GFC eUpdate [July 26, 2012]

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GFC eUpdate

Contents
Welcome
Forest Management Matters
Arson Adds to Fire Danger
GA Biomass Handbooks Debut
Plan Your Planting Now!
Upcoming Events
Herbicides and Longleaf-201
7/31/2012 - 8/2/2012 Tifton, GA
Herbicides and Longleaf-201
8/28/2012 - 8/30/2012 Tifton, GA

Welcome
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Georgia Forestry Commission's eUpdate. Our goal with this update is to give you a quick glimpse at some of the most timely issues on which GFC is working. We encourage you to visit our website, www.gatrees.org, regularly for more detailed information. Feel free to share this update with your friends, and your feedback is always welcome. Enjoy!
Forest Management Matters
The Georgia Urban Forest Council will meet in August to discuss issues including ad valorem taxes for landowners and ecosystem services. Visit http://www.gufc.org/. Predictions regarding the Southern pine beetle's impact this summer have been released. Get full details here. GFC participates with all Southern states in prediction trapping, which proves correct about 75 percent of the time. Our numbers forecast low SPB populations, but ips engraver beetles were widespread last year and could be a problem again this season. Should forest roads that cross wetlands be required to get a permit from the US Army Corp of Engineers? The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to consider the EPA road permitting issue. The forestry community has united against any permitting, asserting this is exempt under the Clean Water Act of 1977. Click here for more information. Georgia Forest Inventory 2011 data has been released. For updates on the current status of and trends for Georgia's forest, download the fact sheet here. Georgia's new BMP survey results have been released. The surveys are conducted every other year to gauge implementation of best management practices during forestry operations. You can download the survey results here.

Arson Adds to Fire Danger
As the hot, dry summer wears on, GFC rangers remain on around-the-clock alert to respond to reports of wildfire.
Of special concern is the statistic showing that in 2011, there were 715 wildland fires in Georgia caused by arson. Nearly 5,500 acres were lost in these fires, resulting in extensive property damage and millions of dollars in suppression costs.
Woods arson is a felony offense. If convicted of third degree arson, a prison sentence of one to five years is the penalty. Second degree arson, in which five or more acres are burned, brings up to 10 years in prison, in addition to fines. First degree arson carries a maximum 20 year prison sentence plus fines.
When a fire is intentionally set, it puts the lives and well being of firefighters and their families at risk, as these professionals are called into duty to extinguish the fire. The public is also endangered, as are structures, property and wildlife.
Georgians can help reduce arson related wildfire by staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity. To report someone starting a woods fire intentionally or actions that appear suspicious, call 1-800-GATREES. Activities may also be reported via email.
GA Biomass Handbooks Debut
A new tool that details Georgia's forest biomass supply chain system is now available to forestry industry stakeholders. The publication series, "Developing Forest Resource and Biomass Markets in the South," was developed by GFC's Forest Utilization department to address specific needs related to Georgia's expanding biomass industry.
"The project is designed to provide information to private firms involved in the development, operation and financing of renewable energy facilities that use forest biomass as feedstock," said GFC's Nathan McClure.
"We recognize that parts of the information may not be considered new or innovative by highly experienced wood procurement professionals," said McClure, "but the information as a whole will provide needed information to those involved in renewable energy development and could lead to increased confidence by potential bioenergy investors." The publications are divided into three volumes and are available for download at www.gatrees.org:
Volume I - An Overview of the Timber and Biomass Supply Chain Volume II - Mechanisms for Security Long-term Biomass Supply Volume III - Biomass Designation and Tracking for Renewable Biomass Production.

Plan Your Planting Now!
The Georgia Forestry Commission's Flint River Nursery has begun taking orders for the 2012-13 tree planting season. Two new additions have been added to the species list. River birch (B. nigra) is a popular ornamental. It is truly a southern birch and its native range extends across virtually the entire state. Its distinctive bark and growth habit make it an interesting specimen tree for lawns and yards.
For wildlife enthusiasts we are offering sawtooth-gobbler oak (Q. acutissima). Though not a distinct species, sawtooth-gobblers produce prodigious numbers of acorns at an early age like the well known sawtooth oak, but the acorns are smaller. The small, sweet acorns make an attractive mast for turkey, deer and other wildlife species.
Current long-term forecasts include more normal rainfall patterns for coming months, so take advantage of the opportunity and plan to plant trees from the Flint River Nursery. It's good for you, good for the economy and good for the environment!
Copyright 2005 Georgia Forestry Commission, all rights reserved 1- 800- GA- TREES
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