State natural resources officials have approved a proposal to put lodges and cottages for two of Georgia's most popular state parks under the operation of a private contractor.

The state Board of Natural Resources Wednesday approved plans for Coral Hospitality to take control of lodges and cottages located in Unicoi State Park near Helen and Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville.

The move is part of the board's strategy to make state parks generate enough money to cover their own costs. Officials hope maximizing the potential of the two popular parks might help subsidize some of the state's 64 parks and historic sites.

Coral Hospitality is based in Naples, Fla. It manages upscale resorts, hotels and country clubs in Florida. It has managed the board's Brasstown Valley and Lake Blackshear resorts since 2005.

Tags: Department of Natural Resources, privatization, Amicalola Falls, Unicoi State Park, Amicalola Falls State Park, Coral Hospitality