31. Forestry Goes High-Tech: Drones, Data, and the Tools Changing the Woods

Welcome to the Georgia Forestry Forum!

In today’s episode, GFC’s Paul McDaniel, RT Lumpkin, Thomas Barrett, and Matthew Mrizek explore the high-tech side of forestry and the tools changing the way we manage and protect Georgia’s forests. From drones used for wildfire response and prescribed burning to satellite imagery and 3D models, they break down how technology is being put to work in the field every day. Along the way, they share real-world examples of how these tools are helping GFC respond faster, make better decisions, identify forest health threats, and tackle challenges on the ground, proving there’s a lot more technology in the woods than you might think.

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

Thomas Barrett
Forest Protection Chief
Georgia Forestry Commission
tbarrett@gfc.state.ga.us 

Paul McDaniel
Forest Health Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission
pmcdaniel@gfc.state.ga.us 

RT Lumpkin
Prescribed Fire Center Coordinator
Georgia Forestry Commission
rlumpkin@gfc.state.ga.us

Matthew Mrizek
Staff Forester, Dixon Memorial State Forest
Georgia Forestry Commission
mmrizek@gfc.state.ga.us

Credits:

YouTube Audio Library - 

• Duck in the Alley by Tracktribe
• Lazy Boy Blues by Unicorn Heads
• A Trip Around the Moon by Unicorn Heads
• Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads
• Sweet Release by Dan Lebowitz

Freesound.org Attributions - 

• Bug Eating Plants by Samantha_Dolman 
• Cinematic Impact Boom by Universfield 
• Deep Cinematic Impact by MeijstroAudio
• Digital Wildfire by vekoN
• Keyboard by MattRuthSound
• Medium Sized Propellor Plane by soundslikewillem 
• Radio Click 4 by ERH 

Have ideas, feedback, or questions? Let us know!