Summer 2008 Altamaha Riverkeeper

Summer 2008 Newsletter

Altamaha

Stand Up and Renew Your Support for Watershed Protection
The drought and Georgia’s exploding population are threatening our water supply. In 2007, thousands of fish and mussels died as Georgia streams and reservoirs dried up. Add to that, the draining and filling of thousands of acres of wetlands, marshes, and swamps for development and water protection becomes more important than ever. The issues are not just the droughts themselves but problems created during the drought such as cities taking out more water or putting in more wastewater, the cause attributed to last August’s fish kill on the North Oconee River. Sadly, our state and federal agencies are not keeping up with doing the job of protecting our natural resources. The Altamaha Riverkeeper is responding to and
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Students Work to Protect Marsh
A group of Vicki Klan’s 9th grade students from Risley Memorial Center and Glynn Academy in Brunswick were inspired when James Holland spoke to their class. They created the Salt Marsh Soldiers, adopted a spot on Academy Creek, and have been cleaning the highly littered area almost quarterly for 2 years. To make people aware of the problem the Salt Marsh Soldiers are taking beer bottles, the most common type of trash found in the area, and building a wall depicting plants and animals in the salt marsh ecosystem. Since glass is not recycled in Brunswick, the students are demonstrating how to create beautiful things out of trash. The Soldiers will also include a plaque as a tribute to local environmentalists and James Holland’s name will be the first on the list.

Salt Marsh Soldiers begin the Glass Wall Project at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. L-R: Victoria Edwards, Justin Walker, Temekia Williams, Shaneice Armstrong, Patrick Mack, Tyree Sams, Eric Hughes, David Smiley, and local environmentalist / glass wall engineer Chris Daughtry

ARK News
Welcome Aboard:
• 2008 officers: Len Hauss, President; Bruce Berryhill, Vice President; Wright Gres, Treasurer; and Neill Herring, Secretary. • New board members: Becky Wood, Walt Wood, and Whit Wright. • New staff members: Coastkeeper Wendy Galan and Operations Manager Bryce Baumgartner. continuing their service on the board. • Carl Poppell, Tracey Adams, and Walter Ogden for their past service on the board. • Former ARK staff members Debbi Davis, Mathew Teti and Billie Jo Hagan. Wendy Galan is the new Altamaha Coastkeeper. Wendy was raised fishing, shrimping, and crabbing in the rivers and creeks that separate St. Simons and Sea Island with her father, Captain Frank Mead, a charter boat guide for over 30 years. Before Joining ARK, Wendy, a graduate of Armstrong State University, worked at Sea Island as the assistant to the Executive Chef where she learned how to juggle many changing priorities and manage culinary chaos. Wendy says that as the Altamaha Coastkeeper, she feels like she has the job that she has trained for all of her life. Bryce Baumgartner is ARK’s new operations manager. After 20 years as an electrical engineer and manager in telecommunications, Bryce was ready to move away from the hustle and bustle of South Florida. Attracted by the country living and friendly lifestyle, he and his wife Melissa Pope Scott, an artist, moved to McIntosh County where they enjoy the area’s wildlife, fishing, and kayaking with their three grown sons who visit often. Bryce says the job at the Altamaha Riverkeeper gives him a chance to make a meaningful contribution and to give something back.

Thanks to:
• Past President Mary Ellen Wilson (2003-2007). • Past President and founding member Robert DeWitt (2000-2003). Robert was presented the Carolyn Hodges award at the 2007 Annual Meeting. • Neill Herring, board member honored with the Ogden Doremus award. Mary Ellen, Robert, and Neill are

ARK board and staff development retreat with Waterkeeper Alliance (WKA) at Little Ocmulgee State Park in McCrae, January 2008. L-R: Emily Egginton WKA, Kristine Stratton WKA, Bryce Baumgartner, Bruce Berryhill, Deborah Sheppard, James Holland, Becky Wood, Walt Wood, Neill Herring, Mary Ellen Wilson, Wright Gres, Len Hauss, Wendy Galan, Mark Yaggi WKA, Constance Riggins
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Support ARK’s work... become a member today!
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GetActive
by Walt and Becky Wood

at Your Local Level
your elected officials. You will gain nothing but grief by doing so. If they do something you like, praise them publicly; or if someone else attacks them, try to defend them — you will reap huge rewards by doing this. • If there is something you really want done, put it in a properly written, grammatically correct format. If it requires signatures, present a smooth document ready for their signatures along with a cover letter explaining why you want what you are requesting, especially in the case of resolutions. Be absolutley certain that you spell each name correctly! Present a copy for each individual whose signature you are requesting. Also, attach a CD or disk and present this to the Mayor or Chairperson. If they want to make changes they can easily load the document into their computer and do so — this will pay dividends! In a few days after you have delivered the documents, contact the Mayor or Chairperson and ask if they have questions and if they will present it, or let you present it to the Commission or the Council or Board. Follow your request until you get disposition on it. • Arrive at meetings early — what you can learn from casual conversation or what you overhear can be valuable. Also, do not disrupt the meeting by coming in late. • Get to know secretaries and office personnel and make sure they know you by sight, name, and reputation. If they don’t want you to see or speak to whomever you ask for, you aren’t going to see or speak to them except by chance. • Dress appropriately for meetings. You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression! • Be absolutely certain that you turn off your cell phone or pager when you go into a meeting. • Don’t be afraid to take them some homemade cookies, candy, or other goodies at Christmas or other special occasions. Tell them that you appreciate their efforts. • Volunteer to help with special projects and to serve on Boards and Committees. Let them know you are willing to get involved. • Remember there is strength in numbers so get as many people to these meetings as you can. Get your friends and neighbors to contact the officials and lobby for the common interest.

Here’s How & Why
Participating in local land use planning is the first step to protecting water quality. Your local zoning board makes critical decisions about a development’s size, density, roads, water, and sewer systems. Local meetings provide numerous opportunities for involvement in economic development and land use decisions by your local city council, county commission, development authority, and planning and zoning board. Most meetings are required to be open to the public, advertised, publicly posted, and provide agendas and meeting minutes. ARK encourages you get involved, unite with your neighbors, and join a growing number of watershed citizens who are working to protect water quality at the local level. Start today by finding meeting announcements in your local newspaper and attending meetings. Helpful tips for getting involved: • Don’t try “one up-man-ship” — YOU will lose; be congenial, not adversarial. • Make yourself known to officials and establish credibility and name recognition. Speak in facts, not emotions. Do your research and know of what you speak, then speak concisely and avoid repetition. • Attend meetings of your county commission, city council, school board — become aware of what is going on BEFORE it is in your backyard. If you don’t, it soon WILL BE in your backyard. Request copies of meeting agendas several days in advance. Some local governments require you to sign up and state the subject of your remarks several days in advance if you wish to address your elected officials in open meetings. Some have a “Public Comments” section in the agenda. Call your county or city offices to find out how this is done. You should expect questions and if you don’t know the answer, then so state and offer to get back to the individual asking the question. Do not try to bluff your way through the question because the individual who asked probably already knows the answer — if you tell them you will get back to them, then do not fail to do that! • Read the legal ads, public notices, and public hearing announcements in your local newspaper – legal requirements are specific for how far in advance and how many times these notices have to be published. • Submit your own agenda items for meetings, but don’t try to surprise your officials — provide them with a smooth outline of your agenda. You can also request one-onone meetings with officials. • Get to know your local media personnel who cover these meetings — ask to contribute to their coverage. • Write “Letters to the Editor” to your local newspaper, but DO NOT publicly admonish or embarrass
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Altamaha

