2001 annual report

2001 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREST MANAGEMENT ......................................................................... 3 FOREST PROTECTION ............................................................................ 8 REFORESTATION ................................................................................... 12 FOREST PRODUCTS UTILIZATION, MARKETING, & DEVELOPMENT ............ 14 FOREST INFORMATION AND URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY ................. 16 FOREST ADMINISTRATION ..................................................................... 19

Governor Roy E. Barnes
BBOOAARRDD OOFF CCOOMMMMIISSSSIIOONNEERRSS

Jim L. Gillis, Jr., Chairman Soperton

H. G. Thomas New Louisville

James G. Fendig Savannah

Larry S. Walker Oglethorpe

P. W. Bryan, Jr. Thomasville

1

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

The Georgia Forestry Commission is pleased to present another year of outstanding service to Georgians for FY2001.

J. FREDERICK ALLEN

Wildfires continue to dominate Georgia's forest with the continuation of the drought across the state. Georgia experienced
extreme drought indexes across much of the state during the fire
season and into summer. Commission firefighters suppressed a total of 11,004 wildfires that consumed 47,370 acres. Even with
the increase in fire activity, the average size fire was limited to 4.30 acres per fire.

The demand for quality seedlings grown in the state nurseries resulted in another year of a complete sell out of seedlings. The State forest nurseries
operate at no cost to taxpayers by operating off of the receipts of seedling sales. For seven
years the Commission nurseries have been operating in this mode.

For the past several years, Georgia has led the nation in tree planting. During the 19981999 planting season, Georgians planted 441,492 acres in trees. This averages 1,210
trees planted per day. The non-industrial private landowner who owns 72% of Georgia's
forest land planted 266,931 acres; forest industry owns 21% of the forest land and planted 168,110 acres; and 5,376 acres were planted on public lands which compose 7% of the
forest land.

Commission foresters assisted over 11,000 landowners and developed 7,808 forest
management plans that covered 759,126 acres. In its ninth year, the Forest Stewardship Program has a total enrollment of 3,003 forest landowners. In January, the revised Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for Forestry in Georgia were released. Georgia's BMPs are voluntary guidelines that are aimed at protecting water quality during various sivilcultural
practices. A team made up of representatives from state agencies, forest industry,
environmental groups, federal agencies, and universities revised the BMPs.

Georgia's Fantastic Forest campaign continued to promote public awareness of how forest impact our everyday lives. The Commission began the development of two additional
Educational Forests as outdoor classrooms. The Utilization, Marketing and Development
Department continued to work with various groups to promote Georgia's forest products and opportunities for economic development through forestry. The Commission is
cooperating with various federal agencies to conduct a southeast assessment of all forest resources.

The employees of the Forestry Commission strive to provide the highest quality service to Georgians and to ensure that the social, environmental and economic benefits derived
from our forest resources are sustained.

2

FOREST MANAGEMENT

Forestry-related technical information and assistance is provided to Georgia's private forest landowners by the Forest Management Department to enhance their woodlands for economical, social and environmental benefits.
RURAL FORESTRY ASSISTANCE

recommendations on how these resources can be better managed and improved. A total of 249 plans covering 53,709 acres were written in FY2001. The unique cooperation between the public and private sectors has continued and strengthened this year as 24 consulting and industry foresters provided 161 plans on 36,274 acres for their clients.

Rural forestry assistance promotes healthy, vigorous forests capable of providing a renewable and dependable source of forest products for the state's economy. Approximately 11,000 forest landowners in Georgia received GFC forest management information during FY2001 with 5287 forest management plans written addressing recommendations on 885,321 acres. Prescribed burning assistance was given on 43,246 acres. FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (FSP) The Stewardship Program completed its tenth year and has a cumulative enrollment of 3,443 landowners, including 255 who enrolled in the program this year. The cornerstone of the Forest Stewardship Program is the Forest Stewardship Plan developed for each landowner in the program. These plans evaluate the landowner's timber, wildlife, soil, water, scenic and recreational resources and make specific
The Forest Stewardship Program capitalizes on multi-agency expertise to produce a goal oriented resource plan for Georgia landowners.

The Program also seeks to recognize those landowners who have demonstrated their commitment to forest stewardship by doing an outstanding job of managing their property. Eleven landowners were designated as Outstanding Forest Stewards this year, bringing the state total of those receiving this rare and distinguishing honor to 149.
Forest Stewardship Program Accomplishments 20002001
- Three High Schools participated in the "Future Forest" Program resulting in approximately 120 acres of reforestation and six acres of wildlife habitat improvement
- Ten landowners planted 500 acres of longleaf pine under the Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program (A partnership with USFWS, GFC, and the Longleaf Alliance)
- Participated in two TAG (Team Agriculture Georgia) workshops for underserved landowners
- Continued the Wildland-Urban Interface Pilot Project that combines Forest Stewardship, Wildfire Protection, and Urban & Community Forestry
- Developed a "Virtual Forest" website to show landowners how different forest stands should be managed
- Held the first GROWS (Georgia Recognizes Our Woodland Stewards) conference in Savannah
- Provided assistance to the GA Envirothon - Published three documents on hardwood
management, two documents on thinning pines, and one document on forest recreation.

3

COST SHARE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

REGENERATION

The Commission is the technical agency responsible for determining specifications necessary for landowners to install a range of forest practices under four different cost share incentive programs administered by the Farm Services Agency (FSA). An additional program introduced in 1992 is administered by Georgia Forestry Commission with assistance from FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Department of Natural Resources, and U. S. Forest Service. The incentive programs include:
Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) - This federal program is the companion to FSP. Its purpose is to promote multiple resource management practices as identified within a Landowner Forest Stewardship Plan. Seven practices are available under SIP. The Commission serviced 84 SIP requests on 2,922 acres.
Forestry Incentive Program (FIP) - The purpose of FIP is the optimum production of wood fiber products. Since its inception in 1975, FIP has been responsible for tree planting on 426,646 acres in Georgia. GFC accomplishments in FIP for the fiscal year involved preparation of 585 forest management plans which covered 21,297 acres.

