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DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

The Georgia Forestry Commission’s assessment of the storm show a total timber resource impact of $1.28 billion.

Valdosta, Lowndes County

Hurricane Helene Devastates Georgia’s Forests: A Long Road to Recovery

The big picture: On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through South Georgia as a Category-2 storm, leaving millions without power and devastating the region’s timberlands. With wind speeds reaching 100 mph, even the best-managed forests couldn’t withstand the destruction, triggering an immediate response from forestry companies and landowners to clear roads and begin salvage operations.

By the numbers: The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) reports that 88% of the land impacted by the hurricane was private forestland, leaving millions of acres of timber in ruins. According to the most recent timber damage assessment, the total timber resource impact is estimated at $1.28 billion, a significant blow to Georgia’s economy and forestry sector.

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

Figure 1: Hurricane Helene wind zone boundaries obtained from NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC, left) and the TreeS-DIP forest damage map produced by the U.S. Forest Service Geospatial Technology and Applications Center (right, credit GTAC and Dr. Robert Chastain).

Long-term impacts: Millions of acres of forestland across various counties ranging from Lowndes to Richmond were devastated. For many landowners their working forest was a retirement plan or a college fund. An average investment of up to 20 years was lost overnight. Leaving the future of Georgia’s forestry market in question. The storm devastated Georgia’s forest production belt, one of the significant wood baskets in the world, which is integral to the state and national economy.

• After a long history of growing and producing wood products out of this region, the industry will now suffer a total timber resource impact of $1.28 billion dollars. Anticipating short and long term effects on timber production in Georgia, state efforts are to keep forests working in Georgia by encouraging landowners to reforest. GFA is raising awareness among legislators and the public about the economic consequences and the urgent need for policy action to support the forestry sector’s recovery and long-term growth.

GFC Director John Sabo said: “In addition to the economic impact to our private forest landowners, many of whom depend on timberland for the livelihoods of their families, Georgia’s forestlands provide tremendous ecosystem services to Georgians from Savannah to Valdosta to Atlanta and everywhere in between,” said Sabo. “Clean air, clean water, recreation, wildlife habitat…I know that all Georgians support landowners being able to restore and replant their forestlands and to keep our working forests working.”

Hurricane Helene’s Devastation to Georgia’s Most Productive Timberlands:

Assessing the Damage 

In conjunction with advocacy efforts, GFA visited with timber landowners who found themselves in the path of the Hurricane Helene and awoke to devastated forestlands and an uncertain future. GFA continues to advocate for public policy solutions at both the state and federal levels that will facilitate recovery, provide financial relief, and protect the long-term viability of Georgia’s forestry sector.

Salvaging Damaged Timber

Challenges continue to grow as landowners rush to harvest damaged timber in the wake of Hurricane Helene. From increased logging costs to beating blue stain, the forestry community strives to salvage Georgia’s most productive forestlands.

Press Conference with Governor Kemp and Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper

On October 10th, Georgia Forestry Association members joined Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Governor Brian Kemp to provide an update on Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts on Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries.

ADVOCACY EFFORTS

Georgia Forestry Association’s Recovery Response & Advocacy Efforts

The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) quickly mobilized to advocate for timberland owners, leading congressional staffers on tours of damaged forests and urging federal and state lawmakers to take immediate action. “The hardest-hit area is Georgia’s most productive wood basket, a key reason we are the #1 Forestry State in the nation,” said GFA President & CEO Tim Lowrimore. “The policies developed in response to this storm must recognize the region’s vital role in our state and the communities that depend on forestry.”

Hurricane Policy Priorities: GFA is actively engaging with state and federal lawmakers to prioritize legislation addressing the impact of Hurricane Helene on the forestry sector, focusing on creating incentives and relief programs that help stabilize the forest products market, protect land value, and ensure the sustainability of forestry operations in Georgia. In addition to providing education and coordinating with key elected officials, GFA has prioritized:

Federal Policies including Block Grant Legislation and the Permanent Crop Loss Program (Farm Bill)

• Block grants offer state agencies the flexibility to allocate resources in response to the specific conditions and needs of affected regions. In the forestry sector, where storm impacts can vary widely across different landscapes, block grants provide the ability to implement localized solutions that address the unique challenges faced by impacted areas. By empowering state agencies with discretionary funding, these grants facilitate the swift repair of damaged infrastructure, support reforestation efforts, and deliver targeted assistance to forest landowners.
• A permanent crop loss program tailored to forestry is critical to safeguarding the economic stability of forest landowners and forest operators in the face of increasingly frequent natural disasters. Existing agricultural loss programs do not provide support for forestry. Establishing a forestry-specific program would ensure that forestry landowners have access to timely and predictable financial relief in the face of life-altering disasters, thereby encouraging sustainable replanting efforts and mitigating long-term economic loss.

