Hunters and other interested persons are encouraged to attend any of three upcoming public meetings regarding the draft Strategic Management Plan for Black Bears in Georgia (copy available athttps://georgiawildlife.com/bear-info).
“This long term strategic plan was developed to ensure the long-term conservation of Georgia’s black bear population through science-based decision-making and biologically-sound management principles to provide sustainable harvest opportunities and promote the black bear’s intrinsic value in Georgia’s natural landscape while minimizing human-bear conflicts,” said Adam Hammond, state bear biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
All meetings will begin at 7 p.m.
Oct.
16
Go Fish Education Center (1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA)
Oct. 17
Blue Ridge EMC (875 Main Street East, Young Harris, GA)
Oct. 30
Ware County Courthouse (800 Church Street, Waycross, GA)
Any participant at a meeting may present data, make a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to speak. Participants must register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement.
Those unable to attend a meeting may submit input in one of the following methods (input must be received by Monday, Nov. 5):
· Statements may be electronically submitted at: http://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/meetings
· Written statements should be mailed to: GA DNR/Wildlife Resources Division/Game Management Section; Attn: Tina Johannsen; 2067 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.; Social Circle, Georgia 30025.
· Call 706 557-3350.
These meeting sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. To request sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, contact Tina Johannsen at 706-557-3350.
For more information, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/meetings.