DNR focus [Nov./Dec. 1990]

November/December 1990

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Vol. 2, No.1

Charitable Contributions Campaign

by David Baird, Administrative Coordinator
T he 1991 State Charitable Contributions Campaign is underway With a statewide goal of $2 million (double last year's goal), each department in state government, including the campuses of the Board of Regents, is striving toward higher participation.
Last year, DNR employees pledged $34,656. A total of514 employees participated, with an average contribution of $5.62 per month.

Imagine, if you would, your church or local service club trying to sustain its operations and activities and pay any staff, if only one out of three people in attendance actually paid to support the group. That is what is happening in DNR. Only one of three employees makes a donation to the charitable campaign, while all of us share the benefits in some way
Thirty-one independent organizations and 29 United Way Chapters receive funding from the State Charitable Contributions Campaign. It would be a rare person who, either personally or through a family member has not been touched by one of these charitable organizations. The range of organizations serve the needs and interests of everyone: children, the sick, the needy, the elderly; the helpless Groups that you can specify your donations benefit run the gamut from the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, the USO, and the American Red Cross to the YMCA, Battered Women's shelters and food banks.
There are several ways to participate in the program: employees may make a

Commissioner Lonice Barrett signs his Charitable Contributions form as David Baird, DNR Charitable Contributions Campaign Coordinator and Pat Mullinax , Coordinator f or Internal Administration , look on.

one-time donation or may choose a monthly payroll deduction. If you have given in the past, match your contribution and then increase it any amount you can. If you have not previously participated, try it. Payroll deduction begins in January
If you have any questions about the State Charitable Contribution Program, contact your division's coordinator: Pat Mullinax, Internal Administration; Wanda Thomas, Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites; Eleanor Waters, Coastal Resources; Kay Thrower, Game and Fish; and Ken Powell, Environmental Protection Division.
David Baird is DNR Charitable Contributions Campaign Coordinator

Inside this Issue:
Pronwtions, Awards and other Professional Achievements
ESP Works
Above and Beyond Staff Community Service
Coastal Regional Headquarters Open
Garden Club Beautification Awards

Hon and Holcomb New Supervisors

Waller Named Game & Fish Director

T he Northwest and the South Central Regions of Game Management have new supervisors. Noel Holcomb was promoted to region supervisor in the Northwest Region in June. Tip Hon became region supervisor for Region VI September 1
Holcomb, a native of Calhoun, received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Biology from West Georgia College, where he interned in the same office he will now supervise. From 1977 to 1978 he worked as a biologist with an environmental consulting firm. He joined the Game and Fish Division of DNR in 1978 as Manager of the Ossabaw Island Wildlife Management Area, where he served until 1985. He transferred to

the Northeast Georgia Game Management Office in Gainesville as a Wildlife Technician IV, and in 1987 returned to the coast as Wildlife Biologist in charge of Sapelo Island.
Hon was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Forestry from Seminole Junior College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from the University of Florida, and a Masters of Science in Veterinary Science, specializing in wildlife diseases.
Before coming to DNR in 1973, Hon worked with the Florida Game and Freshwater Commission. He replaces Frank Parrish, who retired in August.

D uring their August meeting, the Board of Natural Resources named David J Waller to be Director of the Game and Fish Division. Waller assumed his duties as Director on September 1, 1990. Leon Kirkland was named Division Director, Senior, and will assist in the transition until his retirement later this year
Waller has worked for DNR for 19 years and was formerly the Assistant Director of the Game and Fish Division. Prior to joining the Director's staff in 1982, he worked as a field Wildlife Biologist in the Augusta area. He is a graduate of Middle Georgia College and the University of Georgia, with a degree in Wildlife Management. He and his wife Connie live in Covington and have two children.

