Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

N E W S L E T T E R
Summer 2005
P.O. Box 2642
Darien, Georgia 31305
Telephone 912-437-8164
Fax 912-437-8765
Website: Altamahariverkeeper.org
Email: [email protected]
Altamaha The Altamaha RIVERKEEPER is working to protect and restore the habitat, water quality,
Riverkeeper and flow of the mighty Altamaha - from its headwaters in the Oconee, the Ocmulgee, and the
Ohoopee to its terminus at the Atlantic Coast.
Please recycle... pass this on to a friend!

The King of Fishes:

Sturgeon 1955
by Constance Riggins
These old photographs were sent to the
Altamaha Riverkeeper by Doug Denton from
Decatur, Georgia. He wanted to know if stur-
geon still existed as large as the ones pictured.
The photographs belonged to Denton’s neigh-
bor, Walter Morgan. To trace down the back-
ground on the photos, I talked with Mr.
Morgan who told me his grandfather, Judge
V.S. Morgan and a group of other men pur-
chased land in McIntosh County in the
1930’s, located 18 miles upriver from Darien, Rubye Parr Morgan and
Herndon Morgan Sr.
on the Altamaha River. They built a fishing
and hunting club and named it Fort We were always proud to pose for pictures
Barrington after the nearby historic fort, built with the giant fish.”
by the British in the 1750’s. The question from Doug Denton “Do
Morgan said, the caretaker of the Fort sturgeons this big still exist?” and these pho-
Barrington Club, Charlie O’Quinn, fished for These photos, taken July of 1955, picture tos spurred the following article: The King of
sturgeon every summer. O’Quinn netted the Walter Potts and Nell Phillips with V. S. Fishes, Sturgeon 2005. At the time, just
sturgeon, cut them into steaks, barreled them Morgan Jr. sitting. across the street from ARK’s office,
up, and shipped them to New York for 50 University of Georgia students were netting
cents a pound. That was an exorbitant amount sturgeon steaks were also considered a delica- and tagging fish in the Darien River for the
of money during the time of World War II. cy. Morgon says “ We had many family vaca- largest study in Georgia on the sturgeon pop-
O’Quinn did not fool with the caviar. The tions at the Fort Barrington Club on the river. ulation.

Sturgeon 2005
“The sturgeon population in Georgia may his preliminary results show a much larger
be the largest left in the world. It is doing bet- population of both species than previously
ter that anyone expected.” That is the prelim- predicted. Prior 1993 studies indicated there
inary prediction of a study by Douglas were only about 466 of the federally endan-
Peterson, Professor of Fisheries at the gered shortnose sturgeon left in Georgia’s
Warnell School of Forest Resources at UGA. waters. The current study shows the popula-
The study is evaluating the status of the short- tion is at least 10 times higher
nose and Atlantic sturgeon in the Altamaha The shortnose sturgeon is federally pro-
River from the ocean to the lower Oconee and tected as a threatened species under the
Ocmulgee Rivers. The study began in the Endangered Species Act and has been since
Steve Fox and Rob DeVries with spring of 2003 and will go through next sum- the act was passed in 1973. The shortnose
Atlantic Sturgeon. mer. Peterson says he is encouraged because CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
 Settlers Bluff Development
Pays Civil Penalty
by Deborah Sheppard
On May 2, 2005, Georgia Department of
Natural Resources Environmental Protection
Division (EPD) Director Dr. Carol Couch
signed a Consent Order requiring Settlers
Bluff, Inc. to pay $10,000 in compromise and
settlement of allegations that the developers
violated the Georgia Water Control Act
(GWCA). The Act provides that any person
violating any provision of the act shall be
liable to the State of Georgia for a civil penal-
ty.
Before construction began on the project,
Settlers Bluff submitted the required Notice
of Intent (NOI) to comply with EPD provi-
sions of the General Permit. The NOI certi-
fied the Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution
Control (ESPC) Plan was prepared and would
be implemented in accordance with the
requirements of the General Permit and that into waters of the state required storm water discharge monitoring
the receiving waters of the Darien River • Failing to install a temporary depression and sampling is properly implemented and
would be monitored in accordance with the for sediment storage according to the ESPC sediments are effectively prevented from
ESPC plan. plan moving off the site and into waters of the
According to the Consent Decree, Settlers EPD alleged that the Best Management state.
Bluff maintains it contracted with and dele- Practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment 2) Designate a qualified person to record
gated to Liberty Construction Company the control required by the general permit were daily site inspections and daily rainfall data as
construction of the project including compli- not implemented, installed, and maintained. required by the General Permit.
ance with all regulations of EPD. Settlers They documented: 3) Designate a design professional in
Bluff maintains the Liberty Construction • Silt fence installed but removed or accordance with the general permit.
Company employee who was in charge of damaged beyond the point of function 4) Require a design professional to con-
supervising such compliance was assigned to • Storm water being pumped directly off duct monthly site assessment inspections to
a different job but the construction company the site into the buffer area without the prop- assess the effectiveness of BMPs and activi-
did not appoint a replacement person to mon- er precautions being taken to protect waters ties to control sediments from leaving the site.
itor compliance with the regulations, nor did of the state This assessment will include a written inspec-
they notify Settlers Bluff, Inc. of the change. • Soil stockpiled on the site with no sta- tion report to address any recommendations
After receiving reports of problems at the bilization, temporary cover, or sediment bar- for improvements, changes, or additions
Settlers Bluff site, EPD conducted an inspec- riers needed to keep the site in compliance with the
tion on March 1, 2005. They found major EPD also alleged that Settlers Bluff failed ESPC plan, the General Permit, and recom-
land disturbing activities in the buffer occur- to maintain accurate records as required by mended BMPs. The inspection report shall be
ring without a variance from the EPD. They the General Permit and failed to perform the submitted to Settlers Bluff and EPD after
also found inadequate installation and main- daily and weekly inspections for at least three each monthly inspection. Monthly inspec-
tenance of erosion and sedimentation control months prior to the March 1, 2005 inspection. tions shall continue until the design profes-
measures required to protect waters of the Settlers Bluff was sent a Notice of sional certifies the site to be stabilized or EPD
State of Georgia. EPD alleged and docu- Violation on March 2, 2005. They responded acknowledges in writing that the inspections
mented that Settlers Bluff failed to implement by indicating their desire to cooperate with may be discontinued.
the ESPC Plan on March 1, 2005 by: EPD in a mutual effort to ensure that the 5) Submit as built ESPC Plan for the site
• Failing to install Type C silt fencing waters of the State of Georgia are protected to include any amended delineation of State
along the entire border and agreed to comply with the terms and con- waters or stream buffers, an amended plan for
• Encroaching on the established 25 foot ditions of the consent order without the construction of the storm water management
buffer resulting in an un-permitted land dis- necessity of litigation. features on the site, any additional erosion
turbance in the buffer Settlers Bluff agreed to: and sedimentation control features necessary
• Pumping sediment laden water directly 1) Take all reasonable steps to insure that to prevent the movement of sediments from
from the site into the buffer area and directly the ESPC Plan for the site including all the site to state waters and addressing the

Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

2
remediation of any stream buffer encroach- nor does it constitute any finding, determina- website at www.altamahariverkeeper.org
ment indicated by on-site field survey work. tion or adjudication of a violation of state under Advocacy/Coastal Marshes/Darien
6) Ensure that storm water discharge sam- laws, rules, standards or requirements, nor waterfront or Rivernews/Altamaha/Darien
pling is completed during the next one-half does it constitute a finding or adjudication of waterfront.
inch rainfall event after the order with the liability to third party. It shall be deemed sat-
results to be submitted to EPD. isfied and terminated upon full, complete and EPD maintains a web page listing
7) Pay $10,000 in compromise and settle- timely performance of each and every condi- Enforcement/Consent Orders. To search
ment of the allegations referenced above. tion set forth in the order. for consent orders on line click into:
The Consent order does not relieve At press time, EPD reports indicate that http://www.ganet.org/dnr/environ/ and
Settlers Bluff of any obligations or require- Settlers Bluff is now in compliance with the click into Enforcement on the left menu.
ments of permits and laws nor does it waive terms of the Consent Order. The EPD files You can view summaries of enforcement
the EPD’s right to take action for violations reveal that a fine of $10,000 was paid by orders by date and county & order com-
not referenced here. It does not require Liberty Construction Company. plete copies by phone.
Settlers Bluff to admit the alleged violations The full consent order is posted on ARK’s

Water Dependent Condos Get Wet Feet

The once magnificent view of the Darien to sell plus required parking to justify the eco- existed for residential development that
River is being replaced with a view of the nomics of the project. In addition, not having avoided the use of filled wetlands for non-
Settlers Bluff Condos as the structures contin- the ability to utilize the .4 acre permitted fill water dependent uses.
ue to rise from the pool of rainwater and area would mean the loss of 2 condominium The SELC letter stated: In evaluating the
stormwater runoff. The last two buildings are buildings and the 24 units which would stop modification request, the Corps must weigh
being constructed on the wetland fill site that the project from being developed and the benefits of the project in addressing the
was originally filled under a permit for a pub- decrease the proposed tourism revenue that needs and welfare of the people against rea-
lic marina, boat storage facility, and parking. the City of Darien is expecting from the pro- sonably foreseeable detriments. In this case,
Before construction began, truckloads of fill posed joint venture project. Marketing results the proposed modification would change the
dirt were spread on the site but they were not indicate that the access to the adjacent project from a public, full-service marina to a
enough to elevate the site from wetland to dry Darien River clearly is the amenity that private condominium complex. This change
land. makes the economics of the proposed project removes the public need found for the origi-
By definition, wetlands are in low places justified for the developers. In addition, not nal project. The specific findings of public
and perform the valuable ecological function having access to the adjacent Darien River interest by the Corps in evaluating the origi-
of holding and filtering water. The water for the condominium owners/guests, the nal permit application for the project stated
retaining properties of this filled wetland site developers would not be able to sell the units that “the marina will serve the fishing and
are increased due to its location downhill at the price necessary to cover their cost plus boating needs of the public; including marine
from the City of Darien. Before the project a reasonable profit which clearly makes this repair and maintenance.” In the current pro-
began, some local people warned city offi- project a water dependent activity.” posal, none of these public benefits exist.
cials that heavy rains and resulting run off In a November 2002 letter, at the request CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
would settle on the site before entering the of ARK and
river. ARK also made an effort to point out others, the
the flooding and run-off problems associated Southern
with locating a high-density development on Environmental
the site. Problems with the construction proj- Law Center
ect are now resulting in degradation of water (SELC) pre-
quality from silt laden storm water run off sented exten-
washing into the Darien River and a loss of sive comments
scenic values for the community and its visi- urging the
tors. Corps to deny
Background: The US Army Corps of the modifica-
Engineers (Corps) granted a permit modifica- tion request.
tion to Settlers Bluff on March 3, 2003 to We argued that
allow for the construction of two condomini- the use of the
um units within .15 acres of previously marsh fill site
authorized fill. for residential
Settlers Bluff requested this modification condominiums
in October 2002 stating in their project justi- could not be
fication: “While the location of the site is justified since
good, having adjacent marshes, the City of the project was
Darien and the Darien River within walking not water Settlers Bluff is having trouble staying out of water. This
distance, the site is extremely tight in terms dependent and photo was taken in April 2005 as the workers attempt
having enough land to develop enough units that alternatives to construct the foundations for two building.

3 Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®
 It’s Your Right to Know
When the Atlanta Journal Constitution
and the Georgia First Amendment
Foundation chose its 2005 Citizen Heroes,
Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland was
among them. The heroes were selected for
their effective use of Georgia’s Open
Records Laws. Better known as the
Sunshine Laws, the laws were signed into
effect in 1972 by Governor Jimmy Carter
and mandate the public has a right to see,
inspect, and copy all public records.
Holland says the open records act guar-
antees access to critical information in
order to fight polluters and to make devel-
opers and government comply with clean
water laws.
ARK agrees with Attorney General
Thurbert E. Baker who says, “I strongly
believe the government operates best when
it operates openly… citizens must also be
ever vigilant in assuring that their rights in
this area are observed by those who serve
in their behalf.”
For more information on Georgia’s
Sunshine Laws you may refer to the
Jim Wooten and Cynthia Tucker of the Atlanta Journal Constitution present
James Holland with 2005 Citizen Hero Award. Georgia First Amendment Foundation
website: www.gfaf.org.

Georgia Environmental Action Network

Seeks Email Activists
By Julie Stuart ers each letter to the activist’s own elected ing folks you know who live in rural areas.
Want to be heard on important conser- officials – all with one mouse click! Just a few emails to a legislator can really
vation issues? Want to make a real differ- Some of the environmental successes make a difference when it comes time for
ence? Then join the Georgia Environmental attributed to GEAN over the last few years them to vote.
Action Network (GEAN). include: GEAN is a great system that provides
Are you looking for an easy way to tell - Defeating a proposal by the EPA to the conservation community with a power-
your elected officials and decision-makers allow partially treated sewage to be ful means for getting a collaborative mes-
that they can do a better job of protecting dumped in Georgia’s waterways sage out to elected officials, administrative
the environment? Then sign up for GEAN - Protecting the “stay rule” that gives decision makers, and leaders in big busi-
at this website: www.protectgeorgia.net. citizens the right to question certain devel- ness and industry. We encourage you to
By signing up you will also find out who opments that would have a negative impact join and be a part of this grassroots network
your legislators are - if you don’t know on their community of environmentalists and conservationist
already. - Defeating a bill that would have across the state. Together we can make our
GEAN is a collaborative effort among allowed water permit trading, essentially voice heard.
environmental and conservation organiza- privatizing Georgia’s drinking water GEAN is comprised of the following
tions throughout the state to educate and - Defeating a bill that would have participating organizations: Altamaha
mobilize their memberships utilizing a allowed piping of 50% of Georgia’s Riverkeeper, Center for a Sustainable
state-of-the-art electronic action alert sys- streams Coast, Coosa River Basin Initiative,
tem. As an email activist, you will receive Currently there are over 2,000 activists Georgia Conservation Voters, Georgia
an email alerting you of an issue that we in Georgia subscribed to GEAN but we Forest Watch, Georgia River Network,
need you to take action on. What’s great really need to increase our numbers to be Georgia Water Coalition, Sierra Club -
about GEAN is that it automatically match- even more effective. Sign yourself up, Georgia Chapter, Southern Alliance for
es activists to their voting districts, includes recruit family members, friends and col- Clean Energy, The Georgia Conservancy,
the activist’s contact information and deliv- leagues and especially think about recruit- and Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

