Georgia DNR opens public comment for protected species list changes

GEORGIA — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is working on updates to the state’s Protected Species List.

As part of that process, DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division opened the changes for public comment. Georgia residents and environmental advocates will be able to share their input on the proposed changes through Sept. 20.

Under the proposed rule, Georgia would be modifying its Protected Species List to match the status of each species to its federal listing.

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The department said those changes include adding and removing species and updating scientific names. The rule change also includes an exception to allow sale of some protected plant species grown in captivity.

As part of the process, state officials will hold a public hearing on the changes at the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters in Social Circle at 7 p.m. on Sept 8.

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Following the comment period, the Georgia Board of Natural Resources will consider the amendments, as well as public comments and details from the hearing ahead of a vote in late October.

The proposed changes are detailed in a combination of documents and links here:

• Proposed Amendments to Rules
• Regulation proposal
• Protected Species List

The public can submit comments to DNR by:

• Sending an email to wcscomments@dnr.ga.gov with the subject line Protected Species List.
• Submitting a written statement. Written statements provided by mail should be sent to the attention of Trina Morris at: Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Wildlife Resources Conservation Center; 2065 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE; Social Circle, GA  30025. Statements sent by mail must be received by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 2026.
• Calling the DNR Wildlife Conservation Section at (706) 557-3213.
• Attending a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, at the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters Office, 2067 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.

The Board of Natural Resources will meet to discuss the proposal on Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. in the DNR Board Room at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE Suite 1252 in Atlanta.

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