Augusta Gets First Full-Time Arborist | Augusta Georgia News

Augusta is finally hiring its first full-time city arborist, a long-awaited move spurred by the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. This new role, based at the County Extension Office, will oversee tree health assessments and lead replanting efforts across the urban forest. Funded by a $150,000 Community Foundation grant covering half the first three years’ costs, the position also draws $40,000 annually from the city’s budget — a significant investment. Officials, including Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice and Mayor Garnett Johnson, hailed it as a vital step toward restoring green spaces. The arborist will begin work in January, with plans underway to integrate the role into a future grounds maintenance division — though sustainability beyond the grant remains uncertain. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4a374df6a86625a5