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

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 Tracktribe
• Freedom by Dan Lebowitz
• Sugarbee by Chris Haugen
• Twilight Train by Dan Lebowitz

Freesound.org Attributions -

• Cha Ching by Lucish_
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield

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 Telecasted
• Fun in the Sun by Chris Haugen
• You are The Only by TrackTribe
• Duck in the Alley by TrackTribe

Freesound.org Attributions -

• Birds at Bells Bend by food4sparrows
• Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman
• Foresters Tractor and Sawing Trees by dibko
• Hit FX Winding Down by Motion_S
• Lightning Strike by nissse
• River Summer by Klankbeeld
• Snake by Julian_Eftei
• Water Splash 1 by lwdickens

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 Seeker
• Sunrise from a Moonbeam by Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz & Tone Seeker
• Arm Wrestler by National Sweetheart
• Duck 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 zerolagtime
• Good Morning by barrigan
• Hammering by kentdavies959
• Helicopter Spraying Herbicide by Benboncan
• Keyboard by George Hopkins
• Open Can by MakoFo
• Quick, Bouncy, Happy, Bright Melody by AlmightyPsyche
• Radio Click 4 by ERH
• Shiny Object by sonically_sound
• Tabletop Clock Ticking by ycbcr
• Water Splash 1 by lwdickens

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 Seeker
• Sail on Stranger by Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz & Tone Seeker
• Duck in the Alley by TrackTribe

Freesound.org Attributions -

• Baseball Hit and Crowd Cheer by AmishRob
• Fireplace by inchadney
• Large Crown In building Walla by jimruss68
• Shiny Object by sonically_sound
• Windy Pine Forest (Soft) by jgrzinich

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

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 | Georgia Forestry Commission

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

Chad Brackin
Fire Management Officer, Region 3
Georgia Forestry Commission
cbrackin@gfc.state.ga.us

Jason Squires
Fire Management Officer, Region 5
Georgia Forestry Commission
jsquires@gfc.state.ga.us

Credits:
Freesound.org Attributions -

• Ambulance by Samdrup
• Chainsaw by ItsTheGoodstuff
• Clattering Metal File Against Metal Box by F.M.Audio
• Dialing on an iPhone by pfranzen
• Dog Triple Bark by crazymonke9
• Dog Running Up and Past, Panting by Trashcan_Studios
• Electric Wire by Glaneur de sons
• Fire Alarm Testing by jppi_Stu
• Fire In Woodburning Stove by Benboncan