Stand up...
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reporting more problems throughout the watershed than ever before. We are using our investigations to encourage citizens to insist that our government officials enforce environmental regulations. In light of the growing need we are especially pleased to announce a new challenge from the Malcolm Fraser Foundation to match dollar for dollar all contributions made before June 15, 2008. Please take advantage of this generous offer and renew your commitment to support ARK’s work by increasing your tax-deductible donations through a monthly pledge, gift of stock, or donation on line. Encourage your friends, co-workers, and family to support ARK now and double the value of their donations. Your support makes hundreds of accomplishments possible. • After ARK’s air survey and report, Hartley Station development in Macon was ordered to halt work that was contaminating a wetland with widespread erosion • McIntosh County Commissioners committed to develop a wetlands protection ordinance after local action from concerned ARK members • ARK’s appeal of a post disturbance buffer variance for Aiken Island in Brunswick led to judge’s ruling against granting buffer variances after an area is already disturbed • After ARK reports, owners of Chakmak subdivision in Pine Harbor, McIntosh County were ordered by EPD to clean up a dump on Sapelo River filled with old cars, modular homes, roofing, generators, appliances, and tires • Andrews Island site next to Hwy 17 near Jekyll’s Sidney Lanier Bridge was required to restore salt marsh after ARK documentation of marsh destruction

• ARK and Darien Neighborhood Association identified problems that led to Darien’s development of improved ordinances and zoning procedures • Army Corp of Engineers acknowledged errors in wetland delineation at Cottage Grove subdivision in Glynn County after ARK’s research and reporting showed inconsistencies in delineation • Wildlife in the Altamaha photography show was presented by James Holland at Middle Georgia College • James Holland was named as one of Georgia’s “Most Influential in 2008” by Georgia Trend Magazine • Citizens concerned over development of Julienton Plantation and Young Man’s Road united for better planning and wetland protection in McIntosh County.

Houston County Board Members Get Involved
ARK and seek assistance when needed. The Wood’s were asked to assist in a county Storm Water Stakeholders’ Committee made up of the building and development industries, local businesses, and concerned citizens. The group painted storm water drains with environmental logos to remind residents not to dump waste oil and other pollutants into the drains. Becky and Walt also designed a brochure for auto parts stores and quick lube locations urging citizens to recycle oil and other automotive waste products rather than dumping the pollutants into storm water drains or garbage cans for transport to the landfill. Walt and Becky met Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland several years ago when he was in Houston County investigating a complaint. James has been instrumental in encouraging their interests in environmental issues and provided on the job training so they can engage in watershed protection.

After moving back home to Houston County, Becky and Walton Wood have become active in political and environmental issues that affect the middle Georgia area. They attend all County Commission and most of the Perry City Council meetings and spearheaded the drive to adopt the “Water Resolution.” They communicate local issues to
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A Glimpse into the Past
If walls could talk, the ARK’s new office in Darien would tell a story. It occupies part of what was known by many as the Hardware Store, built in 1890 by Theodore Gronwald. According to the Darien Timber Gazette, “Theodore Gromwald, a native of Holland moved to Darien, immediately made his home here, and proceeded to become thoroughly interested in the welfare of the town. Energizing in business, he erected a large brick building to accommodate his increasing customers.” Over the years, Gromwald’s building was owned by A. Konetzko, George Noble Jones, Robert Strain, and Sally and William Wylly, among others. In 1915, George Patelidas bought the building and later passed it onto his son Stelio Patelidas. In 1985, Patelidas sold the lot consisting of the Darien Hotel, Patelidis Hardware, and Rogers Drugstore to Linda Miller and Sheila Parker for an antique store. Since then, the hardware store has housed several businesses including the Tea Cup Inn Tearoom, This Old House Antiques, and Shaw’s Antiques. In 2007, Sheila and Johnny Parker restored the spacious 1,830 square foot historic building retaining many original elements including the windows, yellow pine floors, and red brick walls. The stairs to the second-story are constructed from the pine tongue and groove boards, which once graced the walls of Purvis Elementary School in Brunswick. The stair banister is an early twentieth century oak wagon tongue complete with a wrought iron hinge and ring.

Johnny and Sheila Parker working on renovation at 105 West Broad Street There was quite a fur trade in Darien during the 1930’s and ARK’s meeting room now occupies the original furdrying room. Reflecting the building’s origins, the original beaver boards used to stretch the hides of beaver, mink, and fox are mounted on the office walls. Other period artifacts on display reflect Darien’s timber industry, including an early 1900’s chipping tool used to cut into pines for draining sap for turpentine and a log ruler used to measure timber before shipping. A reconstructed upstairs balcony in the back of the building overlooks what was once the Darien Hotel courtyard. Deborah Sheppard, ARK’s Director, says, “We are grateful to be part of the Parker’s historic preservation work in Darien; it compliments our work to preserve our area’s priceless natural resources.”

The Problem with Rayonier Continues...

Rayonier's wastewater flows down the Altamaha with polluting dark colored discharge on the left. On the right, the tributary from Morgan's Lake is not impacted, as indicated by the lighter colored water, until it reaches the Altamaha.

Altamaha Coastkeeper Wendy Galan holds her breath while taking water samples at Rayonier. Her face shows a common reaction to the smell in the area.

Six years after a voluntary settlement of ARK’s appeal of Rayonier’s NPDES wastewater Discharge Permit, Rayonier’s dark colored, foul smelling discharge into the Altamaha continues to offend and frighten boaters, fishermen, and swimmers many miles downstream of the discharge pipe near Jesup. In a Halloween 2007 trick to ARK and Georgia’s citizens, Rayonier and the EPD negotiated a consent order to allow more time and less clean up of the discharge color than ARK agreed to in revisiting the settlement agreement. ARK no longer has reason to believe that Rayonier is committed to a timely clean up of its discharge. We need to hear about your experiences and concerns with Rayonier’s discharge. Please contact the ARK office if you want to help ARK get the Altamaha’s biggest polluter cleaned up.
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Altamaha

Citizens Support Wetland Protection
On Valentines Day, the McIntosh County Commission responded to a packed room of citizens’ calling for wetland protection by voting to develop and adopt a county wetland protection ordinance. This move came after citizens rallied to express their frustration and concern over the destruction of salt marsh and fresh water wetlands on Young Man’s Road and the rezoning to increase development density for Julienton Plantation adjacent to the largest clam growing operation in Georgia. Many McIntosh citizens no longer believe the state and federal government are protecting our freshwater wetlands, coastal marshlands, and water quality after seeing many critical areas destroyed without the proper permits or review. While citizens watched the daily destruction of a large site on Young Man’s Road, the McIntosh County Commission marginalized their concerns and rezoned the nearby Julienton Plantation property from Conservation Preservation (CP) allowing 1 house on 3 acres to Residential (R1) allowing from 1 to 3 houses per acre depending on the availability of community water and/or sewer. County assurances that the marsh and wetlands are protected by state and federal agencies lack credibility. After seeing our wetlands and marshes cleared, ditched, and drained to allow for more development with greater densities, residents want change. ARK applauds local citizens and the County Commission for their effort to develop a model wetland protection ordinance to protect our remaining wetland resources.

