Georgia Forestry Commission

02/10/2026

🌲 For Ranger 3 Layne Paulk, service isn’t just part of the job—it’s a way of life.
Based in GFC’s Oglethorpe/Clarke/Oconee Unit, Layne brings an impressive range of experience to our team. He served in the U.S. Army, is an EMT and Captain with the Lexington Fire Department and serves on GFC’s Incident Management Team—putting his skills to work when communities need them most.

It all comes back to something Layne says he values about his work with GFC: “giving back to the community.”

When he’s not serving others, you’ll probably still find him outdoors. Layne enjoys scuba diving, is raising three kids and even finds time to breed boxers!

We’re proud to have Layne—and the experience, dedication and heart for service he brings—on the GFC team.

02/10/2026

🔥 The summer burn ban has lifted—but before you burn, Take 5.

If you’re burning hand-piled natural vegetation or yard debris, a GFC burn permit isn’t required, but Georgia’s SSTAR safe burning requirements still apply.

⭐ SSTAR gives you five things to remember before you light. This quick video is your refresher.
And remember: even when burning is allowed, conditions matter. If it’s dry, windy or otherwise unsafe to burn, wait for a better day.

Take 5. Know your SSTAR. Burn safely.

Learn more about burn permits, notifications and safe burning requirements:
https://gatrees.org/burn-permits-and-notifications/

01/10/2026

🔥 Need a burn permit? There's now an easier way to get one!

Beginning TODAY, the Georgia Forestry Commission is offering a new online burn permit system, making it more convenient to obtain permits for eligible agricultural, land-clearing and silvicultural burns.

💻 Apply from your computer or phone.
⏰ Available daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
📅 Permits are issued for the current day only.

The new system follows the same local restrictions and safety requirements already in place. If burning isn't permitted in your area or for your burn category that day, the system will let you know.

One important note: Certified Prescribed Burn Managers requesting silvicultural permits must enter their certification number. Those without a number will be directed to contact GFC for assistance.

And remember, permits are not required for hand-piled natural vegetation, but Georgia's SSTAR safety requirements still apply.

Learn more about this new service and how it works:
https://gatrees.org/gfc-launches-online-burn-permit-system/

01/10/2026

🍁 Georgia Leaf Watch is BACK!

The first hints of fall color are beginning to appear in North Georgia, and we're here to help you follow the changing leaves all season long!

GFC's Georgia Leaf Watch officially kicks off today with our first weekly report. Every Thursday throughout October, we'll share updates on fall color development, photos from around the state and information to help you plan your next leaf-watching adventure.

🗺️ And don't miss our interactive StoryMap! Explore the locations featured in our reports and get a closer look at where fall colors are developing.

🍂 Ready to watch the colors unfold? Check out our first report and come back every Thursday for the latest updates!

https://gatrees.org/leaf-watch-report-for-october-1-2026/

30/09/2026

FALL FOLIAGE FORECAST: There have been some questions about the quality of the fall foliage in Georgia this year, especially with the dry winter and spring.

It appears that everything is on track for NORMAL color in Georgia, peaking across the mountains in late October and in/around Metro Atlanta in Early-Mid November.

We'll be tracking the foliage every step of the way on Good Day Atlanta! Tomorrow the Georgia Forestry Commission will join us to kickoff Leaf Watch 2026!

30/09/2026

One more day until we kick off !! Catch us tomorrow morning on Good Day Atlanta as we talk about all things fall leaves! 🍁🍂

FALL FOLIAGE FORECAST: There have been some questions about the quality of the fall foliage in Georgia this year, especially with the dry winter and spring.

It appears that everything is on track for NORMAL color in Georgia, peaking across the mountains in late October and in/around Metro Atlanta in Early-Mid November.

We'll be tracking the foliage every step of the way on Good Day Atlanta! Tomorrow the Georgia Forestry Commission will join us to kickoff Leaf Watch 2026!

30/09/2026

🔥 The summer burn ban lifts tomorrow. Before you burn, know your SSTAR.

Beginning October 1, Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn restrictions will be lifted in 54 counties across north and central Georgia.

If you’re planning to burn hand-piled natural vegetation or yard debris, remember: no GFC burn permit is required, but Georgia’s safe burning requirements still apply.

That’s where SSTAR comes in. ⭐

This quick guided overview walks you through the precautions you’re required to take to help keep your fire safe and under control.

Before you light, take a minute to watch—and make sure you’re ready to burn safely.

Learn more about burn permits, notifications and safe burning requirements:
https://gatrees.org/burn-permits-and-notifications/

30/09/2026

🔥 They were there when their communities needed them. Now, we’re helping make sure they’re ready for what comes next.

Yesterday, Governor Brian Kemp joined the Georgia Forestry Commission and local leaders in Brantley County to announce $105,000 in special grant funding for seven rural fire departments in Brantley, Clinch and Echols counties—the communities hit hardest by this spring’s historic wildfires.

Each department will receive $15,000 through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program, administered by GFC, to help strengthen its wildfire response capabilities. The funding will help departments access equipment and resources through the program without the local matching funds becoming a barrier.

These firefighters stood shoulder-to-shoulder with GFC during an extraordinary wildfire season, protecting their neighbors, homes and communities. We’re grateful for their partnership—and proud to help them prepare for the next call.

Read the full story:
https://gatrees.org/special-grants-help-rural-fire-departments-plan-for-wildfire/

30/09/2026

🌲📖 Forestry Word Wednesday: CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Last Wednesday, we talked about the carbon cycle and how carbon is constantly moving. So where does carbon sequestration fit in?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and securely storing carbon dioxide (CO₂), reducing the amount that remains in the atmosphere.

🌳 Forests do this naturally.

As trees grow, they absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves and roots. Forest soils can store carbon, too.

Carbon sequestration can also be accomplished artificially through industrial technologies designed to capture and store CO₂.

It’s one more reason forests are an important part of the carbon conversation: growing trees don’t just contain carbon—they actively capture it.

29/09/2026