Georgia forestry, Vol. 56, no. 2 (Summer 2003)

Georgia
FORESTRY

USPS No. 217120 Summer 2003

No. 2

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 P. W. Bryan, Jr., Thomasville James G. Fendig, Savannah H. G. Thomas New, Louisville Larry S. Walker, Oglethorpe

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:
By the time you read this letter, I will have retired from the Georgia Forestry Commission. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to serve the Forestry Commission and the citizens of Georgia for more than thirty-one years.
No supervisor could have asked for a greater group of dedicated and committed employees than those within the Forestry Commission. They have served willingly and tirelessly in protecting, managing, and promoting the forest resources of Georgia. These men and women have made the Forestry Commission the best agency in state government and the most respected across the nation.
Georgia is blessed in having an abundant and sustainable forest resource that benefits all Georgians economically, environmentally, and socially. I am confident that with the sound forest management practices being promoted and implemented by forest landowners across the state that Georgia's forest will remain a strong and vital component of our over-all environment.
While I am retiring from government service, I will remain committed to promoting forestry and forestry education in the state and across the South. I would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve and to be a part of the best state agency in Georgia.
Sincerely,

J. Frederick Allen Director

Jim L. Gillis, Jr. Chairman, Soperton

P. W. Bryan Thomasville

J. G. Fendig Savannah

H. G. Thomas New Louisville

An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider

Larry S. Walker Oglethorpe

ON THE COVER:
This lone pine and hawk are witness to another beautiful sunset as a summer breeze moves gently across a meadow near Cochran.
Photo by William Godfrey

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/ Summer 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 $30.5 Billion Annual Impact of Forestry on Georgia Georgia Tech Study Shows What It Really Means

7 State of the Forest A Report on Georgia Forests 2003

8 Forest Stewardship Program Recognizes Newest Certified Stewards Landowners Recognized for Efforts in Managing Forest Resources

10 UGA's Vince Dooley Newest Certified Forest Steward

11 Wildlife Menu Blackberry (Rubus spp.)

12 Firewise Landscaping Could Save Forest Homes Wildland-Urban Interface Increases Wildfire Danger

14 GE Trees: Potential Environmental Impacts UGA Forestry School Researcher Emphasizes the Positive

18 Brantley County Wins FFA Forestry State Finals Ware County Magnet School Takes Second Place

19 In the News National Arbor Day Awards Moore Wants More Forest Landowner's Field Day Agroforestry & Wildlife Field Day

21 Fun Page Everyday Miracle

22 Fun Page Be Firewise

23 50 Years Ago Athens Factory Ships Baseball Bats Worldwide

24 Native Trees of Georgia Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.)

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This is the source of the $30.5 billion annual impact of forestry on the Georgia economy determined by an in-depth economic study performed by the Georgia Institute of Technology. Sixty-six percent of the state's total land area is forestland. Research concentrated on how different components interact within the Georgia economy.

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An in-depth economic research study by the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) shows the Georgia forest industry's $19.5 billion annual output actually leads to a total annual economic impact of $30.5 billion on the state's economy revealing a vital influence that is interwoven throughout the Georgia economy.

GFC Director Fred Allen said Georgia Tech's Economic Development Institute was selected by the Georgia Forestry Commission to do the study based on the organization's reputation for comprehensive accuracy in similar studies. Although the in-depth study is based on 2001 statistics, Allen emphasized that the basic results are currently valid in relation to changes now occurring in the forestry industry.
"The Georgia Tech study confirms that the state's forestry industry remains strong, progressive, and is essential to maintaining a healthy Georgia economy since forestry represents seven percent of the state's economy," Allen said. "The study also clarifies the fact that forestry now operates in a global economy and certain well-planned transitions will be necessary to sustain future economic benefits for Georgia."
Current GFC statistics show that forestry is the highest valued crop in Georgia followed by cotton, peanuts, and vegetables. These records also determine that 66 percent of the state's land is forestland providing environmental as well as economic benefits.
"The study clearly shows that the economic benefits of forestry can be evaluated," Allen said. "But no price can be placed on the invaluable benefits that Georgia's

forests provide in the form of clean air, clean water, soil protection, and wildlife habitat."
TECH STUDY PROMPTED BY CHANGE Prior to the Georgia Tech study, the economic impact of forestry on Georgia was assessed at $19.5 billion yearly. The $11 billion increase may seem surprising to some, but the forestry community simply sees the increase as a reflection of overall and in-depth accuracy including the financial influence of all Georgia's forestry products and by-products.
"We knew the numbers had changed," Allen said. "The methods used for the old economic studies, originally established in the 80s, have changed. And the forestry industry has also experienced a lot of changes since the original model." He added that it was considered time to upgrade the old model and incorporate all the various changes in the study. The objective is a current and accurate financial picture that could also serve as a barometer of sorts for determining future actions.
The economic "input-output model," used by Georgia Tech for similar studies, was an ideal match for GFC needs. The project became the sole responsibility of Georgia Tech's Dr. William (Bill) Riall, a Principal Research Associate with the institution's Economic Development Research Program.

