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Georgia Association of Conservation District Supervisors

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Community Forestry

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The GACDS Community Forestry Training Program, which was kicked off in September and will run through August, 2010, will raise public awareness of the benefits of urban forests.  The program is designed to strengthen community forestry efforts throughout the state by providing volunteers with the information and resources needed to sustain community forestry programs. Through the training program, GACDS intends to foster:

  • a greater appreciation of the environmental, economic, social, and health benefits offered by community forests
  • increased knowledge of urban forestry issues
  • a better understanding of how to initiate an urban forestry program or improve an existing one
  • an awareness of possible community forestry program partners, and
  • an introduction to fundraising activities and grant writing to support community forestry programs.

Trees offer numerous environmental, economic, social, and health benefits. 

The Georgia Forestry Commission encourages you to enjoy the beauty of Georgia's forests.  Their Leaf Report provides weekly updates on fall leaf color in North Georgia.

Urban and Community Forestry Resources

The Georgia Forestry Commission's (GFC) Sustainable Community Forestry Program provides a wealth of information on urban and community forestry.  On their Resources - Web Links page you can find everything from tree identification tips to legislation and research links. 

The Georgia Urban Forest Council's (GUFC) mission is to sustain Georgia's green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees.  Do you know if your community has a tree ordinance? Find out on the GUFC's "Georgia's Tree Ordinances".

Do you think you know a champion tree?  The Georgia Champion Tree Program, overseen by the Georgia Forestry Commission, recognizes the largest tree of a particular species.  Instructions are given for taking tree measurements; nominations may be submitted online.

wwwUrbanForestrySouth.org provides support for urban and community forestry programs in the Southeast.  Publications and presentations on the benefits of trees, tree care, and other topics are available to be downloaded.

The National Association of Conservation Districts' (NACD) Urban and Community Conservation page provides information on what conservation districts are doing in urban and community conservation, along with resources and tools.

Funding for Projects

The Georgia Forestry Commission's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program awards funds to communities in Georgia for projects that stimulate and enhance community forest resources.  Grant priorities are:  management plans for community forests, city arborists, tree ordinances/policies, and tree advocacy/advisory organizations.

Making the Shade, sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission, provides grants for planting shade trees at elementary schools. 

 

 Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-A, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.