Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), the University System of Georgia (USG) recently held a seminar to launch the its new Sustainable Tree Cover Initiative.

Recognized as a leader by Georgia's Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (PPAD) for its sustainability efforts, GSW was the ideal location for the symposium according Linda Daniels, USG vice chancellor for facilities.

"Georgia Southwestern is a microcosm of Georgia," said Daniels. "Founded as an A&M school, it was 100 percent agricultural. There wasn't a tree in sight. Trees planted on this campus were planted intentionally by someone who anticipated sitting under them.

"Today, the Georgia Southwestern's beautiful ambience manifests itself on every acre," added Daniels.

There is no system-wide policy for tree sustainability and few system colleges and universities have their own policies in place. The USG Board of Regents recognized the need for each campus to have a plan in place that facilitates effective tree management and protection. This initiative was created to give all USG institutions the opportunity to collectively share ideas.

The symposium's morning portion allowed the Tree Cover Initiative Steering Committee to discuss the resources, needs and barriers confronting USG campuses. The steering committee is made of grounds managers and landscape architects from System colleges and universities in addition to some private architects and arborists.

During the afternoon session, state Sen. George Hooks, D-Americus, provided the group with a detailed account of the March 2007 tornado and the community's extensive efforts to re-green the area particularly at Rees Park, Joyce Myers Park and the historic Oak Grove Cemetery. State Rep. Mike Cheokas, D-Americus, also addressed the group providing them with some remarkable statistics. According to Cheokas, Sumter County has 312,000 acres of land, 179,000 of them forested, and the forestry industry provides $28 billion of gross revenue to Georgia. While stating the importance of the industry, Cheokas emphasized the need of the industry to be managed well.

For more information about the USG Sustainable Tree Cover Initiative, contact the USG Facilities Office at 404-656-2243.