgia Forestry Commission Board of Commissioners from 1977 to present. Gillis also served in the Georgia State Senate from 1945-46. An active forestry leader for more than 50 years, Gillis was instrumental in guiding forestry state policies in Georgia for more than a quarter of a century. He has served as President and Director of the American Turpentine Association, President of the Georgia Forestry Association, and Chairman of the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee for 24 years. In 2002, Gillis was inducted into the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame. The inscription on his plaque describes him as a "champion of the private landowner and tireless promoter of forestry." CONTRAST Fast forwarding to the present, it is ironic to realize that this huge Naval Stores operation is now relegated to a few demonstration stills. "We've still got some (demonstration stills) on the truck," Gillis said. "We produced a little last year, but it was just for demonstration purposes." For many years, Soperton Naval Stores was primarily in the turpentine business, although the organization's business interests included growing timber and agricultural products. Now, the business is "strictly timber." How did such a massive Georgia and Southeastern U.S. industry virtually disappear? The reasons can be simple, complicated, or both. Some believe changes affecting the industry were evolutionary and made the results inevitable; others do not completely share this belief. The results, however, were definite. When that last load of crude gum was transported from Soperton to Baxley, the processing facility in Baxley was the only market source of its type still operating in Georgia. "I believe they closed down around the beginning of 2002," Gillis said. HARD TIMES GET BETTER As a young forester, Gillis remembers when he graduated from the University of Georgia forestry school that "things were pretty rough I think that there were only two out of my graduating class who got a job." Although Gillis liked his work as a District Forester with the forerunner of the GFC, it seems only logical that he would gravitate back to the Naval Stores business his family had established in the late 1800s. The business prospered along with the state's economic benefits from the thriving turpentine industry. Soperton Naval Stores became one of the largest operations of its type in existence. "At one time, we were working approximately 500,000 faces (tree trunk surfaces where pine gum is extracted) and running two turpentine stills continuously," Gillis said. Turpentine worker loads historic last commercial shipment of crude gum. In the United States, collection of pine gum for making tar and pitch dates back to the early 17th century. Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 5 Eventually, pitch was strained and used for caulking the seams of wooden ships. As the American colonies grew, a Naval Stores industry to supply these products developed on the mid-Atlantic coast and extended south. The relation of oleoresin products with these stores led to the term "Naval Stores." By 1850, almost two-thirds of the world's Naval Stores were produced in the Southern United States. Among the 37 species of pines native to the United States, only the longleaf and slash pines were used extensively in commercial production of gum and its processed Vast Georgia pine stands supported the state's Naval Stores business for many decades. derivatives gum turpentine and gum The Gillis family established Soperton Naval Stores in the late 1800s. rosin. These two pine species were more common in the Southeast. HISTORY Production of Naval Stores may go back to Biblical times. As the industry evolved, turpentine and rosin became Some historians point out that in Genesis 6:14, Noah was essential ingredients for numerous commodities such as instructed in building the ark "to pitch it within and printing ink and color printing processes, in without with pitch." Other historians, however, contend manufacturing cotton goods and patent leather, and as a that the pitch used on the ark was from a bituminous thinner for waxes and furniture polishes. It was also used source and not derived from trees. for making disinfectants, liniments, medicated soaps, ointments, and internal medicines. One of the largest Nevertheless, there is definite proof that the ancient markets for turpentine was in the manufacturing of paints Egyptians used oleoresins to produce mummy varnishes and varnishes. In essence, turpentine became essential that have lasted for centuries. to the commodities industry. In the United States, collections of gum from pines for making tar and pitch date back to the early 17th century. CAUSES In 1971, a report titled "A Study of the Problems and Potentials of the Gum Naval Stores Industry" was issued. The report detailed a number of serious problems and made recommendations for corrections. Many of the assessments and recommendations reflect Gillis's views of the industry. After 63 years in the business, Gillis considers three basic factors to be the collective cause of the industry's demise in the United States. He cites labor costs, high timber prices, and foreign market competition as the main causes. He also believes that a fourth major negative influence was the numerous insects attracted to tree incisions for gum collection. "Dipping turpentine," a common scene of past years, is now history. A changing labor market was one of the primary negative factors affecting the Southeastern Naval Stores industry. Labor costs became an increasingly serious problem as the years passed; the cost of the final product was considered to be approximately 60 percent labor. The U.S. labor segment could not compete with the large, cheap labor markets of some foreign 6 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 countries. As Gillis points out, "The Republic of China was and still is the largest supplier of Naval Stores." Statistics show that in 1995, China was producing approximately 59 percent of global gum rosin, compared to less than one percent produced in the U.S. Other countries competing in Naval Stores production included Mexico, Portugal, Brazil, Malaysia, and Belize. High timber prices also convinced many landowners, who were having problems with Naval Stores labor costs, to sell their timber and leave the turpentine business to others. As the global economy expanded, foreign competitors took increasing advantages of the labor market and other factors. In spite of these increasing negative trends affecting the U.S. market, Soperton Naval Stores maintained Barrels of crude gum from the last shipment of Soperton Naval Stores is operations and became more and more involved weighed in at Akzo distillery. The gum processing facility at Akzo is now in research efforts to revive the industry. closed. RESEARCH Some of the most recent research that Gillis and Soperton Naval Stores participated in was concentrated on gum extraction and collection systems. Grady Williams, now retired from the Georgia Forestry Commission, and Alan Hodges, of the