Judge’s Ruling Protects State Waters
“The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) failed to protect state waters by improperly granting a buffer variance to a Brunswick Cabretta and Blackbeard Island developer.” That was the June 2007 decision of Judge John B. Gatto, a state administrative law judge in a suit won by the Altamaha Riverkeeper (ARK) and Satilla Riverkeeper. The court concluded the developer, Robert M. Torras, Sr. repeatedly disturbed the buffer and failed to stabilize the site. The twoacre site in Brunswick is being developed into the “Brunswick Landing Marina.” The judge ruled “the developer failed to provide the EPD director with evidence that impacts to the buffer had been avoided or minimized.” Therefore, the Court concluded that EPD Director Carol Couch improperly granted a variance application. In the course of ARK’s three-year investigation beginning in 2004, ARK filed numerous complaints with the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Department of Natural Resources and EPD officials. According to ARK, CRD’s failure to establish the correct location of the marsh
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jurisdiction line (where the marsh meets the upland) led to the developer bulldozing marsh and dumping 126 truckloads of dirt into the marsh. The suit could have been avoided. The EPD and CRD are responsible for protecting salt marshes but it took the judge’s ruling to enforce the law.

Science Fair Awards
Coastkeeper Wendy Galan presents ARK awards to two eighth graders at the 2008 Georgia Regional Science and Engineering Fair sponsored by Coastal Georgia Community College in Brunswick. Resse Parshley from Needwood Middle School, 1st Place winner for his project: Canals and floodgates in the fresh water and salt watermixing zone.

Camille Hattaway from St Francis Xavier School, 2nd Place winner for her project: Fertilizer. Photos by Glynn Environmental Coalition.

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Altamaha Riverkeeper, One of 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL GEORGIANS
Georgia Trend magazine has sifted through a lengthy list of people throughout the state who seem to carry a lot of weight. In the January edition of the magazine covering business, politics, and economic development, the staff released the names of the ‘100 Most Influential Georgians.’ "You will recognize most of the names on this year’s roster; the usual suspects; the CEOs, statesmen, college presidents, and the like. There are some you’ve probably never heard of; people who cast their influence from behind the scenes. Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland is one of these people," says Georgia Trend. Holland wasn’t always an environmental activist. As a boy in Cochran, he loved hunting, fishing, and almost any activity that involved the natural world. At 17, he became a Marine. Then he moved to Brunswick and decided his life’s work would be on the water as a crabber. For years, his crab pots were always brimming with 1,500 pounds of crabs a day. Ultimately development upstream warmed and polluted the water to the point that the crabs began to disappear and his catch dwindled to less than 200 pounds a day. That’s when he became one of the founding members of ARK. When you look at the photographs of the most influential people in Georgia, Holland is the only one in the entire magazine who is not smiling. He says he has no reason to smile, because neither the Environmental Protection Division nor the Army Corps of Engineers are doing their job to protect our environment. "We are in the middle of a state water crisis and yet our wetlands, swamps, and marshes are being destroyed daily by development. Natural wetland systems are natures' way of storing and gradually releasing water when it is needed, " he said. "The agencies must do a better job of enforcing regulations to protect our natural resources. Our economic

and environmental well-being are one and the same. I encourage everyone to report pollution and demand action from regulatory agencies and elected representatives. "

Proposed Coal Plant on the Oconee River
Plant Washington, a coal-fired power plant is proposed near Sandersville in Washington County in rural east-central Georgia. According to the plant’s website, the company estimates beginning the operation in 2013 to provide base load electricity to nearly 700,000 Electric Management Corporation (EMC) members. The Washington County plant would negatively impact Georgia’s water and air quality according to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. To obtain water for the plant, the EMCs are proposing to build a 30-mile pipeline to the Oconee River. In addition, they plan to dig 16 wells throughout Washington County to draw from groundwater during periods of drought. The proposed plant will also emit smog-forming nitrogen oxides, mercury, soot-forming sulfur dioxide, and global warming pollutants such as carbon
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dioxide for generations to come. Georgia already has 10 coal-fired power plants, one of which, Plant Scherer just to the north of Macon, is often cited as one of the most polluting coal-fired plant in the nation. The cycle of building power plants to serve overprojected needs and then promoting consumption to pay for expensive polluting power plants needs to end now. ARK urges you to get directly involved in reducing the negative impacts of centralized power plants on our water, air, global warming, and our pocketbooks by working to reduce energy consumption and promoting investments in efficiency and conservation. Let’s challenge the utilities to spend the same amount of money to save energy that they do on generating energy. Contact ARK for ways to get involved in finding better energy choices than Plant Washington.
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Superfund Site Fees Donated to Environmental Groups
Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper, and Satilla Riverkeeper. “These funds will support the Altamaha Riverkeeper and the Altamaha Coastkeeper’s work to protect our coastal estuary and marsh systems,” said Deborah Sheppard, Executive Director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper. “We are fortunate to have attorneys whose skill and dedication created this legal victory which makes LCP accountable for their damage to the Glynn County marshes.” In November 2006, the attorneys settled the case against the Allied/LCP chlor alkali plant in Brunswick, for a total of $50 million plus additional cleanup at the site. The attorneys, Joel Wooten (Butler, Wooten & Fryhofer) of Columbus, Robert Killian (Killian & Boyd) of Brunswick, John Bell (Bell & Brigham) and Pam James (Pam James Law) of Augusta settled the Attorneys present check to ARK. Left to right: L-R Wendy Galan, pending cases on behalf of Glynn County and Mathew Teti, Robert Killian, Deborah Sheppard, Joel Wooten, James over 200 Glynn County property owners. Holland, John Bell and Constance Riggins. Honeywell’s records show that from 1957 until 1994, the Allied/LCP plant knowingly In December 2007, a team of attorneys who won the discharged hundreds of thousands of pounds of mercury and largest environmental legal settlement in Georgia history PCBs directly into the outfall that drained into Purvis Creek presented several local and statewide organizations with and the Turtle River. It is one of the most contaminated sites checks totaling $100,000. Recipients of the funds include in Georgia’s history and was designated Georgia’s first the Altamaha Riverkeeper, Georgia Conservation Voters, Superfund site. GreenLaw, Georgia Watch, Glynn Environmental Coalition,

