Saving Oaky Woods and Ocmulgee WMA

Many outdoor stewards of Georgia see hunting and fishing as our heritage and realize that it is one of our most sought-after passions. Rightly so, we want to see this highly enjoyed recreational time continue on into the future Thank You for showing interest and concern in regards to the loss of hunting land here in the state of Georgia. We come to you today out of great concern and apprehension for the welfare of two Wildlife Management Areas; those being Oaky Woods and Ocmulgee WMAs. Weyerhaeuser announced on February 20 that their company will sell all of its timberland in Georgia, a total of more than 300,000 acres that stretches from Oconee to Worth counties. Almost all of this land was leased to hunting clubs, and two large tracts have been leased by the state for Ocmulgee and Oaky Woods WMAs. The state leases 15,519 acres of Weyerhaeuser land for Ocmulgee WMA, which makes up 54 percent of the area. At Oaky Woods WMA, 86 percent of the 18,875 total acres are Weyerhaeuser. To lose these hunting lands will be a crippling blow to the states hunting heritage, its hunters, and eventually will effect the states & surrounding counties hunting generated economy; due to the fact that hunters in our state find these two pieces of property to be some of the best sporting opportunities available. The thousands and thousands of dollars spent on licenses, gear, food, lodging, etc. are a direct result from them being able to enjoy either Oaky Woods and/or Ocmulgee WMA. As stewards of Georgias environment, a hunter, and a fisher, I urge the state of Georgia; its legislative bodies (the members therein), the state wildlife agencies, the effected county commissioners, and Weyerhaeuser to work diligently together to make possible for the acquisition of these tracts of land for the future enjoyment of Georgias sportsman. Your help in this process is GREATLY needed and desired!