Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation.

As Georgia’s forest industry positions itself for future growth, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is providing skilled support to lead the way. Ryan Phillips has been named Associate Chief of Markets and Innovation for GFC, effective June 1, 2026. “This is a newly established position,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo, “and Ryan is … Continue Reading →

The State Forester Burn Ban in South Georgia has been amended, reducing the area to 17 counties. The original ban was implemented on April 22nd, covering 91 counties in southern Georgia where exceptional drought levels and increasing wildfire activity prompted emergency action. “Crews have made significant progress in containing the South Georgia wildfires,” said Georgia … Continue Reading →

Beginning May 1, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties. The ban, which has been in place every summer since 2005, affects many of the counties in north and central Georgia (a full list is shown below). EPD’s open burning ban helps protect air quality … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 22, 2026 Georgia’s extreme drought is worsening and the risk of wildfires is rising, especially in southern region of the state. As a result, Georgia’s State Forester today issued a ban on outdoor burning for 91 counties in the lower half of the state. “We need everyone to take this situation … Continue Reading →

A 25-year veteran of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has been recognized at the state capitol for earning the agency’s highest honor. Roger Todd, a native of Folkston, Georgia, received the 2025 GFC Director’s Award for his leadership as chief ranger in Charlton County and for his quick response to a local plane crash. State … Continue Reading →

A Coweta County man has been indicted by Georgia Forestry Commission law enforcement officials on charges of failure to pay for natural products and theft by conversion following an investigation into suspected timber theft. Forty-one-year-old Jeremy Evens of Senoia is charged with one count of failure to pay for natural products and one count of … Continue Reading →

A Union County man is in custody following his arrest by law enforcement officials with the North Carolina Forest Service, with assistance from the Georgia Forestry Commission’s Law Enforcement unit, on wildland arson charges. Forty-eight-year-old Kevin James Roper of Blairsville is charged with 10 counts of arson of lands in connection with a series of … Continue Reading →

Georgians across the state will celebrate the benefits of trees in honor of Georgia Arbor Day. Arbor Day is observed annually on the third Friday of the month, which in 2026 falls on February 20. “Arbor Day is a time to recognize the important role trees play in Georgia’s communities,” said Johnny Sabo, State Forester … Continue Reading →

The people who manage healthy growth of Georgia’s 24-milion acres forestland rely on many tools. They include water, sunshine, good soil, and fire. The application of fire by trained practitioners is known as “prescribed fire” or “good fire,” and it has numerous benefits for trees, wildlife, landowners, and the forest ecosystem. The state of Georgia … Continue Reading →