Georgia planted 442,631 acres that were artificially regenerated with seedlings during the 2000 2001 planting season. This included 267,073 acres on private lands, 172,877 acres on forest industry lands, and 2,723 acres on government lands.
The Commission still maintains its list of recommended site preparation, tree planting and herbicide vendors for landowners seeking those services.
Commission reforestation and management foresters, rangers, and other personnel were instrumental in promoting reforestation and maintaining local forest landowner associations and committees that keep abreast of sound forest management techniques and new developments through regular meetings.
FOREST HEALTH
The Forest Health Unit provided statewide leadership and guidance to GFC foresters and rangers on many forest health related issues. Statewide, 4,734 individual forest health assists were provided to urban and rural tree owners. Forest health recommendations were incorporated into 1,230 forest management plans.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - The Conservation Reserve Program, primarily created to provide soil erosion protection and crop base reduction, was expanded last year to improve wildlife habitat. Commission foresters provided technical assistance in preparing 1833 tree planting plans which covered 59,398 acres of site preparation and 71,249 acres of tree planting. Of the 71,249 acres of tree planting, 66,602 acres was planted to Longleaf Pine.

The gypsy moth trapping program placed 7,500 traps across the state. No moths were caught in the survey areas.
The southern pine beetle was in outbreak status along the western side of the State from Stewart County all the way into northwest Georgia. The extreme drought experienced in the State was a triggering factor in the severity of the outbreak.

Georgia Reforestation to Enhance Environmental Needs (GREEN) - A partnership developed in FY96 between the Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia Power Company to offer Georgia landowners an alternative tree planting cost share program entitled Georgia Reforestation to Enhance Environmental Needs (GREEN). Georgia Power's interest in promoting tree planting developed from their concern over rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Their voluntary contribution ensures a cleaner and healthier environment through long-term carbon storage in trees and solid wood products. Through Georgia Power funding and GFC administration and technical assistance, the GREEN signup was last held in August of 1999.

An off-plot forest health evaluation comparing the growth and yield of longleaf and loblolly interplanted on two sites in the Piedmont is continuing. The longterm benefits of longleaf pine and its ability to ward off attacks of the southern pine beetle will be evaluated. The study will also address the many problems that confront longleaf pine establishment in the Georgia Piedmont.
A forest health manual that covers many of the insects, diseases and other maladies of Georgia's trees was completed for distribution to rangers, foresters, teachers and others involved in educating the public on forest health issues.

4

FOREST WATER QUALITY
The state of Georgia is under a federal court order that requires well over 1,100 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans to be developed by 2004 on 800+ water quality impaired stream segments. It has been estimated that the fish communities (biota) in 17% (184) of these segments are impaired due to nonpoint sources of pollution, which includes silvicultural operations. The GAEPD is expecting the GFC to develop the forestry component for those TMDL plans. According to the federal requirements and proposals, this may (will) involve permits, written silvicultural plans, plan reviews, BMP auditing and monitoring of every forestry operation within the watershed of a listed stream for a period of five years or until the stream is evaluated again during the River Basin cycle and is either deleted from or kept on the list for another five years. Once the plan is developed, it must be submitted to the USEPA and put out for public comment. Afterward the plan must be approved by the federal court and if approved becomes law.
The Commission has an agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division to educate the forest community and promote the voluntary use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in an effort to minimize erosion and sedimentation from all silvicultural practices.

Sample timber sales contracts and invitations to bid, which include BMP language, are available at all GFC offices.
The GFC recently completed the 1998 statewide BMP implementation survey. Data was collected on 386 randomly selected sites to measure BMP implementation rates. These sites had to have experienced forestry activities within the past two years, preferably within the last six months. By ownership, 72% of the sites were on non-industrial private forest (NIPF) land, 26% were on forest industry land, and 2% were on public land. Sites covered all geographic regions of the state. Of the 43,906 acres evaluated, 98% were in compliance with BMPs. This is a 6% increase from the 1992 survey. More detailed information can be obtained by calling 1-800-GATREES.
The GFC has also been involved in the State River Basin Planning effort. The plans include FIA (Forest Inventory and Analysis) data, BMP implementation rates, and plans for implementation measures. Plans completed so far include Chattahoochee, Flint, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Oconee, Savannah, and Ogeechee Basins. The Ochlockonee, Satilla, St. Marys, and Suwannee River Basins are next.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

During the year, 132 BMP talks were given to over 4,565 people. Eighteen of the talks were presented to loggers and foresters participating in the American Forest and Paper Association sponsored Sustainable Forestry Initiative's Master Timber Harvesters' Program. Participants are able to interact with various experts speaking on the sustainable forest initiative, silviculture, wildlife habitat, endangered species, wetlands, water quality, harvest planning, business management, OSHA rules, workers' compensation, and safety management. This educational program has been in place since December 1995 and as of July 2002, approximately 2,003 persons have completed the three day course and maintained their MTH status. Most of the major timber companies now require loggers to attend these MTH workshops in order to deliver wood to their yards.
The department received 96 water quality complaints related to forestry practices that were investigated and mediated by Commission personnel.

The Commission provides environmental impact analysis of forestlands affected by proposed Department of Transportation (DOT) road construction. These assessments are necessary to ensure no adverse impact will result from the road construction; however, if adverse impact is imminent, mitigation between DOT and forest landowners is necessary. GFC involvement includes detailed information on affected timber, yard and urban trees, wetlands, watersheds, trees of historical or cultural importance, and endangered plants and animals. In FY2001, there were 38 assessments conducted by the Commission for DOT.
STATE LANDS ASSISTANCE
Many state agencies request the assistance of the Georgia Forestry Commission each year in handling the sale of timber from their lands. The Commission is charged by law to handle such sales, which involve timber cruising to determine wood volumes, timber marking, advertising, sending out bid invitations,

5

conducting bid openings, negotiating terms, and awarding contracts to successful bidders.
In FY2001, there were 20 timber sales on other state agency lands which involved 65,312 tons of pine pulpwood, 3,277 tons of hardwood pulpwood, 503 tons of pine chip-n-saw, 32,775 tons of pine sawtimber, 447 tons of hardwood sawtimber, all with a total value of $2.58 million to the state.
STATE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT
The Commission owns or manages several properties around the state. These lands incorporate forest stewardship (multiple resource) management, including forest products, wildlife, recreation, soil and water conservation, aesthetics, historical and cultural resources. Forest Stewardship Plans on these lands detail the various activities that occur to benefit the state and general public economically, socially, and environmentally. The properties include:
Dixon Memorial State Forest The largest of GFC land holdings (35,708 acres), the Dixon Memorial State Forest is located near Waycross, Georgia. A very biodiverse forest including approximately 15,000 acres of the Okeefenokee Swamp, Dixon has been managed by the Commission since 1938. Accomplishments for FY2001 include one total harvest timber sale involving six planted pine stands averaging 48 acres each and 39 years of age. Volumes and value of wood in the timber sale were as follows: 2,059 cords of pine pulpwood, 3,588 cords of pine chip-n-saw, and 759 cords of pine sawtimber for a total value of $390,930. Timber stand improvement thinnings were conducted on 13 stands of planted pine averaging 52 acres each for a total of 675 acres. This generated approximately $103,734. Other accomplishments include 470 acres of tree planting, 230 miles of firebreak maintenance, and 490 miles of road and ditch maintenance. Revenues received through the sale of various forest products at Dixon totaled $502,085. Expenses amounted to $173,778 resulting in approximately $328,307 in net revenues.
The GFC met with the USFWS and GADNR Wildlife Resources Division to discuss management strategies for Cowhouse Island in order to provide foraging habitat to the red cockaded woodpecker colonies on USFWS land adjacent to the island by going to longer rotations.

