Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation.

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 →

State legislators are taking a hard look at Georgia’s forest industry challenges. A new report details the impacts of recent mill closures to the state’s economy and to affected Georgians. Georgia Tech estimates those closures will strike a $2.9 billion loss to the state, with nearly seven thousand jobs eliminated. At Governor Brian Kemp’s direction, … Continue Reading →

A Toombs County man has been jailed on felony arson charges. Forty-nine-year-old Phillip Jones of Vidalia was arrested by Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) law enforcement officers and the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Jones is accused of deliberately setting a 1.5-acre wildfire on Sunday, January 11 in a wooded area near … Continue Reading →