Resident proposes county-managed conservation for 200-acre parcel near Georgia's Lake boat ramp; commissioners ask staff to explore options

A member of the public proposed that Putnam County consider managing a roughly 200-acre parcel adjacent to the recently purchased Georgia's Lake boat ramp to facilitate state acquisition and create a trailhead and minimal-maintenance nature recreation area.

Willie the Looen told commissioners the property owner is interested in selling for conservation and that the state would only proceed with acquisition if a willing manager is identified. "The state won't move forward with acquisition unless they have a willing manager," he said, describing the parcel as an important connector in the regional wildlife corridor and suitable for low-impact recreation and prescribed burning managed by partners.

Commissioners and staff discussed options: parks and recreation staff said they were "very interested in exploring the opportunity" and would take the proposal to the advisory committee to consider appropriate levels of care and expectations. A county official told the board that the state can pay up to appraised value and that current acquisition funding may be limited over the next budget cycle; commissioners asked staff to research restrictions on management and the possibilities of a county purchase or management agreement.

Commissioner Grimes asked staff to identify what management responsibilities and liabilities would look like if the county agreed to manage state-owned property, including questions about timber, prescribed burning and revenue from timber sales. Parks and recreation and county administrators agreed to return with more information and a recommendation to the board.

No formal action or vote was taken; commissioners instructed staff to engage parks and recreation, forestry and relevant stakeholders and to report back on feasibility and restrictions.