The North Georgia Mountains Authority is getting three million dollars from the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for upgrades to the day-use area at Amicalola Falls State Park (pictured) in Dawson County.
The grant comes from DNR’s 2024-2025 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program “Conserve Georgia” program. The $24.6 million in funding is to be used to support local parks and trails systems and state-owned lands. The grant recipients have also committed an estimated $36.5 million in matching funds.
The North Georgia Mountains Authority is to use its grant to enhance and rehabilitate heavily used recreation areas at Amicalola Falls State Park, including the development and improvement of pathways, public restroom buildings, playground area, amphitheater, picnic shelters and tables.
Plans also include the protection of the stream buffer along Little Amicalola Creek tributary by removing invasive species, and planting native vegetation to stabilize soil, reduce erosion and control sediment loss.
Also in northeast Georgia: DNR’s State Parks and Historic Sites Division will use a $808,500 purchase about 15.5 acres in Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County, known as the Grizzard Tract. This project will protect the property from commercial or residential development while also safeguarding the critical habitats of the diverse wildlife species native to the area, DNR says. Additionally, the acquisition will support “preserving the scenic beauty of the mountain and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for the public.”
You can read more about the DNR grants program and see a list of the all grant recipients here:
