Dawson Co. created jobs by planting trees

DAWSONVILLE - Dawson County's Parks will have a new appearance after spring through a project that will not only beautify, but also create jobs.

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners received assistance through the Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development Council with a partnership and local government to plant 15 new trees throughout the county.

The trees are two to three inch diameter trees, so they will have immediate benefits to provide shade for playgrounds, storm water runoff and assist with energy conservation throughout the county.

The County used money from the Georgia Forestry Commission's Georgia's Growing Green Program, funded by federal economic stimulus money.

The money was designated for North Georgia where unemployment rates and tree canopy cover have changed most dramatically. The program creates green jobs and helps to restore local ecosystems by planting trees.

"This project will not only help to bring dollars to our local landscape and tree industry, but it will have a long-lasting benefit by providing trees for public enjoyment." stated Josh Crozier, Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Project Administer.

"We're excited to be working with Georgia communities on tree planting projects," said Sarah Visser, GFC's Georgia's Growing Green Coordinator. "Georgia's green industry has been hit hard by years of drought and the recent economic downturn. These funds provide an important way to help stimulate local economies while investing in the long term health of our urban forests."