Outdoors Georgia September 1976 50c Endangered Species Issue 1 George Busbee Governor Joe D. Tanner Commissioner BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES Wade H. Coleman Chairman Valdosta-- State-at- Large Donald J. Carter Vice Chairman Gainesville-- 9th District Leo T. Barber, Jr. Secretary Moultrie-- 2nd District James F. Darby Vidalia-- 1st District Dr. Robert A. Collins, Jr. -- Americus 3rd District George P. Dillard Decatur-- 4th District Mary Bailey Izard Atlanta-- 5th District James A. Mankin Griffin-- 6th District Lloyd L. Summer, Jr. Rome-- 7th District J. Wimbric Walker McRae-- 8th District Walter W. Eaves Elberton-- 10th District Sam Cofer St. Simons IsicS^ Coastal District v Leonard E. Foote Waleska-- State-at-Large James D. Cone Decatur-- State-at-Large A. Leo Lanman, Jr. Ros well-- State-at-Large DIVISION DIRECTORS Parks and Historic Sites Division Henry D. Struble, Director Game and Fish Division Jack Crockford, Director Environmental Protection Division J. Leonard Ledbetter, Director Geologic and Water Resources Division Sam M. Pickering, Jr., Director Office of Information and Education David Cranshaw, Director Office of Planning and Research J. Clayton Fisher, Jr. Office of Administrative Services Jamei H. Pittman, Director OlltdOrS \t) Georgia Volume 5 September 1 976 Number 9 FEATURES Opening Day Bill Morehead 3 Sapelo Deer Hunt Jingle Davis 6 Sweetwater Creek Susan Wood 1 Endangered Species Section Endangerment Aaron Pass 20 Endangered Wildlife Ron Odom 22 Endangered, Threatened and Unusual Plants Jerry McCollum 27 Realities of Endangered Species Management . Ron Odom and Jerry McCollum 32 DEPARTMENTS Outdoors in Touch Lexers to the Editor Bill Hammack 16 18 Front Cover: Kirtland's warbler, an endangered winter visitor. Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Back Cover: The Lost Franklinia (Franklinia altamaha) no longer exists in the wild. Other plants will suffer the same fate without protection and management programs. Photo by Cathy Cardarelli. Aaron Pass Rebecca N. Marshall Dick Davis Bill Hammack Jingle Davis Susan Wood MAGAZINE STAFF Phone-656-5660 David Cranshaw Editor-in-Chief Bill Morehead Editor Managing Editor Writer Writer Writer Writer Writer Priscilla C. Powell Liz Carmichael Jones . . Mike Nunn Bob Busby Edward Brock .... Cathy Cardarelli Jim Couch Circulation Manager . Art Director Illustrator Photo Editor Photographer Photographer Photographer Outdoors in Georgia is the official monthly magazine of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, published at the Department's offices, Room 713, 270 Washington Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. No advertising accepted. Subscriptions are $3 for one year or $6 for three years. Printed by Williams Printing Company, Atlanta, Georgia. Articles and photographs may be reprinted when proper credit given. Contributions are welcome, but the editors assume no responsibility oi liability for loss or damage of articles, photographs, or illustra- tions. Second-class postage paid at Ai!onta, Georgia. 31,000 copies printed at an approximate cost of $16,500. The Department of Natu.-fl, Resources is an Equal Opportunity employer, and employs without regard to race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Editorial Your Day The last Saturday of September has had special signifi- cance to hunters and fishermen ever since September 23, 1973. National Hunting and Fishing Day was signed, sealed and delivered to the Nation's sportsmen to do with what they would. Many people and organizations had a hand in the NHF planning and development of Day. It was set aside, officially recognized and planned as a grassroots pro- gram. Spurred, perhaps, by a growing antipathy toward NHF hunting, Day was designed to showcase the sports- man's contributions to wildlife conservation and to the community. And, it was a method by which local sports- -- men could speak to their communities in a way that edi- torials, articles, and national organizations can not on a neighbor-to-neighbor basis. Sportsmen have long lamented that they could not get NHF their message to the general public. Day was de- signed to do just that. It was, and is, a self-help plan for effective public relations with the non-sporting com- munity. NHF Three years from its beginning, Day is a success. Many groups have made it a significant event and have achieved effective communication with their communi- ties. Others have apparently thought it too much trouble and have allowed their interest to flag. National Hunting and Fishing Day is the sportsman's day to speak. It is not a government program; it is not conducted by the sporting equipment industry; it is not -- directed by the outdoor magazines although all of these institutions have supported it. Responsibility has been left to the organized hunters and fishermen to tell their own story. If you, as a hunter or fisherman, are not plan- NHF ning to participate in Day this year, you are not telling the sportsman's story. IUaJ C/i^Lu^l^uS Septetpber 1976 * r**' ^ By Bill Morehead Art by Mike Nunn I t is almost time to go and I haven't even collected -- my gear where is the camouflaged muslin jacket? Did I put it in the attic or in the storage room? Do I have Why enough shells? didn't I go buy shells at the big dis- count center when I had the chance? Why must I always zip down at the last minute to pick up a couple of boxes of high priced 12's? -- Where is my son what do you mean he's playing baseball? How can I get myself ready in time for the 12 noon shoot if he's playing baseball? Can I go without him? No, better not, not if I want to have a little peace and quiet at home. I hope we'll see some doves. The guys at the sportsmen's club worked hard this summer and spring planting millet and working it and all. I spent some time with them, but I could've spent a lot more. I hope we'll see doves. It looks like rain. Should I take the thermos jugs or the small thermos bottle? I'll take the bottle (mistake). The club president last Tuesday reminded the members that no alcoholic beverages were allowed on the dove field. I remember some sad days in the past and hope the -- guys obey the rules if I see boozing, my son and I will leave. Where is my plastic "dove seat," the one with the swivel seat and the insulated storage compartment? I crawl in the attic and it's not there. I look around and finally find it under the window of my daughter's room -- the seat filled with African violets and the compart- ment filled with a rock collection. Oh, well, I don't need it anyway (another mistake). -- Should I take some sandwiches along? No, we'll only be out there a couple of hours we won't need them (gross mistake). Will the doves fly today? What if they sit in the pines until shooting time is over? What if they moved south last night during the thunderstorm? Finally the baseball player is home from the wars. My gun and his are on the back seat. I round up my game bag and his and we're on our way: Me without my muslin camouflaged shirt and my son with his red baseball cap and yellow jersey. Who ever heard of shooting doves in a red baseball cap and yellow shirt? My son reminds -- -- me that I have a white T-shirt on. He also points out the brand new shoes I'm wearing my green tennis sneakers neatly forgotten in the corner of the storage room. Oh well, I won't get the new shoes muddy (wanna bet?) and I'll remember to take off the T-shirt (wanna bet again?). We Wow! It's hot out here in the field. arrived just late enough to miss every blind I selected the other day. We'll have to make do with one of the mid-field blinds. The weather is muggy and my glasses are fogging. I take out my white handkerchief and wipe them and two doves -- -- flying over the first we've seen today see the hand- kerchief and flare out of range (right over to Charlie, who sets them both on the ground). My son glares at me. -- Forget the handkerchief let the glasses fog. They do, -- and I push them on top of my head just in time to see vaguely two birds come over (blackbirds? robins? doves?). By the time I get the glasses on my eyes, WHAM! My son's 20 gauge sounds off and one of the doves lands at my feet. "Why didn't you shoot, Daddy?" I glare at my son. My son, the thirst quencher, has already finished off the small thermos. My stomach gnaws with the hunger I earlier said wouldn't happen. Five doves fly over ... I remind myself: pace, follow, swing-through and touch off I do, and the lead dove still flies . . . not knowing that he is dead. "Why didn't you shoot, son?" I ask. "I did," he says and walks over to pick up his dove num- ber two. I avoid his eyes. I spot a dove sneaking up from behind (my hardest shot). I grab my shotgun and punch a shell at the bird. He drops, and I saunter over to him with the non- chalance of pretended expertise. As I walk back another dove slips in ... a crossing shot, frora left to right my easiest shot. I miss. A Conservation Ranger checks our guns. Did I re- member to put the plugs back in after I cleaned them? I did, and we're all right. The Ranger says nothing . . . nothing except his smile ... as he looks at my son's four doves and my two. Wow! Is it ever hot out here. It's midafternoon now, and nothing is moving. I spot a grasshopper right in front of me . . . no more than six inches in front of my nose. He sits looking at me with the same wearied and humid expression I must have looking at him. While we're eye- ball to eyeball the only dove in hours flies right over me and then over to Charlie . . . Charlie's got his limit now. Charlie collects his gear and strolls over our way. "Your Dad only brought that little thermos?" he asks of my son. "Here boy, take the rest of mine. Just don't give any to your Old Man. You can bring it over to my house later." Charlie leaves and I give my son the old me if - you - don't - give - - some - of - that - iced - tea - you'll - walk - home look. Suddenly the sky is filled with doves. They've sat out the hot midday hours and are now just as hungry as I am. Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! It sounds like Pusan Perimeter again, and I can feel the Browning shuck the shells but I don't hear it shoot. They come in waves . . . nothing, then 30 doves, then We 40, then 10. Then nothing. pick up the dead birds. I have four and my son two. That mean's we're tied at six apiece. Except for the one dove I shot down in the We high grass. look and look but can't find it. Why didn't I bring my Brittany today to retrieve wounded birds? Truthfully, because my Brit is no better prepared to hunt today than I am. She has lolled around the ken- We nel all summer, taking it easy. have not started our long walks yet, and she's too fat and out-of-shape. The same can be said of her master. My son's Dad, the thirst quencher, finishes off Char- We He's thermos jug. sit and wait. The sun is still high and the air is still humid, yet the searing edge seems to be off the September afternoon. Soon, night will flood We the field. shoot at nothing, but we see an occasional shot. The guy at the corner of the field must never miss. I watch him as he waits for a bird to come in range . . . at the last possible moment he stands up. The dove puffs in feathers and begins to fall and only then do I hear the report of his gun. Why don't I shoot and act like that? Outdoors ii> Georgia -- He's doing it right. Then I recognize him he's the judge who spends a fortune every year on skeet. That's We why I don't shoot like that. collect our gear and head for a small crowd of shooters. We chat for a while and compare bags (only one guy other than Charlie got his 12-bird limit). Driving home in the twilight we say nothing. Both of A us are hot and tired, sweaty and hungry. dull headache reminds me I've been staring at a too-bright cloudy sky My all afternoon. son falls asleep on his side of the front seat. I remind myself again how much he looks like his mother. At home, we put up the guns and clean birds. It's not long before the sink looks like we've butchered a thousand-pound elk. Sitting in a platter are the breast- meats of 12 doves, enough for one dinner. We convince the lady and she cooks them. Later, sit- ting in the living room watching TV, we continue to say am nothing. Still later, lying in bed with the lights out I drifting off to sleep. Next year on opening day I'll be better prepared. Still, it was a good day and my son is getting to be a good shot. I'll bet he's lying there thinking about the day, too. I intend to think some more on this but, inside my head I'm in a brown millet field and I think I see a dove way off. I do, and soon he's within range and I remind myself to: pace, follow, swing through and touch off. I never get to. I'm asleep. &' September 1976 Dove Hunting. By Charley Dickey. Oxmoor House, 1 12 pp., $2.95 The story I just wrote is typical of many dove hunters, including myself. It doesn't have to be that fretful, unor- A ganized or haphazard. little planning can help. One of the best ways to plan is to have a source book handy. There is no handier book to have around than Dove Hunting. Charley Dickey is a Tennessee boy who's spent a lot of time in Georgia and now lives in Florida. Among many other worthwhile activities, he helped Warren Page start the National Sport Shooting Associa- -- tion the organization which sponsors the National Hunting and Fishing Day each year. Dickey has provided a sound source book. His chap- ters on "Managing a Shooting Site" and "How Hunting Regulations are Set" are the best I've read on these topics. There is plenty of hunting lore and how-to-do-its in the book and they are all good reading. The book sells for less than a box of 12-gauge shells and will be far more important to your dove hunting success than any one box of shells could ever be. After all, when you read, "One of Charley's Principles on dove shooting is that if you're going to lie, be sure to do your shooting out of sight of talkative witnesses," you know that here's one expert that will level with you! BM Sapelo By Jingle Davis Photos by Author The young boy stepped awkwardly from the open boat to the warm, salt-silvered boards of the floating dock, an electric blue nylon duffle bag slung over his shoulders. His older brother, Tony, looped the boat's bow line around a dock cleat and cut the engine. The sudden silence was as wel- come as the warm afternoon sunshine. The long, cold trip from the Mcintosh County mainland, across the chill waters of Doboy Sound, had numbed the boy's feet and cheeks and hands. Michael stood for a moment look- ing around, thawing out, and temporarily ignoring the gear which waited in the boat to be unloaded. The giant sun-dappled oaks lining the western shore of Sapelo Island beckoned enticingly. True, he hadn't come to look at scenery, but at 13, he still admired good climbing trees. A rising egret pulled his eyes to the golden sweep of marshes spreading like a giant grainfield west of the island. Michael was glad his first deer hunt would be here, on one of Georgia's Golden Isles. He'd heard there were a lot of deer on Sapelo, and Tony said he had a good chance of bagging one. Michael quickly gathered his gear when he saw another small boat racing toward them up the Duplin River. He was afraid all the good camp sites would be taken if he and Tonv didn't hurry. Through trees he spotted the tents of campers who'd r>lreadv staked out their territory at the Moses Hammock campsite. The brothers grabbed armloads of gear and staggered up the dock toward the island. As they stumbled up the bank, the smell of campfires greeted them. Michael self-consciously walked through the clearing. Boys about his -- -- age and one teen-age girl were already settled in. When he reached a trailer marked hunter check station, a conservation ranger met him at the door and took him in to register. For a moment, Michael was afraid there might have been a foul-up and -- his name wouldn't be on the list. He told himself that was dumb) he'd applied for this parent-child hunt months ago and was one of the 150 lucky kids picked by the computer in Atlanta. He fumbled in his jacket Outdoors ii> Georgia Deer Hunt for the card they'd sent him and felt sudden panic when he didn't find it. The man sitting behind the desk looked up and smiled. "I have your name right here, son," he said, and Michael breathed easily again. The man was C. V. Waters, regional game management supervisor for the Georgia Department of Nat- ural Resources. He gave Michael a map of Sapelo Island showing the hunt territory. While Tony filled out forms and talked to Mr. Waters about special hunting regulations (such as the types of guns and shells hunters could use), Michael looked at the map. Some of the places on Sapelo had strange names, he thought. Hog Hammock. Raccoon Bluff. King Savannah. Bourbon Field. Chocolate. Michael hoped he'd remember to ask somebody how Chocolate got its name. Tony finished the paper work, and Mr. Waters told them to pick a campsite they liked. "Mr. Baker, Outdoor Education Chief, will be here later this afternoon to give a course in hunter safety," Mr. Waters said. Michael smiled weakly. Tony had been over hunter safety so many times already, Michael thought he knew the rules by heart. But he was too happy to let the threat of a little schooling spoil his day. It didn't take them long to set up camp once they'd found the perfect place under a big oak near the river. As Michael was pounding the last tent stake into the soft earth, a dark-haired boy carrying an armload of wood wandered over from a near- by camp. "Thought you could use this until you can get some firewood cut," the boy said. He helped Michael build a camp fire, and they sat and talked about things and soon were comfortable with each other, as though they'd been friends a long time. John, the other boy, was from southwest Georgia; a long way from Michael's home in Toccoa. This was John's first deer hunt, too. "Come on, let's walk over to the cooler and look at the big map," John said. "Maybe one of the rang- Septerpber 1976 ers can show us a good place to hunt tomorrow." The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. John and Michael explored Moses Hammock, met the other kids and parents, and talked to the only girl who'd come on the hunt. The hunter safety class turned out to be fun. Michael wished all of his teachers were as interesting as Mr. Baker. Tony even said he learned a lot. -- After supper hot dogs, pork and beans, canned peaches and home- -- made brownies Michael, John and Tony sat around the campfire, talk- ing about the next day's hunt. John's father came over and he and Tony discussed deer sign they'd noticed on the island. The boys tried to re- -- member all the terms rake and rub and scrape. They banked their campfires early and turned in, as the first vehicles were scheduled to leave camp at dawn to distribute hunters through the 15-square mile management area. At 6 a.m. they were all up, dressed, and ready to board one of three flat-bed trailers pulled by pickup trucks which would carry them to the hunting sites they'd chosen. Tony and Michael had decided on number 32, which was in the Raccoon Bluff area. Michael sat next to Tony on the bouncing wooden seat, shivering with cold and excitement. At intervals, the drivers stopped to let off a pair of hunters at one of the numbered stops along the dirt road. Most of the hunters carried flashlights, though silvery light from the moon made navigating the woods a little easier. At last they reached number 32. Several hunters wished them luck as they climbed off the truck, and the driver told them he'd be back around in two or three hours to see if they were ready to come in. Some of the hunters had brought tree stands, but Michael and Tony found a tall pine near an open field. They cleared an area around the trunk of small twigs and dry, cracking leaves so their movements Outdoors ii? Georgia ONE GIFT... FOR MANY OCCASIONS THAT LASTS ALL YEAR Birthdays. Anniversaries. Father's Day. Any Day. OUTDOORS IN GEORGIA is the ideal gift for your favorite sportsman . . . every issue is packed with features of interest to Georgia outdoorsmen. You can order it now for any gift occasion dur- ing the year, and we'll send a letter of acknowledgment in your name. Simply fill out the blanks on the reverse side. We'll do the rest. 1 year (12 issues) 2 years (24 issues) Special Bargain Rate: 3 years (36 issues) . $3.00 $5.00 . $6.00 Give the Gift that Lasts All Year . . . Give OUTDOORS IN GEORGIA Name Address City State Zip Code I wish to subscribe for 1 year--$3.00 2 years--$5.00 3 years--$6.00 Renewal. Please send old address label. My check is enclosed for $ Make payable to Department of Natural Resources *Z o If moved, please include old label or former address in o space below. c Address City State Zip Code PLEASE ENTER GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR: (please print) Name Address City 1 year--$3.00 State 2 years-- $5.00 Zip Code 3 years--$6.00 Name Address City 1 year-- $3.00 State 2 years--$5.00 Zip Code -- 3 years $6.00 Name Address City 1 year-- $3.00 State 2 years--$5.00 Zip Code -- 3 years $6.00 wouldn't give them away to the wary whitetails. The brothers sat without talking, their backs against the tree, eyes straining through the darkness. At first the woods seemed silent, but soon Michael began to notice all the A small sounds. diesel engine throbbed throatily as a shrimpboat chugged through Sapelo Sound. Fall- ing acorns ricocheted like pinballs through a maze of branches toward A the ground. bird rustled in a pal- A metto thicket. raccoon scurried across the slick carpet of pine needles, almost close enough for Michael to touch. Daylight arrived in steps. First the wild grape leaves showed black lace silhouettes more clearly against the lightening sky. Then pinpricks of brilliance began to glimmer teasingly through the trees to the east. Slowly the sun melted up into the sky, glowing even more brightly than Michael and Tony's fluorescent orange safety vests. Michael saw a movement out of the corner of his eye, and turned his head slowly. It was a deer, but too far away for a good shot. The animal was browsing, just picking its way. First the deer came closer, then it wandered back in the other direction. Michael gripped his gun and wished the darned squirrels would stop chattering. Every time they made a noise, the deer would throw up its head as though it were going to run. Michael felt tense all over. He looked at Tony, whoses eyes were also following the deer's movements. Tony shook his head and Michael sighed, knowing it wasn't time yet. Slowly the deer worked its way closer. Even more slowly, Michael raised the gun and sighted down the barrel. At last Tony gave the goahead nod, and Michael fired. There was a sharp crack, a drift of smoke, and Michael felt his heart -- -- leap into his throat as he saw the deer his deer disappear into a palmetto thicket, its white tail flash- A ing like a flag. search revealed no blood, verifying a clean miss. Tony patted him on the shoulder. "Well, you missed that one. But you'll have other shots." Michael nodded, but his legs trembled and his stomach had a hollow place as big as a watermelon. The rest of the day, Michael and Tony still-hunted, walking down wooded trails where copper-colored leaves crunched under their boots. They explored open fields and pushed their way through pine thickets. At noon they stopped for a quick lunch of sandwiches and water, then started out again. Michael's arm kept going to sleep from the weight of the gun. Tony said they had a chance of sneaking up on a deer that had bedded down for the day. But after several hours of walking, Michael was almost too tired to care how much noise he made. He tried to Septerpber 1976 move more quietly after a big buck exploded into the road just six feet ahead, snorted loudly and vanished into the trees before Michael even thought about his gun. The sun was touching the tops of the tallest pines when Tony said it was time to get back to the main road, where the trucks would pick them up. As they came out of the woods, Tony froze and pointed. There was a deer crossing the road -- ahead a perfect shot. Michael raised his gun, aimed, and was squeezing down on the trigger when Tony said loudly, "Stop, Michael! Don't shoot!" The deer bounded into the woods and Michael lowered his gun, see- ing for the first time the orange vest of the hunter who had stepped into the road several hundred yards beyond the deer. The hunter was looking the other way and obviously hadn't seen either Michael or the deer. Michael felt like cussing, but he knew what Tony said about hunters who lost their tempers. He was tired and angry and frustrated and beginning to wonder if deer hunting was worth it. He found it especially hard to be enthusiastic about deer hunting when he got back to camp and found that John and several others had already gotten their deer. Just to be polite, he wandered over to the weighing station and watched as a couple of DNR biologists field dressed the animals. John was really excited about his spike buck. He told Michael over and over how he'd shot it, how much it weighed, and how the biologists were going to send its jawbone off somewhere to scientists could study it. Michael stuck around until John's deer was hung in the big cooler, then said goodnight and trudged back to camp. He barely tasted the supper Tony cooked, and he crawled into his sleeping bag as soon as the dishes were done. When Tony shook him awake the next morning, there was a cold drizzle of rain falling. Michael groaned and snuggled deeper into his covers. 'Come on, Mike, the hunting will be good today. The deer can't smell or hear as well when it's raining," Tony said. Michael ached all over, but he hated to give up now. In less than an hour, he and Tony were back at their tree, shivering in the dripping woods. Michael stared into the woods, thinking how dreary and gray they looked in the rainy morning light. It was almost as though he were dreaming when he saw the doe move into the clearing. Michael raised his gun, aimed, then saw a big buck following the doe. Still sure he was dreaming, Michael switched targets. He took a deep breath, squeezed the trigger slowly, and barely heard the noise of the gun as it fired. He sat there, stunned, holding his smoking gun, as the buck fell like a dropped stone to the ground. "You did it, Michael! That was a great shot!" Tony was pounding him on the back and shouting in his ear. Slowly Michael came out of his trance. It wasn't a dream! And his buck was right there on the ground in front of him. Michael dropped his gun, charged over to the deer, and stood there, admiring its antlers and its smooth tan coat and its snow white tail. "We'll have venison tonight," Tony said, grinning down at him. Michael nodded. Somehow he didn't feel like talking right now. He just -- wanted to stand right here beside his buck his very first buck. He knew he'd want to tell everybody about how it happened. He knew he'd brag for weeks about how much it weighed and how many points it had. But for now, he was completely content to stand in the wet woods, looking down at his deer. (Michael's deer hunt was one of three quota hunts held for the first time last year on the state-owned portion of Sapelo Island. The October hunt was a buck-only event for adults, while the November and December hunts were parent-child events. On the last two hunts, only the young hunters were allowed to carry guns. The rules permitted them to bag a deer of either sex, under adult supervision. C. V. Waters, regional game man- agement supervisor on Sapelo, said hunters success rates were unusually high--59% for the bucks-only; 27% for the November parent-child; and 29% for the December parent-child. Waters said hunters interested in attending one or more of the Sapelo hunts scheduled for this year should fill out a quota hunt application and submit it before September 20, 1976. Hunters' names will be se- lected by computer drawing in At- lanta on October 15, 1976.) () 10 Outdoors ii) Georgia Sweetwater Creek "V- September 1976 By Susan Wood Photos by Bob Busby Hidden somewhere in Douglas County due west of Atlanta sprawls 867 acres of one of Georgia's newest and most historic state parks. Sweetwater Creek State Park lies nearly undisturbed, a still virtual wilderness, hiding remnants of what was once one of Georgia's most prosperous industrial sites. But over a century ago the town supposedly vanished in one day, and now only a ghost town remains. Getting to Sweetwater Creek is an adventure in itself. Over dirt roads and one-lane bridges paralleling the Interstate, past houses with "real character" you might say, around seemingly endless curves, you finally pass the George Sparks Reservoir and you're almost there. No signs mark you way; you blaze your own trail. On a hot, muggy morning all is still and quiet along the narrow path to the edge of the creek, which is more like a river than a creek. At m, 'J t '*\' .3* / > #*tk - ....- 'ii&fcr- /i^*7 . the crcekbank, too, stillness per- vades. The brown water moves slowly, cicadas and brown thrashers chorus somewhere in the thick woods, multihued butterflies meander as if they had all the time in the world. And here even people walk slower, breathe deeper . . . until a murmuring becomes audible in the distance. Intrigued, you quicken your pace up and down little hills over tiny flowing springs. Louder and louder, faster and faster, then you know. Yes, the slow, brown water has met the rocks of the shoals and the roar is almost deafening. The sun is high by now, no breeze stirs, the air just hangs. From this first craggy overlook, you glimpse two streams merging furiously. White water swirls, casting a semi-hypnotic spell over you. Then you notice you're standing on a once-carefullylaid rock wall and behind you curve A stairs now leading to nowhere. ghost town, remember? Hear the echoes? Curious, you walk faster along the wall to see where it leads, and suddenly you come upon a mighty brick structure, a skeleton telling of some long-ago existence. The brick shell of a five-story mill, circa 1842, is all that remains of a once-prosperous textile mill where workers made cloth for uniforms, powder bags and tents for the Confederate Army. Now trees 1 00 years old tower above what was once the roof. For when he came marching through Georgia, ol' Bill Sherman, ever a vengeful man, ordered one Major Tompkins to put the torch to the mill and town, arrest all employees, owners and managers, charge them with treason and deport them to Indiana. In other words, Sherman wanted New Man- chester, the town which had grown up around the mill, wiped off the map. His orders were carried out on July 9, 1864 when the trained op- eratives of New Manchester and Roswell were hauled off in 110 wagons to Marietta, then Nashville and on to Indiana. Now the multitude of gaping win- dow holes look desolate, ravaged. Outside the mammoth skeleton, Shrouded by encroaching forest, the .skeletons of -- New Manchester stand like a ruin of a past civilization which indeed they are. i?