Page 22 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 2 - Spring 2024

“The cost [of stewardship] is coming out of my pocket, but who’s benefiting? The general public. It’s essentially a charitable donation from me to the public that isn’t recognized.”
— Heather Brasell
gardens that serve as resources for envi- ronmental education. Her dedication to fostering understanding and support for forestry practices is further evident in her involvement with Project Learning Tree, the Georgia Teacher Conservation Workshop, and collaborations with vari- ous partner organizations committed to forestry education and environmental stewardship.
However, despite her efforts and the efforts of many like-minded landowners and organizations, challenges persist in education regarding forestry’s role in conservation.
“Over the last few years, I’ve certainly seen an increase in the general public understanding that trees sequester car- bon in regard to climate change. I’ve also seen an increased awareness that forests and woodlands provide ecological ser- vices — preventing erosion, filtering out pollution — and clean air, clean water, all of those kinds of things,” said Brasell. “But what I don’t see is an understanding of the role of land managers in ensuring environmental services for the public.”
In the face of challenges like the pub- lic’s lack of awareness about the costs and efforts invested in stewardship, Brasell
advocates for acknowledgment and support from policymakers, aiming for recognition that the work of landowners and foresters is a public service deserving acknowledgment and financial support.
“The cost is coming out of my pocket, but who’s benefiting? The general public. It’s essentially a charitable donation from me to the public that isn’t recognized. And then, when I apply for cost share for those programs, I may get some funding in one year out of three. I think we need our voters and our politicians to understand that what we’re doing is a public service,” said Brasell. “It’s not a handout to give us cost share. It’s a way to pay their dues for the work that we do, and there needs to be a lot better both the acknowledgment of it and, of course, the funding of it as well. But even the acknowledgment of it would be a huge step forward.”
Collaboration Driving
Forestry Success
Brasell acknowledges her journey to becoming a driving force for change wouldn’t have been possible without collaboration with partners and profes- sionals within the forestry community. Among those she credits for her success are three forestry leaders who ultimately led the campaign to nominate her for National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year: Steve Chapman, a registered forester with Habitat Management Ser- vices; Mark McClellan, stewardship and legacy coordinator for the Georgia For- estry Commission; and Frank Green, program manager for the Georgia Tree Farm Program.
“I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with Heather over the past few years. She’s
Heather Brasell (center) poses for a picture with Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) and Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville) during a visit to the State Capitol for Georgia Forestry Day.
20 | GEORGIA FORESTRY
GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2024