Georgia Department of Natural Resources Summer 1989 Vol. 4, No.3 Evening at Etnory Join the Department of Natural Resources For Environmental Education Day At Emory University Saturday, October 14, 1989 Emory University and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will cosponsor Environmental Education Day at Emory SaturdayJ October 14, 1989. This day of informative seminars and fun-filled activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. Participants may attend four seminars or programs. Lunch is included in the registration fee. The day will conclude at 3 p.m. Conservation exhibits will be featured, and DNR's award-winning films and videos will also be presented. A question-and-answer forum on natural resource management will conclude the day. Appropriate for all ages. SEMINARS AND ACTIVITIES Water Resource Management & Protection Waste Disposal Alternatives Environmental Activities Improving Backyard Habitats Nuisance Animals: What to Do Outdoor Recreation on WMAs Recycling Hunter Safety: Firearms & Field Ethics Boating Safety: Whitewater to Powerboats Fishing: Georgia Lakes, Rivers & Coast Waterfowl Conservation & Management Value of Estuaries Hiking Piedmont, Plains or Coast Endangered Species Birds of Prey Help Bring the Bluebird Back Architecture/Historic Restoration Photographing Historic Buildings Historic Preservation in the 1990s Rare Plants in Georgia Open Forum with Natural Resources Commissioner J. Leonard Ledbetter For information on additional topics, call 404/656-0772 Pre-registration required. For more infonnation on the program, contact "Evening at Emory," by calling 404/7276000 or call the Department of Natural Resources at 404/656-0772. Registration fee is $36"for individuals, $46 for couples, and $10 for each child in a family. '~ DNR Outdoor Report Contents Vol. 4, No.3 Features Summer 1989 Hundreds of natural awareness programs are held throughout Georgia parks all year long. Here, children on a Vogel trail. 2 Natural Awareness Programs By Lisa Dudley Georgia state parks provide the perfect setting for encouraging people's awareness of Georgia's natural and cultural resources. 6 Trail Safety By Kathy L. Matthews Hiking trails in Georgia are inviting and diverse. Your very first step should be to plan for safety! 10 Georgia's Natural Heritage Inventory By Deborah Dewbe"y As species continue to decline at an alarming rate, DNR's Natural Heritage Inventory uses information-age tools to help protect natural diversity. 14 Wildlife Lands Acquisition By Gib Johnston A new lands acquisition program in Georgia will put good hunting and fishing within easy distance of all who enjoy wildlife recreation. 18 Slow Trolling By Dottie Sweat Coastal Georgia offshore fishing offers excitment, challenge, and if you're lucky, an excellent meal! Departments---------------------------------- Calendar 21 DNR Film & Video 17 Creature Feature 9 Naturally Delicious 20 Georgia's DNR Outdoor Report is published quarterly by the Communications Office of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to promote a better understanding of DNR management and conservation programs. The magazine is distributed as a public service to county and municipal governments, public libraries and schools. J . Leonard Ledbetter, Commissioner; Katherine Thurber, Communications Director; Deborah Dewberry, Managing Editor; Omar Rasheed, Graphic Production Artist. Regular contributors: Lisa Dudley, Gib Johnston, Lucy Justus, Kathy Matthews, Thomas Smith, Dottie Sweat. For information write: DNR Otdoor Report, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 205 Butler St. S.E. Suite 1258, Atlanta, Ga. 30334 Joe Frank Harris Governor J. Leonard Ledbetter Commissioner The Board of Natural Resources James (Herb) Butler Chairman, Member-at-Large James Griffin, Jr. Vice-Chairman, Member-at-Large Patricia C. Edwards Secretary, Third District Dolan E. Brown, Jr. First District J. Leonard Eubanks Second District Linda S. Billingsley Fourth District Marshall L.Mitchell Fifth District Felker W Ward, Jr. Sixth District C.W (Sonny) Jackson Seventh District Curtis Farrar Eighth District Donald J. Carter Ninth District C. Tom Griffith Tenth District Glenn E. Taylor Member-at-Large John Lanigan Member-at-Large Will D. (Billy) Herrin Coastal District 1 Panola Mountain State Conservation Park (top) features a "rock outcrop" trail. Left, Bob Bolz, Amicalola Falls superintendent, conducts an interpretive program on snakes. By Lisa Dudley The Department of Natural Resources is charged with protecting and enhancing natural and environmental resources, and through the state parks system, strives to provide recreation opportunities that reflect Georgia's unique natural and cultural heritages. The public has shown increasing interest in these resources in recent years one indication is that attendance in Georgia State Parks reached a record 14 million in 1989. To promote this growing interest in the outdoors, DNR's Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division conducts a host of natural awarenesss, or interpretive, programs in parks. These programs enhance visitors' enjoyment of the state's natural and environmental resources and help them learn the importance of preserving them, as well. State park interpretive programs provide fun and valuable educational experiences for Georgians from every age group and interest group. In an academic school year, thousands of Georgia students take to the outdoors on field trips to study the