Georgia Forestry Today Nov-Dec 2012

A BIMONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR THE FORESTRY COMMUNITY OF GEORGIA

Georgia

FORESTRY TODAY November | December 2012 Volume 8, Issue 6

IS IT TIME TO BUY YOUR OWN HUNTING LAND? See story on page 8

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November | December 2012

Georgia Forestry Today

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On the Cover:

GEORGIA FORESTRY TODAY Printed in the USA

PUBLISHER: A4 Inc. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alva Hopkins ahopkins@a4inc.com

Just about every sportsman dreams that he could own a small piece of land in the country to hunt and fish on, but finding affordable and desirable land can be a daunting task.

See story on page 8.

LAMAR CANTRELL

CANTRELL FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

We buy all types of timber.

Bio-fuel producer cantrellforest@earthlink.net 1433 Galilee Church Road Jefferson, GA 30549 Office: (706) 367-4813 Mobile: (706) 498-6243 Home: (706) 367-1521

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PRODUCTION MANAGER Pamela Petersen-Frey p.frey@a4inc.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Wendy Burnett Alva Hopkins Jesse Johnson Stasia Kelly Sandi Martin Roland Petersen-Frey Brian Stone Steve McWilliams

GEORGIA FORESTRY TODAY is published bi-monthly by A4 Inc., 1154 Lower Birmingham Road, Canton, Georgia 30115. Recipients include participants of the Forest Stewardship Program and the American Tree Farm System.

Opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of the publisher, A4 Inc., nor do they accept responsibility for errors of content or omission and, as a matter of policy, neither do they endorse products or advertisements appearing herein. Part of this magazine may be reproduced with the written consent of the publisher. Correspondence regarding changes of address should be directed to A4 Inc. at the address indicated above. Advertising material should be sent to A4 Inc. at the e-mail address: p.frey@a4inc.com. Questions on advertising should be directed to the advertising director at the e-mail address provided above. Editorial material should be sent to A4 Inc. or to Alva Hopkins.

GEORGIA FORESTRY TODAY 1154 Lower Birmingham Road, Canton, Georgia 30115

November | December 2012

Volume 8, Issue 6

November | December 2012

Georgia

FORESTRY TODAY P.08

Is it Time to Buy Your Own Hunting Land?

P.20

Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year John Bembry

P.21

2012 GFA Wise Owl Award John Mixon

P.11

Message from the Georgia Forestry Commission Director

P.12

GFC News

P.13

State Forestry Commission Sees Value of Georgia Grown Logo

P.22

Georgia Tree Farm Program Awards Two Scholarships

P.15

DNR’s Timber Management Helping Wildlife, Habitat on WMAs

P.23

In the Path of the Storm

P.18

The Evergreen Award The Georgia Forestry Commission

P.25

GFT News

P.28

Remembering Carolyn Warnell Bryan

P.19

Logger of the Year Boyce Rutherford

If you have a forestry event you’d like to see on our calendar, please contact Alva Hopkins at ahopkins@a4inc.com with the subject line ‘Calendar Event.’

Forestry Calendar November 27 Meeting the Challenges for Forest Landowners Athens, Georgia November 28 Energy Solutions for the Southeast Tion, Georgia December 25 Merry Christmas!

February 6-7, 2013 GFA Winter Board Meeting, Legislative Reception, and Forestry Day at the Capitol Atlanta, Georgia

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November | December 2012

LiST oF AdVeRTiSeRS Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

LandMark Spatial Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

American Forest Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Lanigan & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Arborgen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Meeks’ Farms & Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover

Beach Timber Company Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

M & H Pinestraw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Blanton’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

MorBark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Canal Wood LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Outdoor Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Cantrell Forest Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Plum Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Davis - Garvin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Prudential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

F2M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Quality Equipment & Parts Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Farm Credit Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Rayonier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Flint Equipment Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Rivers Edge Forest Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Forest Resource Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Smith, Gambrell & Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Forest Resource Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Timber Mart-South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Forestar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

UPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

F&W Forestry Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Weyerhaeuser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Gillis Brothers Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Vulcan on Board Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

HEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Yancey Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover

International Forest Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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Is It tIme to Buy your own HuntIng Land?

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ust about every sportsman dreams that he could own a small piece of land in the country to hunt and fish on, enjoy the outdoors, and perhaps recoup some money on timber or other land income sources. But finding affordable and desirable land can be a daunting task, just ask Will Rogers.

Everyone is familiar with the famous line from Will Rogers about owning land that goes, “put your money in land, because they aren’t making any more of it.”

Makes you just want to go out and buy some land, doesn’t it? But Rogers was a realist who saw both the upsides and downsides of land ownership. Less famous, but just as relevant in today’s financial market, is another Rogers’ quote that goes like this. “I argue with [my] wife over what little pieces of real estate investments we should try to pay on and hold, and which to let go back. We always said, ‘Put money in land, and you can always walk on it.’ We did, but no buyers would walk on it with us.” Thus, it can be surmised that he also felt that land was an investment that should produce returns, have stable intrinsic worth, have a good resale value, and potentially be worth more than was paid for it. So as always, buyer beware! This is still the challenge of buying land today. But where do you start the process of finding and buying land?

PerHaPs tHe fIrst tHIng to decIde is if you can really handle the financial commitment and tax liability that comes with land ownership. Just fifty acres at $2,000 per acre adds up quickly to an investment of one hundred thousand dollars, not including closing costs. So look closely at your fi8

nances, then sit down and have a serious talk with your personal financial planner. Manageable monthly payments are certainly a possibility and maybe timber can be cut, or perhaps a portion of the land can later be sub-divided and sold to help finance the deal. Although it is tempting to try to get some other friends or relatives to go in with you to purchase some land, it is generally not wise to do so because other people have different goals and objectives that can strain friendships.

Without a doubt, you can cast a very large net by cruising the internet, and there are hundreds of Web sites, such as landcrawler.com, mmvlandsales.com, and landsofgeorgia.com. Normally, you can phone the listed number or send an e-mail to get additional information.

Once you have narrowed down the land possibilities, go to googleearth.com and look at the property from the sky view, which will reveal many details about the lay of the land and adjacent properties.

