PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The birding access permit program is designed to facilitate connections between the birding community looking for places to birdwatch and forest landowners interested in allowing recreational birdwatching on their property. The permit program is hosted on Orbis’ My Outdoor Agent online platform.
The Georgia Forestry Foundation’s membership community includes a broad range of private forestland owners from across the state. This makes the Foundation an ideal partner with Georgia Audubon to expand the state’s birding access while benefitting its forest landowners.
7000+
Birders in Georgia Audubon Community
22 Million
Acres of Private Forestland in Georgia
HOW TO NAVIGATE MY OUTDOOR AGENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is My Outdoor Agent (MOA), and who is 
Orbis is a company that provides technology solutions for land asset management. They focus on simplifying the process of acquiring and managing large land holdings. My Outdoor Agent is an online platform run by Orbis that shows listings for land for recreational use.
What can landowners get out of the Birding Access Program?
Landowners can gain an alternative revenue source from birders who purchase permits to birdwatch on their property.
How does a landowner register their property for this program?
If you’re interested in registering your property, please reach out to Nick DiLuzio
Email: nick@gffgrow.org | Phone: 478-992-8110
Why did the Georgia Forestry Foundation begin this program?
GFF has teamed up with Orbis to provide an online platform to connect birders and forest landowners across the state to:
- Increase access to outdoor recreation
- Provide landowners with an alternative revenue source
How do I know if my forestland is a good candidate for this program?→
How does a birder use MOA to access available properties?→
Who is eligible to access a birding permit?
Birding permits are available for purchase to anyone who will comply with your property use guidelines, and My Outdoor Agent’s terms of use.
Landowner Candidate Checklist
- Is your property mostly surrounded by large, forested areas?
- Do you have a variety of habitats available, including species type and stand ages?
- Are there any hardwood patches on your property? They are critical for some bird species.
- Do you have small ponds and/or wetlands? They attract wading birds and waterfowl.
- Have you removed invasive plants and animals? This improves habitat conditions for native birds and plants.
- Do you conduct prescribed fires on your property?
Facts about birding
$75.9 Billion
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s reported estimated annual revenue from wildlife-watching expenditures in 2016
93%
The percentage of people who watch birds that live in metropolitan areas
Many of the birds that nest on your property in the spring arrive from winter retreats in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Are you a forestland owner who would like to register in this program?
Are you a birdwatcher who’d like to learn more?
Please direct questions to Vice President Nick DiLuzio at nick@gffgrow.org or call (478) 992-8110
Additional Program Opportunity for Landowners
Habitat Stewardship Program
The Georgia Audubon Habitat Stewardship Program is a new conservation program geared toward large land holdings and the people who own and manage them. It is designed to enable property stewards to make improvements to their land for the benefit of native wildlife while also connecting them to educational resources, technical assistance programs, cost-sharing and revenue-generating programs, engagement and research opportunities, perks associated with Georgia Audubon membership such as early access and program discounts, recognition as an official “Habitat Steward” in our program, and more.