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 Tracktribe
• Land of a Loss by Dan Lebowitz
• Pure Magic by Chris Haugen
• The Painted Night by National Sweetheart

Freesound.org Attributions -

• Ambulance by bmoreno
• Chainsaw by ItsTheGoodstuff
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield
• Digital Wildfire by vekoN
• Dun Dun Dun by Simon_Lacelle
• Gravel 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!

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 Tracktribe
• Cattle by Telecasted
• Too Late Now - Go By Ocean
• Sweet 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!

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 Tracktribe
• Bring it Together by Telecasted
• Lazy Boy Blues by Unicorn Heads
• Swimming in a Fish Bowl by Mark Karan, Scott Guberman, Angeline Saris, and Jeremy Hoenig

Freesound.org Attributions -

• Bear Growl 1 by tbsounddesigns
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield
• Helicopter Spraying Herbicide by Benboncan
• Lightning Strike by nissse
• Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem
• Radio Click 4 by ERH
• Zip Up by PrimeJunt
• Sleigh Bells Sound Effect by GowlerMusic