Water vs. Energy
A corn ethanol plant within a few miles of the Altamaha River is in the permitting stage before construction in Mount Pleasant, a community between Jesup and Brunswick. The East Coast Ethanol, LLC website says the company is organizing, financing, and constructing four 110 million gallon per year grain-ethanol production facilities to be located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The GA Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is reviewing requests from the Mt. Pleasant plant to withdraw almost 2 million gallons of water a day from the Upper Floridian aquifer. The estimate for the plant’s discharge into the Altamaha River is around 250,000 gallons of water daily. In a February meeting, Bill Frechette, a hydrologist with EPD, met with citizens from Mt. Pleasant like Kim Smith. “Most area residents totally depend on well water from the aquifer. How will the plant’s water withdrawal plans affect our water supply? With the plants close proximity to our homes and the predicted 100 trucks a day going down our road, we are also concerned about traffic and safety problems,” Smith said. Frishette said the plant’s request was not a lot of water
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for the Floridian aquifer compared to the nearby Rayonier pulp mill, which uses 60 million gallons a day. Frechette said, “State law says the water use is reasonable. EPD can only ask: is the water available? The answer is yes. Are there any unreasonable impacts on the aquifer? The answer is no.” He told the group the state did not regulate noise or truck traffic because those were local issues. Many citizens attending the meeting including Ernie Brooks were dismayed. “Why can this plant draw millions of gallons of water a day, but I can only water my lawn on Tuesdays and Thursdays?” he asked. ARK is concerned because ethanol production uses massive amounts of water, industry standards indicate between three and six gallons of water to produce one gallon of ethanol. According to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy- “Shortage of water is the Achilles heel of cornbased ethanol.” In a state where water resources are already stressed, what is the effect of a water sucking industry on our water quality and supply? In the rush to cash in on ethanol, we do not want to give away our area’s greatest natural resource, the Altamaha River.
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ARK’s Nature Photos Featured
As Altamaha Riverkeeper, James Holland witnesses the devastating effect of pollution. His genuine affection for the wildlife and habitat that he works so hard to protect was evident in his March 2008 photography exhibit at Middle Georgia College. In the opening reception and gallery talk, Holland reflected that in coming back to his hometown of Cochran, his life had gone full circle. He admitted that growing up he had hunted but now his biggest pleasure was shooting wildlife with a camera, especially butterflies. Holland talked about the diminishing wetland habitat, an area that many animals depend on. He said “I’m not against development but some areas are better suited than others. How would you feel if one day you came home and discovered that your home and entire neighborhood was destroyed? “ Holland said he hoped his photography would give people an opportunity to connect with our beautiful wildlife so they would appreciate and protect it. Stop by our office in Darien and see the current display.

Why Wetlands are Important
More than one-third of the United States’ threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands, and nearly half use wetlands at some point in their lives. Estuarine and marine fish and shellfish, various birds, and certain mammals must have coastal wetlands to survive. Most commercial and game fish breed and raise their young in coastal marshes and estuaries. Menhaden, flounder, sea trout, spot, croaker, and striped bass are among the more familiar fish that depend on coastal wetlands. Shrimp, oysters, clams, and blue and Dungeness crabs likewise need these wetlands for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. For many animals and plants, like wood ducks, muskrat, cattails, and swamp rose, inland wetlands are the only places they can live. For others, such as striped bass, peregrine falcon, otter, black bear, raccoon, and deer, wetlands provide important food, water, or shelter. Many of the U.S. breeding bird populations— including ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hawks, wading birds, and many song-birds— feed, nest, and raise their young in wetlands. Many species of migratory birds are completely dependent on certain wetlands and would become extinct if those wetlands were destroyed.
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Altamaha

Homage to Water
Canopy Studio Repertory Company, an Athens dance company known for aerial dance, performed “Water Body” and part of the proceeds from the performance were a benefit for the Atlamaha Riverkeeper. “The Water Body performance on April 1820 and 25-27, 2008 was about the preciousness of water, how we can be stewards of it, how we pollute it, and how we need to reclaim it as an essential and spiritual element,” says Canopy Director Susan Murphy” The show included a video designed by show Co-Director Michelle Dodson, a graduate student in the UGA theater and film department. Dodson shot portions of the video montage in the Altamaha River estuary on a boating trip with L-R, Bottom row: Dana Skelton, Julie Phillips, Melissa Roberts, Riverkeeper James Holland. Susan Murphy, Jenna Hencinski, Carlynn Kenna. Middle row: Ecological writer, naturalist, and former ARK Deborah Sheppard, Constance Riggins, Megan Cattau, Chris Board member, Janisse Ray, wrote the poem used Knightes, Rabun Dekle, Julia Franz, Amy Powell, Allyson Mann, for the production’s spoken word. Michelle Dodson, James Holland. Sitting on Tetra: Lindy Pals, The Altamaha Riverkeeper appreciates the Lauren Puls, and Annette Byrd. combination of talent, creativity, and generosity. We thank Susan Murphy, Don Carson, Janisse Ray, Michelle Dodson, Dana Skelton, and all of the Canopy dancers for the honor of ARK’s association with the beautiful performance.

Young Man’s Road
McIntosh Citizens discovered the hard way that state and federal agencies are not keeping wetlands from being destroyed, even in high profile cases like this one on Young Man’s Road in North McIntosh County. Stunned residents joined ARK in repeatedly reporting suspected violations on this site to state and federal officials. We watched in horror as this vegetated wetland and marsh front property was devastated. The Coastal Resources Division, EPD, & the Corp of Engineers received reports and responded to developers but said they could not stop this destruction. These agencies have met for months with the developer to devise a plan to restore this site. ARK supports restoration of the site and meaningful fines for the developers. We join with citizens in asking why wetlands and marshes have to be destroyed before any government agency will act. Now we have a devastated site and lots of agency attention and tax payer money being spent on fixing something that should have never been destroyed.
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ARK & Coastkeeper Appeal CMPC Decisions
Creek’s depth measurements. James Holland Altamaha Riverkeeper and Wendy Galan Coastkeeper followed up by conducting an extensive depth survey of this section of the creek. According to ARK’s information: from mid outgoing to mid incoming tide, the channel is only passable by kayakers and johnboats. At low tide, it is not deep enough for other boats. The applicant has already discussed dredging the creek with state and federal officials. Other problems exist for modifying the only free public access to the water on St Simons Island. The committee did not impose conditions to prevent pubic fuel sales or to limit fuel usage to LSSI vessels even after various members of the public and a CMPC member observed that the proposal appeared to be a commercial marina in disguise. The committee also failed to adopt any restrictions on the number and size of vessels that use the dock or the tidal ranges in which they use the public ramp. The project goes far beyond what LSSI needs and the island is not the permit applicant or even a co applicant. For instance, a 6,000-gallon underground storage tank will hold substantially more fuel that little St Simons Island would require on a monthly basis. The CMPC and P & M have attempted to derail the appeal by challenging ARK's standing or right to appeal this decision. This technical manuever delays the resolution of the case on its merits and increases ARK's legal costs. Earlier attempts by the state to challenge ARK’s standing to appeal permit decisions have failed. We question why the state is spending money to waste ARK’s time and resources, when they could be addressing citizen concerns by improving permitting decisions with critical review and proper evaluation of applications. ARK and its Coastkeeper program have also appealed the permit for a 1300 + foot dock rider system at Tranquility on the South Newport in North McIntosh County. As in the Harrington Creek marina case, the CMPC failed to properly review and evaluate the proposal in light of the CMPA. The proliferation of docks created by high-density upland development is increasing negative impacts to the salt marsh ecosystem. These cases illustrate the necessity for accurate applications and proper review.

Harrington Creek at low tide, not deep enough for the current dock, the proposed and permitted dock, nor boats.

