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. FEB 19

    25. The Hunt for Georgia's Champion Trees with David Long and Eli Dickerson 

    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 are discovered, and what makes them stand out. Resources discussed: Champion Trees | Georgia Forestry CommissionAtlanta’s Champion Trees | Trees AtlantaNational Champion Tree Program | National Champion Tree ProgramHome - Park PrideThe Wild Trees – Richard PrestonBig Trees and Primeval Forests: A Guide to the Largest Trees and Finest Surviving Old-Growth in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains: Shaw, Clifford  Find Georgia Forestry Commission online: Website: https://gatrees.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees David Long Urban and Community Forestry Specialist Champion Tree Program Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission ISA Certified Arborist dlong@gfc.state.ga.us Eli Dickerson Director of Education, Park Pride Volunteer, Trees Atlanta eli@parkpride.org Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Duck in the Alley by TracktribeHustle Econo by National SweetheartSeasons by Telecasted Freesound.org Attributions -  January Sleet by pcaeldriesKeyboard by MattRuthSoundTire Puncture by WaveAdventurer Wolf by maljwilliams Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    37 min

  2. JAN 20

    24. GFC Today: Fighting Fire, Protecting Forests, Serving Georgia with Wendy Burnett and John Sabo

    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 health professionals and the utilization and marketing team, they highlight how every role supports the agency’s mission. Fighting Fire, Protecting Forests, Serving 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 Wendy Burnett Director of Public Relations Georgia Forestry Commission wburnett@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  Duck in the Alley by TracktribeAll the Fixings by Zachariah HickmanTaking in the Changes by Everet AlmondBring it Together by Telecasted Freesound.org Attributions -  Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield Dialing on an iPhone by pfranzen Digital Wildfire by vekoNKeyboard by MattRuthSoundLightning Strike by nissse Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem Open Can by MakoFox Radio Click by ERH Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    28 min

  3. 11/14/2025

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

    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  Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    30 min

  4. 10/20/2025

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

    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 Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    28 min

  5. 09/30/2025

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

    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 Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    27 min

  6. 08/25/2025

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

    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 Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    26 min

  7. 07/30/2025

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

    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  Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    38 min

  8. 06/30/2025

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

    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  Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

    29 min
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Georgia Forestry Forum
  • Show Website
    The Georgia Forestry Forum