Volume 30 Number 4 Issue 4 • 2011 - SESAF · Gordon, Georgia 31031 (478) 628-1196 [email protected] Executive Committee: Chair: Bob Lazenby Arbor Creek Forestry P.O. Box

1The Southeastern Forester, Fall 2011

Volume 30 Number 4Issue 4 • 2011

The fox squirrel, a beneficial species for longleaf pine, is subject of a research survey in Florida.See story on page 11.


Message from the ChairI hope everyone has a great and joyous Christmas holiday season; it’s a great time for families to celebrate the goodness in the world and just spend time together.

Congratulations to our newly elected officers: Chair-Elect is Dr. Eric Jokela, Professor of Silviculture at the University of Florida; Secretary is Brian Agnew, owner of Southern Land Management, LLC, Union Springs, Alabama; Treasurer is James (Jim) Martin, Retired VP of Canal Industries, Northport, AL; and our 2011 Chair-Elect Ed Loewenstein will take over as Chair.

Congratulations to Dave Lewis on being elected our new SAF Council Representative.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend our Annual Meeting, February 19-21, 2012 at the Oceanside Inn and Suites on Jekyll Island, GA. I am excited and looking forward to the program put together by Tim Lowrimore, Edward Loewenstein, Dave Lewis and Josh Harrell. I believe it will be a great learning experience in a very pleasant location for February.

The program, entitled “After the Recession: Finding Our Way Out of the Woods,” has some very prominent and knowledgeable experts. The opening session will feature Jacek Siry from UGA who will talk about the “Economic Outlook for Southern Forestry.” Jim Fendig with the Wood Supply Research Institute will tell us “Where We’ve Been and How We’ve Recovered from Past Recessions” and Amanda Hamsley Lang, FORISK Operations Manager, will provide “A Look into the Timber and Wood Markets.”

After our Business Lunch we will have a discussion session on “Markets Response Following Recession – Sawmills, Paper and New Markets” with Richard Phillips from NC State and Matt Smidt and Tom Gallagher from Auburn University. In the second session, Scott Jones of FLA; Bill Siegel, Forest Resource Consultant/Attorney; and Michael Goergen, CEO of SAF, will talk about “Forest Policy, Taxes and Federal Budgets and Impacts on State Land Buying Programs and Land Management.”

Our guest speaker for the Awards Dinner will be Bob Izlar, Director of the UGA Warnell Center for Forest Business. Bob will present a “Southerner’s Look at Southern Forestry’s Legacy” and I promise you will find it enjoyable, funny and informative.

Tuesday will feature a panel session on “Investing in Timberland Management in the Current Economic Environment” and will include Michael Kelly, President of Forest Investment Associates; Leonard Wood, Owner of Jowett and Wood Forestry Consultants; Donald Robbins, Owner of Robbins Silvicultural Contracting; and Alan Wilson of Rayonier (invited).

There will be an Organizational Effectiveness Workshop on Tuesday afternoon for upcoming SESAF officers and any others interested. I strongly encourage anyone who wants to learn more about SAF and how to be an effective officer to attend this session. It is a very informative and interesting session on leadership, the workings of SAF and being a more productive officer.

I look forward to seeing you in February.

Bob Lazenby, 2011 SESAF Chair

A publication of SESAF, The Southeastern Society

of American Foresters,829 GA HWY 57

Gordon, Georgia 31031(478) 628-1196

[email protected]

Executive Committee:Chair: Bob Lazenby

Arbor Creek ForestryP.O. Box 2163

Gray, GA 31032Phone: (478) 986-0809

[email protected]

Chair-Elect: Ed LoewensteinAuburn University

School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences602 Duncan Drive

Auburn, AL 36849-5418Phone: (334) 844-1069

[email protected]

Secretary: Bill HubbardUniversity of Georgia

Forest Resources Bldg. 4-402Athens, GA 30602

Phone: (706) [email protected]

Treasurer: John BrittConsulting Forester173 Watkins Road

Fortson, GA 31808-4865Phone: (706) 662-0036

[email protected]

Past-Chair: Greg DriskellForest Capital Partners

748 NW Lona LoopLake City, FL 32055


Alabama Chair: Chris ErwinAlabama Forestry Association

555 Alabama St. Montgomery, AL 36104Phone: (334) [email protected]

Florida Chair: Eric HoyerNatural Resource Planning Services

2204 Velvet WayLakeland, FL 33811


Georgia Chair: Todd MullinsWeyerhaeuser

720 West Lane St.Brooklet, GA 30415


Student Representative: Sarah LesleyAuburn University501 Webster Rd.

