SR 1029: Roadless Area Conservation Rule; recognize; United States Forest Service; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a law that changes anyone's rights or duties. It recognizes the 25th anniversary of the federal Roadless Area Conservation Rule, adopted in 2001, which limits roadbuilding on certain national forest lands nationwide. The resolution highlights that more than 63,000 acres of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in north Georgia are designated roadless areas, including parts of the Appalachian Trail and Rabun Bald. It notes these areas supply drinking water to over 3.3 million Georgians, support outdoor recreation bringing about $130 million and nearly 2,000 jobs to local economies, and help guard against wildfires since most fires start near roads. The Senate formally commends the U.S. Forest Service for its management of these lands and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the Forest Service, the public, and the press.

• Formally recognizes the 25th anniversary of the federal Roadless Area Conservation Rule adopted in 2001.
• Commends the United States Forest Service for its management of roadless areas within Georgia's Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the Forest Service, the public, and the press.
• Does not create, change, or repeal any Georgia statute or impose any new legal requirement.

The resolution primarily concerns the United States Forest Service and its management of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. It also touches Georgians in north Georgia communities like Chatsworth, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, and Hiawassee, plus downstream cities such as Rome, Augusta, Savannah, and metro Atlanta who rely on forest watersheds.

Because this is a nonbinding resolution, it does not alter any law, funding, or land management policy. Its main effect is a public statement of the Georgia Senate's support for continued federal protection of roadless forest areas that supply drinking water and support outdoor recreation.

• The resolving clause recognizes the 25th anniversary of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule and acknowledges the importance of its continued application in Georgia.
• The resolution commends the U.S. Forest Service for its management of roadless areas in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
• A further resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the Forest Service, the public, and the press.
• The whereas clauses cite figures such as 63,000 roadless acres, $130 million in annual economic impact, and drinking water for 3.3 million Georgians, providing context but no binding requirements.

1. 2026-03-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senado)
2. 2026-03-25Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)Patrocinador principal
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)

• public lands conservation
• national forests
• outdoor recreation
• drinking water protection
• wildfire prevention