While most DNR budgets were proposing an average cut of 8% across the board, state funding for a number of programs were recommended for elimination in the Governor's FY11 budget request.State funding for both the Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority ($212K) and the Lake Alatoona Preservation Authority ($75K) were recommended for elimination.

Furthermore, the governor has requested that the legislature eliminate contract funds for Clean Cities ($10K), the Clean Air Campaign ($620K) and environmental monitoring ($100K).While programs like the Clean Air Campaign will continue to operate, they will undoubtedly be significantly impacted by these proposed reductions in FY11 state financial support. However, there are at least a few bright spots in DNR's budget.DNR estimates, and the governor concurs, that in FY11 the percent of hunters who rate their hunting experience as "satisfactory or better" will only drop 2% and occupancy rates at state park cottages will increase by 3%.So at least we have that goin' for us.