Winter 2010 Newsletter Altamaha

hhisis TTreeree TBBelongselongs ttoo YYou.ou. YYourour SSupportupport HHelpselps ttoo PProtectrotect itit aandnd oourur AAmazingmazing WWatershed.atershed. Holland found the tree when visiting the area in the Altamaha River fl oodplain in Long County and McIntosh County with state offi cials and jokingly claimed the tree as his, but it really belongs to you. The state recently purchased the 7,180 acre track from The Nature Conservancy for about 8 million Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland discovers the largest cypress tree dollars to protect the old growth trees. in Georgia, measuring 44 feet and 5 inches The land, which supports at least 17 rare and endangered species and includes freshwater wetlands, tupelo swamps, and longleaf pine forests, will be maintained as a conservation area in the Townsend Wildlife Management Area.

Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area ARK’s Walk on the Wild Side participants thank Mincy Moffett with GA D.N.R.’s Nongame Conservation Section and Nature Conservancy Land Steward Erick Brown for a wonderful tour of the Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area. Thanks also to Board Member Marilyn Lanier and Faye Parker for a magical day. ARK looks forward to working with D.N.R. to protect this unique ecosystem. A Celebration for the Altamaha and Satilla Riverkeeper to show support for both Riverkeeper groups. Claire Cox is also proud of her brother, Gordon Rogers who was the Satilla Riverkeeper until recently when he took the helm of the Flint Riverkeeper. Everyone enjoyed the delicious BBQ pig and all the fi xings catered by Satterfi eld’s and cakes and pies homemade by the Cox’s friends and family. The night progressed with updates on the Riverkeeper’s work and fabulous music by the band, 6 Degrees. It was a special night and we want to thank everyone for supporting watershed protection. We are especially grateful to the hosts who made the event possible.; Claire The fi rst thing to appear when you came over the and Charlie Cox , Beth Collins and Bob Farquhar, Bob hill in the Macon neighborhood was a big festive tent in and Susan Middleton, Duck and Jeanette Moss, Joe and Claire and Charlie Cox’s front yard. Under the tent on Virginia Popper, Lindsay and Marie Holliday, Molly the beautiful October night were over a hundred friends Martin, and Tom and Tricia Bass gathered to support the work of the Altamaha Riverkeeper Thanks also to Barry Hudson of Middle Georgia and Satilla Riverkeeper. Tent Rental, Southern Eagle Distributors, and Bee The Cox’s and other hosts live in the Altamaha River Natural Candles. With all of your help, the Altamaha and Watershed near the Ocmulgee River and many have life- Satilla Riverkeepers will continue to protect our greatest long experience on the Satilla River and the group wanted resources for generations to come.

Rayonier Stink Affects Fish, Residents, Tourists, and Tourism Dollars Complaints from from people who say that Rayonier’s foul odor makes locall citizens and tourists them feel nauseous and sick. ofo stinky air and catching Rayonier claims they are not in violation of their smellys inedible fi sh in consent order from the state Environmental Protection thet Altamaha River near Division and that they are making efforts to reduce the color thet Rayonier pulp mill and odor of the plant’s discharge into the river. ARK thinks ini Wayne County near Rayonier’s efforts are inadequate. Until Rayonier cleans up JesupJ increased during its smelly discharge which is interfering with the enjoyment thet summer of 2009. of the river and making the fi sh unsafe to eat, Rayonier is The Altamaha negatively affecting the environment and economy of all the Chad Crews holds his nose RiverkeeperR is part of communities in the area. after cleaning this bream caught the Altamaha River near Raynier. Partnership (ARP), a coalition of state, regional, and local representatives promoting nature-based tourism and associated economic development opportunities within 11 counties bordering the Altamaha River. The partnership goes to great length and expense to promote the Altamaha as a tourism destination through Local Area Welcome Centers, Departments of Tourism, and Chambers of Commerce. Outreach includes producing and supplying annual Altamaha River calendars and thousands of brochures entitled, Georgia’s Altamaha Speakers at the December 1 forum on Waste Water Treatment River - A Canoe Trail Map & Adventure Guide. on the Georgia Coast received photos taken by James Holland. The brochures attract boaters and kayakers from Pictured here are Chuck Hopkinson, Bob Freeman, James around the country. Tourists rave about the beautiful Holland, Brian Baker, Jim Poff, Bruce Pruitt, Bill Sapp, John Day, Mark Hooks, and Jack Blanton. Thanks to Chandra Brown, trip down the Altamaha until they get in the vicinity of Daniel Parshley, David Kyler, John Carswell, and Bill Sapp for Rayonier. At that point, ARK receives constant complaints organizing the event.

