Parks/wildlife funding, protections, events; fisheries; birding hotspots; urban conservation; Ocmulgee Mounds redesignation
Key Questions
What is the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act?
The bill (H.R. 9416) seeks to redesignate Ocmulgee Mounds as a U.S. National Park. It received a House subcommittee hearing where economic benefits of $34 million and 3,000 jobs were projected, with emphasis on the Muscogee Nation relationship.
What trail expansion is happening at Island Ford Unit?
The Island Ford Unit in Sandy Springs is expanding its trail system with new mileage. The project has community support from NPS, conservancy groups, and private donors.
How can landowners get funding for longleaf pine restoration?
The Longleaf Cost-Share Assistance Program offers up to $4,000 per landowner through the Georgia Wildlife Federation. The deadline for applications is July 10, funded via National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grants.
Who is the new leader at the Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia?
Executive Director Bill Sapp is stepping down. The nonprofit’s board of directors announced the leadership transition.
What record is Georgia seeing with bald eagle nests this year?
Bald eagles had a banner year with 89% nest success and 170 eaglets fledged. This reflects strong conservation outcomes across the state.
What events are scheduled for pollinators and conservation in Georgia?
Events include the Pollinator Census on June 17, Bee City festival on July 10, and Conservation Book Club on July 28. A guided waterfall hike at Amicalola Falls is set for July 17.
What funding supports longleaf pine restoration in Georgia?
Georgia will receive a share of $20 million in NFWF grants, including $2.9 million specifically allocated for longleaf pine projects. This aids habitat restoration across the state.
What new survey is the state launching for diamondback terrapins?
Georgia DNR is conducting a coastal survey to track the decline of diamondback terrapins. The effort aims to monitor and address population concerns in marsh habitats.
Loggerhead nests; right whale; GOSP funds; new DNR Battlefield Trust; Peachtree Greenway. Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act (H.R. 9416) introduced; subcommittee hearing held, economic projections ($34M, 3,000 jobs), Muscogee Nation relationship highlighted. Conservation groups demand oversight of Cumberland Island new plans. Glynn County marsh buffer dispute. Butterfly bushes as ecological trap. Many events: Pollinator Census June 17, Bee City festival July 10, Conservation Book Club July 28. Bald eagle banner year – 89% nest success, 170 eaglets. Record loggerhead nesting season predicted (4,000+ nests). $20M NFWF grants for longleaf pine restoration. Share the Shore with seabirds. Savannah Tide to Town Trail ribbon cutting. Paddle Georgia family story. Wilbur loggerhead rescue. Longleaf pine restoration funding details ($2.9M). In-depth feature on Georgia's salt marshes. Black Rock Mountain State Park feature. Georgia Rivers paddle/fishing trips. DNR diamondback terrapin survey. Hard Labor Creek State Park feature. Guided Waterfall Hike at Amicalola Falls July 17. New feature on Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Mountain Conservation Trust leadership transition. Longleaf Cost-Share Assistance Program – up to $4,000 per landowner, deadline July 10 (today). New: Island Ford Unit trail expansion in Sandy Springs – new mileage, community support, NPS + conservancy + private donors.