Decatur County Commission hears concerns from citizens on Silver Lake WMA

Tuesday night at the Decatur County Commission meeting citizens, Department of Natural Resources representatives and County Commissioners discussed Silver Lake WMA for nearly an hour. Citizens and County Commissioners voiced their concerns of public access and other problems in the WMA.

Recently the Bainbridge Trailblazers, a horseback riding organization, had plans to camp in Silver Lake, during an upcoming fall ride. They stated that they had previously talked to officials about camping at the WMA and had made plans to clear the spot they were going to be camping at. The group was then mailed forms from the state office which requires groups of ten or more to have a $1 million liability insurance policy, a $500 deposit and port-a-potties. Bainbridge Trailblazers president Andrew Heard stated that these requirements prevent citizens and small groups from using Silver Lake WMA. 

County Commissioner Russell Smith asked the Department of Natural Resources where was the progress and improvement to the WMA that had previously been announced such as nature trails and bike trails. Department of Natural Resources senior biologist Brandon Rutledge told the Commissioner and citizens that they only had 6 wildlife technicians to care for 11 WMA locations in the state, which cover around 60,000 acres. Rutledge said that currently there is not a technician nor equipment assigned specifically to Silver Lake WMA. He also admitted that budget constraints were an issue for maintaining Silver Lake WMA and improvements that had been planned.

The Commissioners reminded the Department of Natural Resources that part of the agreement when they helped purchase Silver Lake WMA was to assist in maintaining the roads throughout the WMA.

Comments

[Me]

Hunters and anglers pay for a WMA license to use the facilities and picnickers and nature walkers don't have to pay anything. It's a Wildlife Management Area, not a Pedestrian Walking or Equestrian area. If you want to ride horses or walk around in the nature, it'd probably be a good idea not to do it during a hunting season. Not only because it's very unsafe that you aren't required to wear orange and all hunters are, and will be assuming anyone else there also will be, it's also rude to people who spend long hours scouting for a perfect place to hunt to have some tree hugger walk by enjoying the day. Go to a nature trail for a walk, not a WMA.