University of Florida, conducted research studies that began with a 1991-1992 test phase project in Southeast Georgia. The research project was known as the "Bore-Hole System." One-inch diameter holes were bored around the base of a tree. Two-liter plastic bottles were then screwed into the holes to collect gum. This type of extraction had a number of advantages including: reduced damage to the tree compared to streaks left by a chipping tool, smaller diameter trees could be tapped, production of clean and clear X grade gum, and higher labor productivity. acid to a freshly tapped tree would keep the pores of the tree open," Gillis said. "So instead of having to tap a tree once a week, you only had to tap it once every three weeks to get about the same amount of gum." Application of acid, combined with the bore-hole method, produced impressive results, but timing apparently was not conducive to promoting this extraction method. (continued on page 18) Results determined that longleaf gum yield increase was minimal and would not be included in further research. However, gum yields from slash pine were 650 percent greater than from longleaf. As the research progressed, a spout-bag replaced the bottles in 1994. The plastic bags proved to be more effective and produced higher gum yields. Bags were also easier to handle and attach to the tree. Gillis also cited "chemical stimulation" research as being highly effective. "This research determined that applying sulfuric This is where the entire Naval Stores industry started -- tapping pines for crude gum collection in a container. This method served the industry well, but global economy influences and other factors took their final toll not even advanced research and new extraction methods could save the historic industry. Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 7 Thinning Pine Plantations by David Dickens, Dave Moorhead, Coleman Dangerfield - UGA WSFR and Steve Chapman - GFC 15-year-old stand thinned to basal area of 60 square feet per acre T hinning is a forest management practice that is generally performed at some point(s) in time during the course of the growth and development of both natural and planted pine stands. Thinning (as a forest management practice) can be defined as the calculated removal of certain trees from an existing stand and is usually conducted with a specific objective in mind. There are various reasons why thinning should be employed as a management practice in pine stands. Thinning promotes the growth of individual trees within a stand by removing surrounding trees, which compete for water, sunlight, and soil nutrients. Most natural and planted stands require thinning at certain stages of their development in order to sustain good tree growth throughout the life of the stand. Thinning is beneficial to the overall health of a stand of trees. Certain methods of thinning allow for the removal of a greater portion of diseased trees and trees that are of poor quality and form. Many of these poorly formed, cankered trees will die before the final harvest. Therefore the landowner is capturing an early economic return with the thinning (removal) of these poor quality trees. Thinning can be effective in enhancing habitat for certain wildlife species. THINNING INDICATORS A common question from landowners is: "When should I thin my stand of trees?" The answer to this largely depends on their objective(s) for the stand. Most landowner objectives involve three major factors: rotation age, products to be grown (pulpwood, sawtimber, poles, pine straw), and stand health/vigor assuming timber production is a high priority. There are several indicators (of stand conditions) that can aid in determining when a stand should be thinned: Live Crown Ratio (of trees in a stand) is defined as the height of the live crown (the part of the tree with live branches) divided by the total height of the tree. When the average live crown ratio falls below 35 percent, the stand should be thinned. For example, if the average tree height is 45 feet and the average length of the live crown is 16 feet, then that stand needs to be thinned soon ([16/46]x100 = 35.5%). Basal Area (of a stand) is the area in square feet taken up by an individual tree trunk at DBH (diameter at breast height or 4.5 feet above the ground). Basal area per acre is the sum of the square feet represented by all of the trees growing in one acre. Basal area per acre is a measure of stand density. When the basal area for loblolly, slash, and longleaf pine is greater than 100 to 120 square feet per acre then the stand biologically is in need of a thinning. Thinning back to a basal area of 60 to 90 square feet per acre is a common rule of thumb. Slash pine, biologically, needs to be thinned when live crown ratios are greater than 33 percent if the goal is to maintain a vigorously growing stand. Pine straw revenues 8 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 Table 1. Southern pine beetle hazard rating as a function of loblolly pine basal area (tree size and numbers) and/or age (years) on an average site (SI = 63 ft @ age 25 yrs). Basal area (square feet per acre) < 70 70 to 90 90 to 125 125 to 145 > 145 Age (years) <10 10 to 13 13 to 17 17 to 21 > 21 SPB Hazard Rating Very low Low Medium High Very high may not make thinning a pine stand financially attractive. stand. Tree selection is generally based on Typically, once a stand is thinned in Georgia it is no longer position, form, and general health. raked for straw. Conversely, loblolly pine can be thinned Combination Thinning - A combination of both at a later time to promote stand pruning and assist with row thinning and selective thinning. making more attractive "final crop" trees for sawtimber. Strip Thinning (natural pines) - A strip of trees (rather than rows) are removed from the stand Susceptibility to pine beetle attacks increases as a function following the land contours. of basal area and age (Table 1). As a stand grows over time the demand for water, sunlight, and nutrients increases. THINNING TIMING At some point, pine stands come under increased stress The timing of a thinning can be somewhat critical as well. for their continued growth needs. As stand stress increases, If there is moderate bark beetle incidence in the county of beetle hazard increases. Thinning pine stands reduces stand the pine stand, the thinning should be performed in the stress as fewer trees per acre are competing for water, winter months. If there is a high bark beetle incidence in sunlight, and nutrients. the county, then it should not be thinned. Harvesting damage to residual trees after thinning often attracts bark THINNING METHODS beetles and can lead to stand destruction. Conversely, if There are several thinning methods that an individual can the stand is in an area of high annosus root rot hazard employ once it is determined that a stand should be thinned. (well-drained soils with at least 65% sand in the first 12 Selection of method is usually based on stand density, stand inches and a low seasonal water table), then the stand is uniformity, and owner