This year's drought is worrying Southeast Georgia tree growers as they try to recover from the spring's devastating fires. Wildfires burned almost a half-million acres in Southeast Georgia, creating an estimated $60 million loss for commercial foresters.
Now as they begin to replant the vast, blackened forests, fire-weakened trees are being attacked by wood-boring beetles and other insects.
Also worrying foresters, the state's drought could herald another spring of vicious fires. The regional forest ranger says, weather patterns are setting up to make it another bad fire season. He's asking residents to exercise caution when setting fires.
In spite of the new threats, few tree farmers appear to be skipping the planting season. They say, they'll continue as long as the industry is profitable.
Now as they begin to replant the vast, blackened forests, fire-weakened trees are being attacked by wood-boring beetles and other insects.
Also worrying foresters, the state's drought could herald another spring of vicious fires. The regional forest ranger says, weather patterns are setting up to make it another bad fire season. He's asking residents to exercise caution when setting fires.
In spite of the new threats, few tree farmers appear to be skipping the planting season. They say, they'll continue as long as the industry is profitable.