Dock Improvement or Plan for New Commercial Marina?
“The Coastal Marshland Protection Committee (CMPC) made a mistake by granting a permit that could allow a commercial marina on Harrington Creek on St. Simons Island.” This is the opinion of over 300 citizens and the Altamaha Riverkeeper & Coastkeeper who say the fragile and shallow site location is unsuitable for the proposed marina and the proposed 6,000-gallon underground fuel storage tank. The permit applicant, P & M Cedar Products, denies the project is for a commercial marina. They claim they only want to repair a dilapidated dock at Village Creek Landing for an embarkation point for guests and staff of the nearby ecotourism resort, Little Saint Simon’s Island (LSSI). The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) states that to receive a permit the applicant is required to demonstrate the proposed alteration is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative public facilities exist. However, for years, boats and guests going to LSSI embark from the nearby Hampton River Club Marina. Recently Hampton River Club Marina requested a major expansion and has more than enough slip space, parking, and fueling capacity to serve both LSSI and other members of the public. ARK says the applicant submitted erroneous information in its application and the state did not verify Harrington
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Altamaha

The Altamaha River Keeper celebrated Georgia’s coastal bounty with Clam Jam 2007 on November 17. The event was held at Pelican Point’s Restaurant in Belleville, a small community in McIntosh County overlooking the Sapelo River. The food served at the party slept in the river the night before, and the local shrimp, oysters, and clams were representative of the party’s purpose: to emphasize that citizens, seafood and wildlife all demand healthy water. Support for protection of our magnificent coastal resources began with scores of businesses and individuals donating wonderful auction items for the party. Clam Jam sponsors were generous, hosts abundant, bringing their family and friends from throughout the watershed. Once the auction began, guests were fierce and liberal in their bidding. The Dappled Grays and Noel Hamilton and Friends, Jonny Hibbert and John Riley provided music for dancing following the auction. The party was a great success and ARK thanks everyone who participated.
Clam Jam Sponsors Boone’s Seafood Brighter Day Natural Foods Market Don and Karen Stewart Garth Bray and Kathryn Baxter Georgia Shrimp Company Krull and Company Mary Ellen and Dick Wilson Melaver, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Ray McPhail Phillips Seafood Piggly Wiggly Poppell, Bolin, and West, Attorneys at Law Russell and Molly Kent Sapelo Sea Farms Southeast Georgia Health System Stormwater Systems The Peninsula at Golden Isles Whitworth Law Firm, P.C. Hosts Alice Bealer Ann and Andrew Hartzell Bill and Frances Landel Bill, Jan, and Brittany Merriman Charles Seabrook Charlie Phillips Christa Frangiamore Christi Lambert Cliff and Saundra Altekruse David and Mindy Egan Emmy and Al Minor Greg Bayard and Maggie Kelly Jane and Joe Fulcher Kate Smith Katie Shellman Lane and Flip Chalfant Linda Lamb and Paul Griffin Lisa Norton Michelle Lane Nancy Smith Robyn and Daron Joffe Sheila and Johnny Parker Contributors Al Kline Alan Campbell Altamaha Coastal Tours Andy Palmer Antonio Raimo Galleries, Atl. Ben Foster Bonnie and Steve Newell Brad Baugh Brent Daniel Cargo Portside Grill, Brunswick Dan and Ginger Troy Dapple Grays Daron (Farmer D) Joffe David and Betty Lewis Don and Karen Stewart Don Carson Fiddlers Frances Landel Gordon Rogers Half Moon Outfitters, Charleston SC Helen Findley Ivan Bailey Janisse Ray Jeannine Cook Jekyll Island Artist’s Association Joe Durrett John Riley Jonny Hibbert Kate Smith Kristen Strezo Len Poleszak Linda Armstrong Lucian DeBacker Lydia Thompson Maria Mixon Marty Whitthoft Melissa Pope Scott Mike Buckner Noel Hamilton Ogeechee-Canochee Riverkeeper Chandra Brown Open Gates Bed and Breakfast, Jeff and Kelly Spratt Peter Wagner Raven Buchard Robert Filippo Richard Meeder Rod Squires Ruth Kelly Savannah Bee Company Scottie Lingerfelt Shelia Parker Sheryl Schooley St Catherine’s Island Foundation Stacia Hendricks Sue Gertis Taylor Denny Tim Blackledge Tradewinds of Coastal Georgia Waterfront Wines Wild Birds Unlimited, Savannah Wright Gres

CLAM JAM 2007

Mark your calendars for September 27, 2008 Clam Jam
Please volunteer now to help. We need auction items, sponsors, and party hosts to put together tables of friends. It will be an exciting event with music, dance, and seafood to celebrate our coastal estuary and its bountiful gifts. Party location will be in McIntosh County, Georgia’s leader in shellfish harvesting. We will provide more information as the date draws closer.
Altamaha

Richard Madray
(1923-2007) Jesup
Quick with a smile, Richard loved his family and the Altamaha. He was a leader on ARK’s Board of Directors from the beginning of the organization up until his death. His knowledge of the river and his enthusiasm to protect it was inspiring to us all. Richard was an avid historian and served as a Wayne County Commissioner, member of the Wayne County Historical Society and the Jesup First Free Will Baptist Church. People like Richard who loved the river, enhance ARK’s mission and make our work more meaningful.
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Don Cohrs (1926- 2008) Darien
Don Cohrs acted every day in countless ways to support his community and protect the environment he cherished. According to his wife Doris, he always said “I wish everyone would take a walk in the woods and look and listen to nature's awesome wonders.” An avid and expert birder, Don's favorite bird was the one he was looking at. We honor his memory by sharing our favorite wildlife photos throughout the newsletter.

In Honor Of
Mr and Mrs Jerry Amerson by Dr and Mrs Tyrus Ivey Stacia Hendricks by Jane Beadles Mandy Schmitt by David Dod Deborah Sheppard & her lovely children by Joel and Vicki Breman Alice Bealer by Emily Calhoun Wendy Galan by James B. Gilbert Wendy Galan by David Hobbs and Karen Evans

Ogden Doremus (1921- 2007) Metter
As spring comes again to the Altamaha, we celebrate Earth Day in memory of our friend, teacher, and protector of Georgia's environment.

Gift Memberships
Hunter Hurst and Barbara Foster from Susan Earl Mrs. George U. Strosnider, Mr. Merle A. Bessey, Mr. and Mrs. Al Bilotti, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Josh Chamberlain, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Vollen, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nance, Mr. and Mrs. Blake Henry from Janice and Larry Lamattina Mrs. Ida Cecil from Mr. and Mrs. John Cecil James L. Harrell from James R. Harrell John and Anne Donaldson, Gus and Sally Camacho, Keld Agnar and Judith Ryerson from Capp Cappelmann Tom and Tricia Bass from Gayle Findlay Ben and Patricia Cochran from Gayle Findlay Bill Fanning Jr. from Honey Fanning Laura Toal from Russell Toal Johnny and Sarah Johnson from Kyla Hastie Chris Crouse, Andy and Tina Pusser from George and Ann Fuller J. Andrew Summerour from Martha Summerhour

