Services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, 1993

TREE FARMS
The Tree Farm Program is a vital factor in Georgia's reforestation effort, and a companion to the Foresl:St-ewardship Program. It is administered by the American Forest Council and the Georgia Forestry Association. .
Participation in the Tree Farm Program qualifies the landowner for membership in a national system providing information through the American Tree Farmer Magazine, Green America, and a periodic complimentary inspection by a professional forester.

FOREST HEALTH
The Forest Health Program is responsible for evaluating, assessing and reporting on the health of Georgia's forests. Forest health information is collected by aerial and ground crews statewide. This information is used to develop eradication and suppression projects against insects and diseases that are affecting the forests. Technical advice is available to forest landowners on how to prevent outbreaks as well.

NOTE: Commission services are limited to five (5) technical person days per landowner during a fiscal year Ouly 7 - June 30). The landowner (or representative) is responsible for identifying property lines for the Commission forester. As a state agency, all information obtained by the Commission becomes a public record.
For More Information Contact:
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NAVAL STORES
The Commission provides advice on tree evaluations, installation of equipment, chipping methods, and increasing gum flow to existing and potential naval stores procedures. Foresters are involved in research on improved procedures for gum production and increased quality.
PRESCRIBED BURNING
Prescribed burning is controlled use of fire for beneficial forestry results. Conditions determining the use of controlled burning include weather, terrain, and tree species.
The Commission offers complete prescribed burning plans on request. County units can provide burning permits, hand tools (loan), weather information, and smoke management considerations. Although Commission employees are not allowed to initiate control burns, they may provide standby assistance upon request.

URBAN FORESTRY
Urban forestry services are provided to Georgians in communities, towns, and cities around the state. Foresters work with city/county governments, planners, developers, and homeowners to protect, regenerate, and enhance the urban forest. Federal grants programs (when available) may be administered to communities for forestry improvements.
The program assists Georgia communities in achieving Tree City USA designation and develops cooperative efforts among public and private sectors. Urban forestry educational programs are provided for civic groups, schools, government officials, and industry.

or call 1-800-GA TREES

GEORGIA

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John W. Mixon Director
Approximate Cost Of Press Time and Paper Only. COST, $2609.91 QTY., 15M

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DIVERSIFfED MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
The Georgia - Forestry Commission's Forest Management Department assists landowners in managing forestland with considerations for wildlife, soil, water quality, aesthetics, and urban tree consultation. Effectiveness of the program is reflected by Georgia's forests that rank among the nation's most diverse and valuable natural resources.
Forestry is Georgia's leading industry with balanced considerations for economic benefits and environmental needs.
FORESTLAND EXAMINATIONS
A basic service offered by Commission foresters is an on-site inspection of woodlands with concentration on landowner objectives. The inspection is followed by a letter outlining recommended management practices.
Although the Commission does not participate directly in private timber sales, Commission foresters can provide general information such as lists of consulting foresters, timber buyers, and sample contracts.
COST-SHARING
The Commission cooperates with the USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) to provide technical assistance on such cost-share incentive programs as the Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP), Forestry Incentives Program (FIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP).
Commission assistance to landowners on these programs includes site inspections, practice specifications, recommendations, and program compliance checks.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP
Georgia's Forest Stewardship Program offers an excellent opportunity for landowners to manage their forests for multiple benefits and uses. Participating landowners work with a team of foresters, soil scientists, wildlife biologists and recreation specialists to develop a comprehensive Forest Stewardship Plan which outlines a management program custom designed for landowners' unique interests and resources. Those participating in the program may also be eligible for cost-sharing in carrying out their plan under the SIP Program.
WATER QUALITY AND BMP's
The best sources of high quality water are derived from forested areas. Maintaining high water quality is a major objective in forest management. The Commission offers guidelines for protecting and maintaining water quality in forestry practices. Publications that detail BMP's (Best Management Practices) and training are offered to landowners and loggers with demonstrations and videos.
The Commission has a water quality forester in each of its districts that specializes in education and implementation of BMP's. Foresters also offer on site advice and investigate water quality complaints from landowners.

PROTECTION
Protection of Georgia's 24 million acres of woodlands and approximately 3 million acres of open land is the responsibility of the Commission's Forest Protection Department. The department strives to reduce both the size and number of wildfires through a county unit network that also promotes all Commission programs statewide. Forest protection also administers the Rural Fire Defense Program which assists rural communities with fire control.
Presuppression firebreak plowing for landowners who plan to burn orwant protection continues to be the most requested service of Forest Protection. Increasing population and the spread of rural communities in forestland demand crosstraining between emergency agencies for improved efficiency. Fire prevention and training are top priorities of the Fire Protection Department.
FOREST PRODUCTS UTILIZATION, MARKETING AND DEVElOPMENT
The Commission's Forest Products Department provides technical assistance to Georgia's forest products industries. Primary objectives include the efficient utilization of wood in an environmentally sound manner; expanding markets for Georgia's wood products; promoting the development and use of new wood products; expansion of existing industries or establishment of new industries. A marketing directory of the state's wood using industries, with a listing of products, is updated periodically. Assistance is also provided to citizens with needs concerning wood utilization, protection and selection.

Local communities are assisted through activities which are aimed at strengthening local economies using the forest as a base, such as new wooden bridge technology, rural economic development, wood energy and recycling.
REFORESTATION
Reforestation is the basic key for maintaining Georgia's role as a national leader in forestry. The state goal is regeneration of an acre for every acre cut. The Commission welcomes the opportunity to assist landowners with natural and artificial methods of regeneration.
In natural regeneration, foresters can assist in selecting seed trees, recommending site preparation or release treatments, and providing regeneration checks. With artificial regeneration (planting), many Commission services are available to the landowner. These services include: training on seedling care and planting, maintaining a list of recommended site preparation and tree planting vendors, tree planting and timber stand maintenance, sale of pine and hardwood seedlings, loaning and leasing of tree planting equipment.
SEEDLING SALES
The Commission sells a variety of pine and hardwood seedlings of the finest quality. Pine seedlings are grown from certified seeds carefully developed for each region of Georgia.
Genetic development of fast-growing, disease resistant pine seedlings continues to progress. Commission seedlings are cultured to provide a compact fibrous root system, good stem diameter and winter buds to insure highest possible survival.