2nd Quarter - 2007 Inside The GFC Doing the Right Things Right! News from The Georgia Forestry Commission On the Inside: Tornado damage in Americus Page 2 Arbor Day 2007 Page 5 Customers Enjoy the 2007 Fisherama Page 7 Letter from the Interim Director Dear GFC Professionals, If you're like me, you always look forward to reading the quarterly GFC Newsletter. In these pages we get reconnected with our colleagues and share their notable achievements. Lately, those achievements have been stacking up like crazy, and I couldn't be prouder. Though the newsletter doesn't have quite enough pages to detail every success story, here are a few that should inspire us all: Retaining the prestigious national Pulaski Award in Georgia for an unprecedented two consecutive years. Presentation of 219 safety award plaques to GFC Professionals marking 15+ years of service. GFC acquisition of two more Land Conservation Easements Chuck Leavell's 300 acre donation in Twiggs County and Richard Thomas' 687 acre easement in Dougherty County. National attention is being focused on these conservation efforts and the GFC's involvement. GFC procurement of its first ever Homeland Security Grant for $300,000 through GEMA. A new state record of 112 Tree City USA certifications in the past year. Successful partnering and assistance with the new Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Lab at the University of Georgia. The first multi-community Firewise Communities/USA location east of the Mississippi with the certification of the Wildcat Community in Dawson and Pickens Counties. GFC seedling sales increase of more than 30% over last year; more than 17 million seedlings sold; annual revenues greater than each of previous four years. These accomplishments, and many, many more, were achieved while providing superior customer service every single day even during a period of above normal wildfire activity, devastating weather events and multiple deadlines, including the BLLIP Register. 2007 is barreling along. I'm proud to be part of your team and I'm really looking forward to helping you continue raising that bar as we head toward summer and beyond. RTR. It's working! Sincerely, Robert Farris Interim Director Published Quarterly for the Employees of The Georgia Forestry Commission by the Communications Department. GFC Provides S.W. Georgia Tornado Relief When tornadoes whipped through southwest Georgia in early March, District 7 GFC Professionals jumped into action, helping with rescue operations, clearing debris, and using their expertise to provide quick assistance to people in need. Immediately after the first storms plowed through the area and while rain was still falling in sheets, Webster County Chief Ranger John Pollard and Ranger I's Justin Brown and Mark Rodgers were called to help pull an emergency vehicle out of a ditch. The driver of the vehicle landed in the muddy waters after swerving around a pile of debris in the roadway. Meanwhile, Taylor County Chief Ranger David Streetman and Ranger I's Denise Sheffield and Bryan Spillers were summoned to push trees and debris out of the highway so emergency crews could access the area. By Saturday, a GFC Chainsaw Strike Team in Sumter County was working hard to clear protruding trees from area streets to make wider paths for vehicles. Team members included James Conner, Brent McCarty, David Streetman, Mark Shutters, Judd Conner, Mark Rodgers, Dean Wiley, Brandon Albritton, and Marty Fore. GFC Forest Health Specialist Mark McClure said timber loss for the District is estimated at $2.5 million. In addition, hundreds of urban trees were lost, raising the total tree loss to more than $3 million. March tornadoes raked over an Americus hospital and caused more than $3 million dollars in tree loss. GFC Chainsaw Strike Team (Brandon Albritton, Judd Conner, Mark Shutters, Dean Wiley, David Streetman, and Marty Fore) clear tornado debris in Americus on Saturday, March 3, 2007. 