the Call The Official Publication of the Georgia Wildlife Federation
VOLUME 27, NUMBER 1 May 2017
Keeping GEORGIA Wild
®
Shooters support GWF at the 2017 Clay Shoot for Conservation. Page 6
GWF’s outdoor show is fun for all ages. Page 6
Photographers capture the beauty of Mill Creek Nature Center. Page 8
Kennesaw student creates podcast for Hunters for the Hungry. Page 11
Mill Creek Nature Center visitors learn more about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly at a recent Earth Day celebration. Read more about the day’s activities on page 10. Photo by Bill Mahan.
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
e Call ® BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chairman: Randy Young, Fayetteville Vice Chairman: Brian Mask, Covington Secretary: Joy Campbell, Folkston Treasurer: Don E. Chandler, Atlanta Immediate Past Chair: Matt Nichols, Madison DISTRICT DIRECTORS District 1: Jamey Hulsey, Marietta District 2: Mickey Brown, Atlanta District 3: Tom Jones, Atlanta District 4: Jeff Young, Monroe District 5: omas Kephart, Covington District 6: David Haire, Milner District 7: Curtis Jenkins, Forsyth District 8: Vacant District 9: Tommy Gregors, Leesburg District 10: Vacant District 11: Vacant District 12: Carl Hall, Vidalia DIRECTORS AT LARGE Josh Burnette, Marietta Chris Gray, Buford Daryl Ingram, Acworth James Manley, Dacula Kevin McKinstry, Tuscaloosa, AL Seth Millican, Kennesaw Gordon Reynolds, Loganville Joel Vinson, Forsyth Steve Wrigley, Watkinsville GEORGIA WILDLIFE FEDERATION STAFF President and CEO: Mike Worley Sportsmen’s Programs Coordinator: Bonnie Eisterhold Georgia R3 Coordinator: Charles Evans Executive Assistant: Becky Harris Conservation and Outreach Manager: DeAnna Harris Facilities Specialist: Simwone Jordan MCNC Program Manager: Hank Ohme Sportsmen’s Programs: Doug Rithmire Conservation Issues Coordinator: Gina Rogers Wildlife Technician & Volunteer Coordinator: Adam Schiavone Sportsmen’s Programs Manager: Sam Stowe THE CALL STAFF Editor: DeAnna Harris Contributing Authors: Hank Ohme, Gina Rogers, Mike Worley, Charles Evans, Kennesaw State Photography: Hank Ohme, Bill Mahan, Suzy Downing, John Deitsch, Vance Walton Layout: DeAnna Harris e Call is published quarterly by the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF), a not-for-profit corporation at 11600 Hazelbrand Rd., Covington, GA 30014. All editorial and subscription correspondence should be mailed to this address. Contributions to the content of this newsletter from members and readers are welcomed and encouraged, but all manuscripts submitted are subject to editing. ird-class postage paid at Covington, GA 30014. Annual membership dues to GWF begin at $35, which includes a subscription to e Call newsletter. Contact us at 770-787-7887 or education@gwf.org. Visit us on the web at www.gwf.org.c) 2017 Georgia Wildlife Federation
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Your Voice and Involvement Made a Difference in the 2017 Legislative Session As I’m writing this, we are approaching the mid-point of Georgia’s turkey season. I am, at best, a turkey hunter wannabe. I’ve sat in the woods and clumsily struck my slate call, but truthfully, the gobbling tom I’ve heard has been more in response to other, real calls rather than mine. But, sitting in the woods as the sky begins to brighten, listening to a barred owl call and the song birds begin to awake is reward in itself. Hunters and anglers get to experience this world at special times and in special places that are oen missed by others. Representing hunters, anglers and all outdoor enthusiasts in the public policy arena is the central mission here at GWF and we take that mission very seriously. e Camo Coalition is our direct action network that makes it easy for members to reach out to elected officials and voice concerns. ank you for being a Camo Coalition member and making a difference in the 2017 legislative session. Hunting and fishing interests fared pretty well this year. Let’s take a look at some of the legislation that passed, some that failed, and some that will await action in 2018. HB 25 (Rep. Trammel, Holcomb, Frye and Gravley) modifies the term “resident” in relation to purchasing lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to include full-time military personnel and their families stationed in Georgia. is bill didn’t move during the legislative session, but hunting license issues were addressed in a comprehensive bill, HB208, that did pass (see below). HB 186 (Rep. Shaw, Carter, Powell, Watson, Corbett and others) and SB 122 (Sen. Williams, Mullis, Miller and others; same language as HB 186: (Committee Substitute) requires that the deer firearm season, statewide, runs until the third Monday of January and that the archery season runs until January 31. GWF is concerned that this will negatively impact small game hunting by extending the season too far into spring. In fact, there is already language being discussed that would extend the small game season into March. HB 186 did not move during the legislative session, but SB 122 was reported favorably from the Senate Natural Resources & Environment Committee. e legislative session ended before the full Senate could act on the bill, and SB 122 has been reassigned to committee until the 2018 session. HB 208 (Rep. Rhodes, Knight, Efstration, Rogers, Nimmer) increases hunting and fishing license fees for the majority of hunters and anglers in Georgia. It also requires a minimal fee for hunters 65 years of age born aer June 30, 1952 to receive a lifetime license and provides that a youth ages 12 to 15 years old can purchase an optional license (equivalent to one-years adult hunting license fee). e purpose of the optional youth license and the new fee on senior sportsman’s license is to allow Georgia to draw additional federal excise taxes to use in managing and expanding our hunting and fishing opportunities. is is a complicated and important bill that provides more funding for Georgia’s DNR to acquire additional hunting and fishing land and to manage that land properly for the benefit of wildlife and sportsmen. HB 208 was supported by virtually all of the hunting and fishing organizations in Georgia and, according to DNR surveys, 84% of sportsmen and women were willing to pay increased fees. It will generate significant dollars to ensure our public lands and waters are adequately managed and our hunting and fishing opportunities continue to be among the best in the world. OUR responsibility, as the sporting community, is to ensure the new resources are spent wisely. HB 271 (Shore Protection Act, Rep. Petrea, Stephens, Jones and others) establishes a more consistent definition of the area of jurisdiction than the current definition. Rather than establishing the jurisdictional boundaries from any 20-foot high native tree or building built before July 1, 1979, it would establish the boundaries as 25 feet from the ordinary high water mark, or 25 feet from the landward toe of the
