GFC investigators are certified by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council, with full arrest and enforcement authority in the state of Georgia.
GFC investigators are specially trained to conduct investigations of forestry related crimes.
Timber security laws have been amended and updated over time, and in 2014, GFC investigators were authorized by House Bill 790 to enforce any law relating to the protection, security, conservation, or sale of forest/timber resources. GFC receives and evaluates complaints concerning timber transactions. Investigators are assigned to complaints, and every complaint is investigated. The priority will always be to protect our landowners and their forest resources by ensuring that credible timber harvest operations occur.
Among the duties of our investigators:
- investigate potentially criminal timber transactions
- investigate wildland fires and suspected cases of arson
- investigate other forestry related crimes
| Title | Description | Document Type |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Forestry Laws | GFC is not liable for the distribution of out-of-date material. This document is not legal advice and cannot replace legal advice. Current Georgia Statutes are maintained by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, and can be accessed through their website. | |
| House Bill 790 | 2014 bill authorizing GFC Forestry Investigators to enforce laws related to the protection, security, conservation, and sale of forest resources. | |
| Timber Security Law Fact Sheet | Overview of enforceable laws for harvesting of timber and forest resources in the state of Georgia |