Public Comment Open for Georgia’s “Bird Island Rule”

[David Tilson]

Hello Everyone,

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on proposed changes to Georgia’s “Bird Island Rule” (O.C.G.A. 391-4-7-.03). This proposal may be familiar to those who attended Brett Albanese’s talk at our October meeting.

More details, including the full text of the proposed rule, are available here: Notice and Synopsis of Proposed Rule Making

The Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (ORAS) supports the proposed changes for the following reasons:

·         The amendments strengthen protection for seabirds and shorebirds. Rule 391-4-7-.03 protects several critical offshore islands and sandbars used by nesting, roosting, and foraging seabirds and shorebirds—many of which are species of high conservation concern.

·         Updates are needed to include islands that have formed or been created since the rule was enacted in 1998 and to ensure better protection of key habitats throughout the year.

·         Many seabirds and shorebirds are highly sensitive to human and canine disturbance. The proposed changes would allow DNR to temporarily close all or portions of these sites when necessary for nesting or roosting, enabling effective enforcement of seasonal protections.

·         DNR’s approach seeks to balance wildlife conservation with public access, applying restrictions only where necessary to protect vulnerable species. Many other coastal areas remain open for recreation without impacting sensitive habitats.

We encourage our members to participate in the public comment process and share their support for these important conservation updates. See forwarded email below for information on how to participate. 

Sincerely,

David Tilson

President, Oconee Rivers Audubon Society

From: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources <GA...@public.govdelivery.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 4:48 PM
To: 
Subject: Proposed Bird Island Rule Changes: Review, Comment

DNR sets public hearing on proposed amendments aimed at providing greater protection for shorebirds, seabirds

 

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. A colony of royal terns, flanked by brown pelicans in the background (DNR) Proposed Bird Island Rule Changes: Review, Comment Georgia DNR has scheduled a public hearing on proposed changes to the state’s “Bird Island Rule” aimed at providing greater protection for seabirds and shorebirds. The hearing is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Susan Shipman Environmental Learning Center at DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick. Public notice and a synopsis of the proposed amendments are available at georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed. The changes to Rule 391-4-7.-03 are needed to include new islands formed since the rule was passed in 1998 and to better shield sites when they are being used for nesting, foraging and roosting, according to DNR. The amendments would allow for recreational access to many of the sites when they are not active, and would also remove from the rule one natural bar that has eroded to the point birds no longer nest there. At the public hearing, participants can present data, provide a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument – orally or in writing. Comments can also be submitted by emailing wcsco...@dnr.ga.gov (use the subject line "Bird Island Rule"), calling (912) 262-3128 or mailing written statements to the attention of Tim Keyes at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520. Electronic and phone comments must be received by Nov. 30, 2025. Mailed comments must be postmarked by that date. The Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed amendments and public comments during its Jan. 30, 2026, meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. at A.W. Jones Heritage Center, 610 Beachview Drive on St. Simons Island. Visit georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed for more details about the proposed changes. Read Today's Release Stay in Touch Our emails will keep you updated on important wildlife news. We promise we won't overwhelm you with emails; but if you wish, you can unsubscribe here. Connect With Us Call 800-366-2661 or visit georgiawildlife.com.

 

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