most landward dune, or 25 feet landward from any functioning outstanding work on water trails. e establishment of water shore stabilization structure like a wall. is legislation provides trails and the associated access points to our rivers has provided a more consistent and enforceable standard according to the easier river/stream access to anglers, hunters, and other outdoor Coastal Resources Division. HB 271 received a significant enthusiasts. HR 281 was passed and adopted by the Georgia amount of attention during the 2017 General Assembly session. House of Representatives. ough the Resolution does not carry Disagreements over the width of the jurisdictional boundaries any legal requirements or protection for the water trail system and the definition of a sand dune prevented the passage of this being developed in Georgia, it is nonetheless a positive in legislation. Truthfully, GWF’s position on this bill changed promoting outdoor recreation and appreciation. HR 362 (Rep. Smith, Harden, Williams, Watson, several times throughout the session as different proposals were Price) and SR 152 (Sen. Ginn, Jeffares, Gooch and others) put forward. e conservation community, Coastal Resources creates a Joint Study Committee on Stream Buffers. e Division, and the development community will continue to work on language during the interim. For now, we will continue committee would be empaneled until the beginning of the next legislative session to study stream buffers and private property to monitor. rights. GWF believes the stream buffer issues have been studied, HB 332 and HR 238 (Georgia Outdoors Stewardship and studies conclusively establish the value of natural vegetative Act; Rep. Watson, Burns, Nimmer, Smith and others) buffers on stream banks both as cost effective sediment control provides for the establishment of the Georgia Outdoors and as wildlife corridors to promote connectivity of Stewardship Trust Fund. Under HB 332, the Trust Fund would populations. Private property rights are affected by the be funded by dedicating 75% of the state sales tax on outdoor downstream property owners dealing with sediment from recreation equipment to the purchase and maintenance upstream soil disturbing activities…and the quality of the (including providing access) of conservation lands and parks. streams — streams that belong to all the citizens of Georgia — Stated priorities for the trust fund would be water quality, are silted up. HR 362/SR 152 passed both the Senate and the wildlife habitats, cultural sites, buffers around military House. e study committee will meet during 2017 and installations, support of economic development, and the hopefully make recommendations for legislation for the 2018 provision of recreation (including, biking, hiking, hunting, General Assembly session. Efforts are underway to secure an fishing, boating, etc.). Under the current version of the bill, the appointment to the study committee from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority would handle the conservation community. financial component of the Trust Fund, with GaDNR and the HR 642 (Rep. Knight, Nimmer, Burns, Governor’s office involved in the strategic direction of the Dunahoo, Hogan) encourages the NOAA Fisheries to remove acquisitions. Georgia’s outdoor enthusiasts have consistently restrictions on taking cobia (Rachycentron canadum), also supported the acquisition and maintenance of more publicallyknown as ling, lemonfish, or crab eater, off the Georgia coast owned lands dedicated to conservation uses. Georgia's outdoor from April 15, 2017 to May 31, 2017. NOAA has implemented retail community supports this legislation. GWF has been this restriction off Georgia’s coast while not imposing any involved in the development of this legislation and has restrictions off North Carolina or Virginia. Data indicates supported it under the previous name, Georgia Legacy. We removing the restrictions along expect HB 332 and its the Georgia coast will have companion legislation, HR 238, little/no impact on cobia to be the primary focus of GWF populations. Cobia populations during the 2018 General are much more impacted by Assembly session. With passage the harvest in North Carolina of HR 238, a PR campaign will and Virginia. HR 642 passed be necessary to promote ultimate the House and was adopted passage of the initiative as a though it has no force of law. It Constitutional Amendment. is is simply an effort to encourage Constitutional Amendment NOAA to remove the would prohibit the General restriction and treat the cobia Assembly from taking these fishery equitably. dollars into the general fund for With GWF’s Mike Worley in attendance, SB 48 (Sen. Heath, Ligon, appropriations as they see fit. Governor Nathan Deal signs HB 208 into law Harbin, ompson, Tippins HR 281 (Rep. Frye, during a May ceremony in Brunswick. The and others) provides that the McCall, Knight, Buckner, fees of any hunting or fishing Williams, Smith) is a resolution modest increase in hunting and fishing license license privilege shall be that recognizes and encourages fees will generate significant dollars to ensure “frozen” from any increase water trails in Georgia; our public lands and waters are adequately provided the holder of that enumerates the many benefits of license or privilege renews trails; and recognizes the Georgia managed and our hunting and fishing prior to its expiration. is River Network for their opportunities continue to be among the
best in the world.
