Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 3, 2025 South Georgia native Mark Madray is bringing his life-long passion for forestry to a regional leadership position with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Following a decade of service with the agency, Madray has been named Region 3 Manager for the GFC. In his new position, Madray will oversee forestry … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 Outdoor burning restrictions in 54 northern Georgia counties will be lifted on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division limits burning in these areas from May 1 until the end of September to control emission-related ozone levels that may rise in summer. The 54 counties whose burn … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 The Georgia Forestry Commission is leading a special task force to address the growing challenges to the state’s forest products industry. At the direction of Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo is working with state agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners to develop a strategic path … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2025 A Georgia Forestry Commission field forester has earned national recognition for his conservation efforts in the Southeast. Kevin Lee, of Mitchell, Ga., has been named regional winner of the 2024 Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation. The recognition is given by the National Conservation Planning Partnership, a group of … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 19, 2025 A Crawford County man’s heart for public service has taken him to a new leadership role at the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). John Harris has been promoted to Chief of Law Enforcement at the GFC, bringing nearly two decades of experience with the State of Georgia to his position. … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 2, 2025 A lifelong resident of Screven County has been promoted to the Georgia Forestry Commission’s (GFC) local leadership team. Benji Anderson has been named Chief Ranger for GFC’s Jenkins/Screven Unit, which is based in Sylvania. Anderson is a 26-year veteran of the state forestry agency. His family’s passion for agriculture … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 2, 2025 A long-time employee and Middle-Georgia native has been promoted to a regional leadership position at the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Cochran resident David Brown has served the state agency for 28 years and has accepted the role of Region 4 Manager, effective June 1. The region encompasses 31 counties … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 30, 2025 The onset of summer brings along more insects – and some of them may be setting their sights on Georgia pines. Peak southern pine beetle (SPB) season has returned, and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is helping landowners confront the threat. One of the tools the agency uses is … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 21, 2025 Summer air quality precautions are going back in place for north Georgians. From May 1 through September 30, the Environmental Protection Division restricts residents in 54 counties from burning yard and land clearing debris because smoke may affect ozone levels in urban areas. The 54 Georgia counties affected are: … Continue Reading →