Pine Mountain Trail Association and Georgia Department of Natural Resources agree on plans for Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park

December 15, 2010, Pine Mountain, GA — Recent negotiations between the Pine Mountain Trail Association (PMTA) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the future of Pine Mountain were successful. After numerous discussions and a meeting at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park between PMTA board members, DNR Deputy Commissioner Todd Holbrook, DNR board members Earl Barrs and Warren Budd, and Park staff, the DNR has agreed to stop the widespread prescribed burning of Pine Mountain and FDR State Park and modify its management prescription plan for the park.

Letter from DNR Deputy Commissioner Todd Holbrook

The major points of agreement:

1. No longer will longleaf pine restoration efforts be widespread throughout FDR State Park. Plans to develop longleaf regeneration sites will be designated to smaller, more appropriate areas.
2. DNR will not burn 1,478 acres of FDR State Park in 2011, as originally planned.
3. DNR will complete a prescribed fire needs assessment plan for FDR State Park by Nov. 1, 2011. PMTA will assist with developing and writing the plan.

“The prescribed fire needs assessment plan is what we have asked for and is the key to developing a comprehensive plan for FDR State Park that recognizes the importance of recreational assets such as the Pine Mountain Trail,” said Richard Ramey, registered forester and PMTA board member.
PMTA wishes to thank and congratulate everyone who participated in the hard work and dialogue that led to this point of compromise with the DNR. The overwhelming response to PMTA pleas for support contributed greatly to the successful outcome of negotiations. Stay tuned as we progress in cooperation with the DNR to help manage and preserve Pine Mountain and FDR State Park.

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— From the board of directors of the Pine Mountain Trail Association