Securing the Future of Georgia's Forestry Industry

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and loved ones. The holiday was a great opportunity for me and Dayle to spend some much-needed time at home with our children and grandchildren on the farm before the Legislative Session begins in January. 

Dayle and I enjoying our annual tradition of hunting for arrowheads on the farm with our grandchildren

Burns Family Thanksgiving 2025

Continued Forestry Advocacy in Georgia

Yesterday, I joined members of the House and the Liberty County Development Authority for another productive meeting on the current state of Georgia’s forestry industry.

With four mill closures throughout Southeast Georgia in just the last several months, our state is facing a pivotal moment in securing the future success of one of Georgia’s most critical industries.

The House has been working to address these challenges on two fronts—long-term and short-term solutions. While there are many new and emerging forest products that will sustain the industry in the long term, we have been laser-focused on advocating for short-term fixes that will give our timber growers the breathing room they need to adjust to an evolving market.

We’re heading in the right direction, and I know that our brightest days are still ahead of us. This industry has faced adversity many times in the past, and each time, it’s emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. I know this time will be no different.

Pictured with Representatives Al Williams, Debbie Buckner, Jesse Petrea, and Buddy DeLoach at the Liberty County Development Authority’s Forestry Solutions Summit

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to join us in our advocacy efforts. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort, and we welcome any suggestions or ideas you may have.

God bless,

Speaker Jon Burns