2 "My vision for the WUI Fire Program is to continue to build relationships with groups at the state and local level to get more people doing Firewise on the ground," Dozier said. "Due in part to Sam's leadership on the WUI Working Team, the Firewise Program has been extremely successful so far. I want to be able to share that success and show the value of the program to more individuals and communities. In addition, so much outstanding work is being done at the local level for Firewise. It is my goal to find ways to capture and share all that great work with communities across the country." Alan Dozier Dozier Named to Lead National Fire Team The Georgia Forestry Commission's Chief of Fire Protection, Alan Dozier, has been elected to chair a consortium of wildland fire agencies known as The National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Working Team. Dozier replaces outgoing Chair, Sam Scranton. As more and more people choose to live in the wildland/ urban interface, the team has seen a marked increase in interest surrounding the issue of wildfire threats to residential communities. Numerous communications and informational materials have been developed and distributed to residents and members of the fire community. Dozier is no stranger to the WUI Working Team. He has been involved with the team since 2003, bringing decades of experience in dealing with fires in the wildland/urban interface. Pulaski Award Stays in Georgia For the second consecutive year, a Georgia association has earned the prestigious Pulaski award. The Southwest Georgia Prescribed Fire Council received the national honor for its work promoting the use of prescribed fire. The Pulaski award recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding interagency cooperation, safety, fire management and partnerships. The award is presented annually by the national fire directors of the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and National Association of State Foresters. Georgia has shown great leadership in the use of partnerships for excellence in fire management. Last year's recipient of this award was also a Georgia association, the Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners. The Southwest Georgia Prescribed Fire Council is represented by several state and federal agencies, NGO's and landowners who are all serious about the benefits of and continued use of prescribed burning. The award is named after the Pulaski firefighting tool which is half axe, half hoe. The tool was named after a firefighter hero who led his crew to safety from a Montana/Idaho inferno in 1910. The award itself is a 30" bronze statue which remains with the winning organization until the following year's winner is announced. 3 Front row: Carolyn Sweatman and Roger Browning. Back row l-r: Robert Anderson, Clayton Preble, John Edwards, Don Wells, Scott Wallace (Dawson Co. EMA/Fire Chief), Mike Priest (Grandview Fire chief), Gary White, and Jimmy Hill. Firewise Communities/USA Named in Georgia Georgia now boasts the nation's first multi-neighborhood Firewise Communities/USA location. Four north Georgia neighborhood groups collectively known as The Wildcat Community earned the designation for joining together and achieving a high level of protection against wildland and urban interface fires. The 2000-acre Wildcat Community is made up of connected neighborhoods near Burnt Mountain in Pickens and Dawson Counties, including Sassafras Mountain Estates, Monument Falls, Tomahawk Mountain Civic Association, and Wintermont on the Pieckens/ Dawson County line. Across the country, there are 100 Firewise Communities/USA locations. Firewise Communities/USA is a multi-agency effort designed to reduce the risk of wildland fires by encouraging specific construction and landscape planning and design methods that help reduce the chance of wildfire. The Georgia Forestry Commission partners with Firewise Communities/USA in the education of residents and the selection of communities for the Firewise distinction. Dodge Unit Receives NWS Award The Dodge County Unit has called in the weather readings to the National Weather Service every weekday for the last 50 years. In recognition of their faithful service, the NWS in Atlanta presented a 50Year Honored Institution Award to them. From left: Terry Sowell, Jim Cravey, Frank Taylor of NWS Atlanta, Michael Henderson, and Lowery Noles. Photo taken by Nathan Mayes, NWS Atlanta. 