objective. Remember, the greatest best thinned during summer months. Studies indicate that benefit biologically and economically is to leave the best thinning between October and January has the greatest trees (good form, no stem cankers, no forks). The following potential for causing annosus root rot infection. Borax are four common thinning methods: treatment to freshly cut stumps (immediately after tree Row Thinning (planted pines) - Alternate rows are felling) can reduce future infection. removed from the stand. A row thinning might remove every third, fifth, or seventh row. FINANCIAL RETURNS WITH FOREST MANAGEMENT Selective Thinning (natural or planted pines) - THAT INCLUDES THINNING Individual trees are selectively removed from the Returns from thinning with today's pine pulpwood prices are near record lows. Many forest landowners having heard pine pulpwood prices that neighbors got in the mid-1990's are shocked to hear what pine pulpwood prices are today. Good forest management though, including thinning as a manage- ment tool, can dramatically change the products a landowner grows. Just as an acre of land can only grow so much corn, cotton, or winter grain under a specific level of management (weed control and fertilization) and soil type, so the same is true with trees. Six Figure 1. Effect of forest management of products grown in a loblolly pine stand, moderate productivity (Site index = 63 ft @ age 25 yrs, and 2.35 cds/ac/yr base production) hundred trees per acre are going to have a much smaller average through age 24 years. diameter than 300 well spaced Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 9 Table 2. Loblolly pine wood flows and financial returns on an average site1, medium prices2 and medium site preparation3 on a 24-year rotation. Fertilize (NP) No Thin @ 15 yrs No Pine Straw No % Mean Annual Increment Net $ Pulpwood (cd/ac/yr) Per Acre 61 2.35 2277 Internal rate of Return (%) 8.91 No Yes No 38 2.32 3005 11.07 Yes No Yes @ $50/ac/yr 49 2.69 2826 11.36 Yes Yes Yes @ $50/ac/yr 38 2.68 3315 11.94 for yrs 10-14 1 Site index = 63 ft @ age 25 yrs 2 Stumpage prices/cd: pulpwood = $16 (thin) and $22 (final cut), chip-n-saw =$83, sawtimber =$96 (2000 Timber Mart South 3rd quarter prices) 3 Site preparation and planting cost/ac = $250, fertilization cost = $100/acre (age 8 and 15 yrs) Table 3. The effect of lowering first thin pulpwood prices on financial results in 24-year rotation age loblolly pine stand (no fertilization). Thin @ age 15 years $/cord for pulpwood @ thinning Net $ per acre Internal rate of return (%) No No thin 2277 8.91 Yes 16 2863 10.23 Yes 12 2806 10.02 Yes 6 2730 9.73 Yes 0 2654 9.44 Site index = 63 ft @ age 25 yrs Stumpage prices/cd: pulpwood = $0, $6, $12 and $16 (thin) and $22 (final cut), chip-n-saw =$83, sawtimber =$96 (2000 Timber Mart South 3rd quarter prices) Site preparation and planting cost/ac = $250 trees at age 20 to 25 years. Tree diameter, stem form, and branch habit are important criteria that determine product class distributions or the proportion of the stand in pulpwood, chip-n-saw, or sawtimber sized trees. Pine pulpwood trees are generally trees with poor form, cankers, forks less than 17 feet high and a DBH of 5 to 9 inches. Pine chip-n-saw (dimension lumber and chips) trees generally have a DBH between 9 to 13 inches and have good form. Pine sawtimber trees have a DBH greater than 13 inches and also have good form. Currently, sawtimber value on the stump is worth 4 to 6 times as much as pulpwood. Chip-n-saw stumpage is worth 3 to 5 times as much as pine pulpwood. A properly performed thinning by a reputable crew done at the right time can dramatically change the amount of wood that will grow to become higher valued chip-n-saw, sawtimber and ply logs. Figure 1 illustrates that 34 cords of low value pulpwood, 20 cords of chip-n-saw and 2 cords of sawtimber are grown under a no-thin management regime in a loblolly pine stand through age 24 years. If the stand is thinned at age 15 years and grown to age 24 years, there are now 21 cords pulpwood, 27 cords chip-n-saw, and 8 cords of sawtimber sized trees. With thinning the landowner has decreased pine pulpwood sized trees by 13 cords and increased higher valued chip-n-saw and sawtimber trees by 7 and 6 cords, respectively (Figure 1). Fertilization and thinning improves the amount of chipn-saw and sawtimber wood grown through age 24 years by 9 and 10 cords per acre, respectively (Figure 1). If the best (crop) trees are given sufficient room to grow with a thinning, then the overall financial picture improves (Table 2). Even if first thinning pulpwood prices fell to $6 and $12 per cord, the overall financial rate of return (10.02% and 9.73% in this scenario) would be greater than under a no-thinning management regime (8.91%, Table 3). If the landowner got no income from the first thinning, the rate of return would be greater (9.44%) than if the landowner did not thin the pine stand (8.91% in this scenario, Table 3). This is due to more trees and more wood 15-year-old unthinned stand with a basal area of 150 10 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 volume growing into the larger, higher valued product classes (chip-n-saw and sawtimber, Figure 1). There are at least two reasons that forest landowners may delay or forego a thinning: (1) anticipated nearterm dramatic increase in pine pulpwood prices and demand, and (2) annual revenues from pine straw make it financially unattractive to thin. Much of the attractiveness, financially, for thinning stands is the large price disparity between pine pulpwood and chip-n-saw and sawtimber. If chip-n-saw and sawtimber prices decline dramatically and the price differential between pulpwood, chip-n-saw and sawtimber narrows, then the above forest management picture changes. SUMMARY Thinning pine stands can have biological and long-term economic benefits. Removal of the poor quality and diseased trees (many that may die if not thinned) and leaving the best trees in good condition with a thinning can benefit many forest landowners in Georgia. Remember, you have been tending to your pine stands since they were seedlings, placing great care in the stand. Do not rush into a thinning. Do your homework. Get professional help. Get the best possible logging crew in your area to do the work. The large financial gain is not in the thinning income, but in leaving the best trees to grow into higher valued products. Photos courtesy of UGA GFC Begins Statewide Program to Protect Water Quality The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has initiated a statewide program offering landowners Best Management Practices (BMPs) Assurance Examinations designed to protect water quality during forestry operations. Frank Green, GFC Staff Forester and Statewide BMP Water Quality Coordinator, said the program provides "reasonable assurance" that water quality is protected by identifying active forestry operations with monthly aerial flights, ground observations, and notifications. GFC foresters, with landowners' permission, will inspect sites and provide advice on such issues as streamside