Auburn, AL 36832Phone: (256) [email protected]

District X Council Representative:Mark Elliott

114 Hope Dr. Daphne, AL 36526


ViEws from sEsAf LEAdErship

Report from CouncilMark Elliott, District X RepresentativeAloha from Honolulu and Daphne, AL. This is my last column as your Council representative. I have enjoyed the experience and commend it to you if you are thinking of serving SAF at a higher level. You’ll find that the staff is committed and works hard and the issues broad and diverse. We actually did work in Hawaii at two Council meetings. For the past twelve months Council has been working on a project to improve the organization using the “Good To Great” model developed by Jim Collins. We utilized the services of Will Novy-Hildesley, a group facilitator to help us work through the model to identify strengths, weaknesses and what does SAF want to be?

continued on page 5


sEsAf NEws

Two SESAF Members Receive Fellow HonorSAF honors those members who have provided outstanding contributions and service to the Society and the forestry profession. This exceptional recognition is bestowed upon a member by their peers. Congratulations to Eric Jokela and Michael Kelly on receiving one of the highest honors for members of the Society.

Eric JokelaEric has been a member of SAF since 1975, serving as: Chair of the Florida Division, Chair of the SESAF Bylaws Committee, Chair of the Florida Division Bylaws Committee, Co-Chair of the 2001 Florida/Georgia SAF “Slash Pine Symposium”, Associate Editor of Forest Science, Chair of the Suwannee Chapter, Chair of the Florida SAF Education Committee, Chair of the Suwannee Chapter Nominating Committee, Faculty Advisor UF SAF Student Chapter (1987–1989, 1993, 1994), and Sec/Treas of the Suwannee Chapter. Eric was elected SAF Fellow in 2011 and has received several awards including the SESAF Research and Development Award (2008), FL SAF Stephen Spurr Research Award (2006), FL SAF Outstanding Leadership Award (2006) and UF Outstanding Forestry Instructor Award (2010, 2009, 2008, 2004, 1995, 1994, and 1991).

Eric received his B.S. (1975) and M.S. (1978) degrees in forestry from the University of Minnesota and his Ph.D. (1984) in silviculture/forest soils from the State University of New York. He has been a Professor of Silviculture at the University of Florida since 1984. He teaches and conducts research on the silviculture and nutrition of southern pine forests and has authored/co-authored more than150 publications.

Michael KellyMichael Kelly is President and Chairman of the Investment and Executive Committees of Forest Investment Associates (FIA), a Registered Investment Advisor specializing in timberland investment management for institutional and private investors. FIA manages approximately two million acres of timberland in 16 U.S. states for its clients.

Joining FIA in 1990, Michael served as Management Forester, Vice President and Director of Timberland Management and Executive Vice President before being named President. Prior to FIA, he worked for International Paper Company, holding positions in timberland management, wood fiber procurement, fiber flow planning and cost analysis.

Michael is a Certified Forester, a Registered Forester and a member of the Society of American Foresters, serving recently as Secretary of the Southeastern Society and Chair of the Georgia Division. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Forest History Society and on the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Advisory Council. He holds a B.S. in Forestry from Auburn University and an M.B.A. from the University of South Alabama.

2012 SESAFANNUAL MEETING

February 19-21, 2012Oceanside Inn & Suites

Jekyll Island, GA

Please visit www.sesaf.org for more information and to register now. Special room rates are guaranteed through January 7 and pre-registration rates for the meeting are available through January 17. For exhibitor and sponsorship information, contact

Exhibitor/Sponsor Committee Chair Eric Hoyer at [email protected] or (863) 670-0734.

