Georgia County Government - January 2009 - (Page 29)

severity of wildfires while enhancing the protection of residents. “Georgia’s continuing drought is one more reason to be concerned about wildfi re,” said Farris. “And it’s important to note that 17 percent of Georgia wildfi res are caused by arsonists. Senate Bill 400, sponsored by Senator Ross Tolleson, has put some real teeth in our arson laws. And the new Forest Arson Program is expected to significantly reduce the number of intentionally set fi res in Georgia.” Farris serves on Georgia’s Land Conservation Council and the state Water Council. The roles bring him enhanced pride as he recognizes strides being accomplished by his agency in the area of water quality. The GFC oversees the state’s Forest Water Quality Best Management Practices, which ensure forest land is protected during forestry activities. The recently released Sustainable Forest Management report shows BMP implementation across Georgia was 91.8 percent in 2007, compared to 64.9 percent in 1991. “Clean water, and even the availability of water, are challenges we will be facing alongside our partners from now on,” said Farris. “Healthy, working forests will play a tremendous part in providing solutions. The GFC has the know-how, the people, and the drive to meet these challenges, and many more. I’m very proud to be on their team.” ■ Stasia Kelly can be reached at skelly@gfc. state.ga.us, or 770-206-9726. Georgia County Internship Program The Georgia County Internship Program seeks to connect students with counties offering internships in order to receive a “hands on” understanding of the inner workings of county government. This program will provide students with opportunities to intern in various county departments throughout the state on a year-round basis. To learn more about how your county can be involved, please contact Michele NeSmith at 404-522-5022 or at mnesmith@accg.org. Building Relationships / Delivering Solutions NOVA’s services include: Since 1996, NOVA has been providing consulting services to the Public Sector throughout the Southeast United States, including: GSFIC Department of Natural Resources Georgia Board of Regents Department of Technical & Adult Education Georgia Department of Transportation Environmental Consulting Geotechnical Engineering Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Services (including Florida Threshold Inspections) Property Condition Assessments Roof Consulting Pavement Testing and Consulting Code Compliance Municipal Support/ Outsourcing Private Provider Services™ Corporate Headquarters: 3640 Kennesaw North Industrial Parkway, Suite E Kennesaw, GA 30144 770.425.0777 / (fax) 770.425.1113 Additional Ofﬁce Locations: Buford, GA Charlotte, NC Ft. Lauderdale, FL Ft. Myers, FL Orlando, FL Panama City Beach, FL St. Augustine, FL Tampa, FL San Diego, CA Las Vegas, NV www.usanova.com internship.indd 1 12/10/08 9:51:23 PM 406055_NOVA.indd 1 11/18/08 10:46:22 PM GROUND ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SINCE 1960 • Water Resources • Mining • Manufacturing • Transportation • Waste Management • Power • Land Development • Oil & Gas Atlanta Headquarters: 770.496.1893 Henry Mock: hmock@golder.com www.golder.com 406914_Golder.indd 1 JANUARY 2009 www.accg.org 11/13/08 29 8:33:34 AM http://www.usanova.com http://www.brownandcaldwell.com http://www.golder.com http://www.accg.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - January 2009

Georgia County Government - January 2009 Contents President’s Message County Matters Forward-Thinking Bulloch County Leaders Put Progress on the Front Burner Robert Farris: Champion for Georgia’s Forests ACCG, BCBS of Georgia Work Together to Improve County Employee Health Georgia’s Grand Old Courthouses: McIntosh County Extension News: Cooperative Extension Generates ROI Research Corner: How Does Your County Rate? County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - January 2009

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