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
abooth@gfc.state.ga.us

Rebecca Waller
Southern Response Center Manager
Georgia Forestry Commission
rwaller@gfc.state.ga.us

Credits:

YouTube Audio Library -

• Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe
• The Painted Night by National Sweetheart
• Rolin 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
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!

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
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!