*^>WJ*&' % ^*K* September 1976 oft 13 -- -- shoals rush by, oblivious to time and her cruelty. Once these shoals provided power for the mill; now the millrace flows every so slowly. Where once old and young alike sweated and toiled is now overgrown with trees and weeds. Vines have climbed the tall brick walls, 50 feet high, 24 inches thick, and the imposing rock archway, carefully hand-laid 125 years ago. Moss and lichens shroud the home-made, imperfect bricks which tell the story of the workers who in the 1850's playfully carved their names into the bricks, not mindful that by this they would be remembered so many years later. Laborers at the factory spun cotton into yarn, wove it into cloth, then bleached and dyed it first in peacetime, then in war. Others worked from daylight to sunset operating a flour and grist mill while nearby leather workers made shoes and other leather goods. The Sweet- water, later New Manchestser, Manufacturing Company also made ma- chinery here, and the brand name became well-known throughout the South. Because of their wartime production and the vehement secession- ist sentiments of one of the owners, past governor Charles J. McDonald, Sherman wanted New Manchestser wiped off the map. The once-prosperous town even boasted its own post office, opened in 1859. The flourishing company sought to build a rail line in 1856 from Atlanta to Sweetwater Factory in what was then known as Campbell County. The mill was doubtless the center of community life in New Manchester. Couples even said their marriage vows standing by their looms overlooking the shoals. Today foundations of more than 12 struc- tures, among them the company store, machine shop and community house, have been found. There's an eerie feeling there deep in the woods amid ruins of a lost town. Those holes in the brick walls --what made them? The charred re- mains of campfire within the tower- -- ing walls are they, too, remains from a century ago? The noise is it the imagined rumbling of the 50,000 pound wheel? Or a 727 cir- cling for landing at Atlanta-Harts- field International Airport some 20 -- miles away? The gunfire Union soldiers or the East Point police at their nearby firing range? These re- mains are so desolate, yet serene remind us of the hardships of the past. But there's more to Sweetwater Creek State Park than the fascinating ruins. If you can tear yourself away to wander on past the mill, you'll find boulders in the swirling water get so big that trees grow out of them. Care to wade in the stream? The meandering trail gets steep and rocky in places but is worth the rugged climb. Up one almost sheer cliff, you'll overlook a promising little fishing cove and can look back upstream for almost a mile. If you look closely you may find some tiny fresh water clam shells along the water's edge or maybe some gems such as garnet along the rocky trail. Or fresh signs of beaver at work. Sweetwater Creek State Park is a day-use park. No camping is allowed since the park is open only from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. But its unique beauty will fascinate you, its uncrowded quiet will delight you. All in all, Douglas County's ghost town is well worth the search. & 14 Outdoors ii> Georgia oors V^=^ *ss? Southeastern Wildlife Art Exhibit October 21-24, 1976 Perimeter Mall Atlanta, Georgia Original wildlife paintings, sketches, sculpture and photography- exhibited in the mall. September 1976 Outdoors ii> Toucl? Edited by Bill Hammack SALT WATER TENDERFOOT LANDS GEORGIA RECORD SPECKLED TROUT Tommy Hall of Waycross, a salt water fishing novice, landed a monster fish not long ago that turned out to be the new state record speckled trout. His nine-pound, seven-ounce trout is the largest ever recorded from Georgia waters, says Larry Smith of the Department of Natural Resources in Brunswick. Hall caught his prize, heavier than the previous recordholder by seven ounces, on his third salt water fishing talks from church pulpits-- exhorting his audiences to get right on conversation. He has appeared countless times on TV in Georgia and Florida, and on national TV's "Wild Kingdom." His own local radio show beating the drums for conservation was a weekly feature. He is one of the best-known Game and Fish conser- vation rangers in Georgia's Department of Natural Resources (DNR)-- Paul Johnston. Demosthenes, the Greek whose name became trip. "I'm primarily a freshwater fisherman," he says. synonymous with oratory, trained himself to speak in public by filling his mouth with pebbles and walking Using live shrimp bait, he caught the 30V2-inch long trout in Christmas Creek between Little and Big Cumberland Islands off the coast of Camden County. the beaches declaiming over the sound of the waves. Paul Johnston trained himself on his rounds as a ranger-- he'd park out in the woods and from the truck- Speckled trout are a culinary delicacy. But Hall planned to have his record-winner mounted. bed of his pickup, he'd address the trees, the stumps and all the 'gators, deer and bullfrogs within range of "This one," he said, "is too special to eat." Tommy Hall and Record Trout his voice. "Back yonder a while, I wanted to take a Dale Carnegie course, but I didn't have the funds," Paul says. "So I'd check out Dale Carnegie books from the public library. They were helpful." Struck by muscular dystrophy, Johnston retired Sep- tember 1 as a sergeant generalist-- sort of a top sergeant--from the Waycross District of the Law Enforce- ment Section of DNR's Game and Fish Division. Johnston was born in 1930 at Blackshear in Geor- gia's Pierce County, educated in public schools at Alma, where his mother was a school teacher, and at Brew- GEORGIA'S "CONSERVATION PREACHER" RETIRES They call him the "conservation preacher." He has delivered thousands of speeches throughout Georgia and the Southeast to civic and sports and garden clubs and church groups-- he has made some ton-Parker Junior College at Mt. Vernon, Georgia. After serving with the U.S. Air Force in Korea-- he came out of the Air Force as a sergeant-- he began his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff in Ware County. In 1960 he joined Game and Fish as a ranger. In 1969 he was chosen "Ranger of the Year." As word of his speaking ability and his devotion to enlightened conservation spread, Johnston was called on to address ever-widening circles of groups who wanted to hear what he had to say. His travels stretched beyond Georgia's boundaries, to Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Taking his text from the first Chapter of Genesis where God tells our ancestors to "have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth," Johnston declares that we have been charged to take care of our natural resources in such a way that they will be here for the enjoyment of all generations to come. "And in the third Chapter of Ecclesiastes," he says, "we read 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . ' This is the time we should be determined to keep our streams clear and clean and free from pollution, when we should join hands to help keep Georgia and all America beautiful and green and productive. This is the time that we as adults must learn, and must teach our children, to have respect for God's green earth and all of its creatures." Jack Crockford, director of the Game and Fish Divi- 16 Outdoors ip Georgia sion, says "Paul Johnston is a dedicated conservationist and an outstanding law enforcement officer. We thank him for a job well done." FIRST WOMEN RANGERS IN GEORGIA ARE ROOKIES WHO RATE SALUTES First woman in Georgia's conservation ranger cadet program in the state's Game and Fish Division of the Department of Natural Resources is 26-year-old Lysie Greenlee of Marietta. And the first woman park ranger in Georgia is 29- year-old Vickie Becker of Macon. A former school teacher in Georgia's Clarke County, Lysie Greenlee entered "Operation Catch-Up" last year at the University of Georgia where she was working on her master's degree. "Operation Catch-Up," funded by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, is designed to bring women and members of minorities into law enforcement. "The work interested me and I thought the course might help me get a job," said Ms. Greenlee. "I was working on my masters in education. But that field is sort of full. The deeper I got into the law enforcement course, the more it appealed to me and I decided to try to make law enforcement my career." She says she's stimulated by the challenge of her job in the Law Enforcement Section of Game and Fish. "I'm overwhelmed by how much I have to learn to become a competent conservation ranger. During the time I'm a cadet, I know that Game and Fish officers are watching me to see if I can cut the mustard. And I'm testing myself, to find out if I've got what it takes to be a Game and Fish law enforcement officer." Jack Crockford, director of the Game and Fish Divi- sion, said, "For a long time, sportswomen have enjoyed fishing and hunting and boating and the outdoors. So why not a woman ranger? If Ms. Greenlee meets our standards as a law enforcement officer in the specialized field of conservation, I'll be tickled to welcome her aboard and salute her as our first woman ranger." So far, the ranger trainee has been earning high marks as a cadet. "She seems well qualified and her cadet work is entirely satisfactory," said Col. R. K. Fansler, Chief of Game and Fish's Law Enforcement Lysie Greenlee, Jack Crockford September 1976 Henry Struble, Vickie Becker, Joe Tanner Section. "I'm pleased that we've been able to attract young women applicants with background and train- ing such as Cadet Greenlee's." Greenlee has been assigned to Lake