Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Earlier this summer, the Florida Forest Service in Jefferson and Leon counties welcomed a new forester, Jimmy McQuigg.
McQuigg was born and raised on St. Simon's Island, Ga., and when it was time to choose a career path, forestry seemed a natural choice.
“My great uncle and my cousin are both foresters, and they told me they have had very satisfying careers,” said McQuigg.
This inspiration led him to The Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, a college within the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., where he gained experience while earning a bachelor of science degree in forestry, After graduating in May, he joined the staff at the Monticello office of the Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
From his base in Jefferson County, McQuigg serves landowners both here and in Leon County to help them meet their forestry goals. He sees himself as a key communicator between the Forest Service and the public, providing education about managing land for growing timber, supporting forest wildlife or even improving aesthetics. His first few months on the job have focused on working with landowners who are applying to participate in the Florida's Future Forests Program, which provides cost-share reimbursements to promote “tree planting and site preparation practices to ensure the long-term viability of Florida’s forest lands and their associated ecological and economic value.”
McQuigg is enjoying getting to know the different forested properties in our area and the landowners who manage them.
“It's cool to meet new people and get a chance to educate them,” he said. “I like to see what I can teach them and what they can teach me.”
McQuigg's boss, Forest Area Supervisor Justin Halpin says that McQuigg is settling in well and he's glad to have him on board.
In addition to finishing college and starting his career in forestry, McQuigg also recently got married. He and his wife Avital enjoy staying busy with lots of sports activity, including playing basketball, pickleball, tennis and volleyball. McQuigg also likes to hunt for deer and ducks.
The mission of the Florida Forest Service is “to protect and manage the forest resources of Florida, ensuring that they will be available for future generations.” It offers technical information and grant programs that help landowners improve their forestland. Through prevention and suppression of wildfires, the Forest Service also works “to protect homeowners from from the threat of damage in a natural, fire-dependent environment.”
For local assistance in these areas, contact McQuigg at (850) 597-5308.
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