Amendment 1

The next fifty days will be critical to our initiative to finally establish a property tax program in Georgia that is friendly to large forest landowners, regardless of ownership type and acreage.  GFA’s statewide promotional campaign is underway to achieve voter approval in November of Amendment 1 to implement the GA Forest Land Protection Act of 2008.

The campaign has raised $247,000 to date - all from just 20 contributors. The goal of the Georgia Forestry Association is $300,000, a modest amount to run a statewide campaign. Of course, many more landowners will benefit if Amendment 1 passes; in fact, the extent to which this measure will conserve our large forests will ultimately benefit most anyone who is connected to forestry and forest product manufacturing.

We are asking that you consider contributing to this colossal effort. (» Download and print your contribution form)

I know for many these are difficult economic times – whatever you can contribute is appreciated! Thank you in advance for recognizing this historic opportunity to keep Georgia’s forests in forests!  

Most of the ‘covert’ activity associated with the campaign will occur in the final weeks before the election. We will soon authorize some initial polling in conjunction with the other two amendment campaigns that will be very helpful in directing our resources. We have begun distributing bumper stickers and this week will approve and send to press a one-page flyer that will be distributed selectively in hard copy and will be available electronically from GFA. Town Hall meetings are being planned around the state and meetings with selected newspaper editorial boards will be scheduled. A 12-minute video has been produced which counties across the state will broadcast on their cable systems to educate the public on the three constitutional amendments on this year’s ballot.

The campaign website is complete – www.ForOurForests.com – and posted on the GFA website. Supporters are encouraged to place a link on their websites and to begin to use the site to promote Amendment 1 within your universe of influence. Additional collateral materials may be produced and selectively distributed across the state depending upon availability of funds.

Please begin thinking of ways that you can promote Amendment 1 in your respective communities.