Southern Pine Beetle Update for Georgia, August 1997

Terry Price, Forest Health Specialist, Georgia Forestry Commission

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) conducted its first aerial flight over south Georgia in June.  Results indicated increasing populations in Camden, McIntosh, Thomas and Grady counties.  Since that time the counties have been flown almost weekly in order to direct salvage crews on where to cut.  The largest spots to date have been around 50-75 acres.  Salvage has been very good in the counties.  The entire coastal area of Georgia has been flown about every 1-2 weeks since the first outbreak was reported.  As of August 11th, Camden reported 14 spots.

More recently, spots have been popping up in other places throughout the state, Macon has seen as increase in activity since June.  Counties in the Milledgeville District have reported up to 20 spots per county.  Increased beetle activity is expected throughout the remaining year and could possibly carryover into next year.  The GFC began its second aerial flight on August 20th.  The state is being flown 100% and results should be available before the end of September.   Each spot detected will be recorded using GPS technology and each spot location will be geographically plotted on local topography maps that will be given to each landowner.  Individuals needing local information should go by or call the GFC office nearest them for an update.