The Georgia Forestry Forum

Georgia Forestry Commission
  • 4.7 (3)
  • EARTH SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! This is a podcast that explores trees and forests - the rich and renewable resources - and the innumerable benefits we humans get from them! Expect this podcast to cover topics that will affect YOU! We want to share how trees impact every part of your life - from the air you breathe, the water you drink, to the cost of our energy bills, and the products we use daily - and we'll tell you how our folks here at the Georgia Forestry Commission support it all.

  1. NOV 14

    23. Saluting Service: Meet GFC’s 2025 Firefighter and Forester of the Year

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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 Georgia’s forests and communities. From leadership and teamwork to service and dedication, this conversation highlights the heart of GFC’s mission. Find us online: Website: https://gatrees.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees Stasia Kelly Media Relations Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission skelly@gfc.state.ga.us  Will Dale Ranger III, Habersham County Georgia Forestry Commission wdale@gfc.state.ga.us  Matthew O'Connor Lead Forester, Region 4 Georgia Forestry Commission moconnor@gfc.state.ga.us  Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Duck in the Alley by TracktribeLand of a Loss by Dan LebowitzPure Magic by Chris HaugenThe Painted Night by National Sweetheart Freesound.org Attributions -  Ambulance by bmoreno Chainsaw by ItsTheGoodstuff Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield Digital Wildfire by vekoNDun Dun Dun by Simon_LacelleGravel Climbing by jorickhoofd Helicopter Spraying Herbicide by Benboncan Rock Tumble by AGC66 Sleigh Bells Sound Effect by GowlerMusic Water Splash by Yin_Yang_Jake007

    30 min

  2. OCT 20

    22. From Pine to Products: Georgia's Forest Industry at Work with Devon Dartnell and Dru Preston

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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 products are essential to Georgia’s economy, environment, and everyday life. Find us online: -Website: https://gatrees.org/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ -Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees Devon Dartnell Director of Forest Services, Utilization, & Marketing Georgia Forestry Commission ddartnell@gfc.state.ga.us Druid Preston Forest Services, Utilization, & Marketing Department Georgia Forestry Commission dpreston@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Duck in the Alley by TracktribeClouds Lifting by TelecastedHeadlands by National SweetheartRollin' by Lauren Duski Freesound.org Attributions -  Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_DolmanCinematic Impact Boom by Universfield Keyboard by MattRuthSound Pickaxe Mining Clank OWI by WolfOWI

    28 min

  3. SEP 30

    21. Fall Fire Forecast: What You Can Do to Stay Safe and Prevent Wildfires with Thomas Barrett and Chris Henderson

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ -Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees Safe Burning Resources: Take Five: How to Comply with Georgia’s New Outdoor Burning Laws Take Five: Overview Frequently Asked Questions – English Version Preguntas Frecuentes – Español Versión GFC Public Viewer GFC Public Viewer Video Walkthrough Thomas Barrett Fire Protection Chief Georgia Forestry Commission tbarrett@gfc.state.ga.us Chris Henderson Chief Ranger, Walker County Georgia Forestry Commission chenderson@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Duck in the Alley by TracktribeCattle by TelecastedToo Late Now - Go By OceanSweet Release by Dan Lebowitz Freesound.org Attributions -  Chainsaw by ItsTheGoodstuff Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield Grill Sizzle by b0bd0bbs Helicopter Spraying Herbicide by Benboncan Hose Water by KodyTron Keyboard by MattRuthSound Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem Turkey Gobble by klankbeeld Water Splash by lwdickens

    27 min

  4. AUG 25

    20. From Georgia to Alaska: How GFC’s Incident Management Team Responds to Disasters Nationwide

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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 and professional growth through the assignment.  Find us online: Website: https://gatrees.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees GFC Incident Management Team Members Featured: Danny Gore, Incident Commander Jason Squires, Operations Stephen Spradley, Liaison Officer Stasia Kelly Media Relations Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission skelly@gfc.state.ga.us  Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Duck in the Alley by TracktribeBring it Together by TelecastedLazy Boy Blues by Unicorn HeadsSwimming in a Fish Bowl by Mark Karan, Scott Guberman, Angeline Saris, and Jeremy Hoenig Freesound.org Attributions -  Bear Growl 1 by tbsounddesignsCinematic Impact Boom by UniversfieldHelicopter Spraying Herbicide by Benboncan Lightning Strike by nissse Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem Radio Click 4 by ERHZip Up by PrimeJunt Sleigh Bells Sound Effect by GowlerMusic

