Page 30 - Georgia Forestry - Fall 2018

WORKING FORESTS
Conserving Habitat for Georgia’s Wildlife
National forests and designated wildlife preserves are not the only forests that provide benefit to Georgia’s wildlife — all 22 million acres of private working forests do as well. Working forests, which cover the majority of the land area in the state, provide habitat, filter drinking water, provide shade for aquatic
species and so much more. Georgia’s working forests are a solution for our state’s diverse range of species.
#6
in Biological Diversity
70
threatened or endangered species live in Georgia.
BMPs
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR WATER
Thanks to scientifically based Best Management Practices (BMPs) for working forests that are in a constant state of development, Georgia is constantly improving the impact
of operations on water quality.
To minimize erosion and stream sedimentation from forestry practices, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Division educate the forestry community and promote the use of forestry BMPs.
In 2017, 232 sites with forestry operations were evaluated, including 33,578 acres with 180 miles of forest roads and 110 stream crossings. By ownership, 155 of the sites were on non- industrial private forest land (NIPF), 53 sites were on corporate land and
24 sites were on public land.
93% OF EVALUATED HARVESTING OPERATIONS WERE IN COMPLIANCE WITH BMPS FOR WATER.
60%
of America’s wildlife relies on private forestland.
22 Million Acres
Privately owned forests provide wildlife habitat, representing 67% of the land area in the state.
28 | GEORGIA FORESTRY
Georgia is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, and working forests play a big role in ensuring healthy wildlife habitats.