4 Georgia's Arbor Day A Big Success Interim Director Robert Farris presents Savannah's 22nd Tree City USA flag to city officials at the State Arbor Day Ceremony. State Arbor Day Ceremony Georgia's 116th Arbor Day was recognized with a celebration in Savannah on February 16. Savannah was chosen to host the official state ceremony in recognition of its centennial commemoration of historic Daffin Park. The theme for Georgia's 2007 Arbor Day was Weathering the Storms: Successfully Managing the Challenges of the Urban Forest. The theme was designed to help all Georgia communities prepare, respond and recover from hurricanes, tornadoes, ice, lightning and other storms that may topple trees and create unsafe situations. Caring for trees helps communities weather financial and growth-related storms, as well as natural storms. known for being particularly proactive in the protection of trees through its tree ordinances and a strong storm response plan that is a model for other cities. "Savannah's outstanding tree management program is a great example for Georgia," said Farris. Highlights of the ceremony included two presentations by Farris. He issued Tree City USA Recertification to the City of Savannah and recognized Georgia's National Arbor Day Foundation 2007 Poster Contest winners. "Trees are being impacted across Georgia by many factors," said Robert Farris at the ceremony. "As we lose canopy cover due to unprecedented development and other pressures, it is our responsibility to work for tree protection through careful planning, tree ordinances, and environmental awareness. Arbor Day is the perfect time to share this message." Daffin Park is known as a showcase for Georgia's state tree, the Live Oak. Live Oak trees are particularly good at weathering natural storms because their branch formation helps them withstand heavy winds and the trees are resistant to insects and decay. Savannah is Shawn Diddie rides in a vintage car as part of the State Arbor Day Celebration.The Ceremony was held in Savannah in celebration of the Daffin Park Centennial. "Georgia's Arbor Day - A Big Success" continued on next page 5 Arbor Day Poster Contest Sean Ryan from Emanuel County was Georgia's first place winner in the National Arbor Day Poster Contest. Of the 1452 total posters entered from 23 participating counties, Sean's was chosen for outstanding artistic quality and representation of this year's theme Trees are Terrific...and forests are too! Sean attends Adrian School of Performing Arts in Emanuel County and is in the fifth grade. For winning the contest, Sean received a framed copy of his poster, a certificate and a $100 savings bond from the Georgia Project Learning Tree program. Maggie Shiffert from Coweta County won second place. Third place went to Aniya Matthews from Gwinnett County. Both received certificates and awards from Georgia Project Learning Tree. Thanks to all GFC professionals who supplied teachers with Arbor Day Poster Contest packages! Trail of Trees 2007 More than 100 different events statewide marked Georgia's Arbor Day 2007, each spreading the word about the many benefits of trees. As in years past, the Georgia Forestry Commission sponsored the Arbor Day "Trail of Trees," a week long series of presentations designed to educate students and adults about tree benefits, especially in urban settings. The presentation was created and is performed by Tim Womick, who is known as the modern-day Johnny Appleseed. For Arbor Day 2007, Womick brought his message to 11 schools and one senior center on a tour of Athens, Gainesville, Alpharetta, Cartersville and Atlanta. First Place winner Sean Ryan, his mother (r), and his teacher (l) attended the Statewide Arbor Day Celebration in Savannah on February 16 where he received a certificate from Robert Farris. Sean's poster has been forwarded to the National Arbor Day Foundation to represent Georgia in the nationwide contest. Thanks goes to Ken Masten, the Gainesville District office, and SCFP foresters Gary White, Joe Burgess, and Dale Higdon for their assistance with the presentations. Plans are already underway for Arbor Day 2008, when Tim will bring his Trail of Trees to Savannah and the coastal area. If you know of schools or organizations in this area that may be interested in hosting a Trail of Trees presentation, please contact Joan Scales at jscales@gfc.state.ga.us or (678) 476-6226. Tim Womick performs at Ila Elementary School Students enjoy participating in Tim`s performance at Hull-Sanford Elementary School. Tree City USA in Georgia - Another Record-Breaking Year in 2006 Georgia now has 112 certified Tree Cities! This number includes 106 cities that recertified and 6 new cities. The new Tree Cities are Evans, Elberton, Fort Valley, Jefferson, St. Marys, and Watkinsville. Growth Awards were earned by the following 12 cities: Dalton, Athens-Clarke County, Cornelia, Gainesville, Helen, Social Circle, Augusta, Covington, Locust Grove, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Savannah. Tifton, Statesboro, and Glynn County recertified after a year or two of not meeting all of the Tree City standards. Two cities, Camilla and Kingsland, were not able to apply for recertification. Hopefully, next year they will be back in Tree City status! 