If you live in the Chattahoochee Valley, there's a good chance you've heard about Standing Boy Creek recently. The wildlife reserve near Columbus has become the subject of great debate in the last year as proposed developments have been discussed publicly.
Tonight, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has called a public hearing to determine the fate of the Standing Boy Creek property. Here are 10 facts you need to know before tonight's hearing:
1) The Georgia Department of Natural Resources public hearing tonight is on the proposed mountain bike trails at Standing Boy Creek Wildlife Management Area near Columbus.
2) The public hearing is scheduled to happen tonight at 7 p.m. at the Columbus Public Library located at 3000 Macon Rd. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will be the featured presenter.
3) Standing Boy Creek Wildlife Management Area is located at 2120 Old River Rd.
4) Currently, the 1,580 acre area offers regulated hunting for deer, turkey and dove. Georgia Wildlife's Department of Natural Resources provides the regulatory guidelines for hunting state properties including Standing Boy Creek.
5) Other currently permitted activities on the property include geocaching, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Bicycling, camping and ATVs are not currently allowed.
6) The property is undeveloped at this time, and only has a few unpaved roads and gates.
7) The proposed plan would develop the wildlife area into a park with over 25 miles of developed trails geared toward mountain biking and hiking.
8) DNR has stated that they do not intend to limit public access to the property if the plan is approved.
9) Tonight's hearing is the third in a series of meetings to discuss the proposal. The public hearing this evening provides an opportunity for locals to share their views and discuss the proposed trails.
10) According to the Georgia Wildlife press release:
"Any participant at the hearing may present data, make a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to speak. Participants must register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend a meeting may submit input either electronically or in written statement form. Input must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2018. Written statements should be mailed to: GA DNR/Wildlife Resources Division/Game Management Section; Attn: Don McGowan; 2067 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.; Social Circle, Ga., 30025. Statements also can be electronically submitted at gm.comments@dnr.ga.gov."
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