T ABOUT US | CONTACT GFC eUpdate Contents Director's Corner Early Results of SPB Testing Show Low Levels Wildfire Danger Increasing Forest Markets & Utilization Reforestation Update Upcoming Events Prescribed Fire Council Meeting 6/6/19 Jasper, GA Natural Resources Conservation Workshop 6/9 - 6/13/19 Tifton, GA Arborist Certification Review Course 6/11 - 6/12/19 Alpharetta, GA Southern Group of State Foresters Annual Meeting 6/17 - 6/20/19 Franklin, TN Teacher Conservation Workshop 6/17 - 6/21/19 Mansfield, GA Director's Corner Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia legislators demonstrated strong support for the Georgia Forestry Commission this year which has enabled us to address critical hiring and pay grade issues for entry level employees. We are moving towards being more competitive and better equipped to retain staff while we continue to provide outstanding customer service to Georgia's citizens. We are incredibly grateful to the Governor and legislature for their ongoing support. In recent months our team has carried out a number of assistance measures for landowners affected by Hurricane Michael, including debris cleanup, firebreak reconstruction, reforestation services and financial aid guidance. GFC teams participated in several post-storm activities that improve preparedness for "next time," including a thorough agency After Action Review and HURREX 2019, a statewide GEMA drill for a mock Category 4 hurricane in Georgia. We value each of these learning opportunities that help us fulfill our mission - to lead, serve and educate for the protection and conservation of Georgia's forest resources. Early Results of SPB Testing Show Low Levels Results of the GFC's annual southern pine beetle prediction survey are being calculated and early indicators show low levels for this season. Foresters placed about 40 traps across the state to gain insight into SPB populations, as well as their native predator, the clerid beetle. Remember, managing for healthy forests is key, which includes timely forest thinnings, prescribed burning and invasive species control. Also, it's important to be aware and present in the forest this time of year to look for any dying pine trees (yellow/red tops, green needles on the ground or sawdust at the base of trees.) Aerial surveys are scheduled to begin soon and if spots are detected from the air, landowners will be notified. Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo 6/26 - 6/28/19 Atlanta, GA Billy Lancaster Forestry Youth Camp 7/7 - 7/11/19 Covington, GA Wildlife Management Class 7/9 - 7/10/19 Athens, GA 2019 Atlanta Build USA Expo 7/17 - 7/18/19 Atlanta, GA Recreational Pond Management 7/23 - 7/24/19 Athens, GA Georgia Forestry Association Annual Conference 7/26 - 7/28/19 Jekyll Island, GA Sustainability of Wood-Based Bioenergy Development 8/6 - 8/7/19 Athens, GA Wildfire Danger Increasing Despite a wet kickoff to 2019, recent weather conditions are causing dry conditions throughout Georgia, especially in the southern parts of the state. Low rainfall and high temperatures are accelerating vegetation drying rates and wildfire danger is increasing. Wildfire activity is up in the southern half of the state and wildfires are burning with greater intensity and high rates of spread. We urge everyone to be extra vigilant and cautious when conducting any type of outdoor burning, including campfires and other outdoor cooking fires. If wildfire is encountered, notify the nearest emergency service or GFC. Forest Markets & Utilization New foreign trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau is in and it reports that four wood products rank in the top 25 of Georgia export commodities for 2018: Ranking #2 is Chemical Woodpulp Soda, valued at $1.2 billion, an increase of 19.9% from 2017; and representing 3% of Georgia's total exports. Ranking #4 is Kraftliner Uncoated Unbleached, valued at $1.1 billion, an increase of 44.1% from 2017; and representing 2.7% of Georgia's total exports. Ranking #14 is Chemical Woodpulp Dissolving Grades, valued at $383 million, an increase of 2% from 2017; and representing .9% of Georgia's total exports. Ranking #23 is Wood Pellets, valued at $196 million, an increase of 27.1% from 2017; and representing .5% of Georgia's total exports. Georgia's total 2018 exports (all products) are valued at $40.5 billion. Reforestation Update The GFC seedling store is officially open for business! A wide variety of hardwoods and pines are available for the 2018-2019 planting season. Order online at GaTrees.org, by contacting your local GFC office or by calling the GFC nursery at 478-508-0056. Demand for seedlings is expected to be high this year because of reforestation needs following Hurricane Michael, and reduced planting because of last year's wet winter. Cherrybark oak has been added to the selection of hardwoods this year, but otherwise the roster remains unchanged. One of the most popular species last season was thuja, which is an excellent windbreak and a good alternative to leyland cypess. Crabapple, persimmon and wild plum fruit trees remain favorite choices for landowners who wish to attract wildlife. The bee-friendly "pollinator pack," which includes five each of dogwood, red maple, and yellow poplar, was also in high demand last season. GFC Reforestation Chief Jeff Fields expects sell-outs of the genetically improved loblolly, "Georgia Giants," especially in areas affected by Hurricane Michael, along with Upper Coast Plains Loblolly (formerly Rust Resistant 3) and Lower Coastal Plains Loblolly (formerly C3 High Volume). Super Select Premium Slash is expected to be in high demand, along with longleaf and second generation shortleaf. Seedling delivery begins the first week of December. Copyright 2005 Georgia Forestry Commission, all rights reserved 1-800-GA-TREES Follow us on Twitter | Find us on Facebook | Watch us on YouTube Follow us on LinkedIn