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Riall, who has a Ph.D. in economics from Georgia State University, has been involved in directing numerous research projects assessing economic viability of technology and economic development opportunities. His projects include the areas of feasibility analysis, cost-benefit analysis, investment decision rules, economic analysis in domestic and foreign economies, and policy recommendations related to economic and software development.
As an expert on studies of the economy, Riall reflects that Georgia Tech operates what may be the most comprehensive program for state and local economic support of any research university in the United States. A Southern Group Policies Board indicates this conclusion in a report titled "Innovation U: New University Roles in a Knowledge Economy." The report profiles the economic development and technology transfer practices of 12 universities considered to be the best in the United States.
"So, you go with what works," said GFC Director Fred Allen. "Bill Riall has a lot of experience with this sort of thing. He's been doing it for more than 15 years."

IMPLAN Riall said the Tech study used a nationally recognized inputoutput model called IMPLAN to develop the multipliers. IMPLAN looks at each economic component separately and evaluates it in relation to the whole. "This approach is like a big recipe box," Riall said. "It knows the recipe for all products involved in the study. The model estimates how many of those ingredients are going to be purchased in Georgia, and then those industries in turn purchase other things according to their recipes. In essence, all these purchases are then totaled for the financial circulation process. Finally, when somebody buys something that is not produced in Georgia, then that resource leaves the state and is assumed not to come back."
For example, a pulp mill purchases wood from a logger. The logger, in turn, purchases equipment and fuel from firms that buy their raw materials from other firms. Combined with estimates of what percentage of these items are supplied by Georgia firms, the recipes can be used to estimate how much of each is purchased in Georgia -- and how much is purchased outside Georgia.

THE RIALL APPROACH Referring to the Georgia Tech study,

"The study clarifies the fact

Purchases from outside Georgia (leakage) puts a stop to the multiplier

Riall said, "Our definition of the forestry that forestry now operates in effect -- the higher the leakage, the

industry was more expansive and a global market and certain lower the multiplier effect.

included more industries and elements well-planned transitions will

than the previous study like secondary be necessary to sustain future Summarizing the report, Riall said one

industries."
For instance, the new model included "manufactured housing," which is a

economic benefits for Georgia." -- GFC Director Fred Allen

factor in particular is dominant. "The report is not intended to be an historical perspective," he pointed out. "However, the data makes it obvious

relatively large industry and classified

that forestry is a big and influential piece

within the wood using industries along with the furniture of the Georgia economy."

industry. "The idea," Riall said, "is that if we did not have

such forest resources would this industry exist in Georgia? Riall said he anticipates that Georgia Tech will be updating

I think probably not."

the Georgia forestry economic study on an annual or semi-

annual basis.

Summarizing the approach, Riall said, "We also tried to

establish a collective definition of the forestry industry that GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

made sense and included all the pieces. Then we looked at A major implication of the Georgia Tech study is the

how those pieces interact with each other and with the potential for influence of foreign markets on Georgia's

Georgia economy. That's how the total economic impact forestry economy.

was determined."

"If and when the South American forestry markets really

After the forestry industry was defined and its activities open up -- what impact will it have on Georgia when the

quantified, the Tech study estimated the total economic imports begin flowing in?" said GFC Director Fred Allen.

activity supported by the forestry industry. This total "As the Tech study shows, all things considered, our

activity is generally referred to as the "multiplier effect," situation is relatively good right now. But I don't think

which occurs when dollars are brought into the state's we can afford to keep our head in the sand and say

economy and re-circulated before "leaking" out. As everything is fine. We need to begin looking down the

applied to forestry, this method estimates the total road so we can take action to ensure that Georgia's

economic activity and provides a perspective on how landowners have a good, solid investment in forestry --

important these activities are in the overall assessment to and that this transcends into a healthy statewide forest that

the Georgia economy.

is good for all of us."

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State of the Forest: A Report on Georgia Forests 2003
Georgia forests are well-managed and growing, but landowners and industry face global and home-grown challenges.
A new government/private report finds Georgia's 24 million acres of forests "diverse, well-managed, and healthy" but says the forest community must overcome mounting challenges at home and abroad to remain a "critical contributor to Georgia's economy and overall quality of life."
The study, State of the Forest: A Report on Georgia Forests 2003, was developed jointly by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), a state agency; the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), an industry-related organization that worked cooperatively on the study with the Warnell School of Forest Resources' Center for Forest Business of the University of Georgia; and the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA), which represents all segments of the forestry community--from landowners to harvesters to wood product manufacturers.

Vince Dooley, athletic director of the University of Georgia (UGA) and a tree farmer, formally released the State of the Forest: A Report on Georgia Forests 2003 in April at a news conference at UGA's Warnell School of Forest Resources (WSFR). He was flanked by leaders of the state's forestry community: James Sweeney, interim dean of UGA's WSFR; Fred Allen, Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) director; Miles (Andy) Stone, Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) president; and Al Massey, chairman of the Georgia Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

The report includes updated assessments of Georgia's forest resources from a number of perspectives economic, environment, and social and sums up the challenges and opportunities that will define and determine forestry's future in Georgia near and long-term.

In something of a surprise -- given Georgia's dramatic urban growth -- the report said the state's forestland base has remained relatively stable over the last 70 years. The base has even grown by 200,000 acres in the past five years due to conversion of agricultural land to trees. Some 600,000 private landowners -- most of them families -- own 72 percent of the forests in Georgia.

