Northwest Georgia This is shaping up to be a very good fall color season. The healthy canopy established during the summer, combined with the recent beneficial rain, have created the ideal conditions for vibrant color. High leaf retention from a variety of oak species, maple, hickory, beech, and sweetgum continue to provide swaths of color. … Continue Reading → The post Leaf Watch Report for October 29th, 2025 first appeared on Georgia Forestry Commission.| Georgia Forestry Commission
Autumn is well underway, and with it come falling leaves and rising wildfire risk. It’s a busy period for the Georgia Forestry Commission, because dry, windy conditions can give flames the upper hand, especially in north Georgia. Urban expansion into forested areas can complicate matters. That’s why we’re sharpening our defense with strategic planning. GFC| Georgia Forestry Commission
Northwest Georgia Fall color is becoming more pronounced across Northwest Georgia this week. A percentage of all tree species have officially begun to show color, with some displaying notable changes. Oaks, which are typically the last to turn as they require more sustained cool weather to break down chlorophyll, are already showing vibrant colors. Chestnut| Georgia Forestry Commission
NOTE: The regions are showing some color disparities due to differing soil moisture levels, elevations, sun exposure, and the east-to-west progression of fall color! Northwest Georgia Fall color progression continues in the region, though the pace has been slowed by unusually dry conditions. While green remains the dominant color across the landscape, the palette is … Continue Reading → The post Leaf Watch Report for October 15th, 2025 first appeared on Georgia Forestry Commission.| Georgia Forestry Commission
Northwest Georgia Fall color change is steadily progressing as we enter the second week of October with subtle but noticeable shifts as new colors emerge. While green still dominates the landscape, we’re seeing some subtle shifts in color with scattered pockets of vibrant hints of the transformation to come. Blackgum and dogwood are currently leading … Continue Reading → The post Leaf Watch Report for October 8th, 2025 first appeared on Georgia Forestry Commission.| Georgia Forestry Commission
Northwest Georgia The forest canopy remains mostly green, though rocky outcrops and well-drained slopes are browning and shedding leaves due to moisture stress. A select few maples are starting to flash red and yellow while some sweetgums are shifting from green to deep maroon. Oaks are still holding their green but are gradually fading to … Continue Reading → The post Leaf Watch Report for October 2nd, 2025 first appeared on Georgia Forestry Commission.| Georgia Forestry Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 Outdoor burning restrictions in 54 northern Georgia counties will be lifted on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division limits burning in these areas from May 1 until the end of September to control emission-related ozone levels that may rise in summer. The 54 counties whose burn … Continue Reading → The post SUMMER RESTRICTIONS ON OUTDOOR BURNING TO BE LIFTED OCTOBER 1 first appeared on Georgia Forestry Commission.| Georgia Forestry Commission
If fall is your favorite season of the year, you’re likely smiling already. Cooler weather, fall foliage, and pumpkin spice lattes (sorry) are here. Autumn is a special time at GFC because we get to spotlight Georgia trees’ amazing foliage spectacle. Hardwood trees, notably in the northern part of our state, enter the “leaf senescence” … Continue Reading → The post It’s Time to Fall for Fall! first appeared on Georgia Forestry Commission.| Georgia Forestry Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 The Georgia Forestry Commission is leading a special task force to address the growing challenges to the state’s forest products industry. At the direction of Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo is working with state agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners to develop a strategic path … Continue Reading → The post FORESTRY TASK FORCE CONVENES TO ADDRESS INDUSTRY CHALLENGES first appeared on Georgia ...| Georgia Forestry Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2025 A Georgia Forestry Commission field forester has earned national recognition for his conservation efforts in the Southeast. Kevin Lee, of Mitchell, Ga., has been named regional winner of the 2024 Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation. The recognition is given by the National Conservation Planning Partnership, a group of … Continue Reading → The post NATIONAL CONSERVATION AWARD GOES TO GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION FORESTER first appeared on Georgi...| Georgia Forestry Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 19, 2025 A Crawford County man’s heart for public service has taken him to a new leadership role at the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). John Harris has been promoted to Chief of Law Enforcement at the GFC, bringing nearly two decades of experience with the State of Georgia to his position.| Georgia Forestry Commission
Click here to access the Hurricane Helene Ad Valorem Temporary Tax Relief Certification Form Click here to access the growing Hurricane Helene FMit Contractor List Click here to access the 2025 Timber Tax Credit FAQ We provide leadership, service, and education to protect and conserve Georgia’s forest resources. Click here to access the Hurricane Helene Ad Valorem Temporary Tax Relief Certification Form Click here to access the growing Hurricane Helene FMit Contractor List Click here to acc...| Georgia Forestry Commission
For more specific information on SPB, click here. Pine bark beetles are native to Georgia and can have devastating effects on pine trees. Pine bark beetles found throughout Georgia include the southern pine beetle (SPB), the black turpentine beetle (BTB), and three species of Ips engraver beetles, with a fourth found just in northern Georgia.| Georgia Forestry Commission
