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July 9, 2026

Berry College Receives Nearly $750,000 for Longleaf Pine Restoration Project

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Berry College and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have been awarded nearly $750,000 to restore thousands of acres of longleaf pine habitat in Northwest Georgia.

The project is supported by a $387,100 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with matching funds bringing the total investment to nearly $750,000.

The grant was secured by Dr. Adrienne Ernst, director of the Berry College Longleaf Pine Project, along with collaborators Carlee Steppe and Allison Melcher of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

The funding will be used to restore calcareous flatwoods and montane longleaf pine habitats at Berry College and nearby Georgia DNR Wildlife Management Areas. The project also aims to help recover Mohr’s Barbara’s button, a federally threatened plant species found in the flatwoods.

Officials say more than 3,000 acres will be restored and managed through prescribed burning, invasive species control, and targeted habitat improvements. The team will also develop a 50-year management plan to guide long-term conservation efforts across the landscape.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s Bald Eagle Population Continues Strong Growth, DNR Survey Finds

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Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Program Aims to Protect Farmland From Development

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Georgia is taking steps to slow the loss of farmland as rapid growth continues across the state.

June 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Prescribed Burns Helping Native Plants Thrive Across Georgia WMAs

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Wildlife Resources Division biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are seeing positive results from prescribed fire management efforts across several Wildlife Management Areas in the state.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

4-Foot Invasive Lizard Spotted In Georgia, Wildlife Officials Urge Action

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Georgia wildlife officials are warning residents about an invasive lizard species that is spreading across parts of the state and threatening native wildlife.

June 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DNR Proposes Updates To Georgia Protected Species List

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to the state’s protected species list for the first time since 2006.

The list includes plant and animal species protected under Georgia’s Endangered Wildlife Act and Wildflower Preservation Act. These are species considered most in need of conservation across the state.

State listing makes it illegal to intentionally harm protected animals. It also restricts removing protected plants from state land without a permit, or from private land without the landowner’s permission.

DNR says the proposed updates include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and aligning some state listings with federal status.

The agency says the changes were developed as part of the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

The public may also nominate species for consideration through June 30, 2026, using the online nomination form provided by DNR.

Final proposed changes will be made available for public comment before being sent to the Board of Natural Resources for adoption.

May 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Announces New Battlefield Preservation Grant

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced a new grant program aimed at protecting historic battlefield lands across the state.

April 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Turkey Season Outlook Shows Promise For Hunters Across The State

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Georgia’s 2026 turkey season is underway, and early outlooks suggest hunters could see improved opportunities in the woods this spring, according to Georgia Outdoor News.

April 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia DNR Urges Anglers To Use Fishing Forecasts Before Heading Out

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging anglers to make the Georgia Fishing Forecasts their go-to source before visiting a lake or river. Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists and technicians update the forecasts each year for more than 30 reservoirs and 19 rivers across the state.

Officials say the forecasts offer anglers practical information including the best lures, technique tips, suggested fishing locations, and access to an interactive map for each water body. State fisheries leaders say checking the forecast for a specific lake or river can give anglers a better chance at a successful day on the water.

The forecasts cover popular Georgia lakes including Lanier, Allatoona, Hartwell, Oconee, Seminole, Sinclair, West Point, and many more. River forecasts are also available for major waterways including the Chattahoochee, Flint, Savannah, Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Satilla rivers.

Georgia DNR also reminds anglers that fishing license purchases help support fisheries research, hatchery operations, public fishing areas, and conservation work across the state.

March 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia DNR Urges Residents To Be BearWise As Black Bears Become More Active This Spring

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As spring green-up continues across Georgia, state wildlife officials are reminding residents that black bears are becoming more active and visible in search of food.