06 LC 25
4305
House
Resolution 1226
By:
Representatives Lane of the
158th,
Stephens of the
164th,
Burns of the
157th,
Ehrhart of the
36th,
Parrish of the
156th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Authorizing
and directing the Department of Natural Resources to initiate a "Georgia Quail
Trail" and creating the Georgia Quail Trail Advisory Council; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the bobwhite quail,
Georgiás
state game bird and known also as the "Prince of Game Birds," is one of the most
recognized and popular natural symbols of this state, and quail hunting in
Georgia is a time-honored tradition; and
WHEREAS,
supporting the quail hunting industry in this state provides jobs in and
supports recreation, tourism, retail sales, timber production, and agricultural
sectors, and the economic multiplier effect of quail hunting is paramount to the
success of both rural and urban service sectors in Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
promoting quail hunting provides benefits to other game and nongame species
dependent on quality bobwhite quail habitat and validates the need to protect
and conserve wildlife habitat critical to bobwhite quail and other species;
and
WHEREAS,
initiating a "Georgia Quail Trail" program that will link hunters to quail
hunting opportunities in this state by identifying, showcasing, and promoting
quail hunting venues and opportunities in this state will sustain and expand the
economic benefits of quail hunting in this state and provide additional
business, hunting, recreational, and educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS,
initiating a "Georgia Quail Trail" program will also support the Georgia
Bobwhite Quail Initiative, which is a voluntary and experimental program to
restore quality early successional habitat for bobwhite quail and other
wildlife, improve water quality, and reduce soil erosion and which was developed
by the Board of Natural Resources in consultation with key members of the
General Assembly and implemented by the Wildlife Resources Division of the
Department of Natural Resources.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
The
Department of Natural Resources is authorized and directed to initiate not later
than June 30, 2007, a "Georgia Quail Trail" program that will link hunters to
quail hunting opportunities in this state by identifying, showcasing, and
promoting quail hunting venues and opportunities in this state, subject to funds
being available to the department for such purposes.
SECTION
2.
There
is created the Georgia Quail Trail Advisory Council in order to establish and
identify quail hunting industry needs and advise how to best meet the demand for
linking hunters to quail hunting opportunities in this state. The council shall
consist of 12 members. Two of the members of the council shall include the
chairperson of the Senate Economic Development Committee or his or her designee
and the chairperson the House Committee on Game, Fish, and Parks or his or her
designee, each of whom shall serve as co-chairs of the council. Each co-chair
shall appoint five additional councilmembers, for a total of ten appointed
members consisting of two appointees from each of the five following entities,
organizations, or groups: the Wildlife Resources Division of the Department of
Natural Resources, the Department of Economic Development, the Georgia chapter
of Quail Unlimited (one member from the northern part of this state and one
member from the southern part of this state), the Georgia Wildlife Federation,
and active quail hunting industries and related services. Such appointments
shall be made not later than 45 days after this resolution becomes effective,
and the first meeting of the council shall be held not later than 75 days after
this resolution becomes effective. The council may conduct such meetings at
such times and places as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to
exercise fully and effectively perform its duties and accomplish the objectives
and purposes of this resolution. Neither the legislative members of the council
nor private individuals shall receive any compensation for their service on the
council. Members of the council who are state officials, other than legislative
members, and state employees shall receive no compensation for their services on
the council, but they shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred by them in the
performance of their duties as members of the council in the same manner as they
are reimbursed for expenses in their capacities as state officials or employees.
The funds necessary for the reimbursement of the expenses of state officials,
other than legislative members, and state employees shall come from funds
appropriated to or otherwise available to their respective departments. In the
event the council makes a report of its findings and recommendations, with
suggestions for proposed legislation or measures for economic development and
tourism, if any, such report shall be made on or before August 1, 2006. The
council shall stand abolished on December 1, 2006.
SECTION
3.
This
resolution Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon
its becoming law without such approval.