Will McCommons, a second-year Master of Forest Resources student from Greensboro, GA, has built his career path on a lifelong connection to the woods, one that began with days spent learning from his grandfather, who worked in the lumber industry. After earning his BSFR at UGA, Will returned to Warnell to earn his MFR in Forest Business to deepen his understanding of the business side of forestry. He credits the program with broadening his perspective on how the industry operates and opening new career opportunities.
01.15.2026
Balancing Risk and Reward: Fertilization Decisions in Timberland Investments
Timberland management is a long-term investment shaped by biological growth, market dynamics, and strategic decisions. One silviculture option, fertilization stands out as a key treatment with the potential to enhance productivity and financial returns. However, Dr. Bruno da Silva and fellow researchers from the Center for Forest Business found that fertilization outcomes are uncertain, and this uncertainty complicates decision-making for landowners and investors.
01.06.2026
Alumni Spotlight: Chance Loeffler
Chance Loeffler is an alumnus of the Master of Forest Resources (MFR) program at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and currently serves as a forester with Larson & McGowin. Through his work, Chance supports a diverse range of landowners and investors, applying the technical, analytical, and professional skills he developed during his time in the MFR program.
12.10.2025
Cut-to-Length Harvesting: When it Works and What’s Holding It Back
A recent scientific review by Bolding et al. highlights the evolution of cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting systems and why their adoption outside Scandinavia remains limited. Despite advanced features including optimized bucking, GIS-based harvest planning and mapping, machine-to-machine communication, and LiDAR-assisted thinning, CTL faces hurdles in regions like the US South where full-tree systems dominate.
11.25.2025
GIS and Forestry Innovation: Join Us at the UGA SOFOR Conference
As the forestry industry continues to modernize, one tool has become central to how professionals manage land today: Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). The Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources has emerged as a leader in GIS education for both students and professionals. In December, Warnell and Dr. Pete Bettinger will host The Southern Forestry GIS (SOFOR) Conference, which brings together researchers, GIS specialists, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore advanced geospatial and artificial intelligence applications in forestry.
11.05.2025
Student Spotlight: Catherine Watry
Catherine Watry is currently in her second semester of the Master of Forest Resources (MFR) in Forest Business program at the University of Georgia. After earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, where she also played on the women’s soccer team, she decided to continue her education by connecting her business background with her personal interest in forestry.
09.29.2025
CFB Graduate Students Attend the CANOPY Conference in Portland, OR
Five graduate students and two faculty members from the Langdale Center for Forest Business attended the 2025 CANOPY Conference in Portland, Oregon, hosted by the World Forestry Center. Graduate student Emma Dunn reflects on her experience at CANOPY, where she gained exposure to the future of forest markets and investment through insightful sessions and meaningful networking. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for CFB students to engage with global leaders in forestland investing and policy.
09.24.2025
Alumni Spotlight: Dustin Evans (BSFR ‘08, MFR ‘09)
Dustin Evans, a University of Georgia “Double Dawg” in forestry and a procurement forester at Interfor, is helping shape the future of the timber industry through advocacy and leadership. A proud Center for Forest Business graduate with nearly two decades of experience, Evans emphasizes the importance of educating the public, expanding industry knowledge, and developing strong leaders.
09.10.2025
The 2025 Georgia Timber Tax Credit FAQ is Available!
If you or your client’s timberland was impacted by Hurricane Helene, the 2025 Georgia Timber Tax Credit can offer some financial relief. Our new FAQ guide, authored by faculty at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, breaks down eligibility, application steps, and how to claim or transfer the credit.
09.04.2025
Student Spotlight: Greyson Clark
Greyson Clark is a second-year Master of Forest Resources (MFR) student from Dublin, GA. A graduate of West Laurens High School, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in forestry from The University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources.
