Sprewell Bluff to be Managed by Upson County-Will Remain Accessible to Public

THOMASTON, Ga. (12/5/2012)

Hunting and other recreational access to Sprewell Bluff will continue uninterrupted after a transition of the property to Upson County beginning December 5, 2012.  Formerly known as Sprewell Bluff State Park, this area will still be owned by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, but not managed by the agency. 

“The 50-year agreement between Upson County and our agency ensures that this area will continue to be accessible to the public,” said Dan Forster, director of Wildlife Resources Division.  “Personnel with our agency will continue to help manage the habitat of the area and provide hunting opportunities, and the county will take over the day-to-day operations.” 

Sprewell Bluff offers great outdoor recreation activities, including: 

• fishing for bass and catfish on the Flint River
• hiking opportunities, including a three-mile winding trail along the bank of the Flint and up rocky bluffs
• bird-watching, including potential to see such species as tanagers, warblers, osprey and eagles
• swimming and boating, made easier by an on-site boat ramp 

Visitors to the area will no longer need a Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP).  As part of the agreement between the county and DNR, the county has the right to charge a reasonable parking fee to members of the public who wish to park their vehicles on the premises. 

Upson County has agreed to make the area available to the public, at a minimum, during the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at least five days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays between, and including, the months of March and November.

For more information on Sprewell Bluff, visit www.upsoncountyga.org [1] or call 706-647-7012. 

###