Press release [Dec. 7, 2001C]

For more information, contact Melissa Cummings, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist - (770) 918-6400 Lisa Doty, Public Affairs Coordinator - (770) 918-6400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GIVE THE GIFT THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME - THE GIFT OF THE OUTDOORS

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (December 7, 2001) - If you are looking for the perfect gift to give for the holidays - look no further than outside your window or back door. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages everyone to give the gift that will last a lifetime and help someone develop an appreciation for the great outdoors. Teach someone a new outdoor hobby or rekindle interest in an old one; such as fishing, bird-watching, hiking or hunting.
"It is especially important to encourage children to appreciate the outdoors. If we instill a love of nature in them early in their life, they will carry it with them forever." says WRD Director David Waller. "It is even better when the whole family can get outdoors and enjoy some time together; whether camping in the mountains, fishing in trout streams or just sitting in the backyard and identifying birds at the bird feeder."
Georgia has much to offer those individuals and families who want to get outside. There are over 70 wildlife management areas (WMAs) available on over one million acres of land. WMAs are available for hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and other recreational and educational opportunities. Georgia boasts over 4,000 miles of trout streams, 12,000 miles of warm water streams and 500,000 acres of impoundments for the anglers in your life. State parks, mountains, beaches and more also are available to everyone. Even the backyard offers more than most people think.
WRD suggests some of the following items as gifts and stocking stuffers this year:



Hunting or fishing licenses



Maps of wilderness areas



Fishing rod, reel and lures



Guide to hiking trails in Georgia



Field guides for birds, animals, foliage identification or others



Binoculars



Annual park pass for state parks



Life jackets



Tree stand



Camouflage outerwear



Tackle box



Tent



Birdfeeders and birdseed or nectar



"How-to" guides and/or videos



Archery equipment



Hiking shoes



Multi-use tool



Sleeping bag



Compass



Subscription to an outdoors magazine



Guided fishing trip



Thermal clothing for chilly mornings

"People are spending more time at work - at the expense of their family time," says Waller. "One of these outdoor gifts may encourage them to take a 'time out' and spend the day with the family enjoying everything that nature has to offer instead."
These are only a few of the thousands of gifts that could be given to a loved one this season. For more information on Georgia's public lands or gifts for the outdoor enthusiast, contact your local WRD office or go to www.georgiawildlife.com. ###