Lakes, stream, and roads are all very apparent, but check the date of the last view, as things often change over time.

But make no mistake about it, there is no substitute for walking the land in person, says Bernie Lowery, one of the owners of Pronghorn Development Company.

Bernie says that buying land for the investor or recreational owner is a very important decision, and a long, personal visit to the property will answer many questions. A visit will let you view the lay of the land, the types of trees and vegetation present, whether a stream is flowing or dry, and determine access problems, if any. Walk the land with a good map and GPS and try to determine the property lines, if possible, but make sure you are

properly prepared and take plenty of drinking water and a cell phone for emergencies. After you walk the property, drive around the general area to determine adjacent land uses and try to determine if any potential problems exist. Bernie says that finding the right piece of property can be a long and winding road, and you just have to look at a lot of land sometimes to see what you really like.

A visit to the local tax commissioner or tax assessor's office is well advised as you can get plat maps of the land and adjacent properties and get the addresses of listed owners. Also, take a look at the tax commissioner’s list of recent sales in the

November | December 2012

By John Trussell

for example, what happens if one partner loses his job and can’t make payments or decides he

wants to cut timber and you don't? What if one partner passes away? Who might take over or inherit his share? Clearly, joint ownership can lead to problems. But finance and interest costs have never been lower and with banks paying less than one percent in interest on checking, CDs, and other accounts, buying land can be a wise, long term investment. After you have decided to make the financial commitment to buy land, the actual search for the right piece of land can begin.

If looking for hunting land, you want to start looking at tracts that have good deer and other wildlife populations in areas where most of the land is in large, stable acreage blocks. The local Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources office, can often give you additional insights if you give the local game management biologist a phone call and want to discuss a specific land location. If national forest or state land is close by, this can be a positive factor as these usually have good game populations and are unlikely to be resold. Accessibility is a prime consideration and land that is a far distance from your home can severely limit the ability to visit the property on a frequent basis. With high gas prices, land close to home is always better.

Once you have narrowed down the general area where you want to purchase land, then start checking for land for sale ads in the newspapers, on the internet, and even check road side signs.

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area to determine average sale prices and fair market value so you can determine if the asking price is fair and what you might be willing to offer for the land.

Some of this information may be available online, but it varies widely by county, so Google the appropriate county office to see what you can find.

The real estate rep or owner will be able to answer most of your questions, so be prepared to ask many from a list.

Some of the questions might include: Why is the land for sale, and how long has it been on the market? Is there a current timber cruise by a registered forester available, and if so, what is the timber value now? Is the land being sold with or without timber? Are all mineral rights included in the sale? Does the property have deeded access and is access shared with any other property owners?

Does the land have any easements which could present future problems? What is the county zoning of the property and adjacent properties? Are there any defects or detrimental factors of the land known

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to the seller? More specifically, are there any industrial, environmental, political, or social issues that are pending and close by that could diminish the land's value, such as a land fill soon to go in nearby?

Does the owner have a surveyed map of the property? If so, is it an exact copy of the map on file with the county tax commissioner? If you plan on building a home on the property, will the land pass a perk test? Are utilities (electricity, gas, cable) available on the land? If not, where is the closest power line, and how much would it cost to run a line to the property? Once you get these questions under your hat, here are a few more points to consider.

It is always wise to have your attorney take a look at the deed on file in the Superior Court’s clerk’s office to determine if the seller does have legal authority to sell the land. It could be tied up in an estate, have a lien against the property as collateral on an outstanding loan, or have some other problem. It can't be transferred to the new owner until the

title is free and clear. Are there any covenants listed in the deed on the property, and if so, would they present a burden to the new owner? Also make sure the property tax is currently paid and up to date. Another matter in regard to taxes is to see if there is any type of conservation use taxation being utilized on the property. If not, making the proper application can save the new owner some money on future taxes, so a talk with the tax assessor might be in order.

If you decide to buy the property, predetermine who pays the closing costs so there won’t be any surprises. Usually, splitting these costs is the fair way to go.

This covers a lot of ground, but buying land is first a business and financial decision. But once you have bought your dream land tract and pull a bass out of your own pond or watch a nice buck paw a scrape under one of your own oak trees, you'll know the satisfaction of owning your own land! v

November | December 2012

georgia forestry commission

Message from the Director Dear GFT Reader, he ongoing economic recession has carried us to a notable intersection of ever increasing concerns and questions about the sustainability of jobs, our environment, and our forests. What’s important about our situation here in Georgia is that, unlike many states, even some of our neighbors in the South, trees figure significantly into solutions.

These facts have been reinforced through Governor Deal’s leadership and his recent executive order promoting forestry related jobs and our 24.8 million acres of sustainably managed, renewable forests.

Georgia’s forestry industry is currently injecting $23.6 billion into the state economy and $448,000 into state taxes. Some 108,000 jobs are connected to forestry in Georgia. Those are powerful stats, so clearly a lot of things are going right. The key will be to keep them going that way.

Holding the keys are private landowners and the forest industry, who through many bumps and bruises have continued to supply our economic and environmental needs.

Forestry Inventory Analysis figures show Georgia's 24.8 million acres of forested land has remained relatively stable over the past five decades. The majority of it, 91 percent, is privately owned. These landowners are directly responsible for helping produce 38 percent more timber volume annually than is being harvested. That's a pretty impressive figure when considering the issue of, and recurring questions about, sustainability.

In 2010, in conjunction with a variety

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Georgia Forestry Today

of partners, GFC produced a detailed report about the sustainability of Georgia's forests.

Last year's UGA/Warnell study credited our forests with providing $37 billion in ecosystem services to the state. The proof is found in black and white. Georgia’s forests are being sustainably managed to meet the numerous environmental and economic needs of our state. Looking ahead, the statistics confirm Georgia’s forests are capable of providing even greater economic and environmental benefits.

Georgia’s abundant forests exist in large part due to historically strong forest products markets. You’ve heard that old saying, “Stay with the one that ‘brung’ you to the dance.”

It’s a strategy we should be remembering now.

Robert Farris

It means providing our forest landowners with robust markets to keep their forests working for Georgia. It means supporting tactics that sustain and further grow the benefits as well as the trees. Failure to stay this course can only lead landowners to consider conversions to land uses that are a lot less ‘green.’