Allatoona. If you're doing something wrong or unsafe on the lake and an attractive blonde in a green uniform flags you down . . . stop and pay attention. She's the law. "Vickie Becker served her college internship with us," said Henry D. Struble, director of the Parks and His- toric Sites Division of the Department of Natural Resources. "She performed well in directing our 1975 Summer Youth Conservation Corps project. That's when she told us she wanted to go to work with us. She has We many skills and abilities to offer our division. con- sidered her an outstanding prospect." Ms. Becker has been assigned as park ranger in Chattahoochee River State Park near Atlanta. Tom Carter, park superintendent, said, "I was concerned about a woman serving as ranger at Chattahoochee River. Frankly, I didn't think a woman could handle some of the situations she'd be confronted with. Vickie changed my mind about that. She earns the respect of about everybody she comes in contact with. She's a take-charge type woman. Right now she's in charge of maintenance operations. It's a big job. And the park looks better now than it has in a long time." Becker says she has always loved the outdoors. "Canoeing, hiking, camping-- love 'em all," she says. "Got to thinking that maybe outdoor recreation would be a good professional career." She earned her masters degree in physical education from Georgia State University in 1974, having won her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro. "Sure, it's a challenge to be the first woman park ranqer in Georgia," she says. "And I know I'm a green hand. I've got the educational back- ground, but I'll need guidance in gaining experience. I'm already receiving it. Mr. Struble and Mr. Carter have been great. Everybody in the department seems to want to help me make good. I'm not going to let them down if I can help it." One of Becker's hobbies is CB radio. If you are a CB'er and hear a young woman say, "This is Forest Fuzz," that's Vickie Becker, Georgia park ranger. e 17 Letters to tlje Editor Thank you for the materials, including the color seps for Ron Simpson's story, "To Have More Quail." The story was very popular with our readers, as letters have evi- denced. I am returning the materials and a copy of the story as it appeared in our own publication. My sincercst congratulations to you and your staff on the excellent publication you produce for your state. I find it excellent reading, as do others on our editorial board. I plan to ask permission for an- other reprint story in the future . . . Bob Thurston Editor/Publisher The American Shotgunner Dear Editor Morehead: This is to acknowledge, with many thanks, my subscription to Outdoors in Georgia. It is an excellent publication and I enjoy reading it. Each edition seems to be better than the last one. Please keep up the good work. It is the state's best magazine. Sincerely, W. W. Law, Member, Heritage Trust Here are my congratulations on your fine magazine. I think you are doing a great job on your selection of different articles. This gives everyone something of interest in each is- sue. I would like to see a short outline of upcoming hunting seasons, just a list of propossed dates that the Department has set up, with possible changes understood, something that general plans can be centered around. As you know, a good hunting season sometimes takes a lot of planning. I think this would be a welcome addition to your magazine in the early summer. Your still have one of the greatest magazines on the market. Keep up the fine work. Leslie G. Bell Mountain View, GA Outdoors it? Georgia en-dan-ger/in-'dan-jar/vt: to bring into danger or peril. ENDANGERMENT Eastern Brown Pelican That certain wildlife species, animal and plant are currently endangered is a generally accepted fact. Most people have at least a passing knowledge that several North American wildlife species have become extinct in the last century and that other species may be facing that same fate. This may well be all one knows about endangered species, but it is usually enough to evoke a hope, however faint, that someone will do something to prevent that end. Beyond this point, reaction to the endangered species situation becomes more diverse and is often represented in extreme points of view. One end of the spectrum is represented by the highly emotional belief that all God's wild creatures are tottering on the edge of doom. The other end is the cynical reflection that the world has done O.K. without dinosaurs. Extinction is a natural process and is the inevitable consequence of a species' failure to adapt to changing conditions. As a natural force, extinction accommodates the process of evolution; it is a culling of unadaptable species. The rate of extinction, or the number of species becoming extinct within a given time period, is another matter. This rate today far exceeds that which could be called natural. Man, in the brief century he has truly developed technology, has become able to radically alter the face of the earth. Extinction, still a natural culling, has removed those species unable to adapt to the activities of the human population. These extinctions, perhaps premature, have swollen the rate of extinction and engendered concern over the concept of endangered species. Not all wildlife, animals or plants, are created equal. Each species exists within a set of guidelines called a niche. They cannot exist beyond the parameters of this niche for very long. For some species this niche is broad and general and these species have adapted to the -- changing world some have a more narrow range of tolerance and many of these have been devastated by the changes man has wrought. Species with a narrow or specialized niche are fragile, and easily decimated by elimination of intolerable alteration of that niche. It can be said that most of today's endangered species have always been rare, but that is a rationalization, not an absolution. As we begin to understand the incredibly complex interrelationships of the natural world, we must also understand that nothing We exists without function. may perceive that function dimly or not at all, but it is there and is necessary within the system. Besides the subtle roles a species plays in its natural community, there are other values with which it is easier to relate. Aesthetic value, to man at least, is a prime consideration. Many endangered species have, in their unique ways, a quality of attraction which makes them worthwhile in their own right and adds greatly to the mosaic of their natural environment. Their own beauty can be their undoing as in the case of many endangered wild flowers. Because they are beautiful (and rare) they are doubly desirable to collectors. This is one of the major adverse pressures on some species. If beauty and natural balance are two measures of the worth of unique species, there is another which is imminently more practical. Those species living within narrow tolerance limits are the most sensitive to habitat degradation. They serve as indicators of environmental quality (and by being endangered, an index of environ- mental ruination). For example, the hazards of pesticide pollution were brought to public attention by research on certain species of birds, most notably eagles and falcons. Other hazards to the environment as yet undetected will possibly come to light as research on other plants and animals continues. This may be an early warning of future human hazards. Research is a big factor in a constructive program to aid endangered species. Only time consuming and detailed study will get to the real causes of many species' problems. This is frustrating to many endangered species enthusiasts who say, "While you're carrying on research these things arc disappearing." No species will be saved or even aided by emotion alone, regardless of its sincerity. Trying to preserve a species without adequate knowledge of its critical limiting factors is akin to trying to save a burning house by painting it. Sometimes the problems are amazingly forthright. The American bison was brought to the voyage of extinction by wanton killing for sport, profit, and as a governmen- -- -- tally sanctioned means to subdue the Plains Indians. The solution stop the killing worked. On the other hand, the problems of the American bald eagle were discovered by extensive research. Only after conclusive evidence that pesticide residues were lowering reproductive rates and the use of some of those pesticides banned was there any real aid for eagle populations. The endangered species we study today are often more like the eagle than the bison. Their problems are usually complex and subtle, since most of the "easy" problems have been solved. To effect a meaningful program to aid these species, we must identify them, isolate the factors that are detrimental to them, and modify those factors to alleviate the pressure. Only then can we realize the September 1976 A merican A lligator Photos courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ultimate goal of removing these species from the endangered list. We must also be realistic. Some species which are now rare have always been rare, and, if they survive, will We always be rare. must realize that extinction, as a natural force, is still going on. It was around long before man turned either a destructive or constructive hand toward wildlife. It is our hope through a balanced and effective endangered species program, to prevent "pre- mature extinctions" and slow the rate in our time. The goal of this program must be, not the maintenance of a list of perpetual protection, but the removal of species -- from the list by relieving their endangerment. Aaron Pass 21 These animal species constitute the official state list of "protected species." The term "protected species" is in- terpreted to include those classified as follows: "Endangered species" means any resident species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, or one which is designated as endangered under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205). "Threatened species" means any resident species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range or one that is designated as threatened