Private Lands Program

The Wildlife Resources Division formally began a private lands initiative in April 1995 to assist Georgia's private landowners in meeting their wildlife habitat and population objectives.  Georgia's landscape is 93% privately owned and thus private landowners hold the key to the future of wildlife conservation and environmental quality.  More than 80% of Georgians are interested in wildlife and support funding wildlife education and habitat management programs.  Through science based conservation planning, landowners can more effectively reach their wildlife and other natural resource objectives and ensure that these resources are passed along in good condition to Georgia's future generations.

The Private Lands Program (PLP) includes the 1)The Bobwhite Quail Initiative [1]; 2) Forest Stewardship Program [2]; 3) Forestry for Wildlife Partnership [3]; and 4) guidance for Farm Bill and other inter-agency programs providing Conservation Assistance for Landowners [4].  Participation in these programs is voluntary, objectives are landowner driven professional technical assistance is provided free of charge, and financial incentives for conservaiton practices may be available.

WRD wildlife biologists are available to work with landowners to develop comprehensive wildlife management plans and match landowner needs to one or more conservation programs that are available through federal and state natural resource programs.  Assistance is available within all of Georgia's 159 counties.