Inside the GFC [Spring 2011]

Inside The GFC
Doing the Right Things Right!

Spring 2011

News from The Georgia Forestry Commission

On the Inside:

Letter from the Director

UGA Recognized as Tree Campus USA Page 4
Smokey Bear Attends Georgia Agriculture Day Page 5
Walker Co. Ranger Honored with Governor's Customer Service Commendation Page 7

Dear GFC Professionals,
It's appropriate that this newsletter is coming out on the heels of Georgia's annual State Employee Recognition Week. Governor Deal's proclamation honored "the men and women who serve meritoriously in our state."
The statement is broad and appropriate because it applies to every person in every agency in this great state we serve. However, if I were writing that sentence for GFC Professionals specifically, I know I would have to add a few more adverbs. "Tirelessly, skillfully and bravely" are the first to come to mind because of the remarkable service you have exhibited in recent months. This is proving to be a year of extremes - starting with January, which brought snow and ice that locked down much of north and central Georgia. This was followed by unusually large fires in north Georgia that heralded in the start of yet another recordbreaking fire season. As spring progressed, so did ever-worsening wildfire conditions that were adversely affected by a La Nina weather pattern. March brought us days of the most damaging wildfire activity in the GFC's long history. In April, we experienced devastating tornados which wreaked havoc on a scale of which most have never seen, and GFC Professionals sprang into immediate action providing chainsaw strike teams and leadership to aid our neighbors and coworkers. And now here in May, you are battling a 128,000 acre wildfire in the Okefenokee, valiantly working to prevent the devastating losses that occurred in 2007. You have reacted to these extreme challenges with exceptionally professional responses. Your response to these emergencies truly has been like the proverbial well-oiled machine, all the while taking care of business in your home districts, serving customers both external and internal. The praise of your tireless work from local, state and federal public officials, other agencies and citizens has been overwhelming. Your capacity and willingness to help and your professionalism are well noted by all. Have I mentioned the RTR mantra lately?
As we head into summer, the weather outlook for ongoing dry and fire-prone conditions continues. For all that may come, we'll remain prepared. It's clear that the 2007 wildfires and all the training our Professionals have so diligently tackled have made GFC a stronger team, a fact that has been well reflected by your actions over these last few months. It's gratifying to see those experiences and lessons learned pay off.
In an effort to keep that momentum going, please do spend some time plugging in to our Employee Satisfaction effort. You've probably heard about some of the details, but if you haven't had a chance yet, check out the video on the intranet under the "Customer Service" link.
(continued on next page)

Published Quarterly for the Employees of The Georgia Forestry Commission by the Communications Department.

Letter from the Director (continued)
Several improvements have already resulted from your recommendations, including the launch of the Backyard Board. Have you been there yet? The link is on the front page of our GFC intranet, next to the Ask the Director link. You can think of the Backyard Board as your "virtual water cooler!" It is a place where your opinions can be freely shared and discussed. Forums are open for all kinds of topics, from fire activity to vehicles and Human Resources, and are a really good place to let your ideas flow. You're sure to get input from your colleagues around the state, and our hope is some excellent ideas and benchmark best practices will be taking shape there. The Backyard Board is a self-moderated forum that will be on "pilot" status for six months, so make an effort to get there and help make it work for GFC.
Some other improvements based on your feedback are beginning to roll out as well. Supervisor and communications training are being prepared. Career Development Increments (aka "Tiering") are on deck beginning with the new Forester Technician positions. And soon many of you will be part of one-on-one employee satisfaction interviews that will continue to help us make GFC a better place to work.
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, I am hoping that you've got some plans made for a bit of summer relaxation. We've all been working hard and we've got lots to look forward to, but we can't continue to succeed without your health and satisfaction. When you make it to the hammock, remember that your GFC family is grateful for you.
Sincerely,
Robert Farris Director
Celebrations Mark Georgia's Arbor Day
Arbor Day 2011 was marked throughout Georgia with tree plantings, educational programs, entertainment and even a tree-climbing competition!
Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation recognizing the occasion and the many benefits provided by trees. The release of a landmark UGA study quantifying the $37 billion value of essential ecosystem services provided by trees coincided with this year's Arbor Day.
Other highlights of the week included performances throughout the state by "Edu-tainer" Tim Womick, known as the modern day Johnny Appleseed. A memorial tree planting in honor of Mary Helen Ray, a renowned Savannah horticulturalist who died in October was held in Savannah's historic Forsyth Park, along with a competition that had tree climbers clambering for prizes.
Governor Deal congratulates GFC representatives at the Arbor Day
proclamation signing event. 2

