Page 24 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 3 - Summer 2022

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JAPANESE CLIMBING FERN
Triangle of invasive species.” He works to foster good relations with port con- tacts and pays special attention to the transportation corridors and destination warehouses.
“I visit as many warehouses as I can and bring brochures to help folks under- stand what we’re looking for,” Barnes said. “At first they were a little unsure, but they realize now we have a common interest; we’re trying to protect what’s here. Now they call me when they spot something unusual.”
The Battle Plan
Is Mapped
Partnerships and teamwork are crucial to the fight against species that disrupt the forest ecosystem. The GFC is a member of the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force, which meets quarterly to discuss the status of invasive species activity around the state. The group also includes members from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the University of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
“It’s important that we stay abreast of everything our members are discov- ering and working on,” said GFC Forest Health Coordinator Lynne Womack. “The more eyes we have on the issues and the more outreach we can accomplish, the better success we’ll have in combating these species. We know communication with Georgia citizens can make a real difference.”
Ryan Phillips coordinates the GFC’s Invasive Plant Cost-share Program (IPCP), which is funded by the U.S. Forest Service. There are currently five invasive plants on the program’s target list for which payment can be granted for control: privet, Japanese climbing fern, Chinese tallowtree, Chinaberry and Callery pear.
“We never run out of people who want help through this cost-share program,” Phillips said. “The number of applica- tions, funding requests and acreage amounts has risen significantly through the years.”
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