ALBANY, GA -
Owning timber land isn't easy. Between economic struggles and environmental issues, owners are finding it tough to keep their land productive.
More than 200 people met in Tifton Tuesday to learn how to use their land better.
The Southern Woodland Owners Conference and Solutions fair in Tifton is giving landowners a chance to learn how to preserve their land and fix problems. The biggest of which may not even be around South Georgia.
"What the federal government may do eventually is say, things you've been doing to protect the water," said Steve McWilliams, President of the Georgia Forestry Association. "We're now going to consider those problems and require you to be permitted. Of course, the extent to which that could be put in play could really have an adverse impact on forestry everywhere."
And the next problem in the forestry world could also be a big topic around election day.
"It's how we are treated under the tax code," said Dave Tenny, President of the National Alliance of Forest Owners. "I don't want to predict that will be the case. But, we have to watch it. We know that Congress is looking at deficit reduction. And deficit reduction is going to involve the tax code. We're going to be very vigilant to make sure that whatever is done with the tax code will recognize and maintain the treatment of forestry."
But, the private owner's relationship with the government is not all bad. The USDA gave some owners confidence at the conference.
"I think it's very encouraging to know that in a time when it seems like the government is adverse to everything in the private sector, to know that there is a major agency, a cabinet level agency where they understand our problems and they're actually working on our behalf in Washington," said McWilliams.
And people in who work in Washington were quick to say that people like those in South Georgia make the most difference.
"We may be a voice in Washington," said Tenny. But, the heart is here. And you can't really speak with a strong voice unless you have a strong heart. "
It's going to take a strong partnership between the government and private owners to ensure Georgia's 28 billion dollar forestry industry is strong.
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