The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) is the leading advocate for a healthy business and political climate for Georgia’s forest environment, forest landowners and forest-based businesses. GFA serves its members with a promise to keep them protected, connected, and empowered. For their protection, we advocate for local, state, and federal policies that accommodate the needs of Georgia forest owners, and we work aggressively to protect private property rights, ensure healthy markets, and secure sensible tax policy and regulatory guidelines. To keep members connected, we provide a network of member groups that fosters personal relationships; keeps them informed on policy initiatives, market opportunities, forest fire conditions, and much more; and engages related industries (banking and investments, commercial builders, mills and loggers, etc.) in an open forum to establish a strong network of support. Finally, we empower our members by supporting their growth and success through the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF). GFF seeks to promote the economic and environmental sustainability of its working forest ecosystem for the well-being of the state and its citizens. GFF accomplishes these goals through leadership programs, policies studies and research about forests, and public education about why forestry matters to all. Georgia’s landowners and forest industries continue to face pressure from growing global competition, local property taxes, and sprawling urban and suburban development. Georgia’s forests have the capacity to meet increased demands for goods and services, now and in the future, but the correct mix of stewardship, market opportunities, and commitment to public policy must come together to support forest landowners, organizations and communities that hold these forests in trust for future generations.