Georgia's forests have grown by 200,000 acres
in the past five years.

Economic data developed by Georgia Tech and included in the report show forestry has a direct impact (business output) of $19.5 billion on the state's economy and an indirect impact of $30.5 billion. The data, produced by Tech's Economic Development Institute headed by Dr. William Riall, show Georgia forestry is directly responsible for 77,266 jobs with a payroll of $3.6 billion. Indirectly, forestry is the basis for 204,000 jobs with a payroll of more than $7.7 billion.

Forestry's Economic Impact in Georgia:
$19.5 Billion - direct impact (business output)
$30.5 Billion - indirect impact

The economic impact numbers do not take into account the noneconomic benefits that flow from Georgia forests, such as improved air and water quality, abundant and diverse wildlife, and green space and recreational opportunities for an enhanced quality of life for all citizens.

Forestry's Non-Economic Impact in Georgia: Improved air and water quality Abundant and diverse wildlife Enhanced quality of life for all citizens

(continued on pg. 17)

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Forest Stewardship Program Recognizes Newest Certified Stewards
Twenty-two landowners have recently been recognized for their efforts in managing their forest resources following recommendations made for them in their Forest Stewardship Plan. The new Certified Stewards are:

Chuck and Rose Lane Leavell Dr. Fleming Childs John and Carole Godbee Lail and Ward LLC Frank and Lynn Lisella GA DNR Wilson Shoals WMA John Duncan Jeff and Karen Greene Betty and Orbie Faircloth James Gaston Joe Butler Robert and Sarah Billue John A. McNeill J. H. Goodroe, Jr. Martha McKnight Wade Williams Thomas Bruckner Karen and Eric Johansen Lee and Leslie Moody Dr. T. Henry Wall, et al Harold Wyatt

Twiggs County Lamar County Bulloch County Hancock County Elbert County Banks County Brooks County Sumter County Sumter County Sumter County Mitchell County Wilkinson County Sumter County Pulaski County Turner County Houston County Morgan County Morgan County Walton County Walton County Haralson County

The addition of these well-managed forestlands brings the total number of Certified Stewards to 180 in Georgia and covers more than 137,700 acres.
If you are a participant in the Forest Stewardship Program and would like to be considered for designation as a Certified Steward, contact your Georgia Forestry Commission Forester or call 1-800-GA TREES.

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Forest Stewardship in Action

This sign fully defines the land ethic philosophy of Wade Williams, a great admirer of Callaway Gardens.

Lee and Leslie Moody have several well designed and maintained hiking trails on their property in Walton County.

Managing for aesthetics is the priority for Wade Williams on this tract in Houston County.

A thinning was done for Harold Wyatt of Haralson County. This improved the quality and growth of the stand and will improve wildlife habitat.

Protecting habitat of an endangered species is of great importance to Martha McKnight of Turner County.

Maintaining water quality is very important to the Johansens of Morgan County.

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GFC Chief of Forest Management Rick Hatten (left) and GFC Director Fred Allen (center) recognized UGA Athletic Director Vince Dooley (right) as one of Georgia's newest Certified Forest Stewards.
Dooley admires a plaque honoring his accomplishment and Allen holds the official "Stewardship Forest" sign he presented to Dooley that will be proudly displayed on the coach's tree farms.

UGA's Vince Dooley Newest Certified Forest Steward
Famous for his leadership as Athletic Director at UGA, Vince Dooley is now also famous as a Steward of the Forest.
After a news conference formally releasing the State of the Forest: A Report on Georgia Forests 2003 (see related story on page 7), Dooley was recognized for the excellent management of his forestland when Georgia Forestry Commission officials designated him as one of the state's newest Certified Forest Stewards. He received a plaque honoring his accomplishment and a "Stewardship Forest" sign that he can display on his property. Dooley owns and actively manages two tree farms, one in Clarke County and a second in Madison County, a few miles north of Athens.
Having a keen interest in trees and forestry, he was also instrumental in having the sprawling University campus designated as an arboretum for the study and protection of its rich tree diversity.
Describing the state's forests as "one of our most cherished and valuable resources," he conveys his respect for its importance. "Forestry must be fostered and promoted, not only for our well being today, but for the economic and environmental health of future generations of Georgians."
Vince Dooley is one of 600,000 private landowners -- most of them families -- who own 72 percent of the forests in Georgia. Georgia's forestry community, both private and industrial, manages forests that provide
wildlife habitat, clean air, clean water, recreation, and over 5,000 products that are used daily.

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Blackberry (Rubus spp.)

Summer's bounty of blackberries will soon be sought after in fields and hedgerows. Not only are these sweet treats one of our favorites, they are sought after by a great many species of wildlife as well. In fact, blackberries are at the very top of the list in terms of summer foods for wildlife.

quail, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse. Principal songbird users would be catbird, cardinal, yellowbreasted chat, robin, summer tanager, brown thrasher, and towhees. Other blackberry consumers would include deer, rabbits, raccoons, chipmunks, squirrels, and even box turtles.

