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

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 Tracktribe
• All the Fixings by Zachariah Hickman
• Taking in the Changes by Everet Almond
• Bring 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 vekoN
• Keyboard by MattRuthSound
• Lightning 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!

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