Request for SAF Fellow Nominations The SESAF Fellows Committee encourages members to nominate deserving peers who have made outstanding contributions and service to SAF and the forestry profession. Nominations are due to the Committee by March 1, 2012. Contact Fellows Committee Chair Phillip Sasnett at [email protected] or Sharon Dolliver at [email protected] for more information.


Robert G. Heeke Honored with Presidential Field Forester AwardRobert G. Heeke was selected as one of nine foresters in the nation to be honored with the Presidential Field Forester Award at the 2011 SAF National Convention.

Heeke has worked for the Suwannee River Water Management District in Live Oak, FL since 1987. When hired as the land resources manager, the district had land holdings of some 12,000 acres and no permanent management staff. Since then, district fee land holdings have grown to more than 160,000 acres arrayed in corridors along the region’s rivers. Throughout this time, Heeke has overseen all land management activities, including forest operations, facility maintenance and public use. He has also had responsibility for monitoring the district’s conservation easements which now total more than 120,000 acres.

Heeke has implemented an ownership-wide forest inventory; supervised the development and adoption of ownership-wide management plans in 2003 and 2011; developed and supervised the district’s prescribed burning program; directed harvesting on more than 15,000 acres for natural community restoration; established the exotic plant control project at the district and served on the statewide Invasive Species Working Group; directed the installation of hydrologic mitigation projects across the district; developed and implemented the district’s Excellence in Land Management Program and directed the district’s efforts to become the first SFI-certified public lands in Florida.

Heeke has been an active member of SAF since 1981and, in 2005, received the SESAF Excellence in Forestry Award in the General Practice of Forestry.

David Cass is Winner of SAF’s Graduate Student Video Contest By David SouthCongratulations to M.F. candidate David Cass (Duke University) who attended the SAF National Convention at Honolulu, Hawaii and gave a presentation entitled “Optimizing timber and nutrient management in the North Carolina Piedmont.” Prior to the convention, David made his video and submitted it to the SAF Forest Science and Technology Board’s “Graduate Student Video Contest.” This contest was made possible by a $500 donation from “Hancock Forest Management.” Al Lyons of the Alabama Division SAF played an integral role in obtaining the donation.

After receiving the award, David said, “I’m very happy to have been selected as this year’s FSTB Graduate Student Presentation Award recipient. This year was my third SAF National Convention as a student and I’m fortunate to be involved with an active student SAF chapter at Duke. I am also grateful to SAF for supporting and encouraging students to present at National Convention. I don’t believe it is out of any student’s reach to present at Convention, and I would endorse a presentation over a poster; mainly because you work just as hard to create either, but gain much better exposure from the presentation. It was a wonderful experience to present; I received nothing but positive feedback and support by my fellow students, SAF staff, and colleagues that attended my presentation. Winning the FSTB award was just a feather in my cap on an already great day. Thank you to the FSTB and to SAF as a whole for supporting and encouraging active student involvement at National Convention.”

The competition was open only to graduate students who are SAF members and who are enrolled in an SAF accredited program. David’s winning video may be viewed on the web at: http://tinyurl.com/7cftezh.

Report from Council continued from page 2Will has worked with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Starbucks and Apple Computers on their move from being merely good to great organizations. Council will continue this process next year so that SAF will continue to improve and focus on its passion.

Council approved changes to the World Forestry Committee. The Committee will administer the Gregory Fund and serve as a liaison to the International Network of Forestry Bodies, International SAF Working Group and International Union of Forest Research Organizations. In addition, it will monitor issues that have domestic and international implications for forestry in the United States.

We continue to have declining revenue and membership. Our main sources of revenue, namely subscriptions, dues and advertising continue to decline. Council is studying several ideas to reverse declining membership but local chapter activity remains one of the best ways to get and keep members. State chairs can reach out to recruit members to work on the state annual meetings and committees. As for revenues, we will be developing several non-dues revenue projects to reduce our dependency on dues. Bob Alverts, District 2 Council Rep, is leading this effort.

You have received the invoice for 2012 with the new dues structure. I encourage you to consider the Gold level for dues to continue receiving the high level of service SAF has provided you in the past. I plan to select the Gold level and add my usual tax deductible contribution. If you cannot pay the entire amount now, then contact the national office for a payment plan.

