Georgia Forestry Commission honors model landowner

MACON, GA (August 13, 2007) - A Gwinnett County dentist who owns 360 acres of forestland in rural Hancock County has received the 2007 Certified Forest Stewardship Landowner Award. Slade Lail, of Duluth, was honored with the commendation by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) at a banquet culminating the recent GROWS (Georgia Recognizes Our Woodland Stewards) Conference at Callaway Gardens.

   “Slade Lail personifies what it means to be a good steward of the land,” said Buford Sanders, GFC Stewardship Forester. “He enthusiastically embraces recommendations provided through GFC’s Forest Stewardship program, including activities for reforestation, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat and Best Management Practices, to preserve water quality. He is deserving of this award, which is being presented for the very first time.”

   The Georgia Forestry Commission administers the Forest Stewardship Program which is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service. The program provides landowners with technical assistance that encourages and enables long-term forest management. The GFC GROWS program provides a way for landowners to network and become more involved in critical forestry issues.

   Lail is recognized for his proactive forest advocacy, and testified before Congress this year regarding benefits of cost-share programs provided through the Farm Bill. He also is noted for active networking with fellow landowners and opening his PlumbDent Farms near Sparta during Field Day events and special gatherings.

   “Slade is a champion in many ways,” said GFC Senior Forester Gregg Jameson, who nominated Lail for the award. “He’s especially fond of kids and sponsors hunts for challenged youth, the Boy Scouts, and others who have not had the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. He is very generous with his time and with his land.”

   “I’m humbled and honored to be recognized for something I enjoy doing so much,” said Slade Lail. “Everything I do by being a good forest steward will help benefit my children and the next generation. That’s gratifying.”

   For details about the GROWS program, visit the www.gagrows.com . For more information about the Forest Stewardship program and the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit www.gatrees.org .