We are just over a week into the legislative session, just in time for one last preview of legislative action this year. The Georgia Conservancy is one of the state’s several statewide organizations dedicated to conservation and environmental protections but is perhaps the most visible at the State Capitol. Most of the state wide organizations are actually chapters of national organizations, something that sets the Georgia Conservancy apart.
The Conservancy is following a number of issues at this year’s legislative session, some are carry-overs from last year but others are new issues that have arisen or are continuing trends for many years.
First on the list is the protection of agricultural lands. Farms are not exactly conservation sites but open lands and rural areas are part of a priority for the Conservancy. Increasing development encroachment is threatening many of Georgia’s farms and the Conservancy hopes to see some legislative action that can protect the farming industry. Georgia’s many legislative representatives who represent rural areas are also following along with the issue closely and there is a chance some action could be taken this year. Easier access or processes for conservation easements would be one tool that could protect farmlands and help develop the next generation of farmers.
Protection of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is another item being watched by the Conservancy and many groups concerned about the possible impact of mining adjacent to the country’s largest blackwater swamp. Despite being located outside of the Refuge, there is concern that the mining could disrupt the area that forms the natural border of the swamp, acting as a ridge and an important component of the hydrology in the region. The issue has been simmering for years, with environmentalists hoping the legislature would prohibit mining in the area but the mining group has received permission from many of the regulating agencies involved so without action from the legislature this year, the mining could go ahead soon.
One item that is under the radar and a mixed bag of issues is solar siting in Georgia. Environmental groups are generally in favor of increased solar power but solar sites are basically clear cut lands that render a property’s ecosystem dead. The Conservancy is hoping to find opportunities for the legislature to improve the siting process.
Lastly, the Conservancy will be leading the effort to recognize the efforts of the Georgia Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative, a collaborative success that has worked to protect 100,000 acres of gopher tortoise habitat in Georgia. The effort to protect what was very close to being listed as an endangered species allowed much more flexibility in developing solutions. Had the tortoise been listed as endangered, the restrictions from the federal government would have meant much less ability to establish hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. The work of the initiative brought together conservation groups, hunters, timber groups and other stakeholders that allowed the state to arrive at mutually agreed upon decisions. The type of collaboration one might hope to see from the General Assembly.
