2025 GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION IMPACT REPORT

ENHANCING THE VALUE OF GEORGIA’S FORESTRY SECTOR

Letter From Our President & CEO

As we enter a new year, I want to thank you for the remarkable progress we’ve made together in strengthening Georgia’s forestry sector. Your support has enabled the Georgia Forestry Association to deliver real results. From securing Hurricane Helene recovery funding and severance tax relief to aligning truck weight limits with neighboring states and increasing investment in the Georgia Grown program.

These achievements are only possible because of committed members like you, and with new challenges ahead, your engagement is more important than ever to ensure GFA remains the trusted voice for working forests across Georgia. Thank you for your continued investment as we move into 2026 and turn advocacy into meaningful impact for our community and state.

Tim Lowrimore

Protecting Forestry Investments & Removing Market Barriers

+30 Bills Monitored or Influenced, Including:

  • Growing and Expanding Markets for Wood
  • State & Federal Hurricane Relief Funding (HB 223)
  • Maintaining Higher Truck Weight Tolerances (HB 164)

+150 Attendees at Forestry Day at the Capitol

GFA Hosts Bill Signing with Historic Hurricane Relief Funding

In May 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed historic hurricane relief funding at the GFA Headquarters.

Why it matters: This legislation granted over X.X billion in funding from the state of Georgia to landowners, business owners and others who were devastated by Hurricanes Debby & Helene in the 2024 Hurricane Season. Helene alone caused approximately $1.28 Billion in damage to Georgia’s timberlands.

What’s next: GFA will continue to work with the Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Georgia Department of Agriculture to secure the $531 million coming from the USDA.

USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz Tour Georgia’s Forests with GFA Members

Georgia Forestry Association Members and partner organizations had the honor of hosting U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and his team from both National and Southern Regional offices for a behind-the-scenes look at Georgia’s dynamic and diverse forestry sector.

For years, GFA & the U.S. Forest Service have worked closely together to advance markets for Georgia grown and American made forest products — a project that culminated with the construction of 619 Ponce as Georgia’s first locally sourced mass timber building. Together, we are continuing to strengthen private landowner engagement and support forest-based economies to uplift rural communities across the state.

We’re especially thankful to Chief Schultz for taking the time to hear directly from Georgia’s forestry community—the landowners, mill operators, conservation partners, and educators—who shared both the exciting opportunities and pressing challenges we face in stewarding our forests for future generations.

GFA Annual Conference – The Largest Forestry Conference in North America

2,008 Active GFA Members

25 Events Hosted in 15 Regions

700+ Annual Conference Attendees

Wise Owl Award – Bill Guthrie

At this year’s Annual Conference, GFA proudly presented its highest honor—the Wise Owl Award—to Bill Guthrie, General Manager of DS Smith.

A quiet force behind major policy wins, Bill played a key role in advancing the Forest Land Protection Act, timber theft legislation, and truck weight reforms. Known for his unmatched wisdom and integrity, his influence has shaped Georgia forestry for decades.

Thank you, Bill, for the legacy you’ve built and the leaders you’ve mentored along the way.

Champions of Forestry

This year, we recognized three exceptional leaders whose commitment, service, and impact on Georgia’s forestry industry go above and beyond:

Harry Sanders – A third-generation logger and vocal advocate for modernizing truck weight laws.
Troy Clymer – A steady hand in crisis, helping thousands of landowners recover from recent hurricanes.
Michele Lawson – The operational heart of GFA for 15 years, ensuring every member experience is outstanding.

These Champions of Forestry have left an indelible mark on our community — and we are proud to honor them.

Logger of the Year – Tobey McDowell, C. McDowell Logging Company

Raised in a pulpwood family and driven by purpose, Tobey McDowell of C. McDowell Logging has turned his childhood dream into a legacy of excellence.

Honored as the 2025 Georgia Logger of the Year by GFA & the Southeastern Wood Producers Association, Tobey leads with grit, safety, and advocacy—from the woods to the Capitol. His voice has helped shape key policies for loggers across Georgia, and his nomination now advances to the regional level with the Forest Resources Association. Congratulations, Tobey — your work is what keeps our industry moving forward.

Special thanks to Mason Tractor Company for sponsoring this year’s award.

Tree Farmer of the Year – Herbert Hodges

The Georgia Tree Farm Program announced Herbert Hodges as the 2025 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 2025, GFA hosted 22 Regional Forestry Meetings in 11 different regions.

These events drew over 1,100 individuals and provided education and networking opportunities. Thank you to our 38 different individuals and businesses who sponsored Regional Forestry Meetings in 2025.


Telling Forestry’s Story & Building Social License

More than 20 media outlets engaged GFA in wake of Hurricane recovery & mill closures

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!