Georgia Forestry Association

Happy Veterans Day to the men and women in GFA's membership and the forestry community who have sacrificed and served on our behalf. Because of you, Georgia's working forests are able to provide for the millions of residents that depend on them. Every tree grown is a testament to your sacrifice and the future that we all believe in. #ThankYouForYourService #VeteransDay #1ForestryStateinNation #GeorgiaForestry

The Georgia Forestry Commission’s Timber Damage Assessment reveals that Hurricane Helene impacted 8.9 million acres of forestland, with 1.47 million acres sustaining the majority of timber damage. The storm dealt a $1.28 billion blow to Georgia's timber resources, including over 26 million tons of pine, valued at $729 million, and 30 million tons of hardwood, valued at $556 million. Notably, 88% of the damage was to private forestland. In conjunction with advocacy efforts, GFA visited with timber landowners who found themselves in the path of Hurricane Helene and awoke to devastated forestlands and an uncertain future. Unprecedented weather events can severely impact the future of forestry in Georgia. By ensuring that timber growers are provided with equal and adequate response to natural disasters, we aim to safeguard Georgia’s forests and the communities that depend on them. Learn more by visiting https://lnkd.in/eKipCj3p ??#GeorgiaForestry #HurricaneHelene #Disaster #Relief #Forestlands #Timberlands #Forests #WorkingForests #GeorgiaForests #1ForestryState #Georgia #AmericanForests #TimberResources #WoodBasket

2024 Regional Forestry Meetings Shift to Hurricane Relief In response to Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Forestry Association is redirecting our Regional Forestry Meetings to focus on Hurricane Relief Workshops for those impacted. ??LOCATIONS Valdosta - October 29 Douglas - November 6 Statesboro - November 12 Augusta - November 14 Soperton - November 19 ??? Join us for support and solutions: 5:30 PM: Solutions Roundtable: Rebuilding & Resilience 6:00 PM: Dinner & Networking 6:30 PM: GFA Policy Update: Recovery & Advocacy 7:00 PM: Guest Speaker on Forestry & Market Trends 7:15 PM: Open Discussion: Collaborative Recovery Find your nearest meeting: https://lnkd.in/gtuxHpsf Let’s come together to support our community! ?? #Forestry #HurricaneHeleneRelief #GeorgiaForestryAssociation #LetsGrow

Meet New GFA President & CEO Tomorrow! RSVP TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eMtux94k Come to the Georgia Forestry Association to meet its new President and CEO Tim Lowrimore. Lowrimore joins the Georgia Forestry Association as a registered forester whose career spans the entire forestry supply chain. Lowrimore most recently has served as Director and State Forester for the Georgia Forestry Commission. Please read below for additional event details… THANK YOU SPONSORS! - AgGeorgia Farm Credit - Forest Resource Consultants - Meeks Farms & Nursery - Tutt Land Company WHEN Tomorrow - October 24, 2024 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. WHERE Georgia Forestry Association 551 N Frontage Road, Forsyth, GA 31029 WHO’S INVITED All forestry professionals, industry partners and landowners. REGISTRATION IS FREE. MUST RSVP TO ATTEND! AGENDA: 6:00 – 6:30 PM DINNER & NETWORKING → Great opportunity to connect with others in the forestry industry and to meet with GFA President & CEO, Tim Lowrimore. 6:30 - 6:45 PM MEET THE PRESIDENT → Tim Lowrimore, President & CEO, Georgia Forestry Association 6:45 – 7:15 PM GFA POLICY UPDATE: RECOVERY & ADVOCACY → Jake Matthews, Vice President - Government Affairs, Georgia Forestry Association 7:15 – 8:00 PM NETWORKING & CONCLUSION QUESTIONS? Contact Dillon Hendrix at [email protected] for further assistance.

Meet New GFA President & CEO Tomorrow! RSVP TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eMtux94k Come to the Georgia Forestry Association to meet its new President and CEO Tim Lowrimore. Lowrimore joins the Georgia Forestry Association as a registered forester whose career spans the entire forestry supply chain. Lowrimore most recently has served as Director and State Forester for the Georgia Forestry Commission. Please read below for additional event details… THANK YOU SPONSORS! - AgGeorgia Farm Credit - Forest Resource Consultants - Meeks Farms & Nursery - Tutt Land Company WHEN Tomorrow - October 24, 2024 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. WHERE Georgia Forestry Association 551 N Frontage Road, Forsyth, GA 31029 WHO’S INVITED All forestry professionals, industry partners and landowners. REGISTRATION IS FREE. MUST RSVP TO ATTEND! AGENDA: 6:00 – 6:30 PM DINNER & NETWORKING → Great opportunity to connect with others in the forestry industry and to meet with GFA President & CEO, Tim Lowrimore. 6:30 - 6:45 PM MEET THE PRESIDENT → Tim Lowrimore, President & CEO, Georgia Forestry Association 6:45 – 7:15 PM GFA POLICY UPDATE: RECOVERY & ADVOCACY → Jake Matthews, Vice President - Government Affairs, Georgia Forestry Association 7:15 – 8:00 PM NETWORKING & CONCLUSION QUESTIONS? Contact Dillon Hendrix at [email protected] for further assistance.

