News - July 2023

Headshot of dean Dale Greene
Warnell's dean Dale Greene announces retirement

After nearly four decades of leading future foresters through stands of pine trees and into successful careers, Dale Greene, dean of the University of Georgia’s Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, has announced his retirement. Greene has served as the school’s dean since 2015, though his tenure at Warnell began in 1986 when he joined the school’s faculty. His retirement will be effective January 1, 2024. “Dean Greene has…


Motorcyclist survey gives rural towns took for tourism

When rural towns look for ideas to widen their economic base, tourism isn’t always the most obvious solution—especially during a pandemic. But a new study by University of Georgia researchers offers a potential road map, connecting landscapes to preferences among motorcycle enthusiasts. By designating and marketing scenic byways, rural communities could appeal to a specific set of tourists who prefer small roads with no clear destination. “It’s…


Smartphone GPS accuracy may affect contact tracing

Smartphone apps that are marketed to support contact tracing are one component in stemming the spread of COVID-19. But by relying on a phone’s global positioning system, these apps may also be introducing unintended location errors affected by buildings or landscapes, according to a study by a University of Georgia researcher. The study, which was published earlier this year in the journal PLOS ONE, was based on research done before the…


Warnell launches workshop series for female landowners

The dozen or so women gathered in the bright, wood-paneled room knew they had big plans in the works. But what they didn’t know was that they were making history. Together—masked and staying physically distant—the women were the first class to experience the Woman’s Landowner Workshops, a new educational series introducing the basics of managing forestland to a new generation. Over the next two years, these workshops will encourage more women to…


Do stressed septic systems mar our environment?

New study investigates heavy rains, increased use with potential negative impacts.   The year began with record-breaking rainfall across Georgia, followed by a pandemic forcing millions to work and learn in their homes. For residents with septic systems, it was a lot to process. Literally. Now, a new study by a researcher at the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources aims to uncover just how much stress…


Danielle Atkins (BSFR ’12, MFR ’13): 'Enlighten, empower, enroot'

The value of forested land isn’t just in its timber—it’s also in its legacy. While generations of foresters have skewed male, times are changing; women are buying, inheriting and managing more land than their ancestors. And Danielle Atkins is here to shepherd them through the process. Through workshops, an online academy and a symposium planned for 2021, Atkins and her consulting firm, Land and Ladies, is connecting with female landowners across…


Rusty Cobb (BSFR ’01, MS ’06): Supplying wood during a pandemic

When Rusty Cobb was considering what he wanted to study in college, a family friend who worked in forestry helped to point him to his eventual career path.  “I’m happiest outdoors, in the woods, so making a career out of something I love was an easy decision,” says Cobb, a timber marketing manager for Rayonier’s Coastal Resource Unit based in Yulee, Florida. He’s responsible for identifying, negotiating, and delivering timber on 166,000…


Study shines new light on young tree seedlings

The first few weeks of a tree seedling’s life can be the most precarious. As it pushes thin new roots into the ground it’s also reaching up with tiny new leaves. Water and energy are precious. Most seedlings never make it past their first month on the ground. But while much is known about the growing process, there remains a layer of mystery around the mechanisms within these small plants. Now, a new study by a University of Georgia…


Sturgeon study reveals the secrets of these prehistoric fish—and how they adjust to changing conditions

In the lower Missouri River, a fish with prehistoric ties has learned to live hard—and, too often, die young. Now, a new study by a University of Georgia professor details the ways pallid sturgeon have adapted to less-than-ideal conditions. Fish that live where their habitat has substantially changed have responded by growing faster and reaching sexual maturity at an earlier age, resulting in a shortened lifespan. Though perhaps not ideal,…


New book offers property tax guidance to Georgia’s agricultural landowners

Keeping up with changes in Georgia’s property tax laws is a full-time job, and a new book shows the fruits of these efforts. “Property Tax Incentives for the Georgia Landowner” is an annual guide published by the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business at the University of Georgia. This year’s edition is now available for download—as well as a limited supply of hard copies—and gives clear guidance to property owners who own land used for…

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