Summary
A large amount of damage was seen in our timber acreage due to a resent ice storm. A educational meeting was held to inform land owners about damage and what could be done.
Situation
Beginning February 11th and lasting through the 13th 2014 a winter storm impacted multiple southern states and more than 90 Georgia counties experienced some form of winter precipitation. During the storm, ice accumulation was measured from between a tenth of an inch and one inch (or possibly higher) in a zone from roughly north metro Atlanta to Augusta in northern Georgia, and from Macon to Sylvania (Screven County) in central Georgia. Because ice is much heavier than snow, widespread tree damage occurred, resulting in power disruption to nearly a million customers. Governor Deal declared a state of emergency on Monday, February 10th, and a presidential declaration of emergency was issued as the storm hit the state.
The National Weather Service provided estimates of ice accumulations, and this
Information, coupled with field observation reports, helped define the area surveyed by the Georgia Forestry Commission for timber impact accounts. Small amounts of ice are known to affect trees, and higher amounts (especially exceeding three-fourths of an inch) can cause serious damage to certain timber types and age classes. Another factor that affects tree damage is wind. Once ice accumulations peaked, a cold front moved through the state. Although wind speed varied, some areas reported winds of up to 35mph. Even minor winds during ice-loading can break or uproot trees. These occurrences were a major factor in the timber / tree damage associated with this storm. Damage was observed within two types of pine stands, young pine stands, and pine stands on which a first thinning had recently occurred.
Most hardwood damage consisted of limb and top breakage with most trees retaining enough live branches to support survival. Damage can be expected in the growth form of these trees and possibly in sluggish growth rates. For pine type timber, an estimated 70,000+ acres were impacted state wide at a value in excess of $65 million.
Response
With damage to a major economic crop in Screven County, Ray Hicks, Screven County Extension Coordinator planned an informational meeting on March 27, held at the Screven County Extension office, to educate landowners about assessing damage, reforestation practices, and government financial help and legal/tax issues. The Georgia Extension Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Farm Service Agency and Georgia Natural Resource Conservation Service all presented information.
Impact
Thirty five landowners and forestry consultants attended the meeting. The information presented allowed the attendees to make informed decisions concerning their timber losses and who to contact for further assistance. The total area approved for reforestation in Screven County due to ice damage was 5321 acre, with a total dollar value approved for reforestation of $988,507.00. The damage will be long term and may take multiple years to manifest itself. Follow up meetings and trainings are planned.
State Issue
Sustainability and Profitability of Agriculture
Details
-
Year:
2014
-
Geographic Scope:
Multi-County
-
County:
Screven
-
Program Areas:
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
