Mammalian species that roam in the forest are American black bear, shrew, coyote, a variety of bats, squirrel, beaver, river otter, bobcat, deer, weasel, mice, and foxes.

The Coleman River Scenic Area near Clayton, Georgia was dedicated to "Ranger Nick", as he was called, in honor of his promotion of conservation ideals.

The trout were shipped to Gainesville, hauled across the narrow, dirt, mountain roads and eventually released in the streams.

Woody also purchased fawns with his own money, and fed them until they could be released on what became the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area.

Sosebee Cove, a 175 acres (0.7 km2) tract of prize hardwood along GA 180 is set aside as a memorial to Woody, who negotiated its purchase for the Forest Service.

In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed 96,000 acres (388 km2) of federal lands in central Georgia as the Oconee National Forest.

The wildernesses are: The Oconee National Forest today is spread over eight Georgia counties and is organized into one ranger district.

This is the major recreation area of the Oconee Ranger District and offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming.

Redlands Recreation area is located on Lake Oconee in Greene County and offers boating, picnicking and fishing.

Oconee River Recreation Area, farther upstream and near the northern boundary of the National Forest, offers camping and boating.