The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing to create a new law enforcement division, separating it from the Wildlife Resources division, a move that has angered many wildlife advocates.

"A lot of traditional wildlife folks, like myself, will be very worried that ... the (DNR’s) pursuit of pure law enforcement priorities will leave hunters, fishermen and boaters without the services they’ve received in the past," said Larry McSwain, a Covington resident and former Wildlife Resources deputy director.

"And it will eliminate, to some degree, the use of enforcement as a wildlife tool," he added.

Currently, the DNR has employees with Peace Officer Standards and Training certification spread through five sections or divisions within the department.