Georgia Forestry Commission Begins Restoration through ARRA Grants

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has embarked on a reforestation project made possible by funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The first of five grants totaling $9.7 million will provide for the planting of seedlings in a suburban Atlanta forest.

Funded by the ARRA, the Regional Longleaf Pine Restoration Initiative project, administered by the GFC, will reestablish longleaf pines in the southeast United States. Longleaf pine forests are highly valued for their resistance to damage by insects, diseases, wildfire, and storms, and for their yield of high quality wood products, biological diversity, and scenic beauty.

Four other forestry-related ARRA grants will be administered in the months ahead as part of the ARRA plan to help stimulate the economy and benefit Georgia's environment. The funds will not replace or supplant state mandated GFC budget reductions, but can only be used for the creation of new, temporary positions in the forestry industry.

"These proposals will enhance GFC initiatives beyond what was possible under current austere budget conditions," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The work will have multiple benefits, including reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire, fighting invasive plant species and reaching out to thousands of landowners who need updated forest management plans."

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Georgia Forestry Commission and Oglethorpe Power Partner to Replant Wildfire-Devastated Forest

/PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and Oglethorpe Power Corporation have formed a first-of-its-kind partnership in the state to reforest as much as 500 acres of hardwood forestland burned in wildfires near the Okefenokee Swamp in 2007. The replanting project is taking place in the 33,000-acre Dixon Memorial State Forest located in Ware and Brantley Counties. The two parties made the announcement at the 4th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference in Savannah.

Under an agreement reached by Oglethorpe Power and the GFC, designated wetlands areas are being replanted with red maple, cypress, swamp chestnut oak and water tupelo trees. Trees have already been planted on more than 200 acres, with the remainder scheduled to be planted in the fall of this year.

"These are areas that the GFC would set aside as low priority for reforestation because of budget constraints," said Dru Preston, Jr., Carbon Project Forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission. "They would otherwise be left to natural regeneration, and wildlife habitat and damaged ecosystems would take much longer to recover."

As part of its agreement with the GFC, Oglethorpe Power will be able to receive credit for the carbon dioxide captured by the replanted trees as future climate change regulations unfold. Oglethorpe Power will have title to the carbon dioxide removed from the air by the trees for the first 25 years, then will share those rights with the state for an additional 50 years.

"We believe that planting more trees to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is an important part of addressing the climate change issue while also restoring our valuable forestlands and providing important wildlife habitat," said Michael W. Price, Chief Operating Officer for Oglethorpe Power. "We're excited to join with the Georgia Forestry Commission in this win-win effort for Georgia's citizens."

"This landmark partnership provides benefits on numerous levels," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The project will restore the bottomland hardwood-cypress ecosystem and critical wildlife habitat in Dixon Forest. It is also a breakthrough example of a Georgia company investing in Georgia's forestry resource to offset carbon emissions, which ultimately benefits every citizen," said Farris.

The reforestation partnership was also praised by Governor Sonny Perdue who said Georgia is well-served when the state and private industry are able to work together. "In joining together to restore these forests, the Forestry Commission and Oglethorpe Power are helping to establish a roadmap for future public-private partnerships that can benefit all of Georgia," Perdue said.

Oglethorpe Power Corporation (OPC) is the nation's largest power supply cooperative with approximately $5 billion in assets, serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) across Georgia. These EMCs provide electricity to 4.1 million Georgia residents. In addition to the Dixon Forest reforestation project, Oglethorpe Power is also a partner in the PowerTree Carbon Company, a consortium of 25 utilities that has replanted more than one million bottomland hardwood trees in the lower Mississippi River Valley.

The Georgia Forestry Commission sustains and enhances the forests of Georgia for all citizens by providing forest protection, services and technical assistance to landowners and other forestry stakeholders. The GFC provides leadership that promotes healthy, sustainable forests to ensure clean air, clean water, and abundant products for future generations.

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Tree Seedlings Available to Georgians

The Georgia Forestry Commission is offering residents an inexpensive way to help the
environment, reduce energy costs, beautify landscapes, and attract wildlife. Tree seedlings grown at the GFC Nursery provide these benefits and more. Several species of pine and hardwood are now available at low cost, can be ordered by phone, and delivered to the local county forestry unit for pick up by purchasers.

“This is the perfect time for planting trees,” said Russ Pohl, Chief of Reforestation for the GFC.
“Seedlings are dormant during the cold, wet months and are easily stored and shipped. Planting
now gives the young trees plenty of time to reestablish root contact with the soil, and rainy weather reduces their need for additional water. All in all, this is the very best time for planting trees in Georgia.”

Research shows trees improve air quality by sequestering carbon, the byproduct of burning
fossil fuels, and by intercepting airborne particulates. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen
for 18 people every day and provides valuable storm water runoff services. In addition, statistics
show healthy trees can add up to 15 percent to residential property value. Strategically placed
trees can reduce summer cooling costs by as much as 30 percent, while contributing to landscape aesthetics and the attraction of songbirds and other wildlife.

“It’s easy to order GFC seedlings and we provide information and guidance on getting them
planted on consumers’ property,” said Pohl. “We look forward to helping our customers learn more about this renewable Georgia resource.”

To order GFC seedlings, call 1-800-GA-TREES, or download an order form at GaTrees.org.

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