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!

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
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!