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2010 National Project Learning Tree Outstanding Educators: Environmental Education Benefits Student Learning   3/9/2010
Five educators who use environmental education to spur students' enthusiasm to learn were named the 2010 National Outstanding Educators by Project Learning Tree, the environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation.
 
New feature added to GFA's website   2/25/2010
The Georgia Forestry Association is pleased to announce a new feature on its website.
 
Latest proposed rules for BCAP released   2/24/2010
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the new proposed rules for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) earlier this month.
 
Plant Mitchell conversion to biomass delayed   1/13/2010
According to Georgia Power officials, the energy company will delay its conversion of Plant Mitchell, the coal-fired plant located near Albany, to biomass until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can better define rules affecting industrial boiler emissions.
 
Green Building Initiative alternative to LEED   12/17/2009
The Green Building Initiative (GBI) is a "not for profit organization whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier, and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches" for residential and commercial construction.
 
FLPA acreage now stands at 1.9 million   12/16/2009
The Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) was implemented earlier this year following overwhelming approval by Georgia voters in 2008 to amend the state's Constitution to create the new property tax program for large, contiguous forest properties.
 
House votes on Estate Tax   12/7/2009
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure making the current estate tax rate permanent.
 
BCAP funding released   12/4/2009
Funding for the USDA's Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) has been approved.
 
Regional Water Meetings Conclude for 2009   11/22/2009
As the year draws to an end, the regional water councils have completed their fourth and final meetings for 2009.
 
Barnes named EPD director   10/29/2009
The Board of Natural Resources named F. Allen Barnes as the new Director of the Environmental Protection Division October 28th at the October board meeting.
 
GFC begins restoration through ARRA grants   10/29/2009
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has embarked on a reforestation project made possible by funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
 
Couch resigns EPD post; Governor recommends successor   10/28/2009
Dr. Carol Couch, who served as Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for more than six years, announced her resignation on October 19.
 
Georgia landowners and GFA lobby Congress   10/22/2009
On October 20, the Forest Landowners Association (FLA) held its National Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
 
Congress Voting on Estate Tax Soon?   10/16/2009
HR 3524, the "Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act" was introduced by Representatives Mike Thompson of California and John Salazar of Colorado, in July and could be voted on in the House of Representatives as early as October 26th.
 
Biomass Crop Assistance Program   10/15/2009
The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which is part of the 2008 Farm Bill, "supports the establishment and production of crops for conversion to bio-energy," and assists with the collection, harvest, storage, and transportation (CHST) of eligible material for use in biomass conversion facilities.
 
Impact of FLPA begins to emerge as Revenue Department releases enrollment stats   10/5/2009
In its first year as the newest conservation use property tax program for Georgia timberland, the Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) is putting up some impressive numbers.
 
Georgia land owners named National Tree Farmers of the Year   10/1/2009
Georgia forest landowners Earl and Wanda Barrs have received the prestigious national "Tree Farmer of the Year" award for 2009.
 
Stancil named GFA Director of Government Affairs   9/28/2009
Josh Stancil was named recently as the Georgia Forestry Association's Director of Government Affairs.
 
GFC & Oglethorpe Power Partner to Replant Wildfire-Damaged Forest   9/3/2009
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and Oglethorpe Power Corporation announced at the 4th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference that they 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.
 
Georgia Forestry Association to Host Regional Meeting in Valdosta   8/14/2009
On Thursday, August 20, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM, the Georgia Forestry Association will hold its Valdosta Regional Meeting at Kinderlou Forest.
 
Timberland Markets Mature, Yet Asset Class Illiteracy Remains; New Courses Offer Help to Investors   8/13/2009
While timberland investment markets have evolved over the past two decades to include a range of direct and publicly-traded vehicles, timberland and timber REIT investors continue to wade through misinformed, erroneous, and underreported analysis in financial outlets.
 
2009 National Forest Landowner Advocacy Day in Washington, DC - October 20th   8/5/2009
The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) is inviting all interested parties to attend the 2009 National Forest Advocacy Day on October 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.
 
Mandatory 'Greenhouse Gas Reporting' approved by EPA   7/30/2009
A new rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require thousands of US facilities that generate greenhouse gases to inventory and report their emissions.
 
Georgia Forestry Commission seeks stakeholder views   7/30/2009
The 2008 Farm Bill requires states to complete a State Forest Assessment and Resource Strategy within two years following its June 18, 2008 enactment.
 
Coastal land conservation project underway   6/25/2009
The Coastal Georgia Land Conservation Initiative, a partnership of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Georgia Conservancy and Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), aims to preserve critical coastal lands and promote sustainable growth and development in the state's fast-growing coastal region.
 