Special Thanks to Friends & Volunteers
Adam Kron Akin Memorial United Methodist Church Alice Bealer Allen Dubose Ann Hartzell Aoki Yanigiya Becky and Walt Woods Bill Sapp Brian Gist Bruce Berryhill Bryce Baumgartner Bub and Mary Lynde Way Cabrinia Wright Caitlan Kelley Cap Cappelmann Carrie Knapp Catherine Wannamaker Chandra Brown Charlie Agnew Charlie Phillips Christa Frangiamore Claudia Hafner Cliff and Saundra Altekruse Dana Beach, Georgia River Network Daniel Parshley Danny Grissette David and Mindy Egan David Kyler David Mixon David Pope Don Stack Doris and Don Cohrs Dortha Myers Ed Henderson Ed McDaniel Ed Stelle Elizabeth Nicholas Ellie Legg Elliot Brack Emily Egginton Emmy and Al Minor Erica Overstreet Frances and Bill Landel Fred and Sallye Hooks Fred Marland Georgia Conservancy Gordon Rogers Gray Cat Gang Dulcimer Band Hutton Brown James Bryan, Jr. Janisse Ray Jason Chapman Jay St Vincent JD and Linda Daniel Jeanne Norris Jeremy Maslak Joe and Jane Fulcher Joe Durrett John Baker John Cleveland John Evans Johnny Bembry Joyce and Chuck Ellison Justine Thompson Kate Marks Kathryn Kappler Kathy Wilcox Katie Shellman Kelly and Jeff Spratt Kim Harper Krista Frangiamore Kristine Stratton Kurt Ebersbach Len Hauss Lisa Sanders Mac and Neill Herring Marilyn Lanier Marion Ricker Mark Yaggi Marshall Gaddis Mary Ann Overstreet Mary Ellen Wilson Michelle Dodson Motoki Yanigiya Nanae Yanagiya Neil Carey Patagonia Atlanta Patricia Rugaber Patrick Hagan Paul Christian Peter Krull Phil Fortune Renee and Amy DeWitt Rett Davis Rev Gary Abbot Robert Dewitt Robert Oberman Rosa Parks Sandy Pharr Scott Cunningham Sheila and Johnny Parker Susan Murphy Tommie Kapplar Tracey Huskey Vicki Klahn Walt and Becky Wood Wendell and Kathleen Berryhill Wendell Meadows

In Memory Of
Richard Madray by: Dorothy Hires, Emily Harris, Joan and Winton Westberry, Lynne Hanks and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Adams, Mary Ellen Wilson, Len and Janis Hauss, Wayne County Retired Educators Association, Linton and Olene T. Lewis, Monica Oquinn, Marilyn Lanier, Wilson and Tracy Elder, Dayne and Evelyn Deloach, Piney Grove Cemetery Trust Fund, Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Houston and family, Warren and Sharon Whidden, Riley and Shirley Reddish, Onnie Osborne, Major General and Mrs. William Holland Ogden Doremus by: Joel and Vicki Breman, Chandra and Doug Brown, Patsy Bowen, Savannah Presbytery M.K. Pentacost Ecology Fund Lana and Leah Meadows by Jeanie and Wendell Meadows Howard Reddish by Len and Janis Hauss William Bryan Jr. by: Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Hale, Mr. and Mrs. William Bryan III, Jim Connah Mrs. Margaret Somers by Mr. and Mrs. E. Kay Stafford Jr. Robert L. Osborne by Linton and Olene T. Lewis Kay Slavinsky by Pam and Lewis Shropshire Hannah Lardin Swearingen by Joan Lardin Milton Newton Hopkins Jr. by: Susie Humphries, Don and Doris Cohrs Dr. Peter Holliday by Jack and Barbara Jenkins Christopher Dickinson by Lewis and Pam Shropshire Emmitt F. Yearty by Timothy Parker Aaron Sweerus by Marjorie Sweerus Bell John Kraus by Chris and Ward Milner Mr. Bad, a good kitty by Jane Fraser Bob and Margina Dunlap by Gina Dunlap-Cogswell Dr. C. E. Patton by Tracy Elder, Jack Patton, Steve Patton, Rob Patton Ray Jessup by Dr. and Mrs. John W. Bembry Ida Cecil by: Wesley and Molly Cottingham, Edward and Susan Reynolds, Jimmy and Nancy Cain, David and Tina Jimmerson, Mary Severance and Kay Eisenhower Earl B. Fazekas by B. J. Fazekas Johnny Adams by Kathryn Shellman Byron Lewis by Capp Cappleman Tommy Hogg by Boree and Dora Watson

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Altamaha

Adriane Wood Al Kline Alan and Pat Sproles Alan Campbell Albert Way Alice Bealer Alice L Steyaart Alison Hawk Allan NeSmith Allan Sproles Allan Sproles Allen McDaniel Alpha J Watson Altamaha Coastal Tours Alvin Tuten, Jr. Amelia Lasater Andrew and Ann Hartzell Andrew Cabero Jr. Andrew Wetherington Andy and Amy Broderick Andy and Tina Pusser Andy Palmer Angela Donaldson Angie and Kenny Gatewood Ann and Bell Carswell Ann and George Fuller Ann and Jim Trapnell Ann and Ralph Hemphill Anna Campbell Anna Tillman Anne Armstrong Davis Anne Hoyt Anne Langford Anne Mueller Anne Smith Antonio Raimo Galleries April Ingle Aurelia Adams B. J. Fazekas Barbara Ann Simons Barbara Lumpkin Barlow Rhodes Barry Hannah Barry Hudson Bell & Brigham Ben and Zay Foster Ben Blount Ben Ogbogu Berkeley and Dan Minor Bertha and Paul Marsden Betsy Lerner Betty Herrin Betty Scott Betty Vaughn and Don Schoonover Bill and Frances Landel Bill Eisenhauer Bill Heinz Bill Jones Bill Liggin Bill Sapp and Allison Burdette Blake Lisenby Bo McAdams Bob and Jackie Gunn Bob Biebel Bob Livingston Bonnie and Steven Newell Boones Seafood Boree and Dora Watson Brad Baugh Breezer Molton, Half Moon Outfitters Brenda Strickland Brian Strange Brighter Day Natural Foods Brockington and Associates, Inc Bruce Berryhill Bub and Mary Lynde Way Bud and Mary Alice Thomas Bud and Niki Queen Burt Cousar Burton Family Foundation Butch and Pat Hall

Butch Zell Butler Wooten & Fryhofer, LLP C. Brooks and Othilla Bailey Calvin and Lillie Ann Yawn Capp Cappelmann Cargo Portside Grill Carl Kitchens and Carole Dixon Carlton Herrin and Carla Jernigan Carlton Rowell Carmine Carpenter Carol Kemker Carol M. Williams Carol Moldoveanu Carol Stangler Carol Williams and Roderic Johnson Carole Lyons Caroline and Terry Harrington Cary Smith Cassina Garden Club Cecil and Sandra Hudson Chandra and Doug Brown Charles A. Daley Charles and Belitje Bull Charles and Claire Cox Charles and Grace Kerns Charles and Joyce Baugh Charles and Joyce Ellison Charles and Laura Seabrook Charles and Marjorie Bell Charles Andrew Charles Andrew, Jr. Charles Baugh Charles Heinz Charles Smith Charlie Agnew Charlie Belin Charlie Phillips Chester Parker Chip and Gina Sasser Chris and Ward Milner Chris Crounse Chris Depkin Christa Frangiamore Christi Lambert Christina Nichols Christine Rodick Christine Salberg Christopher Miller Cindy McDonald Claire Daughtry Clare Buchanan Clark and Tammy Heindel Clementi L. Holder Colonel (R) John E. Rourke Constance Johnson D. Alan West Dale and Sonny Thorpe Dale Bishop Dan and Ginger Troy Dan Good Dan Stone Dana and Chris Skelton Daniel Krauss, Jr. and Daniel Krauss Daniel Parshley Danny and Kim Smith Danny Grissette Dapple Grays Darien Telephone Company Daron Joffe David and Betty Ann Lewis David and Kim Wittenberg David and Mindy Egan David and Tina Jimmerson David Dickerson David Dockery and Rosemarie Griggs David Dod David Higgins David Hobbs and Karen Evans David Pope David Rickerson

