23. Saluting Service: Meet GFC’s 2025 Firefighter and Forester of the Year

27. The Silent Spread: Georgia’s Fight Against Cogongrass with Paul McDaniel & Mark McClure

NOTE: This episode was recorded and scheduled for release prior to the South Georgia wildfires. All updates regarding the South Georgia wildfires can be found here. [https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/] Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC Forest Health Specialists Paul McDaniel and Mark McClure give you the lowdown on cogongrass in Georgia. You’ll learn how to identify this aggressive invasive species, how to report it, and why early detection is key to stopping the spread - along with a breakdown of the treatment options GFC offers to landowners at no cost.  Report cogongrass sightings here: * Cogongrass In Georgia – Report It | Georgia Forestry Commission [https://gatrees.org/cogongrass-in-georgia-report-it/] * Learn more [https://gatrees.org/cogongrass-in-georgia/] about cogongrass. Find Georgia Forestry Commission online: * Website: https://gatrees.org/ [https://gatrees.org/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ [https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/] * Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees [https://x.com/GaTrees] Paul McDaniel Forest Health Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission pmcdaniel@gfc.state.ga.us Mark McClure Forest Health Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission mmcclure@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  * Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe * Mood Ring by National Sweetheart * Swampland by Chris Haugen * Where I Stand (Ft. Anahita Skye) by Blue Deer Freesound.org Attributions -  * Birds at Bells Bend_01 by food4sparrows  * Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman * Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield  * Dialing on an iPhone by pfranzen  * Digital Wildfire by vekoN * Dramatic Organ, A by InspectorJ  * Jar of Nails by PaulPauwels  * Keyboard by MattRuthSound * Sleigh Bells Sound Effect by GowlerMusic * Sword Slice 23 by Black Snow  Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2277090/fan_mail/new]

26. Stronger Together: Equipping Rural Georgia to Fight Fire with Justin Brown & Charles Wasdin

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC’s Rural Fire Defense Program Coordinator Justin Brown and Fire Chief Charles Wasdin take you inside Georgia’s Rural Fire Defense program to explore how GFC equips and supports rural fire departments with the tools they need to assist with wildfires across the state. From grant opportunities that help departments secure essential firefighting equipment to specialized wildfire training for local crews, you’ll hear how this program strengthens response capabilities and the critical partnership between wildland firefighters and structure firefighters that helps protect communities across Georgia. Resources discussed: * Rural Fire Defense Program | Georgia Forestry Commission [https://gatrees.org/fire-prevention-suppression/rural-fire-defense-lease-program/] * Georgia Forestry Commission Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program (VFA) [https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=m8V5op1RMkuFUc25TlTsLGNPHcZ5FkBOgoy9Uwe0kCVUOEFYMTRaVjhOOUJDNDdVQVBWTUdHQVg5SC4u&route=shorturl] Find Georgia Forestry Commission online: * Website: https://gatrees.org/ [https://gatrees.org/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ [https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/] * Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees [https://x.com/GaTrees] Justin Brown Rural Fire Defense Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission djbrown@gfc.state.ga.us Charles Wasdin Fire Chief Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis Fire and Rescue (912) 375-6699 Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  * Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe * Come On Out by Dan Lebowitz * Running It Down by Everet Almond * Too Late Now by Go By Ocean Freesound.org Attributions -  * Cha Ching by Lucish_ * Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield  * Digital Wildfire by vekoN * Keyboard by MattRuthSound * Radio Click by ERH Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2277090/fan_mail/new]