continued on page 4
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Preparing for the Legislative Session
In January, GWF's Mike Worley meets with leaders from the GA DNR at the Keeping Georgia Wild Summit held at the Alcovy Conservation Center in Covington. Pictured here are Rusty Garrison, Walter Rabon, Mike Worley, Spud Woodward, and Lt. Colonel Jeff Weaver.
GWF prepares year-round for the Georgia General Assembly. Building up to each Session, GWF hosts two Keeping Georgia Wild Summits to discuss pending legislation with like-minded organizations. We meet numerous times with Georgia Water Coalition leadership, network with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and get feedback from sportsmen and women at our annual outdoor shows and sporting events. Each week during the Session, staff make multiple visits to the Capitol to observe activities and discuss issues with legislators. We also make our presence known during two organized events: Sportsman's Day at the Capitol in January and Conservation Day at the Capitol in February. continued from page 3
Governor Nathan Deal looks on as GWF's Mike Worley honors Scott Tanner for 15 years of coordinating Sportsman's Day at the Capitol.
In February, organizations from all over the state gathered together to advocate for clean water at Conservation Day at the Capitol.
Conservation leaders and local citizens learn more about grassroots advocacy during the spring Georgia Water Coalition partner meeting held at Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge in McRae, GA. 4
legislation limits the effectiveness of increasing the fees on hunters and anglers to provide resources. SB 48 died in committee. An attempt to amend HB 208 to include this provision failed for lack of a second in the Senate Natural Resources & Environment Committee. As you can see, there are many issues that impact us as hunters, anglers and people that love the outdoors during a legislative session. We need your continued voice and involvement. We will keep you informed of legislation and regulations that impact our outdoor heritage, and we’ll keep you up-todate on their path through the legislature and our position on them. As we move through the session, we encourage members to please stay tuned to your Camo Alerts…we might call on you at a moment’s notice to contact your legislator to protect our rights as hunters and anglers, our wildlife habitat, our fish, fowl and wildlife, and the heritage we cherish. Keeping Georgia Wild, Mike Worley President & CEO Georgia Wildlife Federation
Subscribe to the Camo Coalition for free at www.CAMOCOALITION.org
The GWF Board at Work
GWF Board Chairman Randy Young talks with visitors at the Camo Coalition Dinner & Auction in Smyrna.
Je Young, District 4 Director, and his wife, Debbie, greet visitors at the Fisharama in Perry.
District 6 Director David Haire visits with volunteer Tommy Compton at the auction. Directors Jim Manley and Daryl Ingram recruit new GWF members at the Fisharama in Perry. At the event, GWF debuted a brand new booth display highlighting our mission.
GWF District Director Tom Jones, Conservation Issues Coordinator Gina Rogers, and GWF President Mike Worley represent GWF at Conservation Day at the Capitol in February.
A special thanks goes to District 1 Director Jamey Hulsey for his assistance in organizing the Camo Coalition Dinner and Auction. The event, held in February at Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna, raised over $22,000 for GWF conservation programs. 5
GWF Events Raise Funds for Conservation Programs Your support is Keeping Georgia Wild
To date in 2017, GWF has held three major fundraisers to support the mission work of the organization. Over a three-day weekend in February, the Buckarama featuring the Fisharama/Turkeyrama drew hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. Attendees enjoyed seminars from fishing experts at the 4000-gallon aquarium, reptile shows, a youth archery tournament, and free activities for kids. In March, GWF hosted its third annual Camo Coalition Dinner and Auction in Smyrna. e event not only proved to be a terrific time of fellowship with like-minded conservationists, but also brought in over $22,000 to support the conservation work of the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Every auction item, dinner plate, and raffle ticket purchased is now working to keep our wildlife and habitats, hunting and fishing, and outdoor recreating protected and available for the enjoyment of all Georgians. GWF’s 11th Annual Clay Shoot for Conservation took place in April at Burge Plantation in Mansfield, GA. Twenty-three, 4-person teams gathered together to compete while raising funds for GWF conservation programs like the Camo Coalition, Mill Creek Nature Center, and the Alcovy Conservation Center. With a score of 353, the top team for the day was U-Tech Construction, Inc and Wesley Brooks proved to be the top individual with a score of 97. 6
LEFT: GWF events are successful because of the hard work of our volunteers. Pictured here (left to right), volunteers Marie Prescott, Dusty Rhodes, and Roberta Wilson collect tickets, greet the crowd, and keep things running smoothly at the ticket gate. RIGHT: Thanks to Derksen, kids attending the Fisharama had the opportunity to build bird boxes at the show.
