Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
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Press Room

  • General Information: 404-656-2770 (Headquarters of the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites)
  • Media Assistance: Contact Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator, at 404-657-9855 or kimh@dnr.state.ga.us  -- or -- Sally Winchester, Marketing and Public Information Manager, at 404-656-0559 or sally.winchester@dnr.state.ga.us
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  • Photography or Filming: Still photography is available to media for promotional purposes only. Video footage is not available for general media use.   Commercial photography or filming.
  • To Purchase DNR Video Footage: 404-463-4449
  • Media Assistance with Boating Issues, Hunting Regulations or Fishing Regulations: 770-918-6400 (Wildlife Resources Division)
  • Media Assistance with Drought or Environmental Issues: 404-656-4713 (Environmental Protection Division) 
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Recent Press Releases:

ATLANTA, GA (September 1, 2010) – For many people, the perfect autumn weekend includes cozy campfires, gooey s’mores and fiery-hued forests. To help leaf peepers plan their fall escapes, Georgia’s state parks will soon launch “Leaf Watch 2010” in partnership with Georgia Forestry Commission to track fall color as it moves across the Peach State and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
ATLANTA, GA, August 24, 2010 ~~ Put away your wallet and pull out your fishing pole or hiking boots. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering free admission on Saturday, September 25 as part of National Public Lands Day. The statewide celebration is a way to thank park visitors and volunteers for their support of outdoor recreation and historic preservation.
RICHMOND HILL, GA., August 30, 2010 ~~ Nat and Delene Broeckling of Bryan County are the first Georgians to complete all three recreation challenges sponsored by Georgia’s state park system. The couple earned bragging-rights t-shirts and the pride of knowing they completed the Canyon Climbers, Muddy Spokes and Park Paddlers clubs.
ATLANTA, August 27, 2010 ~~ The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting public comments on a proposed rule change that would eliminate “free Wednesdays” at all state parks. Under current rule, park visitors are exempt from paying the $5 parking fee on Wednesdays at sites such as Amicalola Falls, Indian Springs and Crooked River. Written comments will be accepted until October 22, and the change could go into effect February 2011.
ATLANTA, July 28, 2010 – Just because the kids are heading back to school doesn’t mean families need to shelve their fitness regimen for next year. Georgia State Parks makes it easy to stay on track with challenging heart-pumping recreational programs and outdoor activities for every age and fitness level. Fall is the perfect time for families to re-energize and resolve to keep outdoor recreation an ongoing part of the weekly itinerary.
FARGO, GA, July 27, 2010 ~~ Gators galore! A Georgia fisherman’s video of a rare alligator “feeding frenzy” is bringing unexpected attention to the Okefenokee Swamp. Ray Cason of Homerville had just launched his boat at Stephen C. Foster State Park on July 10 when he documented hundreds of alligators feeding in a narrow canal. His short video was posted by the Clinch County News and has since been picked up by Southeastern media and viewed by nearly 50,000 people.
The ninth annual Bat Blitz is set for July 25-29 at Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Sunday night with kids activities, bat displays, and researchers hoping to capture bats to show participants. Admission is free but there is a $5 parking fee.
GAINESVILLE, Ga (July 13, 2010) - Anticipating more than 10,000 users each year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources opened a new megaramp on July 13, 2010 at Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell, giving boaters and anglers greater access to the lake.
ATLANTA, June 28, 2010 ~~ When David and Tina Pilgrim of McDuffie County first started geocaching, they had no idea they’d become two of the most successful ”treasure hunters” in Georgia. They recently became the first finishers of the Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge – a quest to find 45 hidden boxes in 42 state parks.
CARROLLTON, GA, June 21, 2010 ~~ The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will transfer management of John Tanner State Park to Carroll County effective July 1. All park amenities are expected to remain open, including the beach, campground and accommodations.
ATLANTA, June 14, 2010 – Summer vacation – the perfect time for spending quality family time in the Georgia outdoors. No need to invest in pricey day camps this year. Simply pack a lunch, grab a towel or trail shoes and head to Georgia’s State Parks for affordable recreation that’s not only fun, but also encourages kids to stay active and get outdoors this summer.
ATLANTA, June 11, 2010 ~~ Picnics and campouts will be just a part of this year’s Independence Day Celebration at Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites.
ATLANTA, GA – June 2, 2010 – Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites make finding the perfect Father’s Day gift easy by providing affordable gift ideas suitable for every dad and grandfather.