Most of us recognize the familiar compound leaves The sweet fruits are understandably a chief reason

and thorny stems of blackberries. Did you realize why blackberries are important to wildlife. The

that blackberries

structure of many

actually comprise

blackberry thick-

a huge genus

ets, however, is

(Rubus), that has

another boon for

hundreds of

wildlife. Cotton-

species in the

tail rabbits find

United States

security within

alone? Common

blackberry thick-

blackberries in

ets, and even feed

our state would

on the stems.

include flowering

Many species of

raspberry, wild

songbirds,

black rasp-

particularly

berry, dewberry,

shrub-nesting

swamp dew-

species such

berry, south-

as cardinals,

ern dewberry,

find both escape

Himalaya-black-

cover and nest-

berry (an escaped

ing cover within

cultivar), sand

robust black-

blackberry, sow-

berry thickets.

teat blackberry, Blackberries are at the very top of the list in terms of summer foods for wildlife. Whitetail deer

true blackberry,

feed on leaves

highbush blackberry, and spineless blackberry.

and young stems as well.

The high sugar content of ripe blackberries is probably the reason they are as palatable to wildlife as they are to us. Over 100 bird species utilize blackberries, with the majority of that number using blackberry as a relatively important food in the summer. The gamebirds in Georgia using blackberries are bobwhite

Although training in botany would certainly be helpful in distinguishing the many species of "blackberries," it is not a prerequisite for enjoying the sweet taste of summer. Don some long sleeves and gloves and head out to a hedgerow near you!

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Wildland-Urban Interface Increases Wildfire Danger

Georgia's rapid statewide increase in wildland-urban interface should prompt owners with homes on woodland lots to consider doing some serious landscaping for wildfire protection.
The state reflects a major complication in wildland fire protection that is increasing throughout the Southeast. There is a large migration of people seeking the peace, quiet, and privacy of rural (or semi-rural) living. Many of these people are building permanent homes in wildland-urban interface areas, while others are looking for temporary relief by building vacation homes in isolated areas.
As people move into these areas where wildfires have occurred for hundreds of years they add fuels that can accelerate the spread of wildfire. Whether they build simple cabins, pull in mobile homes, or create large and expensive housing developments all these structures are in the wakes of past fires and are potential fuel for future wildfires.

MORAL The moral of this continuing population shift is that homeowners in wildland-urban interface areas must assume at least some responsibility for protecting their homes from wildfire. However, even with widespread media coverage of major fires, many homeowners seem to remain unaware of how wildfires behave or the preventive actions of protection that should be taken.
In any case, more and more families are leaving the city for simpler lifestyles. It has almost become a clich that everybody wants a permanent or temporary home in some sort of woodland area. This is certainly understandable, but it has created a potentially dangerous wildfire situation. In many areas, the potential for wildfire has surpassed the degree of protection that current firefighting resources can provide.
The main problem confronting firefighters becomes houses and other buildings screened by trees and undergrowth and this is the very reason many of the owners selected the properties. A

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Tall, dead grass leading to house in background creates dangerous potential for wildfire that could destroy home. Firewise landscaping reduces such hazards.
woodland home, nestled in the trees, can be a scenic repose in harmony with nature. However, the fact remains that a continuous extension of trees and vegetation from a forest to a house makes it virtually impossible for firefighting crews to save such a structure from wildfire. In this type of environment, the house itself becomes a primary source of fuel.
LANDSCAPING So what is the solution to this mushrooming dilemma in Georgia and other states? Firewise landscaping is a good start and it can be very effective. There are a number of basic steps that a homeowner can use to establish a firewise landscape.
The foundation of the process is breaking the fuel chain between buildings and vegetation. An inventory of the yard should be made to identify fire hazards that could carry flames to the house then get rid of the hazards.

CARDINAL RULE If there's a cardinal rule in wildland firefighting, it may be that no plant should be considered fireproof. Some plants are more fire-resistant than others but none are fireproof. With that fact in mind, a homeowner should select trees (and other plants) of low overall height, with high leaf moisture and low leaf oil or resin content. In general, plants should be selected that are drought resistant, with minimal litter and foliage.
HOMEWORK The homeowner should do some in-depth homework on the area's fire history. This study should include prevailing winds and seasonal weather (including precipitation amounts and frequency). Any woodland property should be carefully examined for fire-resistant characteristics in terms of elevation, slope, and native vegetation.
All things considered, Firewise landscaping decisions should be made on the basis of environmental concerns, rather than aesthetic preferences. However, environmental concerns and aesthetics are often compatible in Firewise landscaping; a little imagination can go a long way.

Nothing flammable should be touching or even close to buildings. Potential fire sources that should be removed include firewood, mulch, and overhanging tree branches. Evergreen trees, which catch fire easily, should be removed. Lawns should be well kept with leaves and debris raked and removed.

Firebreaks should be considered; some types of firebreaks can add aesthetics to a woodland home. Stone walkways, rock gardens, and raised flower areas all make effective firebreaks while enhancing aesthetics.

Trees and other vegetation should be minimized up to 30 feet from a house. The area should be cleaned up to 100 feet from a building, providing sufficient room for fire trucks and firefighting apparatus. A dependable water supply should be available from a pond, swimming pool, or well with a high-volume pump.

Home roof covered with pine straw is a fire hazard waiting to happen. Landscaping with Firewise techniques is conducive to having roof areas clear of debris.

