SR480: SR480 Georgia Forests; acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle; recognize

25 LC 60 0160 Senate Resolution 480 By: Senators Brass of the 6th, Robertson of the 29th, Anavitarte of the 31st, Goodman of the 8th, Gooch of the 51st and others ADOPTED SENATE 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 S. R. 480 - 1 - 25 LC 60 0160 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 SENATE that the members of this body:25 (1) Recognize the significant threat posed by the southern pin e beetle to Georgia's26 forests;27 (2) Recognize the acute and ongoing challenge of the southern pine beetle outbreak in28 the western region of this state; and29 (3) Encourage Georgia landowners to take all steps necessary to mitigate the spread of30 this outbreak through proper forest management and adherence to best management31 practices outlined by the Georgia Forestry Commission.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed33 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the34 press.35 S. R. 480 - 2 -