The Georgia Forestry Commission reports that 88% of the land damaged by Hurricane Helene was private timberland in the heart of Georgia’s wood basket, leaving a path of destruction from Valdosta to Augusta. The economic loss to the state’s forestry sector is estimated at a staggering $1.28 billion. This disaster is a significant blow not only to the livelihoods of private landowners but also to the broader Georgia economy, which relies heavily on its forest product sector. While the full extent of the damage continues to unfold, forest landowners are already beginning the long process of recovery. Stay tuned for the next issue of Georgia Forestry Magazine for an in-depth look at how Georgia’s forestry community is rallying to rebuild in the wake of this unprecedented disaster.

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