"Panola Mountain State Park is a National Natural Landmark-designated property that offers environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities to millions of metro-Atlanta residents", said DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb. "Governor Perdue has championed the protection of important natural resources while at the same time challenging us to leverage our limited funds to the greatest extent possible. The 'coming together' of so many agencies and organizations to protect and expand this important park is outstanding. I'm especially excited about the collaboration with GDOT and the joint partnership model we've created of two state agencies working to accomplish great things."

GDOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl also recognizes the importance of this collaboration. "I am proud to say that the leadership teams from both GDOT and DNR have been working hard to make this acquisition happen. We have the common goal of restoring the natural flow of the stream that was dammed to create the golf course lake. We will also be working together to protect the wetlands and buffer areas along the South River to provide habitat areas for migratory birds and other wildlife species."

The Conservation Fund's regional director, Rex Boner, said, "We were delighted to cooperate with DNR, GDOT and the Arabia Mountain Alliance to protect this critical property for public use and benefit."

The Arabia Mountain Alliance has been working for years to secure greenspace and park properties in the Arabia Mountain/Panola Mountain area to create a major greenway corridor from the city of Lithonia to the South River and into Rockdale County to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Kelly Jordan, longstanding leader of the Alliance, helped orchestrate the collaboration.

"The expansion of Panola and the protection of the South River have been and will continue to be primary goals for the Alliance," said Jordan. "If it had not have been for DNR's leadership, GDOT funding support and intervention by The Conservation Fund, we would have lost this opportunity."

Now that the property is in state protection, DNR's State Parks & Historic Sites Division is making plans for its eventual use as an expansion of Panola Mountain State Park. Even though funds have not been appropriated for development, an interim use plan has been created which will allow for limited public use of the newly acquired property. Officials expect to begin working with the community soon to create a master development plan for the expanded park.