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)
MIDWAY, Ga. (December 8, 2025) — In response to recent paper and lumber mill closures across Georgia, including in the coastal region, industry leaders and policymakers gathered in Liberty County last week to begin charting a path forward for one of the state’s most vital legacy industries.
Approximately 100 forestry professionals, landowners, policymakers, and economic development leaders attended the inaugural Forestry Solutions Summit, hosted December 4 at Devendorf-Belford Tree Farm in partnership with the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA). The event marked a coordinated regional effort to address market disruption, economic uncertainty, and long-term sustainability challenges facing Georgia’s forestry sector.
The summit drew participation from several state leaders, underscoring the urgency of strengthening the industry. Attendees included Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R–District 159) and State Representatives Al Williams (D–District 168), Debbie Buckner (D–District 137), Buddy DeLoach (R–District 167), and Jesse Petrea (R–District 166). Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, as well as U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01), also attended, signaling federal engagement.
“For generations, Georgia’s forestry industry has sustained economies, communities, and livelihoods across the Southeast,” said Speaker Burns. “As the industry faces unprecedented disruption, it is critical that we advance solutions that will keep forestry thriving for years to come. This summit helped build the partnerships and strategies needed to support timber growers and safeguard the future of forestry in Georgia.”
Industry leaders echoed the importance of collaboration.
“In this time of challenge for the forest industry, it was invaluable to participate in a well-rounded discussion focused on expanding opportunities and sustaining our forest communities,” said Frank Peeples, president of Peeples Industries. “The leadership shown here—particularly on near-term actionable solutions—was deeply encouraging for rural communities impacted by recent closures.”
State Rep. Al Williams, who also serves as chairman of the LCDA Board, emphasized the summit’s forward-looking intent. “This wasn’t just a meeting—it was a launchpad,” Williams said. “Our region is ready to innovate and lead. The willingness to collaborate across sectors signals a new way forward for forestry in southeast Georgia.”
The summit was facilitated by Pat Shay of GMShay Architects and featured panels and presentations covering forest conditions, emerging markets, technological innovation, and investment strategies. Dru Preston of the Georgia Forestry Commission provided an overview of economic trends and near-term opportunities, while experts from the Georgia Forestry Commission, University of Georgia, and Rayonier explored advances in sustainable harvesting, fiber measurement, biochemical innovation, and data-driven forest management.
A forward-looking discussion led by Matt Hestad of the Georgia Forestry Association highlighted the growing role of mass timber construction and its potential to unlock new domestic markets.
“With rising demand for mass timber and emerging wood-based technologies, Georgia is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of forest manufacturing investment,” Hestad said.
A panel from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) examined trade and investment strategies, aligning private-sector growth with regional strengths. Economic development leaders from counties across southeast Georgia attended, reinforcing a shared commitment to collaboration at the local, regional, and state levels.
“It is our economic and civic obligation to develop markets and industries that capture the value of our carbon-rich forestry resources,” said R. Scott Belford, president of Stevens Hill, Inc., which manages the Devendorf-Belford Tree Farm. “That requires innovators, landowners, policymakers, and industry leaders at the same table—listening and learning together.”
Participants agreed the summit represented a critical first step in building resilience and new opportunity across Georgia’s forestry economy. A follow-up event is planned. Forestry industry professionals interested in receiving updates on future convenings are encouraged to contact the Liberty County Development Authority.
