Georgia forester’s unyielding dedication receives special recognition

While Georgia might be known as the Peach State, it also is home to the largest forestry industry in the United States.

As the top forestry state in the nation, it’s hardly a surprise that Georgia boasts a remarkable collection of dedicated, illustrious foresters. Among them is Gabe Outlaw, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts recently garnered some special recognition.

John Holcomb with the Farm Monitor caught up with Outlaw to discuss just how important his job is to the $40-billion forestry industry. He says the work he does can be challenging at times but it is extremely rewarding.

“Probably, the most rewarding is to meet a landowner, have communications with them, give them advice, and then, we may write a stewardship plan for them, a 10-year plan,” Outlaw said. “Just seeing your advice put into action by the landowners—it’s a very rewarding feeling, knowing that they listen to you and that they take you seriously.”

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