Georgia proposes major expansion of protected species list, public can weigh in
The public has a chance to weigh in on proposed changes to Georgia’s protected species list.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced that the public comment period opened Aug. 28 and will last until Sept. 20.
The proposed revisions will mark the first major change to the state’s conservation catalog in 20 years. The total number of protected plant and animal species would increase from 318 to 423.
The proposed changes stem from technical team reviews conducted for the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan and public nomination that were submitted in June.
The public can submit comments by emailing wcscomments@dnr.ga.gov, calling (706) 557-3213, or mailing written statements to the Wildlife Resources Conservation Center in Social Circle, Georgia.
A public hearing is also scheduled for Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters in Social Circle. The state Board of Natural Resources will vote on the proposed amendments on Oct. 27 in Atlanta.
Across all major groups, proposed changes would expand protections:
- Plants: Increasing from 155 to 208 species
- Invertebrates: Increasing from 51 to 89 species
- Fishes: Increasing from 57 to 60 species
- Birds: Increasing from 20 to 24 species
- Amphibians: Increasing from 9 to 12 species
- Reptiles: Increasing from 16 to 18 species
- Mammals: Increasing from 10 to 12 species
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Georgia proposes major expansion of protected species list, public can weigh in
The public has a chance to weigh in on proposed changes to Georgia’s protected species list.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced that the public comment period opened Aug. 28 and will last until Sept. 20.
The proposed revisions will mark the first major change to the state’s conservation catalog in 20 years. The total number of protected plant and animal species would increase from 318 to 423.
The proposed changes stem from technical team reviews conducted for the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan and public nomination that were submitted in June.
The public can submit comments by emailing wcscomments@dnr.ga.gov, calling (706) 557-3213, or mailing written statements to the Wildlife Resources Conservation Center in Social Circle, Georgia.
A public hearing is also scheduled for Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters in Social Circle. The state Board of Natural Resources will vote on the proposed amendments on Oct. 27 in Atlanta.
Across all major groups, proposed changes would expand protections:
Written by: Jenna Eason
animals endangered species Georgia plants protected species list public comment
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