The GFC and GADNR WRD have cooperated to construct a new gun range located off HWY 177 going into the Swamp Park.
The Herty Building at the Forest was host to over 1,300 persons attending a total of 32 natural resource educational programs.
Dawson Forest-Dawson Forest, a 10,130-acre forest located in Dawson County, is owned by the City of Atlanta and managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Forest management activities for FY2001 include the administration of one timber sale contract and three timber salvage contracts involving a total of 164 acres. Timber salvage totaled 900 tons of pine pulpwood and 750 tons of pine sawtimber. Harvest activities occurred on 82 acres during the year with 44 inspections made of the harvest operations.
Forest regeneration activities included 172 acres of site preparation to control unwanted vegetation and tree planting on 58 acres. Best management practices were applied to timber harvest areas and to roads accessing these areas by Commission personnel following timber harvests. They involved the harrowing and seedling of a distance of one mile along one road, as well as short sections of timber haul roads and log loading decks within ten forest stands. Water-bars were also installed on harvest skidding trails within four stands covering 56 acres. Seedling survival surveys were performed on 21 acres. BMPs were installed on six forest stands including 76 acres and along a distance of two miles along timber haul roads. Prescribed burning was performed on 11 stands totaling 349 acres. Maintenance and construction of access facilities included: 6.9 miles of road grading, applying gravel to 2.0 miles of roads, installation of 34 signs, construction of seven gates, repair of six gates, and mowing of nine miles of roadsides.
The Forest and/or staff were host to 1,360 persons attending a total of 47 natural resource educational programs. Approximately 450 contacts were made during FY2001 and 1,700 pieces of literature were distributed. The recreational trail program, which is a cooperative effort of Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia Forestry Commission, provided 25 miles of horse and bicycle trails for public use. In addition to the many hunters and fishermen using the Forest, an estimated 5,000 persons used the horse and bike trail network during the year.

6

Paulding Forest - The 10,038-acre Paulding Forest in Paulding County is also owned by the City of Atlanta, but managed by the GFC and DNR. . Forest management activities for FY2001 include the administration of one timber sale contract and two timber salvage contracts involving a total of 201 acres. Volumes of wood harvested in the timber sale were as follows: 745,000 board feet of pine sawtimber, 2100 cords of pine pulpwood, 86,000 board feet of hardwood sawtimber, and 214 cords of hardwood pulpwood for a total value of $203,851.00. Timber salvage totaled 1087 tons of pine pulpwood and 1234 tons of pine sawtimber for a total value of $35,516.11. Harvest activities occurred on 165 acres during the year with 20 inspections made on the harvest operations.
Forest regeneration activities included ten acres of site preparation to control unwanted vegetation. Seedling survival surveys were performed on 103 acres. Prescribed burning was performed on three stands totaling 205 acres.
Other related activities included: 5.1 miles of property boundaries surveyed, flagged, and painted; installation of four new gates, construction of 3.8 miles of access roads, grading of 1.5 miles of roads and distribution of 230 pieces of literature to recreational users of the Forest.
GEORGIA'S FOREST INVENTORY/ FIA
Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA) implementation for FY2001 included completing 82% of Panel 3 plot remeasurement, which is the third 20% sample of plots throughout the state. Some 1,075 plots were remeasured including Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) Phase 3 (P3) plots during the summer of both 2000 and 2001. Panel 4 is expected to begin at the first of October 2001.

FIA currently involves a modified forest inventory collection system similar to the old periodic FIA. While the FIA periodic survey system provided current forest data only every eight to ten years, that time cycle in today's fast paced information age seemed insufficient to most individuals and groups associated with forest and related resources. Information collected from an annual FIA permanent sample (panel) is "blended" in with data from the previous four years data to create an annual update of the entire state. Each year afterwards, a new twenty percent permanent sample will be blended with the most current four year data compilation, thus giving a "running" or "rolling" annual update on Georgia's forest inventory.
Data from Georgia's first annual panel was posted on the USDA Forest Service's website (www.srsfia.msstate.edu) in June 2001. Every five years, a complete and detailed publication will be made available to document a completed survey cycle.
Other southern states currently involved with the annual FIA inventory process include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Data processing under FIA involves the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station in Asheville, NC and Starkeville, MS. In addition, quality control is directed through the USDA Forest Service in coordination with the states.

The "National Hexagonal Grid" was implemented in Georgia's Panel 3. This "Grid" is a nationally designed system for uniformly spacing sample plots throughout the nation. It establishes a standard of one sample plot per every 5,936 acres. FHM plots have always been on a "hexagonal grid" with one FHM or P3 plot for every 94,976 acres. The merger of these two program elements results in a 16:1 ratio of P2/P3. All states will eventually adopt this grid system at the next opportune time in their remeasurement cycle.

