Local residents may change the fate of a 20,000 acre wildlife area slated for development. Investors bought the Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area near Macon in 2004. Head of the Save Oaky Woods campaign John Tressel said the public was unhappy with that purchase and now more and more people are becoming aware of what's at stake. "A lot of the public realize this property is going to be lost forever," said Tressel, "and they really don't want to see it turn into a sea of houses."
His supporters hope the housing market will influence the owners of the land to sell it at a reasonable price for local residents and the state to purchase. This plan models the state's recent acquisition of similar wildlife area in Paulding County. There voters agreed to a property tax increase to purchase their land. Local and state officials think the same could happen for Oaky Woods.
The next step is for commissioners to talk with the owners. One owner, Charles Ayers, said that the Oaky Woods preserve is a good idea, but he's waiting for a good offer.
The state has leased the land for thirty years. It serves as a popular hunting ground and wildlife habitat for bears.
His supporters hope the housing market will influence the owners of the land to sell it at a reasonable price for local residents and the state to purchase. This plan models the state's recent acquisition of similar wildlife area in Paulding County. There voters agreed to a property tax increase to purchase their land. Local and state officials think the same could happen for Oaky Woods.
The next step is for commissioners to talk with the owners. One owner, Charles Ayers, said that the Oaky Woods preserve is a good idea, but he's waiting for a good offer.
The state has leased the land for thirty years. It serves as a popular hunting ground and wildlife habitat for bears.