Commissioner
Moses N. McCall Assistant Commissionerfor
Public Information
Kaki Thurber Comnumications Director
David Baird Gib Johnston Lisa Dudley Dottie Sweat . Thomas Smith Contributors this Issue
Kathy Matthews Editor
Department of Natural Resources Communicaitons Office,
205 Butler Street, Suite 1258 Atlanta, GA 30334
FOCUS, page 2

ESP Works
H oward Hensley, Game and Fish Conservation Ranger, recently received his second award from the Employee Suggestion Program (ESP). Hensley's first suggestion for matching new spare tires into sets can result in substantial savings. His most recent suggestion award was for a low-cost solution to a big safety hazard.
Often DNR boating safety officers must load and unload patrol boats alone. To steady their trucks , they wedge a rock or piece of wood under their vehicle's tire. Before they can pull their boat through, the stop must be removed. During those seconds after the stop is moved, the officer must rely completely on the mechanical devices of his vehicle. If the vehicle pops out of gear or the

brake fails, the driver may be injured and the vehicle submerged. To eliminate this danger, Hensley made a stop that does not have to be removed at the boat ramp: he fed a cord through an eyelet in a wood block and attached the cord to his bumper Now, when the vehicle is driven forward, the block is dragged behind the vehicle and out of the way of the boat trailer's tires. Once in a level area, the driver can safely place the blocks in his vehicle.
Employee Suggestions range from simple solutions to big problems to ingenious remedies for small inconveniences. If you have a suggestion that may improve efficiency, save money, or make your DNR workplace safer, contact the Employee Suggestion Program in the Merit System Office at 404/656-2723 . You may be eligible for a cash award.

Who? What? When? Where? How?
Do you you have a question about DNR? Do you have a suggestion or a comment you would like heard? The next issue of FOCUS will have a new section called Questions & Answers for your questions and your answers.
Send your questions and suggestions to: DNR Communications Office, c/o FOCUS Editor, 205 Butler St. ,
Suite 1258, Atlanta, GA 30334 or call (404) 656-D772.
We'll try to get some answers.

Outstanding!

Carolyn B. Tolbert, permanent daylabor secretary in the Region V Fisheries Office at Steve Cocke Fish Hatchery, graduated from the Albany Area Technical Institute in September While there, she received the "Star Student" award, was listed on the President's List and was President of Phi Beta Lambda. Carolyn is

ment Program, has obtained her professional geologist registration from the State of Georgia.
Susan Shipman, Chief of Coastal Fisheries, is Vice-Chairman of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and is President of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society

Bill Sullivan, Parks Region II Naturalist, was named the 1990 Project Wild Facilitator of the Year
Corporal Terry West of the Brunswick Law Enforcement District was named Ranger of the Year Below he is pictured receiving the award from

Duane Harris, Director for DNR's Coastal Resources Division, was elected chairman of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission foJ: 1990-92.

currently enrolled at Darton College in Albany, where she is studying Business Administration.
Doug Smith, Unicoi Lodge Manager and Ken Buford, Pete Phillips Lodge Manager, have successfully completed the requirements for the Certified Hotel Administrator designation from the American Hotel and Motel Association.
Jerry Whitaker, Georgia Veterans State Park Golf Course Greens Superintendent, recently received his Masters of Public Administration from Georgia College.
Rochelle Routman, Environmental Specialist IV with the Facility Compliance Unit of EPD's Hazardous Waste Management Program, received her professional geologist certification in August of 1989.
Jim Hethcox, LE Conservation Sergeant in Candler County, enjoys photographing wildlife in his spare time. His picture of an eastern wild turkey is on the cover of the Metter telephone directory
Sarah Starkey, Environmental Specialist with EPD's Hazardous Waste Manage-

Corporal Harry Carter and RFC Eric Sanders, Walton District, were both selected as Peace Office of the Year by the Peace Officers' Association of Georgia. Each man received a plaque, a medal, a savings bond, and was saluted with a standing ovation from Association members at the annual awards banquet.
Arnold Woodward, CRD Wildlife Biologist, is the current President of the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and is an active member of the Marine Fisheries Section of AFS.
Glen Williamson, DNR's Training Director, is Vice President of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Managers Educational Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to improving government through management education. He is also Chairman of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Managers Scholarsrup and Awards Committee.
Kent Kammermeyer, Senior Wildlife Biologist in Game Mangement's Region II, was recently honored by Quail Unlimited for his service as a technical advisor to the organization.
Bob Brown, Law Enforcement Conservation Captain, has been elected to serve as Second Vice President of the Georgia Peace Officer's Association.