Altamaha 2 Salt Marsh Soldiers

Students in Vicki Klahn’s classes were inspired after Altamaha Riverkeeper’s Riverkeeper’s environmental education and Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland’s educational outreach work is increasing stewardship. The Glass Wall presentations and formed a conservation group named the Project created by the Salt Marsh Soldiers at Mary Ross Salt Marsh Soldiers. This photo is of their October river Waterfront Park depicts how Brunswick students created clean up at Brunswick’s Homer Wilson Boulevard just something beautiful with recycled trash, in this case north of Andrews Island. discarded bottles. Governor Purdue Dumps Dirt in Jackson Lake and Pleads Ignorance On October 3, when Jackson Lake residents Fonnette and Robert Harris saw someone dredging in the lake with a track hoe, they took their pontoon boat across the lake to investigate. According to the Harris’s they confronted the man standing on the dock next to the dredging and asked if he had permits for dredging, the man replied, “Ma’am, I don’t know nothing about any permits.” Next the Harris’s asked if Governor Perdue knew they were doing this work, the gentleman politely replied, “Ma’am I am the Governor.” Mrs. Harris said, “Governor don’t you know you are violating many environmental regulations? “ The Governor replied “I don’t know nothing about any environmental regulations.” When caught by citizens, Perdue denied knowledge of any At that time Ms. Harris said “And you are the environmental regulations. Governor of Georgia?” lowers the lake levels, corrective action will be required of Jackson Lake is on the Ocmulgee River and part of the Governor; he will have to properly remove and dispose the Altamaha River Watershed. The Altamaha Riverkeeper of the dredged dirt to a proper confi ned upland disposal James Holland (ARK) reported the incidence to the federal site.” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Holland says, Holland says, “The Governor saying he did not know “This problem requires investigation. It is illegal to dredge a permit was needed is not an acceptable excuse for the and also to discharge a pollutant (dredge spoil) in Waters Chief Law Enforcement Offi cer for the State of Georgia. of the U.S. without fi rst obtaining at minimum a Federal The amount of dredged and discharged spoil is not the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Permit. question; the question is why Governor Perdue did not ARK talked to Molly Davis at EPA who said, “Georgia obtain any and all permits before dredging in Waters of Power is the permit holder for Jackson Lake and ultimately the U.S. as required by law. It is common knowledge, responsible for all actions on the lake. Georgia Power every county commission chairman in the state knows that investigated the site and estimated that fi ve cubic yards of you cannot dredge in U.S. waters without fi rst obtaining dirt were dredged at the Governor’s dock and discharged Federal Permits, much less discharge the dredge spoil back into the lake. After Thanksgiving when Georgia Power into the same body of water it came from. ”

3 Altamaha More Coal to Impact the Upper Watershed As ARK continues to address ongoing problems operating on the Ocmulgee River near Macon and 1500 with reduced river fl ows from upstream consumption, megawatt Plant Harley Branch coal plant upstream on pollution from industrial and municipal discharges, and the Oconee River’s Lake Sinclair near Milledgeville, our increasing uncontrolled stormwater run-off, our troubled watershed already suffers serious impacts of air and water Oconee River is targeted as a water source and waste pollution from the dirty coal industry. ARK is working water discharge location for the proposed new coal-fi red with dozens of groups and hundreds of individuals to stop power facility, the 854 megawatt Plant Washington in Plant Washington. We are also seeking support from more Sandersville. citizens in monitoring the operations and environmental With 3200 megawatt coal fi red Plant Scherer already impacts of Plant Scherer and Plant Harley Branch. Plant Washington’s Draft Permits Based on Faulty Assumptions In recent years, local residents have seen the Oconee withdrawal modeling is based on an incorrect premise that River’s fl ow reduced to dangerously low conditions. Our underestimates the frequency and duration of groundwater experts say the current modeling and analysis has an withdrawals. It also appears that EPD failed to consider inadequate drought contingency plan, little planning for whether the proposed plant’s groundwater withdrawal worst case scenarios, and does not address what happens if would impair the net fl ow of groundwater into the Oconee water is not available. during drought. Faulty modeling and fl awed analysis generated and The water withdrawal permit also requires the presented by Power4Georgians contributed to the EPD’s applicant to consider the worst case scenario, such assertion that the Oconee River could provide cooling as periods of drought when cooling water might not water and accept waste water for Plant Washington. be available from the Oconee River and groundwater Greenlaw and Southern Environmental Law Center resources might be limited. Water demand for the coal worked with experts to submit legal comments on behalf plant will be highest in the summer meaning the maximum of ARK and others opposing air and water permits for this withdrawal will likely coincide with the times when plant. the river fl ow is the lowest. Our experts say that the The applicant estimated it would be able to withdraw applicant’s contingency plan fails to adequately consider the water needed for the proposed plant from the Oconee severe droughts and other critical river conditions. River for 3 out of every 4 years. Our expert analysis You can help stop Plant Washington by telling Central indicates that the Oconee will more likely have available Georgia EMC president George Weaver (Gweaver@ water for the coal plant in only 3 of 10 years – just 30% of cgemc.com, 770-504-7900) that we don’t need the dirty the time. The plant would need to meet its water needs for energy from coal-fi red Plant Washington, which threatens the rest of the time, approximately 7 out of 10 years, by our watershed. Robust energy effi ciency programs can drawing on the region’s groundwater. meet our energy needs as we develop renewable energy to As a result, our experts believe the groundwater sustain our local economy and environment. Sewage Released into the Ocmulgee When the Macon Water Authority (MWA) released millions of gallons of untreated sewage in the Ocmulgee in Sept/Oct 2009 and claimed it was not affecting water quality, ARK members and Macon residents reported the problem to the media. ARK has submitted open records act requests through Greenlaw attorneys to determine what happened and why. ARK is currently is working with the attorneys and local residents to prevent future problems.

