Quercus virginiana, Georgia state tree
In Memoriam: Charles "Chuck" Place, Jr.
Born: Brooklyn, NY 1927
AS New York State Ranger School
BS Eastern Michigan University
Forest Education Specialist, Georgia Forestry Commission
Chuck Place was an ardent promoter of forest stewardship and conservation education for over fifty years. A champion of forestry youth education, helped found in the 1950s what became the Billy Lancaster Forestry Youth Camp (now sponsored by the Georgia Division Society of American Foresters). His passion was to make the processes of forestry operations understandable to the public. A tireless promoter of forestry through the Environmental Education Institute for Teachers, the Forestry Youth Camp, Macon Cherry Blossom Festival, and SAF Ocmulgee Chapter activities.
Chuck passed away Wednesday, November 5 in Pennsylvania while visiting a friend.
Chuck was passionate about forestry as noted above in his tribute when he was named to the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame. He participated in many education workshops dating back to the late 1950s, was an expert on naval stores, and could give you details about the Army Air Corps planes that you would never have known. He walked the Appalachian Trail twice and made friends wherever he went. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Georgia Voters Pass Amendment 1
On November 4, 2008, Georgia voted 'YES' overwhelmingly on Amendment 1, which guarantees Georgia's forests continue to serve our environment and our economy.
| Yes (x) No () |
TO ENCOURAGE THE PRESERVATION OF GEORGIA'S FORESTS THROUGH A CONSERVATION USE PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION PROGRAM Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the General Assembly by general law shall encourage the preservation, conservation, and protection of the state's forests through the special assessment and taxation of certain forest lands and assistance grants to local government? |
A full article and information on passage available here.
Please visit the official campaign website, maintained by the Georgia Forestry Association, for additional information on Amendment 1.
4Q 2008 GASAF Executive Committee Meeting
The final GASAF Executive Committee meeting for 2008 will be held on Wednesday, November 19 at 9:30am at the Georgia Forestry Association headquarters in Forsyth, GA. We'll wind up 2008 and kick off 2009, officially passing the torch to Chair-elect Tim Lowrimore. An agenda of business items can be found here (pdf).
New CFE Coordinator
At the end of July, the SAF Certification Review Board approved Steve Chapman as a second CFE Coordinator in Georgia, in addition to James Sweeney. With the new requirements for CFE credit qualification, the GASAF Executive Committee felt that Steve could help speed up the approval process. His contact information follows:
Steve Chapman ()
Georgia Forestry Commission
P.O. Box 819
Macon, GA 31202
478.751.3493 (o)
478.751.3465 (fax)
Robert Farris Appointed Director of Georgia Forestry Commission
On August 6, 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue announced Robert Farris as the Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The Director is responsible for all programs of the state forestry agency including oversight of all personnel. The GFC has 675 employees and an annual budget of approximately $40 million. The commission board approved Farris, upon recommendation from Governor Perdue.
Farris has served as Interim Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission since December 2006. Farris oversees the state agency's leadership, service, and education of Georgia's forest resources. Since joining the GFC in 1985, Farris has served as District Forester in Milledgeville, Statewide Training Coordinator, and Associate Chief of Protection. He has earned the GFC Director's Award for Outstanding Leadership and the Governor's Award for Outstanding Service. Farris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia. He is a Georgia Registered Forester, a Georgia Certified Prescribed Burner and a Georgia Certified Pesticide Applicator. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters, in which he has served a number of leadership positions, and is a member of the Georgia Forestry Association. He and his wife, Beverly, have four children.
GA SAF Signs Cogongrass MOU
June 9, 2008
During a historic cogongrass memorandum of understanding (MOU) ceremony, Michael Kelly, Chair of GA Division SAF, along with many other agencies and organizations, signed the Division on as an acting cooperator in the fight against the noxious weed species. As a follow up to establish a cooperative weed management area for the State of Georgia, a strategic plan will be developed incorporating strategies, activities, outreach, and any additional work undertaken to educate the public or employees/customers, on cogongrass, including control and management. Any efforts are welcome and could be vital to the overall success of our program. The strategic plan input target date is July 15, with all input incorporated into a single strategic plan for cogongrass in Georgia.
When developing plans, emphasis should be placed on the introduction of cogongrass into Georgia:
Some groups have already begun their efforts and several media releases have been produced. The Georgia Farm Bureau published a story on cogongrass and the ceremony on The Georgia Farm Monitor (May 31 show). Download the clip here.
Since our ceremony, multiple reports of cogongrass in Georgia have been published and many newly-found sites are in the process of being treated. Three new counties are now added to the list: Talbot, Carroll, and Haralson.
Please keep in mind that the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA are available to help with training, and can provide some publications for your efforts.
Please click here for a scanned image of the MOU document signed at the historic event (pdf). A link will soon be established from the primary cogongrass web site (http://www.cogongrass.org/) for additional information. Questions or concerns should be directed to James Johnson, Forest Health Coordinator, Georgia Forestry Commission
Georgia Water Management Plan
The first-ever Georgia Comprehensive State-wide Water Management Plan has been approved by the Water Council. Additional information and forestry related presentations available here.
Registered Forester Bumper Sticker
Available at the GA Division SAF annual meetings and through registration for those interested in proudly supporting their profession.
Georgia Division - Society of American Foresters
P.O. Box 2945, LaGrange, GA 30241
P: 706.845.9085 F: 706.883.8215
Email: ()
Copyright© 2008 - Society of American Foresters
