Regional Leaders chart a new way forward at inaugural forestry solutions summit

MIDWAY, GA - December 8, 2025 - After years of paper and lumber mill closures across Georgia-most recently in the coastal region-forestry communities are now grappling with economic disruption, declining markets, and uncertainty about the long-term future of the industry. In response, leaders came together last Thursday, December 4 to begin charting a path forward and identify actionable solutions to bolster one of Georgia's most critical legacy sectors.

Approximately 100 industry experts, policymakers, landowners, and economic development leaders gathered in Liberty County for the inaugural Forestry Solutions Summit, hosted by Devendorf-Belford Tree Farm in partnership with the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA). The event marked a pivotal moment for Southeast Georgia's forestry sector as communities confront the impacts of recent paper mill closures and work collectively to shape a stronger, more resilient future.

A follow-up event will be scheduled. Forestry industry professionals who would like to be informed of future events should contact Nina Butler at the LCDA.

The summit was joined by several state leaders, underscoring the urgency of supporting Georgia's forestry industry. Attendees included Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-District 159), along with State Representatives Al Williams (D-District 168), Debbie Buckner (D-District 137), Buddy DeLoach (R-District 167), and Jesse Petrea (R-District 166).

"For generations, Georgia's forestry industry has sustained economies, communities and livelihoods across the Southeast," said Speaker Jon Burns. "As the forestry industry faces a period of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty, it's critical that we come together to advance solutions that will keep the industry thriving for years to come. That's why I was proud to join the LCDA and stakeholders across the state to continue building the partnerships and strategies needed to provide immediate relief, support our timber growers, and safeguard the future of forestry in Georgia."

"In this time of challenge for the forest industry, it was invaluable to participate in the well-rounded conversation on expanding opportunities to keep our forest communities strong," Frank Peeples, President, Peeples Industries said. "It was great to hear Speaker Burns' clear articulation of near-term actionable items he is facilitating to support the forest industry and his continued and unwavering support for our rural communities impacted. We are very fortunate for his leadership during this critical juncture and the support of all those regional and local legislators who attended."

Williams, who is also LCDA Board Chairman, agreed. "This wasn't just a meeting-it was a launchpad," he said. "Our region is ready to lead, innovate, and create the next generation of forestry opportunities. This summit was about turning challenge into coordinated action. The energy, expertise, and willingness to collaborate signals a new way forward for the forestry industry in southeast Georgia."

In addition, representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), along with U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA 1st District), were present, demonstrating federal engagement and support.

Pat Shay of GMShay Architects facilitated the summit, which brought many parts of the industry together.

"It is our economic and civic obligation to develop the markets and industries that consume and capture our carbon-rich forestry products," said R. Scott Belford, President Stevens Hill, Inc., which manages the 85-year-old Devendorf-Belford Tree Farm. "This requires the innovative minds of Georgia's entrepreneurs, students, legislative officials, and trade professionals. We are committed to catalyzing more meetings of these minds, at the same table, where we can listen to and learn from one another."

Dru Preston of the Georgia Forestry Commission provided an overview of forest conditions, economic trends, and near-term opportunities for landowners and processors. Experts, including Devon Dartnell (Georgia Forestry Commission), Dr. Sudhagar Mani (University of Georgia), and Ryan Conners (Rayonier), explored technological advances in sustainable harvesting, fiber measurement, biochemical innovation, and data-driven forest management.

A forward-looking conversation led by Matt Hested (Georgia Forestry Association) and Pat Shay (GMShay Architects) highlighted success with mass timber, and its potention impact on new timber markets and construction opportunities.

Hested remarked, "With rising demand for mass timber and emerging wood-based technologies that leverage the full chemistry of a tree, our state is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of forest manufacturing investment."

A Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) panel-featuring Alejandra Ramirez (Trade Division), Caitlin Jackson (Center of Innovation, AgTech), as well as Greg Aznarez (Greenfield LLC), and Wade McDonald (F&W Forestry) discussed trade and investment strategies for aligning private sector growth with regional strengths.

These economic development leaders-along with GDEcD's Dorie Bacon, Region 12 Senior Project Manager, and Mackenzie Bennett, Region 9 Project Manager-were instrumental in bringing together many of the region's development authority leaders. Representatives from Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Liberty, McIntosh, Montgomery, Screven, and Toombs counties were in attendance, helping unite local, regional, and state partners around shared challenges and emerging opportunities facing Georgia's forestry industry.

"I find it significant that we can come together as private forestland owners, timber harvesters, and industry personnel to find common ground," said Alan Zeigler of WM Sheppard Lumber Company. "As well as finding new ways to market the thing we all rely on for income…wood!"

PHOTO CAPTION: (L to R) State Representatives Al Williams (D-District 168), Debbie Buckner (D-District 137), Speaker Jon Burns (R-District 159), Jesse Petrea (R-District 166), and Buddy DeLoach (R-District 167).