State Policies including Harvest Tax Suspension ​and a Reforestation Tax Credit

• The temporary suspension of the state harvest tax on timber for the fourth quarter of 2024 is essential to alleviating financial pressures on landowners affected by Hurricane Helene. By suspending this tax, the state can provide landowners with the short-term relief necessary to reinvest in operations and accelerate recovery, ultimately benefiting both the forestry sector, rural communities and the broader economy.
  • A reforestation tax credit, modeled after the success of Georgia House Bill HB4EX following Hurricane Michael, would provide financially-strained landowners in affected areas the opportunity to engage in reforestation efforts. A targeted tax credit would not only promote sustainable forest management but also encourage proactive investments in resilience, contributing to the health of Georgia’s forestry sector and rural communities.

Collectively, these policy initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to disaster recovery, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges faced by the forestry sector.

HURRICANE RELIEF FOR LANDOWNERS

GFC Offered Two Emergency Programs for Landowners

On November 1st, Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) approved a proposal redirecting $100 million to the Georgia Development Authority (GDA) for the purpose of providing disaster relief financial support for farmers and debris cleanup for timber producers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Of the $100 million, $25 million has been allocated to support debris removal on timberland and enhance certain fire control measures. The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) quickly responded with two emergency programs:

1) Fuels Mitigation Program (FMit):

What it covers: Cost-sharing (80%) for debris removal and fire mitigation.
Who’s eligible: Landowners with 10+ acres of damaged forestland.
Deadline: Applications were accepted through December 6, 2024.
Application Link: Hurricane Helene Fuel Mitigation Program

2) Forest Access Road & Firebreak Restoration Project:

What it provides: Free debris clearing from firebreaks and forest roads in the 91-county disaster area (**see below).
Who’s eligible: Tracts with pre-existing firebreaks and forest roads.
Deadline: Applications were accepted through December 6, 2024.
Application Link: Hurricane Helene Firebreaks Cleanout

Click here to read the full release from GFC.

If you are a forest landowner in need of assistance, contact your local GFC forester.

Claim Timber Losses and Defer Taxes on Salvaged Timber Sales

Seventy-one Georgia counties have been declared by the President as federal disaster areas (DR-4830-GA) making them eligible for individual and/or public assistance. This includes landowners who have suffered significant timber losses. Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources faculty members Drs. Yanshu Li, David Dickens, and David Clabo have summarized how to claim timber losses from Hurricane Helene on your federal tax return.

Click here to read more about potential claim deductions and how you may be able to defer taxes on salvage timber sales.

Emergency Forest Restoration Program

The “Emergency Forest Restoration Program” administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) will help pay up to 75% of the cost to restore land for items such as debris removal, site prep, fencing, fire lines, etc.  FSA works closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission on the implementation of this program. Federal cost share payments can take up to 6 months to a year.

Click here to read more about the Emergency Forest Restoration Program

DPS Permit Granted for Forestry at 95,000 lbs. GVW on Federal Interstates

Following the Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) provided exemptions for motor carriers hauling logs and raw forest products for Hurricane Helene timber salvage. Trucks hauling raw forest products, like logs and chips, for Hurricane Helene timber salvage or debris cleanup operations can apply for a free permit to haul up to 95,000 lbs GVW on Federal Interstates.

Long term solutions: GFA, in partnership with University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry, is actively procuring data to advocate for higher truck capacities as they play a crucial role in both storm recovery and the ongoing economic viability of the forestry sector. During recovery efforts, the ability to move damaged timber more quickly limits spoilage and waste, preserving market value.

RECOVERY EVENTS 

Post Hurricane Helene Forestry Meeting Series

What’s happening: The Georgia Forestry Commission and UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and UGA Cooperative Extension Service will be hosting a series of meetings for anyone interested in learning more about resources and Hurricane Helene’s impact on the timber industry.

• Monday, December 9 in Tifton
• Tuesday, December 10 in Lake Park
• Wednesday, December 11 in Lyons
• Thursday, December 12 in Augusta

*Registration is required and accommodations per event will be limited.

Click here for more details and the meeting agenda. 

To register for:

• Dec 9 & 10 meetings – call 229-386-3298 or email salina@uga.edu
• Dec 11 & 12 meetings – call 912-478-8986 or email dmiracle@uga.edu

Forestry Recovery & Resilience Workshops

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, GFA shifted the remaining Regional Forestry Meetings for the year towards hosting Hurricane Relief Workshops. In addition to being provided updates on state and federal disaster relief efforts (GFA) and hurricane damage assessments (GFC), GFA members were able to:

• receive first-hand knowledge and resources from experts on a variety of key topics, including timber salvage operations, reforestation, debris management, taxation, federal cost share programs and long-term forest management plans
• share experiences and necessary solutions with local forestry experts and regional leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.