Thanks to the Clam Jam Volunteers Alice Bealer, Angie Gatewood, Anna Gatewood, Arlie McNeill, Bob Clark ,Cap Cappelman, Dave and Jane Gilmour, Don Carson, Doris Cohrs, Gwendolyn Glover, WAND, the Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament, Jamie Sharp, Janisse Ray, JD and Linda Daniel, Jenny Leonord, Katie Shellman, honors ARK’s Executive Director Deborah Sheppard with the Tyler Gatewood, John Baker,Kenny Gatewood,Vicky and Larry Fuller, Linda Lamb, Paul Griffi n, Rus Leornard, Sam Hawthorn, Steve Holley,Susan Murphy, Sheila and Environmental Activist Award in May 2009. Pictured is Deborah Johnny Parker, Tommie Kapplar accepting the award from WAND Director Bobby Paul.

Altamaha 4 The 2009 Clam Jam was jamming! The fantastic October Harvest Moon and over 200 Special Thanks to Clam Jam Sponsors ARK friends enjoying fresh clams, oysters, and shrimp and Cecil and Lisa Coke/ Riverside Cemetery, Cecil and Sandy Hudson, Christa you have the Clam Jam. Contentment Bluff, the location Fragiamore/ Southeast Crescent Group Environmental Consultants, Clifford F. describes the event best. Altekruse, Law Firm of Smith Currie & Hancock, LLP, Atlanta, Coastal Wildscapes, Colonial Coast Eco – Tours, Captain Sheryl Schooley, Darien Pharmacy, Darien An exciting array of auction items gave guests a Telephone Company, David and Betty Lewis, Dock Supply Serving Coastal Geor- chance to, we like to say win, wonderful nature excursions, gia, Don Stack, Attorney at Law, Edo Miller Funeral Home/ Arlie McNeill, Francis holiday stays at private islands and great vacation homes, Burke, Frank E. Jenkins, II, Law Firm of Jenkins & Olson P.C., Cartersville, Freds/ Darien, Garth Bray and Kathryn Baxter, George West, Growing Places Marketing/ catered gourmet dinners, art, and books. Judy Sharpton, Heineken USA/Bob Clark, Alan Campbell, Head East II Seafood/ And then the dancing began to the sounds of John Fred and Darlene Kruse, Jane and Joe Fulcher, John Wegner, Joni House and Baker and the String Rays. Jerry Hightower, Joshua and Victoria Kight, JP Spirits and Wine, Krull and Associ- It was a happening and we want to thank the people ates, Larry’s Giant Subs/Darien, Marilyn Lanier, Martin A. Shelton, Law Firm of Schulten Ward & Turner, LLP, Atlanta, Phil Fortune, Law Firm of Smith Currie & who made the event a success, the generous volunteers, Hancock, LLP, Atlanta, Pierre Howard, Piggly Wiggly/- Darien and Eulonia Stores, the sponsors, the members who donated the auction items, R.E.M., S. Clark Heindel, Ph.D., Sapelo Sea Farms and Phillips Seafood, Sheffi eld and the guests who bought them. You made the Clam Jam Distributing, Smith and Sons Seafood, Spankies, Walter’s Caviar, Whit Perrin Wright and Russell Wright, Yellow Bluff Plantation Property Owners Association – Jam. Thank You to the Generous Auction Contributors Barbara Odil, Betsy Cain, Bob Farquhar, Brad Baugh, Brad Winn, Capt. Charlie Phillips, Captain Howard Browning, Captain Sheryl Schooley, Carlson Potts, Christa Frangiamore, Coastal Pines Golf Club, Dan and Ginger Troy, Darien Telephone Company, Dave and Jane Gilmore, Dirk Stevenson, Don Carson, Doug Makemson, Dr. Lloyd Newberry, Faye Hinson, Frank and Martha Williams, Greyfi eld Inn, Ivan Bailey, James Holland. Janisse Ray, Joan Hilliard, Jon Traer, M.D., Joni House and Jerry Hightower, Leanne Lowman, Linda Armstrong, Lodge at Little St. Simons, Luci Mercuri, McIntosh SEED and Wilson Moran, McIntosh Theater Arts Company, Melissa Pope Scott, Nancy Neylans, Nancy Ricker Rhett, Phillip Juras, Pranzos Restaurant, Raven Waters, Robert Kennedy Jr./Waterkeeper Alliance, Royce Hayes, Sally Sirmans, Sapelo Hammock Golf Club, Sheila Parker, Stacia Hendricks, Susan Murphy, Taylor Denny, Thomas Bland, UGA Press, Walton Harris We are very grateful to the many people who contributed to the Clam Jam and apologize for any omissions.

