The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is seeking public feedback on the updated State Wildlife Action Plan, available for review from February 19 to March 21 at https://georgiawildlife.com/WildGeorgiaSWAP. Initially created 20 years ago, this plan aims to protect native animal and plant species from becoming rare and costly to conserve. It identifies important species, such as gopher tortoises and bald eagles, and includes their habitats.

The revised plan highlights over 1,000 species in need of conservation and outlines steps to protect them, alongside an online map for better wildlife management. Although over 100 organizations contributed to the draft, more input is encouraged from the public. Dr. Brett Albanese, the plan coordinator, emphasized that this is a community-driven plan.

The process allows citizens to comment by visiting the website, which features a presentation and a survey. Following the comment period, feedback will be used to finalize the plan, which will be submitted to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval in June. The plan is critical for accessing funding for conservation efforts in Georgia and has led to significant projects since its inception in 2005.

Public comments can be submitted at https://georgiawildlife.com/WildGeorgiaSWAP, and questions can be sent to WCScomments@dnr. ga.gov.