Georgia DNR Soliticing Applications for Wildlife Viewing Grants

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is looking for projects that need a hand helping Georgians enjoy their natural surroundings.

This week, the agency began accepting proposals again for its Wildlife Viewing Grants Program.

The grants help develop and improve wildlife viewing opportunities that increase public awareness and appreciation of nongame wildlife, rare native plant species, and natural habitats.

And it emphasizes species and habitats considered conservation priorities in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

According to the DNR, wildlife viewing is big in Georgia. More than 2.4 million residents and visitors took part in 2011.

From feeding birds to visiting public lands for wildlife photography, they spent an estimated $1.8 billion.

The grants are capped at $3,000 per project and made possible through the Georgia Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund, which is administered by DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section.

The six projects approved in 2019 varied from a viewing scope and platform at 4-H Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll Island to a chimney swift tower and information kiosks at Talking Rock Nature Preserve in Pickens County.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2020.

Learn more, including how to apply, at www.georgiawildlife.com/WildlifeViewingGrants.