Because when forestry is thriving in our state, we all thrive.
Forestry Matters
In Georgia, we see the forest for the trees. Because we know they’re more than just leaves and limbs. They’re an essential part of the economic, environmental and cultural ecosystem of our state.
22 million
acres
144,000
jobs
5,000+
forestry products
What Are Working Forests?
When most people think about forests, they picture shady groves or state parks. But in Georgia, it's working forests that are top of mind. Because every year, millions of trees are planted, harvested and replanted, providing millions of Georgians with resources they depend on every day.
Sustainable Management
Working forests are like any other crop – there’s a time to grow and a time to harvest. And through the careful management of this cultivated ecosystem, these trees continue to spread their roots across two-thirds of Georgia.
Harvesting
Whether just thinning out a forest or harvesting an entire crop, every day, loggers select and remove trees that will become the paper products, home goods and other materials that we all need and use.
Reforestation
Georgia’s forests aren’t just working – they’re surviving, thriving and, and most significantly, growing. For every 1 tree harvested, an average of 5 are planted in its place, ensuring a green future for our state.
Forestry Products
More than 5,000 – that’s how many products come from Georgia forests. The list includes the obvious, like printer paper and wood chips, but also the more surprising, such as toothpaste, insulation and even artificial kidney membranes.
Part of Georgia’s Heritage
For more than three hundred years, Georgia’s growth has been rooted in forestry. And while harvesting and reforestation practices have changed a lot since the early 18th century, the need for thriving, working forests has not.
Mission & Vision
Covering two-thirds of Georgia, working forests are a vital part of our economic, environmental and cultural ecosystem. That’s why we’re committed to raising up the next generation of forestry advocates who will protect those trees and the jobs they support. And by arming these current and future leaders with the facts, we empower them to spread this message – Georgia’s wellbeing is rooted in thriving forests.
Putting Down Roots
To accelerate our outreach, we’re starting three forestry centers that will help us spread the message in three distinct ways – through leadership training, research and public education.
Center for Forest Leadership
The Center for Forest Leadership will cultivate and send out pro-forestry leaders who champion our state’s working forests in their local communities.
Center for Forest Competitiveness
To keep Georgia’s forest sector viable, this center will provide analysis, facts and data on a multitude of factors, including economic and environmental, that support working forests.
Center for Working Forest Education
A well-informed community is essential to the continued success of forestry in Georgia. That's why this center will partner with educators to share the story of sustainable working forests.
Leaders & Collaborators
Protecting forestry in Georgia isn’t just the mission of our organization. It’s a responsibility we share with our ecosystem of advocates and supporters.
Leadership
The leaders who champion our mission every day.
Andres Villegas
President & CEO
Ember Bishop Bentley
Executive Director
Board of Trustees
The day-to-day leaders and trusted advisors who are stewarding our growth.
Ken Stewart
Chairman Senior Advisory-Industry Strategy Georgia Institute of Technology (Retired)
Wesley Langdale
Vice Chairman President & CEO The Langdale Company
Jimmy Allen
Trustee Owner Pike Creek Turf Farms, Inc.
Dr. Lindsay Boring
Trustee J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway (Retired)
Allen Gudenrath
Trustee Senior Vice President Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Robert W. Pollard, Jr.
Trustee President Pollard Lumber Company
Mark Troughton
Trustee Global Accounts Executive Georgia Ports Authority
Will Varn, Jr.
Trustee President Varn, Inc.
Partners
Organizations who support our mission of connecting Georgia to its roots.
