The impact of privately owned forests on the quality and quantity of Georgia’s drinking water is remarkable, and well understood within the forestry community. However, it is unlikely that the state’s citizens and leaders often make the connection between a glass of clean drinking water and Georgia’s forests.
After 15 years of studies, lawsuits and bureaucratic delays, on Oct. 8, state and federal officials signed the final paperwork necessary for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project to begin, ensuring that larger cargo ships arriving via the soon-to-be-expanded Panama Canal can reach the state’s busy port.
On Oct. 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would extend the comment period for the second time on the proposed “Waters of the United States” rule. The deadline to submit comments has been extended from Oct. 20 to Nov. 14.
The potential for U.S. forests and forest products to mitigate the effects of climate change will play an unprecedented role in a policy agenda announced on Oct. 8 by the
Building With Wood updates.
New Timber Security Law expands the authority of the Georgia Forestry Commission to investigate, issue warrants and make arrests in timber theft cases. Previously the commission only had this authority in arson cases.
At the 2014 Georgia Forestry Association Annual Conference in Hilton Head Island, SC, the Association recognized a group of individuals who have made a significant impact on the forestry community and success of the Association and the Foundation through their advocacy and educational efforts.
President Obama’s advisors would recommend that he veto a bill to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from expanding jurisdiction over waterways. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, 262-152 on Tuesday.
Gilman Building Products is set to debut a new, fully automated fingerjoint lumber factory that uses tree remnants and other recovered waste fiber and converts it into value added products.