As you’ll read in this issue, the Georgia Forestry Commission is partnering with the

Georgia Department of Agriculture in its ‘Georgia Grown’ campaign so that one of our greatest renewable resources is brought to the attention of Georgians. We all need to redouble our efforts to promote Georgia grown and Georgia produced forest products. Find out more about this effort at GaTrees.org, and please join us as we raise awareness about our abundance of trees and the many benefits they provide, right here at home.

Sincerely, Robert Farris v 11

GFC News As planting season continues across the state, the Georgia Forestry Commission’s Reforestation department has released news about next year’s planting stock. Test data analysis by the North Carolina State University Tree Improvement Cooperative ranks three Georgia Forestry Commission loblolly clones among the four fasted growing clones in the entire Atlantic Coastal Plain provenance. ese three clones were developed independently as part of the GFC’s rust-resistant loblolly breeding program. Currently, these clones are the exclusive property of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Seed from these outstanding families is being collected this fall and will be sown in the nursery next spring. Seedlings will be available at the Flint River Nursery during the 2013-14 planting season. e devon dartnell has been named the Georgia Forestry Commission director of Field operations. Dartnell was selected for the position following the November retirement of Rick Hatten, who had been with the agency for 25 years. Dartnell has a degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech and a business degree from the University of Denver. He worked all over the world in the oil business before joining GFC ten years ago. He has served as a ranger 1, chief ranger, and a member of the Utilization and Marketing Department, where he was instrumental in the development of Georgia's biofuels industry. Dartnell most recently worked with GFC’s efforts to maximize efficiency and customer service. In his new position he will oversee land acquisition, facilities and properties management, implementation of GFC programs and policies through supervision of personnel in six districts, and help plan and implement the GFC budget. e

Georgia Forestry Commission Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator Susan Granbery has been recognized by the National Association of State Foresters with its 2012 achievement award for communications. Granbery was named winner of the honor for her successful efforts to expand ‘e American Grove,’ an online urban and community forestry community. e Grove uses social media to bring together tree and nature enthusiasts and encourages tree planting and urban tree canopy protection within large metro areas and small communities. Granbery spearheaded creation of the Web site in 2009, and drove its expansion in 2010 to all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. e Grove now has more than 2800 members. rough her leadership, a board of directors has been formed and policies are being developed for continual site management and sponsorships for site maintenance and future development. Visit www.americangrove.org. e 12

November | December 2012

The volume of timber grown in Georgia is 38 percent greater now than it was in the 1930s.

State Forestry Commission Sees Value of Georgia Grown Logo Partnership will Raise Awareness about Sustainability of Georgia Forests ne of the newest partners in the Department of Agriculture's Georgia Grown program—the Georgia Forestry Commission—demonstrates how the revitalized marketing campaign is helping showcase forest products growth and manufacturing as part of Georgia's number one industry—agriculture.

Under the leadership of State Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black, the Georgia Grown program rolled out in early 2012 with a revitalized mission and new logo. More than 350 Georgia agribusinesses, large and small, quickly signed onto the

Georgia Forestry Today

membership-based program.

“When I joined the Department of Agriculture, I wanted us to build the foundation for a statewide program that promotes farmers and agribusinesses,” said Black. “Most of our Georgia Grown members are small businesses with great agricultural products looking to reach new customers. However, we are also now seeing larger businesses and organizations like the Forestry Commission join the program because they see the value of starting a genuine conversation about both the production and supply side of agriculture and how we can work together to reach common goals.”

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e Georgia Forestry Commission, which promotes sustainable forest product manufacturing, appreciates the value of the Georgia Grown label in marketing. Forestry products make up nearly $500 million of Georgia’s $12 billion farm gate value annually. Of Georgia’s nearly 25 million acres of forestland, 24.4 million acres of timberland is available for commercial use— more than any other state in the nation.

“Georgia Grown is an exciting new marketing tool that will bring our sustainable forests and forest products to the attention of people seeking locally produced goods,” said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “Georgia is a national forestry leader, and our Georgia Grown partnership will raise awareness about our abundance of trees and the many benefits they provide, right here at home.”

As consumers’ desire to ‘buy local’ becomes an increasingly important trend in the marketplace, Georgia Grown is the key to raising awareness about businesses that are not obviously linked to agriculture and sustainability. e easily recognizable Georgia Grown logo shows consumers that when they select Georgia Grown, they are supporting sustainability and jobs in Georgia. According to Farris, the forest industry provides an average of $448 million in state tax revenues each year, and more than 108,000 Georgians have forestry related jobs, making it Georgia’s second largest manufacturing employer. “e goal is to improve the profitability of Georgia’s agricultural and forestry sectors by building brand integrity and finding innovative ways to expand the agricultural industry here in Georgia, in the U.S. and overseas,” Black explained. “Recognition of the quality and reliability of Georgia-based products and services continues to grow in both domestic and international markets.”

On a global level, the Georgia Ports Authority plays a particularly important role in helping expand markets for Georgia Grown members such as timber growers. In a new agreement signed in June between Georgia’s Agriculture and Economic Development departments, agribusinesses including forestry will benefit. e interagency partnership offers streamlined export assistance and provides a platform for increased efficiency in the assistance that state government provides for agriculture.

“By working together and sharing resources, we can boost business visibility and opportunities abroad for Georgia’s biggest industry,” said Chris Cumminsky, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia agriculture is increasingly becoming a larger player in international trade, and 14

many of our commodities are top in the nation for overseas exports.”

“Pulp and paper products are already one of Georgia’s top export commodities,” said Nathan McClure, Chief Forester of Utilization for the Georgia Forestry Commission. “We expect the Georgia Grown effort to boost global competitiveness of our other wood products, such as lumber, wood panels, and wood pellets.”

