Although most people don't see it that way, foresters think

of recreation as a major forest product. Proper management often

increases the opportunities for backpacking, fishing, picnicking,

hunting and birdwatching.

Many people think that forests only produce timber and that

trees are a forest's most important resource in terms of economics.

But in managing land, foresters are concerned with all the

elements, and usually find that good forest management is beneficial to

all forest resources including timber products, wildlife,

recreation and forage for domestic livestock. The economic benefits from

timber often help fund improvements for other forest resources.

As the demand for wood increases, however, the total

land available for forest production is being reduced by demands

for other uses, such as housing, shopping, industrial plants and

specialized recreation. To supply the wide range of products that

come directly from trees, forestlands must be made more

productive. Professional foresters applying good conservation techniques

in an intensive fashion can do this.

Forest landowners in Fayette County who want to make

their lands more productive should call the Georgia Forestry

Commission at 770-254-7218 to make an appointment with a forester to

visit their property. Forest management assistance is free.

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