About Us

• Natural Processes – In most cases, we support a hands-off approach to public land management.
• Protections – Achieving our vision requires protecting and appreciating our national forests and the watersheds, native plants and wildlife that call these forests home.
• Relationships – We strive for a positive, non-adversarial, partnership with the USFS. We support the goals and missions of our partners and membership coalitions, and believe the only way to have good partners is to be a good partner.
• Science – Climate change is the defining issue of our time, and we are at a defining moment. We adhere to data and facts derived from the peer-reviewed scientific process to guide our positions.
• Input – We support the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the voice it gives stakeholders in managing our public lands. We oppose all attempts to weaken NEPA or reduce the voice of stakeholders.
• Collaboration – We partner with a broad diversity of individuals, government agencies, legislators, and organizations and are stronger and more effective when working together.
• Equity and Inclusion – We support the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and that increasing the diversity of engaged public land stakeholders and supporters is vital to achieving our mission. As an inclusive organization representing a diversity of views, interests, and opinions on public land policy and management, we welcome all who support our mission, vision, and values.
• Access – We support equitable, safe access for all that does not negatively impact public land.
• History – Humans have inhabited North America for at least 10,000 years, and our public lands are the rightful ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples.
• Stewardship – We will reduce our ecological impact on the earth by reducing, reusing, and recycling at every opportunity.

Emily Klouda joined the Georgia ForestWatch team in April 2024 as the Fundraising Coordinator. She has experience in marketing, fundraising, event planning, and creating. Her love of ceramics led her to receive a BFA from Reinhardt University.

Board of Directors:

Bob Kendall, Chair

Jess Riddle, Vice Chair

Angela Butler-Hackett, Secretary, Treasurer 

Tim Swoger

 Johnna Tuttle

Julie Yamamoto

David Govus, Ex Officio

Advisors:

Ken Cissna
Ted Doll
Marie Dunkle
Brian Gist
David Govus
Sue Harmon
Neill Herring
Robin Hitner
Brent Martin
Cliff Shaw
Dennis Stansell
Kathy Stege
James Sullivan

District Leaders:

email: district_leaders@gafw.org

Conasauga Ranger District
David Govus
Robin Hitner

Blue Ridge Ranger District
Dave Blackley
Larry Winslett

Chattooga River Ranger District

Oconee Ranger District
J.P. Schmidt