6 Applications Being Accepted for 2007 U&CF Grant Program Applications and guidelines for the 2007 U&CF Grant program are now available. Funding for 2007 will focus on the following areas: Utilizing professional expertise to manage the community forest Adopting and revising tree ordinances Conducting tree inventories and/or writing assessmentbased management plans for the community forest resource Developing and organizing a tree advocacy group Educating communities about the benefits of trees Through this program, local units of government including counties, cities and towns, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions may apply for funding to enhance urban and community forest resources. The application deadline is May 11, 2007. To learn more about the grant, download the application, or find the dates and locations of grant workshops, go to the "Community Forests" link at www.gatrees.org or contact Joan Scales at jscales@gfc.state.ga.us or (678) 476-6226. Teacher Conservation Workshop The 3rd annual Teacher Conservation Workshop: "Exploring Forestry and Wildlife in Georgia," will be held June 25-29, 2007. Conservation topics including benefits of forestry, the cycle of growing trees, utilization of trees for products, and how trees are managed for wildlife habitat will be presented. The Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Forestry Commission, and the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division will host the event at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Conference Center in Mansfield. Participants will be certified in Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, and Project WET upon completion. Teachers completing the course will be eligible for three Professional Learning Units. Sponsors include many organizations and companies from the forestry and wildlife communities. As the event is underwritten by sponsors, all field trips, lodging, meals, and teacher resource kits are included in the $25 registration fee. Any Georgia teacher of grades 5-12 may apply. Registration is limited to 30 participants. Deadline to apply is April 20, 2007. For more information, visit www.gfagrow.org or www.eeingeorgia.org. Customers Enjoy Learning about Forestry at the 2007 Fisherama Newnan District Forest Jeff Sibley talks with a landowner at the Fisherama at the Atlanta Expo. Several county and district staff members participate in the Fisherama every year manning forestry booths and speaking with over 3000 Georgia customers. 7 Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences Exibits "Focus on Forests" topics including: How do we use forests? What is a tree? and How does a forest provide habitats? Visitors can gain an understanding of the inner workings of a tree by walking inside a replica of a redwood tree, and learn about the myriad of products in our daily lives that are made from trees. There is information on how to care and maintain a forest, the challenges of the modern forester, forest fire, forest conservation, and careers related to the forest industry. The exhibit showcases many items from the GFC Museum and will be open through April 22, 2007. Students learn about forest fires at the Forestry Exhibit. The Georgia Forestry Commission partnered with several sponsors to present the Focus on Forestry Exhibition at the Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences. This interactive exhibition helps people explore forestry Presenting sponsors: Georgia Forestry Commission, Security Bank, and the Simmons Charitable Trust. Supporting sponsors: Southern Forest Industries, Graphic Packaging, Sullivan Forestry, RoseLane and Chuck Leavell, and Joel Vinson and Associates. In-kind sponsors: Big K Tree Farm, Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Forestry Commission Museum, and Today's