SGSF Committees & Task Forces
To more effectively address the needs and emerging issues of southern forests, the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) has established several committees and task forces. The groups are comprised of forestry professionals from the southern states, U.S. Forest Service and other partner organizations and provide in-depth analysis, expertise, and recommendations for policy and management.
Committees
Committees are long-standing groups with continuing responsibilities and are led by a Chair and State Forester liaison. Committee Chairs are appointed to two-year terms and maintain a permanent file of minutes, events, and notes.
Committee leadership consists of a Chair and State Forester liaison. Committee Chairs are appointed to two-year terms and maintain a permanent file of minutes, events, and notes.
The Communications Committee serves in an advisory capacity to SGSF by recommending strategies to accomplish the SGSF Communications Plan, assisting in refining issues, and framing messages.
Committee Chair: Chris Carlson (NC)
The Forest Management Committee advises and supports SGSF in responding to emerging issues and in developing and implementing policies, programs and procedures affecting southern forest resource health, diversity, productivity, and sustainability.
Committee chair: Steve Jennings (FL)
The Forest Protection & Fire Committee promotes effective means to protect rural and urban communities from wildfire; works to improve firefighting efficiency and safety; and presents a regional perspective on southern fire issues.
Committee Chair: Don McBride (AR)
The Urban & Community Forestry Committee provides leadership in SGSF by raising awareness about tree benefits; creating investments to plan, manage and grow community trees; helping communities grow with trees in mind through new solutions; and connecting urban and rural community forests to help people wherever they live.
Committee Chair: Charlie Marcus (FL)
The Water Resources Committee develops processes by which Best Management Practices (BMPs) are applied consistently on forestlands across the South; advises SGSF on emerging water issues; and works to improve technical expertise in forest watershed management.
Committee Chair: Hughes Simpson (TX)
The Southern Wildland Urban Interface Council (SWUIC) supports the leadership role of the SGSF in identifying and addressing Wildland Urban Interface issues; serves as a liaison between SGSF, U.S. Forest Service, Cooperative Extension Service, Universities and other stakeholders and InterfaceSouth; and helps identify research needs and guide technology transfer activities of InterfaceSouth.
Task Force Chair: Susan Granbery (GA)
2010 Task Forces
SGSF task forces are formed to accomplish specific objectives.
The Forest Health Task Force monitors threats from insects, diseases, invasive plants and other events that can affect forest health and advises SGSF on strategies to protect and improve the health of southern forests.
Task Force Chair: Chris Asaro (VA)
The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Task Force works in cooperation with the Southern Research Station FIA Research Unit to best utilize the periodic forest data collection from private and public land to monitor forest resources, forest use and forest health.
Task Force Chair: Chris Brown (TX)
The GIS Task Force communicates opportunities for collaboration on Geographic Information Systems and other spatial analysis projects that will help accomplish SGSF's strategic goals.
Task Force Chair: Brad Barber (TX)
The Environmental Services, Utilization & Marketing (SUM) Task Force develops sound forest carbon policy for southern states; identifies opportunities for family forest owner participation in environmental service markets; and advises SGSF on strategies to strengthen forest products markets.
Task Force Chair: Nathan McClure (GA)
