Biological Diversity Policy

Georgia has no formal biodiversity policy. The state's only formal policy, established by statute, is for the protection of natural resources, environmental and vital areas. (Ga. Code Ann. 12-2-8) Related policies cover the need to protect river corridors, preserve native plant and animal communities and estuarine areas. (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-3-16.01 to .05)

Status of Biodiversity Science

A coordinated assessment system is not in place in Georgia. Instead, the state relies solely on its Natural Heritage Program, as GAP has not begun due to a lack of funding. (Ga. Code Ann. 12-3-71) The Natural Heritage Program inventories rare plants, animals and natural communities.

Endangered Species

Georgia has separate laws covering endangered plant and animal species. (Ga. Code Ann. 27-3-130 et seq.; 12-6-171 et seq.) Listing under both acts is limited to scientific and commercial criteria. Habitat acquisition is authorized but not required. The acts do not require recovery plans or agency consultation. Violations constitute a misdemennor.

State Agency Management for Biodiversity

State-owned Lands

Georgia's natural resource agencies are not required by statute to manage their lands in a biologically sustainable manner. However, by regulation, state parks and historic sites must be managed in a sustainable manner. (Ga. Comp. R & Regs. r.391-5-1-.01)

Cooperative Efforts

Cooperative efforts to manage lands across ownership boundaries are required of the Department of Natural Resources. These efforts primarily take the form of memoranda of understanding with federal agencies to manage state wildlife areas and advise private landowners.

State Agency Training

Georgia does not have identified programs of agency personnel training for biodiversity.

Impact Assessment

Georgia has a "little NEPA," the Georgia Environmental Policy Act, requiring the assessment of major proposed agency impacts on biological resources. (Ga. Code Ann. 12-16-1 et seq.)

Habitat Acquisition

Georgia has statutory programs designed to acquire lands important because of their wildlife values. (Ga. Code Ann. 12-3-600 et seq.) The nongame programs receive funding from a tax check-off and donations, with a total of approximately $500,000 per year. A Heritage Trust Act relies on the dedication of lands as heritage preserves for the purpose of preserving species. (Ga. Code Ann. 12-3-70 et seq.) No funding mechanism exists to acquire lands under the statute. Preservation 2000 receives money from bond issues, with a goal of acquiring 100,000 acres of wildlife habitat. This program received $60 million from bond issues. As of June 1995, the program had 84,000 acres under lease, purchase or conservation easement.

Private Land Conservation

Georgia has few private land conservation programs. Conservation easements are authorized by statute. (Ga. Code Ann. 44-10-1 et seq.) In addition, the state works with federal agencies to advise private landowners on how to manage their lands for wildlife purposes. No other programs were identified.

Exotic Species

Georgia has some statutes designed to control the introduction and spread of exotic animal species. (Ga. Code Ann. 927-S-1) Exotic animals are regulated by a licensing and permit system for all wild animals. In addition, all exotic animals entering the state must be inspected. A statute also exists that controls the importation of fish and fish eggs that are harmful to endemic fish populations. (Ga. Code Ann. 27-4-76) No provisions exist for exotic plant species.

Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities

Georgia has an animal damage control program that is operated in conjunction with the federal government. Day-to-day operations are run by the federal agency. In addition, the Department of Natural Resources is authorized to kill bear and deer causing economic harm to property owners. (Ga. Code Ann. 27-2-18, 27-3-21)

Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity

No constitutional or common law protections were identified by the research.

Related Issues

Georgia has extensive environmental education programs in the schools, including Project WILD. Project WILD has been very successful in Georgia due to the education community's respect for the program and the Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, a Wildlife Education Center is under development. The state published a wildlife viewing guide, although it is not part of the Watchable Wildlife series.

Georgia does not currently have a takings law. Three bills were introduced in the 1995 legislative session, but all died in committee.

Contacts:

Department of Agriculture
Agriculture Bldg.
19 Martin Luther King Dr.,
Capitol Square
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-3600

Department of Natural Resources
205 Butler St., SE
East Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-3500

Georgia Department of Education
1952 Twin Towers East
Atlanta, GA 30334-5040
404-656-2685

Georgia Forestry Commission
P.O. Box 819
Macon, GA 31298-4599
912-751-3500

State Extension Services
Director of Extension Service
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-7504
706-542-3824