GFC eUpdate [July, 17, 2013]

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GFC eUpdate

Contents
How are we doing? Feedback needed!
Forest Management Matters
Forest Protection
Forest Markets and Utilization
Plan Your Planting Now!
Upcoming Events
Georgia Forestry Association Annual
Meeting 7/20/2013 - 7/22/2013 Hilton Head Island, SC
Logging Cost Analysis Workshop 7/30/2013 - 7/31/2013
Tifton, GA
Intro Master Timber Harvester Workshop 7/30/2013 - 7/31/2013
Swainsboro, GA
Timber Market Analysis 8/12/2013
Atlanta, GA
International Agribusiness Conference & Expo 9/25-2013 - 9/26/13 Savannah, GA

How are we doing?
About a year ago, we sent you the inaugural issue of our eUpdate. Our goal with this update has always been to give you a quick glimpse at some of the most timely issues on which GFC is working. So how are we doing? Are you enjoying this publication? We want to know! We've set up a brief online survey to gauge how you feel about the value of this eUpdate. Please take a moment to tell us what you think, and we promise to use your feedback to make this publication more valuable to you. We thank you in advance for your time!
Forest Management Matters
Pesticide Applications: Georgia now has a pesticide general permit (NPDES permit) for the application of pesticides, including forestry and agricultural applications where contact with water may occur. Landowners or contractors applying pesticides (which includes herbicides) to more than 8,960 acres of waters of the state must file a Notice of Intent for such applications to Georgia EPD. GFC has obtained concurrence from EPD on a BMP addendum that was developed to guide forestry landowners in complying with the law. Of particular interest is language dealing with bedded pine plantations common to southeast Georgia. These bedded pine acres do not have to be counted toward the threshold acreage. For more information, click here to see the BMP addendum, entitled "Forestry Pesticide Applications in Georgia."
Stewardship Plan Contracts: The Forest Stewardship Program is once again offering six month contracts for qualified Forest Stewardship plan writers to write management plans for private forest landowners. Contracts are based on flat rates per acres covered, and are awarded on a first come/first serve basis while funding is available. GFC reserves the right to terminate this offer without prior notice. For more information, click here or contact Buford Sanders at bsanders@gfc.state.ga.us. The Stewardship program is partially paid for via grants from the US Forest Service.
Cost Share Sign up: The GFC is currently having a sign-up for cost share funds to help prevent and suppress southern pine beetle infestations in Georgia. The program helps fund management practices that improve the health of loblolly or shortleaf dominated pine forests, therefore making them less susceptible to southern pine beetle attacks. Applications and further information can be found at the SPB Cost Share Program webpage. Applications must be submitted to the local GFC forester by July 19th.
Georgia Urban Forest Council: GUFC's quarterly meeting will be held on August 14th in Athens, and the topic is The Next Step for Georgia Tree Ordinances. Visit their web site for more information.

Forest Protection
Our hearts have been heavy with the recent loss of 19 fellow firefighters in Arizona. As we keep those families in our thoughts and prayers, we are looking for lessons to learn from this tragedy, and are reminded of the inherent danger of wildland firefighting. Safety is always our team's top priority when we analyze the three factors that affect how a fire will behave: fuel, topography and weather.
Georgia firefighters respond to more than 6,000 wildland fires a year, and no two fires are ever alike. Each response requires our trained professionals to make decisions relating to the fire environment and how best to control every wildfire in the safest means possible. We are continually working to improve our skills and knowledge, for the protection of property and lives, including our very own.
Forest Markets and Utilization
Wood Pellet Manufacturing: Exports of Georgia wood pellets continue to grow. Peeples Industries in Savannah exported Georgia Biomass, LLC's one-millionth ton of wood pellets to Europe in May. The Waycross, GA pellet mill receives approximately 260 truckloads per day of pine pulpwood as feedstock for its pellet mill. The wood pellets are burned in electricity plants in the United Kingdom and other countries.
New Forest Inventory Data Released: The U. S. Forest Service has released the 2012 forest inventory data for Georgia. The update confirms the amount of forestland in Georgia remains stable at 24.7 million acres. The report also shows gains in wood growth. Georgia's timberland produces 558 million cubic feet more wood each year on average than is removed. This is an annual 40% gain and an increase from the 539 mmcf gain shown in the previous inventory. Georgia's wood inventory is also balanced among species, with softwood and hardwood each composing 50% of the 42 billion cubic feet inventory. Some other interesting details of the data include:
Final harvests of timber stands remain stable since 2009 at 300,000 acres per year. Commercial thinnings of timber continue to increase with the current rate being 477,000 acres per year, which is 30% higher than 2009. Pine wood volume in trees with diameters less than 9" has decreased 6% (-10 million tons) since 2008, but remains 3% (+5 million tons) above 2002 data levels. Pine wood volume in trees with diameters greater than 9" have increased 13% (+46 million tons) since 2008 and increased 29% (+93 million tons) since 2002 data reports.
The area of longleaf pine forests increased from 545,000 acres to
580,000 acres between the 2011 and 2012 data reports. Planted
longleaf stands make up 320,000 acres of this total.

Plan Your Planting Now!
The Georgia Forestry Commission's Flint River Nursery has begun taking orders for the 2013-14 tree planting season. Several new additions have been added to the species list. Pear, pecan, Georgia oak, pin oak and select Piedmont 3 loblolly pines are available for purchase now.

Georgia Giant Pines, genetically improved loblolly pines only available through the Georgia Forestry Commission, are superior trees for planting in Georgia's Coastal Plain. Highlights include:
approximately 54 percent more productive (in terms of stem volume) at six years. exceptional resistance to fusiform rust disease. above average stem straightness.
Current long-term forecasts include more normal rainfall patterns in coming months, so this is an excellent opportunity to plan planting trees from the Flint River Nursery.
Copyright 2005 Georgia Forestry Commission, all rights reserved 1- 800- GA- TREES
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