Recently, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) released their initial assessment of the damages caused to timberlands by Hurricane Helene. Directly in the path of the storm, millions of acres of private forested land stood powerless against Category-2 winds, resulting in a $1.28 billion total resource impact. Click here ?? https://lnkd.in/gx7yFbYw to read more about how GFA and partnering organizations are working towards solutions at both the state and federal levels that facilitate recovery, provide financial relief, and protect the long-term viability of Georgia's forestry sector. @gatrees #HurricaneHelene #Relief #Timber #GeorgiaForestry #WorkingForests #1ForestryState #Damage #Timberlands

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, it's reassuring to see humanity at its best down in Fargo, Georgia! GFA Landowner Members Superior Pine Products and The Westervelt Company partnered to give away a tank of gas to local citizens in need. These seeds of generosity will continue to grow as we rebuild our communities. Photo Credit ?? Corey Davis, SUPERIOR PINE PRODUCTS COMPANY The Westervelt Company #SuperiorPineProducts Did you also know? Gas Tax Suspension: Governor Kemp also issued an Executive Order suspending the gas tax during the State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene, effective at 12:00 a.m. Oct. 3, 2024, and expiring on Oct. 9, 2024, unless otherwise renewed by the Governor. Off-Road Fuel Penalty Waiver: Also, the Department of Revenue is providing a waiver of state penalties related to the use of dyed diesel in on-road vehicles in all 159 counties. #Georgia #Forestry #Community #HurricaneHelene #Relief #Gas #Aid

Hurricane Helene left behind significant damage to timberland across the state. Early reports indicate widespread impact to timberland owners from Valdosta to Augusta. GFA is working with state and federal leaders to address the devastation to Georgia's working forests. President & CEO Tim Lowrimore states, "The policies developed in response to this storm must recognize the region’s vital role in our state and the communities that depend on forestry." Key priorities included: - Congressional Engagement: visiting working forests with congressional staffers and highlighting the extensive damage to member properties and the urgent need for federal support. - State Leadership Engagement: actively communicating with state legislators on policy priorities that should be addressed. - On-the-Ground Support: visiting with impacted members to assess damage and ensure the concerns of timberland owners are communicated to policymakers at every level. If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene, we recommend contacting a professional forester to help you assess any damage. You can reach out to your local?Georgia Forestry Commission forester?or a registered professional forester for support. Visit the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website for more information and resources: https://lnkd.in/eh7723Mi #HurricaneHelene #Relief #RecoveryEfforts #Georgia #Timberlands #WorkingForests

The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) and the Southeastern Wood Producers Association (SWPA) proudly announce Robert “Rob” L. Strother of Strother Timber Company in Washington, GA, as the 2023-24 Georgia Logger of the Year! ?????? Recognizing loggers as an integral part of the timber supply chain, the Logger of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is nominated by the forestry community and reviewed by a committee of professionals in the industry. Rob is a third-generation logger. Following in the footsteps of the Strothers before him, Rob began logging in the year 2000. Today, the legacy continues as the fourth generation, Rob’s son, joins the logging business. “It really means a lot to me to work with my son every day. Even though the logging industry is a tough industry to be in, a lot of people depend on loggers,” says Rob Strother. “It’s an honor to be recognized as Georgia Logger of the Year from the GFA. It means a lot to me and my family, and my employees.”? GFA officially recognized Rob at this year’s Annual Conference in Savannah, August 10, 2024.? WATCH Rob's Story ???? READ MORE about Rob and this award on our website ???? https://lnkd.in/eVsbR3YN #Logger #Georgia #Forestry #WorkingForests #Timber

**MARK YOUR CALENDAR!** Join us for the 2024 Fall Leadership Summit, a premier event bringing together mid-career professionals from across Georgia's forestry sector to gain insights on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship in today’s evolving marketplace. The Georgia Forestry Association’s Emerging Leaders Program is excited to host 60-80 professionals working in forestry, finance, real estate, technology, government, and policy for this highly anticipated event. Who Should Attend: Professionals ages 25-40 working in forestry, finance, real estate, technology, government, and policy. RSVP TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eKDt2fpM QUESTIONS? Please contact Dillon Hendrix ([email protected]) with any questions!