LEFT: The Fisharama in Perry provides fun for the whole family. RIGHT: This year at the Camo Auction, GWF gave away a special youth door prize including a fishing pole and tackle box.
LEFT: LaRhonda Mabry enjoys a day out in the field shooting with the team from Eaton/Cooper Lighting. RIGHT: The team of Phil Williams, Jennifer Frum, Steve Dempsey, and Allan Adams.
GWF Welcomes New Board Members
Curtis Jenkins, District 7 Director
Daryl Ingram, Director at Large
Curtis S. Jenkins of Monroe County was recently elected to the GWF board. Curtis is a former Georgia legislator long recognized as a devoted conservationist. During his 16 years in the Georgia House of Representatives, he was a member of the Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus and received several awards due to his strong support for the protection and wise use of our natural resources. Curtis previously served as a member of the GWF Board before beginning his legislative career. He also served as President of the Monroe County Sportsman’s Federation where he helped organize NSSF “Hunting & Fishing Day” events to introduce the public to outdoor activities. He is also a member of the National Rifle Association’s Board of Directors. A graduate of Georgia Tech and Mercer University Law School, Curtis practices law in Forsyth, GA where he resides with his wife, Carol, and their two children. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the Georgia State Bar. Curtis says that hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping were a big part of his life growing up in rural Georgia and that upbringing molded him into a lifelong outdoorsman. He wants to help introduce his fellow Georgians to that experience and enhance it for them through GWF.
GWF is pleased to welcome Daryl Ingram to the board. Daryl is the Sr. Vice President of External Affairs for the Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG). rough ECG’s Legislative and Regulatory service, Daryl acts as a single point of contact with the State of Georgia on legislative, regulatory, and economic development opportunities relative to the organization’s membership. Daryl has worked in the not-for-profit electric utility industry in Georgia for 35 years. He and his wife, Lisa, a parapro at Acworth Elementary, live in Acworth and attend Riverstone Church in Kennesaw. “As a sixth generation Georgian, I cherish our great state, its natural resources, and all that it has to offer. I clearly understand the generational progression of the many people from all over our state that came before us and worked tirelessly to preserve and protect what we enjoy today. I am an avid outdoorsman myself and some of my greatest experiences in life have been when I am in the outdoors. I am honored to join and serve on the Georgia Wildlife Federation board and I look forward to the opportunity of working with our members and other directors in promoting and preserving our natural resources and Georgia’s hunting and fishing heritage.”
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR EVENT SPONSORS. Shoot for Conservation Sponsors: Buckarama Sponsors:
CSX, Erwin Industries Inc, Municipal Development Services LLC, Wildlife Trends, Wildlife Group, The Open Door at Alley’s Ol Store, Steve Wrigley, Carl Hall, Burnt Pine Plantation, Westervelt, High Adventures Company, Outdoor Underwriters Inc, Gillis Logging, Dasher Farms, Plantation Properties
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Louisiana Waterthrush. John Deitsch
Swamp Sparrow. Hank Ohme
Red-Shouldered Hawk. Hank Ohme. 8
Northern Yellow-Shafted Flickers. Hank Ohme.
Muskrat. Suzy Downing
Northern Yellow-Shafted Flicker and Red-Headed Woodpecker. Hank Ohme.
Cedar Waxwing. Vance Walton
Green Anole. Hank Ohme
Red-Bellied Water Snake. John Deitsch
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AT MILL CREEK NATURE CENTER
LEFT: Volunteers Sandy Dearth, Suzy Downing, John Deitsch, and Dale Higdon clean MCNC’s wood duck boxes in preparation for the spring nesting season. RIGHT: Dale and Suzy freshen up the kiosk at the entrance of Mill Creek. The trails are open to the public each day from sunrise to sunset.
Photo by Hank Ohme
Photo by Hank Ohme
Photo by Olin Batchelor
Photo by Hank Ohme
Photo by Hank Ohme
LEFT: GWF celebrated Earth Day at Mill Creek by gathering volunteers together to help restore the wetland by removing invasive Chinese privet. Afterwards, participants were treated to a presentation by Susan Meyers of Monarchs Across Georgia. Pictured here is a young visitor getting up close and personal with a caterpillar. Photo by Hank Ohme RIGHT TOP and CENTER: Over the last six months, two of GWF’s MCNC volunteers have been recognized by the Suwanee Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) for their service to the community, and more specifically, their environmental stewardship. Shown here is John Deitsch receiving his award in the company of his family, Joan Coles, Photo by Hank Ohme Rebecca Deitsch, and Jim Deitsch, Sr.. Photo by Olin Batchelor Below, Dale Higdon is pictured with Pam Lyle (DAR), Carol Hassell (Piedmont Land Trust), and Chelsea Goode (DAR). RIGHT BOTTOM: Cub Scouts from Pack 542 in Buford braved heavy rains and winds to hang nine birdhouses they constructed for MCNC.
Photo by Bill Mahan
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Photo by Hank Ohme
LEFT: In February, Cub Scout Pack 542 planted native tress at MCNC to celebrate Arbor Day. RIGHT: Eagle Scout Sam Merritt placed 14 sign posts marking MCNC’s trails and gates.