"Show Me The Money!"
Throughout the year, the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) hosts various workshops, trainings, programs and conferences to provide educational sessions for forestry professionals, volunteers and the general public. On February 24, 2011, GUFC held a program at Wesleyan College in Macon entitled "Show Me the Money! Funding and Other Resources for Urban Forestry Endeavors."
The program, which was attended by several GFC staff members, included a segment on the GFC's Urban and Community Forestry grant program. Joan Scales, with the SCFP program, provided a general overview of this competitive grant program which is designed to assist communities in building sustainable community forestry programs. The informative session included examples of eligible grant projects and specifics on applying for these cost-share funds. This session was the first in the series of grant workshops that are typically held in March and April each year. These short workshops are free to anyone who is interested in learning more about the grant program which the GFC has been administering since 1990. The application deadline is in early May each year with this year's deadline occurring on May 6. After the applications have been reviewed and recipients selected and notified, the yearlong projects begin on September 1st. District managers are notified in August about grant projects occurring in their districts. For more information on the U&CF Grant program, contact Joan Scales at 678-476-6226.

Participants learn specifics of grants available to benefit the urban forest.

The "outdoor classroom" also held lessons for forestry professionals.

3

University of Georgia Tree Campus USA and Champion Tree
The University of Georgia was recognized as a Tree Campus USA in February. Tree Campus USA honors colleges and their leaders for promoting healthy urban forest management and environmental stewardship. The University of Georgia (UGA) was the only university in Georgia that met the certification requirements of the program in 2010. Statewide, only five other colleges participate in the program: Albany Technical College, Emory University, Georgia Tech, Gwinnett Technical College and Macon State College. Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator, Susan Granbery and GFC Board Member, Chuck Williams presented the certification to UGA President, Dr. Michael Adams. For more information about Tree Campus USA, Tree City USA or Tree Line USA, contact SCFP.
The five standards of the program are:
1. Campus Tree Advisory Committee comprised of students, faculty, facility management and the community.
2. Campus Tree Care Plan with specific goals for tree planting, protection and care. 3. Campus Tree Care Budget with annual expenditures of about $3 per student and participating student
volunteerism. 4. Arbor Day Observance 5. Service Learning Project

UGA was also recognized for having the State Champion Blackgum tree and Forest Health Specialist, Scott Griffin presented the Champion Tree certificate to Dr. Adams. The university's tree champion is a 107 foot Blackgum with a crown spread of 72 feet and a circumference of 122 inches. It is one of 24 champion trees on UGA property.

Tree Campus Presentation

Champion Tree Presentation

UGA President Michael Adams, GFC Board member Chuck Williams and Urban Coordinator Susan Granbery

Forest Health Specialist Scott Griffin, UGA President Michael Adams and GFC Board member Chuck Williams

4

Ofxt!Spvoevq!.!Dibuubippdiff!Ejtusjdu
Upson County Unit...Under Construction
The Upson County Unit Building is well under way. The structure and roofing are up and so far everything looks great!
Smokey Bear Attends Georgia Agriculture Day Program
Butts/Monroe personnel took Smokey Bear to the Georgia Agriculture Building in Atlanta to attend the Georgia Agriculture Day Program. Smokey got to meet with children from all over the metro area and had the opportunity to take his picture with Governor Nathan Deal.
Smokey Bear (Allen Benson, Ranger I) poses with Governor Nathan Deal and Chief Ranger Jenny Lynn Bruner GFC's Type 2 Team 5

(continued from previous page)
Seedling Distribution in Coweta County
Personnel from Polk and Carroll/Haralson distributed seedlings at the Coweta Unit.
Tree Plantings in Spalding County
Members of Spalding County's Plant the Future and Spalding County High replaced Bradford pear trees with oaks and other native trees.
6