4
 ARK Thanks Board Members for an
Evening at the Pond House
No one noticed the winter cold when we visited the lovely Trapnell
Pond House in Metter. The house conveyed the feeling that many a
happy get together had graced its walls. One could sense that lots of
fresh fish had been caught out of the pond and enjoyed by many sun-
burned bathing suit clad guests.
The home created a relaxed and gracious atmosphere for the party
on the night when several ARK Board members invited friends, fami-
ly, and associates to learn more about the Altamaha Riverkeeper. Upon
arrival, guests enjoyed a warm welcome and a delicious fare of
steamed oysters, home made chili, and grilled pimento cheese sand-
wiches.
The Altamaha Riverkeeper talked about his work protecting the
Altamaha Watershed and the four rivers, the Altamaha, Ocmulgee,
Oconee, and Ohoopee that made up the river system. Many guests
learned for the first time about the threats facing our watershed and
what the Altamaha Riverkeeper was doing to help. ARK gained a lot
Party guests at oyster table.
of needed support that night, thanks to the Board members who gave
the party and to the many guests who became members. A good time
was had by all and good work to protect the Altamaha River Watershed
will become of it. Special thanks to Rubye Trapnell Becker and ARK
Board Members Ann Trapnell, Marilyn Lanier, and Len Hauss for
hosting the party.

ARK ALERTS: Left: ARK staff and

board enjoy the party.
Are you on the ARK James Holland,
Constance Riggins,
email alert list? Len Hauss,
Marilyn Lanier, and
ARK provides an email alert serv- Ann Trapnell.
ice to our members to share informa-
tion and encourage participation in
ongoing advocacy for clean water.
ARK’s alerts keep you informed,
include meeting announcements, news
articles, calls to action and encourage-
Fun and Fund Raising with a Mission
Georgia’s unprecedented growth and zens take action to get laws enforced to
ment to participate in decisions that development is increasing water quality protect public resources.
influence water quality in our water- problems throughout our watershed. Urban
shed. You may sign up when you sprawl and unchecked development is lead- We need your help.
renew your membership or just email ing to the destruction of forested wetlands, We are seeking members to sponsor and
ARK at stewards@altamahariverkeep- streams and buffers, coastal marshes, and host fund raising parties for our organiza-
er.org and ask to be included on the estuary systems. tion. Invite your friends, associates, neigh-
alert list. ARK is working harder than ever to bors, and family to learn what the Altamaha
resolve pollution problems by improving Riverkeeper is doing to protect our water-
environmental enforcement, increasing cit- shed.
izen involvement, and visiting more sites. At the occasion, ARK will give a slide
In over 600 site investigations, thousands presentation, share our mission, field activ-
of photographs documenting pollution, and ities, and hopefully increase membership
hundreds of letters to regulatory agencies, support. The get-together can be a BBQ,
the Altamaha Riverkeeper is promoting the fish fry, cocktail party, or whatever fund
enforcement of laws and regulations to pro- raising event you are willing to sponsor.
tect water quality. When government agen- Our goal is to generate resources to support
cies fail to correct pollution problems in the continued progress in our work Please call
river system, a community, or a backyard, Constance at ARK and let’s discuss your
the Altamaha Riverkeeper is helping citi- party idea.

5 Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®
 Erosion Detectives Get the Dirt Out
By Constance Riggins By utilizing evaluation forms
The major cause of impaired water and photographs, volunteers
quality in Georgia’s streams, rivers, and can document sites and report
lakes is stormwater runoff. That is one of them to their local permit issu-
the lessons participants learned at recent ing authority or the
Get the Dirt Out workshops held by the Environmental Protection
Altamaha Riverkeeper in Brunswick and Department’s (EPD) District
Watkinsville. Office. The evaluation also
Get the Dirt Out workshops are being includes using enforcement
held throughout the state as part of an logs to evaluate government
ongoing effort by watershed protection follow up action. Later, infor-
groups to determine the most effective mation gathered from statewide
means to stem the tide of silt-laden runoff participants will be analyzed to
from construction sites. Erosion and sedi- investigate the effectiveness of
mentation (E & S) from these sites pollute the General Permit.
our sources of drinking water, degrade The U.S. Environmental Coastal residents learn how to detect and document
waterways, harm aquatic life, and cause Protection Agency (EPA) erosion problems
private property damage. developed the National
Initiated by the Upper Chattahoochee Pollutant Discharge Elimination System the time the observations are made check if
Riverkeeper with assistance from the General Permit (NPDES) for storm water there is a trail of sand or mud leaving the
Georgia Center for Law in the Public discharge from construction sites to protect site.
Interest, Get the Dirt Out classes provide the nation’s streams from stormwater Holland says, “Activism is very impor-
volunteers with training and materials to runoff. Georgia adopted the General Permit tant. We need citizen help to enforce the
evaluate sites for E&S controls. The class in 2003 to provide federal guidelines for controls that exist to avoid erosion.”
covers information on how to recognize construction permits based on the Clean Citizens are getting results; in May
problems at construction sites, identifying Water Act. 2005, a Cobb County jury charged the
who is responsible for enforcement, and Riverkeeper James Holland explains largest fine in a Georgia storm water pollu-
reporting the issue to the appropriate agen- there are a number of ways to determine if tion case. A developer was directed to pay
cies. a development is in compliance with its two schoolteachers $2.35 million dollars
Participants in the workshops also General Permit. A site can be checked to for piping dirt runoff from his construction
receive training on using site journals and see if muddy water is running off during or site into their yards. The verdict shows it is
report cards to document E & S problems. after a rainfall event. If it is not raining at not cheap to break the law.

South Georgia River Conservation Groups

Sweep State Awards
by Constance Riggins February. need your help to keep our voice heard.
The Georgia River Network’s top three The ARK staff feels that with hundreds Please report any pollution problems
awards in the state and a flood of recogni- of Georgian’s working in water conserva- you see to the government agencies respon-
tion went to South Georgia Conservation tion, these awards are quite an honor for the sible for protecting our resources and to the
groups. South Georgia Riverkeeper groups. We all water conservation group nearest you. If
The recipients of the First Annual work very hard to protect our natural you do not know whom to call, a list of
River Celebration Awards were: resources but water pollution and water contacts for pollution problems is listed on
Altamaha Riverkeeper’s James Holland scarcities are increasing. In South Georgia, the Altamaha Riverkeeper website. A list
the for River Conservationist of the Year we are located downstream from major of all water conservation groups in the
Canoochee Riverkeeper for Watershed metropolitan areas and when you add this state and contact numbers is also available
Group of the Year and pressure to rapid development on the coast, on Georgia River Network’s site:
Satilla Riverkeeper ‘s Gloria Taylor for it creates more pollution and a phenomenal www.garivers.org.
Volunteer of the Year. stress on the environment. In the past,
The Georgia River Network is a most people have considered water an
statewide nonprofit environmental organi- inalienable right, not one controlled by
zation dedicated to the conservation of political and economic influence. Now we
Georgia’s waters. It presented the awards recognize water as a precious resource and
honoring the successes and dedicated we are fighting to maintain a healthy sup-
efforts of river activists in Georgia at their ply of it.
2005 Conference held in Milledgeville in We have plenty of work ahead and
Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