Division Director David Waller and Lt. Col. Joel Brown.
Sgt. Gerald Kersey received the 1990 Southern States Boating Law Administrators Association Award. Kearsey is a past recipient of the Peace Officer of the Year Award from the Peace Officers Association of Georgia, and the Governor's Lifesaving Award for acts of heroism and valor involving the saving of human life.
Lisa Dudley, Public Information Specialist for the Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division, has been elected to a 2-year term (1991-92) as a Director-atLarge for the Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The Georgia chapter is the 4tli largest chapter in the country
Joel Brown, Assistant Cruef of Game and Fish Law Enforcement, has been elected president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
What is new in your job? Let us know: send notices of promotions and selection for membership and honors in professional organizations to the Communications Office for upcoming issues of FOCUS.

FOCUS, page 3

Above and Beyond

Sharon E. Fitzgerald, Recreation Administrator at Will-A-Way/Fort Yargo State Park, is working 20-30 hours a week planning and coordinating the Georgia Golden Olympics, a program promoting health, wellness and lifetime activity/sports for senior adults 55 and over This year she is President of the Georgia Golden Olympics .
0. Lee Moon, Park Manager of Watson Mill Bridge State Park, is President of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and has been on the Chamber Board of Directors for the past two years. He is also President of the Comer Elementary Parents and Teachers Organization, after having served on the Advisory council for the past two years.
Michael Stevens, Environmental Specialist ill with EPD's West Compliance/Municipal Permitting Program, volunteers for the Georgia Radio Service, by reading current books and periodicals onto tape for visually handicapped Georgians.
Ken Akins, Site Manager of Fort King George Historic Site, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the new Mcintosh Exchange Club.
Tom Payne, Environmental Program Manager I of EPD's Southwest Georgia Regional Office in Albany, tutors adult illiterates in "Project Read"
Gary Beisser, Wildlife Biologist, Sr., in the Calhoun Fisheries office is Assoc. President, a coach and a referee for the Gordon County Youth Soccer Association.
Dan Mason, Wildlife Technician II in the Calhoun Fisheries Office, coaches for the Gordon County Youth Soccer Association.
Andy Dominy, Interpretive Park Ranger at Fort King George Historic Site,

was recnetly named Darien Volunteer Fire Chief.
Collis Brown of the Commissioner's Office serves on a biracial committee to advise and assist the Dekalb County School Board in its desegregation program. The committee functions as a liason between the school Board and the
public. Brown and his wife Dewitt are the current PTA Co-Presidents at Chapel Hill Elementary School. Because of his work with the PTA, Brown was awarded life membership in the Georgia Congress of Parents and Teachers. Brown's community involvement also includes serving as a Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 475 for three years. Another of his communitybased projects is the "Spirit of South Dekalb," which promotes commuity pride and oneness while providing fmancial support for several community services.
Susan Shipman, Coastal Fisheries Section Chief, serves on the Publicity Committee for Habitat for Humanity, the Advisory Board of Glynn Clean and Beautiful, the Advisory Board of Leadership Glynn, regularly volunteers for Manna House, and is a member of this year's Leadership Georgia Class.
Martin Bell, Park Manager of Little Ocmulgee State Park, has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the South Georgia Chamber of Commerce, which represents 60-county area and works on regional issues and interests

affecting business, industry and agriculture. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce, is a Director in the McRae Rotary Club, and in the Magnolia Midlands Travel Association.
Rafael A. Ballagas, Environmental Program Manager II in EPD's Air Quality Evaluation Unit, is treasurer of the Woodridge Elementary School P T.A.
Rich Harrelson, Chief of General Services, served as President of the LaVista Lions Club and was named Lion of the Year Currently, he is serving as Lions Zone Chairman, overseeing the work of 8 DeKalb County clubs.
Kathy Darley of the Game and Fish Nongame Wildlife Office recently received the Trail Blazer Award from the Cub Scouts, after serving as a Den Leader for two years and as Cub Master for one.
Duane Harris, Director of DNR's Coastal Resources Division, is Program Chairman for this year's Leadership Georgia Class. His program, scheduled for November, will focus on the environment.
Renee Tuten, Administrative Services Manager for CRD, has been selected as a participant in the 1990-91 Leadership Glynn Program. She is also Director of the First Baptist Church's Music Makers Choir and serves on the church's Finance Committee.
Charles Maley of CRD's Nongame/ Endangered Species Program participates on a team that prepares and serves meals at a local soup kitchen.
Jim Music, Wildlife Biologist, Sr and Commercial Fisheries Program Leader, is a 1990 graduate of Leadership Glynn and is on the 1990-91 Leadership Glynn Advisory Council. He also coaches two girls' softball teams.

