CHUCK LEAVELL: Georgia forest landowners are taking a sound approach
Chuck Leavell
Being in the South in spring is a sight — and a sound — to behold. Bright green growth is bursting from the earth and vivid buds pop from mid-story branches up into the tree tops, all backed up by birds singing a score that only nature can compose.
Yes, I’m an unabashed fan of the natural world. I’m also a devoted environmentalist, a musician, and a forest manager who’s been fortunate to see how harmony not only feels good but makes good sense.
On our family farm, we grow trees that are part of Georgia’s 24 million acres of sustainably managed forestland; trees that filter our air and water, provide homes to wildlife and give us beautiful views and places to play. Using time honored methods and modern scientific tools, we nurture our trees. We plant them one by one, tend them, groom them and selectively harvest them so that the whole grows on, so that our children, grandchildren and kids yet to be dreamed of will know the riches of this amazing, renewable resource.
I’m proud to say that the trees on our land go on to serve in some very noble ways. They become lumber for homes and churches, paper that gets printed so we can learn more about everything, even pencils and pianos so music makers can write lyrics and create melodies that touch other folks’ souls.
To sustain that success story, tree farmers need viable markets to keep their working forests in trees. Processing wood waste and thinnings for biomass products is one of those markets that we welcome. Today in Georgia, we’re planting and growing 40 percent more than we’re harvesting, and we pride ourselves on utilizing every tiny byproduct of the process. And we’re doing it while struggling with encroaching development, invasive species and the many effects of changing ownership.
You won’t find many Georgia forest landowners who want to pave paradise for parking lots. We love the land and know how to do our jobs. But we do need everybody to understand the real facts and to support the good work forest landowners are doing in utilizing and conserving a most precious resource.
Now that’s a sound approach!
Chuck Leavell is a Georgia forest landowner and musician who performs with the Rolling Stones, in solo shows and in recording sessions with popular entertainers. He has also been invoved with tackling world environmental issues.
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