Cherokee commissioners weigh contribution to keep Pine Log Wildlife Management Area under DNR ownership

Cherokee County commissioners discussed whether the county should contribute toward the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' purchase of the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area, a roughly 14,000-acre tract mostly in Bartow County with about 2,500 acres inside Cherokee County.

Commissioners said Bartow County has pledged $5 million and that DNR is negotiating to close an estimated $10 million shortfall. Commissioner Carter moved that Cherokee County commit $2,000,000 toward the purchase, subject to an acceptable intergovernmental agreement spelling out county rights and uses; Commissioner Wetherbee seconded the motion. The motion was made during the June 17 meeting but the transcript does not record a final vote or the board’s formal adoption of the commitment.

Supporters at the dais described the property as a regional natural resource used by hunters, hikers and others and emphasized preserving public access. Commissioners discussed financing options: using proceeds from sales of county-owned property or reserves rather than reallocating funds already budgeted. Commissioners also requested that any commitment be conditional on a legally binding IGA that clarifies what the county would receive (for example, whether public access and hunting rights on the Cherokee portion would be guaranteed) and that any county contribution not impair the county’s fiscal policies for reserves and millage-setting.

Commissioner Ragsdale emphasized concerns about using funds needed for other county priorities and suggested offering a smaller firm commitment with contingencies tied to property sales. Commissioner Carter said current available funds and potential property sales could cover a $2 million committed amount, if the IGA protects county interests. County attorney and staff indicated an IGA will be needed to formalize any commitment.

Because the transcript does not show a recorded final vote on the motion, no binding county commitment is confirmed in the public record of this meeting. The board left clear that any contribution would be conditioned on an acceptable IGA and that staff and legal would need to draft/supply the agreement for formal approval.

Ending: County staff and the commissioners said they will pursue a formal IGA and additional internal budget work if the board decides to finalize a commitment. No further action or appropriation is recorded in the June 17 minutes.