Page 24 - Georgia Forestry - Spring 2017

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Blue stain fungus is a common sign of pine beetle activity.
produce a natural defensive mechanism to combat the attacking insects.
What’s the best course of action for forest landowners facing this destruction? “Contact a registered consulting forester,” advised Bates. “Certain forest management activities can slow or speed up the spread of Ips, so it’s critical to evaluate the stand, its history and current
conditions before making a move.” Many central Georgia landowners have determined that Ips damage is mandating harvest operations, and
loggers are busy.
“A lot of our cutting is Ips-related,” said
Jason Simmons. “Prices are bad because of the oversupply of wood.” Loggers are also having to travel longer distances to find mills that will accept their loads. Recent Middle Georgia Timber harvests in Greene County had to be hauled to Macon and Augusta.
While forest health experts and long- time landowners say they’ve never seen anything like this drought or this out- break, they understand they have to manage the hand they’re dealt. Knowing the enemy, doing site preparation for replanting and watching out for one’s neighbors are critical now.
“Absentee landowners may not have a clue about this,” said Bates. “It’s time to be a good neighbor. If you know ‘em, tell ‘em,” he said. “If you don’t know them, find ‘em and tell ‘em anyway!”
As spring evolves into summer, Georgia’s forestry community will be closely monitoring the march of the beetle.
“We need sustained rain,” said Bates. “And prayer.”
STASIA KELLY IS A MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST WITH GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION. STASIA IS FOCUSED ON TELLING THE STORY OF FORESTRY AND THE IMMENSE IMPACT OF THE INDUSTRY ON GEORGIA’S ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY AND HERITAGE.
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