SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (January 23, 2015) – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is proposing changes to fishing regulations. The proposed changes would remove the ‘mountain’ trout season and open all trout water to year-round angling.
Previously, the ‘mountain’ trout season was kept from late March through the end of October each year, making streams designated as seasonal unavailable during that period of time,” says John Biagi, chief of the Fisheries Management Section. “This change would allow that ‘seasonal’ regulation to be removed, opening up these streams to trout angling all year.

The Department has scheduled two public hearings to provide an opportunity to offer input on these proposed changes. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interesting in participating. All hearings will begin at 7:00 p.m.

DATE & LOCATION

Tuesday, Feb. 10
Fair Street Neighborhood Center
715 Fair Street
Gainesville, GA 30501
www.gainesville.org/fair-street-neighborhood-center

Thursday, Feb. 12
Red Top Mountain State Park
Conference Center/Park Office
50 Lodge Road, SE
Acworth, GA 30102
www.gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain

These meetings sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. To request sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, contact Thomas Litts at (770) 918-6406 no later than February 5, 2015. For more information about the meeting locations, call the Gainesville fisheries management office at 770-535-5498.

Anyone attending the meeting is welcome to provide statements or comments, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to speak. Participants should register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement.

Those unable to attend a meeting may submit input electronically or in writing by February 28, 2015. Written statements should be mailed to:

GA DNR, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Management Section; Attn: Thomas Litts; 2065 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.; Social Circle, Georgia 30025.

To submit comments electronically or view the proposed changes and additional information, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/proposedregulations or contact the Fisheries Management Section at (770) 918-6406.

News release submitted by: Melissa Cummings, Communications and Outreach Specialist, Wildlife Resources Division
(706) 557-3326