Go Fish Georgia: 2017 Fishing Regulations Now Available

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GO FISH GEORGIA: 2017 FISHING REGULATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Jan. 12, 2017) –Anglers can find the new 2017 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide online and in print, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

“The new 2017 Georgia Sport Fishing regulations is THE place to start for any angler looking for new places to fish, changes to laws and regulations or other information,” said John Biagi, fisheries management chief.  “Our biologists and staff do their best to make sure this guide book has the most current and accurate information so it is always a good idea to review this publication each year before you head to the water.”

The 2017 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide provides helpful information, including color fish identification charts for both freshwater and saltwater fish, license purchasing information, contact information for Wildlife Resources Division and Coastal Resources Division fisheries management offices and DNR law enforcement offices, trout stream listings, public fishing area information, state record fish listings and complete fishing regulations for Georgia.

You may view, download and print the guide at www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/regulations . Pick up a printed copy at any Wildlife Resources Division fisheries management office or DNR law enforcement office or at fishing license vendors throughout Georgia.   Office address listings at www.georgiawildlife.com/OfficeContact.

New information highlighted in this year’s guide includes:

• Public Fishing Areas: Georgia’s 9 available public fishing areas are now open seven days a week.
• Walleye: The daily creel and possession limit at Lake Blue Ridge has changed from 15 fish to the statewide limit of 8 fish.

The WRD website, www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing, is a great place to start when learning about fishing.  New or experienced anglers can find information about taking kids fishing, reservoir and river fishing tips, fish ID information and much more.

Additional resources include the Wildlife Resources Division blog (www.georgiawildlife.wordpress.com), where anglers will find current and “hot” fishing reports for different parts of the state.

For more information about Georgia’s fishing regulations or for information about where and when to go fishing, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GEORGIANS TO BENEFIT FROM AGENCY COOPERATION

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Jan. 12, 2017) – In early December, the Directors from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA) met to sign an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two agencies that is sure to improve the already strong relationship between the agencies.

This MOU allows biologists with the Georgia DNR to more efficiently assist FSA staff with such initiatives as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  This 30-year old program provides rental payments to participating farmers in exchange for removing land of conservation concern from agricultural production.

Highlights of the MOU for Georgia include CP-36 (CRP Longleaf Pine Initiative) and CP-33 (Habitat buffers for Upland Birds) – both important efforts for creating critical habitat for wildlife, such as Bobwhite Quail.

• The Longleaf Pine Initiative (CP-36) is an effort to re-establish longleaf pine in order to restore the ecological function of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, while also producing high quality timber.  Many species of conservation concern – such as the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake – rely on this particular habitat.  Additional information athttps://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2015/CRPProgramsandInitiatives/Longleaf_Pine_Initiative.pdf

• The Habitat Buffer Initiative (CP-33) converts small portions of farmland into habitat for bobwhite quail and other upland birds. Practices include creating crop buffers and habitat in pivot corners which create vital winter, nesting and brood habitat. Additional information at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2015/CRPProgramsandInitiatives/Upland_Bird_Habitat_Initiative.pdf

For more information on landowner programs in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/conservation/landowner-programs.

In Photo:  

Front Row (L to R): Rusty Garrison, Director, Wildlife Resources Division, GADNR; Dr. Fred Harrison, Jr., State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency, USDA

Back Row (L to R): Kyle Mansfield, Program Specialist, Farm Service Agency; Dr. Jessica McGuire, Private Lands Program Manager, Wildlife Resources Division, GADNR; Lynn Massey, Program Specialist, Farm Service Agency; Brett Martin, Program Chief, Farm Service Agency