management zones, stream crossings, forest road construction, timber harvesting, and mechanical site preparation. "This is an efficient method for protecting landowners, loggers, and water quality by ensuring BMP compliance," Green said. "In the past, many landowners have waited until a forestry operation was completed before requesting GFC assistance. By then, it was difficult to get operators back on a site to correct any problems." He emphasized that the BMP Assurance Exams will establish better assessments of operators who are following guidelines, and identify those not complying with requirements. Green said that each of the 50 Commission foresters will try to conduct one exam per month and will be concentrating on 63 watersheds that have been identified as sediment impaired by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (see map). GFC Director Fred Allen said the program "will go a long way in implementing the BMP water quality program statewide and improving results of future BMP monitoring surveys." For further information on the BMP Water Quality Assurance Examination contact Frank Green at 1-800-GA-TREES. Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 11 Georgia's Official Arbor DayCeremony Honors Veterans and Trees Honoring Georgia's veterans and trees. From left - Chairman Bernard "Ace" Parker, Baldwin Co. Commissioners; Commissioner Pete Wheeler, Ga Dept. of Veterans Service; Rep. Kenneth Birdsong, Chairman of House Defense and Veterans Affairs; Erin Smoak, Miss Ga Forestry; and Director Fred Allen, GFC. The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Department of Veterans Service co-hosted the state's official 2003 Arbor Day Ceremony at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville, honoring two of Georgia's greatest assets our veterans and our trees. Presiding over the ceremony was GFC Director Fred Allen, who described it as, "an excellent way to show the some 777,000 Georgia veterans and their families how much we appreciate their dedication and service in our United States Armed Forces." The event attracted area civic leaders, state and local officials, and representatives of veterans organizations and auxiliaries. Honored guests included: Georgia Department of Veterans Service Commissioner Pete Wheeler; State Representative Kenneth Birdsong; Senator Faye Smith, District 25; Mayor Floyd Griffin, City of Milledgeville; and Chairman Bernard "Ace" Parker, Baldwin County Commissioners. Many of the comments made during the ceremony reflected current events as the nation braces for war against terrorism. Commissioner Wheeler spoke sternly of the need to eliminate evil and expressed his support of President Bush, U.S. service men and women, and those national leaders who are preparing to do so. Rep. Birdsong warned that Americans are subject to acts of terrorism, not just on foreign lands, but also here on our homeland. Senator Smith affirmed that the United States is a strong nation, and she thanked those who have given their life for our country. Caitlyn Bass of Schley County Elementary School in Ellaville was recognized as the winner of the State Arbor Day Poster Contest in which some 1,700 fifth grade students participated. Her artwork will compete in the national contest sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Neal Edmondson of the GFC sang the National Anthem, and the Georgia National Guard Youth Challenge Academy Color Guard from the Ft. Gordon campus in Augusta, Georgia performed the presentation of the flag. Miss Georgia Forestry, Erin Smoak, read Governor Perdue's 2003 Arbor Day Proclamation. Officials planted a tree outside of the chapel in memory and honor of Georgia's veterans. Neal Edmondson, of the the Georgia Forestry Commission, sings the National Anthem. Caitlyn Bass is the 2003 State Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner. From left - Caitlyn Bass, GFC Chief Ranger Brent McCarty, and GFC Director Fred Allen. 12 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 Fernbank Hosts Innovative Arbor Day Program Mary Perdue, Georgia's new First Lady, reads Dr. Seuss's story "The Lorax" to elementary school students at Fernbank Science Center's Arbor Day program. The classic story is an ecological warning even more relevant now than when it was published in 1971. In the midst of natural environmental and prehistoric exhibits, DeKalb County's Fernbank Science Center hosted an innovative Arbor Day program designed for more than a hundred attending elementary school students. The program, coordinated by Fernbank Horticulturist Danielle Green, featured Mary Perdue, Georgia's new First Lady, who read Dr. Seuss's cautionary tale The Lorax to the group. An appropriate selection for Arbor Day, the Seuss classic is an ecological warning that is even more relevant now than when it was published in 1971. The large elementary school group listened in attentive silence as the First Lady's skillful reading revealed an eloquent story warning against the dangers of irresponsible land management, pollution, and disregard for earth's environment. Written as a children's book, the contents include a profound message for youngsters and adults. The moral of the book is simply don't pollute. The Seuss story was followed by the contrasting performance of Tim Womick, a sort of modern day Johnny Appleseed, who plants trees and is becoming famous due to his forestryrelated rapport with children. A cross between serious forestry educator and stand-up comic, Womick is a performer with a mission. His Trail of Trees program is a dynamic and interactive presentation using humor and current events to educate people of all ages on the importance of trees, the environment, and individual potential. Womick says that his interest in trees transformed him from a life governed by "complicated consumerism" to one of traveling around the world sharing his contagious passion for life and trees. A marathon runner and long-distance cyclist, Womick's program includes descriptions of his own turbulent past, and his hope for the future in relation to how trees impact our world. Following the popular Trail of Trees program, Womick escorted the elementary school group to an outside site where the students planted a sawtooth oak for Fernbank's Arbor Day Ceremony. Thanks to the efforts of the National Tree Trust, Fernbank Science Center, and GFC, another group of young people have knowledge on "the magic of trees" to multiply among their peers. Spring 2003 The dynamic and interactive Trail of Trees program is presented by creator Tim Womick to elementary school students as part of Fernbank's Arbor Day celebration. Womick's self-proclaimed mission is to educate people of all ages on the importance of trees. Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 13 The new Wildland-Urban Interface Mobile Classroom is a new concept for Georgia expected to travel statewide. The unit is designed to counteract wildfire threats posed by the increasing wildland-urban interface. Wildland-Urban Interface Increases Wildfire Threat T he Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has designed a new mobile classroom focusing on homeowner education for fire prevention in wildland-urban interface areas. A new concept for Georgia, the Wildland Urban Interface Mobile Classroom is eventually expected to travel statewide to counteract wildfire threats posed by the increase of wildland-urban interface areas. "The wildland-urban interface situation is something Georgia now has to deal with from the perspective of wildfire becoming a threat to more homes and lives," said Jenny Lynn Bruner, GFC Forest Information Coordinator for the 13 counties of District 5. Bruner points out that "more and more people are building homes in woodland settings" without taking preventive measures for wildfire protection. Specifically designed for adult education by GFC's District 5 (Milledgeville) personnel, the mobile unit was federally funded by a grant obtained through the National Firewise Program (Wildland-Urban Interface funding). The concept and the mobile education classroom are derived from needs of the escalating number of families losing their homes to wildfires. "We're going to have wildfires," Bruner said, "It's part of the forest ecosystem. But when you add people and homes, there's a big increase in the danger of wildfires occurring." She emphasized that a basic objective of the mobile unit educational effort is to prevent a loss of Georgia homes "like the destruction of homes caused by fires in the Western states." 14 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 Bruner, who will coordinate scheduling for the Wildland-Urban Interface Mobile classroom, described the program as a "fire prevention tool" directed at homeowners, landowners, planning and zoning commissioners, building contractors, and the general public. CLASSROOM TOURS Specially trained GFC District 5 Firewise teams are assigned to the mobile classroom to guide tours and answer questions. The classroom's interior has visual computer programs designed to be operated by visitors; programs are userfriendly and any questions can be Interior of mobile classroom includes detailed model emphasizing home fire hazards. The program is directed to homeowners, landowners, planning and zoning commissioners, building contractors, and the general public. answered by the GFC Firewise team. home protection concept begins to permeate the state, "there Numerous topics covered by the visual will be a significant and permanent influence of fire programs include landscaping, prevention to counteract the increasing wildfire potential of construction, and accessibility for wildland-urban interface." firefighting equipment. The Firewise concept stresses that if the public will use The mobile unit's exterior has a big-screen recommended fuel reduction practices around homes, they television equipped with VHS and DVD will not only protect houses and occupants but also the players for running various Firewise lives of firefighters who could be called on to protect homes segments. This outside TV screen, which and lives. is always running some type of Firewise topic, serves as a lead-in for information "It only takes about fifteen or twenty minutes for an entire programs inside the classroom. tour of the mobile classroom," Bruner said. "But it could be one of the most beneficial twenty minutes you will ever In addition to computer programs, the spend." classroom interior has a series of displays depicting various Firewise subjects. The display series includes a detailed For further information on the Wildland-Urban Interface model depicting a wildfire with a number of home fire Mobile Classsroom and scheduling contact: Jenny Lynn hazards emphasized; it also includes Firewise homes with Bruner at 478-445-5164. proper building materials, breaks between yards and woodlands, and safe landscaping. Visitors also have access to free literature supporting the computer programs and displays. In essence, a tour of the mobile classroom is designed to offer a capsule education for home fire prevention and protection. MOBILE UNIT SCHEDULING Beginning in January, the Wildland-Urban Interface Mobile Classroom was scheduled to remain in District 5 until the 13-county area is covered. District activities will include a series of meetings with County Commissioners and Homeowner Associations. Bruner said that after the District 5 agenda is Wall displays in mobile classroom correlate with user-friendly computer completed, the mobile unit will be available for programs. Topics covered by visuals include landscaping, construction, statewide scheduling. She said that as the Firewise and accessibility of firefighting equipment. Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 15 There is so much to be learned from continuing the process; this is a science still in its early stages." GROWING FASTER AND BETTER Research is also experimenting with traits that could help commercial sources produce trees that grow faster and straighter, and with better quality wood than trees grown by conventional methods. Editor's Note: The following article is second in a series reviewing sections of the publication (Biotechnology Branches Out: A Look at the Opportunities And Impacts of Forest Biotechnology) sponsored by Pew Initiative of Food Biotechnology, Society of American Foresters, and Ecological Society of America. Forest biotechnology is a vital research area that increases in controversy as scientists progress in identifying genes responsible for unique biological properties in tree species. Tony Bradshaw, a tree geneticist at the University of Washington, reflected the views of many scientists when he said: "Genetic engineering is the best method that plant scientists have to study the effects of individual genes in forest trees." Bradshaw's statement implies the tremendous potential effect GE (genetically engineered) trees could have on Georgia forests, since 66 percent of the state is forestland and the annual total impact of the forest industry on Georgia's economy is $30.5 billion. Scientists are aware that this type of research has practical application related to any place where trees exist. The knowledge offers an ability to modify and insert specific genetic properties into individual tree species, endowing them with the similar desired traits that geneticists have tried to establish in agricultural crops which is mainly resistance to disease, insects, and herbicides. As research progresses, more controversy develops from varying public perceptions concerning possible effects of GE trees. However, Russ Pohl, GFC Chief of Reforestation, takes a more immediate and practical viewpoint. "Most of the controversy over GE trees is understandable," Pohl said, "but much of it is premature. Some projects are also developing trees that produce less lignin, which is a sort of glue that holds wood fibers together. The benefits of this genetic alteration becomes obvious when it is considered that lignin must be removed during the pulping process to make paper; this process can result in a large degree of energy and chemical consumption and a lot of waste. Reduction of lignin in trees could enable paper