Changes For WMAs And Hunting on State Land?

Note: The following DNR press release offers no details about what the state is considering. Public meetings are to give people an opportunity to comment, but it is impossible for the public to comment on proposals, alternatives or ideas they know nothing about. GON will provide details as soon as they are made available, so the public can know what is on the table before the meetings and so that those who can’t make one of the meetings can still comment to DNR via e-mail.

Public Meetings Scheduled Regarding Changes in DNR Land Operations
ATLANTA, Ga. (5/5/2010)

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is considering changes relating to the marketing of recreational opportunities on lands owned and managed by the Department. These changes may include: charging fees at DNR-managed properties and facilities, classification of DNR-managed properties, and diversifying recreational opportunities on DNR-managed properties. The Department has scheduled four (4) public meetings across the state to provide the public an opportunity to offer input on these changes for consideration. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interested in participating.

Public meetings have been scheduled on the following dates at the specified times and locations:
• May 17, 2010 7 p.m. Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, 500 Stegall Drive, Jasper
• May 18, 2010 7 p.m. Macon State College, 100 College Station Drive, Professional Sciences Building, Room 211 A-B, Macon
• May 19, 2010 7 p.m. Laura S. Walker State Park, 5653 Laura Walker Road in Shelter #1, Waycross
• May 20, 2010 7 p.m. Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation, Shorty Howell Park, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth  

Any participant at a meeting may present data, make a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to speak. Participants must register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend a meeting may submit comments electronically to [email protected] or in writing by May 28. Written statements should be mailed to:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Game Management Section, Attn: John W. Bowers, 2070 U.S. Highway 278, SE, Social Circle, Georgia 30025.

These meeting sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to John W. Bowers at (770) 918-6404 no later than May 7.