Congratulations to Dave Lewis on being elected the new District 10 Council representative.


IN MEMORIAMA Tribute to Fred W. HaeusslerBy John A. Sandor, Juneau, Alaska and Dean McCraw, Savannah, GA

Fred W. Haeussler, distinguished 1954 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, passed away October 28, 2011 - leaving a remarkable legacy of achievements and influences not only in the forestry profession, but also through the lives he influenced as husband, father, U.S. Air Force veteran, benefactor and friend.

Fred and his wife Carol of Cincinnati, Ohio were married September 10, 1954; celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary this year. Fred is survived by Carol, three sons, Mark S. Haeussler and wife, Elizabeth of Opelika, Alabama, Timothy J. Haeussler and wife, Lisa of Savannah, Georgia, Michael E. Haeussler and wife, Allison of Savannah, Georgia; five grandchildren, Tiffany, Benjamin, Harrison, Madelyn and Emily Haeussler; a nephew and niece in the United States; and numerous relatives in Germany.

He was born June 4, 1932 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Fred and Katherine Alles Haeussler, immigrants from Germany. Proud to be a first generation American, Fred was the first of his family to obtain a college education. He adopted as his life’s motto words from his high school track coach: “Determination wins!”

Fred earned his bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Georgia where he excelled in both education and athletics. He lettered in track and cross-country under legendary coach Spec Towns. He participated in numerous clubs and activities at the university, propelling him to election in 1954 as Outstanding Male Senior. He graduated first among his classmates in the School of Forestry Resources. He earned a Masters of Forestry degree from Duke University in 1955. He then served his country for two years active duty as an officer in the United States Air Force as Office of Special Investigations Agent.

In 1957, Fred began a long career of more than 37 years with Union Camp Corporation, beginning as a conservation forester. He held twelve different positions of increasing responsibility during his career. Fred’s longest tenure was as Land Manager for the Savannah Region where he was responsible for all activities on 1.1 million acres of timberland. Fred also had extensive experience in environmental affairs holding two different positions related to Union Camp’s environmental efforts. He was also a key corporate leader in developing Union Camp’s woodland operations in Alabama after their purchase of the WT Smith Lumber Co.

For his contributions to Georgia’s forestry community, Fred was given the Georgia Forestry Association’s “Wise Owl Award” in 1997 and was inducted into the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Alabama Foresters Hall of Fame in 1987. His lifetime contributions to forestry were recognized when the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources presented Fred the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999 and Duke presented him the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1980. Fred began his participation and leadership in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) as a student in the University of Georgia and during his life-long career served as an officer in many levels. These included Chair of the Alabama Division and Southeastern Society, National Council Member and a term as national president of the SAF in 1985. During Fred’s term as SAF President, membership in the organization reached record levels. He was recognized for his contributions to SAF with his election as Fellow in 1979. In 1985, he also served as a delegate to the World Forestry Congress in Mexico City, Mexico. Fred was a Certified Forester. He served on the Advisory Committee on State and Private Forestry to the Secretary of Agriculture and he served as board member and Chair of the LSU/MSU Logging Center. He remained active in SAF until his death, and was recognized with the John A. Beale Memorial Award.

As an example of Fred and Carol Haeussler’s generosity and commitment to encouraging talented young men and women to enter the forestry profession, the Haeusslers established the Fred W. Haeussler Scholarship at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. At the present time, Fred was still serving as a member of the Board of Directors, National Museum of Forest Service History in Missoula, Montana. Fred and Carol traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally. He appeared as a cast member in three movies that were filmed in Savannah.

Fred’s legacy is the many young foresters that he mentored through the years and encouraged to participate in SAF. For his many friends, he would without fail send cards on their birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. He was very active in community issues as he was a frequent writer of letters to the editor of the Savannah Morning News. In recent years, Fred would attend forestry functions where he would sit in a chair due to his limited mobility and would be surrounded by many of the attendees. It was referred to as Fred “holding court.”