On a statewide level, the revamped Georgia Grown program is generating enthusiasm about its marketing activities and economic opportunities. e first Georgia Grown Symposium, “Growing Your Business through Georgia Grown” on Nov. 8-9 in Macon, will assist farmers and other agribusinesses in defining and increasing their operations. e symposium will offer workshops on sourcing, finance, food safety, insurance/legal, distribution, and regulatory issues. e revitalized Georgia Grown program also is bringing members and consumers together to forge new relationships. e Department of Agriculture has hosted three Georgia Grown Farmers Showcases that have attracted more than 7,500 people, with more planned around the state before the end of the year.

Fans of country star Luke Bryan, son of a south Georgia farmer, will see the Georgia Grown logo on marketing materials for his Farm Tour this fall.

Georgia Grown members can expect to see continued opportunities for networking and partnerships with other members as well as additional tools and resources to help businesses grow. “e Georgia Forestry Commission is dedicated to the protection and conservation of our state’s rich forest resources,” said Robert Farris. "Partnerships forged through the Georgia Grown effort will certainly add value to our agency and will benefit Georgians today and in the future.”

“We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture are committed to helping our agribusinesses achieve success, no matter how big or small, with this economic development program,” Black said. “It’s through the support of our valued members, such as the Georgia Forestry Commission, that this will be possible, and I could not be more excited and optimistic about the future of the agriculture industry in our state.”

Support Georgia Grown on social media by ‘liking’ the Georgia Grown fan page or follow on Twitter @GrownInGeorgia. v November | December 2012

DNR’s Timber Management Helping Wildlife, Habitat on WMAs

By Matt Payne

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Whether it’s the sounds of a cut-down machine and skidders or the sights of a reforested pine stand, blue timbermarking paint on trees and areas where underbrush has been removed to promote native vegetation, all are becoming more common on Georgia’s wildlife management areas.

In 1980, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources created the Forest Management Unit to help reach wildlife habitat goals through timber management. e Forest Management Unit's objective is to improve wildlife habitat, natural species diversity, and rare species management on state-owned lands managed by DNR by using proven silvicultural practices. ese practices include provisions for establishing and regenerating forest stands, managing for healthy trees of desirable species, and harvesting timber to benefit wildlife habitat, while realizing the economic benefit of the timber resource.

Georgia Forestry Today

DNR strives to meet the needs of Georgia's hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts through habitat diversity. Habitat diversity is obtained by creating multiple age classes of forests across the landscape. e presence of multiple age classes helps increase the number of wildlife species found on WMAs. Silvicultural activities must be implemented to diversify habitat, and maintain a healthy forest.

Timber management activities on WMAs are implemented only aer an exhaustive review process. Each activity is described in a Timber Management

Proposal. Proposals must be reviewed by the region supervisor and section chief of the DNR Wildlife Resources Division's Game Management Section, as well as the agency's Nongame Conservation Section and DNR's Historic Preservation Division.

Once the review process is completed and the proposal approved, it’s the Forest Management Unit’s responsibility to take what is written and apply it on the ground.

A proposal may involve a large area such as first-thinning 900 acres of planted loblolly pine at Paulding Forest 15

WMA. Or a proposal may cover something as small as removing ten acres of undesirable hardwoods at Silver Lake WMA. Over the past three years, timber management activities have impacted approximately 12,235 acres on WMAs throughout the state.

No matter the scale of the proposal, the intent is to enhance wildlife habitat.

Timber harvests also generate revenue. at revenue is vital to DNR’s ability to conduct habitat improvements on WMAs. Tractors, seed for food plots and dove fields, road upgrades, timber inventory data, site prep, and reforestation are some of the items paid for with timber revenue. Because of it, activities benefiting habitat can be done on more acres than if DNR had to rely only on funds appropriated by the state Legislature.

Revenue generation is not the driving force in harvesting a stand of timber, but it is a useful tool to increase the number of acres of wildlife habitat that DNR can improve. ere are numerous examples of the positive impacts of timber management on WMAs. One is the restoration of gopher tortoise habitat at Townsend WMA in McIntosh County. A dense stand of sand pines was clearcut, and the area is being replanted in longleaf pines. e increased sunlight hitting the forest floor will increase the amount of vegetation available for gopher tortoises and other wildlife to feed on. Prescribed fire will also be used to help manage the stand, now that fire-tolerant longleaf pines are present.

Another example is the first-thinning of 900 acres of planted loblolly pine at Paulding Forest WMA in Paulding County. e thinning will stimulate the growth of plants that deer use for browse, while also increasing the amount of so mast for wild turkeys. Prescribed fire will also be reintroduced in these stands.

It’s no secret that hunters heavily use areas on WMAs where the timber has been thinned or a prescribed burn has been conducted, due to the improved habitat available for the species they’re hunting.

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DNR and the Georgia Forestry Commission work closely on timber management activities. GFC advertises the timber sale to prospective buyers. All companies that want to purchase timber from DNR must be Master Timber Harvester-certified. GFC and DNR jointly conduct bid openings and work together to make sure the timber buyer meets all requirements necessary to conduct a timber harvest on DNR lands. Aer a timber sale is completed, GFC inspects the sale area to ensure that the logging contractor follows all Best Management Practices for forestry. e cooperative effort between DNR and GFC is a great example of agencies working together to more efficiently complete a task. e Georgia Department of Natural Resources takes pride in its proactive approach to forest management on WMAs. Based on sound scientific and biological principles, this management enhances and increases the habitat needed to support the rich abundance of wildlife species found in Georgia. e next time you are on a WMA and hear a feller buncher harvesting trees, or see a recently planted stand of longleaf pines, or notice that a thicket of unproductive, unwanted ground cover has been removed, know that DNR forest management is helping enhance your experience as an outdoor enthusiast.

Matt Payne is program manager of the Georgia DNR Forest Management Unit. v

A Model of Wildlife Conservation Wildlife management at Georgia DNR reflects the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, the world’s most successful conservation model.

No other continent has conserved as many species of native wildlife as North America. And while some other countries struggle to conserve the wildlife they have left, our continent enjoys great abundance and diversity of wildlife.

This is due, in large part, to forward thinking by early conservationists who saw the need to conserve wildlife and their habitats. Their efforts were the source of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, which strives to sustain wildlife species and habitats through sound science and active management.

Learn more at www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/NorthAmericanModel .