Georgia teachers to spread the forestry message   6/24/2009
As the Georgia Forestry Foundation's 2009 Teacher Conservation Workshop (TCW) got underway on at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Jasper County on June 22, thirty teachers were asked this question: How many students can you impact with the information and materials that you take away from this workshop, both directly and indirectly?
 
Bruce Goddard Added To Annual Meeting Lineup   6/16/2009
Popular, Georgia-grown humorist Bruce Goddard will entertain attendees at the Georgia Forestry Association's Annual Meeting & Expo set for July 18-20 at the beautiful Westin Savannah Harbor Resort in Savannah, Georgia.
 
Deadline quickly approaching for GFA Annual Meeting   6/9/2009
The GFA Annual Meeting & Forestry Expo is just around the corner - and so is the deadline for registering for this signature forestry event. The last day that registration for the meeting will be available at discounted rates is Wednesday, June 17.
 
House Speaker: Special session of the legislature "highly likely"   6/8/2009
On June 3, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Glenn Richardson warned that a special session of the legislature is "highly likely" due to the fiscal challenges facing Georgia.
 
Georgia's Plan for Conserving Water Released   5/29/2009
On May 27, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources unveiled a plan in front of the DNR Board to help Georgians use water more efficiently and foster a culture of conservation throughout the state.
 
Former Lt. Gov. Pierre Howard named permanent president of Georgia Conservancy   5/28/2009
On Tuesday, May 26, the Georgia Conservancy named former Lt. Gov Pierre Howard as its new president. Following the retirement of Jim Stokes in January, Howard has since served as interim president.
 
Georgia Forestry Association to Host Regional Meeting in Dublin   5/22/2009
On Thursday, June 4, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM, the Georgia Forestry Association will hold its Dublin Regional Meeting at the Cloverleaf Restaurant.
 
Georgia Forestry Association to Host Regional Meeting in Wilkes County   5/4/2009
On Thursday, May 14, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM, the Georgia Forestry Association will hold its Wilkes County Regional Meeting at the McGill-Woodruff Agricultural Center.
 
Georgia Forestry Association to Host Regional Meeting in Swainsboro   4/28/2009
On Thursday, May 7, from 5:00 - 8:30 PM, the Georgia Forestry Association will hold its Swainsboro Regional Meeting at the Swainsboro Recreation Department Complex.
 
Governor's suspension of off-road diesel gas tax has ended   4/27/2009
In May 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue signed an executive order suspending the collection of the four cent state gas tax on diesel sold for off-road uses.
 
Nominations for 'Wise Owl' now being accepted   4/23/2009
It's time again to honor the one person who is judged by his or her peers to have made the most significant contribution to Georgia forestry.
 
Verdery receives forestry organization scholarship   4/22/2009
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources student David Verdery of Washington, Georgia was presented with the 2009 Georgia Forestry Association fellowship during an Awards Banquet at the school on April 16.
 
Governor OKs FLPA Filing Deadline Extension   4/14/2009
Governor Perdue on April 14 signed Senate Bill 55 into law and in so doing, approved the extension of the deadline for filing applications for Georgia's new conservation use tax program to June 1.
 
Resolutions urge Congress to use less restrictive definition of 'renewable biomass'   3/23/2009
Identical resolutions, Senate Resolution 589 by Senator Ross Tolleson, R-Perry, and House Resolution 622 by Representative Jim Cole, R-Forsyth, have been introduced to express the state legislature's support for an inclusive federal definition of 'renewable biomass' to be utilized by Congress when adopting a renewable energy portfolio and renewable electricity standards.
 
Revenue department issues draft rules for Forest Land Protection Act   3/23/2009
On March 24, the Georgia Department of Revenue released the long-awaited rules that will guide the implementation and enforcement of Georgia's newest forest land conservation use tax reduction program.
 
PSC Approves Agreement to Allow Construction of New Units at Vogtle Nuclear Power Generation Plant; Approves Conversion of Plant MItchell to Biomass   3/19/2009
Today the Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) approved the Georgia Power Company (Company) request for certification to build two new units at its Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant in southeast Georgia.
 
Enroll in the New Conservation Use Program Before Your County's Normal Filing Deadline   3/10/2009
Tax assessors across Georgia are meeting with Department of Revenue (DoR) officials to discuss the implementation of Amendment 1, the Forest Land Protection Act of 2008.
 
GFA and Warnell Host Successful Biofuel Conference   2/26/2009
On Thursday, February 19, the Georgia Forestry Association and the Warnell school of Forestry and Natural Resources hosted a forest bioenergy conference at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA.
 
Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker Announce Appointments to Regional Water Councils   2/11/2009
Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson announced today their selections for members of Georgia's regional water planning councils, which will have a key role in the statewide water planning process.
 