roles plants and animals play in ecosystems. Many programs are designed for children and young people, and serve a valuable education function in terms of natural resource awareness. Other programs are tailored to 't'tte interests of adults or senior citizens. State parks hosted several thousand interpretive programs in the past year, and over 350,000 people participated in these events. State Parks Director Rick Cothran says interpretive programs in Georgia parks have grown to serve the increasing interest of larger numbers of visitors in recent years. "The volume and the quality of our interpretive programs have risen 2 Natural Awareness Programs Whether the program is native American customs, ecology or living history, state parks provide the perfect setting for encouraging awareness of Georgia's natural and cultural resources. steadily during the last few years," he says. "DNR offers interpretive programs in order to help educate our visitors about the history, ecology, wealth of plant and animal life, and cultural resources that can be found in Georgia. Through the many recreational and educational events offered in Georgia parks, DNR hopes to help visitors increase their enjoyment of our natural surroundings, while at the same time, not adversely affecting them." Programs and Interpretive Naturalists Georgia's parks and historic sites are as diverse as they are plentiful. Programs are fascinating, and include something for everyone. For example, Watson Mill Bridge State Park offers programs on river ecology and history; numerous parks teach clay pottery-making; Skidaway Island features education programs on salt and freshwater estuaries, as well as marshes flowing through the barrier islands; and Etowah Indian Mounds' historic ceremonial center, once home to thousands oflndians, offers presentations on native American culture and crafts. In northeast Georgia, special programs focus on the medicinal uses, and edibility, of kudzu; recognizing snakes; and stories about the restoration of the American alligator, native to the Southeast, and once threatened with extinction. All these programs are taught by DNR naturalists. An interpretive naturalist is available in each of DNR's five regional parks offices."Park naturalists are motivators, innovators and specialists. By teaching natural awareness programs, they involve people with things that can enhance their outdoor experience," says Chuck Gregory, chief interpretative naturalist for DNR. "There's not a typical day in the life of a naturalist," says Valarie Spratlin, DNR Region II Naturalist. "Many are constantly on the road inspecting state parks and historic sites, training seasonal interpreters, or teaching and leading educational programs at schools," she says. Within her region, Spratlin may speak to as many as 2,000 to 8,000 children per month on the importance of environmental awareness. Spratlin adds that many DNR naturalists speak to civic organizations about the importance of preserving natural and environmental resources. Interpretive naturalists play a major role in helping park staff develop activities that interpret and reflect Georgia's cultural history. Each region naturalist is responsible for an annual plan of interpretive programs, and the scheduling of daily programs. A considerable amount of a naturalist's time is spent working directly with visitors on special programs, all year long. Many of DNR's interpretive naturalists have specific areas of expertise areas range from Appalachian music or southeastern Indians, to working extensively with school groups on environmental education. For those who enjoy hiking, the naturalist also interprets nature trails, which are located in 46 of Georgia's 58 parks and historic sites. The trails enable visitors to enjoy plant and animal life, and the often unique areas they inhabit. Naturalists accompany school and various other groups on the trails, offering instruction on the many types of wildlife in Georgia's different 3 Kids of all ages learn about native Americans at Indian cultural festivals sponsored by state parks and historic sites. physiographic regions. Trails may also be traveled with the assistance of self-guided pamphlets that inform visitors on the ecology and history of a particular region. Examples of special trails that naturalists can help people get acquainted with include the mountain trail at north Georgia's Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville; and Panola Mountain State Conservation Park, southeast of Atlanta, which is a good example of a Piedmont region granite outcrop natural area. Southwest Georgia parks such as Seminole and General Coffee, as well as Little Ocmulgee State Park in middle Georgia, all feature a view of the threatened Gopher Tortoise's habitat. Native American cultural programs are also numerous throughout the parks system. Events such as New Echota Historic Sites' Cherokee Indian Day, Unicoi's Native Americans of the Southeast program, and Magnolia Springs State Park's Rushing Waters Indian Cultural Festival all showcase the heritage of Indians native to Georgia including the Cherokee, Creek and Etowah tribes. Native American historic sites in Georgia include Chatsworth's Chief Vann House, New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun, which is the former capital of the Cherokee nation, the burial sites at Kolomoki Mounds in Blakley, and middle Georgia's Indian Springs, the oldest state park in the nation. Museums and sites are staffed