2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 28

Rick Hamilton, Extension Forest Specialist, Department of Forestry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695; rick_hamilton@ncsu.edu and Tina Williams, Extension Program Specialist, University of Georgia, Driftmier Engineering Center, Athens, GA 30602;
Twilliam@bae.uga.edu

The Georgia Forest-Assessment System (Forest*A*Syst) is an interagency partnership that provides landowners a voluntary means to manage their forest resources while protecting our vital water quality resources. With the assistance of the self-assessment guide, landowners are encouraged to manage their forests to produce income from timber harvesting, improve recreational opportunities, enhance visual appearance, and/or sustain wildlife populations while becoming environmentally pro-active in protecting their water resources and preventing pollution. The guide, like the national program that it is modeled after, focuses on identifying potential sources of water contamination and specific forest management techniques, supplying information on corrective actions, and ultimately encouraging landowners to form a management plan to address concerns. The role of forests in stabilizing soils and protecting watersheds has been universally recognized and has been incorporated into the Georgia Forest*A*Syst guide. The guide consists of sections that focus on establishing and managing timber stands, managing for wildlife habitat, recreation and aesthetics, writing a complete management plan, and using BMPs (Best Management Practices).

Through the cooperative efforts of the Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Georgia Forestry Commission, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Conservation Fund, the guide has been developed to target the landowner's management goals and objectives. The guide will be distributed by Georgia Forestry Commission as part of the Forest Stewardship program in addition to the networks of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Training will be offered to educate the partners on the use of Georgia Forest*A*Syst guide and how to educate landowners on forest stewardship activities.

Landowners will gain a deeper understanding of forest resources and water quality protection, as well as guidance for writing a management plan containing specific practices geared towards their objectives. In the process, landowners may find it necessary to contact a natural resource professional for advice on specific management practices. Included in the guide is a list of public agencies, federal and state, who provide help to landowners free of charge. The guide will create more opportunities for public agencies to interact and provide a service to landowners.