GEORGIA SFI IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

Influencing Biological Diversity Conservation in Georgia with Digital Outreach Tools

Providing Actionable and Accessible Conservation Recommendations for Loggers, Foresters, and Landowners Across the State of Georgia

Why this Project Matters

Forests account for 67% of Georgia’s total land area. These forest lands are being sustainably managed to meet the numerous needs of the state today, while ensuring resource availability in the future. But there are challenges to this bright future. Consider, for example, that 751 of Georgia’s native plant species are of “special concern.” Some are critically endangered with no protection by law, even on state or federal land. The populations are rapidly dwindling and could become extinct if conservation actions do not occur quickly, according to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia.

How This Project Will Influence Biodiversity Conservation in Georgia

The Georgia SFI Implementation Committee will leverage ongoing biodiversity conservation analysis to create targeted, professionally designed digital media products to summarize major findings. These summaries will include recommendations for conservation measures that will benefit the highest-priority Forests of Exceptional Conservation Value in Georgia. The grant will also support a library to target landowner and wood supplier audiences. The grant will develop regionally specific outreach and education tools, including online factsheets and information packets, tailored to specific regions. The materials will present targeted, engaging forest management recommendations that will be incorporated seamlessly into existing training programs and websites.

SFI’s Contribution

The SFI Community Grant Program and the Georgia SFI Implementation Committee are supporting this project.

Partners

This partnership includes state natural resources officials and an SFI-certified organization.

• Project lead: Georgia SFI Implementation Committee
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Related Information

Georgia SFI Implementation Committee Wins Award for Logger Training, Water Quality, and Community Collaboration

Georgia SFI Implementation Committee: Georgia Forestry Community Habitat for Humanity Build

Georgia SFI Implementation Committee Collaborates with Georgia Heirs Property Law Center

About Georgia SFI Implementation Committee

The Georgia SFI Implementation Committee vigorously supports compliance with Georgia’s Forestry Best Management Practices and sustainable forestry principles outlined in the SFI standards. The Georgia SFI Implementation Committee is part of a network of SFI Implementation Committees that respond to local needs at the state, provincial, and regional levels. SFI has been working to make a positive difference in Georgia forests since 1995. Learn more.