Urbanization and Forest Fragmentation in Georgia (USA) : Challenges to Sound Forest Management

Abstract

Urban sprawl has been identified as a major force affecting forests in the southern United States. Georgia has the largest metropolitan area in the South, Atlanta, which has experienced rapid growth since the early 1990s. Such growth continues to expand the urban-rural interface and affect forestland area and timber management practices, particularly in the vicinity of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). We used data collected by the USDA Forest Service from the early 1980s to assess impacts of the ever expanding urban-rural interface on Georgia's forest resources. The variables that were significant in estimating the average size of forest stands in each county included the distance to Atlanta, the amount of forest industry land in the county, the amount of upland hardwood land in each county, and time. Per capita income, population, number of building permits issued, and the amount of planted pine area in each county (among others) were not found to be statistically significant in estimating the average stand size. Given the trends suggested by the data and highlighted by the analysis, we contend that urbanization and fragmentation will continue to increase, and land area suitable for growing trees as a timberland investment will continue to decline, and that landowners will need more assistance if forest management is one of their main goals.