Firewise Website Offers Self-Help
Any individual or community interested in Firewise principles and guidelines can visit www.firewise.org at any time to obtain information on safe landscaping and construction techniques and to find out what other communities are doing to become Firewise.
This informative website describes what other communities are doing around the nation -- including details on areas applying for Firewise Communities/USA recognition status. Continued improvements on the website makes this information even more accessible and expands content segments to include more examples of local ordinances, plans, and risk assessment techniques, as well as additional links to funding sources for local projects (see current Grants and Funding Sources at www.firewise.org/usa).
The Firewise website is an integral part of an overall program designed to help individuals and communities find solutions and overcome obstacles to becoming Firewise. Testing numerous methods to find out what works is part of the program's effective design and a key to its success.

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developing through crossbreeding with the Chinese chestnut. The project is currently being implemented by the American Chestnut Foundation.

PHYTOREMEDIATION "Phytoremediation" is not a household word, but it could become a well-known reference if Merkle's research is successful. Merkle's research also involves collaborating with a team to develop GE trees that could be used to clean up hazardous waste sites through absorption. The clean up process is known as phytoremediation.

Some plants already exist that can degrade toxic materials,

but these are mostly small plants. Consequently, Merkle

and fellow UGA scientist Richard Meagher, a professor in

the UGA Genetics Department, have joined forces to develop

such "clean-up" capabilities in trees. The obvious reason

is that trees, simply because of their size, could absorb much

UGA Forestry School Researcher Emphasizes the Positive

more undesirable material at a much faster rate. Although this sort of research is a slow process, Merkle and Meagher have already experienced some success by engineering, in

the laboratory, Eastern cottonwoods and yellow poplar trees

Editor's Note: The following article is third in a series capable of absorbing mercury.

reviewing sections of the publication (Biotechnology

Branches Out: A Look at the Opportunities and Impacts Merkle said none of his experiments, with disease-resistant

of Forest Biotechnology) sponsored by Pew Initiative chestnuts or toxic waste-absorbing trees, have been moved

on Food and Biotechnology, Society of American from his laboratory to the field. He emphasizes this point

Foresters, and Ecological Society of America. due to the continuing debate about whether or not scientists

(Photos provided by Dr. Scott Merkle/UGA)

should pursue the next research stage involving planting

GE trees in outdoor test plots.

As controversy intensifies concerning risks of GE (genetically engineered) trees, a University of Georgia (UGA) researcher is harnessing the

STALKING THE WILD GE TREE Tracking GE trees in the wild has become a prominent issue.

technology to make these transgenic trees capable of Jim Hamrick, a UGA professor of botany and genetics, said

performing "valuable ecological

scientists do not have enough

services."
Dr. Scott Merkle, a professor with the UGA Warnell School of Forest

"While much attention has been given to the potential negative environmental impacts of GE trees,

information to make exact predictions on the impact GE trees will have in wild populations. He said, however, that a study

Resources, has focused his research the possibilities of using transgenic concerning the natural flow of

on modifying the American trees specifically for restoration or genes among trees indicates that

chestnut gene to make the species

improvement of the forest escapes will happen.

resistant to a blight that virtually wiped out every mature American chestnut in its path during the first half of the 20th century.

environment have been largely ignored."
-- Scott Merkle University of Georgia

"It is safe to assume," Hamrick said, "that crosses will occur between GE trees and wild trees and that crosses could occur at

Merkle has an old photo of an

distances greater than a kilometer

American chestnut. Many people see the photo of this from source populations."

majestic specimen and think it is a Douglas fir or redwood,

when it is actually a towering American chestnut that was Hamrick also pointed out that this situation is significant

once common in the Eastern United States. The basic with wind-pollinated trees because they can effectively

objective of Merkle's research is development of GE tree distribute pollen for long distances. "The pollen is not

technology that will make it possible to regenerate the just getting there," Hamrick said, "it is actually pollinating

American chestnut species, and add to varieties already and affecting distribution of genetic diversity."

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on the difficulty of determining environmental risks associated with GE trees. Botkin has conducted ecosystem analyses worldwide. He is especially interested in the way subjectivity creeps into the scenario when people consider whether or not GE trees pose any real dangers.

Rare 1920s photo shows typical aftermath of blight that wiped out virtually every American chestnut tree in its path during the first half of 20th century. University of Georgia forestry research is focusing on genetically engineered American chestnut trees that would be blight resistant.

Botkin points out that some sources consider the risk of GE trees becoming invasive as relatively low. These opinions are based on the history of non-native plants brought into the United States. Approximately 6,000 agricultural and ornamental crops have been introduced into the U.S. Approximately 128 have developed into what is regarded as plant pests; this total represents about a 2.2 percent risk. But then the question surfaces Is a 2.2 percent risk high?

Nevertheless, Hamrick also knows that predicting and monitoring any such migrations pose difficult problems. One major problem is that cultivated trees are a relatively new phenomenon. These trees, cultivated for only about four generations, are still almost genetically identical to their wild relatives. Hamrick said it would be difficult to detect DNA from GE poplar that has moved into a stand of native poplar.
Hamrick said the only way to obtain reliable data on how GE tree genes might migrate in the wild is to engineer a genetic marker into the tree that would reveal its existence in a natural population. The markers, however, would create a Catch-22 situation, since many people want to know the risks of escape before field trails begin.
In spite of conflicting factors, Hamrick believes the only way to determine the escape risk is to plant GE trees in the field that are engineered with a gene to identify their presence. Then researchers could watch and wait to see what happens; this process seems to be a common denominator in many aspects of GE tree research.

