Published: June 27, 2008 01:33 pm            

Actions from the Board of Natural Resources May meeting

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources



ATLANTA — The Board of Natural Resources held its monthly meeting on June 24-25 in Atlanta. The Board took action or were briefed on the following items:

• Adopted a resolution authorizing the Commissioner to seek State Properties Commission approval for the acquisition of 1,546 acres known as the McLemore Cove Tract at Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife management Area in Walker County from Mountain Cove Farms, LLC for $8.3 million. This property will link the Zahnd Natural Area and the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area, also owned by DNR.

• Adopted a resolution regarding the proposed amendments to the Rules for Air Quality Control, Chapter 391-3-1, pertaining to permit fees and other miscellaneous revisions.

• Approved recommendations to fund $1.2 million for recreation projects to 15 Georgia counties, cities or recreation authorities through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is administered by the State Parks & Historic Sites Division. These funds can be used for land acquisition, the development of parks, and the renovation of existing properties. The Department of Interior gives final approval of the recommended projects.

• Briefed on the proposed amendments to the Rules for Water Quality, Chapter 391-3-6, pertaining to the Savannah Harbor Dissolved Oxygen Standard/Part 2 of the Triennial Review. In July, a 45-day Notice of proposed Rule revisions and public hearings will be released.

• Briefed on a Wildlife Resources Division policy that will allow for the revocation of hunting and fishing licenses by individuals who habitually violate Georgia Game and fish laws.

• Briefed on other issues included erosion and sedimentation, the Boating Advisory Council, and Get Outdoors Georgia (www.getoutdoorsgeorgia.org).

Also at this month’s Board meeting, Brian Skeens, president of the Georgia Water Wise Council, presented the State Parks & Historic Sites Division with the Fox McCarthy Award for the Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor’s Center. This facility was designed to be a model of efficiency and features a rainwater capture and reuse system, onsite wastewater treatment, composting toilets and low flow faucets. On average, the building uses approximately $5 gallons of potable water a day, making its annual water bill for water used approximately $6. The Georgia Water Wise Council is a sector of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals.

The governor appoints Board of Natural Resources members to serve seven-year terms as vacancies occur. The Board is comprised of 18 members, representing a diversity of interests and backgrounds. It is involved in decisions including budget recommendations, legislative initiatives, strategic planning, promulgation of rules and regulations ranging from air and water quality to hunting seasons, and a variety of other issues.



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The mission of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices.

        

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