LEFT: Liam Dryer (second from left) from Boy Scout Troop 597 installed a 22foot raised boardwalk. RIGHT: Daniel Carter of Troop 514 refurbished the water monitoring station along Little Ivy Creek and added a canopy.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
Georgia Hunters for the Hungry For an assignment for a web content development class, Daniel Lumpkin’s idea to produce a series of informational podcasts to inspire people to give time and money to nonprofit organizations was an admirable start. He did the obligatory research to identify organizations that not only help people in need but also do so without squandering their largesse on administrative costs. at was the easy part. In the first of his “Non-Profit Step by Step” series, Lumpkin produced a 12-minute podcast about Hunters for the Hungry, a Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) program that annually donates thousands of pounds of protein-rich venison to Georgians in need. He conceived it as a three-step process: immerse himself in the world of hunters; examine first-hand what it takes to turn deer meat into venison; and follow its trail to a community food bank that ultimately donates it to families. “When I asked how I could produce compelling digital content, the answer is that you have to do something to make a good podcast,” said Lumpkin, who has never hunted before and knew almost nothing about Georgia’s deer-hunting tradition. e podcast, is featured on the GWF’s website, takes listeners on a journey. Before taking off, Lumpkin interviewed Sam Stowe, the GWF’s program director who heads Hunters for the Hungry. Stowe described the calls he gets from single moms looking for meat to feed their families and from local food banks desperate to supply their communities with high-protein food. He also explained the hunters’ motivation to get involved. “It’s a small way for them to give back for all they get from the land,” he said. For Lumpkin, the first step was hunting — learning everything he could about how hunters prepare, find, and pursue deer, and then going out and doing it. His journey took him to a wooded area of Paulding County where a friend’s father gave him a crash course on hunting deer — how to use a tree climber and a deer lure, and to arm and aim a crossbow. As instructed, Lumpkin returned to the woods at daybreak, suited up in the harness, inched his way about 30 feet up a tree and waited in silence. While he did not spot deer during the hours he perched in the tree, he said he experienced what hunters tell him they love about hunting. “As I sat and watched, I was struck by the beauty of the moment, of experiencing nature first-hand,” said Lumpkin, a Powder Springs native in his second year in Kennesaw State’s Master of Arts in Professional Writing program. “I was seeing at eye-level birds and squirrels waking up, seeing the sunrise. It was quite a moment.” Step two took Lumpkin to Eatonton, Ga., where he met with Drew Copelan, owner of the Meat Shed, which processes and packages deer meat into ground venison, steaks, and chops. e Meat Shed is one of 11 locations where hunters can drop off field-dressed deer and have it processed into venison for free, with half of the meat going to families serviced by members of the Georgia Food Bank Association. Hunters for the Hungry pays about $50 for each deer that is processed.
Hunter Steve White (R) instructs Daniel (L) on how to safely use a tree climber. The next morning, Daniel experienced sunrise in the trees of Paulding County. While he did not spot deer during the hours he perched in the tree, he said he experienced what hunters tell him they love about hunting. “I watched as they ground up and used every part of the animal, turning one deer into about 20 pounds of valuable food,” Lumpkin said. “is is no small thing. As Drew explained, the hunters who donate part of their meat are people who, for the most part, ‘hunt for their groceries.’ ey are men and women who are so passionate about hunting because it’s a tradition that has been a part of their families for generations.” For the final step of his process, Lumpkin visited the Lilburn Co-op Ministry to see how the processed venison makes its way to communities and eventually to families and individuals in need. He toured the facility where people from Lilburn, Stone Mountain and parts of Tucker can come to find food, furniture and clothing. He also talked with David Bolton, building manager, who helped him understand how important the meat donations are. “It’s a place that operates sort of like a Walmart,” said Lumpkin. “David shared a report showing that over a threemonth period, the co-op served more than 1,240 families in just this one facility — an average of about 88 families per week. at’s a lot of people. You can actually see how valuable it is to donate food and how much impact it has.” Lumpkin hopes to continue his step-by-step series next month aer completing research on organizations he is considering— one that takes care of orphans and one that works with children who have parents in prison. He admits that his approach to helping nonprofits tell their stories is difficult and time-consuming. “Most small nonprofits don’t have advertising budgets,” Lumpkin said. “Hopefully, this is an engaging, educational and entertaining way to let audiences learn about them. It was the hard way to approach it, but hard work is good work.” This article was published by Kennesaw State University. GWF would like to thank Daniel for dedicating his time and effort to highlight GHFTH. The podcast can be found at www.gwf.org. 11
AT THE ALCOVY CONSERVATION CENTER
Georgia Water Coalition partners gather at the Alcovy Conservation Center for their fall meeting. Lunchtime always includes fresh oysters and shrimp enjoyed at the pavilion.
Homeschool students from Newton County utilize GWF’s wet lab at the Alcovy Conservation Center to dissect a cow’s eye, bullfrog, and garter snake.
Dr. Frank Vinson and Mrs. Ann Vinson, longtime GWF members, donate items from their personal collection to GWF’s conservation library.