In a broad perspective of risk taking, 2.2 percent is actually high. Botkin points out that this percentage is more than four times higher than fatality rates associated with car racing, smoking, and skiing all situations considered to be dangerous. So the big picture of GE trees enters the world of relativity.
According to Botkin, just because risks are based on objective data, it does not mean scientific conclusions are free of personal bias. He cites an example of the subjectivity involved when scientists characterize the 2.2 percent plant infestation as "low" when the opposite could be applied from another angle.
Botkin says that in dealing with risks, there is nothing wrong with subjectivity as long as all parties are clear about the origin of their views. "First you have to get the value system straight and out on the table because what risks are acceptable depends on your value system," he said. In situations where risks cannot be determined through conventional analysis, Botkin believes the public and policy makers should deal with them in a different way and accept the role of fundamental value judgments.

Watching and waiting in this instance creates even more of a problem because the length of a tree generation means results would not be available for at least 15-20 years. Therefore, Hamrick believes that even if scientists engineered an identifiable marker into a stand of GE trees, "the technology will have changed so much that what we are trying to monitor would be in the past."
CREEPING SUBJECTIVITY Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Dan Botkin of the University of California, Santa Barbara, is concentrating

OMISSION FACTORS Jim Diamond, of the Sierra Club, said he does not trust the "risk-benefit model" for assessing environmental impacts because important factors can be easily omitted. He regards a risk-benefit analysis of GE trees to be seriously flawed if it turns out that all benefits accrue to corporations while risks are born by the public. Diamond also points out that, considering the long life of trees, people bearing the risks could be future generations who had nothing to do with making the decisions that might affect them. Views of this sort have

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resulted in environmentalists adopting what they term carefully." He believes that failure to be cautious can

the "precautionary principle."

lead to "unpredictable and undesirable side effects."

Alan Lucier, of the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc., has a different point of view. He considers precaution a good idea, but questions whether there is a risk related to suppressing technologies early in development because they are not considered worthwhile or may create disadvantages. "I don't think it's useful to say we are going to be risk averse," Lucier said.
David Magnus, of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Biothetics, disagrees with Lucier. Magnus says it is not a matter of suppressing technology, but to make certain that it is "closely regulated and watched

Back in the Botkin arena, he maintains that any evaluation of GE trees should avoid observing the technology in isolation; instead, potential rewards of GE trees should be compared with methods of achieving similar benefits. For example, Botkin notes, it might be the case that some potential benefits of GE trees could be established by conventional silviculture methods of tree plantations.
So far, GE trees have created more questions than answers. Botkin concludes his assessment with a question: "Should we jump straight into new unproven technologies when we have not exhausted lower-risk methods of achieving the same ends?"

One month after germination

Three months old

American chestnut somatic seedlings in various stages of development at University
of Georgia Warnell School of Forest Resources. Dr. Scott Merkle is directing
genetically engineered tree research program to regenerate the American
chestnut species.

Two years old

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continued from pg. 7
The report acknowledges that the forest products industry has become "mature" and in recent years has been shaken by unfavorable economic developments at home and abroad. It said one pulp mill, 15 sawmills, and an "unknown number" of other forest-related plants in Georgia have closed in the past two years with the loss of 5,000 jobs.
"Challenges that affect the future of the state's vital forest industry and related forestry community need to be addressed now," the report said. "Global competition, available markets for wood fiber, taxes, and continued urbanization and resulting impact on land values and taxation are just some of the factors that have already begun to influence the future of the industry. These issues affect forest landowner decisions about future investments in forests and industry decisions about making investment in manufacturing facilities."
The report outlines a number of "challenges and opportunities" that will help determine forestry's future in Georgia. Among them a need to:
Maintain a "healthy forest business climate" in Georgia and avoid unjustified and non-science based regulation and legislation that would hamper competitiveness in world markets.
Overhaul the state's property tax structure under which forestland is being appraised at "fair market value" rather than "current use" resulting, the report said, in increased tax valuations of 100 to 200 percent in some Georgia counties last year.
Strengthen basic science education in the state's primary and secondary schools. Provide state research and financial support to develop new markets for forest products. Establish tax incentives to encourage landowners to keep or put their land in forests. Support use of "impact fees" on suburban residential development to more fairly cover cost of
government services that such development requires.
State of the Forest: A Report on Georgia Forests 2003 can be found on the Georgia Forestry Commission website: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Publications/Educational/StateOfTheForestReport.pdf .

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First Place Winners Brantley County High School FFA Chapter

Upson-Lee, Jefferson County, Putnam County, Treutlen County, and Wheeler County.