November | December 2012

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[ T h e e ve r g r e e n A w A r d ]

T H E G E O R G I A F O R E S T RY C O M M I S S I O N

By Matt Hestad | Georgia Forestry Association

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he Evergreen Award is presented to an organization that has contributed significantly to the forestry community in ways that are supportive of Georgia Forestry Association’s (GFA) own mission. is year’s recipient, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), proves its value to the state’s forests, forest landowners, and forest based businesses and is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding forestry agencies in the nation.

“The Commission’s efforts in fighting the rash of wildfires in the state over the past several years is nothing less that heroic, and the agency was instrumental in making sure that forestry’s interests were well represented during the state water planning initiative which was a major contribution that is not well known by most in the forestry community,” noted GFA President Steve McWilliams in the presentation of the award at the Association’s annual conference in Savannah on July 8.

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More recently, the Commission’s extraordinary effort to tell the positive story of Georgia’s forests during the statewide showing of the movie, e Lorax, was further proof that the GFC will go to bat for Georgia forestry wherever there is a need. e Lorax movie, which is adapted from a Dr. Seuss book that tells the story of a world without trees, could have put the Georgia forestry community in an interesting position as the movie discourages harvesting trees.

However, the entire group of GFC professionals teamed with GFA and organized a statewide seedling giveaway at the premier of the movie. e logistical and promotional efforts of the Commission prior to the movie release generated tons of community and media interest on the days leading up to the showing on March 2.

At the premier of the movie, 174 GFC employees at 45 theatres across the state promoted sustainable forestry by giving away a seedling to each parent and child who walked the theatre.

“Our goal for this project was to educate mainstream audiences about Georgia’s abundant, healthy forests and all the benefits they provide,” GFC Director Robert Farris said. “Not only did we have personal interactions with people at the movie theatres, but we reached tens of thousands more in media exposure surrounding the main event.” is creative and timely initiative by the Commission reminded Georgia’s citizens that the use of paper and other products derived from trees provides thousands of Georgia jobs and promotes the planting, health, and sustainable management of forests which in turn lead to cleaner water and air, abundant wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. e Commission’s great attention to public awareness and ability to plan such an effective event has undoubtedly promoted Georgia’s forests and communicated a healthy sustainable message about forestry that will stick with many children for years to come. v

November | December 2012

[ LO g g e r O F T h e Y e A r ]

BOYCE RUTHERFORD

By Matt Hestad | Georgia Forestry Association

T

his year, Georgia Forestry Association has the honor of recognizing Boyce Rutherford of Rutherford Timber Harvesting, LLC as the 2012 GFA Logger of the Year.

Rutherford is not only a credit to his profession, but he is also a person who consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional logger and a strong advocate of the Association and the Georgia forestry community. e Logger of the Year nominees are judged on the basis of their ability to be compliant with all applicable laws, practice safety and loss control programs, establish and maintain equipment security practices, and practice sound business management. Also, participation in the Master Timber Harvester Program is a key factor.

Rutherford’s operation did not just meet the criteria for the logger of the year; it exceeded all criteria and is a true exam-

ple of an extraordinary logging contractor.

His reputation stems from many of the qualities that most landowners want from a professional harvesting operation.

Since the establishment of Rutherford Timber Harvesting in 1998, Rutherford has maintained the best management practices set forth by the state. He conducts and documents regular safety meetings and at all times has safety equipment

for everyone on the site. Rutherford has maintained a high rating with his insurance company because he has no claims or citations from any state or local agency.

Also, his operation is a certified Drug-Free Work Place by the State Board of Worker’s Compensation.

Rutherford has cut timber since he was old enough to be on a piece of machinery. In 1998, he took over his family business, and in 2008, he went out on his own buying stumpage as well as cutting for various timber companies.

Rutherford has also been dedicated to the Georgia forestry community through his involvement in the Association’s Teacher Conservation Workshop in 2005 and 2008, and his sponsorship and involvement in the Georgia Forestry Foundation. He is also a member of the Southeastern Wood Producers Association and was named Georgia-Pacific Logger of the Year in 2000. v

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[ ge O r g I A T r e e F A r M e r O F T h e Y e A r ]

J O H N B E M B RY

By Matt Hestad | Georgia Forestry Association

H

awkinsville, home of the 2012 Georgia Farmer of the Year, Barry Martin, recently added another shining star to its community with the 2012 Tree Farmer of the Year, Dr. John Bembry.

Every year, the Georgia Tree Farm Program, an affiliate of the American Tree Farm System, honors one exceptional tree farmer. is year, Dr. Bembry was recognized for establishing Bembry Mill Tree Farm as the prime example of sustainable forestry which consistently promotes sound land ethics through its pristine condition.

Dr. Bembry has been a veterinarian since 1977 when he graduated from the University of Georgia. However, he has always had a passion for the forest and he has continually shown honor and respect for those who established the land before him by utilizing sound forestry practices with conservation and environmental sustainability in mind.

“Dr. Bembry, the epitome of a good steward, cherishes the privilege he has been given to 'tend the Good Lord's earth, and all who know him offer without reservation the accolade, ‘well done,’” Bill Simpson, chairman of the Georgia Tree Farm Program, said. e 2,100 acre Bembry Mill Tree Farm has been a Certified Tree Farm since 1985 and is currently owned jointly by Dr. Bembry and his sister Amy Finleyson. e land has been in his family for over 100 years and was recognized as a 1994 Georgia Centennial Farm. e farm contains quite a variety of trees from an ancient Loblolly stand near the Mill Pond, to the beautiful mature slash and mixed natural pine and hardwood forests, to cypress planted along one of several pond edges and even green ash which Dr. Bembry recently established.

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Dr. Bembry’s dedication to stewardship is evident in his preservation of relic longleaf stands and his establishment of longleaf in several field to forest conversions in the past several years. However, he is also a huge proponent of harvesting timber. His knowledge of trees and timber markets contribute greatly to the viability of his farm as a working, commercial tree farm.

“As we rode around the Tree Farm, it became quite obvious that Dr. Bembry is unashamedly prejudiced,” Simpson said.

