The Cherokee County (Georgia) Board of Commissioners has pledged $2 million to assist the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR) in purchasing the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area property, a significant natural resource that spans both Cherokee and Bartow Counties.

The unanimous decision, made on June 17th, aims to help close a $10 million gap in negotiations between the GDNR and the Neel family, the property owners. The 14,000-acre tract, with approximately 2,500 acres situated in western Cherokee County along Highway 140 near Lake Arrowhead, has been a wildlife management area for over 40 years. Concerns arose when the Neel family declined to renew their lease with the GDNR, placing the property on the market. “For three years, they’ve failed to reach an agreement on this 14,000-acre tract that’s mostly in Bartow County, but about 2,500 acres is in Cherokee County,” said Chairman Harry Johnston. He further explained that Bartow County has already committed $5 million toward the purchase. Commissioners emphasized the importance of preserving the area as green space and a valuable resource for outdoor activities. Commissioner Benny Carter described the property as “an excellent parcel of green space,” stating, “It’s larger than Bartow and Cherokee Counties—it’s really a regional resource and we need to do all we can to preserve that.”

The $2 million commitment is contingent upon an acceptable intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Cherokee County and the GDNR, detailing future land use and requiring approval from the commissioners. Commissioner Corey Ragsdale inquired about the commitment timeline and potential future public access for hunting, hiking, and biking. While the property has been closed since the lease expired in June 2023, officials expressed optimism that the purchase will ensure its continued availability for recreational purposes and conservation efforts. Commissioners also discussed the possibility of selling other county-owned properties to offset the financial commitment, exploring alternative funding solutions.