by personnel who are knowledgeable about native American history and culture. Special Educational Programs State parks and historic sites have come a long way since interpretive programs began. In 1974, DNR began sponsoring organized programs throughout the park system. The first strides were made while "creating" the job of the naturalist, to specifically focus on interpreting natural and cultural resources found in Georgia. " Most of the early park and historic site programs had a narrow focus ," says Lonice C. Barrett, former chief of Recreation and Interpretive Programming and now DNR's Deputy Commissioner for Special Programs. "These programs dealt with interpretive walks or musical activities such as folk skills and dancing," Barrett says. "It was later decided that the parks 4 system needed to broaden the base and offer a wide range of recreational, as well as natural and cultural activities that would be enhanced by the beautiful outdoor setting." Georgia parks and historic sites now host some 200 events annually, from the state's northerly mountains to its southeastern coastal marshes. Programs include everything from fishing rodeos, living history and folk skill demonstrations to canoe excursions, backpacking clinics, and hiking and nature walks. Conservation topics such as lectures on nongame wildlife are offered in most parks. For people interested in additional programs offered by parks and historic sites, a biannual special events brochure is available through DNR's Communications Office, at (404) 6563530. Join Georgia's Junior Ranger Program The Junior Ranger program started in the summer of 1977 The program is designed for kids ages eight to 14. Junior Rangers are responsible for helping park personnel with a wide variety of outdoor activities. The program lasts either one to three days or one full week and is held during summer months. According to Gregory, about 650 children complete the junior ranger program every year. Junior Rangers receive special training on the history of a particular park or historic site, the role of conservation rangers, and nature and ecology. Junior rangers are also sent a copy of the quarterly published Ranger Ramblings, a newsletter focusing on special outdoor topics. Topics may include plant and animal identification sheets and environmental concerns, such as recycling. On completion of all JunioJ;_Ranger requirements, each participant is recognized during a special ceremony. At the awards ceremony, Junior Rangers are presented with a membership card, a patch and a certificate. All Junior Rangers may renew their membership each year until age 15. Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Georgia Veterans, Hard Labor Creek, High Falls, John Tanner, Laura S. walker, Moccasin Creek, Panola Mountain, Providence Canyo1,1, Reed Bingham, Skidaway Island, Vogel State Park, the HofwylBroadfield and Jarrell Plantations, and the Lapham-Patterson Historic Site all host Junior Ranger programs. Explore Elderhostel - Senior Fun! A program specially geared to environmental awareness for seniors is the Elderhostel progr34P. Established in 1975, Elderhostel is a program that provides short-term academic programs for people ages 60 years and older. The program is taught by more than 850 colleges, universities and other educational institutions in the U.S. and Canada, and in more than 30 countries worldwide. Elderhostel within Georgia's parks system began two years ago at Unicoi State Park. Here, participants learned about the Cherokee Indian culture and history. Since 1987, Elderhostel programs have taken place at parks such as Stephen C. Foster (Fargo), Will-a-Way Recreation Area at Fort Yargo State Park (Winder), Little Ocmulgee (McRae), George T Bagby (Ft. Gaines) and Georgia Veterans State Park (Cordele). Additional programs are scheduled at Amicalola Falls, Red Top Mountain, Little Ocmulgee and Tugaloo State Parks. For more information about Elderhostel, contact Gene Clark, state coordinator, at (404) 232-5374, ext. 2406. Take Pride in America Another interpretive program in parks that encourages environmental awareness is the popular Take Pride in America (TPIA) campaign. The program generates an attitude of responsibility toward natural resources, and promotes participation by individuals, organizations, schools and communities in caring for private or public lands and resources. Projects can include the maintenance of shores, roadsides, trails and campgrounds. Now in its third year with the program, Georgia's parks and historic sites have expanded their role in the annual Take Pride education and environmental awareness campaign to include park beautification projects and programs. The Earthskills Workshop has spotlighted North Georgia's Unicoi State Park as a top-notch environmental awareness park and the program has won a national award for the Take Pride in America campaign in 1988. The Earthskills series is offered in the spring and fall, and is aimed at a the basic understanding of nature, and the intimate relationships that water, wind, fire, soil, rocks, plants and animals all have with each other. "This is a program primarily geared toward adults," says Gae Stovall, programming coordinator at Unicoi. According to Stovall, the program, involving 20 to 30 participants, was designed to link people of today with some of the tools, techniques, skills and general knowledge of an earth-oriented society similar to that of early man. "People today are more open to this type