In a 2007 interview with the editor of the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources publication “The Log,” Fred Haeussler revealed his philosophy of life: “To be successful you must develop a passion for what you’re doing.” He explained: “The other important ingredient for achievement is people.” He continued: “Little is accomplished by one’s self. I’ve been fortunate to have had the help and support of many people over the years.” continued on page 7


To the many people who have had the privilege of knowing and working with Fred Haeussler, it was clear that Fred truly lived the philosophy of life that he described. Fred was not only an outstanding citizen and professional forester throughout his career - but he was also a very humble, generous and loving person who will forever be an inspiration to us as he lives on in our hearts and minds.

In honor of Fred’s life, contributions may be made to the Fred W. Haeussler Scholarship Fund at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. In the alternative, contributions may be made to The Forestry Foundation, Society of American Foresters, 5400 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.

IN MEMORIAM

Harry Ernest MurphyHarry Ernest Murphy, 90, pioneering consulting forester, self-confessed “loveable curmudgeon” and philanthropist, died suddenly Oct. 21 in Birmingham. He was born Sept. 2, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Emma and Vincent Murphy, of German and Scotch-Irish heritage. Harry earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the Pennsylvania State University, fighting fires with “The Red Hats” of the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest during the summer. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, assuming active duty in 1943. In 1944, he was assigned to the European Theater as a construction foreman, overseeing projects at various ports and serving in the Rhineland Campaign. The recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal, he rose from the rank of private to Master Sergeant, and later, First Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Reserve.

Whether he was working or playing, Harry was always guided by his joie de vivre, or joy of living. For example, while attending booby trap and mine school in New Orleans, he took pains to sample every restaurant in the French Quarter. While preparing to ship out from London, England, he studied botany, earning a technical certificate at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. He told memorable stories of those times, lamenting a secret lost love in England or recounting a daring motorcycle escapade in enemy German territory. After the war, Harry came to the Southern U.S. to work as a District Forester in the Arkansas Forestry Division and then to manage forestry relations for the Tennessee Valley Authority. A bachelor, he brought his parents with him and set up home in Sheffield, Ala.

Harry soon met a Yale-trained forester from Birmingham, John M. Bradley, Jr., and moved to Birmingham to help Bradley form Resource Management Service, Inc., now a highly successful international forestry consulting firm. Harry believed passionately in the future of the commercial Southern forest and private enterprise forestry, helping to lead the national effort to establish the Association of Consulting Foresters, Inc. (ACF). Indeed, he was such an evangelist for his profession that he was once described as “the Billy Graham of consulting forestry.” An inveterate traveler, Harry especially enjoyed the culture of Latin America and maintained life-long friendships with friends and consulting colleagues in Argentina, Brazil, Honduras, and Guatemala.

In addition to ACF, Harry was a member and a fellow in the Society of American Foresters, a member and former board member of the Forest Landowners Association (and Tax Council), a member of the Alabama Forest Landowners’ Association, the Alabama Forestry Association and numerous other state and national professional organizations (who have honored and recognized him). An early advocate of Alabama’s “Forever Wild” program, he was twice the recipient of the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award. In retirement, Harry focused on mentoring other foresters and philanthropy, contributing to the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, the Bradley-Murphy Forestry Natural Resources Extension Trust, the Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO), South Highland Presbyterian Church, and the School of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), among other charitable causes.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Howard B. Maxwell. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Bonnie Moxey Maxwell; and a niece, Alison Maxwell Kochie (husband, John). In addition, he enjoyed a close group of Birmingham friends that included Billie Bowling, Robert Gandy and Jennifer Greer, Vikki and Mark Thomas, Lee and Eyvon Laechelt, Walter Henley, Susan Simpson, Fred Frengel, Ouida and Bruno Fritschi. For special dedication to Harry, the family would also like to thank Dr. Gorman Jones and the Camellia Group of UAB; caregiver, Doretha Samson; minister, the Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley of South Highland Presbyterian Church; and Ridout’s Valley Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Harry’s name to the UAB School of Nursing, International Nursing Leadership Development Program, 1701 University Blvd. NB 218), Birmingham, AL 35294-1210.

continued from page 6


DIVISION NEWS

Florida Division NewsBy Eric Hoyer, Florida Division Chair

As the year ends, I look back and realize the Florida Division accomplished a good bit. It’s hard to believe “my” year is almost complete. As Chair, it takes about a year to learn the job and then it’s time to “pass the baton.”

