‘Tis the Season – for Georgia Grown Trees!
At the Georgia Forestry Commission, we think December is pretty special. Not only is it the time for traditional holiday celebrations, it is also a time when TREES are in the spotlight! Many Georgians are choosing live Christmas trees over manufactured ones this year. Besides the marvelous fragrance a live Christmas tree provides, you can … Continue Reading →
WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER PROMOTED TO AREA LEADERSHIP ROLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 1, 2025 A wildland firefighter with more than two decades of experience has been named Chief Ranger for the Georgia Forestry Commission’s (GFC) Atkinson/Coffee Unit. Jason Bohannon, of Denton, Georgia graduated from Jeff Davis High School and joined the GFC in 2001. “Through his 24-year career with GFC, Jason has demonstrated … Continue Reading →
WAYCROSS FORESTER TAKES ON LEAD ROLE WITH GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 1, 2025 When Waycross’s Ethan Robertson finished his degree at the University of Georgia, he stepped straight into his forestry career. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources in 2013, then joined the Georgia Forestry Commission as a forestry intern. Since then, he’s gained … Continue Reading →
SALUTING GFC’S ‘BEST OF THE BEST’
The GFC pauses annually to recognize strides made by our agency during the year. As events are evaluated and statistics are calculated, the achievements of units statewide and the employees behind them are noted. Acknowledging the hard work of our team brings pride to us all. Four awards are given each year to recognize specific … Continue Reading →
LOCAL FORESTRY UNIT EARNS STATE AWARD FOR LANDOWNER SERVICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 18, 2025 When Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia last year, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) leaped into action. For their thousands of hours of clean-up work and service to landowners, the GFC’s local Telfair/Wheeler Unit has earned a state award. Staff members have been recognized with the agency’s “2025 Unit of … Continue Reading →
LOCAL FORESTRY UNIT RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 18, 2025 Fighting wildfires, teaching people about safe burning, and keeping our forests healthy and productive. Those jobs are all in a day’s work for five public servants overseeing Emanuel and Candler Counties for the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The outstanding performance of the Emanuel/Candler Unit has earned the team GFC’s … Continue Reading →
HABERSHAM MAN EARNS STATE WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING AWARD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 14, 2025 A Georgia Forestry Commission wildland firefighter has earned the agency’s top award for leadership skills that bring significant protection to the state’s landowners. Will Dale of Lula, Georgia, has been named GFC’s 2025 Wildland Firefighter of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in all aspects of wildfire training … Continue Reading →
VIDALIA FORESTER EARNS 2025 AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 14, 2025 Forester Matthew O’Connor jumped into action after Hurricane Helene swept through his Vidalia yard in 2024. Little did he think that just over a year later, his can-do decisions would help earn him special recognition from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). O’Connor, who has been with GFC for six … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for November 6th, 2025
Northwest Georgia Foilage color change is currently at peak as nearly all overstory trees have transitioned from green to a variety of colors. We’re seeing a more uniform shift to slightly muted tones of yellow, red, orange, gold, and bronze. Northern red oak is in full swing, shifting from bright red and green to deeper … Continue Reading →
GFC FORESTER PROMOTED TO REGIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 3, 2025 South Georgia native Mark Madray is bringing his life-long passion for forestry to a regional leadership position with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Following a decade of service with the agency, Madray has been named Region 3 Manager for the GFC. In his new position, Madray will oversee forestry … Continue Reading →
