Georgia Code Title 12. Conservation and Natural Resources § 12-6-172

(a) The Department of Natural Resources shall from time to time designate as a protected species any species of plant life within this state which it may determine to be rare, unusual, or in danger of extinction, and upon such designation such species will become subject to the protection of this article.

(b) The Board of Natural Resources shall issue such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary and proper for the enforcement of this article.

(c) The department may delegate the powers and duties which this article grants to it to any official or officials of the department.