under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205). "Rare species" means any resident species which, although not presently endangered or threatened as previ- ously defined, should be protected because of its scarcity. "Unusual species" means any resident species which exhibits special or unique features and because of these features deserves special consideration in its continued survival in the state. Eastern Cougar ) -- SHORTNOSE STURGEON (Acipenser -- brevirostrum) Status Endangered The shortnose sturgeon is an anadromous species which occurs in major river systems along the Georgia Coast. Living most of its life in the sea, it returns to these river systems to breed. During these spawning runs it is occasionally caught in nets by shad fishermen. Over fishing and pollution are thought to be the primary reasons for this species decline in numbers. SEA TURTLES ATLANTIC RIDLEY (Lepidochelys kempii) HAWKSBILL (Eretmochelys imbricata) -- LEATHERBACK (Dermochelys coriacea) Status Endangered Although not generally considered nesting species in Georgia, these great sea turtles occasionally occur off the coast. Similar to the more common loggerhead sea turtle, which is currently proposed for the Federal endangered species list, these great reptiles live their lives in the sea and return to coastal beaches to lay their eggs during the summer. Many factors are involved in the decline of sea turtle populations, primarily of which is the loss of nesting habitat to real estate developers along the coastal dunes. Other less destructive pressures on sea turtle numbers include: predation of eggs by raccoons; sand crabs, wild hogs, and man; incidental mortality by drowning of turtles accidentally caught in shrimp trawls; predation on young by sharks, fishes, sand crabs, raccoons, gulls, and crows. Erosion, caused by severe weather, also uncovers numerous nests. -- AMERICAN ALLIGATOR (Alligator -- mississippiensisj Status Endangered Alligators regularly occur in eighty of 159 counties, gen- erally in the southern half of the state. Largest popula- tions occur in coastal and southwest sections of the state. Alligators occur in virtually all wetland types within its range, particularly river swamp systems. Increasing numbers of alligators are occupying the numerous farm ponds throughout South Georgia and in many instances have become pests to landowners. Although currently listed by the Federal Government as endangered, recent surveys by Game and Fish Personnel indicate that an endangered classification is questionable. Although our Statewide populations continue to expand, several factors were involved in population declines in -- earlier years: 1 Habitat losses large acreages of wetlands have -- been drained over the past several years. 2) Heavy poaching high demand for alligator leather exerted extreme pressure on populations throimhout the southeast. Immature Hawksbill Septerpber 1976 23 ) -- SOUTHERN BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus -- leucocephalus) ( below Status Endangered Most bald eagle observations throughout the State are uncommon and appear to be of migrant birds, however we do have a few resident birds. Nesting pairs have been nearly non-existent for the past several years. The last known successful nest was on St. Catherines Island and raised two young. Formerly bald eagles nested more fre- quently along the coast on the barrier islands. Barrier islands provide ideal habitat for the birds with their good supply of mature dead timber available for nesting, their isolation, and bountiful supply of fishes. Exact reasons for the decline of nesting bald eagles in Georgia is unknown, however causes for the general decline throughout the Southeast include: impairment of reproductive process due to ingestion of pesticides, illegal shooting, loss of nesting habitat, and human disturbance. -- EASTERN BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus -- occidentalis) (above) Status Endangered The State of Georgia supports both a winter and summer population along the coast, however no nesting has ever been recorded in the State. Brown Pelicans are regularly seen along our coastal beaches and sounds, often in fairly large groups, flying close to the water or sitting on sand- bars near the beach. The decline in pelican populations has been attributed primarily to reproductive problems associated with excessive amounts of pesticides found in their diet of fish. High pesticide levels have been found in the tissues of DDE pelicans and their eggs. The pesticide has been identified as the primary cause of eggshell thinning, which results in collapsed eggshells and in turn, limits production of young. Heavy metals have also contaminated the birds in similar ways. -- PEREGRINE FALCON -- Status Endangered (Falco peregrinus) The peregrine falcon is a winter resident of the State occurring primarily along the coastal beach areas. Major movements occur along the coast during the spring and fall migration. The many species of shorebirds along the beach areas are favorite foods of the peregrine. The peregrines' problems are not unlike many of our other birds of prey. The most important factor limiting their numbers is the ingestion of pesticides with their food supply. Increased usage of pesticides in this coun- try saw a corresponding decrease in peregrine popula- tions. High levels of pesticide result in poor reproductive success, and occasionally the death of the bird. Human disturbance has been limiting to some extent in their breeding grounds, however this is not a factor in Georgia. 24 -- IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus -- principalis) Status Endangered Ivorybills have not been observed in Georgia for many years, however since our State formerly supported Ivorybill populations, there is a faint, though doubtful, hope that the species may still exist in Georgia. The species formerly occupied large tracts of mature bottomland hardwood throughout the Southeast. Large tracts of this habitat were necessary to provide an adequate food supply of wood boring insect larvae for the birds. The primary factor thought to be responsible for the de- cline of the Ivorybill is the elimination of large tracts of overmature timber which are necessary to maintain an adequate food supply. Outdoors ii? Georgia > r O 0? > z> >X .2 3 3 O 8* 3 o a- 2 H o w SH 4i 3* c 1-1 o n Tl 1-1 3 r+ OQ b L1 O p Vi -- EASTERN COUGAR (Felis concolor) -- Status Endangered (Photo Page 22) The range of the Cougar would probably include the entire State, although its' occurrence is more likely in the more remote and wild areas of Northern and South- ern Georgia. Preferred habitat includes large tracts of wilderness with a good supply of food (primarily deer). Cougars are extremely shy animals and will not tolerate much hu- man disturbance. The decline in cougar numbers probably can be attributed to elimination of prime habitat areas due to human encroachment, low numbers of prey species, and harrassment by the public. -- RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos -- borealis) (below) Status Endangered Range of the red-cockaded woodpecker in Georgia is Statewide, however the largest population occurs throughout the Coastal Plain and in Southwest Georgia. Nest site selection is restricted to mature or overmature pines which are infected with red heart disease. Red heart disease characteristically affects trees from 40-89 years old. The primary limiting factor of red-cockaded woodpeckers is the presence of suitable nest and roost trees. Cutting of large, mature pine stands is detrimental to the birds' survival. These critical nest trees have often been the victims of industrial economics, however many timber companies are now beginning to recognize habitat needs and are managing appropriately. -- KIRTLAND'S WARBLER (Dendroica kirtlandii) -- Status Endangered (below) Breeds in Northern Michigan and passes through Georgia during migration to the Bahamas. Migration primarily along our coast. Recent observations are scarce. Limiting factors in wintering grounds are unclear at this time. Availability of sufficient amounts of nesting habitat and parasitism of cowbirds are definite limiting factors on breeding areas. September 1976 -- BACHMAN'S WARBLER (Vermivora bachmanii) -- Status Endangered Formerly this warbler was a breeding resident in the Savannah area, however now is considered a very rare transient of the coastal region. The only definite breeding records goes back to June 24, 1908, near Savannah. Knowledge of this species present breeding or distribution is non-existent, due to the infrequency of observa- tion. Past records indicate a preference for heavily timbered swamps. Although no definite limiting factors are known, the harvest of most of the virgin bottomlands throughout the Southeast is thought to be responsible for population declines. Elimination of this very specialized habitat type undoubtedly contributed heavily to this species downward population trend. 25 -- INDIANA BAT (Myotis sodalis) -- Status Endangered (above) The known range of the Indiana bat centers around Dade County in the Northwest corner of the State, where the species has been observed on several occasions. Other caves in the Northern region of the State offer potentially good habitat for the species and may support previously undiscovered populations. Wintering populations usually are associated with major cavernous limestone regions. Knowledge of this species summer habitat is negligible. Major reasons for population declines include: commercialization of roost caves, wanton destruction by vandals, disturbances by humans, disturbance from bat banders, use of specimens for laboratory use, and pos- sibly insecticide poisoning. -- GRAY BAT (Myotis grisescens) -- Status Endangered This species has been collected only from Clarke and Polk Counties in Georgia. It is known primarily from the limestone cave regions where it congregates in both summer and winter. Excessive human disturbance, commercialization of caves, and vandalism have contributed to population reductions. GEORGIA BLIND CAVE SALAMANDER -- (Haideotrhon wallacei) Carr Known from a 200 foot well in Dougherty County and also from Decatur County. Habitat consists of subterranean waters of the upland limestone karst system, apparently restricted to the Dougherty Plain Region in Georgia. Subterranean habitats are vulnerable to chemical and biological pollution, recreational development, and excessive collecting. This Genus is known to be utilized commercially in the pet trade. 