2024 GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION IMPACT REPORT

ENHANCING THE VALUE OF GEORGIA’S FORESTRY SECTOR

Letter From Our President & CEO

As we close out the year, I’m honored to step into the role of President & CEO and join a team so deeply committed to advancing Georgia forestry. In just a short time, I’ve been inspired by the dedication of our members and out staff and the impact of our collective work.

In challenging economic times, and as our industry recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, GFA remains unwavering in advocating for forestry at the state and federal levels. Our members’ support have been essential to advancing key legislative priorities to protect private property rights, reduce tax and regulatory burdens and secure market opportunities for forestry products.

Thank you to our members for their continued membership, support, and commitment. I look forward to working together to ensure 2025 brings real results and value for your forestry investments.

Tim Lowrimore

Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts Continue as Damage Assessment Reveals $1.28 Billion Forest Resource Impact

By the numbers: According to the damage estimate released this October by the Georgia Forestry Commission, the total forest resource impact of the storm is $1.28 billion. Specific highlights of the report include:

  • 8.9 million acres in the path of the storm
  • 1.47 million acres receiving the majority of timber damage
  • 26 million tons of pine valued at $728 million
  • 30 million tons of hardwood valued at $555 million
  • 88% privately-owned land

From Valdosta to Augusta, GFA visited with landowner members impacted by Hurricane Helene to gather perspectives in support of our advocacy efforts. GFA’s advocacy team will be sharing the report with elected officials.

 

Protecting Forestry Investments & Removing Market Barriers

+30 Bills Monitored or Influenced

Two Key Priorities

  • Strengthened Private Property Rights near Navigable Streams
  • Established the Senate Forest Innovation Study Committee 

+150 Attendees at Forestry Day at the Capitol

GFA Hosts House Natural Resources Committee on Tour of 619 Ponce

In March 2024, GFA and a group of like-minded organizations hosted the House of Representatives Natural Resources & Environment Committee on a Tour of 619 Ponce, the state’s first Georgia Grown mass timber building.

Why it matters: Since 2017, policies championed by GFA and supported by members of the House Natural Resources Committee have catalyzed the mass timber market in Georgia.

Learn more: If you would like to learn more about 619 Ponce and the Georgia Forestry Foundation’s Seedlings to Solutions Initiative, including a mini-documentary which follows the stages of the local supply chain for the building, visit www.seedlingstosolutions.org.

Congressional Staffers Tour Connects Policy Experts with Georgia’s Working Forests

For three days in October, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry, and Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) hosted 10 Congressional Staffers on a tour of Georgia’s working forest resources.

What they saw: In addition to visiting damaged timberlands in the wake of Hurricane Helene, partners like Rayonier, International Paper, and Peeples Industries provided tours of a working forest, a harvest site, a pulp mill, and a Georgia port.

Why it matters: In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the tour provided the opportunity to connect legislative staff members and representatives with forestry supply chain members that are not only global leaders in the industry but an integral part of what makes Georgia the #1 Forestry State in the Nation.

 

“Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee” Explores Opportunities in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry

What happened: The Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee held its three meetings this year, searching for significant economic and environmental opportunities for Georgia’s forestry sector.

Why this matters: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers a pathway to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint and create high-value markets for timber. With around 90% of Delta’s carbon emissions coming from jet fuel, SAF is the best and fastest known way to reduce carbon emissions to reach the company’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Click here to read more >

GFA Annual Conference – The Largest Forestry Conference in North America

1,765 Active GFA Members

25 Events Hosted in 15 Regions

722 Annual Conference Attendees

Wise Owl Award – Jody Strickland

This year, Jody Strickland, Chief Business Officer, with F&W Forestry Services, was presented with the Wise Owl Award.

In addition to her work with F&W, Jody serves as the Vice President of Business Affairs for the University of Georgia
Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry, and helped to set up the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition. Strickland also serves as Vice Chair for the Forest Resources Association Executive Committee and is a dedicated member of GFA’s Forest PAC, the Association’s political action committee.

Wise Owl Award – Andres Villegas

As a surprise, GFA’s President & CEO at the time, Andres Villegas, was additionally recognized as a 2023 Wise Owl Award recipient. Andres served as President and CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation for over 9 years. His passion and vision for the organization was founded on his mission to bolster Georgia’s forestry industry and communities. Villegas is currently serving as Rayonier’s Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Logger of the Year – Rob Strother, Strother Timber Company

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. 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. 

Tree Farmer of the Year – H. G. Yeomans III Family Trust

This past summer, at GFA’s Annual Conference & Forestry Expo in Savannah, the Georgia Tree Farm Program announced H. G. Yeomans III Family Trust as the 2024 Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year. The award is given to forest landowners certified through the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) in recognition of private landowners who practice and promote outstanding forest management that supports sustainable wildlife, wood, water, and recreation.

Regional Forestry Events

In 2024, GFA hosted 20 Regional Forestry Meetings in 11 different regions.

These events drew over 1,000 individuals and provided education and networking opportunities. Thank you to our 38 different individuals and businesses who sponsored Regional Forestry Meetings in 2024.


Telling Forestry’s Story & Building Social License

+17,900 Engaged Followers Across 8 Social Media Accounts

Engaged Media Across Georgia

Supported GFA Members with Media Relations in the wake of Hurricane Helene

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION

No matter how you are connected to the industry, we are committed to enhancing the value of your investment in forestry by keeping you protected, connected and empowered.

Thank you for your membership and if you are not currently a member, please click here to join today!