Jeffrey W. Cown

The meeting included committee reports and various actions. The Environmental Protection Division updated the Board on agency legislation for the 2026 Legislative Session, the State Water Council meeting, and drought status. A significant discussion focused on the proposed Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program, for which the Board unanimously adopted a resolution for its approval. The Law Enforcement Division provided updates on the 2025 boating season, the 40th Game Warden Academy, and presented on the Hunter Safety Vest Loaner Box Initiative. The Parks and Historic Sites Division reported on the 2025 leaf watch season and other divisional activities. Committee actions included adopting resolutions for proposed amendments to Saltwater Fishing Regulations, Rules for Inspection and Maintenance, and Rules for Radioactive Materials. The Land Committee secured unanimous approval for the acquisition of the 3,856-acre Mocama tract in Camden County, the purchase of a 1-acre parcel in Paulding County, and authorization to grant an easement to Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation at Bullard Creek WMA. The Board also adopted a resolution honoring Ted Will, Director of the Wildlife Resources Division, upon his retirement.

Key actions taken by the Board included the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Fund 2025-2026 Approved Proposal of Projects. The Board adopted a resolution to authorize the Commissioner to seek State Properties Commission approval to demolish the Red Top Mountain State Park well house in Bartow County. Furthermore, the Board approved the Proposed Amendments to Bird Island Rule 391-4-7-.03 and confirmed the 2026 Slate of Officers as recommended by the Nominating Committee.

This report provides an update on the activities and strategic direction of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the period 2023-2025. It outlines key goals including recruitment, retention, and succession planning; improving aging infrastructure; increasing public awareness of the DNR brand; and ensuring outdoor access for all Georgians. The update highlights growth, progress, and meaningful impacts across the state, aiming to sustain, enhance, protect, and conserve Georgia's natural, historic, and cultural resources for present and future generations.

The Board meeting included the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Commissioner to seek State Properties Commission approval to grant a drainage easement to HIC Atlanta, LLC for a storm water drainage system to resolve a hydrologic dispute in Altama Plantation WMA, Glynn County.

Key actions taken during the meeting included the approval of the proposed Rule 391-5-13-.04 Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program. The Board also adopted resolutions to approve proposed amendments to the Saltwater Fishing Regulations (Rule 391-2-4-.04) and amendments to the Rules for Inspection and Maintenance (Chapter 391-3-20) and Rules for Radioactive Materials (Chapter 391-3-17). Furthermore, the Board approved the Coastal Marshland Protection and Shore Protection Committee membership. Several resolutions were adopted authorizing the Commissioner to seek State Properties Commission approval for property acquisitions, including 3,856 ± acres known as the Mocama tract and 1 ± acre in Paulding County. Authorization was also sought for granting a Revocable License Agreement and Permanent Easement at Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area. Finally, the Board adopted a resolution honoring Ted Will, Director of the Wildlife Resources Division.