“Not in the conventional sense of the word, but in regard to his trees. e longleaf is his passion.”

ere are also several instances where the farm represents an increasingly relevant family forest through the actions of Dr. Bembry to preserve his family’s heritage and further educate visitors about the importance of sound forestry practices.

From the signs scattered across his property to identify trees and shrubs, to the wood-mizer mill that saws dead and dying trees into lumber for use around the farm and his extensive effort to prevent erosion through water-bars and grass water-ways, it is evident that Dr. Bembry tirelessly promotes forest stewardship and demonstrates a strong passion for his land.v

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chad@hippenterprises.com November | December 2012

[ 2012 gFA wIse OwL AwArd ]

JOHN MIXON

By Matt Hestad | Georgia Forestry Association

A

t the 2012 Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) Annual Conference in Savannah, former State Forester John Mixon was given the Wise Owl Award for years of continuous service and dedication to the forestry industry in Georgia.

Since 1980, GFA has given the Wise Owl Award to an individual who has made countless outstanding contributions to the forestry community. It recognizes not only forestry advocacy, but also an uncommon passion to improve the industry for all landowners and forestry related businesses.

Mixon has been a dedicated member of GFA since 1961, and he has more than 50 years of contributions to the forestry community in Georgia. He has been a continuous promoter and champion of forestry, forest products, and the forestry profession through his leadership.

From 1983-1995, Mixon served as the Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission and he also served as the 69th President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) in 1991.

During that time, Mixon was influential with several programs that helped make the forestry industry better in Georgia and the United States as a whole.

In an address to the 101st Congress in 1990 to recognize Mixon as the President of NASF, former Georgia U.S. Senator Wyche Fowler gave tribute to his dedication to sustain the heritage of the forestry community.

"I want to take this opportunity to praise John Mixon for his strong commitment to the forest industry. His work and devotion has helped to make timber the No. 1 industry in the state of Georgia. He has created jobs and economic opportunities for many Georgians in his career. At

Georgia Forestry Today

the same time, he has been a noted leader in the protection and preservation of our natural resources," Senator Fowler said.

While working for the Commission, Mixon was very influential in the establishment of programs such as the Urban Forestry Program, the Conservation Reserve Program, the Flint River Nursery, the Howard E. Bennett Forestry Museum, and the 1992 Prescribed Burning Act. Also, in 1986 Mixon's reforestation campaign set a world record in the forestry community by planting more than 650,000 trees in one year.

During the period of his leadership, the U.S. Forest Service recognized the Commission numerous times for its outstanding efforts in wildfire prevention and suppression, urban and community forestry, reforestation, and forest management programs. Also, the Commission progressed in public relations under his leadership with instrumental brochures, feature films, and radio and television programs being produced.

Mixon accelerated wood energy possibilities by conducting several demonstrations at public facilities such as schools, prisons, and hospitals to show how wood

materials could replace more expensive fuels. As a result of his effort, wood-fired systems have been installed across the state in recent years. Mixon also promoted the use of wood in county road bridges and established a federal grant program through the Commission to provide money to construct such bridges.

He has continued his wood promotion efforts today by serving as the Chair of the Forestry Commodity Committee for the Georgia Farm Bureau and GFA's Wood Promotion Task Force. In these positions he provides the necessary leadership to have Georgia timber products used in the construction of schools and hopes to eventually convince the Georgia Department of Transportation to use treated wood in the construction of highway sound barriers.

Mixon was also recognized as a national leader in conservation and the care of trees by the National Arbor Day Foundation and he was inducted into the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame in 1997.

Mixon currently serves as a member of the Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters and as a Director Emeritus of GFA. v 21

Georgia Tree Farm Program Awards Two Scholarships

T

he Georgia Tree Farm Program awards college scholarships annually to the legal dependents of Georgia members of the American Tree Farm System. Candidates must submit an application, school transcripts, and an essay on what the Tree Farm program means to them. From applications received in 2012, the Tree Farm Scholarship Committee selected the following the recipients for $1,500 scholarships:Jana Simmons, of Cairo, Georgia, will be attending Georgia Southern University this fall and plans to study biology and political science. Jana is the daughter of Doug and Jan (Stapleton) Simmons, and she writes: “I can see in my mind’s eye, my great grandfather planting pine trees by hand with a dibble. I can hear the words of my grandmother saying , ‘Hold on to the land and cherish and protect it as it’s about the only thing God isn’t making more of,’ I have listened carefully to my ancestors as I know that someday it will be my lot to take care of the family tree farms.” e Stapleton Tree Farms have been in the Tree Farm program since 1961.

Anna Johnson, of Hazlehurst, Georgia, will be attending Georgia College and State University this fall and plans on studying nursing. She writes: “My parents taught me that the Lord provided our natural resources for the good of mankind

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Jana Simmons

and that it is up to man to manage and use these gis wisely. It is a gi that I have been taught not to take lightly. Although I did not know the term ‘sustainable forestry’ back then, I did understand that forestry is a renewable resource. My dad always told me that if we take care of the forest, it would take care of us.”

Anna is the daughter of Stephen and Phyllis Johnson and their Rocky Branch Tree Farm has been in the program since 2001. e 2013 scholarship applications will be available in January of 2013 or at www.GATreeFarm.org or call 478-9928110 or e-mail Carla Rapp at carla@gfagrow.org. v

Anna Johnson

November | December 2012

Tempest in the Mountains

By Sandi Martin | Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

U

ntil early July, Kevin Fouts thought the worst of his summer was over. Earlier in the season, while in Tennessee sampling salamanders for a Warnell project, the 27year-old graduate student had slipped and dislocated his shoulder, chipping bones in the process. He chalked it up to bad luck, and continued on with his project near the Abrams Creek campground in the Smoky Mountains. But what happened later “really put my injury in perspective,” Fouts said. In early July, unusually high temperatures helped create a freak storm in the park that ended in injuries and death. And Fouts was caught in the middle of the chaos that ensued.