7

FOREST PROTECTION

Georgia experienced 8,392 wildland fires in FY 2001 burning 41,574 acres for an average sized fire of 4.95 acres. There were 98 homes and 208 other structures with damages by wildfire estimated at $2,038,397.00.
Timely rainfall in February and March of 2001 subdued the normal spring fire season and resulted in a near average fire year. Long term drought continued however as witnessed by a 3 week period of fire activity in May and June which resulted in a Governor's State of Emergency Declaration.
Careless burning of debris continues to be the leading cause of wildfire contributing nearly 50% of the total number of forest fires. Arson or Incendiary firs are the second leading cause, contributing 18% of the total number of fires. Although lightning fires contributed only 5% of the total number of fires, the average sized lightning fire was nearly 22 acres and lightning caused wildfires burned 9,857 acres or 23% of the statewide acres burned this year.
Wildfires in artificially regenerated stands continue to be more destructive than fire in natural timber with 40% of the total acres burned this year destroying planted pine timber. The average sized wildfire occurring in planted pines was nearly 11 acres in size with a total of 16,816 acres destroyed.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Governor Barnes declared a state of emergency on May 19, as a result of the Blount's Pasture Fire that occurred just north of Darien. Caused by lightning, this fire burned nearly 3,500 acres and directly threatened more than 400 homes. Simultaneously occurring fires in Ware, Brantley, Clinch, Charlton and Echols counties caused the resources of the Georgia Forestry Commission to be overwhelmed resulting in the state of emergency. More than 44% of the Commission's total personnel deployed to these fires and the Commission expended nearly one million dollars over the 3-week period to suppress these fires that burned a total of 15,000 acres. Fire departments, both local and from surrounding counties played and integral part in saving life and property as did other

state agencies that were deployed. The southeastern forest fire compact was activated allowing assistance from the states of Tennessee and Mississippi.
FIRE USE ASSISTANCE
Homeowners, farmers, and foresters all use fire to accomplish their resource management goals. This year, the Georgia Forestry Commission issued 299,966 permits for various outdoor burning operations such as brush piles, land clearing, and prescribed burning of the forest.
More than 247,435 of the permits were to homeowners who wanted to burn piles of leaves or limbs.
18,311 permits were issued for forest resource management prescribed burns with over 702,919 acres of burning accomplished. Prescribed burning reduces dangerous accumulation of forest fuels, enhances certain wildlife habitat, and helps to maintain traditional fire dependent ecosystems.
16,269 permits were issued for the burning of debris generated from clearing approximately 64,677 acres. Land clearing operations generally include road and power line rights of way, and conversion of forestland to agriculture or urbanization.
Although farmers are not required to obtain a permit for agriculture burns, they are required to call the Georgia Forestry Commission prior to setting a fire for this purpose. The Georgia Forestry Commission received 17,951 calls from agricultural operations that resulted in the burning of 326,233 acres of crop residue, improved pastures, and overgrown fields.
Georgia Forestry Commission personnel and equipment can be scheduled to assist with outdoor burning activities. A continuing initiative to increase burning assistance resulted in 2,884 landowners receiving actual "hands on" assistance. Prescribed burning assistance was given to 1,422 forest landowners who conducted prescribed burning on approximately 87,431 acres.

8

One of the Commission's most requested services is pre-suppression firebreak plowing. During the year, forest rangers plowed 24,560 miles of firebreaks for landowners who either planned to conduct a prescribed burn or simply wanted the protection provided by firebreaks. Some 8,586 landowners received this service from the forest protection efforts.

Hands-on assistance for burning operations and firebreak plowing provide our best direct opportunity for fire prevention.

PRESCRIBED BURN CERTIFICATION

The Prescribed Burn Act of 1992 allows the Georgia Forestry Commission to certify prescribed burners. This is accomplished through a one-day training session followed by a comprehensive test. A college or other institution of higher learning sponsors most of the sessions.

During the year, prescribed burn practitioners were

certified with four certification sessions conducted

throughout the

state. These four

sessions

successfully

certified 204

participants

bringing the total

number

of

certified burners

to 1,494.

Prescribed burning prevents the forest from burning during severe conditions and enhances wildlife habitat.

This program insures a basic level of knowledge for those who practice prescribed burning in Georgia, thus maximizing accomplishments and minimizing problems associated with the fire and smoke.

burning and fire suppression planning purposes.
The weather office recently installed a state of-the-art satellite based weather receiving, and analysis system. This will provide a stable source of weather data, and provide additional information such as digital radar data. These new capabilities are expected to provide better input to the GFC forecast system, and eventually provide rainfall amounts on a one-mile grid.
The weather office continues to issue National Fire Danger Rating System indexes for weather stations across the State to help district foresters and rangers to assess fire potential in their area.
During the extreme fire events in May 2001, the weather office provided hour-by-hour spot forecasts for the next 24 hours at least three times a day. For the first time, doppler radar data was used to pinpoint near real-time movement of the sea breeze front, and outflow from thunderstorms. This resulted in warnings to fire crews of imminent wind shifts, and associated wind gusts.
The weather office is providing forestry weather forecasts to North Carolina Division of Forest Resources.
FABRICATION SHOP
The Forest Protection Department operates a welding and fabrication shop whose primary responsibility is the manufacture, repair, and construction of custom equipment specific to the Fire Program.
During the year, the Fabrication Shop not only manufactured and constructed twenty-two (22) specialized tanks for rural fire defense, but also

WEATHER FORECASTING

The weather office continues to issue a two-day forestry weather forecast twice a day and a sevenday forestry weather forecast once a day for prescribed

The purchase and use of fireline harrows have upgraded services to Georgia landowners.

9

fabricated six (6) beds for new transports and outfitted twelve (12) others with hydraulic ramps. Nine (9) new tractors were equipped with new blades, brush guards, fire plows, and windshields in addition to sixteen (16) other tractors modified with doors and windshields. The shop also manufactured twentyfour (24) fire plows, constructed seven (7) V-blades, and provided numerous repairs and restorations to equipment specializing in fire protection. The Fabrication Shop continues to provide quality design, construction, and repair of specialized fire equipment.
AIR OPERATIONS
The Georgia Forestry Commission proudly accepted delivery of a new Bell 407 Helicopter on December 6, 2000. The Bell 407 performed as advertised. The new aircraft had a 100 percent response rate to fire suppression

Georgia Forestry Commission's aircraft accumulated an enormous amount of flight time for the third year in a row. This year's total was 8,380 hours. Privatized air operations accrued 995 hours. Insect Surveys flew 221 hours and 178 hours were flown by helicopter fire suppression. The majority was flown in support of fire detection. Aircraft detected 1,200 wildfires, worked with ground crews on 1,500 wild fires and confirmed 18,434 control burns.
GFC is in need of establishing a replacement schedule for worn out aircraft. The funds for two replacement airplanes and overhauls for two 36-year-old helicopters are being requested for 2003's supplemental budget.

GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION TEN YEAR FIRE SUMMARY

FISCAL YEAR 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
TEN YEAR AVERAGE

NUMBER OF FIRES 10,877 5,482 10,269 5,911 10,669 7,224 6,579 11,005 11,688 8,392
8,810

ACRES BURNED
41,297 20,469 36,773 18,920 40,062 22,998 36,660 47,458 71,595 41,574
37,780

AVERAGE SIZE 3.80 3.73 3.58 3.20 3.75 3.18 5.57 4.31 6.13 4.95
4.29

Fires by Cause

Smoking Railroad 3%
3%
Misc. 6%

Campfire 1% Children 4%

Machine Use 11%
Lightning 5% Incendiary 18%

Debris Burning
49%

10

RURAL FIRE DEFENSE PROGRAM

FIRE PREVENTION

Increased wildfire occurrence along with urban and rural growth continues to prompt service requests from fire departments statewide.
The number of units in operation now totals 1,238 pieces of equipment located at 622 fire departments.
Additional program highlights include:
Relocated RFD Offices to base of red and white communications tower at Macon Complex
Upgrade of GFC water handling functions and slipin pumping units
Kicked off new "Helping Hands" Program to assist fire departments and Industry Cooperators

During FY-2001 wildland fire occurrences decreased some 28% from previous 2000 figures. Although, some of this decrease may be attributed to weather patterns and the May-October burn bans in some counties, we are beginning to see the results of several years of heightened public awareness and wildland fire prevention efforts. The commission now has a pool of 13 fire prevention specialists available for mobilization to areas in Georgia that may exhibit high fire potential. The Fire Prevention Team process also provides a format to target future events such as the 4th of July, the October 1 resumption of outdoor burning, and hunting seasons where increased occurrences of outdoor fire use can be predicted. Regional winners of the FY-2001 District Prevention Awards are District 3 from the North and District 9 from the South.

In the area of training, a course entitled,
"Introduction to Georgia's Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Problem" is being taught to Forestry Commission personnel at semi-annual Forestry Academy's

Our new Rural Fire Defense and Prevention Office provides operational warehouse space to support increased activities statewide.
A sample of this year's Wildland Fire Prevention activities follows:

16 Basic Fire Fighter's training courses were taught to fire departments through the VFA grant
$113,972 worth of Wildland PPE, (Personal Protective Equipment) was sold and delivered to fire department and Industry cooperators (569 sets).
27 Work Orders Processed 15 Requests For Chassis Filled
16 14 12 10
8 6 4 2 0
Fireknockers Front Mount Pumpers Fireknockers Refurbished State/Federal Excess Chassis

The Caps for Kids Program Hiawassee Mountain Fair UGA Basketball and Gymnastics Player
Cards and Smokey Nights Savannah Sand Gnats Professional Baseball
Club Floppy Hat and Smokey Bear Night Silent Witness, Arson Alert Pencils, Targets, rain gauges, and License
covers for Hunter Safety Programs New Smokey Suits Fire Safety Danger Signs Prevention/Urban Interface Fire Exhibits Sunbelt Agricultural Expo Georgia National Fair

11

REFORESTATION

NURSERIES
Seedling sales for the 2000-01 crop declined for the first time in several years. Factors like continued drought, low timber markets, lack of incentive programs, and a south wide seedling surplus will probably continue this trend for several years.

a million plantable seedlings. Test data indicate seedlings grown from this new orchard will receive 16% less rust infection as compared to the rust resistant loblolly seedlings we are presently selling. Walker Nursery personnel assisted with collections by collecting 300 pounds of sawtooth oak acorns from the Commission's seed production area at Page Nursery. Rust resistant slash and loblolly seed yields at Bartram Forest were slightly above average with 1,471 pounds. District collections yielded 4,500 pounds of cleaned hardwood seed.

Aerial view of Flint River Nursery
The crop quality remains very good. Progress can be seen in the control of nut sedge, one of the most persistent weeds facing nurserymen today. A new well (1600 GMP) was installed to ensure adequate irrigation of all nursery and most of the younger hardwood seed production areas. This well is connected with the original two wells and any one or combination of wells can be used depending on demand for water.
SEED ORCHARD

This past year resulted in reforestation personnel establishing the Commission's first, third generation hardwood seed orchard. One hundred fifty white oak seedlings representing 20 families were planted. Acorns collected from individual trees from the second-generation orchard at Flint River were sent to the seed conditioning plant in Macon where the acorns were sized. Only the larger acorns from each tree were returned to the nursery to be planted in the nursery bed. Cooperative research between the United States Forest Service and the Georgia Forestry Commission has shown that the larger acorns from an individual tree produce healthier, more vigorous seedlings than the smaller acorns do from the same tree. Sizing of the acorns was the first step in the culling or seedling selection process. Tree selection for the orchard was further improved at the time the seedlings were lifted from the nursery bed when only the above average seedlings were selected and out planted. In time only those individuals displaying above average growth, form, and mast production will remain as seed producing trees. Maintaining accurate records and individual tree identity is critical throughout this entire process. Much work is needed in hardwood tree improvement and this is just a start.

The young pine and hardwood orchards at Flint River are beginning to provide significant yields with 2,700 pounds of cleaned seed collected. Yields were above average and will increase with time. Arrowhead Seed Orchard was clear-cut of its clonal slash and loblolly orchards in the early nineties. A rust resistant loblolly orchard was established in 1994. This year enough seed was collected from this orchard to produce half

TREE IMPROVEMENT
The process of tree improvement is made up of iterative cycles of breeding, testing, and selecting. For a single tree each step is a discreet process. However, when applied to hundreds of trees and more than one species the steps overlap. Some trees are selected while others are being bred and, simultaneously,

12

others are being tested. Though the testing and selecting continues apace, in both loblolly and slash pines breeding is between stages. Second cycle breeding of slash pine was completed last season and third cycle clones of loblolly pine are too young to produce flowers. So, the emphasis in FY01 was on test establishment, test measurement, and individual tree selection.
Last year 11 loblolly progeny tests were measured. These tests were comprised of over 13,000 trees and covered 16 acres of forestland. Each tree was evaluated for bole straightness, disease occurrence, height growth, and stem diameter. After analyzing this information, 11 individuals were identified as superior. Cuttings were collected in spring of 2001 and grafted into clone banks to preserve these valuable genetic resources. An additional 2 acres of selected material was planted to represent unimproved genotypes. This unimproved plantation will serve as a gene conservation bank and provide seed and pollen against which future gains can be measured. More than three acres of superior slash control pollinated crosses were also planted.

Hardwood seed production area

13

FMORAERSKTEPTIRNOGD,U&CTDS EUVTEILLOIZPAMTEINOTN,

The Forest Products Utilization, Marketing and Development (FPUM&D) provides technical assistance to Georgia's forest products industry to ensure that the industry remains a viable competitor in the global marketplace while contributing to the state's economic well-being.
Primary objectives include encouraging the efficient use of wood in the manufacturing process. Wood users are also assisted with measures of efficiency in their mill operations by providing data and factual information regarding the proper uses of wood to help ensure a long and reliable life span. The latest technical information on manufacturing of wood products, and collecting, compiling, analyzing, and disseminating market, residue, and resource data is also provided. The overall goals are to enhance the state's economy through forest products development and to extend the state's timber supply by encouraging a more efficient use of the wood resource.
During FY 2001 the functions of the Utilization, marketing and Development Department were transferred to Forest Information & Urban & Community Forestry Department.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Rural development activities relate to quality of life issues as well as job creation in rural areas of the state as part of the overall effort to maintain a sustainable economy. This allows growth, income creation, and a continuation of viable economic activities, including production from the forest products industry. Georgia's commercial forests cover approximately 24 million acres of a total land base of nearly 37 million acres. The continued development of the state's forest resource base as an income generator is a high priority. The economic importance of forestry to the State of Georgia is estimated at $19.7 billion annually.
Issues concerning fiber supply continue to be identified as an important part of any long-term expansion effort for the state's primary and secondary forest product industries. The Fiber Supply Working

Group of the Georgia Initiative in Pulp and Paper Technology continues to function in the area of identifying and increasing wood fiber supply potential in Georgia. Research proposals submitted by academia are evaluated with state and industry input to identify projects that will help to maintain the global competitiveness of the pulp and paper industry in Georgia.
In order to obtain better estimates on future timber supply in the state, the Commission has participated in the Southern Forest Resource Assessment Consortium. The Consortium is composed of state and federal forestry agencies, universities and forest industry. The goal is to develop reliable growth projection techniques for timber inventory to assist in the estimation and delineation of future timber supplies in the Southern United States, with emphasis on Georgia and the surrounding states.
The Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism was assisted during the year with forestry expertise in answering forest product trade leads and resource related questions. In Cooperation with the Southern Research Station over 50 forest resource and residue reports continue to be downloaded from the Internet each month. New investment in Georgia's forest products industry totaled $8 million and created 174 new jobs. Business expansions in the forest products sector totaled over $3.9 million and created an additional 60 jobs.
During the past fiscal year the state funded rural development grant program was terminated. Three grants to communities from previous years were completed.
The Commission continues to participate as an active member of the Economic Development Committee of the Southern Group of State Foresters. The thirteen southern state forestry agencies along with the US Forest Service work jointly on sustainable development of the region's forest resource.

14

UTILIZATION AND MARKETING
The department coordinates the Timber Products Output study updates in conjunction with the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station. Information obtained by the studies are used in updating the Timber Products Output Report and the Georgia's WoodUsing Industries and Forest Products Marketing Directory. Both publications are posted on the department web page. In FY 2001 the department completed the update for the 2000 Timber Products Output Report and the 2001 Georgia's Wood-Using Industries and Forest Products Marketing Directory. Rquests for copies of the publications were received from all over the United States and several foreign countries.

pine, promote the increased utilization of native species. In addition, employment at local sawmills and treating facilities will be stabilized because of the increase in demand.

Over 300 technical information requests were serviced by the department involving a broad range of information, statistics, and other services provided in the area of wood products and usage. Areas of assistance included lumber drying, pine straw, international trade, biomass energy, equipment selection, and sources of wood supply for various manufactured articles and specialty forest products.

Foreign delegations from several nations were hosted in the fiscal year. Sites visited included primary and secondary wood processors, along with wholesalers, retailers, building supply operations, construction sites and lumber quality control/grading agencies.

Additionally, the Forestry Commission was represented at various forest product trade shows in the including the IWF and Forest Products Expo in Atlanta.

The department continues to be active as advisor and member of the Southern Pine Council and a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

WOODEN BRIDGES

The Forestry Commission's demonstration wooden bridge program was terminated during FY 2001. During the year ten previously funded bridges were completed. As a result of the program local communities have been educated on the value of modern wood bridges as a viable option to traditional concrete and steel. Several communities now include wooden bridges as part of their development plans. The bridges, constructed from treated southern yellow

15

URBFAONRE&STCIONMFOMRUMNAITTYIOFNOARNESDTRY

The department emphasized promotion of forest products, forest protection, forest management, and progressive reforestation practices.
Development of a public awareness campaign, specialized publications, news releases, feature stories, brochures, pamphlets, exhibits, posters, charts, and film were included in the intensive activities of the Forest Information and Urban & Community Forestry Department.
MAGAZINE
Georgia Forestry, the Commission's prize-winning magazine produced for more than half a century, continued the publication's standard of excellence through innovative features and forestry coverage.The popular magazine is distributed to virtually every public library in the state. Commission district and county offices also have current copies available for public distribution. Through subscription and other forms of distribution, the magazine reaches a wide range of landowners, forestry oriented industrialists, and the general public.
EDUCATIONAL FORESTS
The Georgia Forestry Commission's educational forests offer students of all ages hands-on instruction about Georgia's forest resources within a managed forest environment. Each educational forest has been operationg with one full-time coordinator, no budget, and no educational building. Class cancellations are necessary if weather is adverse. Teacher feedback to evaluation requests continue to reflect a strong interest in the programs offered at the forests. Attendance to the forests during fiscal year 2001 were as follows:
Bartram Educational Forest in Milledgeville, Georgia, served 6,990 through 136 programs with a teaching component. The forest also serves as a recreational outlet to several groups each month.
Hightower Educational Forest located north of Gainesville, provided 189 programs to 2,917

students at the forest. Another 113 outreach programs serviced 2,600 students.
Spirit Creek Educational Forest had its first full and successful year of being in operation. Located south of Augusta, it served 3,272 students and 481 accompanying adults through 185 educational classes.
All of the forests provide students the opportunity to actually experience Georgia's natural resources while learning about various aspects of forestry and its importance in Georgia. A teacher workshop called TWIGS (Teacher Workshop Intergrating Georgia Studies) was conducted at each forest providing teacher education in Project Learning Tree (PLT), Project WET, Project WILD, and Agriculture in the Claswsroom. Funds for the workshop were provided by a Natural Resource Conservation Education grant from the USDA Forest Service.
MOBILE CLASSROOM
The Georgia Forests Forever Mobile Classroom completed a successful 2000-2001 school year. Its educational message of sustainable forestry was shared with 14,000 students representing 87 Georgia middle schools. GFC personnel were assisted when possible by cooperators from the forestry community. Teacher and student feedback was consistently positive and appreciative.
GENIE INSTITUTE
Once again, a week-long residential teacher workshop was conducted at the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center for Georgia teachers representing kindergarten through grade 12. It was our third year of providing teachers an educational opportunity to increase their content knowledge and awareness of Georgia's natural resources and integrate what they learned into the classroom. Known as the GENIE Institute (Georgia Environmental Network In Education), the workshops were in cooperation with the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forest

