Future Forests
Future Forests is an educational program partnership between the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA students learn the activities and decision making processes involved in actual forestry practices, specifically reforestation and wildlife habitat enhancement. FFA classes work with a landowner in their county, a GFC Forester, and a Wildlife Biologist from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The FFA and the Georgia Forestry Commission selects a landowner to participate in the program based on a desire to reforest a tract of land (10 to 50 acres) along with committing a small part of the tract (1 to 2 acres) to be developed as wildlife habitat. Preference is given to landowners enrolled in the Forest Stewardship Program. The landowner allows the FFA class to work with a GFC Forester and DNR Wildlife Biologist on the property for the pre-planting inspection, site prep inspection, planting inspection, and final performance check. The landowner must allow a sign to be placed on the property to indicate the tract as being a Future Forest.
During the pre-planting inspection the GFC Forester explains the various site preparation and tree planting options available for that particular site. The FFA class develops the site prep and planting plan under the forester's guidance. The wildlife biologist explains the options available for creating wildlife habitat.
The classes meet on the property when some of the site prep or wildlife habitat enhancement work is being completed. This gives them experience with the actual work involved. They also meet on the site when the tree planting is being done. The forester shows them the proper planting technique and they inspect the planting to make sure it is being done correctly.
To help cover the cost of implementing Future Forests cost-share options and the agency that administers them may be available to forest landowners.
Contact your local GFC Forester if you are a landowner interested in a Future Forest partnership.
