Post by L Roebuck on Oct 26, 2006 7:42:34 GMT -5
490 Acres Being Added To Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Area
The Board of Natural Resources has granted approval to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff to proceed with the acquisition of 490.71 acres in Walker County. This property was formerly owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) and will be purchased for an estimated price of $1 million.
The Board’s action gives DNR the authority to present this acquisition to the Georgia Land Conservation Council and the State Properties Commission in November. If approved, the Game Management Section of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will manage the property as part of the 16,484-acre Crockford/Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
“Walker County and Northwest Georgia residents are fortunate to have this unique public property right in their backyards,” said State Sena. Jeff Mullis. “I am delighted that DNR and DOT worked together to permanently protect this property as an addition to the wildlife management area.”
DNR has been negotiating for more than 10 years to protect the last undeveloped brow and ridge on southwestern Pigeon Mountain. This acquisition also permanently secures public road access on the southern end of the WMA.
Pigeon Mountain includes many unique geologic features and rare plants and wildlife such as the Pigeon Mountain salamander, green salamander, gray bats, poppies, bluebells and snowwreath. The property is adjacent to the site where golden eagles were released in the 1980s as part of restoration efforts.
“Pigeon Mountain WMA is one of our most popular areas in the state,” said DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb. “Thousands of hunters, hikers, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this additional property. We certainly appreciate Senator Mullis’ support in securing funding for this project.”
The Pigeon Mountain area provides important features for outdoor enthusiasts such as caves, cliffs, unique rock formations, trails, wildflowers and abundant game and nongame wildlife. Its close proximity to Chattanooga, Atlanta, Rome and Dalton draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, boosting the economy in these areas.
Under state management, the property will be managed to protect and enhance habitat for many species of plants and wildlife while buffering the watersheds for Allen and Hog Jowl Creeks. The DOT will protect and restore streams over their wetland and stream mitigation areas.
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The Board of Natural Resources has granted approval to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff to proceed with the acquisition of 490.71 acres in Walker County. This property was formerly owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) and will be purchased for an estimated price of $1 million.
The Board’s action gives DNR the authority to present this acquisition to the Georgia Land Conservation Council and the State Properties Commission in November. If approved, the Game Management Section of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will manage the property as part of the 16,484-acre Crockford/Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
“Walker County and Northwest Georgia residents are fortunate to have this unique public property right in their backyards,” said State Sena. Jeff Mullis. “I am delighted that DNR and DOT worked together to permanently protect this property as an addition to the wildlife management area.”
DNR has been negotiating for more than 10 years to protect the last undeveloped brow and ridge on southwestern Pigeon Mountain. This acquisition also permanently secures public road access on the southern end of the WMA.
Pigeon Mountain includes many unique geologic features and rare plants and wildlife such as the Pigeon Mountain salamander, green salamander, gray bats, poppies, bluebells and snowwreath. The property is adjacent to the site where golden eagles were released in the 1980s as part of restoration efforts.
“Pigeon Mountain WMA is one of our most popular areas in the state,” said DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb. “Thousands of hunters, hikers, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this additional property. We certainly appreciate Senator Mullis’ support in securing funding for this project.”
The Pigeon Mountain area provides important features for outdoor enthusiasts such as caves, cliffs, unique rock formations, trails, wildflowers and abundant game and nongame wildlife. Its close proximity to Chattanooga, Atlanta, Rome and Dalton draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, boosting the economy in these areas.
Under state management, the property will be managed to protect and enhance habitat for many species of plants and wildlife while buffering the watersheds for Allen and Hog Jowl Creeks. The DOT will protect and restore streams over their wetland and stream mitigation areas.
Article