FORSYTH  — In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA), in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), has announced a slate of Hurricane Recovery and Resilience Workshops in Valdosta, Douglas, Statesboro, Augusta and Soperton.

The first workshop will be in Valdosta this evening.

This effort is designed to provide critical support and resources to those in the forestry industry affected by Hurricane Helene, which caused an estimated $1.28 billion in damages to Georgia’s forest resources. The events are free to attend for the forestry community, but you must RSVP at gfagrow.org/regionalmeetings. 

These sessions aim to facilitate collaboration and information-sharing among forest landowners, foresters, loggers and key industry stakeholders, the forestry association said in a press release this morning. Each workshop will feature a comprehensive agenda designed to equip forest landowners with the resources they need to navigate the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. For landowners grappling with the financial and ecological impact of the storm, this is a must-attend event to access expertise, strengthen community ties, and learn about opportunities for recovery and future resilience. 

“Hurricane Helene delivered a devastating blow to Georgia’s most productive and valuable forestlands from Valdosta to Augusta – commonly referred to as the Wood Basket of the World,” said GFA President & CEO Tim Lowrimore. “As we collectively recover from the greatest natural disaster to impact Georgia’s forest resources, these workshops will not only provide critical information and resources but will also foster a spirit of collaboration and resilience among our forest landowners.” 

Upcoming meetings

— Valdosta: Oct. 29, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Kinderlou Red Barn, 3089 Spain Ferry Road, Valdosta. 

— Douglas: Nov. 6, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Coffee County Extension Office, 709 E. Ward St., Douglas. 

— Statesboro: Nov. 12, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Ogeechee Technical College – Oak Room, 1 Joe Kennedy Blvd, Statesboro. 

— Augusta: Nov. 14, 5:30 – 8 p.m.. Location TBD.

— Soperton: Nov. 19, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Broomsedge Lodge, 6311 GA-86, Soperton. 

For further information about the workshops and to find your closest meeting, please visit gfagrow.org/regionalmeetings. 

About the Georgia Forestry Association 

Since 1907, the Georgia Forestry Association has served as the premiere advocate for working forests in Georgia, working daily to promote a healthy business and political climate for forest landowners, forest product manufacturers and forest-based businesses. To learn more, visit www.gfagrow.org.