The Georgia Forestry Forum

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC's Response Center Managers Ashlee Booth and Rebecca Waller give an inside look at the work of a GFC Dispatcher . Fielding more than 120,000 calls and coordinating over 3,000 dispatches each year, these professionals are the vital link between the public and wildland firefighters in the field. You’ll hear how dispatchers balance cu...

NOTE: This episode was recorded and scheduled for release prior to the South Georgia wildfires. All updates regarding the South Georgia wildfires can be found here. Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC Forest Health Specialists Paul McDaniel and Mark McClure give you the lowdown on cogongrass in Georgia. You’ll learn how to identify this aggressive invasive species, how t...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC’s Rural Fire Defense Program Coordinator Justin Brown and Fire Chief Charles Wasdin take you inside Georgia’s Rural Fire Defense program to explore how GFC equips and supports rural fire departments with the tools they need to assist with wildfires across the state. From grant opportunities that help departments secure essential firefi...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, special guest Eli Dickerson and GFC's David Long take you inside Georgia’s Champion Tree Program to explore how the state’s largest trees are identified, measured, and verified. From the nomination process to the stories behind some of Georgia’s most impressive champions, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these towering trees...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC's Director and State Forester Johnny Sabo and Public Relations Director Wendy Burnett unveil the Georgia Forestry Commission’s new branding shift and tagline which spotlights GFC employees as emergency responders , working every day to protect lives, property, and Georgia’s natural resources. From wildland firefighters to forest h...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, we’re saluting service as GFC Media Relations Specialist Stasia Kelly sits down with our recently announced 2025 Firefighter and Forester of the Year, Will Dale and Matt O'Connor. These two outstanding team members share their career journeys, the lessons they’ve learned in the field, and what drives their commitment to protecting Geo...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! It’s National Forest Products Week! In today’s episode, join GFC’s Devon Dartnell and Druid Preston as they break down how a tiny seedling grows into the many forest products we use every day. They unpack the challenges facing the industry, explore emerging opportunities that could shape its future, such as mass timber and biofuels , and highlight why forest...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC’s Thomas Barrett and Chris Henderson break down what to expect this fall fire season and why wildfire risk is on the rise. From permits to precautions , they share how landowners can burn responsibly and build defensible space around their homes to help reduce the threat of wildfires. Find us online: -Website: https://gatrees.org/ -Fac...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today's episode, GFC Media Relations Specialist Stasia Kelly interviews members of GFC's Type 3 Incident Management Team who recently returned from Alaska, where they managed several wildfires . The team discusses the unique challenges posed by Alaska's terrain , the importance of protecting life and property , and reflect on their personal...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, join Water Quality Specialists Scott Thackston and Bert Earley as they dive into the connection between forests and clean water . From the importance of contiguous forest land to the behind-the-scenes work of monitoring for water quality risks , you’ll get an inside look at how GFC’s Water Quality Program helps protect Georgia’s water, one...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today's episode, join GFC Foresters Aurora Geoghagan and Brandon Merz as they dish out the scoop on the best locations to recreate in Georgia this summer. They also provide a peek behind the curtain at how good forest management practices , such as invasive insect monitoring and prescribed burning, help keep these places in great shape to be enjoyed a...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today's episode, join GFC's Johnny Sabo and Kris Butler as they reflect on their first months in new leadership roles. From years of field experience to guiding the agency from the top, they share how their roots in forestry shape the way they lead today, as well as provide a recap from the recent legislative session, and what it means for the fu...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today's episode, join GFC's Wendy Burnett and SCAD's Scott Linzey and Kent Knowles as they share all the details on our amazing Georgia Arbor Day tree portrait partnership and special event at the Georgia State Capitol! Click here to watch the highlight video of the event! Find us online: -Website: https://gatrees.org/ -Facebook: https://www...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today's episode, join GFC Fire Management Officers Chad Brackin and Jason Squires as they reflect on the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene , share their first-hand accounts of the storm and provide an update on how their communities are recovering.   For more information on Hurricane Helene - please visit: Hurricane Helene Recovery Assistance...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today's episode, join GFC's Seth Hawkins and David Long as we celebrate Georgia Arbor Day with a discussion on the benefits of planting native tree species , the dangers of planting invasive species , and how we can show love to Georgia's largest trees! For more information on tree planting, species selection, or our Champion Tree Program -...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today's episode, join GFC's Troy Clymer and Ryan Phillips as they break down the findings of our Hurricane Helene Timber Impact Assessment , share advice for affected landowners, and detail cost-share opportunities provided by our partners as well as the state of Georgia. For more information on the Hurricane Helene and any of the programs mentio...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today's episode is all about treecycling through Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation's Bring One for the Chipper Event ! Join GFC's Seth Hawkins and KGBF's Megan Whitehead as they share the history behind the event, the benefits of recycling your Christmas tree, and how you can participate on Jan 4th! For more information on the Bring One fo...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today's episode is all about reforestation ! Join GFC's Jeff Fields and Anita Johnson as they guide you through a typical year for our reforestation team, what makes our seedlings special, and the importance of growing seedlings for a greener future.  For more information on reforestation - please visit our website: www.gatrees.org To order GFC seed...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today's topic is Leaf Watch 2024 ! Join GFC's Stasia Kelly and Ben Cobb for a discussion on fall leaf change, including recommended routes and travel tips for experiencing the fall foliage in North Georgia! Note: This episode was recorded prior to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.  For more information on Leaf Watch - please visit our website:...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today, we have an exciting announcement to share! Join GFC's Wendy Burnett and Becca Turner and Jessica Akins of Oak + Willow Creatives for a discussion on the brand-new Seedlings to Solutions Experience coming to the Georgia National Fair this October 3-13, 2024! This new exhibit is a collaboration between Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Rural&apos...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today's topic is selling your timber ! Join GFC's Troy Clymer and Morgan Cook for an in-depth discussion on how to sell your timber, including a step-by-step breakdown with tips straight from the experts. For more information on forestry, timber sales and land management - please visit our website: www.gatrees.org Find us on socials: -Facebook: http...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today's topic is teaching forestry and environmental education at a K-12 level ! Join GFC's Education Coordinator Chelsea York and educator Sandi Parrish for a discussion on how to inspire a love for the outdoors in your children and students as we transition into a new school year. For more information on forestry, education and how to get involved...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today's topic is the forestry in higher education ! Join GFC forester Casey Tudor and April McDaniel of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA for a discussion on what options are available to anyone who is interested in studying forestry at the college level. For more information on forestry, careers and how to get involved - please...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum!  Today's topic is the southern pine beetle ! Join GFC's Troy Clymer and Michael Torbett for a discussion on southern pine beetle, how to mitigate the issue, and their predictions on southern pine beetle activity for 2024! For more information on southern pine beetle, forest health, and how to get involved - please visit our website: www.gatrees.org...

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! Today's topic is c ommunicating the importance of forestry with our communities ! Join Seth Hawkins, Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator, and Ashley Frasca, host of WSB Radio's Green and Growing on 95.5 us for a discussion on invasive species, urban forestry, and the benefits of trees! For more information on urban forestry, trees, and how to...