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GWF Welcomes Charles Evans
Working to Recruit, Retain, and Reactivate Hunters Georgia Wildlife Federation welcomes new staff member Charles Evans. Charles will serve as R3 Coordinator, a position dedicated to the recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) of hunters and shooters. In this role, Charles will develop and implement a plan that engages state agencies, conservation organizations and other stakeholders to increase the effectiveness of outdoor education and mentored hunting opportunities for people of all ages, genders and abilities. Charles first partnered with GWF in 2016 under a different R3 contract where GWF simply leased office space. We are thrilled to now have him officially on the GWF roster. Charles is a Georgia native with deep outdoor roots. From a young age, he has been an avid sportsman and conservationist. Charles earned his wildlife biology bachelor and master’s degrees from University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Partnering in this project with GWF are the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, and Safari Club International.
Warnell Alumni and Friends Sporting Clays Tournament
e Georgia R3 Initiative partnered with the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources to host the inaugural Warnell Alumni and Friends Sporting Clays Tournament on April 21st. ere were over 70 people in attendance with five-person teams consisting of alumni, natural resources professionals, and current students. Funding from the Cabela's Outdoor Fund allowed students to participate at a discounted rate and provided equipment for those with limited or no firearms experience. e event provided an excellent opportunity for networking, an introduction of shooting sports to students, and a little friendly competition.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Taking Action to Keep It Out of Georgia
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease affecting the deer family (Cervidae). Easily spread from one individual to another, it causes symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, repetitive walking patterns, and the eventual loss of bodily functions. ere is no cure – it is 100% fatal. e disease is believed to be spread animal to animal via saliva, mucus or feces. Because the incubation period may exceed five years, the greatest risk is from the movement of live animals that have the disease before any symptoms are displayed. Discovered in 1967, Chronic Wasting Disease has been documented in 18 states and two Canadian provinces including Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Saskatchewan and Alberta. ankfully, at this time, CWD has not been found in any southeastern states. Conservationists and biologist are working together and taking proactive steps to make sure it stays that way. In February, Georgia Wildlife Federation met with conservation leaders from a dozen states to identify strategies to combat the spread of CWD. e meeting, held in Nashville and hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation, took place over two days and provided participants the opportunity to hear from experts, talk about current practices, and identify key issues and possible approaches to curbing the spread of CWD. “To date, the response to CWD has largely been on a state-by-state basis but it’s a national issue that requires a national response,” said Michael Butler, CEO of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “e nationwide network of wildlife federations and the diverse audiences they serve are arguably in the best position to lead an effective response and address rising confusion and misinformation about CWD.” e summit resulted in the beginnings of a cohesive, nationwide response to CWD. A steering committee was formed with the task of driving the national goals established during the summit. ese goals range from securing funding for research and implementation, unifying education efforts, and establishing methods for cooperative disease management. Participating states included Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Chronic Wasting Disease causes symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, repetitive walking patterns, and the eventual loss of bodily functions. There is no cure at this time.
Georgia Wildlife Federation met with conservation leaders from a dozen states to identify strategies to stop the spread of the disease into the southeast. Partnering national organizations include e National Wildlife Federation, National Deer Alliance, Wildlife Management Institute, Quality Deer Management Association, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the eodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. GWF would like to thank the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation for organizing the summit and facilitating a nationwide discussion.
