BALANCING SOLAR & WILDLIFE: Collaborative Solutions for Georgia
Feel free to grab drinks/snacks from the back of the conference room as needed. Restrooms are located down the hallway from the check-in area.
9:15 - WELCOME: Mike Worley, Georgia Wildlife Federation
9:30 - SESSION 1: Overview of Solar and Natural Resources in Georgia
Bob Brinkman, Green Power EMC
Jennifer Cannon, Georgia Power
Maggie Hunt, GA DNR - Wildlife Resources Division
Eric Bauer, US Fish & Wildlife Service
This session provides a high-level look at large-scale solar development in Georgia, including recent trends, future plans, and supporting infrastructure. Participants will also be introduced to natural resource agency staff and get a brief overview of the roles and timing of involvement from USFWS, Georgia DNR, and EPD.
10:15 - SESSION 2: The Developer’s Perspective
Margie Dillman, Silicon Ranch
Liam Daley, Lightstar
Claude Guinchard, BrightNight Power
Hear directly from solar developers as they share how their companies approach projects in Georgia, including site selection, project scale, and areas of focus. This session will also explore industry challenges, opportunities for partnership, and key insights developers want others to better understand about solar development.
11:00 - SESSION 3: The Local Official’s Perspective
Julia Dietz, UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Ben Naselius, Tall Timbers
Gain insight into local government's role in reviewing solar projects in Georgia, including key challenges and decision-making considerations. This session will also highlight opportunities for better coordination and address common community questions and misconceptions about solar development.
11:45 - SESSION 4: Ask the Experts
An interactive session where participants can ask questions and engage with speakers on topics covered during the morning sessions.
12:30 - LUNCH and NETWORKING
Lunch will be served in the check-in area. Seating is available in the conference room, surrounding deck, and the courtyard. We encourage you to use this opportunity to continue networking with one another.
1:30 - SESSION 5: Agricultural Considerations & Agrivoltaics
Mallory O’Steen, American Farmland Trust
Thatcher Young, Green Power EMC
Explore the relationship between solar development and agriculture in Georgia, including farmland conversion and impacts on rural communities. This session will introduce agrivoltaics, highlighting its potential benefits, current research, and opportunities for collaboration.
2:15 - SESSION 6: Georgia Recommended Practices
Amy Gutierrez, The Nature Conservancy
Learn about the background and use of Georgia’s Recommended Practices for solar siting, followed by an interactive discussion to gather audience feedback and perspectives on the guidance.
Feel free to grab drinks/snacks from the back of the conference room as needed. Restrooms are located down the hallway from the check-in area.
9:15 - WELCOME: Mike Worley, Georgia Wildlife Federation
9:30 - SESSION 1: Overview of Solar and Natural Resources in Georgia
Bob Brinkman, Green Power EMC
Jennifer Cannon, Georgia Power
Maggie Hunt, GA DNR - Wildlife Resources Division
Eric Bauer, US Fish & Wildlife Service
This session provides a high-level look at large-scale solar development in Georgia, including recent trends, future plans, and supporting infrastructure. Participants will also be introduced to natural resource agency staff and get a brief overview of the roles and timing of involvement from USFWS, Georgia DNR, and EPD.
10:15 - SESSION 2: The Developer’s Perspective
Margie Dillman, Silicon Ranch
Liam Daley, Lightstar
Claude Guinchard, BrightNight Power
Hear directly from solar developers as they share how their companies approach projects in Georgia, including site selection, project scale, and areas of focus. This session will also explore industry challenges, opportunities for partnership, and key insights developers want others to better understand about solar development.
11:00 - SESSION 3: The Local Official’s Perspective
Julia Dietz, UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Ben Naselius, Tall Timbers
Gain insight into local government's role in reviewing solar projects in Georgia, including key challenges and decision-making considerations. This session will also highlight opportunities for better coordination and address common community questions and misconceptions about solar development.
11:45 - SESSION 4: Ask the Experts
An interactive session where participants can ask questions and engage with speakers on topics covered during the morning sessions.
12:30 - LUNCH and NETWORKING
Lunch will be served in the check-in area. Seating is available in the conference room, surrounding deck, and the courtyard. We encourage you to use this opportunity to continue networking with one another.
1:30 - SESSION 5: Agricultural Considerations & Agrivoltaics
Mallory O’Steen, American Farmland Trust
Thatcher Young, Green Power EMC
Explore the relationship between solar development and agriculture in Georgia, including farmland conversion and impacts on rural communities. This session will introduce agrivoltaics, highlighting its potential benefits, current research, and opportunities for collaboration.
2:15 - SESSION 6: Georgia Recommended Practices
Amy Gutierrez, The Nature Conservancy
Learn about the background and use of Georgia’s Recommended Practices for solar siting, followed by an interactive discussion to gather audience feedback and perspectives on the guidance.