    26 min

  5. JUL 30

    19. How Healthy Forests Protect Clean Water with Scott Thackston and Bert Earley

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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 forest at a time.  Find us online: -Website: https://gatrees.org/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ -Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees Bert Earley Water Quality Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission bearley@gfc.state.ga.us Scott Thackston Water Quality Program Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission sthackston@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Duck in the Alley by TracktribeFreedom by Dan LebowitzSugarbee by Chris HaugenTwilight Train by Dan Lebowitz Freesound.org Attributions -  Cha Ching by Lucish_Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield

    38 min

  6. JUN 30

    18. Georgia’s Great Outdoors: Managed with Heart, Made for Adventure with Aurora Geoghagan and Brandon Merz

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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 all year long!  Resources Mentioned: For more information on state parks, visit: https://gastateparks.org/For more information on national parks, visit: https://www.nps.gov/Merlin Bird ID App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Find us online: -Website: https://gatrees.org/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ -Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees Aurora Geoghagan Management Forester Georgia Forestry Commission ageoghagan@gfc.state.ga.us Brandon Merz Forest Health Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission bmerz@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  For Our Friends by TelecastedFun in the Sun by Chris HaugenYou are The Only by TrackTribeDuck in the Alley by TrackTribe Freesound.org Attributions -  Birds at Bells Bend by food4sparrows Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_DolmanForesters Tractor and Sawing Trees by dibkoHit FX Winding Down by Motion_SLightning Strike by nissse River Summer by KlankbeeldSnake by Julian_Eftei Water Splash 1 by lwdickens

    29 min

  7. JUN 6

    17. Strong Roots, Steady Growth: Leadership and Legislation Insights with John Sabo and Kris Butler

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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 future of forestry in Georgia. Find us online: -Website: https://gatrees.org/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ -Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees John Sabo Director and State Forester Georgia Forestry Commission jsabo@gfc.state.ga.us Kris Butler Deputy Director Georgia Forestry Commission kbutler@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Open and Closed by Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz & Tone SeekerSunrise from a Moonbeam by Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz & Tone SeekerArm Wrestler by National SweetheartDuck in the Alley by TrackTribe Freesound.org Attributions -  Airplanes by kevp888 Chainsaw by ItsTheGoodstuff Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield Dog Triple Bark by crazymonke9 Door Slam 1 by bennstir Fireplace by inchadney Football Crowd by Quistard Gavel Double by zerolagtimeGood Morning by barriganHammering by kentdavies959Helicopter Spraying Herbicide by Benboncan Keyboard by George HopkinsOpen Can by MakoFo Quick, Bouncy, Happy, Bright Melody by AlmightyPsycheRadio Click 4 by ERHShiny Object by sonically_soundTabletop Clock Ticking by ycbcr Water Splash 1 by lwdickens

    35 min

  8. APR 17

    16. Nature on Canvas: Honoring Georgia's Trees Through Art with Wendy Burnett and SCAD's Scott Linzey and Kent Knowles

    Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! 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.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ -Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees Wendy Burnett Director of Public Relations Georgia Forestry Commission wburnett@gfc.state.ga.us Scott Linzey, Vice President of SCAD SERVE Kent Knowles, Associate Chair of Fine Arts, SCAD Atlanta For more information on the Savannah College of Art and Design and SCAD SERVE - please visit: -The University for Creative Careers | SCAD -SCAD SERVE - Initiatives | SCAD Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Come Along by Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz & Tone SeekerSail on Stranger by Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz & Tone SeekerDuck in the Alley by TrackTribe Freesound.org Attributions -  Baseball Hit and Crowd Cheer by AmishRob Fireplace by inchadney Large Crown In building Walla by jimruss68Shiny Object by sonically_soundWindy Pine Forest (Soft) by jgrzinich

    23 min
See All (23)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! This is a podcast that explores trees and forests - the rich and renewable resources - and the innumerable benefits we humans get from them! Expect this podcast to cover topics that will affect YOU! We want to share how trees impact every part of your life - from the air you breathe, the water you drink, to the cost of our energy bills, and the products we use daily - and we'll tell you how our folks here at the Georgia Forestry Commission support it all.

Information

  • Creator
    Georgia Forestry Commission
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Georgia Forestry Forum
  • Show Website
    The Georgia Forestry Forum