6
 Volunteer to Keep Your Landing or
Stretch of River Clean
By Deborah Sheppard to clean up their local waterways. You can need to get started in this most basic effort.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the learn more about their program, set up your At some landings there are no garbage cans
creeks, streams, and rivers that make up the own local clean up, and be a part of this fall or the containers are too small and not emp-
Altamaha watershed. Unfortunately, when campaign. They have tips on organizing tied regularly. Garbage piles up around the
you visit your favorite waterway you are cleanups and lists of cleanups around the cans and animals tear it apart and spread it
likely to find trash, abandoned boats, and state on their website out, creating a trashy environment. If citi-
household debris. Trash enters our water- www.riversalive.org. zens make the effort, they can be very
ways through storm drains, dumping on ARK and other groups will sponsor effective in working with and prompting
riverbanks, and direct dumping. Most peo- clean ups as part of Rivers Alive this fall. local governments to improve mainte-
ple admit they don’t like a trashy environ- Friends of the Ohoopee and the Macon nance.
ment but few people are willing to clean it based Wilderness Society sponsor clean ARK needs your help to identify addi-
up and wait for somebody else to take care ups annually. The Savannah based Clean tional strategies for addressing the problem
of it. Coast also sponsors monthly clean up trips of trash in our rivers and landings. We
Fortunately, some people in our water- to barrier islands and coastal locations. would like to coordinate an effort to devel-
shed, like Darien commercial fisherman ARK member Dot Moss participates in the op a year round “Adopt a Landing” pro-
Darrell Gale, work against this public nui- coast-wide clean ups and thinks ARK gram throughout the watershed. Please
sance and set an example for all of us. Gale should organize a clean up in the watershed volunteer to check your favorite landing,
recently pulled a 25-foot boat out of the every month. We agree, but lack the waterfront park, or stretch of river to clean
Darien River proving that individuals can resources needed to organize regular up and monitor garbage pick up. Other vol-
do something to keep the rivers clean. cleanups. If you would like to become an unteers are needed to coordinate these
Making the river safer for other boaters ARK volunteer to organize citizens in dif- efforts, provide for clean up supplies, or
brings Gale a lot of satisfaction but he has ferent locations throughout the watershed seek donations for supplies-such as plastic
also learned the pitfalls of doing his part to for river clean ups, please give us a call. bags, gloves, etc.
clean up the waterways. In May 2005, If you want to make a regular personal
using his shrimp boat, the Alligator, Gale commitment, please consider identifying a
hauled the abandoned boat to the city’s specific place for you and a group of
public boat landing. Then he learned the friends and associates to clean up and keep
difficulty and expense of disposing of clean. ARK would like to create a network
abandoned boats. Since the owner of the of volunteers to monitor and clean up the
boat could not be readily identified, the city public landings on a monthly basis. We
had the boat taken to a holding place until
they could identify the owner and make
ARK will work with our members to learn more about using local and state laws
them responsible for illegally abandoning
to prevent littering and dumping in our rivers. If you want to get involved, contact
the boat in a public waterway. Gale also
ARK indicating:
collects the trash that gets tangled in his
nets and disposes of it properly. If more of Landing you wish to adopt:
us took the time to dispose of the debris we
Location _________________________________________________________
encounter, our marine animals, rivers, and
estuary would benefit. (River/County/NearestTown):_________________________________________
One of ARK’s founders, the late
Who owns/ manages the landing? _____________________________________
Carolyn Hodges loved to share the
Altamaha with her friends and guests at Resources needed to get started: ______________________________________
Open Gates Bed & Breakfast. Her inform-
Facilities at that location _____________________________________________
ative and memorable tours of the lower
Altamaha introduced hundreds of people to _____ I will coordinate local or regional clean up efforts.
our mysterious and magnificent river sys-
_____ I will donate money to support these efforts.
tem. No matter who her passengers were,
when she spotted trash, everyone had to _____ I will donate supplies and/ or food and water for clean ups
help to get it out of the river. Let’s renew
_____ I want to contribute in other ways. Please list below.
Carolyn’s commitment to keep the
Altamaha free of unsightly trash. Even if you don’t want to make a regular commitment, on your next visit to the
The State of Georgia’s Adopt A Stream river, at least take a pair of gloves and a plastic bag to pick up any trash you find.
Program organizes Rivers Alive each fall to The rivers need our help. Please pass on a ‘don’t trash our river’ attitude and help
bring statewide attention to the efforts of discourage others from littering too.
hundreds of individual citizens who work

7 Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®
Sturgeon 2005
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

On the white sand of the bottom

Lay the monster Mishe-Nahma,
Lay the sturgeon, King of Fishes;
Through his gills he breathed the water,
With his fins he fanned and winnowed,
With his tail, he swept the sandfloor.
There he lay in all his armor…
“Take my bait,” cried Hiawatha...
“Take my bait, O King of Fishes!”
From Hiawatha
a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

sturgeon’s average weight is 8-12 pounds.

The Atlantic sturgeon is listed as a candidate
for threatened under the National Endangered
Species Act, although the fishery for this
species was not banned until 1998. The
Atlantic sturgeon typically weighs between
100 to 300 pounds. Both species have been Darrell Gale, Constance Riggins, Steve Fox, and Rob DeVries with Atlantic Sturgeon.
known to live for over 60 years.
Some species (27 species world wide) of sidered “amphidromous” meaning it com-
pletes its entire life cycle within the river and The Endangered Species Act was envi-
these passive, slow-moving bottom feeders sioned as a law to protect species
can live more than a century. Dating from the estuary.
Sturgeons, including both shortnose and believed to be on the brink of extinction.
time of the dinosaurs, sturgeons lack scales, When the law was enacted, there were
instead having ridged bony plates along their Atlantic, were slaughtered for their eggs (roe)
during a craze for caviar during the late 109 species listed for protection. Today,
back called scutes. They also lack teeth and there are roughly 1,300 on the list, with
feed using their rubbery protrusible lips like 1800’s. They were caught primarily by com-
mercial fishermen using large gill nets and 250 species considered as
hoses to vacuum up mollusks, worms, and “Candidates” for listing, and nearly
other food from the mud. The Atlantic stur- were particularly vulnerable because they
congregate in high densities in their spawning 4,000 species designated as “Species of
geon is “anadromous” meaning it spawns in Concern.”
the rivers but spends the majority of its life in areas at predictable times each year. They are
coastal waters at the mouth of rivers ranging also extremely vulnerable to gill nets because
from Canada to Florida. The shortnose is con- their sharp scutes are easily entangled in these The netting process consists of stretching a
nets. heavy-duty mesh net, 100-200 feet long,
The fish were also used commercially. across the river. One end of the net is tied to
Isinglass, a gelatin made from the inner lining shore while the other end is anchored in the
of the surgeon’s air bladder was used to clar- river. The bottom of the net is weighted to the
ify wine, cement pottery, stiffen cloth, thick- bottom with the top of the net extending up
en jams and jellies, and provide waterproof- through the water to within about 2–3 feet of
ing. Sturgeon skins were tanned for leather, as the surface. DeVries and his coworkers check
well. Not only was sturgeon over fished, its the net for sturgeon four times daily, at each
decline was exacerbated because it is slow to change of the tide. To monitor the migration
mature and only spawns every two to six movements of the large Atlantic sturgeon,
years. Since the ban on Atlantic sturgeon fish- DeVries attaches a small radio transmitter to
ing, virtually all caviar production has shifted the back of several adult fish before releasing
to Russia, which is now decimating its stur- them. He also clips a small section of the pec-
geon population in the Caspian Sea. toral fin from each fish captured to determine
For the past two years, in conjunction the age of the fish. A similar process is used
with Peterson’s study, graduate student, Rob to study the movements and preferred habitat
DeVries, has been collecting information on of shortnose sturgeon.
the life history and population dynamics of Rob says “sightings of the local sea mon-
both Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon by net- ster, the Altamahaha, were probably Atlantic
ting, tagging, and tracking the fish in the sturgeon. The largest Atlantic we caught was
Altamaha River, near Darien. DeVries is 282 pounds and 8 feet long. When the fish
doing the work as part of his Masters Degree mate they resemble a submerged dragon, yet
Rob DeVries and Steve Fox weigh in the world-renowned fisheries program at they can jump completely out of the water.”
Atlantic Sturgeon. UGA’s Warnell School of Forest Resources. Local fishermen tell stories about how the
Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