Our annual Spring Symposium was, for the first time, moved to the fall to avoid a conflict with the SESAF annual meeting which was moved to February a few years ago. We were a bit apprehensive with the new schedule and didn’t know how folks would respond. We ended up with approximately 90 people in attendance for the November 8-9 Symposium. Our theme, “Managing Public Lands and Waters – Doing More with Less,” was well received and offered a variety of speakers from various agencies. Several panel discussions generated considerable discussions and questions.

The Florida Division also held a business meeting the morning of November 9th. One of the items of business was to recognize the recipients of our Florida Division SAF awards. The following individuals were recognized:

Walter “Butch” Mallett of the Florida Forest Service: Hux Coulter Award for Outstanding Field Forester.

Harper Hanway of Southern Forest Consultants: Young Forester Award.

Dr. Lonnie Ingram – University of Florida: Forest Utilization Award for his research in cellulosic ethanol.

Dr. Ed Gilman – University of Florida: Stephen Spurr Award for his years of research in various urban forestry and arboricultural related topics.

In addition to our Division Awards, Florida is proud to announce that Dr. Eric Jokela, silviculture professor at the University of Florida, became an SAF Fellow. Bob Heeke, Senior Land Resources Manager with the Suwannee River Water Management District, was recognized by SAF as the District X Field Forester of the Year.

Congratulations to all six individuals for their accumulated contributions to the field of forestry.

Earlier in the year, the Florida Division sponsored a teacher at the annual week-long Teachers’ Forestry “Camp” held in Jacksonville in June. This camp provides teachers with an opportunity to learn about the forest industry, its products and its impact on Florida’s economy. We also provided $1,000 to the University of Florida Student Chapter to assist with their trip to Honolulu for the National Convention. Thanks to our efforts and other donations, six students, along with Dr. Tim White, attended the National Convention.

I am pleased to congratulate the newly elected 2012 officers. Pat Minogue is Chair-Elect and Chris Demers is Secretary-Treasurer. I wish the Florida Division and its new Chair, Kimberly Bohn, continued success in 2012.

Harper Hanway receives the 2011 Outstanding Young Forester Award from Florida Division Chair Eric Hoyer at the SAF-SFRC Symposium in November.


DIVISION NEWS

Georgia Division NewsBy Todd Mullis, Georgia Division Chair

As 2011 comes to a close I thought it was appropriate to share a summary of the Georgia Division of Society of American Foresters activities over the past year.

This past spring our University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources Chapter hosted the 54th Southern Forestry Conclave. The UGA Forestry Club hosted fifteen other forestry schools from around the South at the School’s Whitehall Forest. Our UGA team finished a solid third which was fantastic considering the time and effort spent hosting the event. Congratulations to our student members on this outstanding accomplishment. Thanks to all of you who sponsored this great event.

The 23rd Billy Lancaster SAF Forestry Youth Camp was held in June at the FFA/FCCLA Camp near Covington, GA. Forty-one 12 and 13 year-old students from across the state learned about the importance of forestry to Georgia in the four-day camp. Much appreciation goes to the SAF members, chapters and forest companies that made generous contributions. For the first time in several years, the Georgia Division did not have to make up a shortfall in sponsorships.

Gail Westcot, Camp Curriculum Director, leads an activity with students.

Our 62nd Georgia Division Annual Meeting was held on St. Simons Island in August and was attended by over eighty registrants. The theme of the 2011 meeting was “Back to the Timber: An Updated Look at Timber Supply and Demand.” Due to the strong support of over twenty sponsors, eight exhibitors and our speakers, the meeting was a financial success for the Division. Thanks again to all sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for their support. A special thanks also goes to Sharon Dolliver, Josh Harrell and Gail Westcot for going the extra mile to make the meeting a success.

