Page 20 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 4 - Fall 2023

GEORGIA GROWS NEARLY
50% MORE TREES BY VOLUME OVER HARVESTS
the homes, office buildings and stores that are going to accommodate the con- tinued growth of these metro areas,” said Mulcahy. “And that timber is being harvested and managed in a sustainable way, being regrown at a rate of nearly 50% more than harvested. Our forests are actually growing faster than our forestry.”
As urban centers expand to accommo- date an influx of residents, construction and infrastructure projects escalate, driving increased need for timber and wood-based materials. The expansion also boosts the need for wood-derived household consumer products like tissue paper, packaging and biodegrad- able utensils. In addition, the use of nano- cellulose and lignin will continue to grow and evolve to replace traditionally carbon intensive products, from consumer plastic packaging to electric car batteries. This heightened demand underscores the pivotal role that wood products play in shaping the evolving landscape of the state’s urban areas.
“Both urban and rural communities play such an important part in the forestry industry. From those working in the forests to those working at Georgia- Pacific manufacturing facilities to those here in our headquarters office in Atlanta, everyone plays a critical role,” said Mulcahy. “Forest products are crucial to the economy and development of our whole state, both urban and rural, and we are fortunate to have so many of those products produced right here in our state by hardworking Georgians in both urban and rural communities.”
JOHN CASEY IS A STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS ON JOURNALISM, POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY.
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