8
huge fish have jumped right into their boats
almost capsizing their craft.
The current study is being conducted in
collaboration with the Georgia Department of
Natural Resources and according to Peterson,
it is the one of most thorough studies of a
sturgeon population ever conducted in
Georgia. He says the study is evaluating the
status of the shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon
in the Altamaha because fishery scientists are
concerned about world-wide declines in stur-
geon that have continued throughout the past
century. Peterson hopes the study results will
provide up to date information to help protect
the population.
It is good to know that the species that
existed since the Cretaceous period, more
than 120 million years ago, is alive and well
in Georgia.
Steve Fox and Brian White with 220 lb. Atlantic Sturgeon. (Photo by Rob DeVries)

Update on Wilkinson County

by Constance Riggins ion, during the process of timber
After an investigation of a controversial cutting, Thompson Hardwoods
500-acre site of damaged forested wetlands ruined the property and completely
in Wilkinson County, the U.S. devastated his land. The company
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also cut all the trees out of the
says the state needs to pursue changes to its sloughs.
guidelines for Best Management Practices In a recent letter to ARK, dated
(commonly referred to as BMPs) for log- April 2005, Thomas Wellborn,
ging in wetlands and river sloughs. EPA, Chief Wetlands, Coastal and
BMPs are described in Georgia’s Best Nonpoint Source Branch, wrote
Management Practices For Forestry as “the that to correct the problems on the
most appropriate or applicable forest prac- Wilkinson County site Thompson
tices or activities to attain a silvicutural (the Hardwoods agreed to remove
Deep rutting caused by logging
trees or forests of a region) goal while pro- debris, restore the original contour
tecting the chemical, physical, and biologi- of the crossing locations, fill in
cal integrity of the state’s waters.” ruts, and install appropriate
The Altamaha Riverkeeper has been turnouts.
working for years to secure enforcement of The letter says to Riverkeeper
Georgia’s voluntary forestry BMPs by doc- Holland “You have identified a dif-
umenting site problems, alerting the ficult and fundamental issue:
Georgia Forestry Commission, and the should timber companies such as
EPA, who visited the site several times over Thompson Hardwoods be permit-
the last year and an half. ted to clear-cut sloughs.”
In our Winter/Spring 2004 newsletter, It has been a hard fought battle,
the front-page story “Logging Nightmare but the issues raised by ARK’s
in Wilkinson County” described the site in work on the Wilkinson site are
the Oconee River flood plain that prompted resulting in a re-examination of the Logging debris used to create road
this action by EPA. The story began on state’s guidelines for timbering in blocks flow
New Years Day 2004, when a property forested wetlands. This takes us a step clos- ging regulations. He and the Altamaha
owner called the Altamaha Riverkeeper for er to a victory for protecting water quality Riverkeeper agree that BMP’s should
help. The landowner had purchased the in Georgia. become law instead of a voluntary practice.
property so his family could enjoy it for One of the property owners of the The EPA letter, photos, and background
hunting and fishing. Thompson Wilkinson County tract says the EPA has on the Wilkinson County site are on ARK’s
Hardwoods timber-company retained the addressed some of his concerns but he website at www.altamahariverkeeper.org
harvesting rights. In the landowner’s opin- wants more radical changes to Georgia log- under Advocacy/Forested Wetlands.

9 Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®
 The 2005 Georgia General Assembly:
NOT AS BAD AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN
By Neill Herring mental permits that affected their property the words of Sen. Jeff Chapman of
For the first time since the federal values. Under current law, when a permit Brunswick, “rich people can have nice
troops left Georgia after Reconstruction, is appealed, no work on the proposed proj- floors.” The disruption to the bottoms of
both houses of the General Assembly had ect can go forward until the administrative the rivers and aquatic life has already been
Republican majorities. This change made a court completes the permit appeal. That studied by the state, which recommended
major difference in some public policies case can go on to a Superior Court and that that such work not occur. This bill passed
but had less effect on environmental and judge can also “stay” the work while the the Senate easily late one night after all the
conservation issues than in many other matter is heard. Democrats had walked out. It passed the
areas. Georgia’s natural resources have SB 190, sponsored by Sen. Ross House only when the Speaker cast a tie-
been a bi-partisan matter for many years. Tolleson of Houston County, Chairman of breaking vote in favor of it.
Without the support of both Republicans the Natural Resources Committee, would What was doubly disturbing about these
and Democrats of good will, Georgia’s have allowed permitted projects to begin two bills was the fact that they were spon-
environment will be quickly sacrificed for development while the appeals process sored by Senators Johnson, Williams, and
the quick buck. Conservation is at a point went forward. In many cases, like landfills Tolleson who are supposed to represent the
now where it is the majority view in or power plants, the environmental damage Altamaha basin. Plainly, advocates of the
Georgia politics and candidates are learn- and negative effect on neighboring proper- River have their political work cut out for
ing they must reflect that sentiment if they ty would occur even if the appeal “won” in them. Sen. Williams has since become the
wish to remain in office. court because under SB 90 the project Senate Majority Leader making him
Since the 2005 legislature was elected would have already begun. Sen. Pres. Pro Number 2 after Eric Johnson in the hierar-
from new legislative districts drawn by a Tem Eric Johnson had introduced this same chy.
federal court in the middle of the 2004 ses- measure in 2004. Johnson signed the Other bills of interest had outcomes
sion, a record number of new legislators Tolleson bill, which differed from his own that were not so bad for the environment.
appeared this time. What soon became in that the 2005 version specifically exclud- These bills showed that some of our new
apparent about the new members was the ed coastal marshland and beach construc- legislators are quite sensitive to the natural
relatively high level of environmental con- tion permits. Johnson is currently environment and the fact its protection
sciousness they exhibited relative to their employed as an architect by a coastal assures protection of property values.
predecessors. From a Georgia House that developer and probably did not wish to deal SB 5 would have allowed local govern-
was very friendly to developers and pol- with conflict of interest questions that ments to condemn property of private citi-
luters, a much more natural resources con- might arise. zens for the purpose of conveying it to
scious body has emerged, as shown by very SB 190 passed the Senate by a narrow developers. Public outcry against this
close votes on sensitive issues. Even with margin of only four votes and went to the lousy idea was so intense its sponsors with-
the relatively good news of the election of House where the “stay” period on construc- drew the bill before it even got a hearing in
environmentally friendly legislators, an tion activity was extended to 60 days (the committee.
existing leadership remains very much a Sen. had taken an amendment to make it SB 26 declares that waste meat render-
product of the “old times.” last 30 days.) That version was about to be ing plants cannot be found to be “nui-
Two bills of note for the Altamaha amended to a longer, even indefinite period sances, public or private”, plants like the
River illustrate the difficulties and oppor- on the House floor, when a new rule was Griffin Industries, a facility in Dublin that
tunities the 2005 legislature presented. invoked prohibiting amendments. That converts animal waste into ingredients for
Both bills came from the State Senate, meant that environmentalists from all over cattle feed and dry pet food. Griffin
which had been the place where environ- GA were contacting their legislators and Industries plead guilty to a Clean Water Act
mental problems created in the House were telling them to just vote “No” on the bill. case and was fined $50,000 in 2004 for dis-
fixed in the past. However, the Senate’s By the middle of the day that the bill was charging fuel oil through a designated
Republican leaders had two years to gain considered, it was apparent that the propo- storm water outfall into Bay Branch Creek,
experience at running their chamber, while nents did not have enough votes to pass it, which flows into the Oconee River.
the new House leaders were still finding so they had to agree to an amendment that Anti-environmental Senator Casey
their way into power. These bills came stretches the time for consideration out to Cagle, who is running for Lt. Governor
from leaders and both were anti-environ- well over 100 days, at a minimum. apparently at the behest of the Poultry
mental. The two bills were passed at the The other Altamaha bill, SB 283, was Industry, offered this bill. This bill is now
same time as well, one attracting much by Sen. John Bulloch of Thomas County, in a subcommittee of the House Judiciary
more attention that the other allowing the who was actually working closely with his Committee where it should sit forever.
second to move “under the radar,” to a sig- co-sponsor Sen. Tommie Williams. The SB 122 renews the fee of $1 per tire to
nificant extent. bill legalizes, as a “demonstration project,” cover the cost of disposing of used tires.
The measure that drew the most atten- dragging “deadhead” logs out of the The charge will be in effect for three years
tion was SB 190, which would have done Altamaha and Flint Rivers. This is an utter- while a plan is devised to make sure that
away with the right of neighbors to have a ly needless activity, which requires state this money, like other environmental fees,
meaningful appeal right against environ- employees to assist salvage loggers, so, in is used for the purpose for which it was col-
Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

