The Georgia Forestry Forum

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum!

In today’s episode, GFC’s Paul McDaniel, RT Lumpkin, Thomas Barrett, and Matthew Mrizek explore the high-tech side of forestry and the tools changing the way we manage and protect Georgia’s forests. From drones used for wildfire response and prescribed burning to satellite imagery and 3D models, they break down how technology is being put to work in the field every day. Along the way, they share real-world examples of how these tools are helping GFC respond faster, make better decisions, identify forest health threats, and tackle challenges on the ground, proving there’s a lot more technology in the woods than you might think.

Find us online:

• Website: https://gatrees.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Thomas Barrett
Forest Protection Chief
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected] 

Paul McDaniel
Forest Health Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected] 

RT Lumpkin
Prescribed Fire Center Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Matthew Mrizek
Staff Forester, Dixon Memorial State Forest
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Credits:

YouTube Audio Library - 

• Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe
• Lazy Boy Blues by Unicorn Heads
• A Trip Around the Moon by Unicorn Heads
• Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads
• Sweet Release by Dan Lebowitz

Freesound.org Attributions - 

• Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman 
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield 
• Deep Cinematic Impact by MeijstroAudio
• Digital Wildfire by vekoN
• Keyboard by MattRuthSound
• Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem 
• Radio Click 4 by ERH 

Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum!

In today’s episode, GFC's Chelsea York, GADNR's Kim Morris-Zarneke, and educator Ann Marie Brezina explore what happens when teachers trade the classroom for a week in the field at the Georgia Teacher Conservation Workshop.

 From forest management and prescribed fire to wildlife, water, and conservation, you’ll hear how immersive, hands-on experiences help educators better understand Georgia’s natural resources and give them the tools to bring those lessons back to their students. Plus, we look back at this summer’s first-ever Advanced Teacher Conservation Workshop and how more than 20 years of TCW is helping build a more informed generation of Georgia’s future decision-makers. 

Learn more about the Teacher Conservation Workshop:

• Georgia Teacher Conservation Workshop
• TCW Facebook Page

Resources and programs discussed:

• Georgia Project Learning Tree
• LEARNING IS IN OUR NATURE - Project Learning Tree (National)
• Project WILD | Department Of Natural Resources Division
• Project WILD (National)
• Georgia Project WET
• Project Wet (National)
• Lancaster Camp
• Outdoor Wildlife Leadership School(OWLS) | Georgia Natural Resources Foundation
• NRCW (Natural Resources Conservation Workshop)
• Georgia Science Teachers Association - Conference

Find Georgia Forestry Commission online:

• Website: https://gatrees.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Find Georgia Department of Natural Resources online:

• Website: https://gadnr.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gadnr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgiawildlife/
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/GeorgiaWild

Chelsea York
Educator Coordinator, Georgia Forestry Commission
State Co-Coordinator, Project Learning Tree
[email protected]

Kim Morris-Zarneke
Program Manager, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center
State Coordinator, Project WILD
[email protected]

Ann Marie Brezina
Sustainability and Ag. Sciences Director
High School Environmental Science Teacher

Credits:

YouTube Audio Library - 

• Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe
• Under the Sun by Everet Almond
• Come Along by Dan Lebowitz
• Top of the Morning by TrackTribe

Freesound.org Attributions - 

• Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield 
• Digital Wildfire by vekoN
• Foresters Tractor and Sawing Trees by dibko 
• Keyboard by MattRuthSound

Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum!

In today’s episode, GFC Forest Management Chief Troy Clymer and Management Forester Jeff Kastle, recipient of the 2025 U.S. Forest Service Forester Award, share the most common (and often most costly) mistakes they see landowners make across Georgia’s forests. From selling timber without multiple bids and skipping a forest management plan to overlooking early warning signs of insects and invasive species, they offer practical advice, real-world stories, and simple steps that can help landowners protect their investment and become better stewards of their land.