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Thank you to all who have recently donated to the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Your ongoing support keeps GWF moving forward. Adventure Products, Inc., Macon Community Foundation of South Georgia, Inc., Thomasville Crockers Cups and Coolers, Dora, AL Dunwoody Woman's Club Inc., Dunwoody Evans County Wildlife Club, Claxton Keep Covington / Newton Beautiful, Covington Line-X of Macon, Macon Outdoor Advantage, Northport, AL Outdoors With Joey Mines, Lagrange Southern Outdoors Magazine, Perry Southwest Georgia Sportsman's Club, Albany Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, AL Ted's Montana Grill, Atlanta TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group/Red Eagle Technology, Wetumpka, AL Tupperware, Macon Vortex Optics, Middleton, WI Mr. and Mrs. Les M. Ager, Hawkinsville Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. Ambrose, Watkinsville Mr. T. Joshua Archer, Atlanta Mr. and Mrs. Marshall O. Ausburn, Marietta Wilson and Sarah Barmeyer, Washington DC Mr. Hugh R. Barnes, Macon Mr. Frank Barron, Jr., Rome Dr. and Mrs. William Bates, Jr., Albany Mr. Donald Becker, Madison Mr. and Mrs. Joe Beverly, Thomasville Mr. Jerry W. Booker, Midland Mr. Kenneth S. Bradshaw, Dallas Mr. Charles Breithaupt, Jr, Clayton Mr. and Mrs. Stan C. Brinkley, Marietta Mr. Beryl Budd, Covington Mr. David C. Burghardt, Doraville Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Camp, Greenville Ms. Lorna Campbell, Decatur Mrs. Gail A. Carone, Marietta Mr. Don E. Chandler, Atlanta Dr. Charles B. Christian, Madison Mr. and Mrs. Charlie A. Chupp, White Plains Mrs. Margie Cline, Social Circle Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cochran, Fortson Mr. Robert L. Collins, Warner Robins Mr. Mike Conger, Atlanta Dr. Frank T. Corker, Hahira Mrs. Susan Crawford, Marietta Mr. Lee Cronan, Conyers Ms. Marie Cross, Marietta Mr. Mike Crowe, Covington Ms. Linda L. Crowther, Snellville Mr. and Mrs. Noah W. Culpepper, Carnesville Dr. Laura S. Dabundo, Marietta Mr. Jamie Dailey, Commerce Mr. Mahlon Davidson, Oxford Mr. and Mrs. Judson Davis, Americus Taylor Dean, Covington Mr. Henry G. Dennis, Newnan Mr. Walter Deriso, Jr., Albany Mr. and Mrs. Ronald O. Determann, Decatur Mr. Joseph M. Dilbeck, Powder Springs
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Mr. Ray Duensing, Social Circle Mr. Dutch Earle, Roswell Mr. Truitt Eavenson, Atlanta Mr. David S. Eisner, Dacula Mr. and Mrs. Henry Evans, College Park Mr. Robert Falls, Meigs Mr. Alan Fizer, Lincolnton Mr. Thomas F. Follrath, Loganville Mrs. Aline P. Foster, Forest Park Mr. and Mrs. Charles Frazier, Suwanee Mr. Jim R. Freear, Eatonton Mr. Butch Freeman, Dublin Mr. Daniel L. Galpin, Warner Robins Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Gennings, Stone Mountain Mrs. Richard Gerakitis, Atlanta Dr. Richard E. Golden, Jr. , Athens Mr. and Mrs. Jim Griffin, Atlanta Mr. Robert Griffin, Midland Mr. Gary Grimsby, Locust Grove Ms. Elouise Gugel, Marietta Mr. Kenneth Gunn, Fayetteville Mr. Michael B. Hagearty, DDS, Atlanta Mr. Richard T. Hanlin, Watkinsville Mr. Scott Hansard, Cumming Mr. and Mrs. Bucky Harris, Covington Mr. Sam B. Hay, Jr., Covington Mr. William D. Higdon, Dacula Mr. and Mrs. K.B. Higgins, Jr., Atlanta Mr. Wayne Hill, Suwanee Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Hiller, Jonesboro Mr. Gene R. Hodges, Clayton Mrs. Sandra Hollis, Austell Dr. Tommy Hopkins, Griffin Mr. Jamey Hulsey, Marietta Mr. Scotty Hutto, Marietta Mr. Daryl Ingram, Atlanta Ms. Lynne Irion, Milledgeville Mr. Curtis Jenkins, Forsyth Mrs. Julie G. Jenkins, Madison Sara and Maxwell Johnson, Perry Rev. & Mrs. Tom H. Johnson Sr., Oxford Ms. Peg Jones, Macon Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Keene, Peachtree Corners Mr. and Mrs. Raymond A. Kelleher, Dunwoody Col. and Mrs. Barrett T. King, Saint Marys Mr. William King, Dunwoody Mrs. Anne W. Kirkland, Dublin Dr. Melissa A. Kling-Newberry, Macon Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey J. Korn, Marietta Nancy and Steven L'Hernault, Atlanta Mr. John E. Ladson, Vidalia Ms. Mary Lambright, Savannah Dr. Kevin Lanclos, Bishop Ms. Emily H. Langston, Atlanta Mr. Lee Lemke, Macon Ms. Casey Levitt, Jasper Mr. Tom Liner, Albany Mr. and Mrs. Anthony D. Link, Midland Dr. Mitchell S. Lippman, Marietta Mr. Larry D. Long, Marietta
Mr. Josh Lumsden, Fayetteville Mr. Stan Lumsden, Peachtree City Mary Anne and Tom Mall, Gainesville Mr. Louis Mameli, Thomaston Mr. Jim Manley, Sr., Dacula Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Manner, Cartersville Mr. and Mrs. Chris Martin, Covington Mr. Gerald Martin, Bonaire Mr. Brian K. Mask, Sr., Covington Mr. and Mrs. Roger V. Mathews, Cornelia Ms. Cherie Mathis, Ringgold Mr. Russell Mayo, Warner Robins Ms. Linda McBurney, Augusta Mr. Duncan K. McClusky, Tifton Mr. L. Neal McDaniel, Jonesboro Mr. and Mrs. Ed D. McDowell, Jr., Bonaire Mrs. William L. McLean, Gladwyne, PA Mr. David L. McLeod, Calhoun Mr. John McMennamy, Rydal Dr. Key D. McMurrain, Jr., Palmetto Ms. Carol F. Miley, Saint George Island, FL Mr. and Mrs. Marvin A. Mitchell, Jr., Atlanta Mr. Geoffrey P. Mohs, Douglasville Dr. Michael O. Molley, Acworth Mr. David F. Moore, Jr., Alpharetta Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Morehouse, Mansfield Mr. Sherman Morton, Jr., Byron Ms. Michele Murphy, Cumming Mr. G. A. Nasworthy, Tiger Mr. and Mrs. Brad Nelson, Covington Ms. Kathy Obendorger, Nahunta Col. Lawrence Ondovchik, Newnan Ms. Kay Packard, Dunwoody Mr. Glen Palmer, Stockbridge Mr. William L. Parker, Marietta Mr. Bill Pate, Whitesburg Mr. Mike Phillips, Peachtree City Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Pulliam, Jr., Big Canoe Mr. Stephen A. Reichert, Macon Ms. Carol C. Renfro, Lavonia Ms. Nicole Rice, Porterdale Mr. and Mrs. Ted J. Rikard, Lilburn Scott and Barbara Robinson, Covington Mr. Patrick Rodeheaver, Warner Robins Rev. and Mrs. Samuel G. Rogers, III, Macon Mr. H Lee Roper, Sandy Springs Betsie and Scott Rothermel, Lake Placid, FL Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rudowski, Monroe Mr. Richard G. Rusk, Athens Mr. Dave Sandlin, Newnan Ms. Diane Sebba, Social Circle Mr. Mike Shelton, Loganville Mrs. Elizabeth K. Sherling, Enterprise, AL Ms. Heather F. Simmons, Madison Mr. Don Smith, Fayetteville Mr. Jack L. Smith, Shiloh Mr. James E. Smith, Thomasville Mr. James H. Smith, Powder Springs Mr. Tim Sosebee, Dallas Mr. Kelley Stapp, Social Circle