5 Altamaha Oconee River Project Improvements in water conservation and effi ciency are critical for meeting Georgia’s water needs while keeping enough water in our rivers to sustain ecosystems. In November, ARK’s Oconee Projects Coordinator Ben Emanuel began work on a project designed to promote increased water effi ciency in Athens’ commercial sector. Ben will also be building support for ARK’s work throughout the Oconee River watershed, and has begun coordinating activity on pressing issues such as the planned Hard Labor Creek reservoir in the Apalachee basin, where offi cials have discussed a water sale to metro Atlanta. Demonstrating the water gains that can be achieved through effi ciency is just one way to show how metro Atlanta can solve its water crisis without turning to expensive, unsustainable solutions that could damage communities and ecosystems across the state. Ben Emanuel (L) and Brian Nuse (R) in Contact Ben at Altamaha Riverkeeper Oconee Projects, P.O. Box 1223, Rifl e Cut in the Altamaha River Athens, GA 30603 or [email protected]. Cathead Landing Development Fined Cathead Landing LLC was found guilty of violating restore the 25 foot buffer and Judge Williams reduced the Darien’s Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control cash fi ne to $16,500 payable to the City of Darien. Ordinance by engaging in land disturbing activities This decision shows that Darien is serious about without a permit and destroying the required 25 foot buffer enforcing its environmental protection ordinances. It also between the development and the inlet of Cathead Creek. serves as a reminder to developers to protect buffers before City of Darien Municipal Court Judge W.I. Williams engaging in land disturbing activities and to obtain the imposed a $48,500 fi ne on developer Jarrell Jones on proper permits before construction. October 8, 2009. Jones estimated it would cost $32,000 to ARK Appeals Amendments to Coastal Marshland Protection Committee Rules Stack & Associates fi led ARK’s legal challenge to the impacts on the marsh. new Marsh Rules which purport to establish standards From 1995 to 2002 (the last year for which data and procedures for the Coastal Marshland Protection is readily available), CRD issued permits for 1,688 Committee when reviewing applications for a permit private docks, eight new marinas, and fourteen new to construct or modify a marina, commercial dock, commercial docks. Despite the growing evidence of harm or community dock on or over marshlands within the to the marshes, DNR is failing to establish meaningful estuarine area. regulations addressing such fundamental issues as Recognizing the coastal marshlands’ vital importance dock length, shading, marsh wrack accumulation, dock to the citizens of this State, the Georgia Legislature orientation, storm water discharges, salinity changes, the enacted the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act nearly four creation of dead zones, and cumulative impacts. decades ago. For the fi rst three decades the Marsh Act Even though during the public review citizens was rarely invoked. Like the many once-sleepy fi shing challenged the rules due to the lack of meaningful rules villages and communities along the coast, the Marsh Act and standards, the DNR enacted the Marsh Rules on received little attention. However, beginning in the mid- October 28, 2009 through its Board of Natural Resources. 1990s with the period of dramatic population growth in Unfortunately, instead of basing the rules on the coastal region, the Marsh Act has become the center of scientifi cally defensible data and sound policy, DNR has disputes over the future of Georgia’s irreplaceable coastal created an arbitrary system that will simply expedite the resources. destruction of the coastal marshes. The DNR, through its Coastal Resources Division As evidenced by various agency memos and (CRD) is charged with implementing the Marsh Act statements made at public hearings, the true purpose of to ensure that the “values and functions of the coastal the Marsh Rules is to fast-track the permitting process, marshlands are not impaired.” Rather than fulfi ll that elevating expediency and “effi ciency” above the protection mandate, the CRD is facilitating the permitting process for of the marsh. projects that have both individual and cumulative negative Altamaha 6 Thanks to our Supporters Ace Garden Center St. Simons Island, Altamaha Coastal Tours-Danny Grissette, Brian Adams, George Adams Sr., Randy Alderhold, Cliff & Saundra Alterkruse, Kirby & Jan Alton, Jack & Vivian Amason, Andrew Jr. Charles, Anne Armstrong, Henry Freeman & Dorothy Jean Bacon, Alan & Diann Bailey, Ivan Bailey, Margaret O. Bailey, Karen Bair, John Baker, Jane Balsey, Robert & Lanelle Barber, James & Ann Barfi eld, Rick Barnhart-Larrys Giant Subs, Larry & Eleanor Barringer, Tom & Tricia Bass, Philip & Judy Bates, Charles & Joyce Baugh, Kathryn Baxter, Lynn Bayens, Jane Beadles, Alice Bealer, Regina Beatie, Rebecca Bell, Dennis & Betty Benner, William & Ida Benton, Karen Bernheimer, M/M Claude Bird Jr., Thomas & Martha Crouch Black, Thomas Bland, Ben G. Blount, Meredith A. Blount, Sam Booher, Walter & Bertha Boone, Bob & Jan Bosque, Richard & Ginger Boswell, Alan Bowden, Phyllis Bowen, Dr. Roger & Annette Branch, John I. Branch, Rose Marie Brantley, Keith Brasher, Garth Bray, Joel & Vicki Breman, James Bridges, Stanley & Saundra Brobston, Chandra Brown, Eddie & Wana Brown, Paul E. Brown, Howard & Rose Browning, Kate Broyles, Virginia Bufkin, Raven Burchard, Francis Burke, Ronald & Mary Burns, Butler Conservation Fund, Venetia Butler, Betsy Cain, Emily Calhoun, Calvert Social Investment Foundation, Capp Cappelmann, M/M M.A. Carlton, Carmine Carpenter, Angela Carrington, Don Carson, Bill & Ann Carswell, George & Margaret Carswell, Ben Carter, Guy & Nancy Carter, Cassina Garden Club, Lucindia Chance, George B. Chapman, James Chapman, Guy & Robin Cheek, Laura Chenault, James & Lisa Cheney, Paul & Jane Christian, Bob Clark, Guy & Frankie Clark, Katharine A. Clark, Virginia Clark, Tom Clements, John & Betty Cleveland, Coastal Pines Golf Club-Wade Carruth, Coastal Wildscapes, Gina Cogswell, Susan & William Cohen, Cecil & Lisa Coke, Mary Jane Coleman, Ray & Dona Colglazier, Beth Collins, Colonel Daniel Appling DAR, Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, Neil & Stiles Conrad, Robert & Jane Cook, Rundle & Jeannine Cook, Price & Rogena Cordle, Nancy Shipman Coursey, Dot Cowart, John P. Cowart Jr., Paul Cowley, Charles & Claire Cox Jr., Charles & Carol, Cox, Dick & Elsie Creswell, Dennis & Faren Crews, Jim Croft, Diane Cronin, Gary Cross-Cross Plumbing, Chris Crounse, DeAubrey & Carolyn Crummey, Scott Cunningham, Paul & Deborah Cushing, Dorinda Dallmeyer, Darien Telephone, G. William & Lisa Davenport, Bucky Davis, Jim Davis, John Davis, Max Davis, Robert & Brooke Davis, Walt & Bertha Davis, Donald & Violet Dawe, Charles Debele, M.F. DeLoach Jr., Marie Dennard, Taylor Denny, Marie Dent, Department of Natural Resources-WRD-Shirley Hall,Chris Depkin, Robert & Tracie DeWitt-R&R Seafood, Lynn Dobbins, Dobbs Foundation, Jane Donahue, James & Regina Drake, Donald Drapalik, Charles Driebe, Bennie & Bobbie Dubberly, Mary Lynn Dukes, John Dunham, George & Susan Dupree, Bud & Honey Durden, East Beach Association, William Eisenhauer, Wilson & Tracy Elder, Samuel Elliott, Jarvis Ellis, Charles & Lalla Eshliman, Thomas Fanslow, Bob Farquhar, Thomas Fassuliotis MD, William & Martha Faw, B.J. Fazekas, Danny & Lori Feig-Sandoval, Laurence Fennelly, Cuyler & Gail Findlay, Bill & Sandy Flatau, Mary Lou Forsyth, Phil & Jan Fortune, Ben & Zay Foster, Gary Fowler, Christa Frangiamore, Freds-Darien, LeeAnn Friedman, Ronald & Willene Frost, Robert & Carol Fudge III, Jane & Joe Fulcher, George & Ann Fuller, Thomas & Carolyn Gaines, Anna Gatewood, Kenny, Angie & Tyler Gatewood, Richard Gennings, Richard & Mary George, Georgia River Network, Sue Gertis, Bruce & Laurie Gerwig, Sarah Gerwig, Billy Gibson, Zeke Gilmore, Dave & Jane Gilmour, Paul & Cathy Glenn, Gwendolyn Glover, Jack & Jo Godfrey, Dan Good, Will Gosney, Thomas & Virginia Gossage, Leon Green, Wright & Dusty Gres, Greyfi ed Inn-Mary Jo Ferguson, Paul Griffi n, Robbie & Patty Griffi th, Rebecca Grouse, Eva Grovner, Fred & Valda Gunter Jr., Bill & Karen Hahn, Randy & Ellen Hall, Barry Hannah, Jeff & Ellen Hanson, William Harden, Bob & Jane Hardy, Robert & Carolyn Hargrove, Jimmy & Charlotte Harrell, Susan Harrington, Joan Harris, Pam Harris, Walton & Tina Harris, J.M.M. Harrison, Andrew & Ann Hartzell, Royce Hayes, Len & Janis Hauss, Greg Hawthorne, William Hazelhurst III, Head