By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@thecitizennews.com

More than 400 Fayette County residents may be eligible for up to $1,350 in grants to turn their public utility right of way into wildlife habitat.

“We want to take these idle acres and create new wildlife lands,” said Forrest Hills, coordinator of Project WINGS, a program of the Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc.

Working with Georgia Power Company, Project WINGS (Wildlife Incentives for Nongame and Game Species) offers cash as well as planning assistance to groups and individuals interested in managing the power company rights of way for three years.

Participants can take advantage of equipment services as well, to help plow and plant foliage that attracts wildlife.

Hills and Ken Gran, district conservationist for Fayette, explained the program last week to the Fayette County Commission. Commissioner Glen Gosa is a voting member of the Two Rivers executive board.

The project can help solve erosion problems that plague right of way under many area power lines, said Gran.

“Transmission lines are essential to power our homes, businesses and factories,” according to program literature. “Underneath these lines are thousands of acres of idle land. Recognizing the potential these acres offer wildlife, [Project WINGS was begun] in the fall of 1996,” the literature says.

For information on the program, phone Gran at 770-957-5705.