Congratulations to the Chattahoochee Chapter for receiving best Chapter Success Story at this year’s House of Society Delegates meeting in Hawaii earlier this month. This means that of all those submitted from across the country, the Chattahoochee Chapter’s was the best. That’s quite an honor. Listed below are just a few of the items that the Georgia Division supported financially this year:• Coat check at annual Georgia Forestry Association legislative reception• Southern Conclave at UGA• Billy Lancaster Forestry Youth Camp• Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources Homecoming golf tournament• UGA Forestry Club students’ attendance at the SAF National Convention

In looking forward to 2012, I strongly encourage you to support the Georgia Division and the new officers that will be leading the Division in the upcoming year. Chad Hancock with F&W Forestry will be your 2012 Division Chair, and Chris Rosier with International Forest Company will be your 2012 Chair-Elect. We are also glad to have Gail Westcot back for two more years as Secretary/Treasurer. She has done a great job the past two years, and we are thankful to have her back for two more.

In closing, please consider every opportunity to support this wonderful profession that has been such a blessing for all of us. Our future generations deserve nothing less.


Fox Squirrel Survey in FloridaBy Courtney Hooker, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Biologist

In forests across the Southeast, there is a charismatic mammal that provides an important benefit to the health of longleaf pines.

The fox squirrel, named for its striking fox-like tail, is approximately twice the size of the common gray squirrel. Members of this species exhibit considerable color variation, ranging from creamy tan to all black. Individuals are physically unique and can often be identified based on their color patterns.

Fox squirrels would historically occupy almost every county in Florida, but their distribution is patchy, not well understood and the population is declining. The longleaf pine ecosystem is the primary habitat of fox squirrels and has declined by 98 percent since presettlement times. This decline has also led to the subsequent decline of other longleaf pine-dependent wildlife such as the northern bobwhite and the gopher tortoise. Management of fox squirrel habitat requires the application of frequent controlled burns to mimic natural lightning-ignited fires to maintain the open pinelands that once dominated much of the Southeast.

There is an ecologically important relationship between the fox squirrel and the longleaf pine which provides benefits to both. The fox squirrel eats acorns and pine seeds, but they also feed on mycorrhizal fungi. Fox squirrels eat the fungi and thus spread the spores throughout the forest. The fungi attach to the roots of the longleaf pine, helping it to absorb nutrients. As the longleaf pine and its associated communities thrive, so does the fox squirrel.

In Florida, three different subspecies of fox squirrel exist: Sherman’s fox squirrel is found in the north central part of the state; the Southeastern fox squirrel lives in the Florida Panhandle; and the Big Cypress fox squirrel lives in south Florida. Recently, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission completed Biological Status Reviews for the Sherman’s and Big Cypress fox squirrel subspecies and concluded the species should remain listed and that further research is needed to understand the distribution and population size of these two fox squirrel subspecies.

A research project spearheaded by Dr. Bob McCleery, a professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, and Courtney Hooker, a graduate student and biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, has been initiated to try and develop a better understanding of fox squirrel distribution in Florida. The most recent fox squirrel distribution survey was completed in 1997 and since that time little research has been conducted on the distribution of fox squirrels in Florida.

Researchers are asking people across the state of Florida to report live or dead fox squirrels sighted between August 2011 and January 2012, possibly longer depending on the number of observations received. Through this project, researchers hope to develop a new distribution map for the fox squirrel that will be used to improve management and conservation of the species. To help them achieve this they are asking people to report fox squirrel sightings to https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/foxsquirrel/GetLatLong.aspx. Reporting sightings on the website is easy using the Google map application and takes less than two minutes. By submitting sightings, you will be contributing to important research and the conservation of the fox squirrel in Florida. Questions can be emailed to Courtney Hooker at [email protected].

Fox squirrels eat mycorrhizal fungi and spread the spores throughout the forest. The fungi attach to the roots of the longleaf pine, helping it to absorb nutrients.


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Documents

Volume 30 Number 4 Issue 4 • 2011 - SESAF · Gordon, Georgia 31031 (478) 628-1196 [email protected] Executive Committee: Chair: Bob Lazenby Arbor Creek Forestry P.O. Box