GFC eUpdate [June 14, 2016]

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GFC eUpdate

Contents
SE Forestry to Benefit from Restoration Grants
Forest Management Acorns
Forest Protection Update
Forest Utilization Updates
Reforestation Matters
Upcoming Events
GA Master Timber Harvester Workshop
06/15 - 06/16/16 Forsyth, GA
GA Teacher Conservation
Workshop 06/20 - 06/24/16
Forsyth, GA
GFA Annual Conference & Expo
07/23 - 07/25/16 Jekyll Island, GA
GA Arborists Association: GA's Big Trees, Tall Trees, Old
Trees 07/12/16 Lawrenceville, GA
GUFC/GAA Summer Symposium:
Development, Tree Ordinances and Storm
Water 08/18 - 08/19/16 Alpharetta, GA
Prescribed Fire Certification Class
09/21 - 09/22/16 Statesboro, GA


SE Forestry to Benefit from
Restoration Grants
The Georgia Forestry Commission has been granted funding to assist with nine innovative projects impacting the Southern region. The USFS Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Grant program awarded $529,333 of $4.1 million in funding to the GFC, which will lead or partner with other southern states on a number of projects. They include:
Mapping Path to Growth for US Southeastern Forest Products will provide timely information on international markets, trade leads, and export activities through a series of market reports detailing volumes and characteristics of products traded, opportunities and constraints to increase exports, and most promising international destinations for each product category. Real-Time Dispatch Solution for Wildland Fire and Resource Tracking - will develop or enhance web-based tracking systems for state agency personnel and equipment allowing state agencies to pinpoint reported fire locations and identify closest available resources. (See "Forest Protection Update," below) Protecting and Restoring Urban Tree Canopy for Storm Water Management - projects that link urban forest management to stormwater mandates will be piloted in Georgia and six other states.
Additional grants focus on urban and community forestry, water quality, reforestation, forest health, and communications initiatives.
Forest Management Acorns
The Georgia Forestry Commission has been working with landowners in the southeastern part of the state to treat increased Southern Pine Beetle activity. While beetle outbreaks have been minimal in recent years, ongoing forest health monitoring detected the uptick in pest movement in late spring. GFC forest techs, pilots, forest health specialists and district personnel were immediately dispatched to locate, identify, and map the outbreaks and work with landowners on treatment plans. Overstocked stands and stands that were burned hot this year are most susceptible to infestations. Call your local GFC office if you suspect any kind of beetle activity on your property.
Forest Protection Update
The GFC's Protection Department is beginning a pilot project to test a computerized dispatch system that will provide real time resource tracking. The system will show movement of GFC's suppression units, trucks, airplanes, helicopters and personnel, as well as wildfires and prescribed burn and permit activities. These resources and activities will be tracked through a proprietary software program and GFC vehicles will be equipped with hardwire mounted units that also have battery backup capability. The system will have numerous advantages when fully implemented, including increased safety of personnel and equipment on wildfires, enhanced dispatch and tactical efficiency, plus reduced response time, suppression costs and wildfire acres burned. In tracking wildfires the system helps identify wildfire activity and patterns that may be occurring, along with topographic features and fuels. The system displays locations of prescribed burns and permits, and identifies smoke sensitive areas, possible sources of reported smoke, and helps managers determine if aerial support is needed. The system has desktop, web and mobile device capabilities. For more details, visit http://technosylva.com/products/firesponse/ and http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=128.

Forest Utilization Updates
Utilization professionals have been visiting mills throughout the state, collecting data on production and wood usage in Georgia. The data is being gathered for the US Forest Service's Timber Products Output report, which is published online and in hard copy biennially. As a result of the survey, Georgia's "Wood Using Industries Directory" will be updated with current mill contact information. The directory can be found at gatrees.org/ForestUtilization.

Reforestation Matters
The Georgia Forestry Commission's Reforestation Department is currently participating in four grant projects through the US Forest Services Southern Region Landscape Scale Restoration grants. One will fund a 35 acre site for the production of native seeds and warm season grasses important to the longleaf pine and native legume ecosystems. A second project is for a longleaf pine seedling seed orchard, grown from improved longleaf pine seedlings. This is expected to be a valuable seed orchard years down the road. The third grant establishes a shortleaf seed orchard that is on a site that is distant from loblollies, as some orchards have shown some families to hybridize with loblolly. Timing is good, because the Shortleaf Initiative is being rolled out and genetically improved shortleaf pine seed will be in demand at Southeast nurseries. Finally, the Reforestation Department is also participating in a multi-state grant to establish a genetic archive or preservation scion banks/seed orchards. This will prove to be essential in ongoing efforts to restore longleaf pine ecosystems.
On another note, our seedling sales are under way and seedlings are selling out fast! Visit your local county unit, go to www.gatrees.org, or call the Flint River Nursery directly at 229-268-7308.
Copyright 2005 Georgia Forestry Commission, all rights reserved 1- 800- GA- TREES
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