In the early morning hours of September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia with wind speeds topping 100 mph. In its wake, the storm left millions without power and devastated the region’s forestland.
The Georgia Forestry Commission’s (GFC) assessment put the total timber resource impact at $1.28 billion, a staggering blow to Georgia’s economy and forestry sector.
By the Numbers
- 8.9 million acres in the storm’s path
- 1.47 million acres receiving the majority of timber damage
- 26 million tons of pine valued at $728 million lost
- 30 million tons of hardwood valued at $555 million lost
- 88% of impacted acres privately owned
For many landowners, these forests were not just trees — they were retirement plans, college funds, or family legacies. Overnight, decades of investment were wiped away.
A Long Road to Recovery
Georgia’s forests are a 25–30-year crop. Replacing what was lost cannot happen overnight. Yet, in the twelve months since Helene, the forestry community has rallied, salvaging what could be harvested, advocating for relief, and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.
At the same time, another challenge has emerged: mill closures across Georgia. These shutdowns have disrupted markets and reduced demand for small diameter wood, a critical outlet for storm-damaged and thinned timber. For landowners working to recover from Helene, the combination of storm damage and shrinking markets adds another layer of difficulty.
That’s why GFA has been engaged with state and federal lawmakers to advance legislation that addresses not only disaster recovery but also the structural challenges facing our sector. Stabilizing markets, protecting land value, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of forestry in Georgia requires tackling both issues together.
Resources for Forest Landowners
Even before the Hurricane Helene Block Grant funds are distributed, Georgia’s farmers and forest landowners have already received substantial support through federal and state programs.
Federal Relief
- Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program: Georgia has secured $531 million in new federal block grant funding. This program likely will cover multiple commodities and loss types not traditionally included in USDA programs, ensuring that 100% of funds go directly to producers. Importantly, Georgia’s agreement covers more commodities and loss types than any other state. Applications will open once USDA finalizes the state’s work plan. View the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s statement on the funds here.
- Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): funds already allocated to landowners for debris removal, site prep, and replanting. (Applications are now closed.)
- Other USDA Programs: Additional relief has flowed through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), and Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), totaling more than $503 million in federal aid across agriculture and forestry.
State Relief
- Fuel Mitigation & Forestry Cleanup Grants: Approximately $135 million
- Harvest Tax Suspension: HB 223 suspended harvest tax for Q4 2024 and all of 2025 in eligible counties. Local governments must opt in by resolution.
- Reforestation Tax Credit: $200 million refundable credit (up to $550/acre) to support replanting in disaster-declared counties. Applications due December 31, 2025.
Bottom line: Georgia’s forestry producers should stay alert to current program details, announcements, and application deadlines to ensure they don’t miss available support.
Advocacy and Policy Priorities
Beyond immediate relief, GFA is pushing for long-term solutions that address both the damage from Helene and the broader market challenges our sector faces.
“Forest landowners are resilient, but right now they are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene and market challenges,” said GFA President & CEO Tim Lowrimore. “We are thankful for the ongoing support from our state and federal leaders to help rural communities and forest landowners recover.”
Looking Ahead
One year later, Georgia and our neighboring states are still grappling with the damage from Helene and the changing dynamics of the forest products market. Our forestry sector has been tested, but it has not broken.
With the right combination of relief programs, reforestation efforts, and strategies to strengthen markets for all forest products, we are charting a path forward that will restore our working forests and protect the communities that depend on them.
For more details on applications, deadlines, and how to engage with your county or FSA office, visit the GFA LIVE Hurricane Helene Blog.
Together, we will continue to rebuild Georgia’s forests — stronger than before.