http://www.gadnr.org/news.aspx#rss News, events, and press releases from the Department of Natural Resources. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:32:49 GMT http://www1.gadnr.org/images/gadnr.png http://www.gadnr.org http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3357 WEST POINT, Ga. (6/14/2013) The public shooting range located at West Point Wildlife Management Area will close for a short period of time beginning this coming Wednesday, June 19, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division. The West Point Shooting Range, located in Troup County, will temporarily close for such range improvement projects as renovation of the firing line shed and replacement of the shooting benches. Current plans are to re-open the range by July 3. Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3357 http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3355 SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (6/13/2013) Three new wild license plate designs are available in local tag offices, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division announced today. And thanks to a new license plate process, the new, rich-colored images cover the entire plate - making an even bolder statement for supporting wildlife conservation. Georgians have cast their votes for the next generation of wildlife plates and the winning designs include the soaring bald eagle; the bobwhite quail, deer and wild turkey and the brook trout rising to a fly. Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3355 http://www.gastateparks.org/info/208773 ATLANTA, June 11, 2013 -- Grilling burgers in the shade, watching fireworks over a lake and camping under the stars are just some of the July 4th activities offered by Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites. Want to learn about our nation's beginnings and watch cannon firings? Visit Fort Morris near Darien for their Colonial Faire. How far can you spit a watermelon seed and how big can you blow a bubble? Join the old-timey games and potluck at Black Rock Mountain near Dillard. Whether you have just a few hours on the 4th or the extended weekend, Georgia's State Parks make for a festive holiday destination. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.gastateparks.org/info/208773 http://www.gastateparks.org/info/208714 ATLANTA, June 10, 2013 -- June is "National Great Outdoors Month," and Georgia's State Park system is asking citizens to help crown "America's Favorite Park" and win a $100,000 grant for outdoor recreation. The national contest is part of Coca-Cola's America Is Your Park campaign which encourages families to get active outdoors. Anyone can vote online at www.Coke.com/parks through July 15. "We know that Georgians are passionate about their favorite state parks, and we're asking for their help," State Parks Director Becky Kelley. Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.gastateparks.org/info/208714 http://coastalgadnr.org/node/100259 Commissioner Mark Williams has announced that Georgia waters will open for commercial and recreational harvest of food shrimp at 6:00 am on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Effective that date, commercial food shrimp trawlers can operate in Georgia's territorial waters open to power-drawn trawls. Commercial and recreational cast netters, as well as persons using a beach seine, can harvest food shrimp from waters open to the use of these gears. Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://coastalgadnr.org/node/100259 http://georgiawildlife.com/node/3352 ROYSTON, Ga. (6/4/2013) A new archery range at Victoria Bryant State Park, located near Royston and Franklin Springs, is now available for archers, bow hunters, youth groups and others interested in perfecting their target skills. It is one of 13 archery ranges currently available on public land in Georgia, and one of two ranges located at a State Park. The Archery Range at Victoria Byrant consists of two ranges. The first is a static range with four targets that range from 10 - 40 yards in length. Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://georgiawildlife.com/node/3352 http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3348 GAINESVILLE, Ga. (5/31/2013) Add "Bear-proof the garbage" to your spring cleaning list. It's one of the first and most important things you can do to resolve human-bear conflicts. Easily accessible garbage is irresistible to a hungry black bear. Unfortunately, it's also a major threat to its survival. Bear-proofing your garbage could add years to the lives of some of Georgia's magnificent wild black bears. "Bears become habituated when people feed them - whether intentional or not," explains Adam Hammond, wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division. Fri, 31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3348 http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3347 SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (5/31/2013) The Canada goose is an adaptable bird and can live in a variety of locations, including open farmland and rural reservoirs to suburban neighborhood ponds, office complexes, parks and other developed areas. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, any increase in the goose population, especially in urban areas, typically brings an increase in nuisance complaints. Fri, 31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3347 http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3349 ALBANY, Ga. (5/31/2013) The public shooting range located at Chickasawhatchee Wildlife Management Area will close for a short period of time beginning this coming Monday, June 3, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division. The Chickasawhatchee Shooting Range, located in Dougherty County, will temporarily close for such range improvement projects as installing a 30'x40' sun shade on the pistol range, painting structures and land leveling. Current plans are to re-open the range by June 10. Fri, 31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3349 http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3344 SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (5/28/2013) Boating and fishing are unmatched leisure activities that help make a true connection with family, friends and the natural environment. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division encourages people of all ages to reconnect with their families during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-9, 2013. Tue, 28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3344 http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3345 SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (5/28/2013) Introduce a child or a friend to fishing and you will reap the rewards for years to come. Research shows that most people are introduced to fishing by a family member, and most consider a family member to be their best fishing friend. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division encourages adults to introduce their child to fishing at one of the many statewide kids fishing events scheduled this spring and summer. Not an experienced angler? No problem. These events have plenty of on-site volunteers providing assistance. Tue, 28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3345 http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3346 CLAXTON, Ga. (5/28/2013) The long wait is over for local anglers! The Evans County Public Fishing Area will re-open on June 1, 2013, after completion of a year's long project. "All of the needed work at Bidd Sands Lake, the 84-acre impoundment, at Evans County is complete," says John Biagi, fisheries chief of the Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "We are excited to re-open this area to the public and make a favorite local fishing spot available once again." Tue, 28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3346 http://georgiawildlife.com/node/3342 SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (5/22/2013) The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and TEAM Georgia, a safe and sober driving and boating coalition, are reminding people to refrain from or limit drinking alcohol while operating boats. "Alcohol, mixed with boating activities, can create dangerous conditions that can lead not only to an arrest, but also to tragedy so we want to emphasize responsibility and safety, especially during the increased traffic expected on holiday weekends," says Lt. Col. Jeff Weaver, assistant chief of DNR Law Enforcement Division. Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://georgiawildlife.com/node/3342 Are You Obeying the 100-Foot Law? SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (5/22/2013) Quick boating safety quiz: Is it okay to jump the wake of another boat when you are less than 100 feet away or to use your personal watercraft to splash someone sitting on a dock? Contrary to popular activity, it is not okay and both situations are illegal. If you thought otherwise, you need to review the boating "rules of the road." Incidents can happen quickly and the chance of one occurring greatly increases if boat operators are either unfamiliar with or fail to follow the existing boating laws that govern lakes and rivers. Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT Are You Obeying the 100-Foot Law? http://georgiawildlife.com/node/3343 SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (5/22/2013) Stay sober and know the laws when operating a boat this holiday weekend, urges the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Law Enforcement Division. There were 118 boating accidents and 12 boating related fatalities in 2012 in Georgia, and conservation rangers made 180 boating under the influence arrests. "Please be sure to review Georgia boating laws before getting out on the water, especially the new changes relative to driving a boat under the influence and life jacket use for children," Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://georgiawildlife.com/node/3343 http://www.gastateparks.org/info/206434 ATLANTA, GA, March 29, 2013 - To celebrate National Get Outdoors Day on June 8 and Get Outdoors Georgia Month in June, the loveable Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Gopher mascot is getting out, getting dirty, and getting fit at sites across Georgia all month long. Park goers can join in the fun by spotting the Gopher mascot image on trails, campgrounds and playgrounds, then snapping a photo of him. Photo quest participants will have a chance to win prizes and even choose the Gopher's name as part of the "Great Gopher Chase" photo quest. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.gastateparks.org/info/206434