Atlanta, Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp recently joined leaders from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to announce the 2026 Forestry for Wildlife Partners, recognizing four major corporate forest landowners for their exemplary stewardship and land management practices that benefit Georgia’s wildlife.
Weyerhaeuser, Forest Investment Associates, Georgia Power, and PotlatchDeltic—recently merged with and now operating as Rayonier—were honored as this year’s partners. The announcement took place on Monday at the state Capitol, highlighting their contributions to conservation across nearly 1 million acres of forestland.
The Forestry for Wildlife Partnership, coordinated by DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, has promoted sustainable forestry and wildlife conservation for nearly three decades. This voluntary, non-competitive, participant-driven program aligns forest management with key statewide strategies, including the Bobwhite Quail Initiative and the State Wildlife Action Plan. Partner efforts focus on habitat restoration and enhancement projects tailored to Georgia’s diverse ecosystems.
DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon emphasized the significance of these efforts during the event. “Forestry for Wildlife Partnership shows how working lands can also work to conserve native wildlife and natural habitats,” Rabon stated. “That connection is critical in Georgia, where more than 90 percent of the land is privately owned. These partners are part of an effort that is successfully syncing forestry and conservation to restore and protect wildlife and wild places, now and for future generations.”
The 2026 partners were commended for integrating wildlife management into their land-use planning and timber practices. They provide essential data for Wildlife Resources Division research, offer employee training on blending forest management with wildlife-friendly techniques, and open their lands to public recreation, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Additional achievements include partnerships with conservation organizations and management of riparian forests to support wildlife use and water quality.
Specific projects underscore the program’s impact. Partners conducted surveys and management for the rare Chapman’s fringed orchid, donated land to protect species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, and coordinated prescribed burns on properties adjacent to conservation areas. They monitored and safeguarded nests of bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites, preserved habitat for the endangered fringed campion, and restored priority habitats such as longleaf and shortleaf pine savannas. Efforts also targeted gopher tortoises, a keystone species and Georgia’s state reptile, aiming to conserve and boost their populations.
These initiatives demonstrate how private forestlands can sustain biodiversity while supporting timber production. Georgia boasts more than 24 million acres of forestland, with over 22 million acres under private ownership. Landowners managing at least 10,000 acres qualify for the partnership, ensuring broad participation in these conservation endeavors. All enhancement activities are compatible with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, upholding high environmental standards.
The partnership not only enhances habitats for rare plants and animals but also preserves wetlands for amphibians and prairies for unique flora, fostering resilient ecosystems. Public access opportunities on partner lands promote outdoor recreation, allowing anglers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts to engage with Georgia’s rich natural heritage.
As Georgia continues to balance economic forestry with ecological needs, the Forestry for Wildlife Partners serve as models for integrating sustainable forestry with proactive wildlife stewardship. Their work supports long-term goals outlined in DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section annual reports, ensuring healthy woodlands for generations.
For more information, visit Georgia Department of Natural Resources.