FOCUS, page 4

Coastal Regional Headquarters Now Open

Mike Harris, Program Leader of CRD's Nongame/Endangered Species Program and Wildlife Biologist, Sr. , is serving on the Leadership Glynn Advisory Council.
Randy Durham, Environmental Engineering Program Manager I in EPD's Municipal Engineering Program, is Vice President of the Auxilary for DeKalb Animals, Inc. She works with DeKalb Animal Control on Saturdays talking to the public, bathing animals, etc. She also serves as a "foster parent" for dogs until homes can be found for them.
Lisa Dudley, Public Information Specialist for PRHS, has been elected to serve a 2-year term on the Corporate Communications Committee of the metro Atlanta Red Cross Chapter She will also assist with chapter's blood awareness campaign and the media recognition committees. Dudley also serves on the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) public relations advisory committee. ADL'smajorproject, "A World of Difference," was formed to reduce racial attitudes through public awareness.
William C. Montgomery of EPD's Air Pollution Compliance Program got involved with Boy Scouts of America with his son in 1962. Twenty-eight years later, he is still heavily involved. Over the years, Montgomery has received many awards, including the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given by the Council; the District Award, the highest award given by the district; and was elected by his peers to be awarded Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. In 1991, Montgomery will be the Registrar for the Atlanta Area Council Diamond Jubilee Encampment, an event expected to host 15 ,000 scouts and leaders.
Russ England, Wildlife Program Regional Supervisor for Fisheries Northern Region II, is Treasurer of Hall County's affiliate of Habitat for Humanity He is also Troup Chairman for Boy Scouts of America Troup 26 in Gainesville.

by Dottie Sweat

T he Coastal Region of the Department of Construction of the new facility began Natural Resources has a new 1home. in January 1989 on a piece of land at the

Dedicated on September 28 during the

foot of the Sydney Lanier bridge on Hwy

monthly meeting of the Georgia Board of 17 in Brunswick. DNR swapped its

Natural Resources, the new $3 million office existing Brunswick property for the 15-

laboratory, library and marine complex now acre site owned by .he city of Brunswick.

serves as headquarters for the Coastal

Resources Division. It also houses the re-

The complex consists of an 18,000

gional offices of the Game and Fish; Parks, square-foot office/ laboratory/library

Recreation and Historic Sites; and Environ- building, a 200-foot fixed dock with a

mental Protection Divisions.

monorail hoist , and 330 linear feet of

floating docks. In the near future, a 1200-

Will D. (Billy) Herrin, the Board of

gallon saltwater aquarium will be added in

Natural Resources' Coastal Representative, the reception area of the office building, a

served as Master of Ceremonies for the self-guided nature trail also will be

dedication. Other speakers included

constructed. A conference room which

Senator Hugh Gillis, Chairman of the Senate seats 60 people will be used for Hunter

Natural Resources Committee; Representa- Safety classes, public hearings and

tive Robert Patten, Chairman of the House educational programs for school groups,

Natural Resources and Environment

scouting organizations, etc.

Committee; Representative Ralph Balkcom,

Chairman of the House Game, Fish and

The new facility's address is One

Parks Committee; Shaw McVeigh, Chairman Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia

of the Glynn County Commission; Homer 31523-8600. Division phone numbers are:

Wilson, Mayor, City of Brunswick; and

Coastal Resources, (912) 264-7218; G&F

James Griffm, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Law Enforcement, (912)264-7237 ; G&F

Natural Resources.

Game Management, (912) 262-3173; Envi-

About 300 city officials , members of the ronmental Protection, (912) 262-3173; and

media, local business people, DNR employ- the region office of Parks , Recreation and

ees, friends and families attended the ribbon Historic Sites, (912) 262-3180.

cutting ceremony and reception.

