Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 18, 2022 The Georgia Forestry Commission has launched a new website that streamlines the timber harvest notification process for harvesters and counties across the state. Timber harvesters can now file notifications on the site, and the notices will go directly to the counties and/or cities that require such notifications. The timber … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 14, 2022 Atlanta, GA – For the tenth consecutive year, revenue generated by Georgia’s forest industry has taken a jump. According to a new Georgia Tech report, the total economic output of the forest industry in 2020 rose to $39.1 billion, a 7.1% increase over the previous year. That number shows … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 2021 A public hearing will be held on Friday, December 3 for citizens to learn more about Georgia’s Sustainable Development Carbon Registry. The Georgia Forestry Commission will host the gathering at the agency’s headquarters in Dry Branch, GA, just outside Macon. The hearing will be held in the auditorium from … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 2021 Georgia’s annual summer ban on outdoor burning will be lifted on October 1. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division mandates the fire restrictions from May through September in 54 counties, primarily in the northern half of the state, to protect air quality from emissions that may increase ground level ozone. … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2021 The role of fire in Georgia forests as it impacts air quality, climate change and wildlife and natural resource sustainability will be among the topics explored at the 2021 meeting of the Georgia Prescribed Fire Council. The annual gathering brings together partner organizations that advocate the use of prescribed … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2021 The Georgia Forestry Commission has dispatched another group of wildland firefighters to help contain raging fires in the western United States. The latest cadre from Georgia traveled this past weekend to the Summit Trail Fire near Inchelium, WA., where they were assigned to various duties and posts in surrounding … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2021 The USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) will provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses due to COVID-19. Timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 15, 2021 Changes are coming to laws affecting Georgians who burn outdoor yard debris. As of July 1, 2021, landowners will no longer be required to notify the Georgia Forestry Commission of their intention to burn hand-piled vegetative matter. However, the legal responsibilities of those burning outdoor yard debris will be … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 3, 2021 A Crawford County man has plead guilty to three counts of arson of lands in the third degree and has been sentenced to 15 years’ probation, $4,500 in fines, plus restitution. Georgia Forestry Commission Law Enforcement Officers charged Matthew DeFore with six counts of arson of lands December 2015, … Continue Reading →

* Georgia law no longer requires notification to the Georgia Forestry Commission by people planning to burn yard debris. Charges may apply if wildfire results from escaped burning and evidence show reasonable fire prevention precautions were not taken. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 28, 2021 On May 1, a ban on outdoor burning begins in 54 … Continue Reading →