Three proposed fishing regulation changes will be the topic of several upcoming public hearings, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Proposed changes include:
• Replacing the current protective slot-length limit for largemouth bass from Lake Oconee with a minimum length limit.
• Modifying the current minimum length limit for largemouth bass from the lower Ocmulgee River (between Macon’s Spring Street Bridge crossing and its confluence with the Oconee River).
• Modifying the current minimum length limit for shoal bass from the upper Flint River (upstream of Warwick Dam).
The department has scheduled three public hearings to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. People who plan to attend are also encouraged to tell others who may be interested in participating. All hearings will begin at 7 p.m.
Meetings will be held:
July 7, United Methodist Fellowship Hall, 223 S. Broad St., Abbeville
July 8, Lakeside Church at Lake Oconee, 5800 Lake Oconee Parkway, Greensboro
July 10, Upson County Civic Center, 101 Civic Center Drive, Thomaston
Anyone attending a hearing 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 public hearing may submit input electronically through a survey (available beginning July 1) found at www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/proposedregulations or in writing by July 31.
Mail written statements to:
GA DNR, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Management Section; Attn: Thom Litts; 2065 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.; Social Circle, Georgia 30025.
These hearing sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. To request sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, contact Thom Litts at (770) 918-6406 no later than July 2.
For more information, to view the proposed changes or take the survey, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/proposedregulations.