16

Resources and the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center. Funding was provided by the Jones Center and an Eisenhower Higher Education grant.
OTHER EDUCATIONAL
The Georgia Forestry Commission hosted the State FFA (Future Farmers of America) Forestry Field Day for the sixteenth year. This event is administered by the Georgia Vocational Agricultural Department for Georgia and was renamed this year to Forestry Career Development Event. High school students test their knowledge and skills in 11 events covering such topics as reforestation, timber stand improvement, tree identification, and forest management. The annual event helps establish appreciation of forestry among the students and interest in forestry careers. The Commission's Forest Information Department provides coverage and publicity for the state event and the regional competitions.
The Howard E. Bennett Forestry Museum, located in Macon at the Georgia Forestry Commission headquarters, had 84 entries in the guestbook with many representing two or more individuals or a class group. Governor Barnes dedicated the planting of the Governors Grove during Georgia's Arbor Day. A patio was constructed and the turpentine still was completed for the occasion.
Personnel throughout the state provided information about forestry in Georgia using displays, exhibits and floats. The North Georgia Mountain Fair, the Georgia National Fair, and the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo continue to be three of the largest fairs where Commission personnel provide exhibits and materials to educate the public about forestry in Georgia.
URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY
The Urban & Community Forestry (U&CF) Program provides communities, large and small, with resources to help citizens become more aware and appreciative of the benefits of a healthy and sustainable urban and community forest. In 2001, the Urban & Community Forestry Program continued to offer new workshops and educational opportunities for foresters, citizens and partners.

provided federal cost-share funding for 25 community-based projects in 2001. The 2001 Program Focus was again on the Five-Year Plan for Georgia's Urban & Community Forest. A total of $323,277 was allocated. Recipients matched this with $241,416.00 in cash, and $327,192.00 in in-kind services and contributions. Two grant writing workshops were held in Baxley and Sandy Springs in April of 2001.
The Commission completed the Georgia Model Urban Forest Book using USDA FS funds to partner with James Urban Landscape Architecture. The project proposes a new development model for communities that places trees at the same level of importance as other critical infrastructure. It provides Georgia's citizens and local officials with the information and resources necessary to organize community support for the urban forest and plan for development with green infrastructure in mind. The book is divided into four chapters, Why an Urban Forest, Space for the Urban Forest, Building an Urban Forest, and Measuring Success. The Book is being presented to audiences across the state including engineers, architects, planners, and city officials. The Book received a Merit Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects in January of 2001.
Arbor Day in Georgia: Ideas, Materials, and Resources was developed to help teachers develop Arbor Day programs. The packet contained informational materials, tips for organizing Arbor Day events, and Urban Forestry Activity Books for children. 1000 copies were distributed throughout the state. In addition, Tim Womick presented the Trail of Trees Program at 19 schools, one Boys & Girls Club and Zoo Atlanta's Distant Learning Facility during a two-week time frame which reached more than 6,000 students and teachers/adults to culminate Arbor Day celebrations across the state.
The Tree Ordinance Development Guidebook was distributed to help communities with the revision of an existing or development of a new tree ordinance. In addition the Guidebook was made available to download from the Georgia Forestry Commission Web site.

To encourage citizen involvement in building long- The Cities of Arabi, Athens-Clarke County, Bostwick, term and sustainable urban forestry programs in their Dublin, Jasper, Newborn, Peachtree City and communities, the U&CF Grant Assistance Program Woodstock received first-time Tree City USA

17

certifications for outstanding accomplishments. Eighty-three communities received recertification, for a total of ninety-one Tree City USAs in Georgia. Eight cities received the Tree City USA Growth Award. Cornelia, Covington, Dalton, Gainesville, Jesup, Macon, Newnan, and Savannah, were recognized for programs that demonstrated environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care.
The Georgia Forestry Commission delivered the 2001 Atlanta Urban Resources Partnership (AURP) Program, which promotes partnership development among diverse, environmentally interested agencies and groups through urban & community forestry projects. Commission personnel assisted with seven grants in metropolitan Atlanta. A total of $228,854 was allocated.

cities of Macon, Columbus, Clarkston, Savannah, Athens by the Marketing Consultant of the Georgia Forestry Commission. The workshop was designed specifically to help create public awareness of the value of trees to residents, elected officials and resource managers. More than 90 participants have learned how to create a marketing plan and campaign that helps them better communicate with target audiences and the general public.
Commission Foresters provided technical assistance with tree ordinance development, project management, cultural practices, educational activities, and partnership development to communities in Georgia.

The Commission worked with the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) to host several educational programs across the state, a Basic Tree Care Workshop Series by Dr. Kim Coder of the University of Georgia, and an annual conference and awards program in November, "Georgia's Urban Forest: Our Heritage and Our Future." More that 150 people attended the conference.
The Century Tree Challenge was led by the Georgia Forestry Commission to encourage people to plant trees that have the potential to survive for a minimum of 100 years, providing future generations with a living legacy and a lasting reminder of the start of the 21st Century. Applicants prepared a two-year maintenance schedule that must include watering and mulching and wrote a proclamation to designate the Century Tree at the tree planting ceremony. 179 Century Trees were planted across Georgia.

INFORMATION PLT Workshops Tree City USA Communities Recertifications Certifications Contacts News Articles TV Programs TV Spots Radio Programs

NUMBER 40 91 83 8 399
2,199 20
1,399 155

As part of a nationwide effort initiated by the USDA Forest Service Urban Forestry Program, and Governor Roy Barnes, a statewide grove of trees was established. The Millennium Grove, connects counties in Georgia and recognizes the importance of greening-up America for the millennium. All Georgia counties have held Millennium Grove ceremonies across the state on or near Georgia's Arbor Day, over 350 were planted. Governor Barnes planted a live oak tree in the Millennium Grove for Arbor Day in Macon.