“I was just lucky to be alive,” Fouts said months aerward. But at the time, he said, the storm and its aermath were

So they headed back and found the road blocked by trees. Emergency workers couldn’t get by, so they ran ahead on foot, coming up on the crisis: seven people—a family of five and two women—had tried to get far away from the falling trees by wading into the creek. But they didn't move far enough out, and a massive tree toppled over on them. When Fouts ran

“So I slammed on the brakes and said, ‘I think that tree is about to fall,’” Fouts recalled. “Right when I said it, it did. It snapped and fell 12 feet in front of the truck.” heart-stopping. Fouts and a National Park Service seasonal worker were returning to the Abrams Creek ranger station when the storm started churning. Fouts, who was driving, spotted a tree about to come down. “So I slammed on the brakes and said, ‘I think that tree is about to fall,’” Fouts recalled. “Right when I said it, it did. It snapped and fell 12 feet in front of the truck.” So Fouts put the truck in reverse and floored it, just as more trees started to come down in front of them.

He and Danielle Crocker ultimately pulled into an open field where they could listen to their park radios in relative safety. e reports were frightening. Trees were coming down all over, blocking roads and falling onto cars. en they heard that people were trapped under a tree in a nearby creek. “Danielle and I looked at each other and said, ‘we can’t just sit in the truck anymore. We have to go help them.’”

Georgia Forestry Today

up, one woman was being given CPR on the creek bank, a child had already been pulled out from under the water, but a

man was still trapped underneath. Fouts ran back and brought back paramedics on foot, and they set to work freeing the trapped man, using a child-sized ra to minimize damage to what turned out to be broken vertebrae in his back. Unfortunately, the woman on the bank had been declared dead. Fouts helped move her body out of the way of rescue workers, then helped paramedics retrieve equipment, opened up the ranger station for the survivors, and helped carry people out of the campsite to the ambulance that still couldn’t get through the blocked roads.

In the days following the storm, similar accounts from different parts of the park trickled out, as others told of how suddenly the storm brought danger. He flashed back to when the trees were coming down in front of his truck, he said, and how if he hadn’t moved it, he and Danielle likely would have been badly injured. But it pales in comparison to what the others suffered, he said, and he was amazed at how the family—grandparents, a daughter, son, and granddaughter—rallied around the child, despite how the others suffered more serious injuries. It was a sobering day, Fouts said. “I felt really bad for that family.” v

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November | December 2012

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n September 18, Governor Nathan Deal announced that General Biofuels Georgia, LLC will construct a wood pellet manufacturing plant in Sandersville, investing $60 million and creating 35 jobs.

“We are committed to making Georgia the No. 1 place in the nation in which to do business and a central plank in our strategy is to boost the manufacturing sector,” said Deal.

"Our state is uniquely equipped to help manufacturers compete globally and efficiently meet the needs of their customers. So, I am especially glad to welcome General Biofuels to Georgia.” e plant will manufacture industrialgrade wood pellets for sale to a major European utility under a long-term contract.

Capacity of the plant will be approximately 440,000 tons per year. Start of production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2014.

“Sandersville is an ideal setting for our pellet production facility. e timber resources are abundant, the workforce is capable and motivated, and the transportation system from Sandersville to the Port of Savannah will be tremendously advantageous. We look forward to joining the Washington county business community,” said founder and chairman for General Biofuels, Ruby Sahiwal.

“Renewable feedstock will come from Georgia timberlands and local lumber producers. Pellets from the plant will be loaded into railcars for transport by the Sandersville Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway to the Port of Savannah for intermediate storage and trans-load to ocean-going ships.

Georgia Forestry Today

General Biofuels Georgia to locate in Sandersville, investing $60 million “We are very excited to have General Biofuels join the Washington county business community and for the Sandersville Railroad to provide long-term rail transportation services,” said Executive Director of the Development Authority of Washington county, Charles Lee. “is project offers manufacturing jobs to the Washington county region and will provide long-term, stable employment in the timber harvesting, manufacturing, transportation sectors, and increase exports through the Port of Savannah.”

Project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development was Renée Rosenheck. e Georgia Center of Innovation for Energy also played a significant role in the location by introducing the company to Georgia as an attractive biomass industry destination. Co-director Jill Stuckey connected General Biofuels with the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and other state resources. e company also participated in the Center’s One Stop Shop to present its project.

“General Biofuels’ location to Sandersville is great news for central Georgia,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “e biofuels industry in Georgia is growing by leaps and bounds. We have more commercial timberland than any other state in the country, as well as the workforce and the logistics infrastructure needed to move the product quickly and efficiently to market.”

Energy is one of the six industries identified for growth in Georgia. Georgia’s entrepreneur-friendly policies, reduced taxes on

bioscience energy companies, and expedited environmental permits for biofuel plants are among a few reasons why the state is ranked third in the United States for its future in alternative energy production. e state is No. 1 in the nation for commercial timberland, with ten million acres of agricultural land and 24.7 million acres of forest land. Georgia also has an established ‘brain trust’ of university research and development in bioenergy, with world-renowned programs at the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Herty Advanced Materials Development Center, a $150-million-dollar nonprofit research center focused on biomass commercialization. v

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Forestry Community Loses a Strong Voice Bob Slocum, the voice of North Carolina’s forest products industry for 24 years, died October 16 in Raleigh at age 62.

During his tenure, the NC Forestry Association grew to nearly 4,000 members, one of the largest such groups in the country.

Slocum lobbied the NC legislature and served on commissions and task forces, defending his industry and private property rights—and frequently irritating environ-

mental advocates.

Among his top achievements the association lists is 2005’s ‘Right to Practice Forestry’ legislation, which limited local governments' control of forestry operations done under forest management plans or on property taxed as timberland. He also oversaw development of the association’s ProLogger training program and forestry education programs for public schools.

Prior to joining the state association, Slocum served as a vice president for forestry policy and research of the American Forest Council in Washington D.C. The North Carolina State University graduate and Cary resident started his career in Virginia.

A career forester, he graduated from North Carolina State University with a forestry management degree. He’s survived by his wife, Linda, and three adult sons. v

Fih Public Comment Period on LEED Opens The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened its fifth public comment period of LEED V.4, which will conclude on December 10, 2012. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s (SFI) initial review of the new draft language shows the forest certification language has not changed from Draft 4. The credit language continues to read, “New wood products must be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or USGBC-approved equivalent.”