FOCUS, page 5

Garden Club Beautification Awards

by Lisa Dudley
"And the winner is... " An unsettled quietness fills the room as 13 finalists anxiously wait to hear their park's name announced. Each year, state parks staff members assemble to recognize winners in the Parks Conservation and Beautification Program (PCBP). Sponsored by the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and DNR, the program encourages DNR employees to excel in creative planting and design on state park land.
Chuck Gregory, DNR Chief Naturalist, has worked with the beautification program since its beginning. He emphasizes that this incentive program helps cut down on the need for park mowing, repairs and maintenance, and encourages better erosion control and conservation. "However," Gregory adds, "The main advantage is the simple beauty the wildflowers and ground cover add."
Finalists were selected in four wildflower categories: beauty spots, conservation and reclamation, extended maintenance, and wildflower meadows. First place winners received $500 and second place winners received $400.

McRae's Little Ocmulgee State Park received top honors in the beauty spots category and Walter F. George Lodge at George T Bagby State Park near Ft. Gaines received second place. The beauty spots category focuses on establishing color and interest through native plants, flowers and ground cover Little Ocmulgee's award-winning beauty spots, around its day use areas, improve the overall aesthetics of the park. Walter F. George Lodge staff planted several wildflower beds around the lodge meeting room areas and the lodge rooms.
The conservation and reclamation category recognizes the reclamation of overused sites or the conservation of areas that have high incidences of erosion or compaction. Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn received first place for work in its overlook area, which is the starting point for all of its trails . Around 75 cross ties were used to create a terraced slope and walkway to reclaim this highly eroded and dangerous area. Second place was awarded to Unicoi State Park near Helen for its renovation of a picnic area on a steep

mountain slope. Wheelchair accessible picnic platforms were constructed and 200 mountain laurel plants were set to stabilize the soil and add color
The extended maintenance category encourages continued maintenance of projects previously entered in the competition. Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross received top recognition for expanding its beauty spot at the park office and picnic area. Second place was awarded to Winder's Fort Yargo State Park for doubling the size of current wildflower meadow across from the park office.
The wildflower meadow category features wildflowers and other low maintenance groundcovers in areas no smaller than 112 acre. First place went to the Mountain Resort State Park near Young Harris for its 1 114 acres on the rolling hills parallel to Highway 76 in north Georgia. George T. Bagby State Park near Ft. Gaines received second place for its entry of two meadow garden areas - one near the park office, and the other at the entrance to the cabin area.

Winners were congratulated by Rick

Cothran, Director of the Parks, Recrea-

Little Ocmulgee Dedicates 16th

tion and Historic Sites Division. Judges for the competition were: Mr W.L.

.,
...

Hole of Golf Course

Corley, Horticultural Specialist, University

of Georgia; Mrs. Walter C. Davis,

S taff members at Little Ocmulgee State worked for the Department of Natural

Park are keeping the memory of

Resources 17 years. He was the

GALDA Landscape Critic, The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.; Ms. Sandra J.

Ben Bridgeman alive. In honor of the

Wallace Adams Golf Course green

Sandefut, Dogwood Knoll Design Plans,

Wallace Adams Golf Course's first

superintendent since its opening in 1973.

Native Plant, Wildflower and Perennial

greens superintendent, staff members

Bridgeman was a recipient of DNR's

Specialist; and Mrs. Dan (Tally) Sweat,

have come together to dedicate hole 16 Meritorious Service Award in 1987 In

GALDA Landscape Critic, The Garden

of the golf course to Bridgeman and to

1990 the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Club of Georgia, Inc.

place a plaque at the hole.

ranked the Little Ocmulgee Golf Course

BenL. Bridgeman, Jr., 1924-1990, among the Top Twenty-five in Georgia.

The Department of Natural Resources is subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation a::t of 1CJ73 and offers all persons tre opportunity to participate in its (Ublic programs regardless of ra::e, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap. As a recipient of federal ti.mds from the Department of Interior, the Department's programs must be operated free from discrimination. Ifyou believe that you have been discriminated against in any program or activity or ifyou desire further information regarding tre prohibition of discrimination, please write to: The Office of ~a) Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Washington, D.C. 20240.
Printed on Recycled Peper