East II Seafood-Fred & Darlene Kruse, Clark & Tammy Heindel, Bill Heinz, Ralph & Ann Hemphill, Stacia Hendricks, Carlton & Carla Herrin, Sara Jackson Hertwig, Harold & Virginia Hicks, David E. Higgins, High St. Unitarian Universalist Church, High Tides Guide, Jerry Hightower, Jane Hildebrand, Jack Hill, Joan Hilliard, Dave & Carolyn Hinderliter, Faye Hinson, George Hirvela, Larry Hodges, Frank & Laura Hogue, H. James Holcomb, Clementi Holder, Dennis & Charlene Holder, Hillman Holland, Lindsay & Marie Holliday, Steve Holly, Gary Hopkins, Joni House, Pierre Howard, John & Robin Hoy, Dr. Donald & Mary Hubbard, Cecil & Sandy Hudson, Billie Huggins, Susie D. Humphries, Ed Hunt, Hunter & Barbara Hurst, Joan S. Hutcheson, April Ingle, Richard & Helen Irwin, Dr. N.T. & Catherine Ivey, Gaby Ivie, John Izard, Jackson Lake Homeowners , Grace Jackson, Mike & Bonnie Jackson, Russell & Jane Jacobs, Wild Bill & Joyce Jarrell, Donald Jefferson, Frank Jenkins III, Jack & Barbara Jenkins, Lillian B. Jenkins, Rod Johnson, Gordon & Pam Johnston, G. Hewitt & Martha Joiner, Jack & Sherry Jones, Linda Jones, William R. Jones, Phillip Jordan Jr., John & Lola Josey, JP Spirits & Wines-Jim Gibson, Philip Juras, Paul & Rene Kane, Tommie & Kathryn Kappler, Keep Dublin-Laurens Beautiful-Patsy Baker, Kitty Kellogg, Edith Kelman, Greg & Joyce Kennedy, Russell L. Kent, Charles & Grace Kerns, Jerry & Pat Kicklighter, Kevin Kiernan, Joshua & Victoria Kight, Rita Kilpatrick, Larry & Rita Kohse, Dorothy Krakow, Daniel Krauss Jr., Daniel Krauss III, Melissa Kriest, Kathryn Kyker, John E. Ladson III, O.C. & Tonya Lam, Larry & Janice Lamattina, Linda Lamb, Bill & Frances Landel, Richard & Martha Lang, Harriett Langford, Marilyn Lanier, Joan Lardin, Amelia Lasater, Laurens County Sportsman Club, Ed Law, Rhett Lawrence, William & Diane Laws, Don & Peggy Lee, Ellie Legg, William Lester Jr., David & Betty Lewis, Gary Lewis, R. Don Lewis Jr., Russell & Diane Lewis, Richard & Gia Lillie, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Kenneth & Patricia Lindsey, John C. Link, Little St. Simons Island-Joel Mayor, Elbern Lowery, Hazel Lowery, Leeanne Lowman, Thomas & Patricia Lowndes Jr., Richard Lowrance, Louie Talmadge Lumley, Barbara Lumpkin, Kathy C. Lynn, Carole Lyons, M/M Edwin MacKethan, Mary Louise MacNeil, David Mahnken, Roy & Sarah Malone, Paul & Bertha Marsden, Jim & Camille Marshall, Baldwin Martin, Roger & Susan Mathews, Greg & Sally Mathis, Jimmie & Toni McCook, James McCoy, Allen & Sara McDaniel, Donald & Betty McDougald, Mary McGee, Glover & Joanne McGhee, McIntosh Seed, Frank & Patty McIntosh, Dr. Thomas & Gwen McKee, Tim & Debbie McKeon, Bill & Wendy McNair, Arlie McNeill, Helen Meadors, William E. Meadows, Harvey Meisner, Lucy Mercuri, Thomas & Carol Mertens, Middle Georgia Tent Rentals-Barry Hudson, Bob & Susan Middleton, Alex & Cathy Miller, Martin & Laura Miller, Chris & Ward Milner, Bill & Sherry Minnich, Al & Emmy Minor, Dan & Berkley Minor, Elizabeth Mitchell, Harry Mitchell, Harry & Dale Moffett, J. Mincy Moffi tt Jr., Carol Moldoveanu, David & Lori Morley, Cate Morrill, Christopher Morris, James & Jeanette Moss, Katharine B. & Kenneth Mountcastle, Jeannie Moxley, Kristen Mueller, Phyllis Mullikin, Joyce Murlless, Susan Majette Murphy, Walt & Barbara Murray, Don & Dortha Myers, Charles & Elaine Nash, Chris & Beth Nelson, Neptune Garden Club, Ken & Marjorie Neuhart, Dr. Lloyd & Martha Newberry, Steve & Bonnie Newell, Nancy Neylans, Brent & Xada Nichols, Kate Noble, James C. Nobles Jr., Nancy Norton, Hugh P. Nunnally Jr., Foster & Gail Odom, Doug Oetter, Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper, D. Michael & Joan Otis, Wayne & Marian Owens, Elizabeth Oxnard, David Palmer, William A. Parker Jr., M/M Chester Parker, Faye D. Parker, Tim & Marguerite Parker, Henry & Diane Parkman, Frank & Patty Parrish, Keith A. & Shirl Parsons, Robert E. Parsons, Bobbie Paul, Marcus & Chrissy Pearson, Robert Gift Memberships & Nancy Lewis Pegel, Bob & Patty Pepper, Charlie Phillips, Lynn Phipps, Piggly Wiggly-Darien & Eulonia, Alice Bealer by Emily Calhoun & Janet Bealer Rodie Veronica Pitt, Mike & Phyllis Polsky, David Pope, Melissa Pope-Scott, Joe Popper, Polly Porter, Carlson James A. Gibson by Billy R. Gibson Potts, Col. Merritt B. Pound Jr., Laura Powell, Pranzo’s Portside, Neal & Patricia Priest, George & Ethel Joseph Williams by Robert & Nancy Lewis Pegel Pruden, Lin Purtle, Rusty Quarterman, Frank & Lois Quinby, R.E.M., Jeff & Carolyn Rader, Stephanie Richard Davis by Helen Meadors Ramsey, Mac & Brenda Rawson, Dell & Rita Ray, Janisse Ray, John & Sue Ray, Sheridan & Janet Reed, Charlie Phillips by Kristin Mueller Harold Reeves, James & Linda Reichard, Jennifer Reiesch, Buddy & Billye Reliham, Barlow Rhodes, William J. Rich, Donald Richardson Jr., Edward & Ellen Riley, Ann Ritchie, River Network, Susan Roberts, Cesar & Dr. Donna Wear by Price & Rogend Cordle Janis Rodriguez, George A. Rogers, Gordon & Gina Rogers, Jan & Wesley Rogers, Clay & Karen Rolader, Dr. Lindsay Holliday by Dr. N.T. & Catherine Ivey Betty Rose, Col. John & Angela Rourke, Carlton & Sara Rowell, Timothy & Sharon Rowland, Terri & Ivy Rozier, Guy Rutland, Stephan & Barbara Ryner, Cathy Sakas, Christine Salberg, Jack & Patti Sandow, Sapelo Hammock Golf Club, Sapelo Sea Farms, Savannah Presbytery, Robert Saveland, Chris & Julia Sawyer, Diane Sayers, John T. Schafer, Jeeremy Schneider, Taylor & Marie Schoettle, Sheryl Schooley, Don James Holland In& Wendy Vasquez Honor Galan by Joe & Janeof Fraser Fulcher Schoonover, Jim Schupp, Jon Schwartz, David & Wanda Scott, Donny Screws, Nancy Seideman, Michael & James Holland by Ralph & Ann Hemphill June Sharkey, Jamie Sharp, Joanne Sharpe, Judy Sharpton, Edgar & Lucy Shaw, Phillip Sheffi eld, Katie Shellman, Martin & Dawn Shelton, Anna Shepard, Sue Sherrill, Rebecca Shortland, Lewis & Pam Shropshire, Janisse Ray by Colonel Daniel Appling DAR Barbara Ann Simons, Summer Teal Simpson, Sally Sirmans, Hall & Wendi Sisson, Smith & Sons Seafood, Meredith Blount, by Ben G Blount Andy & Cina Smith, Luke & Anne Smith, Rick Smith, Stan & Maryann Smith, Sharon Sommers, Soperton Mike & Margaret Chanin & Richard & Martha Armstrong by Katharine A. Clark Garden Club, Spankys, Earnest & Nellie Sparrow, Emmy Spires , Jeff & Kelly Spratt, Kathy Sprouse, Stack & Deborah Sheppard by Bobbie Paul & Cate Morrill & Harvey Meisner & Edith Associates, M/M E. Kay Stafford Jr., Rex & Lisa Stalvey, J.Marvin Starr Sr., Francis Steiner, Ed & Joan Stelle, Kelman & Joel & Vicki Breman Dirk Stevenson, Alice Steyaart, Carl & Mary Stimmel, Brian Strange, James & Rubyedora Sullivan, Payson & Anna C. Chalmers by Carole Lyons Sara Sullivan, Martha Summerour, Ken Suttles, Starling & Elizabeth Sutton, Paul & Joan Sykes, Wayne Chuck & Joyce Ellison by Larry & Rita Kohse Tatum, Javier Tavel, Brad Taylor, Sara Taylor, Tom & Nancy Taylor, The George E. Crouch Foundation, The McReynolds Family Foundation, The Malcolm Fraser Foundation, The Norcross Wildlife Foundation, The Sapelo Foundation, Wendell & Joan Theus, Susan Thomas, Eloise Thompson, Martha Thornton, Dale & Sonny Thorpe, Scott Tift, Anna Tillman, Rooney & Peggy Tillman, Diana Toledo, Dr. John & Kaye Traer, Ann trapnell, Vickie Traylor, Trevitt Farms LLLP, Carmen Trevitt , George & Lisa Trexler, Trinity Presbyterian InJack Memory Steppe by Joni W Woolf of Church, John Trussell, Paul & Janet Turnburke, Alvin & Elaine Tuten Jr., Upper Oconee Watershed, Urbana Jimmy Crowe by Margaret O Bailey & Timothy & Sharon Rowland Garden Club, Betty Vaughn, Joe Vinson, Katherine Vogen, Jane Walker, Randal Walker, Tommy Wallace, The Honorable Ogden Doremus by M.K. Pentecost Ecology Fund Committee Waterkeeper Alliance, Raven Waters, Alpha J. Watson MD, Boree & Dora Watson, Frank T. Watson, Albert Willie Atwood by Polly Porter Way, Martin & Karen Weathers, F. William & Barbara Weaver, Dr. Jim & Dianna Wedincamp, John Wegner, D. Alan West, George L. West, Charles Westberry, Wayne Wetherington & Family, Warren & Sharon Tinsley Mathews by Tim & Marguerite Parker Whidden, Patricia Payne White, Pat Wilkinson, Carol Williams, Frank & Martha Williams, John Williams, Tom Chambers by Dan & Berkeley Minor Sarah Williams, Linda Rinehart Williamson, Steven & Gail Willis, Dick & Mary Ellen Wilson, Jo D. Wilson Norbert Sharkey by Kate Broyles John Wilson, Troy & Paula Winebarger, Brad Winn, Peter & Sylvia Winn, Horace & Mary Wishart, Walt & Don Ellis by Joanne M. Sharpe Becky Wood, Gale E. Woodard, Michael Woodward, Joni Woolf, Joel Wooten, David Wright, Russell & Whit Helen Burke by Jane Gilmour Perrin Wright, Calvin & Lillie Ann Yawn, Joycelyn Young