Thanks to our supporters

David Wright and Mary Mcgee Dawn and August Stitzel Debbie Kearney and Dale Williams Deborah Oder Del and Beverly Presley Delores Coy Denise Holland Dennis and Amy Walker Dennis and Betty Benner Dennis and Faren Crews Diane Lewis Dianne Russell Dick and Barbara Kasak Don and Dortha Myers Don and Karen Stewart Don Carson and Susan Murphy Donald Richardson Jr. Donny Screws, Jr. Dot Cowart Dot Moss Dr. and Mrs. E. L. Harrell Dr. and Mrs. E. R. McDannald, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. John Bembry Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Brobson Dr. and Mrs. Thomas McKee Dr. Dale Bishop Dr. Eugene and Charlsie Keferl Dr. Gary Lewis Dr. Lloyd Newberry, Jr. Dr. Melissa Booth Dr. Richard and Ginger Boswell Dr. Roger and Annette Branch Dr. Thomas Fassuliotis and Ginger Lowery Dr. Walter Ray Davis Jr. Dusty and Wright Gres Dwain Christian E. Jack Davidson E. Turner Collins Ed and Linda Hunt Ed Jordan Ed McDaniel Eddie and Wana Brown Edward and Susan Reynolds Edward Boshears Edward Byron "Bo" Lewis Elaine and Charles Nash Elbern Lowery Eliose Thompson Ellen and Michael Kiley Ellie Legg Eloise B Thompson Emily Calhoun Emmy and Al Minor Farm 255 Faye D. Parker Faye Hinson Faye Sisson Fiddlers - Darien Foye L. Tinsley III Frances and Bill Landel Frank and Lois Quinby Frank and Patty McIntosh Frank and Patty Parrish Frank Giusta Frank Watson Frankie and Guy Clark Frankie Pennone Frankie Snow Gaby Ivie Gail S Bleichner Garden Club of Gerogia Garth Bray and Kathryn Baxter Gary Fowler George A Rogers George and Ethel Pruden George and Juanita Davis George and Lisa Trexler George and Susan Dupree George C. Carson George Eshliman

George Rogers Georgia Graves Georgia River Network Georgia Shrimp Company Gina Dunlap-Cogswell Glenn Carroll Boatenreiter Glover and Joanne Rae McGhee Golden Island International, LLC Gordon and Gina Rogers Grace Jackson Gray Cat Gang Greg and Lisa Milks Gregg Bayard and Maggie Kiley Gregory and Joyce Kennedy Griffin and Carolyn Lotson Guy and Nancy Carter Guy and Robin Cheek Guy and Valerie Fried Gwyneth Moody H.P. Nunnally Jr. Hamilton Plantation Garden Club Harold and Virginia Hicks Harriet Jardine Harriet Langford Harry Mitchell Hazel Lowery Helen Findley Helen Meadors Helen, Alexis and Julianne Aberle Henry and Audry Phillips Henry and Diane Parkman Henry Freeman Bacon Holli Bailey Honey Fanning Horst Beall Howard and Rose Browning Huey R. Ham Ivan Bailey Ivy and Terri Rozier J. Bryan Fobbus J. Burton Cousar J. M. Starr, Sr. J.M.M. Harrison Jack Amason Jack and Barbara Jenkins Jack and Patti Sandow Jack and Sherry Jones Jack F. Godfrey Jackson Lake Homeowners James Harrell James and Jeanne Manning James and Lisa Cheney James and Mabel Hicks James and Sue Gertis James Drake James Buttimer and Theresa Wexel James L. Jackson Jr. James P. Cifrino, Jr. Jan and Bill Merriman Jane and Joe Fulcher Jane and Malcolm MacKenzie Jane Clark Jane Hildebrand Jane Walker Janice Browning Janiece and Peter Broadhead Janisse Ray and Raven Burchard Jean and Bob Melton Jeanie and Wendell Meadows Jeannine and Rundle Cook Jeff and Kelly Spratt Jeffery Brown Jeffrey and Judy Jennings Jennifer J. Zimmerman & Yvonne V. Miller Jim B. Gilbert Jim Connah Jim Grode and Julie Mayfield Jimmie Ann Abner Jimmy and Charlotte Harrell Jimmy and Nancy Cain

Altamaha

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Jimmy Johnson Jo and Jack Godfrey Joan C. Lardin Joan Hutcheson Joan Lardin Joann C. Cook Joanne Sharpe Joe and Jane Magnum Joe Durrett Joe M Blanton Joe Vinson Joel and Vicki Breman John and Geraldine Train John and Karen Traylor John and Lane Mitchell John Baker John Branch John E. Ladson III John Link John McCord John Pasto John Riley John Sparrow John Wegner Johnny and Sarah Johnson Jonny Hibbert Jon Schwartz Joy Kennedy Joyce Murlless Joycelyn Young Judy and Phil Bates Julia Spivey Karen Hunt Kate Broyles Katherine Mountcastle Kathryn Shellman Kay Beynart Kaye T. Bracewell Keith and Shirl Parsons Keith Haskell Ken and Celia Bush Ken and Linda Tucker Ken and Marjorie Neuhart Ken Medernach Ken Neuhart Ken Suttles Keta Davenport Killian & Boyd, PC Kim and Thomas Tyler Kitty and Philip Spivey Kitty Kellogg Krull & Company Kyla & Keith Hastie Lane and Flip Chalfant Larry Hodges Larry Kennedy Laura Chenault Laura Fabrizio Laurens County Sportsman Club Laurie Fahs LaVada Kendrick Len and Janis Hauss Len Poleszak Leslie B. Davenport, Jr. Lewis and Pam Shropshire Lillian Jenkins Lillian Schaitberger Linda Armstrong Lindsay and Marie Holliday Lisa Davidson Lisa Mason Lisa Norton Lori and David Morley Lorraine Koenn Louie Talmadge Lumley Lucian DeBacker Lucy and Edgar Shaw Lucy J. Mercuri Luke and Anne Smith Lydia Thompson Lynne Bayens

Lynne Dobbins Mac and Brenda Rawson Malcom Fraser Foundation Marcus and Chrissy Pearson Mardy Greer, Fidlers Margaret Anne and George Carswell Margaret Lee Margaret Rose Jones Maria Mixson Marian and Wayne Owens Marilyn Lanier Mark and Betsy Friedman Mark Turpen Marston Dyche Martha Summerour Marty Witthoft Mary Eleanor Wickersham Mary Ellen and Dick Wilson Mary Lou Forsyth Mary Lynn and Edmund Dukes Mary Severance & Kay Eisenhower Mattie and David Gladstone Maurice Hatfield Max Brugh Max Davis McReynolds Family Foundation Melaver, Inc. Melissa Pope-Scott Michael and Benita Muth Michael and Joyce Russell Michael and Pamela Browning Michael Moody Michelle Hendry Michelle Lane Mick Allen Mike and Laurie Hawks Mike and Rosie Ozaki Molly Martin Monica O'Quinn Morgan Fordham Mr. & Mrs. Richard Madray Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Hale Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Peppiatt Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Claude Bird Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Holder Mr. and Mrs. Dubose Porter Mr. and Mrs. Guy Carter Mr. and Mrs. H. Ray McPhail Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hagerty Mr. and Mrs. Horace Wishart Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks Mr. and Mrs. John Cecil Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Lindsey Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gossage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tomberlin Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Thompson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Thorpe Mr. and Mrs.Paul Mathis Jr. Mrs. Sam R. Cecil Nancy and Hank Boshears Nancy and Hank Ringeling Nancy Shipman Coursey Nancy Zeigler Nathan and Joyce Klaus Neal Priest Nellie Sparrow Neptune Garden Club Nila Geiger Noel Hamilton Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper Olen Williams P Edmonds Parker and Mandlon Blount Pat Wilkinson Patricia and Wilson Thorpe Patty Martin Paul & Jane Christian Paul and Annabelle Salter Paul and Brenda Kordizikowski