10
lected. In the Senate Natural Resources trial and commercial development with Members and friends of the Altamaha
Committee, the bill picked up an ugly progress. The ability of the natural envi- Riverkeeper should contact their legislators
amendment that would have repealed the ronment to carry the new loads he is pro- and urge the House members to make sure
law regulating how many landfills can be moting is not a matter that concerns Mr. that the Rendering Plant bill, SB 26, stay in
built in a single location. The opposition of Lesser. This bill would allow “programs of the Judiciary Committee. No property
Sen. Chapman persuaded Sen. Jim economic development” to be kept secret owner should be denied the right to go to
Whitehead, the bill’s sponsor, to arrange from the taxpayers who pay for them. court to stop someone from stinking up the
for the removal of the offensive amend- HB 218 passed the House, even though neighborhood. They should also tell their
ment. a good number of Altamaha area legislators Senators that when taxpayers’ money is
HB 218 was sponsored by yet another voted against it. It stalled in the Senate and being used to recruit businesses, there is no
coastal legislator, Ronnie Stephens of failed to pass winding up “tabled.” An good reason to keep those uses secret from
Garden City, on behalf of the Dept of effort is being mounted by the DED to the public. HB 218 should stay “on the
Economic Development, which used to be revive the bill, claiming that other states are table.”
called the Dept. of Industry, Trade, and using Georgia’s Open Records laws to Additional information on the status of
Tourism. The newly renamed department unfairly compete for new businesses. The bills as well as contact information for leg-
is under the direction of Craig Lesser, a for- argument is being made despite the fact islators is available at
mer Georgia Power man. He is a dedicated that Georgia has grown more rapidly in the www.legis.state.ga.us.
“smokestack chaser,” who equates the last decade than at any time in its history, a
increased electric power loads from indus- rate surpassing competing southern states.

Georgia’s Riverkeepers
James Holland
Altamaha Riverkeeper
P.O. Box 2642
Darien, Georgia 31305
912-437-8164
www.altamahariverkeeper.org
[email protected]

Chandra Brown
Canoochee Riverkeeper
PO Box 263
Swainsboro, GA 30401
478-289-6523
Toll-Free Pollution Reporting:
877-261-8021
www.canoocheeriverkeeper.org
[email protected]

Joe Cook
Coosa Riverkeeper
Coosa River Basin Initiative
408 Broad Street
Rome, GA 30161
706-232-2724
Georgia’s Riverkeepers gather to discuss strategies and enjoy the Satilla River. Left to
www.coosa.org right, James Holland, Sally Bethea, Chandra Brown, Gordon Rogers and Frank Carl.
[email protected]

Gordon Rogers Frank Carl Sally Bethea

Satilla Riverkeeper Savannah Riverkeeper Upper Chattahoochee
P. O. Box 159 1226 River Ridge Road Riverkeeper
Waynesville, GA 31566 Augusta, GA 30909 916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd.
912-778-3126 706-364-5253 Suite 3
toll free:866-472-8452 www.savannahriverkeeper.org Atlanta, GA 30318
www.satillariverkeeper.org [email protected] 404-352-9828/11
[email protected] www.chattahoochee.org
[email protected]