Find us online:

• Website: https://gatrees.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Troy Clymer
Chief of Forest Management 
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Jeff Kastle
Management Forester, Region II
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected],ga.us

Credits:

YouTube Audio Library - 

• Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe
• Birdseye Blues by Chris Haugen
• Sunrise From a Moonbeam by Dan Lebowitz
• Country Sky by Telecasted

Freesound.org Attributions - 

• Birds at Bells Bend by food4sparrows
• Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman 
• Cha Ching by Lucish_ 
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield 
• Deep Cinematic Impact by MeijstroAudio
• Digital Wildfire by vekoN
• Dog Triple Bark by crazymonke9
• Keyboard by MattRuthSound
• Magic Fireball by JoelAudio 
• Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem 
• Phone Ringing by AUDACITIER
• Quail Call by dobroide 
• The Sound of Ice During Melting by dibko

Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum!

In today’s episode, GFC's Response Center Managers Ashlee Booth and Rebecca Waller give an inside look at the work of a GFC Dispatcher. Fielding more than 120,000 calls and coordinating over 3,000 dispatches each year, these professionals are the vital link between the public and wildland firefighters in the field. You’ll hear how dispatchers balance customer service with emergency response, along with some of their most memorable calls and moments that define one of the most fast-paced, high-stakes roles in the entire agency. 

Find Georgia Forestry Commission online:

• Website: https://gatrees.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Ashlee Booth
Central Response Center Manager
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Rebecca Waller
Southern Response Center Manager
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected] 

Credits:

YouTube Audio Library - 

• Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe
• The Painted Night by National Sweetheart
• Rollin' by Lauren Duski
• You Are The Only by Tracktribe

Freesound.org Attributions - 

• Blackbird Fly By by acclivity
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield 
• Deep Cinematic Impact by MeijstroAudio 
• Dial by CGEffex
• Dialing on an iPhone by pfranzen 
• Digital Wildfire by vekoN
• Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem 
• Radio Click 4 by ERH 
• Tractor Plowing by Jukar

Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!

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.

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
• Learn more about cogongrass.

Find Georgia Forestry Commission online:

• Website: https://gatrees.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Paul McDaniel
Forest Health Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Mark McClure
Forest Health Specialist
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

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!

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
• Georgia Forestry Commission Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program (VFA)

Find Georgia Forestry Commission online:

• Website: https://gatrees.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Justin Brown
Rural Fire Defense Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

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!

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
• Atlanta’s Champion Trees | Trees Atlanta
• National Champion Tree Program | National Champion Tree Program
• Home - Park Pride
• The Wild Trees – Richard Preston
• Big Trees and Primeval Forests: A Guide to the Largest Trees and Finest Surviving Old-Growth in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains: Shaw, Clifford 

Find Georgia Forestry Commission online:

• Website: https://gatrees.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

David Long
Urban and Community Forestry Specialist
Champion Tree Program Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission
ISA Certified Arborist
[email protected]

Eli Dickerson
Director of Education, Park Pride
Volunteer, Trees Atlanta
[email protected]

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!

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/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

John Sabo
Director and State Forester
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Wendy Burnett
Director of Public Relations
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

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!

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/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Stasia Kelly
Media Relations Specialist
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected] 

Will Dale
Ranger III, Habersham County
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected] 

Matthew O'Connor
Lead Forester, Region 4
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected] 

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!

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum!

It’s National Forest Products Week! In today’s episode, join GFC’s Devon Dartnell and Druid Preston as they break down how a tiny seedling grows into the many forest products we use every day. They unpack the challenges facing the industry, explore emerging opportunities that could shape its future, such as mass timber and biofuels, and highlight why forest products are essential to Georgia’s economy, environment, and everyday life.

Find us online:

-Website: https://gatrees.org/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaForestryCommission/
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatrees/
-Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GaTrees

Devon Dartnell
Director of Forest Services, Utilization, & Marketing
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Druid Preston
Forest Services, Utilization, & Marketing Department
Georgia Forestry Commission
[email protected]

Credits:

YouTube Audio Library - 

• Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe
• Clouds Lifting by Telecasted
• Headlands by National Sweetheart
• Rollin' by Lauren Duski

Freesound.org Attributions - 

• Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield 
• Keyboard by MattRuthSound 
• Pickaxe Mining Clank OWI by WolfOWI 

Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!