of approach and have a better understanding of their environment than they did 10 years ago," Stovall explains. "The Earthskills program involves many different types of groups, and the common denominator is that this program gives people a better understanding of the personal relationship we can have with the environment," Stovall adds. For more information about the Earthskills Workshops, contact Bob Slack, program director at Unicoi State Park at 404/878-220 l. Park and Historic Site School Days Another natural program held at Unicoi known as "School Days" is conducted every spring. In its 13th year, School Days' goal is to give participants a closer look at the natural environment in the North Georgia mountains. Native American culturalist Eustace Conway (right) gives a demonstration on carving. Presentations, demonstrations, projects, tours and hands-on activities are offered over a course of several weeks. The theme for the program changes from year to year. For instance, in 1987 the focus related to the material culture of native Americans. Students were exposed to nature through interpretive activities based on the relationship that early man had with the world in which he lived with the understanding that total subsistence for living food, clothing, shelter, tools, weapons, art and medicine came from the natural surroundings. "Students became familiar with the properties of different resources, from plants and animals, to earth elements as a whole," Stovall says. "We encouraged students to compare and contrast the past and present for a better understanding of ecology for survival purposes cleaner air, soil and water." During spring 1989, the School Days program changed its focus to serve as an "outreach" program. For two to three weeks, park personnel went into the communities of White and Habersham counties and coordinated activities in conjunction with the National Wildlife Federation's theme of "Predators They're Part Of The Picture." According to Stovall, this year's theme demonstrated the impacts that things like pollution, illegal hunting (poaching), habitat loss and destruction, pesticides (chemicals) and litter had on predators. In addition, it emphasized man's responsibility and public awareness relative to predators. Many parks and historic sites will set up programs for conference groups or special interest groups such as teachers, garden clubs and civic organizations. Weekly special events are offered year-round for larger groups to attend. To find out more about natural awareness programs in Georgia parks, contact your local state park or historic site. For information regarding special events in parks see the Calendar on page 21, or call656-3530 in metro Atlanta, or 1-800 3GAPARK (toll-free inside Georgia) for a free guide to special events. 5 Georgia offers diverse trails for hikers, from the wooded mountains to the Southeastern coast. Rom historic sites and unspoiled beaches to the majestic mountains and glittering beauty of the Piedmont and plains, the riches of our great state are as numerous as they are diverse. Hiking trails in Georgia traverse mountains, swamps, beaches and forests, each representing a unique part of our natural heritage. From the end of August through the fall season, thousands of hikers and backpackers head for the mountains and hiking trails all over the state for days of exploring. Outings can be relaxing, challenging, fun and exciting. The green summer ferns and lowland foliage of the Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park blend with mountain laurel and rhododendron. Springtime on Pine Mountain brings flowering dogwood and native azaleas. Wildflowers bloom in summer. The bright, beautiful colors of changing leaves decorate the mountain in the fall. Scenic overlooks, rock outcroppings, waterfalls and many other surprises dot the woods that once belonged to President Franklin D . Roosevelt. His farm was located near the present site of the WJSP-TV public television tower, at the eastern end of the trail. Most trails in Georgia State Parks are only short stretches designed for interpretive experiences. These pose few dangers. Longer, overnight backpacking trips, however, require special planning. More difficult footpaths like the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail require that hikers be aware of the area. Hikers pack their routine snake bite and first aid kits, but dangers imposed by hypothermia, contaminated water, poisonous plants, and insect bites are all too often ignored. Insect stings contribute to more fatalities than any other danger in the woods. 6 Planning a Safe Trip Any outing in the woods is potentially dangerous. The key to a safe, enjoyable outing is planning. Carrying needed equipment, water, maps, food, wearing the correct footwear, and taking proper precautions are important. The right shoe. "Get a hiking boot big enough for your foot," urges Chuck Gregory, Interpretive Programming Coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Most people simply aim for a shoe that fits and do not consider the rub of the shoe. Hiking downhill pushes the toes against the boot. An ill-fitting shoe will cause blisters." Most specialty stores have a big rock in their hiking boot try-on area. Kicking the rock gives a reasonable estimate of how protective the shoe will be. If kicking the rock hurts your toes, a more protective boot is needed. While running or walking shoes are comfortable, over-the-ankle shoes offer needed ankle