25. The Hunt for Georgia's Champion Trees with David Long and Eli Dickerson

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, special guest Eli Dickerson and GFC's David Long take you inside Georgia’s Champion Tree Program to explore how the state’s largest trees are identified, measured, and verified. From the nomination process to the stories behind some of Georgia’s most impressive champions, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these towering trees are discovered, and what makes them stand out. Resources discussed: * Champion Trees | Georgia Forestry Commission [https://gatrees.org/learn-explore/champion-trees/] * Atlanta’s Champion Trees | Trees Atlanta [https://www.treesatlanta.org/resources/atlantas-champion-trees/] * National Champion Tree Program | National Champion Tree Program [https://nationalchampiontree.org/] * Home - Park Pride [https://parkpride.org/] * The Wild Trees – Richard Preston [https://richard-preston.net/book/the-wild-trees/] * Big Trees and Primeval Forests: A Guide to the Largest Trees and Finest Surviving Old-Growth in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains: Shaw, Clifford  [https://www.amazon.com/Big-Trees-Primeval-Forests-Old-Growth/dp/B0F486GKRB] Find Georgia Forestry Commission online: * Website: https://gatrees.org/ [https://gatrees.org/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ [https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/] * Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees [https://x.com/GaTrees] David Long Urban and Community Forestry Specialist Champion Tree Program Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission ISA Certified Arborist dlong@gfc.state.ga.us Eli Dickerson Director of Education, Park Pride Volunteer, Trees Atlanta eli@parkpride.org Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  * Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe * Hustle Econo by National Sweetheart * Seasons by Telecasted Freesound.org Attributions -  * January Sleet by pcaeldries * Keyboard by MattRuthSound * Tire Puncture by WaveAdventurer  * Wolf by maljwilliams  Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2277090/fan_mail/new]

24. GFC Today: Fighting Fire, Protecting Forests, Serving Georgia with Wendy Burnett and John Sabo

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, GFC's Director and State Forester Johnny Sabo and Public Relations Director Wendy Burnett unveil the Georgia Forestry Commission’s new branding shift and tagline which spotlights GFC employees as emergency responders, working every day to protect lives, property, and Georgia’s natural resources. From wildland firefighters to forest health professionals and the utilization and marketing team, they highlight how every role supports the agency’s mission. Fighting Fire, Protecting Forests, Serving Georgia. Find us online: * Website: https://gatrees.org/ [https://gatrees.org/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ [https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/] * Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees [https://x.com/GaTrees] John Sabo Director and State Forester Georgia Forestry Commission jsabo@gfc.state.ga.us Wendy Burnett Director of Public Relations Georgia Forestry Commission wburnett@gfc.state.ga.us Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  * Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe * All the Fixings by Zachariah Hickman * Taking in the Changes by Everet Almond * Bring it Together by Telecasted Freesound.org Attributions -  * Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman  * Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield  * Dialing on an iPhone by pfranzen  * Digital Wildfire by vekoN * Keyboard by MattRuthSound * Lightning Strike by nissse  * Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem  * Open Can by MakoFox  * Radio Click by ERH Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2277090/fan_mail/new]

23. Saluting Service: Meet GFC’s 2025 Firefighter and Forester of the Year

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum! In today’s episode, we’re saluting service as GFC Media Relations Specialist Stasia Kelly sits down with our recently announced 2025 Firefighter and Forester of the Year, Will Dale and Matt O'Connor. These two outstanding team members share their career journeys, the lessons they’ve learned in the field, and what drives their commitment to protecting Georgia’s forests and communities. From leadership and teamwork to service and dedication, this conversation highlights the heart of GFC’s mission. Find us online: * Website: https://gatrees.org/ [https://gatrees.org/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/ [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/ [https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/] * Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees [https://x.com/GaTrees] Stasia Kelly Media Relations Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission skelly@gfc.state.ga.us  Will Dale Ranger III, Habersham County Georgia Forestry Commission wdale@gfc.state.ga.us  Matthew O'Connor Lead Forester, Region 4 Georgia Forestry Commission moconnor@gfc.state.ga.us  Credits: YouTube Audio Library -  * Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe * Land of a Loss by Dan Lebowitz * Pure Magic by Chris Haugen * The Painted Night by National Sweetheart Freesound.org Attributions -  * Ambulance by bmoreno  * Chainsaw by ItsTheGoodstuff  * Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield  * Digital Wildfire by vekoN * Dun Dun Dun by Simon_Lacelle * Gravel Climbing by jorickhoofd  * Helicopter Spraying Herbicide by Benboncan  * Rock Tumble by AGC66  * Sleigh Bells Sound Effect by GowlerMusic  * Water Splash by Yin_Yang_Jake007  Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2277090/fan_mail/new]