Congratulations...
Governor's Customer Service Commendation Winners
Congratulations to Joe Burgess, Community Forester, who received the Governor's Customer Service Commendation for the Winter quarter! Joe was nominated by his supervisor for his outstanding dedication to providing excellent customer service to Georgia's citizens and was chosen to receive the Governor's commendation out of 274 applications statewide. Joe was recognized by the state in February for this award. Way to go, Joe!!
Flanked by Trey Childress, Georgia COO (left) and Commissioner Joe Doyle, State Personnel
Administration (right) GFC's Joe Burgess accepts the Customer Service award.
Walker County Ranger Chris Henderson received a Governor's Customer Service Commendation on April 28th in a ceremony in Atlanta. Henderson was recognized for taking heroic actions that resulted in a landowner's life being saved. All GFC Walker County personnel attended the presentation, along with Chris's wife, parent, grandparents, and sister.

Photo by Kris Roberts Department of Labor Photographer

Left to right: Commissioner Joe Doyle, State Personnel Administration, Rick Hatten, GFC Field Operations Director, Chris Henderson, Walker Co. Ranger, Stephen Blackwell, Walker Co. Chief Ranger and Katie Christopherson, Director of Continuous Improvement, State Personnel Administration.
7

Congratulations...
Mickey Tucker Honored at Retirement Dinner
Friends, family and colleagues of Mickey Tucker, Ranger 2, Satilla District, gathered on January 29th to celebrate Tucker's 32+ year career with GFC. Jason Gillis, Assistant District Manager, left, presented Tucker, right, with his retirement plaque and pen set.
8

Benefits Corner
State Employees Credit Union (SECU) ~ On January 24, 2011, State Employees Credit Union members, staff and Board of Directors gathered together for a special meeting to discuss the proposed merger between State Employees Credit Union and Georgia Federal Credit Union. At the end of the meeting, all member votes submitted by mail and in person at the special meeting were tallied. Out of 3,052 total voting members, 2,818 (or 92.3%) voted "yes" to approve the merger, well above the two-thirds majority needed to approve. With members' approval, the Board of Directors signed a formal agreement to proceed with the partnership.
The conversion and name change to Georgia United Credit Union took effect on May 1, 2011. This new partnership will equip the credit union to continue to successfully provide for your growing financial needs while keeping everything you love about your credit union. Georgia United Credit Union will continue to honor their commitment to all state agencies, universities and family members.
Important Dates & Information:
Welcome Kit & Merger Guide Distributed: Mid-April All existing members should have received a welcome packet and merger guide in mid-April which included a new membership card and member number. The guide included instructions on setting up online banking, bill pay, ATM/Debt cards, 24-hour telephone service, and how to begin taking advantage of new products and services.
New Debt/ATM Cards Distributed: Mid-April Shortly after receiving the welcome kit & merger guide, all existing cardholders should have received a new ATM or VISA debt card. Cards were not active until May 1st.
Conversion Weekend: April 30th May 2nd
May 1st New Georgia United Credit Union member numbers became active. Members may begin using Georgia United debt cards. New website (www.georgiaunitedcu.org) & home banking go live.
May 2nd Members have access to all Georgia United Credit Union locations, products & services.
CHECKING ACCOUNT HOLDERS: You may continue to write State Employees Credit Union checks even after the conversion. When you're ready to re-order checks through Georgia United Credit Union, you can order them at a branch, over the phone or through online banking.
Additional information on the merger, new benefits, frequently asked questions, etc. can be found at www.secuga.org or www.georgiaunitedcu.org.
9

New Hires Jackson, Franklin Parker, Tami Amanda Rex, Jason W Spradley, Stephen C

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Response Center Worker Response Center Worker Ranger 1 Ranger 1

Macon Response Center Macon Response Center Grady-Thomas Co. Echols-Lanier-Lowndes Co.

Promotions Gay, Don E Jones, Norman M. Ledbetter, Joseph Corey

Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Ranger/Forest Tech

Jenkins-Screven Co. Emanuel Co. Barrow-Clarke-Jackson-Oconee Co.

Retirements Tucker, Mickey Wayne Weaver, Timothy Leon

Ranger 2

Atkinson-Coffee Co.

Firefighting & Prevention Specialist Colquitt Co.

10