Ware County Magnet School Takes Second Place

First Place winners in the various events were: Brian Gibbs of Wilcox County, Reforestation; Jayson Pollard of Jackson County, Timber Cruising/Cord Volume; Matthew Ross of Jackson County, Timber Cruising/Board Volume; Zack Green of Treutlen County, Tree Identification; Reed Hall of Perry, Ocular Estimation; Seth Waddell of Upson-Lee, Land Measurement; John Moseley of Treutlen County, Hand Compass Practicum; Kayla Morgan of Wheeler County, Trees/Forest Disorders; Lee Young and Wade Mathison of Ware County Magnet, Forest Management; and Brent Dye of Jefferson County, Timber Stand Improvement.

The Brantley County High School Chapter of the FFA was declared First Place Winner in the 2003 Georgia FFA Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) State Finals held at the Georgia Forestry Commission state headquarters complex in Macon.

The Brantley County FFA Chapter, directed by Richard Gill, received an inscribed plaque. CDE competition promotes interest in forestry and offers students an opportunity to display forestry skills acquired in Vocational Agriculture.

Second Place honors went to the Ware County Magnet High School FFA Chapter. More than 200 students from 18 Georgia High Schools, accompanied by FFA advisors, competed in a series of events testing forestry skills. Each school competing in the State Finals was a first or second place winner in regional statewide field days. The First Place Georgia winner will participate in national competition.

Schools competing in the Georgia CDE Finals (sponsored by The Langdale Company, International Paper, Sun Trust Bank of Macon, and the Georgia Forestry Commission) included: Wilcox County, Thomas County Central, Oconee County, Stephens County, Bainbridge, Miller County, Jackson County, Dawson County, Ware County Magnet, Brantley County, Pickens County, Gilmer County, Perry,

Second Place Winners -
Ware County Magnet High
School FFA Chapter

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Summer 2003

Georgians Win Three National Arbor Day Awards
Georgians walked away with three awards at The National Arbor Day Foundation's 31st annual Arbor Day Awards banquet in April. They were chosen from leaders in tree planting and environmental stewardship from around the country during a ceremony which is part of the Arbor Day weekend celebration held each year in Nebraska City, the birthplace of Arbor Day. Winners are recognized for their leadership in the cause of tree planting, conservation, and environmental stewardship. The 2003 National Arbor Day Award winners from Georgia are:

-- The Devendorf Family, of Midway, Georgia, winners of the second 2003 Good Steward Award. Laura, Don, and Meredith Devendorf are stewards to approximately 10,000 acres of coastal land they have owned since the early 1970's. Since then, they have committed themselves to making the land a model of sustainable forestry, superior wildlife habitat, and responsible conservation. Their property is one of the few intact examples of southeastern coastal ecosystem, with pristine salt marshes and upland pine and mixed hardwood forest. They also maintain a working, certified, and sustainable tree farm, managing it for watershed and wildlife habitat, with more than 300 species of neotropical birds found there. They recently planted 40 acres of longleaf pine to establish a roosting habitat for the threatened Wood Stork and have created a nature center that hosts more than 1,500 visitors a year.

Don, Laura, & Meredith Devendorf

-- Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Neighborwoods Project, Lawrenceville, Georgia, winner of a 2003 Project Award. Started in 2001 and funded by Keep America Beautiful and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Neighborwoods helps educate area residents about the importance of trees and greenspace. Through the Neighborwoods program, trees are distributed to help reduce the heat island effect. In 2001, some 1,500 oak and maple trees were planted through Neighborwoods, with plans to distribute and plant 1,800 trees in 2003. In addition, 200,000 people learned about the benefits of urban forestry through Neighborwoods.

-- Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, Georgia, winner of a Project Award for its work in replanting and revitalizing the hospital's urban area. In 1999, the area was designated a "Weed and Seed" district as part of a federal program for inner city neighborhoods. Putney Hospital joined with Keep America Beautiful and the Arcadia District Neighborhood Association in planting more than 700 trees and shrubs on Arbor Day, 1999. The hospital has also donated vacant land that is now a community garden, growing food for local soup kitchens. In addition, the hospital sponsors tree plantings and helps maintain the surrounding community forest.

Moore Wants More

D r. Patrick Moore, a leader in the international even plantation forestland,"...is so much better for wildlife environmental field for over 30 years, was a special guest and biodiversity than farm fields are, any day of the week."

speaker at the 58th Annual Pine Tree Festival in Swainsboro,

Georgia. Dr. Moore was the founding member and former USE MORE WOOD: Moore states that "every scientific

president of Greenpeace, but later left because he felt the study has proven that wood is our most renewable of all

environmentalist group began to betray their original principles. materials used in our civilization," and that we should be

using more trees to provide wood that can be used both as a

Known as the "sensible environ-

substitute for non-renewable fossil fuels

mentalist," Moore believes that "trees are the answer" to many questions about society's future. He gave two presentations during the festival one each at East Georgia College and Swainsboro Technical College in

"Trees are the answer...plant more trees, use more wood."
Patrick Moore Swainsboro's Pine Tree Festival

and materials such as steel, concrete and plastic, and as paper products for printing, packaging, and sanitation.
Despite what many environmentalist groups promote, Moore says that his

which he encouraged not only the

many years of exploring the true

growing of more trees, but also the harvesting of more trees relationship between forestry and the environment has lead

for wood.

him to the conclusion that an increase in tree production

and tree usage will help improve the economy, protect

PLANT MORE TREES: Moore points out that there are wildlife, reduce greenhouse gases emissions, increase species

many benefits of using land for planting trees versus growing diversity, prevent soil erosion, provide clean air and water,

food crops and raising cattle. He says that forested land, and green and beautify the world.

