Page 28 - Georgia Forestry - Summer 2019

Gauging the Threats
Georgia’s well-earned reputation as the ideal place to live and work has resulted in a sizable population increase. Within 25 years, the number of people calling our state home is expected to jump from 10 million to almost 15 million. That growth is and will continue to have a number of impacts on forestland:
The sustainability report identifies URBANIZATION as the largest single reason forests are converted to non-forest uses. The
ssure to develop land is unceasing. Combined with FRAGMENTATION (dividing forestland into smaller parcels for mixed uses), these trends effectively and permanently remove this acreage from forest cover. That increases storm runoff, water quality issues and flooding. It also has negative impacts on air quality, aesthetics and local climate. Importantly, urbanization encroaches on Georgia’s wildlife, particularly endangered species.
2 Researchshowsthatinareaswhere population density exceeds 150 people per square mile, ongoing timber management
ends. The change indicates a lack of economic support for local, ongoing forestry operations on a significantly increased land area, creating new pressure on the sustainable wood-products market. That multiplies the pressures still being experienced as a result of the last recession. LACK OF SIGNIFICANT LOGGING INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT is a substantial threat to forestry in Georgia.
Choosing the Sustainable Path
Numerous systems designed to meet forest sustainability challenges have been generated. Detailed strategies have been mapped by government agencies, conservation groups and private citizens, coming together to “speak for the trees.” The 2019 Sustainability Report for Georgia’s Forests and its streamlined handbook are tools that any motivated reader can use to make a difference for our forest resource.
Forest certification systems including SFI, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and American Tree Farm System (ATFS) provide established mechanisms for third- party verification of sustainable forest management.
“Even though less than 15 percent of the forestland in Georgia is certified to SFI, Tree Farm or FSC, most of the wood harvested in Georgia goes to SFI Fiber Sourcing- certified mills,” said Georgia SFI Coordinator Chase Cook. “This means that requirements under the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard are essentially applied across our entire state because of the SFI-certified mills,” he said. “Implementation rates for Best Management Practices are excellent. The logger education program is strong. And landowner outreach to those not certified is improving. Everyone along the chain is accountable.”
3 CHANGINGOWNERSHIPPATTERNS have a tremendous trickle-down effect. New landowners less connected to
the rural landscape are likely to have reduced understanding of basic forest management and the options available. The shift from forest industry
to privately held companies and small private landowners is an added difficultly. Outreach to this new group of owners is beyond the capabilities of state, federal and private resource professionals.
4 PROPERTYTAXPOLICIEShavea significant impact on decision making by owners. The valuation of forestland
must be applied uniformly across the state. Fair valuations, consistency across the state and conservation incentives are needed to support forest sustainability.
5 Urbanizationplaceslivesandpropertyat risk from WILDFIRE and reduces options for proper fire management. GFC ensures
public safety by providing fire prevention services. As growth expands into rural environments,
the management of wildfire and application of prescribed fire becomes complicated by factors including emergency access and smoke impacts.
6 TIMBERSECURITYisanimportant component of forest sustainability, and laws to protect owners were strengthened
in 2014. GFC law enforcement continues to pursue
pre1