Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 13, 2023 As area residents continue cleaning up from recent severe weather, the Georgia Forestry Commission is issuing an important reminder. The burning of vegetative debris is allowed, ONLY if piles do NOT contain man-made or construction/demolition (C&D) debris. Such items can contain potentially harmful toxins and may not be included … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 27, 2023 On May 1, an outdoor burn ban will begin in 54 Georgia counties, primarily in the northern half of the state. Affected residents are asked to refrain from burning yard and land clearing debris, whose smoke can negatively impact the state’s air quality during the hot summer months by … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 21, 2023 Georgia Forestry Commission employees serving a 21-county region in west-central Georgia have been honored with a prestigious agency award. The annual “Area of the Year” recognition for 2022 was presented to Newnan-based Area 3, for its performance in wildfire response, landowner services, and safety, among other criteria. “This group … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 21, 2023 A group of Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) employees is being honored for exemplary cost-share service to landowners. The ten foresters from throughout the state have been named GFC’s Fiscal Year 2022 Forest Management Team of the Year. “Cost-share programs are available for a number of purposes,” said Georgia Forestry … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 13, 2023 Communities across the state are planting trees and recognizing their benefits this month for Georgia’s Arbor Day. The day is observed annually on the third Friday in February, which this year falls on Friday, February 17. “Special events are being held all over Georgia this month to mark the … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 6, 2023 Keeping Georgia’s 24 million acres of forestland healthy depends a lot on Mother Nature. Sunshine and growing conditions are critical, yet forest managers rely on another important tool that has a lesser known but important role – fire. Governor Brian Kemp has declared February 5-11 “Prescribed Fire Awareness Week” … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 10, 2023 The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has named Danville, GA. resident Gabe Outlaw its 2022 Forester of the Year. The honor is given annually to a GFC forester who exemplifies the agency’s mission to provide leadership, service, and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia’s forest resources. “It gives … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 18, 2022 What’s the natural resource that gives us the ability to breathe clean air, provides a place for deer to trot and trout to swim, and wood for millions of uses? Forests, of course!  October 17-23, 2022, is National Forest Products Week and the Georgia Forestry Commission is joining the … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 Wildfire danger is on the increase across Georgia. High winds from Hurricane Ian coupled with dry conditions in many areas has prompted the Georgia Forestry Commission to prepare for the elevated threat of wildfires by discouraging outdoor burning this weekend. “We are asking everyone who may be planning to … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 A veteran Georgia Forestry Commission forester has earned the nation’s highest wildfire prevention honor. Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Mark Wiles of Elbert County has been named winner of the 2022 Silver Smokey Bear Award. The award recognizes people and organizations that provide sustained, outstanding service, with significant wildfire prevention impact. … Continue Reading →