Georgia Department of Natural Resources

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division is accepting public comment on a request for review of a federal consistency submission from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources proposing amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule.

We are excited to announce Outdoors Beyond Barriers! The Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative puts an emphasis on removing obstacles for people with mobility impairments to help them connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and take part in activities like hunting and fishing that may have previously been unavailable. "More than 2.2 million Georgians have a disability, and of that, 14 percent of those are mobility related. Outdoors Beyond Barriers puts an increased focus on expanding existing and creating new adaptive outdoor opportunities,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of Georgia DNR. Starting TODAY, adaptive hunters will have the opportunity to apply for one of 7 New Adaptive Hunting Events on public properties across the state. To apply, visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com and select the “Events and Learning Opportunities” tab. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2024. Eligible participants must meet the requirements for a disability hunting and fishing license. However, hunters taking part in these new hunts do not have to possess a Disability License if they already have an alternate legal license, such as a Lifetime License. Other Adaptive Opportunities and Amenities in Georgia: • Action Trackchairs Available at Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. • Accessible Cottage/Campsite Accommodations at Georgia State Parks. • Accessible Kayak Launch at Hard Labor Creek State Park. • Horseback Riding: Accessible Horse Ramps (Don Carter State Park and Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center). • Georgia Public Fishing Areas offer a variety of ADA accessible fishing piers and facilities. • Coastal Public Fishing Piers are ADA-accessible. • 12 Public Ranges (Archery or Shooting) in Georgia are ADA-accessible. • Birding and Wildlife Viewing Opportunities at various WMAs and State Parks For more information on the Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative, visit GADNR.org/OBB. #OutdoorsBeyondBarriers #AdaptiveHunting #OutdoorsForAll

“The addition of these chairs at our state parks will help to remove some of the obstacles associated with getting outdoors for those with mobility issues,” said Commissioner Walter Rabon of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “I’m excited to see the Outdoors Beyond Barriers program continue to grow, making the outdoors more accessible for all Georgians, as well as our out-of-state visitors.” #GeorgiaDNR #OutdoorsBeyondBarriers #GetOutside

Independence Day is not only a time for festivities and fireworks, but a moment to reflect on the values of freedom, democracy, and unity that defines the heart of our nation. 🇺🇸 DNR wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 #IndependenceDay #USA #Happy4th

Freedom is not freely given. Please join our department in remembering our fallen heroes who gave their lives to protect our great nation. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay #RememberOurHeroes #USA

We expect a lot of people to be on the water this coming holiday weekend and throughout the summer. Commissioner Rabon has some important tips to share on boater safety. For more information on boater safety, please visit https://lnkd.in/gpFj5V7f #BoatSafety #Boating #WeAreDNR #LawEnforcement #BeSafe

The Georgia Deer Management Plan is due for an update, so the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division is actively seeking your input. Georgia WRD’s successful deer management efforts are informed through biological data, public input and management objectives identified in the agency’s statewide Deer Management Plan. We request your participation in three open house-style public meetings followed by a “virtual” open house or by submitting input through an online questionnaire. These events allow everyone to provide input regarding management of white-tailed deer for the next six years. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/et5yNZXg

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to expand its focus on developing accessible opportunities. The agency hosted its third adaptive hunt since 2021 this month. Five hunters and a hunting buddy were paired with a guide for the agency’s two-day Hunt and Learn experience on private property in Newton County. The hunt, specifically designed for novice deer hunters with mobility impairments, is a priority initiative for Georgia DNR, reflecting the agency’s commitment to providing inclusive hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities for all Georgians. #WeAreDNR #GoOutside #Accessibility

We are so excited to share that the new Wormsloe State Historic Site visitor center is now open! Please take the time to visit this gorgeous place. 🤗 Find out more about those who joined the ribbon-cutting, the building's repurposed materials, new bike rentals, and upcoming trolley system. https://lnkd.in/eaCpcacw #WeAreDNR #Wormsloehistoricsite #Savannah

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) partnered to deploy the railcars to Artificial Reef L in about 60 feet of water approximately 23 nautical miles east of Ossabaw Island on Thursday, Dec. 21. This new artificial reef will provide essential fish habitat and more great diving and offshore #fishing opportunities. “Within a few months to a year, we expect corals, sponges, and other encrusting organisms to form on the railcars,” Brinton said. “The relief and structure of the cars will provide a habitat for fish to spawn and find refuge, which can be sparse off Georgia’s coast due to the low-sloping, sandy geology of the near and offshore undersea environment.” #WeAreDNR