_FORESTRY. ~AI IS c:,\: Annual Report. For. Georgia Forestry Commission Bulloch County July 2004 to June "' : '. .,.,.. .

Transcription

1 ..,., Annual Report For Georgia Forestry Commission Bulloch County July 2004 to June r G-EORGIA _ _FORESTRY. ~. ~ ~ ~ ~AI IS c:,\: :. ~. "

2 J I II,. I :..1,..,,..,.. - I I Personnel Position Chief Ranger Nrune Linwood McNure Kyle Williams Leon Lonon Garrett Anderson The Bulloch County unit employs four full time personnel. These employees are required to respond to forest fires on a 24 hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week basis. In addition, they are responsible for all repairs and maintenance of the unit grounds and equipment. These duties include presuppression firebreak plowing, manning fire tower, presenting programs at our schools, RFD departments, state nursery duties and any other projects as may be.. assigned by the District Forester. Forest industry in Georgia is a 19.7 billion dollar industry directly employing over 75,000 while 69,000 are employed by industries supporting forest product manufacturing for a total of 144,000 people. This is directly seen by noting the many other residents of this county that work in fields closely related to the forest products industry. This is also noted in the fact that there are 436,900 acres ofland in Bulloch County in which 250,700 acres are in forestland. Almost 58% of Bulloch County is in forestland.. The entire staff of the Bulloch County Unit would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners for your support in the protection of all forestland. We are also glad that you share our belief that forestry is a vital part of our local economy and, therefore, must be protected; and wisely mci.ilaged....,.., r,.., : :....~ : ; ~. ~.,..!. _,.

3 !;.:.:.. : ;!. :.. ~. : L.: : -. ~, I I I I ~~ Forest Protection... Fire Suppression _ Total land area within the county is 436,900 a_cres.:_ During th~ year wildfire occurrence was: Number of Fires Cause Acres Burned 34 Debris Incendiary Lightning.02 9 Machine Use I Campfire I Children 0 9 Misc Total Average size fire was 7.0 acres. Control Burning Unit personnel plowed miles of firebreal<s for 122 landowners in Bulloch County. Nine landowners were given direct assistance in burning 364 acres. Burning Permits The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) issues burning permits for certain types of outdoors burning. This year 2992 permits were issued in Bulloch County. As always, the local fire departments are a tremendous help and we greatly appreciate the continued support of the below fire departments. Clito, Leefield, Stilson, Bay Nevils, Register, Brooklet, Portal and Statesboro Fire Department..,. -, I [,

4 :La;. -...L.. Rural Fire Defense As always, the loca] fire departments are a tremendous help and we greatly appreciate the continued support of the below fire departments. Clito, Leefield, Stilson, Bay Nevils, Register, Brooldet, Portal and Statesboro Fire Department. Many years ago fire stations only existed within municipalities in Georgia. Today fire stations along with equipment are placed strategically throughout Georgia. Georgia Forestry Commissions Rural Fire Defense Program has been assisting unprotected rural fire communities in establishing an initial fire protection program since The rural Fire defense program also reinforces existing fire deprutments by equipping them for fighting rural fires and providing the GFC with a back-up force of equipment and trained personnel for emergency forest fire use. For more information on how the Rural Fire Defense program operates please contact your Chief Ranger with the Georgia Forestry Commission. Existing Rur al Clito Fire Department Leefield Stilson Bay Nevils Register Brooldet Portal Statesboro Fire Defense Equipment in Bulloch County. fire knocker fire knocker..... ". -

5 Forest]danageEnent Billy Nelson our local Forest Management Forester and the Chief Ranger have worked together to meet 174landowners request, for management advice on s~me _11,74<? _acres. ~. GFC and Forestrys Impact on Local Economy The Bulloch County Forestry unit is dedicated to ensuring that our forest are protected against wildfires and that our Forest are managed to their optimal potential. Our dedication to this endeavor ensures that the maximum economic benefits derive from our forest in Bulloch County. We enjoy obvious Forest Industry presence in the County as is noted by the many industries and private entrepreneurs that derive their income from the Forest of our county. We cannot forget those whom frequent visit our county to conduct harvesting and hauling of timber and chips, pine straw raldng, hunting and other benefits our Forest provide to the economic prosperity of the county. Landowner and Forest Education There were 16 news articles/pictures that were supplied by the Ranger/Forester and printed by local news media. GFC personnel to schools and community groups that reached 6082 children and adults gave fifty programs. Personnel also participated in the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Parade and the Pmtal Turpentine Parade. Interagency Cooperation Special thanks goes out to the tremendous support we get from the Board of Commissioners. We work hand and hand with the Fire Departments of Bulloch County, which ensures that the landowners and homeowners of Bulloch County are offered the best and most cost effective fire protection available. The Georgia Forestry Commission, Bulloch County personnel stands ready to serve the landowners and homeowners of this county 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.,