Page 28 - Georgia Forestry - Winter 2018
P. 28
Georgia
Tree Farm Program
We grow stewardship from the roots.
1132 Clairmont Place Macon, Georgia 31204 478.972.7899 cell, 478.474.5817 fax
georgiatreefarm@gmail.com www.treefarmsystem.org/georgia www.GATreeFarm.org
fwforestry.net
fountainsland.com
FORESTRY SOLUTIONS
THAT MEET
YOUR OBJECTIVES.
Fifty Years and Growing
Changing Tactics for Changing Times
Williams recognizes that the forestry community is facing a number of challenges, including markets, fragmen- tation and taxation. Invasive species is an ongoing issue of concern, while inter- nally, GFC equipment maintenance, organization efficiency and employee retention are high on his list of prior- ities. He also realizes, however, that with roughly half of Georgia’s popula- tion living in metro Atlanta, the external forestry message needs to be broadened.
“A lot of people don’t have any concept about commercial timber production, but they understand the importance of trees in their parks and yards for aesthetics, water and air quality,” Williams said. “At the capitol, there’s a general appreciation for forestry, but that appreciation is driven by different perspectives. For some legislators, it’s an environmental perspective; for others, it’s an invest- ment and commercial forest products perspective or a recreational/quality of life perspective. Our challenge and our opportunity is to bring these varying perspectives together for a unified strong support network for forestry.”
Spirit of a Native Son
Watching Williams work the Wat- kinsville “listening tour” crowd is an example of his proven dexterity on the political front. His warm and easy-going style draws in all who’ve come to say hello and voice their opin- ions. Yet it is one-on-one conversation in which the Georgia native’s essence becomes clear.
“I like seeing people achieve success,” he says of his future goals for the agency and for his work. “Whether it’s job opportunities or disabled chil- dren getting the chance to just be a kid, I enjoy helping that come about.”
As the sun goes down over the pine trees, Williams packs up for home, where Beth and “several dogs who either showed up at the farm or were the ugliest ones at the pound” await him. Williams shares one last stop he’s known since childhood — the Elder Mill covered bridge over Rose Creek. Inside its darkened tunnel, sturdy wood pegs bind roughhewn beams that span the river banks and the generations.
It’s a place — and a time — where Williams feels at home.
B&H Forestry Services, LLC 229-392-5371 gerry@bandhforestry.com
Full Service Forestry Company Reforestation & Vegetation Management
FOREST RESOURCE SERVICES INC.
Specializing in Land and Timber Management & Sales
BOBBY D. BROWN
Registered Forester GA Number 2164 Licensed Realtor in GA Number 165520
20364 GA Hwy #3 Thomasville, GA 31792
229.221.3016 • brown@ftrealty.com
26 | GEORGIA FORESTRY
