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Front row (left to right) Adam Edmondson; Kolby Lynch; Middle row (left to right) Jeff Kenerly; Tyler Mameli; Ken Parker;
Back row (left to right) Jeff Sibley; Robert Farris; Geoffrey Dean; Jonathan Butts. Photo courtesy of our local Georgia Forestry Unit.
ATLANTA - Employees of the Georgia Forestry Commission's local Clayton/Pike/Lamar/Upson/Spalding Unit in the agency's North Region have been recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in serving Georgia citizens. The unit was named 2015 North Region Unit of the Year for furthering the agency's mission of providing "leadership, service and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia's forest resources."
"These Georgia Forestry Commission professionals exemplify unwavering dedication and skill," said Georgia Forestry Commission Director, Robert Farris. "They were chosen as the best of the best for their work in wildfire prevention and suppression, forestry services, safety, and assisting in extreme weather incidents in Georgia and in other states."
The Georgia Forestry Commission annually acknowledges county units and state districts for meeting and exceeding measurable agency goals, including the number of miles of firebreaks plowed and harrowed, number of acres prescribe burned, wildfire reduction and education outreach. In January, the Georgia State Legislature presented a resolution honoring the Georgia Forestry Commission's North Region Unit winner at the state capitol.
The Clayton/Pike/Lamar/Upson/Spalding unit led all other units in the North Region in workload per employee. The unit contained 48 wildfires that burned through 240 acres for an average wildfire size of five acres, which is 43% below its five year average. The group also plowed or harrowed 753 miles of firebreaks for 89 landowners, which is an increase of 72% over its five year average.
"The ability of these professionals to work together with limited personnel resources and surpass the goals of the work group is tremendous," Farris said. "They take great pride in their jobs and are absolutely devoted to their co-workers and their fellow Georgians."
To learn more about the services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.