The American Forest Foundation (AFF) announced that Georgia State Forester Robert Farris and the Georgia Forestry Commission are the 2014 recipients of the Sustained Excellence Award. The award is presented each year by AFF to a state forestry agency partner who has been a strong advocate and supporter of sustainably managed family forests and AFF programs, including The American Tree Farm System and Project Learning Tree.
The American Tree Farm System provides private landowners with the tools and resources they need to be stewards of our country’s forests, while Project Learning Tree is designed to bring environmental education to the next generation.
Farris, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, has been a vital ally for Georgia’s forests for almost 30 years and works to oversee the Commission’s leadership, service and education on Georgia’s forest resources.
“Family forests in Georgia provide innumerable benefits to Georgia’s environment and economy,” said Tom Martin, AFF’s president and CEO. “The work of Robert Farris and the Commission ensures that these forests will continue to keep Georgia’s economic and environmental well-being secure.”
Currently, Georgia’s forestry industry contributes nearly $29 billion to the state’s economy, provides homes for 67 federally endangered or threatened species and provides vital ecosystem services including clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.
From The American Forest Foundation: https://www.forestfoundation.org/Georgia-state-forester-honored-by-AFF