26 -- SHERMAN'S POCKET GOPHER (Geomys -- fontanelus) Sherman Status Endangered Very little is known regarding the distribution of this small rodent. Specimens have been found in a very small area near Savannah, occurring in fine, sandy soils. Reasons for the decline of this species is not known. No recent observations have been recorded. This species could possibly be extinct. -- COLONIAL POCKET GOPHER (Geomys colonus) -- Bangs Status Endangered Another small rodent, the present distribution of which is not known. Specimens have been taken only from Camden County. Former distribution was thought to include only about 12 square miles of habitat in Camden County. Recent observations of this species are absent. Reasons for the species decline in numbers are unclear, however probably would include destruction of habitat by clearcutting, and genetic problems that occur in small populations with limited geographic range. -- RIGHT WHALE (Eubalaena glacialis) -- HUMPBACK WHALE (Megaptera novaeangliae) -- Status Endangered Both species occur only rarely off our coast. Over exploi- tation by man appears to be the primary reason for declining whale numbers. Since these species know no national boundaries, regulation of harvest depends entirely on international cooperation. Whaling is a lucrative industry in certain countries and regulation of the harvest has been difficult. -- WEST INDIAN (FLORIDA) MANATEE -- (Trichechus manalus) Status Endangered Manatees (sea cows) utilize our coastal rivers and streams during spring and summer migrations, however breeding occurs in Florida. Preferred habitat includes sluggish, moderately turbid rivers, sheltered marine bays, and shallow estuaries. Sufficient plant material is required, however the manatee eats almost any aquatic plant and many reachable terrestrials. Several reasons for population declines have been noted including excessive harvest in earlier times, mortality caused by propellers of power boats, vandalism, and habitat de- struction. With an expanding human population in coastal areas manatees are expected to decrease. SOUTHERN CAVE FISH -- (Typlichthys suhterraneus) Status Endangered NW Range includes caves in Georgia. Occurs in sub- terranean habitats which are very fragile. Adverse im- pacts include: pollution, development and over collect- ing. --Ron Odom Photos courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Outdoors ii? Georgia M Photos Courtesy: Mr. and Mrs. Leo T. Barber, Jr. Dr. Wilbur Duncan, University of Georgia Dr. Dan Pittillo, Western Carolina University Dr. B. J. Jackson U.S. Forest Service Natural Areas Unit. DNR 28 Protected Plants List lhe plant species listed are those which are now officially designated as "protected species''' under authority of The Wildflower Preservation Act of 1973. The term "protected species" includes the classifications endangered, threatened, rare and unusual as previously defined. In most instances, the plants which are listed require very specialized individual growing conditions. Some growing conditions are so specialized that they have not yet been completely defined. Generally speaking these plant species are affected by pressures which ultimately deny the species some component of it's specialized growing conditions, thus resulting in a loss of habitat. Clearly, loss of habitat is the greatest single factor endangering theses species of plants. Other species listed are able to grow in a variety of habitats but suffer the irony of being unusually beautiful or valuable for medicinal purposes. These species have become endangered as a result of extensive and careless collecting. Still others of these species suffer the pressures of both habitat loss and extensive collection. The list of protected plants is presented in an effort to stimulate interest in the future existence of these plants. Each species is listed by scientific name, followed by its common name, a very general and brief description of its habitat, and in parenthesis the geographic province of the state where the plant is found. It is impractical here to attempt to elaborate the specific problems associated with each species. The list is not intended to be a static cultural symbol or a showcase of strange and beautiful creatures. It will be dynamic in that when the status of a species is found to be changing in our state that status will be reflected by changing the species classification on the list. Public notice will be made whenever additions to, deletions from, or changes in the list are proposed. The procedures detailed in the Rules and Regulations for the Protection of Endangered, Threatened, Rare, or Unusual Species (Georgia Department of Natural Resources Regulations 391-4-13) will be followed. Outdoors ip Georgia Elliottia Endangered Plants: Amphianthus pusillus Torrey: Amphianthus Pools in depression in granite rocks (Piedmont) Balduina atropurpurea (Nuttall) Harper: Balduina Bogs, moist pine barrens and savannahs (lower Coastal Plain) Baptisia arachnifera Duncan: Hairy Wild-Indigo Sandy pinelands (lower Coastal Plain) Rumelia thornei Cronquist: Buckthorn Dry pinelands and sandhills (Coastal Plain) Croton elliottii Chapm.: Croton Pinelands (Coastal Plain) Draba aprica Beadle: Draba Dry soils (Upper Piedmont) Eliottia racemosa Muhl: Elliottia Hammocks and near bluffs (Coastal Plain and South- east Piedmont) Fimbristylis perpuslilla Vahl : Fimbristylis Pond margins (Western Coastal Plain) Gentiana deloachii (W. Plemmon) Shinners: Gentian Habitat type and range undetermined Hydrastis canadensis L. : Golden Seal Rich woods (Blue Ridge) Hymenocallis coronaria (LeConte) Kunth: Spider Lily Brackish marshes, low woods and swamp forests (Coast- al Plain) Jeffersonia diphylla (L.) Persoon: Twinleaf Rich moist woods with calcareous soils (Northwest Piedmont) Lindernia saxicola M. A. Curtis: False Pimpernel Rocks in streams (Tallulah River) Marshallia mohri Beadie & Boynton: Marshallia Variety of damp habitats (Ridge and Valley) Panicum hirstii L.: Panic Grass Habitat type and range undetermined Paronychia rugelii var. interior Shuttlew: Paronychia Habitat type and range undetermined Potentilla tridentata Aiton: Three-toothed Cinquefoil Rock crevices and mountain balds (Ridge and Valley) Pycnanthemum curvipes Green: Horse-mint September 1976 Habitat type and range undetermined Rhexia parviflora Chapm.: Small Flowered Meadow- Beauty Wet sandy soils (Western Coastal Plain) Salix floridana Chapm.: Willow Rocky shores and stream beds (Coastal Plain) Sarracenia oreophila (Kearn.) Wherry: Pitcher-plant Bogs and low wet places (Ridge and Valley) Sarracenia purpurea L.: Flytrap Pitcher-plant Bogs and low wet places (Coastal Plain and eastern Blue Ridge) Sarracenia rubra Walter: Sweet Pitcher-plant Bogs and low savannahs (Coastal Plain) Shortia galacifolia var. galacifolia T&G: Shortia Rich mountain woods (Eastern Blue Ridge) Silene polypetala (Walt.) Fern & Schubert: Pink Campion Hillsides or rich deciduous woods (Central West Geor- gia) Torreya taxijolia (Arn) Green: Stinking Cedar Sweet Pitcher Plant 29 Pink Campion Bluffs (Lake Seminole) Trientalis borealis Raf. : American Starflower Humus soil in wooded ravines (Blue Ridge) Trillium persistens Duncan: Persistent Trillium Rich woods (Tallulah and Tugalo River Systems) Veratrum woodii Robbins: Wood's False Hellebore Woodlands (Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley) Viburnum braeteat um Rehder: Arrow-weed Wooded Cliffs (Ridge and Valley) Threatened Plants Arabis georgiana Harper: Arabis Shaded riverbanks (Ridge and Valley) Asplenium heteroresiliens Wagner: Spleenwort Limestone outcrops (Coastal Plain) Aureolaria patula (Chapm.) Pennell: Aureolaria Wooded river bluffs (Ridge and Valley) Brickellia cordifolia Ell.: Brickellia Habitat type and range undetermined Cacalia diversifolia T&G: Cacalia Swamps (Western Coastal Plain) Calamintha dentatum Chapm.: Calamintha Habitat type and range undetermined Carex amplisquama F, J. Herman: Carex Habitat type and range undetermined Carex biltmoreana Mackenzie: Carex Rocky places at high elevations (Blue Ridge) Carex misera Buckley: Carex Crevices in rock cliffs (Eastern Blue Ridge) Carex purpurifcra Mackenzie : Carex Rich woods (Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley) Croomia pauciflora (Nutt. ) Torr. : Croomia Rich ravines (Western Coastal Plain) Ctenium floridanum Hitchcock: Toothache Grass Savannahs and fresh marshes (Eastern Coastal Plain) Cuscuta harperi Small : Cuscuta 30 Parasite on low herbs (Blue Ridge) Cyperus granitophilus L.: Sedge Habitat type and range undetermined Dicerandra odoratissima Harper: Dicerandra Sandy soils in thin woods (Lower Coastal Plain) Echinacea laevigata (Boynton & Beadle) Blake: Coneflower Fields and thin woods (Eastern Blue Ridge) Fothergilla gardenii Murray: Witch-alder Pocosins and savannahs (Coastal Plain) Hartwrightia ftoridana A. Gray: Hartwrightia Swamps and marshes (Coastal Plain) Ilex amelanchier M. A. Curtis: Swamp Holly Swamps, stream banks and cypress ponds (Lower Coastal Plain) Isoetes flaccida Shuttlew: Quillwort Streambeds (Lower Coastal Plain) Isoetes mclanspora Engelm: Quillwort Depressions in granite outcrops (Central Piedmont) Isoetes virginica N. E. Pfeiffer: Quillwort Temporary ponds on granite; beds of sluggish streams (Piedmont and Coastal Plain) Persistent Trillium Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Sporleder: Bog Buttons Wet sands or peat (Eastern Coastal Plain) Leavenworthia exigua var. exigua Rollins: Leavenworthia Shallow soils of cedar glades (Ridge and Valley) Linum sulcatum var. harperi Riddell: Linum Dry basic soils in the open (Piedmont and Coastal Plain) Litsea aestivalis (L.) Fernald: Pond Spice Swamp margins; low wet woodlands (Coastal Plain) Ly thrum curtissii Fernald: Loosestrife Muddy calcareous swamps (Coastal Plain) Marshallia ramosa Beadle & Boynton: Narrow-leaf Marshallia