Leaf Watch Report for October 21, 2026
North Central Georgia There has been substantial progression in the overall coverage and intensity of fall foliage since last week! The forest canopy is rapidly transforming the north Georgia landscape into a plethora of autumn colors ranging from bright yellow to orange to vibrant and vivid red hues. Elevations above 3,000 feet are currently displaying … Continue Reading →
Revolutionizing Forestry: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Georgia’s Forests
From GFC’s Forestry Forum podcast, Episode 31 – Forestry Goes High-Tech: Drones, Data, and the Tools Changing the Woods In an age where technology is reshaping industries worldwide, Georgia’s forestry sector is no exception. From drones to advanced geographical information systems, modern foresters are leveraging technology in innovative ways to enhance the management and protection … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for October 14, 2026
North Central Georgia The overall forest canopy across the foothills and mountains of north-central Georgia is slowly beginning to fade and transition. Yellow-poplar, sourwood, dogwood, birch, blackgum, and red maple are rapidly transforming the landscape and showing some vivid and vibrant colors, ranging from dull yellow to bright yellow to bright red! Yellow-poplar will soon … Continue Reading →
TALBOT COUNTY ARSONIST SENTENCED FOR SPRING WILDFIRE
A Columbus, Georgia man has been sentenced for deliberately setting a wildfire that burned more than 100 acres in Talbot County. Law enforcement officers with the Georgia Forestry Commission took William Shane Harvey into custody near the fire in March. He was charged with arson in the second degree. Harvey pled guilty to the charge … Continue Reading →
TIMBER THEFT CHARGES FILED AGAINST EASTMAN TIMBER AGENT
A registered agent of Branch Forestry Co., LLC in Eastman, Georgia, is facing timber theft charges. Christopher Bradley Branch was arrested by law enforcement officers of the Georgia Forestry Commission on September 1, 2026. Branch has been charged with Failure to Pay for Natural Products or Chatels (O.C.G.A. 16-9-58) in connection with a timber harvesting … Continue Reading →
TIMBER THEFT CHARGES LODGED AGAINST BULLOCH COUNTY MAN
A Bulloch County man is facing theft charges in connection with a timber sale transaction. Kevin Oglesby was arrested by law enforcement officers from the Georgia Forestry Commission on September 17, 2026. He is charged with Failure to Pay for Natural Products or Chatels (O.C.G.A. 16-9-58). The violation carries a penalty of no less than … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for October 7, 2026
North Central Georgia There has been more noticeable color change since last week, however, the majority of the vibrant and vivid fall color displays are still a couple weeks away. Now is a great time to get out and view some native wildflowers such as goldenrod, asters, and ironweed. Early changing tree species such as … Continue Reading →
GFC Launches Online Burn Permit System
It’s getting a little easier to obtain a burn permit. A new online permit system goes live on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The online system mirrors the availability of permits at the county level, while maintaining the same restrictions and business rules used by GFC’s internal burn permit interface. If a local GFC unit has … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for October 1, 2026
North Central Georgia The fall foliage season has just arrived in north-central Georgia and the overall forest canopy across all elevation ranges is still dominated by summer green. Some early changing tree species such as sourwood, flowering dogwood, red maple, and yellow-poplar are beginning to show some nice early fall colors ranging from dull red … Continue Reading →
SPECIAL GRANTS HELP RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS PLAN FOR WILDFIRE
Close to 30-thousand people in three southeast Georgia counties will soon be getting enhanced protection from wildfires. Special grants are being used to fund needed equipment and resources at seven fire departments hit hardest by last spring’s destructive fires. Brantley, Clinch, and Echols Counties will be given $15,000 each, for a total investment of $105,000. … Continue Reading →
