GEORGIA FORESTER EARNS RECOGNITION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 12, 2025

A Griffin man has won a regional award for his outstanding work in forestry. Justin Mayfield is a management forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). He was given the "2024 Forest Stewardship" award at the annual meeting of the Southern Group of State Foresters last month in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mayfield was recognized for delivering exceptional assistance to landowners across six counties in the U.S. Forest Service's Southern Region.

"We're extremely proud of Justin's work to serve Georgia's forest landowners," said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. "Justin demonstrates leadership in everything he does. Whether it's forest management, prescribed burning, hurricane cleanup, or mentoring new colleagues, Justin is most deserving of this important award."

Mayfield is noted for his dedication to landowner service, completing more than 235 cases that impact over 30,000 acres of forestland in the state's Piedmont region. He has contributed to the agency's forest health efforts by participating in southern pine beetle detection flights and emerald ash borer trapping. He is known for his dedication to sustainable forestry, and best management practices that protect water quality. In addition, Mayfield enjoys public outreach and regularly connects with youth at local school and Future Farmers of America (FFA) events.

Mayfield lives in his hometown of Griffin, Georgia. He is a 2016 graduate of the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Natural Resources and joined the GFC in 2017.