Georgia Public Access for Wildlife Recreation

GRANT PROPOSAL

The Wildlife Resources Division is proposing a 3-year statewide grant project to expand and/or enhance its existing public access program to provide more opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife-watching, and other compatible wildlife-related recreational activities.  Funding for this project is provideed through a Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Georgia's existing public access program, the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) program, will be the starting point and model for expanding and enhancing public access across the state.  

The primary goal of this grant proposal is to provide new hunting and fishing opportunities for a wide variety of game and fish species across the state.  Second, landowners will be encouraged to participate in the program, offering hunting, fishing and recreational access on their lands to be incorporated into the WMA program.  To review the full proposal, click here.

FSA guidelines require a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) be conducted to assess any potential impacts to the human or natural environment as a result of the implementation of grant objectives.  A 30-day period for the public to comment on the PEA is required as well.  To view the PEA, click here.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD NOW OPEN (through April 13, 2012): Public comment is currently being accepted (email your comments to Alex Coley, Assistant Chief of Game Management, at alex.coley@dnr.state.ga.us ).