A Workshop series titled, "Reaching Your Community to Value Trees and Greenspace" was delivered in the

18

FOREST ADMINISTRATION

Forest Administration's primary function is the administrative support of all activities that the Georgia Forestry Commission shall engage in and to provide administrative resources so that the established goals and objectives of the Commission can be met. These resources include budget development and control, coordination of income, fund disbursement, accounting functions, informational technology, procurement, processing of payroll, employee benefits, property control, and central warehouse operations.
Total expenditures of the Forestry Commission for July 1, 2000 June 30, 2001 (Fiscal Year 2000) were $46,694,835. This total included $37,354,639 in state appropriated funds, $3,299,050 in federal grants and program funds, and $6,041,146 in Commission earnings. The earnings were comprised of $1,933,346 in tree seedling sales from state nurseries, $637,747 in timber sales revenue from state forests sales, $824,294 in county cost share funds for wildfire protection services, and $2,645,759 generated from pre-suppression fire break plowing, co-op agreements and other services provided to local governments and the private sector.
The Main Office Complex is located on Riggins Mill Road in Macon, Georgia. Personnel offices are located at the West Gate entrance to Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Other offices for field operations are located throughout the state. At full staff, the Forestry Commission employs a total of 724 personnel.

in Atlanta, the Internet, each of the twelve District Offices, the Personnel Office in Atlanta and both Nurseries. There is also an IBM AS-400 minicomputer, which provides connectivity to the DOAS Mainframe in Atlanta.
The Information Technology Section maintains a local area network at each of the twelve District Offices, the Personnel Office and the Nurseries, which provides access to local file and print services and connectivity to the wide area network. The forestry network is TCP/IP based and wide area network connectivity for the Commission is provided through the DOAS Frame Relay backbone. The DOAS Georgia Online Network provides the Forestry Commi8ssion with access to Peoplesoft (Phoenix), the DOAS Intranet and the Internet. Forestry Commission connectivity to Peoplesoft is three tier utilizing the local file servers as the application server and the local print server for print distribution. Peoplesoft provides the financial and human resource systems for the Commission.
The Information Technology section maintains a public Internet web site and home page for the Commission. The Commission public web site provides general information about each of the Commission departments including Forest Protection, Forest Management, Reforestation and Information and Education. The public web site also provides fire danger weather reports and electronic versions of a number of Commission publications. Electronic mail services for the Commission are provide through a mail server located at the Central Office in Macon.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Forest Administration manages the Forestry Commission Information Technology section located at the State Forestry Center in Macon. The Information Technology section is responsible for the Computer Services, Telecommunications, Data Communications and Geographic Information Systems activities of the Forestry Commission. This section operates a local area network and a wide area network with connectivity to the DOAS Georgia Online Network

The Information Technology section develops and maintains the application systems, which support the specialized information requirements of the Commission. These information systems include Seedling Sales, Forest Management, Fire Statistics, Warehouse Management as well as several other specialized applications. All application systems except Seedling Sales are currently provided on a World Wide Web based Intranet. Seedling Sales is scheduled for migration to World Wide Web technology during fiscal year 2001.

19

The Information Technology section coordinates and supports the Geographic Information System activities of the Forestry Commission. The Information Technology section is responsible for the development of current and future strategies for GIS and GPS for the Commission. One of the primary responsibilities in this area will be the replacement of the paper maps with computer based image files. This strategic objective is well under way. The contract to provide the electronic maps is with the University of Georgia and will be complete by the end of fiscal year 2001.

functions are located at the Center. Maintenance of plant facilities and grounds and security are a function of the administrative department. Grounds maintenance is provided in large part by prison inmate crews through a contract with the Department of
Corrections.

The Information Technology section is also in the process of developing strategies for the use of GPS data in closest resource response to wildfires. The Information Technology section is responsible for coordination of all IT functions and resource needs with the Georgia Technology Authority.

CENTRAL WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS

The Central warehouse is located at the Macon Center. Items utilized on a continuous basis and which can be purchased in bulk quantity at considerable savings are stocked in the warehouse along with specialty items difficult to find on the open market. In FY2001, the total amount of warehouse issues to the field units and state headquarters totaled $952,649. Warehouse inventory value is normally maintained at approximately $500,000.

PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION

The acquisition, accountability records, and disposition of physical property is the responsibility of the administration department. Purchasing procedures are designed at the agency and state levels to encourage business activities with as many suppliers as possible and all vendors are encouraged to participate in the purchasing activities. A significant dollar amount of items is acquired through the federal excess program at no cost to the state. Disposition of both state and federal items is handled through public auctions.

PHYSICAL PLANT OPERATIONS

The Central Headquarters site is located on a 40-acre tract on Riggins Mill Road in Macon, Georgia. State headquarters offices for forest fire protection, forest management, information and education, utilization and marketing, reforestation, and administrative

20

INCOME & EXPENDITURES

FUNDING SOURCE
State Funds Federal Funds Agency Funds
Total Funds
EXPENDITURES BY OBJECT CLASS
Personal Services Regular Operating Travel Motor Vehicle Equipment Purchases Equipment Purchases Computer Charges Real Estate Rent Telecommunications Per Diem, Fees, & Contracts Capital Outlay Ware County Tax Southern Forest World Grant Year 2000 Total Expenditures
EXPENDITURES BY PROGRAM
Reforestation Field Services General Administration & Support
Total Expenditures
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

FY 2001
$37,354,639 3,299,050 6,041,146
$46,694,835

FY 2000
$35,752,878 2,721,600 5,633,257
$44,107,735

FY 1999
$37,009,669 3,075,927 6,268,456
$46,354,052

$31,150,283 8,149,412 197,647 1,434,403 2,110,955 391,015 12,430 882,778 2,277,412 0 60,000 28,500 0
$46,694,835

$29,535,624 7,693,354 182,605 1,216,996 1,663,000 900,323 23,708 772,187 2,024,574 0 60,000 28,500 6,864
$44,107,735

$29,539,865 7,145,002 178,179 1,498,991 4,282,581 453,137 24,130 803,035 1,952,122 286,878 60,000 28,500 101,632
$46,354,052

$ 2,045,092 38,900,288 5,749,455
$46,694,835

$ 2,299,142 36,467,108 5,341,485
$44,107,735

$ 2,228,427 38,881,791 5,243,834
$46,354,052

722

722

724

21