Georgia is a state with a unique landscape, with 93% of its land privately owned. This has led to a strong interest in wildlife and natural resources among the population, with 80% of Georgians supporting funding for wildlife education and habitat management programs. To ensure that these resources are in good condition for future generations, science-based conservation planning is essential. The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides professional technical assistance free of charge to landowners, helping them to develop comprehensive wildlife management plans.
This assistance is available in all 159 counties in the state, and financial incentives may be offered for conservation practices. The Georgia Conservancy is a statewide conservation organization that works to connect the environment, economy and equity. The Office of Natural Resources Management (NRMO) within DeKalb County Public Works is a member of the Infrastructure Department Group. This office coordinates natural resource and sustainability initiatives throughout DeKalb County, as well as conservation and resource protection initiatives with regional partners such as the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the City of Atlanta and other metropolitan counties.
The Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance (GPCA) works to restore natural conditions and processes that sustain rare species, for example by eliminating invasive plants and introducing prescribed fire. The GPCA collaborates with many organizations such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the Wildlife Resources Division of the DNR, and the Georgia State Botanical Garden. USDA service centers are places where you can connect with employees from the Agricultural Services Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or the Department of Rural Development for your business needs. The NRCS also works in partnership with foresters from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and staff from NRCS to provide wildlife-related technical assistance in developing forest management plans. The Regional Conservation Partnerships Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on farmland.
NRMO staff includes planners, a civil engineer, a geologist, administrators, project managers, and technicians dedicated to conserving DeKalb County's unique natural resources. Whether you grow or raise livestock, manage timber, or want to improve your private land, NRCS has options for you that are good for your land and natural resources. It is a state strategy to conserve populations of Georgia's native wildlife species and the natural habitats they need before these plants, animals, and places become rarer and more expensive to conserve or restore. The stewardship of Georgia's natural resources is the responsibility of every individual, organization, government and company. The NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest owners. Four budding bird artists have been selected as winners of the T-shirt art contest at Georgia's 17th annual youth bird watching competition according to DNR.
Overall, private initiatives have been effective at protecting and conserving central Georgia's natural resources through various programs such as wildlife management plans, conservation partnerships programs, forest management plans, ecological land management initiatives, financial assistance for farmers and ranchers, youth bird watching competitions etc. By taking part in these voluntary programs with objectives determined by landowners themselves, Georgians can ensure that their natural resources are preserved for future generations. Professional technical assistance is available free of charge from WRD in all 159 counties in Georgia. The Georgia Conservancy works to connect the environment, economy and equity while NRMO coordinates conservation initiatives with regional partners such as ARC.
The GPCA works to restore natural conditions while USDA service centers provide assistance for businesses needs. The NRCS offers technical and financial assistance while RCPP funds solutions to natural resource challenges on farmland. Private initiatives have been successful at protecting and conserving central Georgia's natural resources through various programs such as wildlife management plans, conservation partnerships programs, forest management plans etc., making sure that these resources are preserved for future generations.