11 Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®
 Emerging Issues of Concern
165 Mile Gas Pipeline $50,000 bond for damages. The
Proposed to Cross Through DNR is authorized to develop
Georgia’s Coastal Counties: The other provisions for the protection
Southern Natural Gas Company proposes of public interests including public
to expand its existing interstate natural gas safety and water quality, wildlife
pipeline system from a point near Port and wildlife habitat, commercial
Wentworth, Chatham County to a point and recreational fisheries, state and
interconnecting with Florida Gas federal threatened and endangered
Transmission’s system in Clay County species, land use, effects on stream
Florida near Jacksonville. The proposed bank property, protection of public
pipeline will cut a 95-foot wide swath boat landings or other public
down Georgia’s coast, bisecting forested assets, the preservation and protec-
wetlands, river systems, and private proper- tion of other submerged cultural
ty. The pipeline will take natural gas from resources, and other similar issues. Another citizen report leads to the discovery of more
the Elba Island facility near Savannah to DNR Wildlife Resources foam and unprocessed sewage at Dublin wastewater
Jacksonville. The project will impact the Division (WRD) will hold open discharge pipe. For updates on Rayonier, SP
Georgia coast by crossing all our major house scoping meetings to devel- Newsprint, and the City of Dublin, check out ARK’s
rivers and destroying wetlands. It will op regulations and a program for website at www.altamahariverkeeper.org.
increase potential for environmental degra- harvest of submerged logs from
dation and create unnecessary exposure to the Flint and Altamaha rivers to give inter- community docks for presentation and rec-
other risks for the purpose of providing ested persons an opportunity to provide ommendation to the CMPC. Additional
energy to Florida. The Federal Energy input to DNR. These meetings will be held information on this process is available at
Regulatory Commission (FERC) held hear- at the Bainbridge High School cafeteria in www.crd.dnr.state.ga.us. ARK will post
ings in March to “scope” the issues to be Bainbridge on June 22, 2005, and in the meeting dates and locations as they become
addressed in their Environmental Impact Polytechnical Center (room 435) at the available under Advocacy/Coastal
Assessment. Information on the project is Altamaha Technical College in Jesup on Marshes. The next meeting is set for June
available on their website at June 23, 2005. Persons may come anytime 30, 1:30 p.m. at the Coastal Electric
www.cypresspipeline.com. ARK has between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. on these dates. Membership Cooperative in Midway.
posted the county maps of the proposed The second round of meetings will be held The general timeline for this process is
pipeline and other information at July 27 at the Bainbridge High School cafe- as follows:
www.altamahariverkeeper.org under teria and on July 28 at the Altamaha May to November – Monthly stake-
River News/Altamaha. Technical College in Jesup at 7:00 p.m. holder meetings and work sessions
Rule Making Initiated on Bill DNR personnel will present draft regula- Mid-December – Present draft stan-
to Allow Harvest of Submerged tions and program proposals developed dards/rules to the Committee
Logs in the Altamaha: The Georgia from suggestions at the June meetings and January 2006 – Solicit additional pub-
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provide a forum for additional comments lic comments on the standards via two town
has initiated a proceeding to establish rules and suggestions on the log removal pro- hall meetings
for the commercial harvest of submerged gram. Please get involved and protect the February 2006 – Reconvene stake-
logs in the Altamaha and Flint Rivers. resources of the Altamaha River. See holders to consider public comments and
ARK and others strongly oppose mining ARK’s website for the Submerged Timber make any revisions necessary
the river for sunken logs that are now part Task Force Report and updates on the rule- March 2006 – Final stakeholder recom-
of the river bottom. Concerns include the making. DNR action on the rulemaking is mendations presented to the Committee
disturbance of existing habitat for game expected in December. and possibly forwarded to the DNR Board,
fishes, mussels, endangered species, and CRD Forms Community as appropriate
impact on overall river structure and water Docks and Marinas Stakeholder Georgia Water Coalition
quality. A 2003 DNR Taskforce studied the Committee: A stakeholders process to (GWC): ARK is a partner in GWC’s work
issue and recommended against the com- examine the permitting practices for mari- to ensure that water is managed fairly for
mercial harvest of the timber based on nas and community docks has been initiat- all Georgians. The Coalition is a group of
environmental, economic, historic, and ed by the Coastal Resources Division individuals and organizations working to
legal factors. (CRD) at the request of the Coastal ensure the waters of the state continue to
The bill directs DNR to establish a pro- Marshlands Protection Committee belong to the people of the state. GWC’s
gram to allow recovery of sunken logs from (CMPC). website includes current information on
these two rivers through January 1, 2008. CRD is engaging the University of statewide water planning, the Sound
The bill includes certain provisions such as Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Science Initiative for Groundwater use and
annual permits for recovery of deadhead Government to facilitate a stakeholder more. Check it out at
logs from an exclusive two-mile section of group assembled by the Department. The www.georgiawater.org and consider get-
river, a $10,000 permit fee, additional fees group will assist in the development of ting your local civic or community group
to be determined by the DNR Board, and a draft standards for permitting marinas and involved.
Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

12
 Get Informed and Get Involved!
It takes all of us working together to protect the Altamaha watershed. Please take time to communicate with your elected officials and state
agencies about your concerns. Working together, we can improve water quality in our watershed.
REPORT POLLUTION Altamaha Riverkeeper of the Res: 770-368-8114 Member-At-Large
PROBLEMS complaint so we can follow up. Fax: 404-656-4729 Phyllis T. Johnson Secretary
Who Do You Call? Also contact the Altamaha 87 Bill Thompson Road
The Altamaha Riverkeeper Riverkeeper if you do not know Seventh District Hazlehurst, GA 31539
encourages you to report any whom to call or you are not William A. “Bill” Carruth Res: 912-375-9865
environmental problems that you successful at getting help with P. O. Box 423 Fax: 404-656-4729
observe. Your report creates a your problem or you are Hiram, GA 30141
record and should initiate a rapid uncomfortable making a report. Bus: 770-445-3224 Member-At-Large
response so the agency in charge Fax: 404-656-4729 Sally S. Bethea
can determine and stop the cause Summer’s a great time 3 Puritan Mill
Eighth District 916 Joseph Lowery Blvd
of the problem, evaluate any to communicate with
damages and reduce any nega- Warren C. Budd, Jr. Atlanta, GA 30318
your elected Natural P.O. Box 1723 Bus: 404-352-9828
tive effects. Here is a list of tele-
Resources officials! Newnan, GA 30264 Fax: 404-656-4729
phone numbers for reporting
For your convenience in con- Res: 770-251-3630
problems.
tacting the Board of Natural Fax: 404-656-4729 Member-At-Large
Resources to provide input on Glenn E. Taylor
Call your Georgia DNR
any DNR issue of interest, the Ninth District 1080 Donald L. Hollowell
Environmental
following may be helpful: James M. “Jamie” Reynolds, III Pkwy.,NW
Protection Department (EPD)
Regional Office for the following 2561 Lake Oconee Parkway Atlanta, GA 30318
BOARD FAX NUMBER: Greensboro, GA 30642 Bus: 404-894-7940
problems: erosion & sedimenta-
404-656-4729 Bus: 706-453-2397 Fax: 404-656-4729
tion, stream buffer concerns, trash
dumping in a stream, sewer over- Fax: 404-656-4729
BOARD E-MAIL ADDRESS: COASTAL MARSHLAND
flows, fuel, oil or other toxic spills,
[email protected] Tenth District PROTECTION
fish kills -
James A. “Jim” Walters
Brunswick: 912-264-7284
First District
COMMITTEE
Albany: 229-430-4144 P. O. Box 2935
Loyce W. Turner Chairman (Committee member name
Augusta: 706-792-7744 Gainesville, GA 30503
608 Howellbrook Drive here)
Athens: 706-549-4508 Bus: 770-534-1094
Valdosta, GA 31602 GA DNR, Coastal Resources
Macon: 478-751-6612 Fax: 404-656-4729
Res: 229-244-1501 Division
Fax: 404-656-4729 One Conservation Way, Suite 300
Call the Atlanta EPD Eleventh District
Brunswick, GA 31520-8687
Emergency Response Team: Ralph W. Callaway
Second District 912-264-7218: ph# to leave mes-
1-800-241-4113 for after hours P. O. Box 2000
Cader B.Cox, III sage; 912-262-3143 fax
emergencies, such as sewage Pine Mountain, GA 31822
11991 Riverview Road Bus: 706-663-5085
spills, fuel, oil or toxic materials MEMBERS
Camilla, GA 31730 Fax: 404-656-4729
spills Chairman Commissioner
Bus: 229-294-4904
Fax: 404-656-4729 Noel Holcomb
For problems or complaints Twelfth District
2 MLK Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1252 E
about wetlands, regulatory or Mabel C. Jenkins
Third District Atlanta, GA 30334
wetland permits, call the 1012 Highway 23 N.
Earl D. Barrs 404-656-3500 ph#
U.S.Army Corps of Engineers: Millen, GA 30442-4226
149 Lamar Street 912-656-0770 fax
1-800-448-2402. Bus: 478-982-4196
Macon, GA 31204 Fax: 404-656-4729
Bus: 478-741-8742 Dr. Clark Alexander
For salt marsh complaints or (Chatham County)
Fax: 404-656-4729 Thirteenth District
wetland problems, call the
Coastal Resources Division Robert J. “Bob” Rutland
Fourth District Henry Williams, Jr.
(CRD) such as filling, ditching, 160 Clairemont Avenue, Ste. 200
James W. “Jim” Tysinger (Camden County)
construction in a wetland, dump- Decatur, GA 30030
3781 Watkins Place, N. E. Bus: 404-370-4202
ing. Brunswick: Brad Ganes, Leslie D. Mattingly
Atlanta, GA 30319 Fax: 404-656-4729
Ecology Section, 912-264-7218, (Glynn County)
Res: 770-457-2375
or e-mail
Fax: 404-656-4729 Coastal District
[email protected] Richard D. Eckburg
Jenny Lynn Bradley
Fifth District (Chatham County)
Forestry complaints, call The 1 Sylvan Island Rd.
Thomas W. Wheeler, Jr. 912-437-8164
Georgia Forestry Commission Savannah, GA 31404-5028
P. O. Box 957209 Res: 912-354-3260
in Macon: 1-800-GA-TREES for
Duluth, GA 30095 Fax: 404-656-4729
problems such as erosion and
Bus: 770-476-4801
sedimentation, road construction
Fax: 404-656-4729
Altamaha RIVERKEEPER
causing dirt to go into a stream, Member-At-Large
P.O. Box 2642
removing a buffer, cutting trees Walter A. Hudson Vice Chairman
Sixth District 6934 West Broad Street Darien, Georgia 31305
right to a stream bank. 912-437-8164
Sara S. Clark Douglasville, GA 30134
230 Dapplegate Way Bus: 770-942-5641 www.altamahariverkeeper.org
Once you notify the proper [email protected]
Alpharetta, GA 30022 Fax: 404-656-4729
agency, please advise the