manufacturers to reduce chemicals used in pulping process, consequently creating significant environmental benefits. TOXIC PROS AND CONS Researchers believe new forest biotechnology approaches can engineer trees to absorb toxic waste. They see GE trees being developed that would be more tolerant of adverse conditions such as drought, cold, and salty soils. Some forest scientists even predict GE trees that could make pulp "right on the stem," while others foresee the technology being used to create breeds of domestic trees capable of producing novel pharmaceuticals and chemicals. However, the GE tree aspect that seems to have the most appeal for research scientists is having access to an unlimited gene pool and this factor is basically what stirs up the most controversy about GE trees. OPPOSITION Opposition to the concept and uses of GE trees has emerged in various forms. Critics and skeptics include environmental groups such as the Sierra Club. The wellknown Sierra group is concerned about the possibility of commercialized trees even if intended only for private forests mushrooming into a sort of kudzu threat that would invade national forests and change their character; some fear such a change would be forever. Controversy over GE trees has even resulted in some violent reactions. In May 2001, the laboratory of Tree Geneticist Tony Bradshaw was burned to the ground by a group calling themselves the "Earth Liberation Front." The extremist group said Bradshaw's lab was firebombed because his work "continues to unleash mutant genes into the environment that are certain to cause irreversible harm to the forest." 16 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 FORESTRY AND CONTROVERSY could conflict with what appears to be a human need for NOTHING NEW forests to serve as psychological reference point. Char Miller, of Trinity University, has written for a long time about controversies molding land use policies in McQuillan points out that for centuries, the "forest America. Miller regards the GE tree turmoil to be another primeval" has existed in religious doctrines, stories of chapter in a special history that began when Gifford mythology, and literature as boundary that separates Pinchot introduced timber management theories that civilization from the untamed environment. A common resulted in the founding of the U.S. Forest Service in 1905. theme emerging from these works is that human beings want forests to be places that are simultaneously feared Miller said Pinchot saw himself as offering the straight and revered. In everything from ancient mythology to forward position that "science has something to teach us the writings of Henry David Thoreau, forests are about land use" and this realization should be used as a described as "bucolic" and "savage." land management guide. Pinchot considered his work to be not only rational, but even virtuous a scientific This complex perspective of forests according to approach to make forests healthy and productive. McQuillan is not just something to inspire academic discourse, but a vital factor in determining whether or However, others considered Pinchot's ideas to be far from not society will accept GE trees. virtuous and the concepts were greeted with immediate hostility when the U.S. Forest Service began to apply "Throughout Western history, civilization has needed the them. Miller notes that in some forest to remain apart from cases, Forest Service agents civilization uncultivated, literally found themselves under fire from those who "didn't particularly appreciate that "Most of the controversy over GE trees is understandable, untamed, and unappropriated," McQuillan said. "Forests have and will continue to condition knowledge" and saw it as an but much of it is premature. culture and civilization in assault on their freedom. There is so much to be learned hugely important ways. For As a writer, Miller has considerable experience in researching and evaluating from continuing the process; this is a science still in its infancy." these psychological reasons, among others, we can expect entrenched opposition to all perceived threats to the such land use issues, and he -- Russ Pohl independence and otherness of believes that applying technology only to private land will not reduce controversy GFC Chief of Reforestation natural forests." SLIDING SCALE since environmental perceptions On the other end of the and public policies often do not spectrum, Tony Bradshaw separate public and private holdings. Also, public and resurfaces with his views. He does not consider the private lands are interspersed within National Forests. process used to create GE trees to be a mysterious diversion from the processes of nature. "It's a myth to While Miller sees no end to the controversy occurring think that humans invented the transfer of genes into when forest management conflicts with public opinion, plants," Bradshaw said. "It has been done for millions he hopes dialogue on the GE tree controversy will of years by soil bacteria, and it is possible to convince continue into the political arena to be resolved. "That is these soil bacteria to transfer any bit of DNA that would troubling to scientists," he said. "But tough luck, we like to move into a plant. live in a democratic culture and that is where our decisions are made." When discussing GE trees, Bradshaw said he often encounters a fundamental lack of understanding "FOREST PRIMEVAL" concerning biological principles. He said many There are those who believe the debate over GE trees Americans do no not understand that an ordinary goes much deeper into the human psyche than surface tomato has DNA; and while grazing sheep may seem issues reveal. Alan G. McQuillan, a professor of forest a part of the "natural" landscape of the English management at the University of Montana, is one of those countryside, the sheep is actually a "Middle Eastern believers. McQuillan has performed in-depth studies on native grazing on a grassy hillside that was once a the influential role that forests have in Greek mythology, forest." Bradshaw considers many perceptions of the literature, and even religion. He concludes that GE trees "natural" to be distorted from reality. Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 17 Typical of the GE tree scenario, as soon as one viewpoint is offered, a contrasting perception is ready and waiting. Faith Campbell, of the American Land Alliance, disagrees with Bradshaw. She says there are "quite a few people scientists and nonscientists who think the process (used in making GE trees) is significantly different, and does result in risks that are not likely to be present in traditional breeding." Campbell said most scientists in the field agree that GE tree risks are not significantly greater than those associated with conventional hybrids; but some scientists are concerned that GE trees pose a unique threat because they possess a different type of genes that "have not evolved to function in coordination" with the rest of a tree's chromosome composition. MAINTAINING EQUILIBRIUM According to Raymond O'Connor of the University of Maine, our society generally develops more anxiety about new technologies if risks involved are perceived as imposed, rather than accepted voluntarily. McQuillan agrees with this, saying our culture increasingly regards science as imposing risks that we cannot control, which creates a sense of helplessness. Bradshaw also thinks along these lines. He said a serious mistake in crop biotechnology was the industry introducing initial products as something that would benefit only farmers and companies with little or no focus on consumer benefits. "I would hope," Bradshaw said, "that the first products of the forest genetic engineering industry if there ever is one will be things that can be shown to directly benefit the consumer in terms of improved quality, lower costs, or something like that." On the other hand, Paul Sisco of the American Chestnut Foundation, said it is important to maintain public trust by not overselling the benefits of GE trees. For example, he believes the biotech industry damaged its reputation with exaggerated claims of "golden rice" benefits, a product genetically designed to fight malnutrition in poor countries. "I think we have to be concerned about that," Sisco said. The treadmill of perceptions and opinions on GE trees continues... (continued from page 7) "Usually, what gets this sort of thing started is industry backing," Gillis said. "They will want to subsidize production and do anything else that is necessary to get it established. But at this time, what it boiled down to was lack of volume. There was only one processing plant left." The remaining lifespan of the industry is now history. DEAD OR DORMANT When asked if the Naval Stores industry could ever be revived in Georgia and the Southeast, Gillis simply said, "No." However, he qualified his answer by adding "not at the current prices. I'm talking about a hundred and fifty dollars for a barrel of gum. That's about 635 pounds of crude gum." He then speculated on the possibility of market changes. "Now, if that market was high enough," he said, "and some industry was interested enough well, we now have these plantations with improved Naval Stores trees planted on them." Gillis points to a map and traces a line with his finger. "From North Carolina to Texas, there's a slash pine and longleaf belt that produces gum," he said. "It all depends on money. If timber prices were cheaper and gum prices were higher, there would be a possibility for change. In other words, it's still there and it has a tremendous potential. And with these trees now planted in rows, there's a realistic potential for mechanization." NOSTALGIA When asked if he had any nostalgic or sentimental feelings about the end of a longtime family business, Gillis said, "Well, something that you've done all your life, and then this way of life disappears, you're bound to have some feeling about it. You can look all over the Southeast where this old and really valuable timber is now, and it's there primarily because it was worked by Naval Stores." The Naval Stores industry in the Southeast was a diverse subculture in American society. "I suppose what I miss most about it is associating with a wide diversity of people," Gillis said. "There were a lot of different types, but basically they were all good people. At one time, I guess we had employed close to a hundred families with the Naval Stores farm operation." Gillis has numerous papers and photos spread out before him on a large conference table. Some of the photos are very old and chronicle the history of the turpentine business. He goes through the photos giving dates and locations, but time has made the memory of some dates and locations fade away. "I tell you what," Gillis says, "it ought to be a violation when a man gets a picture that he doesn't have to write on the back of it the date and where it was." 18 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 In Memoriam The forestry community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of William Eugene "Billy" Lancaster. A 1971 graduate of the University of Georgia School of Forest Resources, Lancaster became a leader in the practice and promotion of forestry. In 2000, he was elected a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters - the highest honor granted a forester by the profession. Billy Lancaster 1949-2003 His dedicated leadership of the Georgia Division SAF Forestry Youth Camp is recognized as one of his many outstanding accomplishments. In addition to founding the Camp in 1989, he raised the funds to provide scholarships for students to attend each year. Through his commitment to providing opportunities for youth, hundreds of teens have gained an awareness and know- ledge of Georgia's forest resource value to their everyday life. His work as Forestry Equipment Division Manager of METRAC and involvement in The University of Georgia School of Forest Resources Alumni Association, the Georgia Forestry Association, and many community and civic organizations earned him respect and friendships of exceptional scope. Craven, Smith - 50-Year Award F rank Craven (left) and Al Smith (right) received recognition as members of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) for over 50 years promoting good forestry practices. Both men retired from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Craven as Chief of Forest Education, and Smith as Chief of Administration. The awards were presented by Steve Chapman (center), chairman of the Georgia Division of SAF and Staff Forester with the GFC Forest Management Department. Memorial for Firefighter Mary Jo Brown A firefighter memorial was dedicated recently at the USFS Brasstown Ranger District Office in honor of Mary Jo Brown who lost her life November 20, 1994 while fighting a wildfire on Cedar Mountain south of Blairsville, Georgia. The memorial includes a bronze plaque embedded in a large rock (shown left) that was taken from the Brasstown District and a log bench (shown right). The plaque displays a likeness of Mary Jo, a Forest Service shield, and words of loving tribute. A purple ribbon (worn in honor of fallen firefighters) and a small Smokey Bear pin that had belonged to Brown were embedded into the bench. A line from the plaque reads, "We will always remember Mary Jo Brown for her love of life and laughter, care for all creatures, and concern for all people." 