Plant Mitchell hearing highlights concerns over sourcing bio-energy facilities   1/29/2009
The Public Service Commission held hearings on January 20 to consider whether to certify a Georgia Power coal-fired plant as a wood-burning facility.
 
Forestry Community Loses a Good Friend   11/12/2008
Chuck Place was an ardent promoter of forest stewardship and conservation education for over fifty years. A champion of forestry youth education who helped found in the 1950s what became the Billy Lancaster Forestry Youth Camp now sponsored by the Georgia Division Society of American Foresters.
 
Governor Perdue Recommends Chris Clark as DNR Commissioner   11/6/2008
On Wednesday, November 5, Governor Sonny Perdue announced that Chris Clark, Executive Director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), is his recommended choice to succeed Noel Holcomb as Commissioner of DNR when Holcomb retires in April 2009.
 
Voters Give 'Thumbs Up' to Georgia Forests   11/5/2008
By an overwhelming margin Georgia voters approved Amendment 1 on November 4.
 
Oglethorpe Power to Build Biomass Electric Generating Facilities   9/22/2008
Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the nation's largest power supply cooperative, has announced plans to build as many as three 100 megawatt (MW) biomass electric generating facilities in Georgia.
 
Georgia Forestry Association to Host Regional Meeting in Morgan County   9/11/2008
On Tuesday, September 16, from 5:00 - 8:30 PM, the Georgia Forestry Association will hold its Morgan County Regional Meeting at the Pennington Farm House Pavilion.
 
2008 Forestry Golf Classic - October 22   9/4/2008
Please join us on Wednesday, October 22nd as we hold our 7th Annual Forestry Golf Classic to benefit the Georgia Forestry Foundation. The tournament will be held at the River Forest Golf Club in Forsyth.
 
Representative Richard Royal to Speak at GFA Regional Forestry Meeting in Forsyth   8/27/2008
On Tuesday, September 2, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM, the Georgia Forestry Association will hold its Forsyth Regional Meeting at the Public Safety Training Center.
 
Energy Crisis Front and Center at Capitol Rally   8/15/2008
The State Capitol was the site of an Energy Independence Rally held on August 6 to highlight the need for government leaders to take action to solve the nation's energy problems.
 
Representative Royal to Speak at GFA Regional Forestry Meeting in Valdosta   8/7/2008
On Tuesday, August 19, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM, the Georgia Forestry Association will hold its Valdosta Regional Meeting at Kinderlou Forest.
 
Governor Sonny Perdue Announces Robert Farris as Executive Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission   8/6/2008
On August 6th, Governor Sonny Perdue announced Robert Farris as the Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC).
 
Teachers Turn Conservation Students at Forestry/Wildlife Workshop   8/1/2008
Workshop participants begin arriving Monday to check in and pick up the required safety equipment for the field trips to several timber companies, including Plum Creek Timber Co., one of the workshop sponsors. Each person receives a hard hat, safety glasses and earplugs.
 
Workshop to Address Dust Explosions   7/30/2008
In response to dust explosions at industrial locations ranging from a wood pellet plant to a sugar refinery, the American Forest & Paper Association will sponsor a workshop to enhance awareness of potential dust hazards in the wood products and paper industries.
 
Forbes Magazine Has Named Georgia as the Third Best State in the Nation For Alternative Energy From Biomass.   7/30/2008
According to a Forbes article entitled "America's Best Places For Alternative Energy," the abundance of biomass in Georgia's Bioenergy Corridor ranks third in the nation as a potential source of renewable energy.
 
Conservation Incentives Guide Available   7/29/2008
The Wildlife Resources Division of the GA Department of Natural Resources has released an updated version of Landowner's Guide to Conservation Incentives.
 
Sen. Tolleson to hold Rally for Energy Independence for Georgia and America   7/24/2008
State Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) announced today that he will host a Rally for Energy Independence for Georgia at the State Capitol at 10:00 a.m. on August 6, 2008.
 
Association Hosts Briefing on EPD Idling Rule   7/2/2008
On June 26, representatives from several GFA member companies were at Association headquarters in Forsyth, GA to hear officials from Georgia Environmental Protection Division explain the agency's proposed rule to regulate idling of heavy duty vehicles.
 
Governor Perdue Raises Trucking Weight Limits for Storm Affected Areas   5/29/2008
Governor Sonny Perdue has issued an executive order raising the weight limit on trucks hauling wood for the counties damaged by the Mothers Day storms.
 
Forestry Foundation to be Lead Sponsor for Ecological Services Research   5/16/2008
Long awaited research will soon be underway that will quantify the value, in monetary terms, of the non-timber benefits of forest ecosystem services.
 
