Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation.

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 →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 The summer ban on outdoor burning in 54 northern Georgia counties will be lifted on  October 1, 2022. The annual restrictions are imposed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division from May 1 through the end of September to protect air quality from emissions that may increase ground level ozone … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 The fall foliage season in Georgia begins soon and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is ready with valuable tips for leaf peepers! Beginning on Thursday, September 29 and continuing through early November, GFC foresters will provide weekly updates on tree species color changes, the effect of current weather, and … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 16, 2022 A Berrien County man is in jail without bond following his arrest on numerous charges of woods arson and endangering human life. Christopher Michael Brown, 37, is facing 55 charges in connection with 13 intentionally set fires that burned 13.7 acres and threatened the lives of local and state … Continue Reading →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 26, 2022 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 →