13 Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®
 We Thank You for Your Support
The Altamaha Riverkeeper is a non-
profit organization and all of our funding
comes from membership, business, and
foundation support. We thank you and ask
for your continued generous donations that
allow ARK to keep working for you.
Our foundation supporters consider
constituent support as an important way to
judge the impact and value of our work.
Your donations - large and small – are crit-
ical to our ability to secure the foundation
grants needed to continue our operations.
Our watershed and workload are huge. We
aggressively pursue citizen complaints and
take action on pollution problems through-

Bobby Kennedy and James Holland at the Annual Waterkeeper Alliance conference held
June 8-11, 2005 in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

out our watershed. always, we appreciate your support at all

With your help we are making progress levels.
in protecting water quality. If you like what Special benefits for contributors at the
you see in this newsletter, please use the $1,000 level are a river excursion with the
enclosed envelope to send your tax- Riverkeeper and three of your friends. Your
deductible donation to ARK. tour includes a picnic and an Altamaha
The Mott Foundation has committed an Riverkeeper T-shirt. In addition, you will
additional $10,000 in funding if we can receive a set of our first edition note cards
match it with donations at or above the with nature photos by our Riverkeeper
$1,000 level from 10 individuals who have James Holland, a beautiful collection of ten
Bobby Kennedy receives ARK’s First never given at this level. Thanks to the different images capturing the beauty of
Edition Note Cards from James.
generous support of our members, we are our watershed inhabitants. Contributions
almost there but need several more dona- of $250 or more will receive the first edi-
tions to make the match. Please consider tion note cards.
Condos helping us meet this challenge. And Please make a donation today.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

A marina was permitted for the site in

l990 but the Corps even denied a request
from the City of Darien to put a picnic shel-
ter on the site. The Corps said the picnic shel-
ter did not meet the standards for a “water
dependent use” which is required by the
Clean Water Act for building on a filled wet-
land site. The former wetland area was filled
under the permit for marina parking, which
did meet the water dependent use clause.
A dozen years later, the lure of economic
development created a questionable project
built on soggy ground. Perhaps the project
will serve as a reminder that wetlands hold
water even when they are filled with dirt and
should be avoided for construction projects.
Other information on this project is avail- Our thanks to Bub and Mary Lynde Way for hosting the
able in past ARK newsletters and on the ARK Altamaha Riverkeeper’s annual meeting in Hawkinsville.
website at www.altamahariverkeeper.org.

Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®

14
Please support the Altamaha Riverkeeper’s work to protect the Altamaha River and watershed - from
its headwaters in the Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Ohoopee Rivers to its terminus at the Atlantic Coast. Special Thanks to the Following
Your donation will help to keep the rivers healthy for all of us.
Members and Friends
( ) $40 Family/Dual ( ) $100 Sponsor ( ) $30 Individual ( ) $150 Protector Rubye Becker
( ) $250 Friend ( ) $500 Benefactor ( ) $1,000+ Guardian Wyndell Berryhill
( ) $15 Student/Senior Citizen/Volunteer ( ) Other amount_______________ Doris and Don Cohrs
Rob DeVries
Your Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Phil Fortune
Steve Fox
Address:_________________________________________________________________________ Darrell Gale
City:_________________________________________ State:__________ Zip:_________________ Darwin Gale
Winn Gale
Phone:_____________________(H) _____________________(W) ______________________(Fax) Len Hauss
Fred Hooks
Email:__________________________________________________________ (Please print clearly) Tommy Kappler
( ) Please include me in the Altamaha Riverkeeper Action e-mail list. Marilyn Lanier
Ellie Legg
Please accept $__________ as a gift membership for: Name_________________________________ Douglas Peterson
Ann Trapnell
Address__________________________________________________________________________ Bub and Mary Lynde Way
____In memory of a loved one ____In honor of a special person or loved one John Milner
____Please make my donation anonymous. Taylor Barnhill
Southwings
With a donation of of $250 or more, you will receive a first edition set of note cards with nature Thanks to our attorneys
photographs taken by the Altamaha Riverkeeper. Don Stack, Stack and Associates,
With a donation of of $150 or more, you will receive an Altamaha Riverkeeper T-shirt. Justine Thompson, Jennifer Pennington,
Please indicate your size. Size: __M __L __XL and Rick Watson, Georgia Center for Law
in the Public Interest, Chris DeScherer, Jim
Please make membership and donations payable to the Altamaha Riverkeeper, Inc. The Altamaha Grode, Ciannat Howett, Southern
Riverkeeper organization is a 501 © 3 organization and all donations are fully tax deductible. Please Environmental Law Center, Mary Maclean
return this form with your donation to Altamaha Riverkeeper, Inc., P.O. Box 2642, Darien, Georgia Asbill and students, Turner Environmental
31305. Website: www.AltamahaRiverkeeper.org. Law Clinic
Thank you!! Your support is very important to us.

ing label. Please send your tax deductible donation today.

watershed. Your membership expiration date is listed on your mail-
Deborah Sheppard, Executive Director
Your membership contributions help us to keep working for our Constance Riggins, Development Director
James Holland, Altamaha Riverkeeper
Debbi Davis, Administrative Tech
Staff
Mary Ellen Wilson, Eastman
Ann Trapnell, Metter
Janisse Ray, Baxley
Carl Poppell, Darien
Richard Madray, Jesup
Marilyn Lanier, Cobbtown
Christi Lambert, Darien
James Holland, Brunswick
Neill Herring, Jesup
Len Hauss, Reidsville
Kyla Hastie, Athens
Wright Gres, Baxley
Robert DeWitt, Darien
Bruce Berryhill, Cochran
Tracey Adams, Vidalia
Board Members
Altamaha Riverkeeper

Riverkeeper
Altamaha
RETURN ADDRESS REQUESTED

DARIEN, GA Darien, Georgia 31305

PERMIT #15
PAID P.O. Box 2642
US POSTAGE Altamaha RIVERKEEPER ®
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