Page 22 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 1 - Winter 2024

areas like Atlanta, about the importance of our forests, farms and natural lands. By allowing people to explore maintained private forests, it gives people who would otherwise never have exposure to forestry an understanding of how certain harvesting or other working forestry practices are improving the quality of our natural lands,” said Neese. “It’s not solely a revenue thing, though it will definitely help make landowners money. It’s also about the impact that they can have by exposing more people to outdoor recreation than just letting five hunters come on your property.”
In the face of evolving times, with economic conditions and urban sprawl putting pressure on large landowners, Neese believes that it’s critical to utilize all the available revenue streams at their fingertips. A study from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that in 2016, wildlife-watching enthusiasts generated $75.9 billion in revenue. With more and more people picking up outdoor hobbies over the last few years, that number has likely increased.
Georgia Bird Bookings connects land- owners to a growing revenue opportu- nity for their land, while providing GFF the opportunity to educate birdwatchers about how managed forests provide a wide range of forested habitats at differ- ent management stages across a given landscape. For instance, streamside buf- fers that are left to protect water quality provide great habitat for Swallow-tailed Kites and Hooded Warblers. Mixed forest stands also provide habitat for Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-shouldered Hawks and Barred Owls. And a regenerating young forest is important for the Prairie Warbler and Northern Bobwhite.
“We are excited about this unique part- nership that will give birders an oppor- tunity to see species that they may not have seen on public lands,” said Nick DiLuzio, vice president of the Georgia Forestry Foundation. “Ultimately, the economic return from this program pro- vides a way to recognize landowners for their investments in stewardship while helping to keep forests as forests.”
The impact that this additional revenue can have on family farms across the state cannot be overstated. In the case of Harrell and the Oxford family, it could be the extra dollars needed to build up housing ame- nities for their family. For others, it could be the extra dollars needed to fund new equipment, new land, or offset property tax increases due to urban sprawl and inflation.
A Subsidiary of Diversified Applications, LLC
Providing Quality Aerial
Herbicide Applications
From tract evaluation to application - we handle all of your forestry needs.
For guaranteed results, call us at
(803) 275-2300 or (803) 685-5900
1188 Daniel Ave. Ward, S.C. 29166
20 | GEORGIA FORESTRY