In response to the severe wildfire season this year, the Georgia Forestry Commission will conduct a town hall meeting Wednesday in Ludowici.
The meeting was scheduled to help landowners deal with the effects of the fires and understand assistance opportunities that are available.
“The primary focus of this meeting will be to explain to landowners (who have been affected by the fires this year) some of their options,” Long County Forestry Commission acting Chief Ranger Paul Robertson said.
More than 43,000 acres in Southeast Georgia were burned by fires in March, creating both economic and environmental damages, he said. In Long County, 4,035 acres were burned, affecting 344 parcels of land, he added.
Robertson said Robert Farris, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, and Alan Dozier, commission chief of protection, will attend the meeting.
“We are very fortunate because we are having two of the top people at the Georgia Forestry Commission at the meeting, so if anyone can provide information, they can,” Robertson said.
The presentation, called “After the Smoke Clears,” will include information about reforestation options and salvage options for timber.
“I’m encouraging anyone who has any questions on financial options from their losses to attend the meeting,” Robertson said.
The meeting will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Smiley Elementary School cafeteria in Ludowici.
For more information, call 545-2247 or go to www.gatrees.org.