According to SFI, USGBC is failing to grasp this opportunity to be a leader. It can

choose to encourage well managed forests, or not. It can choose to recognize all credible forest certifications or it can continue to exclude some certification standards to the detriment of healthy forests, viable communities, thriving markets, and future generations. If there are no markets for products from well-managed forests, landowners may choose to sell their forests for other uses.

That is not good for forests, communities, and has negative implications for air and water quality.

SFI encouraged USGBC to recognize

that the decisions it makes and the actions it takes today will impact the future of forests, livelihoods, and collective global well being.

USGBC’s leaders and board members are encouraged to put language out to vote that recognizes the role of certified wood products and understand that excluding SFI, CSA, and ATFS results in the discrimination against two-thirds of the certified forests in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information, visit www.sfiprogram.org/LEED/ v

Preparing the Next Generation On a cool, fall afternoon, brothers Ross and Adam Ferrell are working to prepare land for tree planting in Charlton county. The recently acquired property had been cut over and left barren and unproductive for several years. Preparation will include chopping and bedding, and possible chemical treatments in the future. Once planted, the next generation of trees will be established.

But what about the next generation of forest landowners?

Ross and Adam are both married, and as most families, try to make plans for the future. They envision having a return from timber on this land in the future. But they also look forward to hunting and recreational activities as well in the more near term. They are optimistic that the investment being ap26

plied to this property now will pay dividends in the future.

On this particular day, 14-month-old Jackson got to get out on the land and explore. Not unlike most young boys, he enjoyed exploring everything, getting dirty and seeing the equipment in action. These are his first steps toward his education about forestry and land management.

Adam, his wife April, and son Jackson live in Pierce county. Ferrell is an attorney in Blackshear, and April teaches elementary school in Patterson. Ross and his wife Carmen live in Charlton county. Ross works in the timber industry and is also the owner of RF Industries. Carmen is employed by Coastal Home Care in Brunswick. v November | December 2012

Emerging Leaders Raise Money for Habitat for Humanity

L-R: Christy Abel; James Norris, Graphic Packaging; Benjamin Addison, Hancock Timber; Jesse Johnson, Southern Land Exchange; Mike Harrel, Stuckey Timberland; and Brian Stone, Forest Resource Consultants

Georgia Outdoor News. During the 2011/2012 hunting season, four deer scoring over 160 Boone & Crockett were killed at Aultman Farms. e tickets sold for $10 a piece, and the group managed to raise $2,655, surpassing their goal of at least $2,500 for the Habitat project. e drawing was held on October 17, and the winner of the oneday hunt was Troy Harris, Chief Operating Officer with Wells Timberland. Harris serves on the Executive Committee for the Forest Landowners Association and the Board of Directors for GFA. v

e Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) are sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity House Project in Macon, Georgia.

To help raise money for that project, members of GFA’s Emerging Leaders group held a raffle for a one-day hunt on Aultman Forest.

Aultman Forest is a 34,000 acre plantation located in southwest Georgia’s Worth county. Worth county was voted Georgia’s best county for producing large white-tailed deer the last three years by

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27

Remembering Carolyn Warnell Bryan

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ne of Warnell’s most generous supporters died recently. Carolyn Warnell Bryan died on Sunday, October 21, 2012. She was 97. e Warnell School is named aer Mrs. Bryan’s father, Daniel B. Warnell, and she and her late sister Dorothy had a long history of support for the school, including donating the land for what is now the Dorothy Warnell Research, Education and Demonstration Forest in Effingham County in 1998. e Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center was established within the forest later and named for Carolyn’s mother. Mrs. Bryan was one of the foremost Cooperative Extension Home Economists serving in this role for more than 25 years, during which time she positively impacted so many lives. She was also a very generous donor to the Warnell School and 4-H Foundation.

Mrs. Bryan became a member of the President’s Club of the University of Georgia.

In 1988, Mrs. Bryan was named an honorary alumnus of the Warnell School for her longtime support. Her family’s legacy

The Warnell School is named after Mrs. Bryan’s father, Daniel B. Warnell, and her family has a long history of support for the school.

“Carolyn Warnell Bryan was one of the most gracious, charming, astute, committed and generous people I have known,” said Arnett Mace, former dean of the Warnell School. “Sitting in her home conversing over a cup of coffee was a memorable experience for I was impressed with her accomplishments during her career, including her passion for 4-H and astuteness. e University of Georgia and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources have lost an outstanding retired employee and major supporter.”

Born on Feb. 23, 1915, in Groveland, Mrs. Bryan graduated from Bryan County High School before attending the University of Georgia, where she graduated with a degree in home economics in 1937. Mrs. Bryan and her family remained committed to UGA. In 1977, 28

began with her father, who served in the Georgia House and Senate in the 1930s.

One of Daniel Warnell's greatest contributions was a gi of pine trees to a university researcher, Dr. Charles Herty, for an experiment on whether pine could be used in the manufacturing of paper pulp.

Herty’s findings led to the rise of a paper industry based on Southern yellow pines and, in-turn, resulted in a need for more educated forest resource professionals.

In honor of their parents’ interest in education and investments in natural resources in Georgia, Carolyn and her late sister Dorothy made many contributions to the Warnell School. eir combined gis were so significant that in 1991 the school was officially dedicated and renamed the Daniel B. Warnell School of Forest Resources (which was then

changed to add “and Natural Resources”).

Aer Dorothy’s death in 1996, Carolyn established the Dorothy Warnell Research, Education and Demonstration Forest in Effingham County. Today, the Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center boasts of a state-of-the-art indoor classroom, a large outdoor deck, forest exhibits, and hiking trails. e research forest is home to some of Georgia’s most incredible unique habitats. e center provides programs about forest ecosystems and sustainable forest management, and focuses on educational programming for schoolchildren.

“Mrs. Bryan was adamant that the gis be named for her father, mother and sister,” said Mace. “is is a testament of her giving and naming for those she loved so dearly and not for herself. Carolyn, I miss you and cannot thank you enough for the major impact you have made on my life and the lives of so many through your teachings and generous contribution of time and resources. All of us who had the opportunity to know you have become better people by our association with you. God Bless and rest in peace my dear friend.” v November | December 2012

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November | December 2012

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