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

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Board of Directors Staff

Bruce Berryhill, Cochran Bryce Baumgartner Robert DeWitt, Darien Operations Manager Wright Gres, Baxley Ben Emanuel Len Hauss, Jesup Oconee Project Coordinator Neill Herring, Jesup James Holland, Brunswick James Holland Christi Lambert, Darien Altamaha Riverkeeper Marilyn Lanier, Cobbtown Constance Riggins John Pasto, Cochran Development Director Kim Tyler, Dublin Deborah Sheppard Becky Wood, Kathleen Executive Director Walt Wood, Kathleen Whit Perrin Wright, Jasper

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.

Get Involved The General General Assembly reconvenes on January 11, 2010. You can play an important role in protecting Georgia’s water resources by communicating with your State Senator and House of Representatives before and during the session. Stay informed about pending legislation by signing up for ARK’s email updates by emailing or calling us with your email address. You can also sign up for the Georgia Environmental Action Network’s (GEAN) updates by going online at www. protectgeorgia.net or on the ARK website at www. altamahariverkeeper.org. GEAN is a collaborative effort among environmental and conservation organizations throughout the state (including ARK) to educate and mobilize their memberships utilizing a state-of-the-art Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland gives presentation to electronic action alert system. Glynn Middle School 7th Grade.

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.