Altamaha Riverkeeper News

Fishing licenses are a’changing — Now is your chance to voice your opinion June 15-25th

A Message from Protect Georgia and Altamaha Riverkeeperfoundation

Hunting and Fishing Licenses –
Is It Time for Change?

On May 13 the Wildlife Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources (WRD) announced a public input process to examine hunting and fishing license types and the fees that are charged for these privileges. Their scoping process is important to fish and wildlife management in Georgia and recreational opportunities on State lands and State waters.Resident license fees have not changed in 23 years and are well below the national average. Compounding this reality, WRD like other State agencies is coming off of 5 years of consecutive budget cuts.So, it is now time for the public who regularly purchase hunting or fishing licenses to engage and bring their ideas to the discussion. WRD is providing forums statewide to facilitate your participation. The public is invited to attend one (or more) of seven upcoming open forums.  Simplification of license types, fee adjustments, enhanced fish and wildlife management on public and private lands and waters, access, youth participation, hunting opportunities, fishing opportunities are all open for discussion. Good governance requires participation. These meetings provide an effective mechanism for us all to play a part in Georgia’s fish and wildlife management. Interested Georgians will hear more about the reasoning and research behind possible changes, can ask questions, and provide thoughtful feedback. Your innovative ideas are needed.Seven public open forums are scheduled (all meetings will be open from 3-5 pm AND 7-9 pm): 

DATE LOCATION
June 15 Gainesville Civic Center
Chattahoochee Room, 830 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA 30501
June 16 Baxley City Hall
City Council Meeting Room, 282 East Parker Street, Baxley, GA 31513
June 17 Richmond Hill City Center
520 Cedar St (in J.F. Gregory Park), Richmond Hill, GA 31324
June 22 Grace Fellowship Church
1971 South Main Street, Greensboro, GA 30642
June 23 Red Top Mountain State Park
Group Shelter #1, 50 Lodge Road SE, Cartersville, GA 30121
June 24 Darton College
Room J121-123, 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707
June 25 Miller-Murphy-Howard Building
Conference Room, Georgia National Fairgrounds
401 Larry Walker Parkway, (Exit 135 off I-75), Perry, GA 31069

There are so many ways that you can help keep our rivers clean and beautiful. Responding to Action Alerts or reaching out to your elected representatives. Find your way to get involved!