ATLANTA — Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Georgia, the state's timber industry has reported billions in losses.
The Georgia Forestry Commission reported that Helene crossed 8.9 million acres of Georgia's forest land. They estimated that the total timber resource loss is $1.28 billion.
The total figure represents the sum of losses to businesses that support forestry, losses to workers in the related industry, and estimated recovery and restoration costs the timber business will face.
They also said that they are working with state and federal partners to figure out what resources might still be useful for impacted landowners.
“We depend on our farmers and timber growers to provide the food and fibers we use every day, and that drives our economy as part of Georgia’s No. 1 industry,” Gov. Brian Kemp said. “Following the immense losses caused by Hurricane Helene, and with Hurricane Milton possibly bringing further impacts to our state, I’m urging all of our local, state, and federal partners to join efforts in bringing them relief. That’s why we’re calling on the federal government and Congress to act quickly in appropriating relief funds and helping them rebuild their livelihoods."
For more information on the impact on the state's timber industry, click here.