ADEL, GA, April 21, 2010 ~~ The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has appointed Colquitt County native Suzanne Passmore as the new manager of Reed Bingham State Park. Passmore was previously the resource manager at Little Ocmulgee State Park in McRae, and she started her new position in Adel on April 16.
REIDSVILLE, GA., May 25, 2010 ~~ Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park in Reidsville will host a public ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new rental cottages. The ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 3. Senator Jack Hill, Senator Tommie Williams and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Clark are scheduled to speak.
ATLANTA, May 26, 2010 ~~ Eric Bentley of Fort Yargo State Park in Winder was named Manager of the Year by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The award was presented during the DNR Board’s May meeting in Atlanta.
ATLANTA, May 26, 2010 ~~ Randell Meeks of Soperton, Ga. was named Ranger of the Year by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The award was presented during the DNR Board’s May meeting in Atlanta.
ATLANTA, GA, May 19, 2010 ~~ Value-conscious golfers can save 10% through June 30 on the annual GreensPass good at seven Georgia State Park golf courses.
Atlanta, May 20, 2010 – As the heat of summer approaches and more people head outside, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages families to get outdoors and “Go Swim!” Whether you are splashing in a creek, jumping off a dock or swimming at a state park beach, Georgia has plenty of places for you to cool off.
ATLANTA (April 16, 2010) – The Historic Preservation Division (HPD), in cooperation with the Parks, Recreation & Historic Sites Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, has announced a State Historic Sites photo contest which ends April 30.
ATLANTA, April 19, 2010 ~~ More than 40 of Georgia’s state parks will soon join one of the largest treasure hunts on the planet. With the May 8 launch of the Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge, the park system is inviting GPS-toting explorers to travel trails in search of hidden caches. Geocaching is thought to be one of the most popular games in the world, with more than 1 million caches registered on www.Geocaching.com.
ATLANTA, April 15, 2010 - The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is Thursday, April 22, and Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites have planned a variety of outdoor events for the month-long celebration. From wildflower hikes to fishing contests, the parks provide plenty of excuses to get off the couch and into the great outdoors.
ROYSTON, GA., February 9, 2010 ~~ Young golfers in Georgia named Highland Walk Golf Course’s manager as one of their favorite golf teachers for the past two years. Karl Gross received “Honorable Mention Top Kids Teacher” awards from U.S. Kids Golf for 2008 and 2009. Highland Walk is located at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston, Ga.
ATLANTA, March 9, 2010 ~~ The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently awarded $1.1 million in Recreational Trails Program grants to 12 government agencies. The grants will assist with the construction and maintenance of trails and trailheads throughout the state. Recipients include:
ATLANTA, March 8, 2010 – Tight finances don’t mean families have to give up a spring break vacation. Parents who plan ahead can take advantage of affordable accommodations located throughout Georgia’s 48 state parks. Once settled in, they’ll find a mini-resort outside their door, with a range of amenities such as nature trails, playgrounds, fishing docks, ranger programs, disc golf and more.
ATLANTA, March 5, 2010 – Spring is on the way, and as the weather warms and people begin venturing outside, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages families to get outdoors and Go Fish! Whether you are fishing for trout in the mountains, bass on a lake, or red drum on the coast, Georgia has a place for you.
February 17, 2010 - Angler Earnest Timpson of Edison (Calhoun County) reeled in the new state record blue catfish from Lake Walter F. George on February 2, 2010. The 80 lbs., 4 oz., 49-inch catch beats the former state record by more than five pounds. George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge and Florence Marina State Park offer access to the lake.
AMERICA’S STATE PARKS ALLIANCE LAUNCHED TO ADVOCATE FOR HEALTHFUL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THE 50 STATES:
More than 10 million visitors to Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites represent an economic value of $677 million to the State, indicating the value Georgians place on outdoor, affordable recreation.
ATLANTA, GA., February 11, 2010 – Many of Georgia’s state parks will soon get spiffed up facilities thanks to a new partnership with the Boy Scouts. In celebration of the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary, the young volunteers are teaming up with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to complete service projects such as trail construction, grounds cleanup and playground installation.
ATLANTA, GA., February 8, 2010 ~~ Young golfers have the chance to play 10 courses across Georgia during the 2010 Georgia Junior Golf Tour. Running March 20 through October 24, the tour travels to all Georgia State Park Golf Courses, plus courses at Brasstown Valley, Lake Blackshear, Stone Mountain and Jekyll Island. The season-ending Championship Cup will be November 13-14. Boys and girls 6-18 are invited to register at www.georgiajuniorgolftour.com.
