State Wildlife Action Plan

State Wildlife Action Plan - An Overview

A Plan to Protect Wildlife Diversity


Although Georgia is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, 318 species here have such low populations that state or federal laws protect them. Hundreds of other species are of conservation concern as well, mostly due to habitat degradation and destruction.

In our fast-paced and changing world, how can we ensure that these important natural resources will be around for us and for future generations? How do we keep populations of common plants and animals stable while preventing rare species from going extinct? The task of conserving, enhancing, and promoting our state’s wildlife (including game and nongame animals as well as plants) lies with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.



After identifying species and habitats most at risk, DNR staff and collaborators explored methods for recovery and restoration. They prioritized 78 actions to address the conservation needs of these species and habitats. From that list, five major conservation themes were identified as crucial for maintaining Georgia’s biological diversity:

1. Increase the use of prescribed fire for habitat restoration
2. Improve wetland protection and mitigation banking methods.
3. Provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners to voluntarily apply wildlife conservation methods on their property.
4. Develop a statewide strategy for invasive exotic species assessment and control.
5. Facilitate Georgia Land Conservation Program and other land protection efforts.


Although the current plan boasts many successes, federal guidelines stipulate an update within 10 years for state wildlife agencies to continue receiving funding through the State Wildlife Grants program. Wildlife Resources recently began a two-year SWAP revision process that will address changing environmental conditions and new conservation issues such as emerging wildlife diseases and the spread of invasive exotic species. New data from wildlife monitoring and habitat surveys also will be incorporated, as well as information related to climate change.

Natural resource managers hope this updated plan will not only continue to benefit our state’s wildlife, but also will help meet regional and national conservation goals.


Georgia's State Wildlife Action Plan
State Wildlife Action Plans
State Wildlife Grants
Map of Georgia’s Ecoregions
Rare Species and Natural Community Information 

What are State Wildlife Grants?

In 2001, recognizing that our nation’s wildlife populations were at risk of decline, Congress created the State Wildlife Grants program to provide stable, long-term funding for wildlife conservation. Through this program, every state and territory receives federal dollars annually that go toward cost-effective ways of protecting rare animals and plants. The amount of funding allocated to each state is determined by a formula that accounts for the state’s size and population.


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