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!

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
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!

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
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!