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Research Projects: Safeguarding Torreya taxifolia . Recovery of Elliottia racemosa . Restoration of Pitcherplant Bogs . Historic Species Search Project . Recovery of Echinacea laevigata . Botanical Guardians . Gentianopsis crinita

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GEORGIA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM

Issue
A rapidly growing human population in Georgia continues to threaten natural systems and biological diversity. Accurate and precise information on the location and condition of the rarest elements of biological diversity plays an increasingly critical role in the successful conservation of Georgia's diverse natural communities and species.

Long-Term Strategies
Facilitate the preservation of Georgia's natural diversity by compiling, analyzing, and disseminating information on rare species and natural communities.

Short-Term Strategies
Develop a state-wide biological conservation database that contains information on the location, status, and threats to populations of the rarest species and relict natural communities. conduct surveys for rare species and signification natural communities on state lands, and assist in the development of long-term management plans for Wildlife Management Areas, Public Fishing Areas, Fish hatcheries, Natural Areas, conservation Area, and other state properties.

• Maintain manual and digital files on approximately 620 plants species and 330 animal species, including 214 species protected by state and federal law. Program databases currently contain over 5,000 documented occurrences of rare species and significant natural communities in Georgia.
• Develop a geographical information system (GIS) database of state-owned lands
• Maintain digital wetland and landcover databases developed to support statewide comprehensive planning, watershed management, and environmental assessments
• Conduct research on state and federally listed species, and assist with conservation of these rare species through various partnerships with federal and state agencies, local governments, conservation groups, and private industries
• Assist with the nomination and evaluation of new state acquisitions and facilitate other land protection efforts by public and private entities
• Provide information on rare species and natural communities to government agencies, conservation organization, private industries, researchers and the general public

Pictured: Jonathan Streich of The Nature Conservancy and Tom Patrick of the Heritage Program