102 US Firefighter Fatalities in 2002 The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announced in January that 102 firefighters died while on duty in the United States in 2002. The loss of a firefighter's life was felt directly in more than 86 communities, in 35 states across the nation. For firefighter fatality reports, visit the USFA website: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/inside-usfa/ff_fat.cfm Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 19 Check Out the New Smokey Bear Website! www.smokeybear.com Smokey's message has remained essentially unchanged for almost 60 years. Responding to the massive outbreak of wildfires in 2000, the campaign's focus was recently changed from children to adults, and Smokey's slogan was updated to "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires." The Smokey Bear website has also been revamped to reflect the new tone and audience. It has three sections: "Smokey Kids" - A redesigned children's area that includes a new online game called "Smokejumpers." "Only You" - This adult-directed section has information about recent wildfire outbreaks, extensive scientific facts about wildfire, explains the difference between good fires and bad fires, offers ways you can help prevent wildfires from occurring, and talks about who wildland firefighters are and what they do. "Smokey's Vault" - Adults can pass their love of Smokey to their kids with this collection of nostalgic posters, images, and public service announcements. GEORGIA Prescribed Burn Certification 2003 Schedule April 10 Columbus State University Columbus, GA July 17 Floyd College Rome, GA September 4 University of Georgia Rural Development Center Tifton, GA October 16 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA For more information, contact Neal Edmondson @ 478-751-3332 or visit: www.gfc.state.ga.us Charles Bailey is shown on the right in the back row, with Chuck Norvell to his right. Georgia Forestry Commission Foresters Chuck Norvell and Charles Bailey were part of the first-ever Urban Forestry Strike Team called out by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) through the USDA Forest Service for disaster relief and clean-up during the aftermath of Hurricane Lili (October 2002) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Free Workshop for Small, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers Team Agriculture Georgia will host a free workshop for small, beginning and limited resource farmers on Thursday, May 15th at the Rural Development Center in Tifton, Georgia. The all day workshop includes lunch and such topics as financing small farms, grant opportunities, goats and small livestock production, opportunities in forestry and many others. Watch for more details and a registration form in the Market Bulletin in early April. You may also contact Marie Bumback at 706-340-5179 or visit the website at www.teamaggeorgia.com/. 20 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 Forest Animals These things come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are scary, some are not. A few aren't seen that often, but they are all found in the Georgia outdoors. What are they? Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number to find the answer . EABR WOL 2 BTARIB 3 SENKA 5 SPMOUSO URSELRIQ 11 12 13 9 TURLET 6 MOSUE 10 SUKNK DARZIL PIRDES FYLRETBTU 8 7 4 1 1234 56 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Find 6 things different about these two forest scenes: ANSWERS: Baby bird is missing, acorn is added, bird is added, squirrel is added, raccoon is flipped horizontally, and deer has two more spots. ANSWERS: Bear, Owl, Rabbit, Snake, Opossum, Squirrel, Turtle, Mouse, Skunk, Lizard, Spider, Butterfly. Forest Animals. Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 21 FIRE IN THE FOREST Fire in the forest can be bad...but sometimes it can be good. Bad Fire Wildfires - Fire in the forest that is out of control can harm people, homes, animals, and the forest. Good Fire Prescribed Fires - Fire in the forest that is in control by professionals can help the forest to stay healthy. The main causes of WILDFIRE in Georgia's forests are: Careless Debris Burning - Wildfires can be started accidentally by people burning leaves, sticks, and other yard debris. Woods Arson - Wildfires can be started on purpose by people who want to destroy or damage property or buildings. PRESCRIBED FIRE can: Help many plants reproduce and increase food for wild animals. Lessen the possibility of a wildfire by removing built up layers of dead leaves and forest material that could easily catch on fire. Circle the scenes below that describe where a prescribed fire (good fire) has taken place: A man sets a fire in the woods and then runs away. New plants and trees are reproducing. A bunny finds his favorite food growing in the woods. Animals flee to escape a huge raging fire blazing quickly through the forest. A forester sets a fire in the woods and manages it closely. Lightning strikes and a small fire burns itself out. A deer sees a small, low burning fire and has time to easily leave the area for a few hours. Lightning strikes and a large fire sweeps through the forest destroying everything in its path. A woman burns a pile of dead leaves in her yard and a big wind makes the fire grow and become unmanageable. Answers: New plants and trees are reproducing, a bunny finds his favorite food growing in the woods, a forester sets a fire in the woods and manages it closely, lightning strikes and a small fire burns itself out, and a deer sees a small, low burning fire and has time to easily leave the area for a few hours. 22 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us Spring 2003 Local radio station DJ Jeff Wiggins of WXRS AM/FM now holds the record for pine tree sitting (35 days set in 1991). The Pine Tree Festival has been held in Swainsboro, Georgia since May 1946 (it is the longest running festival in the world to be associated with pine trees). The 58th Pine Tree Festival will be April 28 - May 3, 2003 and is sponsored by the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club. Ray Brinson, world's first Pine Tree Sitter, descends with new 30-day record. (From the May 1953 issue of the Georgia Forestry Magazine) Spring 2003 Georgia Forestry/www.gfc.state.ga.us 23 Bruce Lyndon Cunningham Nacogdoches, TX - USA Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa Nutt.) DESCRIPTION: Leaves deciduous in autumn, compound, 8 to 12 inches long, with 7 to 9 (rarely 5) fragrant leaflets, the terminal one being 4 to 6 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide and larger than the laterals, margins toothed; dark yellowgreen and shiny above, pale yellowgreen to orange-brown and hairy below; petiole of stem hairy. Fruit oval or nearly round, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long with a hull about 1/8 inch thick, dark red-brown, splitting nearly to the base when ripe; nut 4-ridged, light reddish brown with a thick, hard shell; kernel sweet. Bark dark, firm, close, with low, rounded interlaced ridges and shallow furrows. A tree seldom reaching a height of 100 feet with a trunk occasionally 3 feet in diameter, terminating in a narrow, or sometimes broad, rounded head. KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Petioles or leaf stems hairy, winter buds large (1/2 to 3/4 inch long) and hairy; nut 4-ridged with a thin hull splitting rather freely. WOOD: Very heavy, hard, tough, strong, close-grained, flexible, thick, nearly white sapwood. USES: Similar to those of shagbark hickory. DISTRIBUTION: Common on well drained soils throughout the state. J. Frederick Allen Director An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider Periodical postage paid at Dry Branch, Georgia and additional mailing offices Total cost to print: Cost: $6887 Qty: 13M