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!

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!