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Forest Landowners Field Day Friday, September 26, 2003 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Preserve at Callaway's East Farm Barn, Pine Mountain, GA
Sponsored by the Pine Mountain Chapter, Georgia Division, Society of American Foresters
Forest landowners in West Central Georgia and East Central Alabama will want to be sure to attend this field day offered for their education and benefit and sponsored by the membership of the Pine Mountain SAF Chapter. Several speaker stations will be presenting detailed information from experienced and qualified foresters and other natural resource professionals. Information to be presented will include the subjects of prescribed burning, forest thinning, forest herbicides, forest roads, Best Management Practices (maintaining water quality during and following forestry operations), stream stabilization, wildlife management (covering various species), and selling timber, to name a few.
Lunch will be provided and served on site. A $5.00/person fee will be requested at the field day entrance, at which time, you will receive a speaker's listing and location map. It should be a beautiful time of the year to enjoy a walking tour of the field day sites. Extend your stay for visiting the Gardens at Callaway recreational facilities, FDR State Park, the Pine Mountain Trail, and other recreation locations and facilities available. We think you will enjoy the unique atmosphere and scenic beauty of the Pine Mountain area.
Additional and more detailed information regarding the field day topics, location, etc. may be obtained by contacting Gayle Slauson, Georgia Forestry Commission, 6250 Warm Springs Rd., Columbus, GA 31909-9103, Ph. 706-568-2158, FAX 706-568-2457, e-mail: gslauson@gfc.state.ga.us or alternate contact Rebecca Cabe, Ph. 770-412-4753, e-mail: rcabe@gfc.state.ga.us or access the Pine Mountain SAF website at w w w. g a s a f . o r g / c h a p t e r / p i n e . h t m l .

AGROFORESTRY & WILDLIFE FIELD DAY

Date:

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Location: Georgia Experiment Station
Westbrook Research Farm/Forest, Ellis Rd., Griffin, GA

Time:

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Registration is 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Listen to experts in the forestry and agribusiness fields and see topic demonstrations, including:

Forest Health Longleaf Pine

GFC Outreach Programs

Landowner Cost-Share Programs Brush Control

Water Quality

Wildlife Habitat Management

Thinning Pine Plantations

Quail and Turkey Habitats

Prescribed Burning

2002 Farm Bill

Pond Maintenance Silvopasture Conservation Easements and
Land Trusts Tax Incentives and more!

PRE-REGISTER NOW AND SAVE!

Registration includes lunch and information packet.
For more information, see our website at: http://www.griffin.peachnet.edu/awfd/ or call (770) 228-7318

Event Sponsors:

UGACollege ofAgricultural and Environmental Services Georgia Forestry Commission UGA Warnell School of Forest Resources

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division

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Think About It:
Did you know all of these things come from trees - or parts of trees? Can you guess other unexpected products that are made out of wood?

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Q: What does it mean to be Firewise? A: Simply put, it is being wise about living close to nature and the possibility of wildfire. One way to be Firewise, is to make your house Firewise!
Q: So, how do you make your house Firewise? A: You do things that will help protect it from wildfire. Here are a few suggestions: Remove all of the things that could catch fire and burn easily, such as: leaves; broken branches; pine needles that are on your roof, around the house, or in the yard; firewood; gas; or other flammable items that are close to the house.
Find & color the items in this picture that make the house not FIREWISE.

- Leaves on roof - Broken branches on roof - Dead tree limbs in yard

Answers: - Trash all over yard - Firewood too close to house - Gasoline stored too close to house

- Oil leak in driveway - Weeds growing next to house - Grass needs cutting

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Bats were made at the Hanna Bat Manufacturing Company of Athens, Georgia from 1926, when Hanna Manufacturing decided to expand from making shovel handles, until the 1960's when a fire totally destroyed the factory. Hanna was probably the fourth or fifth largest bat manufacturing company of its time.

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From the June 1953 issue of the Georgia Forestry Magazine.
23

Bruce Lyndon Cunningham Nacogdoches, TX - USA

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.)

DESCRIPTION: Leaves deciduous in autumn, 4 to 6 inches long and wide, star-shaped, margins finely toothed, bright green, smooth and shiny on both surfaces; fragrant when crushed. Fruit a round, prickly head, attached to a long stem. Bark grayish brown, divided into narrow ridges. A tree 80 to 140 feet high with a trunk 4 to 5 feet in diameter, terminating in a typical pyramidal head.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves star-shaped, fragrant when crushed; fruit a round prickly head; branchlets usually winged with corky growths.
WOOD: Moderately hard, heavy, close-grained, not strong, often cross-grained, difficult to season, reddish brown.
USES: Furniture, veneer packages, pulp, boxes and crates, interior finish, plywood, pianos, cooperage, flake board.
DISTRIBUTION: A typical bottomland species, but occasionally found on hillsides or on rich moist soil. Occurring throughout the coastal plain and piedmont and extending into the mountains where it is found sparingly at low elevations.

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