Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 15, 2025 A prominent leader of Georgia’s forest industry is being celebrated with a permanent honor. The Georgia Forestry Commission’s headquarters in Dry Branch has been formally dedicated in the name of John Mixon. Mixon worked with the state agency from 1961-1995, and served as its director for 12 years. “It … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 1, 2025 A wildland firefighter with more than two decades of experience has been named Chief Ranger for the Georgia Forestry Commission’s (GFC) Atkinson/Coffee Unit. Jason Bohannon, of Denton, Georgia graduated from Jeff Davis High School and joined the GFC in 2001. “Through his 24-year career with GFC, Jason has demonstrated … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 18, 2025 When Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia last year, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) leaped into action. For their thousands of hours of clean-up work and service to landowners, the GFC’s local Telfair/Wheeler Unit has earned a state award. Staff members have been recognized with the agency’s “2025 Unit of … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 18, 2025 Fighting wildfires, teaching people about safe burning, and keeping our forests healthy and productive. Those jobs are all in a day’s work for five public servants overseeing Emanuel and Candler Counties for the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The outstanding performance of the Emanuel/Candler Unit has earned the team GFC’s … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 14, 2025 A Georgia Forestry Commission wildland firefighter has earned the agency’s top award for leadership skills that bring significant protection to the state’s landowners. Will Dale of Lula, Georgia, has been named GFC’s 2025 Wildland Firefighter of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in all aspects of wildfire training … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 12, 2025 A Griffin man has won a regional award for his outstanding work in forestry. Justin Mayfield is a management forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). He was given the “2024 Forest Stewardship” award at the annual meeting of the Southern Group of State Foresters last month in Biloxi, … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 4, 2025 A Talbot County man has been jailed on felony arson charges. Fifty-two-year old William Shane Harvey, of Box Springs, was arrested by law enforcement officers from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Talbot County Sherriff’s Office on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Harvey was taken into custody near the … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 4, 2025 Georgia’s rich forestland, Governor Kemp, and five former governors have been jointly honored in a series of original paintings. In recognition of Georgia Arbor Day, vibrant artwork created by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) students depicts the native tree species selected by each governor. Each of those … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 3, 2025 Wildland firefighters at the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) are keeping a very close eye on the weather. Low humidity, combined with gusty winds, made for a busy weekend for firefighters across the state. Just in the past week, the Commission reports close to 500 fires burned more than 6,000 … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 19, 2025 As North Georgia’s population increases, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is highlighting its focus on wildfire prevention and protection. For its exceptional outreach to local communities, the GFC’s Fannin/Towns/Union Counties Unit has earned the agency’s “Unit of the Year Award for Community Engagement.” “These employees demonstrated truly outstanding results … Continue Reading →