Thanks to our supporters

Paul and Cathy Glenn Paul and Joan Sykes Paul and Rene Kane Paul Cushing Paul E. Brown Paul Griffin and Linda Lamb Payson and Sara Sullivan Peggie Harris Peggy Lee Pete Peteet and Ana Vizurraga Peter Paluch and Judi Holley Peter Wagner Phil and Jan Fortune Philip I. Friedman DDS Pierre Howard Piggly Wiggly Poppell, Bolin & West, Attorneys at Law Preston Foskey Price and Rogena Cordle R. Don Lewis R.E.M. Ralph and Ann Hemphill Ralph and Ellen Shapiro Randal Walker Randy Brown Randy Coody Ray and Georgia Hawkins Ray E. Colglazier Ray Garrett and Mary Jane Coleman Reba Stone Rebecca Bell Rebecca R Shortland Regina Beatie Rep. Debbie & Mike Buckner Richard and Carol Hatcher Richard and Gia Lillie Richard and Martha Armstrong Richard and Michelle Brown Richard Lowrance Richard Neal and Ginger Boswell Rick Parrish Rick Smith Rita Kilpatrick Robbie Griffith Robert and Carol Fudge Robert and Carolyn Hargrove Robert and Tracie DeWitt Robert Baker Robert Davis Robert N. Saveland Robert Saveland Rod Squires Roger and Susan Mathews Roger Frobe Rogers Family Trust Ron and Jennifer Kneib Ronald and Willene Frost Rooney and Peggy Tillman Rosemary Griggs Rowland Cliatt Royce Hayes Russell and Molly Kent Russell and Whit Perrin Wright Rusty Quarterman Ruth Kelly Sally Bethea Sally Mathis Sam Elliott Sandra Cerrato Sandra Stribling Sara Barczak and Anthony Jernigan Sarah & Wilson Barmeyer Satilla Riverkeeper, Inc. Saundra and Cliff Altekruse Savannah Bee Company Savannah Presbytery M.K. Pentacost Ecology Fund Scott Cunningham Scottie Lingerfelt, Sailfish Inn

Sean Galvin Senator Jack Hill Sheila and Johnny Parker Sheryl Rentz Sheryl Schooley Sidney Bacchus Skip Slocum and Sara Taylor Southeast Adventure Outfitters Southeast Georgia Health System Spring Tide Communities Stacia Hendricks Stanley Smith Stephanie and Tom Coffin Stephen and Barbara Ryner Steve & Barbara Ryner Steven and Gail Willis Steven Scott Battle Stormwater Systems, Inc. Sue Gertis Summer Teal Simpson Suntrust Bank - Robert W. Owen Susan Inman Susan Thomas Susie Humphries Suzanne H. Williams Suzy Cohen Taylor and Marie Schoettle Taylor Denny Terri and Ivy Rozier The Keith Brasher Family The Sapelo Foundation The Turner Foundation The Walter Boone Family Thomal Patrick and Bretta Perkins Thomas and Doris Tomberlin Thomas and Stephanie Coffin Thomas Black Thomas Gaines Thomas Ingram Thomas Lowndes Tim Blackledge Timothy Parker Tina and Walton Harris Tom Fanslow Tommie and Kathryn Kappler Tommy Wallace Toni and Jimmy McCook Tradewinds of Coastal Georgia Troy and Paula Winebarger Upper Oconee Watershed Network Urbana Garden Club Venetia Butler Veolia Environmental Services Vickie S. Traylor and Jeremy T. Schneider W. E. Fraser Wallace Floyd Walt and Becky Wood Waterfront Wine - Darien Wayne and Marian Owens Wesley and Jan Rogers Wesley and Molly Cottingham Whitworth Law Firm Wild Birds Unlimited William A. Parker Jr. William C. Eisenhauer William Harden William J Ellis III and Jane Watt Balsley William Jones William Laws William M Lester Jr William Meadows Wilson and Patrica Thorpe Wilson and Tracy Elder Winn and Carolyn Baker Zeke Gilmore

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Altamaha

Altamaha
P.O. Box 2642 Darien, Georgia 31305 (912) 437-8164 www.altamahariverkeeper.org
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PERMIT #15 DARIEN, GA

Board of Directors
Bruce Berryhill, Cochran Robert DeWitt, Darien Wright Gres, Baxley Kyla Hastie, Athens Len Hauss, Reidsville Neill Herring, Jesup James Holland, Brunswick Christi Lambert, Darien Marilyn Lanier, Cobbtown John Pasto, Cochran Ann Trapnell, Metter Mary Ellen Wilson, Eastman Becky Wood, Kathleen Walt Wood, Kathleen Whit Perrin Wright, Jasper

Staff
Bryce Baumgartner Operations Manager James Holland Altamaha Riverkeeper Wendy Vazquez Galan Altamaha Coastkeeper Constance Riggins Development Director Deborah Sheppard Executive Director

Your membership contributions allow us to keep working for our watershed. Your membership expiration date is listed on your mailing label. Please send your tax deductible donation today.

Where is the Watershed and why is it important?
The Altamaha River Watershed is Georgia’s largest, covering 14,000 square miles. Beginning near Atlanta and Athens, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the water system sends one hundred thousand gallons of fresh water a second to the Atlantic Ocean. Once it reaches the coast, the watershed creates one of the most productive estuaries in the country. Georgia’s coast is less than a hundred miles long, but it contains one third of the salt marsh on the United States’ Eastern coast. The watershed’s rivers, small creeks, and streams feed the bountiful estuarine ecosystem that provides the nursery grounds for commercially and recreationally valuable fish and food for thousands of migratory birds. More than 120 species of rare or endangered plants and animals live in the Altamaha River Watershed - the largest documented cluster of globally imperiled plants and animals of any watershed in Georgia. Thousands of residents depend on the Altamaha River Watershed for recreation, food, and drinking water.

Thanks to the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island, with special thanks to David and Mindy Egan, Senator Jeff Chapman, Representative Debbie Buckner, Jekyll Island Authority member Ed Boshears, and the thousands of citizens who are working to protect Jekyll. For more information go to: www.savejekyllisland.org.

The Altamaha Riverkeeper and its Altamaha Coastkeeper program are working to protect and restore the habitat, water quality, and flow of the mighty Altamaha from its headwaters in the Oconee, Ocmulgee, and Ohoopee to its terminus at the Atlantic Coast.

How ARK Works: Assisting citizens with water pollution problems, the Altamaha Riverkeeper investigates sites to stop pollution. ARK’s work includes water testing, documentation, and follow up reports to local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to encourage the enforcement of water quality laws. Through education, environmental advocacy, citizen action, negotiation, and if necessary, legal action, ARK finds solutions to protect the health of our rivers and estuary.