HR824: HR824 The acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forest posed by the southern pine beetle, and encouraging all Georgia landowners to follow guidance by the Georgia Forestry Commission to mitigate the spread of this destructive pest; commend

25 LC 60 0159 House Resolution 824 By: Representatives Smith of the 138th, Smith of the 70th, Cannon of the 172nd, Buckner of the 137th, and Huddleston of the 72nd A RESOLUTION Recognizing the acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests p osed by the southern pine1 beetle, particularly in the western region of this state, and e ncouraging all Georgia2 landowners to follow guidance by the Georgia Forestry Commission to mitigate the spread3 of this destructive pest; and for other purposes.4 WHEREAS, forestry is a vital economic driver for the State of Georgia, contributing more5 than $41 billion annually to the state's economy and supporting thousands of jobs in rural6 communities; and7 WHEREAS, Georgia's forests, particularly those that are properly managed, provide essential8 ecological, economic, and recreational benefits, including clea n air and water, carbon9 sequestration, wildlife habitats, and raw materials for a variety of industries; and10 WHEREAS, the southern pine beetle (dendroctonus frontalis) is a destructive native pest11 affecting pine forests in the southeastern United States, including Georgia; and12 WHEREAS, southern pine beetle infestations can cause significan t tree mortality, leading13 to economic losses for landowners, increased wildfire risk, and reduced forest health and14 productivity; and15 H. R. 824 - 1 - 25 LC 60 0159 WHEREAS, the western region of Georgia is currently experiencing a heightened outbreak16 of the southern pine beetle, resulting in extensive damage to pine stands and threatening the17 sustainability of the state's forest resources; and18 WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission has provided critical guidance and resources19 to landowners to implement sound forestry practices that reduce the risk of infestation by the20 southern pine beetle and improve overall forest resilience; and21 WHEREAS, thinning overcrowded stands, removing infested trees, and adhering to best22 management practices are the most effective means of controllin g and preventing further23 spread of the southern pine beetle.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that25 the members of this body:26 (1) Recognize the significant threat posed by the southern pin e beetle to Georgia's27 forests;28 (2) Recognize the acute and ongoing challenge of the southern pine beetle outbreak in29 the western region of this state; and30 (3) Encourage Georgia landowners to take all steps necessary to mitigate the spread of31 this outbreak through proper forest management and adherence to best management32 practices outlined by the Georgia Forestry Commission.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the35 public and the press.36 H. R. 824 - 2 -