Pine-barrens (Coastal Plain) Outdoors ip Georgia ) Muhleribergia torreyana (Schult) Hitchc: Muhly Habitat type and range undetermined Myriophyllum laxum Shuttlew ex Chapman: Water-Milfoil Sinks and pools (Coastal Plain) Nestroma umbellula Raf. : Nestronia Open woods (Piedmont and Coastal Plain) Oxypolis canbyi (C&R) Fernald: Oxypolis Habitat type and range undetermined Panicum lithophilum Swallen: Panic Grass Granite outcrops (Piedmont) Penstemon disseetus Mitchell: Penstemon Thin soil on rocks (Coastal Plain) Phacelia dubia var. georgiana (L. ) Trelease: Phacelia Varied habitats (Coastal Plain) Physostegia veroniciformis Small: Physostegia Low grounds and depressions (Coastal Plain) Pieris phillyreaefolia Hook: Climbing Heath Stumps and bases of cypress trees (Coastal Plain Climbing Heath Pinckneya pubens Michx. : Georgia Feverbark Low woods (Coastal Plain) Platanthera peramoena A. Gray: Pink-Fringed Orchid Meadows and stream banks (Blue Ridge) Portulaca smallii P. Wilson : Portulaca Granite outcrops (Piedmont) Ptilimrdum nodosum (Rose) Mathais: Ptilimnium Savannahs and wet ditches (Coastal Plain) Quercus georgiana M. A. Curtis: Georgia Oak Granite outcrops (Piedmont) Quercus oglethorpensis Duncan: Oglethorpe Oak Flatwoods (Piedmont) Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Fraser) H. Wendl.: Needle Palm Ravines and Iimesinks (Coastal Plain) Rhododendron austrinum Rehr. : Florida Azalea Open woods (Eastern Coastal Plain) Rhododendron prunifolium (Small) Millais: Plumlcaf Azalea Varied woodland habitats (Eastern Coastal Plain) September 1976 Pink Lady-slipper Rhynchospora culixa Gale: Beak Rush Habitat type and range undetermined Rhynchospora globularis var. saxicola (Small) KuKenth: Beak Rush Pineland (Coastal Plain) Rhynchospora punctata Ell.: Beak Rush Habitat type and range undetermined Rudbeckia heliopsidis T&G: Black-eyed Susan Woodlands and meadows (Coastal Plain) Sarracenia sp. (all resident Pitcher-plants) Bogs, savannahs and wet open places (scattered state- wide) Schisandra glabra (Brickell) Rheder: Schisandra Rich woods (Piedmont) Schizachyrium niveum unknown: Schizachyrium Habitat type and range undetermined Scutellaria montana Chapm.: Skullcap Deciduous woods (Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley) Sedum pusillum Michx.: Stonecrop Granite outcrops (Piedmont) Senecio millefolium T&G: Ragwort Edges of rock outcrops (Eastern Blue Ridge) Smilax leptanthera Pennell: Greenbrier Varied w'ooded habitats (Piedmont) Sporobolus tereijolius Harper: Wire-leaf Drop-seed Savannahs (Coastal Plain) Talinum mengesii W. Wolf: Talinum Dry sandstone or granite outcrops (Central Piedmont) Thalictrum debile Buck].: Meadow Rue Rich woods (Coastal Plain) Veronia pulchella Small: Veronia Sandy scrub and pineland (Eastern Coastal Plain) Viguiera porteri (A. Gray) Blake: Viguiera Granite outcrops (Piedmont) Waldsteinia lobata (Baldw.) T&G: Barren Strawberry Rich woods (Piedmont and Blue Ridge) Xyris scabrifolia Harper: Yellow-eyed Grass Bogs and wet depressions (Coastal Plain) Unusual Plants Cypripedum acaule Aiton : Pink Lady-slipper Variety of forest habitats (Blue Ridge) Cypripedum calceolus (Willd) Correll: Yellow Lady-slipper Variety of forest habitats (Upper Piedmont and Blue Ridge) --Jerry McCollum 31 Realities of Endangered Species Management Photo courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Leo T. Barber, Jr. and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State endangered species legislation is new to Georgia, as is the resulting endangered species program. The federal government, on the other hand has been actively involved with the conservation of endangered species since 1966 when the Endangered Species Preservation Act was passed by Congress. This Act required federal listing of endangered wildlife and publication of such lists. The Act also authorized the federal government to conduct research and acquire habitat for listed species. In 1969, the Endangered Species Conservation Act went several steps further in that the Act broadened the concept of endangered species to include all vertebrates, mollusks, and crustaceans. This Act also allowed consideration of sub-species, authorized acquisition of water, as well as land, increased funding for land acquisition, and provided for the conservation of foreign wildlife. The 1973 Endangered Species Act further broadened the program to include endangered plants and far more importantly to embrace the concept of preservation of ecosystems on which endangered wildlife and plants depend, rather than focusing on individual species. Equally significant was Section 7 of the Act, which provided funding for Federal-State Endangered species cooperative agreements. This in effect said that any state which met federal standards would be eligible for partial federal funding for their endangered species efforts. This theoretically would provide the stimulus necessary for active state involvement in resident endangered species management. Realistically however, limited funding has only recently been made available by the federal government and many states have been unable to meet rigid federal standards. State endangered species legislation was enacted in 1973 with the passage of the Endangered Wildlife Act and the Wildflower Preservation Act. Both of these Acts directed the Department of Natural Resources to inventory and list all endangered, threatened, rare or unusual plants and animals in the state. These acts also authorize the Department to develop rules and regula- tions necessary to protect these species. Rules and regulations for the protection of endan- gered, threatened, rare or unusual species have been approved by the Board of Natural Resources, along with 32 Outdoors ii? Georgia the state list of endangered species. Some of the high- lights of the rules and regulations are: 1 ) Provides criteria for determining an endangered species including --the present or threatened destruction, modifica--tion or curtailment of it's habitat; over-utilization for commercial, sporting, scientific or educational purposes; --disease or predation; --the inadequacy of existing mechanisms; --other natural or man-made factors affecting it's continued existence. 2) Describes procedures for modifying the state "pro- tected species" list. (A copy of these procedures can be obtained by writing: Endangered Species Project, Route 2, Social Circle, Georgia 30279.) Anyone may add or delete species from the list by providing sufficient data to justify any particular claim. Applications must be made in a form prescribed by the newly implemented regulations. 3) Prohibits the harassment, capture, sale, killing or other action which directly causes death of any protected species. 4) Prohibits the removal of a protected plant species from public lands without permit. 5) Restricts sale of any protected plant species. 6) Restricts transporting or conveying protected plant species without proper tagging and authori- zation. The 1973 legislation (both state and federal) pro- vided the impetus necessary for the initiation of a state endangered species program. In May, 1974 an endangered species workshop convened at Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, with the intention of drawing up a "citizens list" of endangered, threatened, rare and unusual species in Georgia. Experts from all over the state convened at Fernbank to pool their knowledge into a meaningful list. This original list was to be utilized by the Department of Natural Resources as a working list from which the official state list would be selected as well as an object of continuing investigation to determine the status of those species for which questions were raised as to the degree of endangcrment. The current state program suffers from insufficient funding. Monies authorized by the 1973 Endangered Species Act have not been forthcoming. The Department submitted an application for a cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior in April, 1975. According to the Secretary current state endangered species laws do not meet federal standards and therefore the application has not been accepted. Certain demands under the 1973 Act are blocking funding to the states and more importantly, our efforts to conserve these troubled species. Plans for the coming year include an evaluation of "key habitat" throughout the state as well as the continuing investigations of species placed on the "citizens list" at the Fernbank Conference. September 1976 West Indian (Florida) Manatee A meaningful and comprehensive program, which will truly have an impact on our endangered species will be expensive. The federal government recognized this when it passed the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The states are becoming more aware of this fact now. Efforts to fund non-game endangered species programs in other states with voluntary contributions or through the sale of stamps have not been encouraging. California uses funds collected from the sale of prestige auto tags to support their non-game program. Other states have experimented with taxes on soft drink bottles. Taxes on recreational equipment have been proposed and -- are being seriously considered. All of these methods have one thing in common they strive for monetary support from all people who utilize our natural re- sources. Hunters have been extremely successful in the restora- tion and management of game species through the purchase of hunting licenses and excise taxes on equipment. It should be pointed out that some of the sports- men's dollar also has gone into endangered species/non- game efforts. If we are to deal with the non-game/endangered species resource as successfully as game managers have dealt with game species, then all of the users must share the bill, including hunters and nonhunters. Non-hunters and preservationists must realize that being vocal is not enough, and that they too, must be willing, as the hunter has, to reach into their wallets and support the resources which they utilize and enjoy. Only then can we expect to have a meaningful program which can realistically deal with the complex problems of the endangered species /non-game resource. --Ron Odom and Jerry McCollum 33