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GeorGia Forestry commission

director's corner

chuck WiLLiamS, director

Making Progress

the new Year is off and running, and so far it looks underscore fire prevention strategies are underway.
a lot like the tail end of 2018! Lots of wet weather Insects, specifically pine bark beetles, are another
and, in southwest Georgia and the Panhandle, lots of important consideration. Pine trees, battered and
Hurricane Michael fallout. The good news, however, beaten by the wind but still standing, can be a target.
is that we’re also making lots of progress and there’s Thankfully state-wide populations of the southern pine
some sunshine in the forecast. beetle, the most destructive of the pine bark beetles,

Emergency assistance for impacted forest landowners, are at very low levels. Even though, forest landowners
passed by the Georgia State Legislature in November, should be vigilant to spot infestations on their proper-
is being rolled out right now. In fact, if you or your cus- ty. From a distance, pine bark beetle infestations can
tomers’ timber was affected by the storm and you’re be identified as the tree needles change color from dark
interested in these programs, act quickly. Deadlines green, to pale green, to yellow and then red. A closer
fall in early February. (All the details are on the GFC examination will be necessary to determine the exact
website at GaTrees.org or call your local GFC office.) culprit. GFC foresters can help if a problem is suspected.
In an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire and insect
infestations, $20 million for debris clean-up is available
through two separate programs: the spirit shown by these

• Forest Debris Management Program (FDMP) – community members
Landowners who have 10 or more acres of
forestland or a commercial orchard of any size
are eligible for clean-up work under an 80% cost-
share plan, which is retroactive. Documentation is is
required, including maps and detailed cost records.
The Georgia Development Authority is responsible inspiring
for FDMP payments.

• Forest Access Road & Firebreak Restoration Project –
Assisting specifically with fire prevention activities
in the 28-county Georgia disaster area, the project While a tour through the storm damaged areas still
provides for the clearing of forest debris from brings on disbelief and anxiety, the spirit shown by
existing firebreaks and roads at no cost to the land- these community members is inspiring. Since that
owner. The project is designed to create a more devastating night in October, folks have risen to the
manageable situation should wildfires become work at hand and reached to their neighbours in every
prevalent in the region. direction. Our GFC teams have said repeatedly that
Wildfire is a major consideration moving forward. landowners have showed them tremendous respect
Current projections call for a “low to normal spring and hospitality, which is what we always aim to show
fire season,” though we all know forecasts can change. them – and you.
With a tremendous amount of fuel still on the ground,
we’re taking numerous preventive steps for safety’s Thanks for everything you’ve done and are
sake. Heavy equipment and air resources will be doing as we recover from this experience. I’m
pre-positioned as needed to mitigate wildfire risk. hopeful it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Open burning and prescribed burning with permits
are being encouraged, and training opportunities with
local fire personnel are being planned. In addition,
landowner meetings and special outreach efforts to

10 • Vol 30 Issue 1 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag