The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the selection of the 2024-2025 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program “Conserve Georgia” grants for conservation and outdoor recreation projects. Selected applicants will now be invited to the second-level application, marking the final level of the application process for their proposals. This cycle will commit $24.6 million in funding to support local parks and trails systems and state-owned lands. These grantees have also committed an estimated $36.5 million to match grant dollars.
Polk County
Santa Claus Mountain – Pinhoti Trail; $1,586,500.00
Polk County will acquire and preserve approximately 1,272 acres property known as Santa Claus Mountain tract which includes a 7-mile segment of the Pinhoti Trail. Additionally, this proposal includes development of five miles of new trails for mountain biking and hiking, construction of restroom facilities and parking area, and installation of utility infrastructure.
The Pinhoti Trail is a long-distance trail, that extends from Central Alabama into Northeast Georgia, offering 160 miles of recreational opportunities in the state of Georgia for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders.
“By supporting projects aimed at the acquisition, development, and stewardship of local parks, trail systems, and conservation areas, we are not only protecting the natural heritage but also enhancing the recreational opportunities for our communities,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Chairman of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees. “This investment will ensure that Georgians can continue to enjoy and connect with the outdoors for generations to come.”
The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program is Georgia’s first dedicated funding source for the conservation of priority lands, the stewardship of state parks and wildlife management areas, and the support of local parks and trails. The competitive 2024-2025 grant cycle produced 36 submissions requesting a total of $69.3 million in funding. Eligible applicants included local governments, recreation authorities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees reviewed all projects and selected a slate of proposals, which was subsequently approved by the Board of Natural Resources and the Appropriations Subcommittees of the State House of Representatives and State Senate with oversight authority over DNR.
Of the 12 selected projects, five are by local governments and non-profit organizations for the acquisition, development or stewardship of local parks or trail systems. Four proposals are for the acquisition of conservation land by DNR, and three are for stewardship projects on state lands. The full list of Conserve Georgia grant awards is below. For more information about the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and these grants, please visit www.gadnr.org/gosp.
