A spotted seatrout found in the Georgia waters.
By Rylee Owens
Meet Greg Nelms, a wildlife biologist who strives to enhance the habitats and well-being of wildlife across Georgia’s diverse environments. Born in South Georgia and raised in an outdoorsy family, the biologist’s upbringing amidst nature ignited his passion for wildlife, which steered him toward a career dedicated to understanding and conserving the natural world.
Greg attributes his success to a combination of hands-on experience and academic rigor. From his time at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to his graduate studies at the University of Georgia, Greg’s educational background equipped him with the tools necessary to tackle the complexities of wildlife management head-on.
Before his tenure in Fitzgerald’s Region 4 Game Management office, Greg took on various roles within the realm of wildlife management. From his early days as a bear biologist in southeast Georgia, while serving as the sole game management employee in the Fisheries Management office in Waycross, Greg’s path was marked by a series of adventures and skills that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
However, Greg’s move to Fitzgerald solidified his commitment to conservation on a larger scale. Managing over 48,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Greg’s responsibilities encompass diverse projects to enhance wildlife habitats and promote natural-resource-dependent recreation.
At the heart of Greg’s daily routine lies a balance between short-term projects with immediate impact and long-term initiatives that, over time, shape the future of Georgia’s wildlife habitats. From coordinating prescribed burns to timber harvests and understory herbicide treatments, Greg utilizes the Geographic Information System (GIS), which enables him to effectively cover vast expanses of land. Whether planning burn seasons or orchestrating habitat restoration projects, Greg’s meticulous approach and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of his work.
A ringneck snake found by Greg and his team while out in the field.
Yet, aside from his tied-up day-to-day management, Greg remains committed to addressing the needs of Georgia’s wildlife community. From handling nuisance calls to assisting farmers with wildlife control permits, Greg’s role extends far beyond his office’s confines, embracing real-world conservation challenges with unwavering dedication.
Removing nuisance alligator from pond at residence in Bacon County.
Whether proposing new regulations or advocating for conservation efforts, Greg’s commitment knows no bounds. Fueled by a drive to leave a legacy, Greg finds the most rewarding aspect of his job to be the opportunity to change the landscape.
In the end, Greg Nelms represents more than just a wildlife biologist; he embodies conservation and stewardship that defines Georgia’s natural heritage. Through his dedication and efforts, Greg stands as a testament to making a difference in the natural world.
Rylee Owens is a communications specialist in the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.