GMA - Georgia Municipal Association

03/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/18/2026 12:39

Two Cities Among Recipients of $33.2 Million in Conservation Grants

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has selected 14 projects to receive funding through its Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, committing $33.2 million to conservation and outdoor recreation efforts across the state. Two of the awards - totaling $5 million - will go directly to city governments.

GOSP is Georgia's first dedicated funding source for conservation of priority lands, stewardship of state parks and wildlife management areas, and support of local parks and trails. The 2025-2026 competitive cycle drew 38 applications requesting a combined $88.2 million. Eligible applicants included local governments, recreation authorities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

The City of Atlanta received approximately $2 million to develop Falling Water Park, a 26-acre urban forest within the Chattahoochee-Utoy Creek Hills Conservation Corridor. The project includes more than a mile of paved and natural-surface trails, a lighted parking area, and a fishing boardwalk. The stream will be stocked for recreational fishing, and habitat mapping and invasive species management are planned.

The City of Monroe received $3 million to transform a 123-acre site along the Alcovy River into Alcovy River Park. The new park will offer hiking, mountain biking, paddling, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation, along with interpretive signage and riparian habitat restoration.

The other 2025-2026 GOSP recipients incluede:

  • Augusta Canal Authority Riverwatch Trail and Bridge, $3,000,000
  • Carroll County McIntosh Reserve expansion, $1,462,000
  • Houston County Echeconnee Creek Park, $2,340,000
  • Oconee County Heritage Park Trail Expansion, $3,000,000
  • Wayne County Altamaha River and Leisure Services Authority Altamaha Conservation Center at Jaycee Landing, $2,999,400
  • Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land Lumberjack South Acquisition, $522,000
  • DNR Wildlife Resources Division
    • TCF Charlton County acquisition, $7,000,000
    • Lumberjack North Brantley Acquisition, $2,500,000
  • DNR State Parks & Historic Sites
    • Providence Canyon State Park improvements, $620,776
    • Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site renovation, $3,720,000
    • George L. Smith State Park improvements, $530,300
    • F.D. Roosevelt State Park Liberty Bell Pool renovation, $497,567

For more information about GOSP, visit gadnr.org/gosp.

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