GFC eUpdate, 2018 November 30

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GFC eUpdate

Contents
Director's Corner
Forest Management Acorns
Hurricane Leads to Increased Danger for
Wildfires
Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia: 2017 Preview
Reforestation Update
Upcoming Events
Prescribed Fire Certification Workshop 12/4 - 12/5/18 Tifton, GA
2018 GA Arborist Association Winter
Workshop and Awards Luncheon
12/13/18 Lawrenceville, GA
Ladies for Their Land Winter Workshop 1/18/19 Blakely, GA
Ladies for Their Land Prescribed Burning
Workshop 2/8/19

Timber Impact Assessment.

Director's Corner
Hurricane Michael is still on our agency's - and quite possibly your front burner. Clean-up, damage assessments, salvage operations and restoration decisions are well underway across areas ravaged by the October storm. More than two million acres of Georgia forestland were damaged, with timber loss valued at $763 million. Here's the full report: Hurricane Michael

The Georgia General Assembly recently completed a special legislative session to hasten and supplement aid for landowners in the 28-county disaster area of southwest Georgia. The approved hurricane relief package signed by Governor Deal provides roughly $270 million in emergency funding for those impacted by the storm. For timberland owners who suffered hurricane losses reportable on their 2018 federal income tax returns, a state income tax credit will be offered based on those losses. This will generate a "disaster payment" for landowners, but only if they replant. Read the legislation from the 2018 special session here.

From moments after the storm hit, the Georgia Forestry Commission has proudly served alongside sister agencies, local and federal officials, and citizens and customers alike. It has been my distinct honor to see the GFC team give swiftly, selflessly and professionally. Right now, our focus is on developing and implementing the programs funded during the special session. Many of the details have not yet been finalized and may be amended when the legislative session begins in January. In the meantime, we'll do our best to answer your questions, and pledge to keep you posted as Georgia's recovery continues.
Forest Management Acorns
GFC team members continue to evaluate and respond to urban and rural forest damage inflicted by Hurricane Michael:
Urban Forest Strike Teams

Cochran, GA

from GFC's Sustainable Community Forestry Program have been analyzing local tree damage in 13 Georgia counties impacted by the storm. Team members work with special mobile technology to plot the location of hazardous trees that must be removed or pruned to protect public safety. The trees are categorized according to FEMA protocols including GPS locations, species and diameter, and remedial action needed. GFC personnel have been meeting with forest landowners and sharing information about recovery options available. Those options depend on the level of damage sustained and management objectives, and require three steps: assess, salvage, and restore. The Georgia Forestry Commission can assist with assessments and recommends utilizing the services of a consulting forester for the assistance with timber sales. We offer a number of resources to help landowners, including registered consulting forester and timber buyer databases, as well as guidelines on timber sales, tax implications, federal disaster assistance and safety. Storm Damage Resources.
Hurricane Leads to Increased Danger for Wildfires
As post-Hurricane Michael cleanup continues in southwest Georgia, GFC's forest protection team is shifting focus to wildfire prevention. Estimates show the amount of upland pine and hardwood fuel before the storm was about three to 10 tons per acre. In locations of catastrophic and severe timber damage, that amount may have increased 10-fold. Wildfire prevention campaigns are being launched by GFC in southwestern counties and we are asking all citizens and public safety personnel to recognize the wildfire potential and take steps to protect their property and themselves. Find out more:https://bit.ly/2yRP9AG
Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia: 2017 Preview
The Georgia Tech report, "Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia: 2017" is being finalized for publication. A preview shows Georgia's forest industry made gains in output (sales), employment, and wages and salaries in 2017. More than $35.9 billion in output (sales) supported 147,380 jobs, with over $8.7 billion in compensation paid to employees. The industry generated $970 million in state government revenues, with net revenues exceeding $97 million for the state budget.

Georgia's forest industry ranks second (to food processing) in wages and salaries ($3.8 billion) and second in employment (53,933 jobs), among all Georgia industries. The full report will be released in early 2019.
Reforestation Update
Fourth quarter in reforestation is keeping all of our team members busy with various jobs. Soil preparation is underway at the GFC Nursery for upcoming plantings, including hardwood acorns which will go in the ground over the next couple of weeks. We're also beginning to lift pines for staging and shipping to customers, which starts on Dec. 1. Seedling sales are winding down, with more than 90% of the inventory sold out. However, some Select Premium Slash Pine is still available, as are some hardwoods great for wildlife, including northern red oak, swamp chestnut and willow oak. Beautiful dogwood seedlings can also be purchased. To order, go to your local GFC office, contact the nursery at 478-508-0056, or visit the online store at GaTrees.org, where order forms may also be printed for mail-in. GaTrees.org
Copyright 2005 Georgia Forestry Commission, all rights reserved 1-800-GA-TREES
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