Georgia conservationists are celebrating a major win from the legislative session. Lawmakers extended the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program for another 10 years and increased its funding by 50%.
Since launching in 2019, the program has allocated over $142 million to 74 conservation and outdoor recreation projects across Georgia. That includes the recent acquisition of nearly 4,000 acres along Trail Ridge near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
"When we passed this initially, it was done with a 10-year sunset so that we could prove this was a good, beneficial project," said Mike Worley, head of the Georgia Wildlife Federation. "I think we have clearly proved that through the years." The extension ensures continued funding for land conservation, trail development, and outdoor recreation access statewide.