SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced a grant of $1.0 million to Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division for acquisition and protection of Paulding Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Paulding and Polk Counties. The grant is part of $67 million awarded nationwide through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, which provides funds to states for conservation planning and to acquire or restore vital habitat for threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plants.
Paulding County residents will vote November 7 on whether to approve a $15 million bond referendum that would allow the county to move forward with plans to partner with the state in purchasing and managing the 7,020-acre tract's unique natural resources.
"Paulding County is committed to managing this land for wildlife and the natural communities found on it," said Paulding County Commissioner Jerry Shearin, who has championed efforts to conserve Paulding Forest. "This land will be permanently protected and available to the public for hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. It will also serve as an important buffer to the Silver Comet Trail.?
"We are happy to be part of this important land acquisition," said Sam D. Hamilton, Southeast Regional Director for the Fish and Wildlife Service. "This kind of partnership between federal, state, and local government is exactly what this grant program was created to support.?
Paulding Forest provides critical habitat for wildlife, outstanding wildlife-related recreation opportunities, and watershed protection. The forests filters and safeguards water quality, and its acquisition would provide permanent protection for portions of Raccoon Creek. The forest also is a critical buffer to Sheffield Forest, an adjacent tract of state-owned land.
