Conservation

From cascading mountain streams to placid blackwater rivers, oak-shaded coastal hammocks to windswept mountain ridges, weathered granite outcrops to quiet cypress swamps, Georgia's varied landscape provides habitats for a vast array of wildlife species. As a result, Georgia ranks among the top states in wildlife diversity. The Wildlife Resources Division strives to protect this valuable part of our state's natural history. Click on the links to learn more about conservation of Georgia's natural resources.

Conserving Nongame Wildlife: 2004-2007 The Nongame Conservation Section manages Georgia's native diversity of wild animals and plants and their habitats through education, research and management, while also working to increase the public's enjoyment of these natural resources. For copies, click here: Report in low resolution (2 MB) or high resolution (48.5 MB).

Quick Links Wildlife Action Plan Species of Concern GA Animals & Plants Natural Environments Prescribed Fire Landowner Programs Conservation Resources E-newsletter

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Notice of Public Hearing and Proposed Adoption of Amended Rules for the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program

If the proposed changes are adopted, donations under this program will need to meet stricter guidelines and will afford a greater level of protection to the natural resource than currently required by the IRS for federal deduction purposes. As a result, these changes should reduce certification denials and appeals by providing clear guidelines on eligible conservation purposes for landowners and land trusts, thereby reducing staff time, reducing Department costs and providing better protection for the State's natural resources. Click here for meeting information, here for proposed rule changes and here for final proposed rules.

A public meeting is planned for Nov., 5 at 10 a.m. to address these changes. The meeting will be held in the Department of Natural Resources Board Room, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, S.E., Suite 1252 East Tower, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. Written comments also are welcome. Written comments should be received by Nov. 5 and may be emailed to Kristina.Sorensen@dnr.state.ga.us or sent via regular mail addressed to:

Kristina Sorensen
Conservation Tax Credit Program
2065 US Highway 278 SE
Social Circle, Georgia 30025-4743

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Georgia Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan

The draft Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan is now available online here or at the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division office in Social Circle. Public comments were sought from July 1 to July 30 on the draft Plan and will be incorporated into the document. Troublesome exotics include hydrilla, an Asian water plant that has infested several reservoirs, and the island apple snail, a South American mollusk threatening aquatic communities in deep south Georgia. The plan even addresses land-dwellers that pose aquatic risks, such as feral hogs, which can affect streams and wetlands by rooting up soil and vegetation.

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Support the Nongame Conservation Section

Did you know that the Nongame Conservation Section of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division is funded solely through donations, grants and fund-raising initiatives?

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Report Bird Sightings

Links to report bald eagle nesting activity and sightings of whooping cranes and swallow-tailed kites.