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat On January 6, students from Metter Elementary School in Candler County joined with volunteers to plant over 35 native trees in their Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat. e trees, including live oak, ‘Little Gem’ magnolia, and Eastern redcedar, will not only create shade for students, but will also provide shelter for local wildlife. Funding from the Georgia Wildlife Federation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service “Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program” purchased native trees for the playground. Georgia Forestry Commission’s “Making the Shade” program provided funding for shade trees and ornamentals to finish out the plan developed with UGA’s Archway program. e City of Metter and the Candler County School System, Georgia Forestry Commission experts, local garden clubs, and parent volunteers were all on hand the day of the planting to help the students successfully install the trees. "ese trees will provide habitat for squirrels and many species of birds, butterflies, and bees,” says Deborah Harris of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. e berries and nuts from the trees will be food for other wildlife. Additionally, they will be beautiful landscaping for the school and will provide shade and places to play for the children on the playground. e trees will teach students about the importance of greenspace. We appreciate the hard work of all the parents and teachers involved in this project.” Originally, the plan called for an outdoor nature garden and butterfly habitat. However, interns from the University of Georgia determined that the conditions were unsuitable due to water runoff and drainage issues. e committee changed directions and instead planted native trees that would provide both shade and habitat. e school’s wildlife habitat will provide a multitude of learning opportunities for students. During their daily 45-minute “Tiger Time”, a group of students are charged with watering and caring for the trees. Also, as an extension of a First Lego League competition group, students are conducting research ranging from the increase in wildlife due to the planting of trees to the amount of litter found on the playground each day. is affords students opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary learning that incorporates aspects of science, math, and language arts. Overall, the project will impact around 1,000 students annually, as well as volunteers and parents from the community. For tips on how to implement a Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat in your community, visit www.gwf.org. Mr. Sonny Swaim, Peachtree Corners Mr. Joe D. Tanner, Stockbridge Mr. & Mrs. Horace Thom, Lagrange Mr. Brad Thomas, Stockbridge Mr. Gary Thompson, Atlanta Dr. William L. Tietjen, Greensboro Mr. Gary A. Totten, Cumming Mr. Thomas W. Tucker, Augusta Mr. Frank B. Turner, Covington Mr. and Mrs. George M. Uhrin, Peachtree City Dr. Andrea Underhill, Kathleen
Mr. Braxton Underwood, Dallas Mr. Frank B. Vinson, Milledgeville Mr. Gene Wallace, Mansfield David and Connie Waller, Covington Dr. H. P. Walls, Carrollton Mr. Milton Watson, Atlanta Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wawrzyk, Clayton Mr. Jeff Webster, Suwanee Ms. Deborah A. Weiler, Athens Mr. Matthew Wilkinson, Marietta Mr. Ben H. Williams, Watkinsville
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Williams, Watkinsville Commissioner Mark P. Williams, Jesup Mr. Roy Witherington, Sarasota, FL Mr. Dick Wolfe, Greensboro Ms. Diana H. Wood, Sandy Springs Mr. James Woodward, III, Vienna Dr. Steve Wrigley, Watkinsville Mr. G. W. Young, Jonesboro Mr. and Mrs. Carlos L. Zellner, Trion Mr. and Mrs. George G. Zimmer, Kennesaw
December 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017
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GWF MEMBERS
Keeping GEORGIA Wild
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Perry Buckarama August 18-20 www.BUCKARAMA.net
Above: GWF’s Hank Ohme captures the tranquility of the tupelo swamp at the GWF headquarters in Covington. Sitting on on 115 acres of forests, fields and wetlands, the trails are open to the public Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.
Sportsman’s Dinner & Auction August 31, Covington
Join or Renew at the $50 Level and Receive a Free GWF T-shirt Offer available through September 30.
Below: GWF family and friends go on a daddy/daughter backpacking trip to Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness in Sparta, TN.
Additional t-shirts and tumblers are available online at www.GWF.org or by contacting the GWF office at 770-787-7887 or info@gwf.org.