MGT. Dooly Co. Elementary Receives Prize from GFC Nursery Jeff Fields, Georgia Forestry Commission Nursery Coordinator, delivered seedlings to the Dooly County Elementary School on Thursday, February 15, 2007. The seedlings are part of the prize the school received for winning a Schoolyard Contest sponsored by The Outdoor Classroom Council of the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia. Shown with Jeff are Cathy Jones, principal; Stephanie Langley, Executive Director of Keep Vienna Beautiful; Steve McCray, Dooly County Young Farmer Advisor; and students: Elisha Thorpe; Jasmine Williams; Belicia Thomas; Lucas Tipton; Katelyn Le; Wessley Sutton; Ty Samuels; and Tyrell Deriso. Bring One for the Chipper 2007 We recycled an amazing 241,589 Christmas trees, over 15,000 more than the year before!! I just want to say thank you all for your support and dedication to make this event the success it was this year. We are sincerely looking forward to working with you again this Christmas! Thank you for helping to keep Georgia beautiful! - Roxi Kennick, Bring One for the Chipper Program Coordinator, Keep Georgia Beautiful 8 Buck Wynn Dessie Curran (Buck) Wynn, retired after 34 years of service on February 1, 2007. He will continue working with the Commission as a TDL Forester, working for Dixon Memorial State Forest, until the end of June. New Hires Albritton, Brandon Young Allen, Shauna R. Brown, Donald Justin Brown, Jimmy Christopher Carson, Barbara Jean Cressley, Russell M. Danley, Robert L. Gore, Daniel Howell, Joshua L. Hunter, Dale D. Jarrell, Michael Kenneth Lynch, Jared Mark Meeks, Kevin M. Pierce, Nathaniel Seth Powell, Gerard Smith, Kerry C. Sykes, Matthew F. Turner, John Payton Welch Jr., Lamar E. Willis, Steven G. Promotions Clymer, Jasper Troy Green, Lester Carl Hines Jr., Frank Miller, Brenda Richards, Susan D. Rogerson, Donald Lamar Scales, Joan K. Sibley, Jeffrey Snow, Bryan Harvey Weaver, Amy E. Departures Bevill, Vance L. Christian, Brandon N. Colditz, Aaron Tanner Crain Jr., John Edward Dixon Jr., Edward Burton Fox, Pamla A. Gabriel, James E. Ganas, Tommy W. Hurst, John W. Long, Sheila S. McDowell, Heath E. McNeal Jr., John Riley Moore, Sidney Stanton Phillips,Wallace R. Russell, Michael S. Sizemore, Jefferson Daniel Steele, Barbara F. Stewart Jr., Kenneth C. Willis, Delores C. Willis, Steven G. Wynn III, Dessie C. PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS Ranger 1 Administrative Assistant Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Chief Forest Ranger General Clerk 1 Ranger 1 District Forester Chief Forest Ranger Chief Forest Ranger Executive Assistant Chief Forest Ranger Aircraft Inspector Supervisor Parks Trails/Grants Coordinator District Forester Forester Chief Forest Ranger Chief Forest Ranger Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Forester Ranger 1 Personnel Analyst 3 Ranger 1 Chief Forest Ranger Ranger 1 Executive Assistant Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Forester Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Ranger 1 Administrative Assistant Director Fire Tower Operator Ranger 1 District Forester 9 Schley/Sumter Co. Unit Central Office - Reforestation Quitman/Stewart/Webster Co. Unit Franklin/Hart/Stephens Co. Unit McIntosh Co. Unit Barrow/Clarke/Jackson/Oconee Co. Unit Glynn Co. Unit Baldwin Co. Unit Jasper/Jones Co. Unit Telfair Co. Unit Tattnall Co. Unit Chattahoochee/Marion Co. Unit Baldwin Co. Unit Catoosa/Whitfield Co. Unit Chattahoochee/Marion Co. Unit Bleckley/Pulaski Co. Unit Bulloch Co. Unit Morgan/Walton Co. Unit Clinch Co. Unit Carroll/Haralson Co. Unit Milledgeville District Office Worth Co. Unit Effingham Co. Unit Central Office - Director's Office Lincoln/Taliaferro/Wilkes Co. Unit Helicopter Hangar Urban Interface & Community Forestry Newnan District Office Central Office - Management Coweta Co. Unit Effingham Co. Unit Dawson/Forsyth/N. Fulton Co. Unit Towns/Union Co. Unit Waycross District Office Johnson Co. Unit Human Resources Oglethorpe Co. Unit Tift Co. Unit Barrow/Clarke/Jackson/Oconee Co. Unit Central Office - Director's Office Miller/Seminole Co. Unit Twiggs/Wilkinson Co. Unit Central Office - Management Miller/Seminole Co. Unit Chattooga Co. Unit Harris/Muscogee/Talbot Co. Unit McRae District Office Central Office - Director's Office Clinch Co. Unit Carroll/Haralson Co. Unit Waycross District Office