Governor OKs CUVA Improvements   5/14/2008
On Wednesday, May 14 Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law House Bill 1081, legislation that makes significant improvements in the state's 18-year old conservation use property tax program.
 
Governor Signs Bills Good for Forest Product and Other Manufacturers   5/14/2008
On Wednesday, Governor Perdue signed legislation capping the sales tax on energy used in the manufacturing process.
 
Governor Suspends Gas Tax on Off-Road Diesel   5/13/2008
On Monday, May 12, Governor Sonny Perdue signed an executive order suspending the collection of the state gas tax on diesel sold for off-road uses.
 
Project Learning Tree (PLT) Facilitators Receive Awards   3/19/2008
On March 15, during the annual conference of the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia at Unicoi State Park, Amy Taylor, a forester with Packaging Corporation of America in Valdosta, was awarded PLT's Outstanding Facilitator of the year for 2007.
 
Georgia Tree Farm Inspectors Honored   3/13/2008
On March 6, 2008, at the Georgia Tree Farm Program annual spring business meeting and awards ceremony, State Chair, Ed Withrow honored several Tree Farm inspectors by presenting certificates of appreciation and plaques based on their 2007 accomplishments.
 
April 5 Legislative Adjournment Projected, But...   3/12/2008
The House and Senate have agreed on a new adjournment resolution which schedules the 35th legislative day as March 27 with the earliest possible adjournment projected to be April 4 or 5.
 
House Approves Two Measures Supported By GFA   3/12/2008
Landowners and forest product manufacturers were winners last week as the Georgia House sent two important measures to the State Senate.
 
Governor's Landowner Liability Bill Passes Senate   3/10/2008
Senate Bill 449 passed the Senate last week but not before trial lawyers were successful in amending it so that some proponents suggest that the measure has essentially been gutted.
 
Forest Land Conservation Act Advances   3/10/2008
On March 6, the 29th legislative day of the 2008 session, the GA House of Representatives took a major step toward conserving large forest properties by addressing an out-of-control property tax system that has come to penalize forest landowners and discourage traditional forestry practices.
 
Rollcast Energy Inc. to Build Biomass Plant in Heard County   2/29/2008
Rollcast Energy, Inc. has chosen a site in Heard County, near Franklin, GA as the location for the company's new biomass plant. The plant, named Greenway Renewable Power, is expected to be completed in 2010 and to employ as many as 25 people.
 
Metro Atlanta Schools Receive GreenWorks! Environmental Grants from Project Learning Tree and Esurance   2/15/2008
Project Learning Tree (PLT), a national environmental education program sponsored by the American Forest Foundation, and Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal auto insurance company, have announced the 19 recipients of environmental service-learning grants through PLTs GreenWorks! initiative with Esurance.
 
Forestland Tax Legislation Introduced   2/14/2008
Long awaited legislation to bring more favorable property tax treatment to hundreds of thousands of acres of forests was introduced on February 13 by State Representative Richard Royal, R-Camilla.
 
Governor Perdue Announces Filing of the Landowners Protection Act   2/12/2008
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that legislation has been filed that will limit liability for landowners who open their property to hunters and agri-tourists.
 
Georgia Power Contracts with Renewable Plant   1/18/2008
Georgia Power has significantly increased the amount of energy under contract from independent renewable power producers and further diversified its fuel mix by signing a contract with a plant that will use wood biomass in Georgia to make electricity.
 
Sen. Golden to Sponsor 'Made in Georgia' Legislation   1/11/2008
State Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) plans to introduce legislation that would create a "Made in Georgia" campaign, designed to promote the sale of products manufactured in Georgia.
 
Fund Established for Wildfire Relief   1/8/2008
The establishment of a special fund to help family forests hit hard by Georgia's devastating 2007 wildfires was announced today in Waycross.
 
Helping to Restore Georgia Forests   1/3/2008
On January 7 at 11:30 AM at the Herty Building located at 5003 Jacksonville Highway in Waycross, a press conference will be held to announce the establishment of a privately funded Wildfire Relief Fund.
 
New Endowment Created to Manage funds from Softwood Settlement   12/28/2006
The recently incorporated nonprofit organization, the United States Endowment for Forestry & Communities, Inc., will receive $200 million to promote sustainable forestry and to assist timber-reliant communities.
 
Forest History Book Available Now   3/9/2006
In celebration of the upcoming centennial celebrations for both organizations, the Georgia Forestry Association and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources are pleased to announce the publication of a new book, The Centennial History of Forestry in Georgia: A Pictorial Journey.
 
Final 'Future of Forestry' Report Released   1/17/2006
Following several months of public meetings and committee discussions, the Joint 'Future of Forestry Study Committee' has issued its final report.
 

 


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