ATLANTA, January 29, 2010 - As winter drags on and those New Year’s resolutions start to fall by the wayside, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) makes it a little easier to stick with your commitment to spend more time outdoors. Bike trails on state parks and wildlife management areas around the state offer cycling opportunities that range from easy riding to challenging mountain biking.
ATLANTA, GA, February 1, 2010 ~~ Ever wondered why alligators and wading birds make great neighbors? Find out answers to this and more on a new season of Georgia Outdoors, premiering Wednesday, February 3 with two new episodes.
ATLANTA, January 29, 2010 ~~ Georgia's State Park Lodges have teamed up with Kick's Radio in Atlanta for a special Valentine's Day getaway. Visit http://www.wkhx.com/Article.asp?id=1666180&spid=25953 to register to win a 2-night getaway with wine, chocolates and breakfast. Special rates are offered as well.
ATLANTA, January 28, 2010 – Georgia’s State Parks & Lodges blend romance and nature with special “Valentine’s Day” lodge packages and “Carefree Cottage” getaways. Lakes, mountains and forests in secluded settings are perfect for couples interested in rekindling the romance with a cozy escape to the outdoors.
ATLANTA (January 26, 2010) – Now through February 4, outdoor enthusiasts can register to win a three-day, two-night stay at one of Georgia’s five State Park Lodges through Conserve Georgia and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Registration is free and available through www.ConserveGeorgia.org.
ATLANTA, December 10, 2009 – Georgia’s State Park Lodges provide festive getaway packages for both families and couples alike seeking affordable staycation alternatives for the New Year’s weekend and long winter months ahead. From New Year’s Eve celebration packages and holiday buffets, to nightly winter “lodge-ical” rates starting at just $59, Georgia’s State Park Lodges offer a cozy and wallet-friendly vacation getaway in the great outdoors.
ATLANTA, November 25, 2009 - Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor adventurers on your shopping list? From hunting and fishing to camping and wildlife watching, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers suggestions sure to please friends and family who love being outdoors.
ELBERTON, December 2, 2009 ~~ The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with Elbert County and the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Commission, will hold a public meeting on Monday, December 14 to present the final master plan for Richard B. Russell State Park on Lake Russell.
VALDOSTA, December 1, 2009 ~~ A stunning photograph of Amicalola Falls State Park has won Haley Hyatt of Valdosta a two-night getaway to a Georgia State Park lodge. Her sunset image was the winning shot from the fall photo contest sponsored by the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.
ATLANTA, GA., November 9, 2009 – Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites make holiday shopping easy by providing gift ideas that are practical while helping protect Georgia’s natural and historic resources. Whether your loved ones enjoy camping, hiking and mountain biking or just like to hit the golf course on the weekend, a gift from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is one that easily encompasses the outdoor adventurers on your shopping list and can be enjoyed well after the holidays are past.
ATLANTA, November 9, 2009 – Just in time for Thanksgiving, Georgia State Parks are making it easy and affordable to enjoy time with family this holiday season, without the stress of houseguests and cleaning. Families can celebrate the holidays in Georgia’s great outdoors with a cornucopia of festive events, diverse recreational opportunities, and hotel-style lodge rooms with lower winter rates.
ATLANTA, October 16, 2009 – Share A Fall Foliage Photo from One of Georgia’s State Parks via Photo-Sharing Site Flickr and Be Entered to Win a Two-Night Vacation at a Georgia State Park Lodge.
ATLANTA, GA (September 28, 2009) – Autumn’s arrival means multicolored leaves crunching beneath your hiking boots and gooey s’mores sticking to your chin. Few things say “fall” as much as a well deserved getaway, complete with energizing hikes and cozy campfires. To help leaf peepers plan their autumn escapes, Georgia’s state parks will soon launch “Leaf Watch 2009” to track fall color as it moves across the state.
ATLANTA, February 9, 2009 ~~ Georgia’s State Park System has unveiled a new club just for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. The Park Paddlers Club includes six state parks with waterways ranging from tidal rivers to the celebrated Okefenokee Swamp. Members can earn a bragging-rights t-shirt by paddling all 22 miles at Crooked River, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Sweetwater Creek state parks.
ATLANTA, GA (September 1, 2010) – For many people, the perfect autumn weekend includes cozy campfires, gooey s’mores and fiery-hued forests. To help leaf peepers plan their fall escapes, Georgia’s state parks will soon launch “Leaf Watch 2010” in partnership with Georgia Forestry Commission to track fall color as it moves across the Peach State and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Artist-in-Residence Program is no longer being offered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
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