Georgia is a country that is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. From its vast farmland to its rich deposits of minerals, the country has something to offer for everyone. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for managing these resources, and they have several different programs in place to ensure that these resources are used responsibly. Georgia is home to nearly eight million acres of premium quality farmland, which is the most suitable land available for producing food or fiber.
The southern slope of the Greater Caucasus is home to large deposits of manganese, silver, lead, zinc, barite, coal and marble. Oil and peat deposits have also been discovered in the Colchis lowlands. The state also has a wealth of lakes and rivers, with over 0.42 million acres of lakes and more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. Fishing is a popular activity in these waters, and they are also home to a variety of wildlife.
Georgia's dense forests and favorable climate conditions make it an ideal place for agriculture. In fact, the news of gold being discovered in North Georgia spread like wildfire, and prospectors came in droves to take advantage of this natural resource.
Exploring Georgia's Geography
Allen Padgett from the DNR leads a group of students on a tour of Cloudland Canyon on the Appalachian Plateau in northwestern Georgia. He explains how the caves and valleys were formed when the forces of nature lifted huge rocks to create mountains with bags at the bottom.Georgia Under the Ground is a book by University of Georgia professor Dr. Ray Rensi that explains how Georgia's geography was shaped by the forces of nature. Bill Kinsland, owner of the Hometown bookstore in Dahlonega, also provides insight into how these natural resources have been used throughout history.