support to travel the rugged terrain of most trails. Take a friend or partner. The most important thing to take along is a partner. Groups of three or more are best because in the event of an accident, one person can stay with the victim while the other goes for help. Never hike alone. Know the area you will be in. Next, hikers must choose an area to explore. Maps can help in planning a route. Overnight backpackers should always leave an itinerary with someone. Most trails, such as the Pine Mountain Trail, require that overnight backpackers "check in," and get a permit. Check-in for the Pine Mountain Trail takes place at the F.D. Roosevelt State Park office. Carry a survival kit. Always carry a basic survival kit. Many hikers carry a map, compass, whistle, matches, fire-starter such Hiking trails in Georgia are inviting and diverse. Your first step should be to plan for safety! By Kathy L. Matthews as a candle, an 18-inch square of aluminum foil to serve as a reflector or for other uses, and several feet of fishing line. Each of the items is lightweight and serves several purposes in a basic survival kit. If children are along for the trip, give each child a whistle to use in case he gets separated from the group. Be aware of seasonal dangers. Heavy rains can cause floods. Cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia. This is most dangerous in July and August when storms can be unseasonably cold. Take adequate layers of clothing with which to keep warm and to use as shelter if needed. New "high tech" materials give many garments multiple functions that previously required several garments. During summer months, the rays of the sun can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. Exposure to the sun, even from reflected rays and on hazy days, can cause sunburn. Take plenty of sunscreen. More serious complications of too much heat or sun are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is by far the most dangerous of heat related complications. If not properly treated, it can cause brain damage or even death. Perspiration is the body's way of eliminating excess heat. The water evaporates from the skin, cooling the body's temperature. When non-porous clothing is worn and humidity is high, the cooling effect is obstructed. Especially in warm weather the body has a hard time maintaining equilibrium. Exercise uses energy, burning stored sugars and producing extra body heat. Heat stroke can be distinguished from heat exhaustion when the victim stops perspiring. This means the body's cooling system has broken down, and immediate action is required. Restore lost fluids and sodium to the body. Be prepared: carry plenty of water or have access to drinking water during your outing. Be Careful About Water Although a stream may be clear, cool and inviting, the water may not be safe to drink, according to DNR's interpretive naturalists. Outbreaks of giardiasis, commonly called "beaver fever" and "backpacker's disease," have focused much attention on prevention. Giardia duodena/is is a microscopic single-celled protozoan parasite. Infection results from ingestion of Giardia in its cyst form. The cyst thrives in the small intestine and multiplies rapidly. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, abdominal bloating, weight loss and fatigue. Some people exposed to the parasite show no symptoms, while others develop severe problems that can lead to maldigestion syndrome. Person to person contact can transmit giardia, but waterborne transmission is most common. Many animals can carry the parasite. Beavers, muskrats, dogs, cats, raccoons and cattle can both carry the cysts and be affected by them. When an animal or a human introduces the cyst form of the parasite to a body of water, it can survive and remain inactive for several months, especially in cold waters. Most hikers on short trips prefer to carry a water supply with them. Overnight backpackers, however, are rarely able to carry a sufficient water supply. For longer trips, it is important to have a simple, reliable method for treating small quantities of water. Boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes rids it of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. When fuel is not available to boil water, chemical disinfection may be the best method of water purification. Iodine and chlorine are commonly used as cleansing agents. Directions on commercially prepared tablets should be followed and the tablets protected from heat, direct sunlight and exposure to air. Water temperature and turbidity affect the time that chemicals can take to disinfect it. Water ftlters are a third method for purifying water. Several brands of ftlters with one micron or less pore size are effective against giardia. These units range in price from $35 to $150. Sometimes a combination of methods is best for purifying water. Be sure that your method of treatment is effective. Exercising this precaution can help you avoid gastrointestinal illness and make your outing more enjoyable. Be Wary of Vegetation Georgia has an abundance of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Urushiol, an oily phenolic substance present in all three of these plants, causes an allergic reaction on the skin. When the plant is damaged, its oil-containing sap is exposed and contact with the leaves, stem and roots may cause skin irritation. The berries and pollen of the plants are not irritants, however. Poison oak and poison ivy are similar in appearance. Poison oak usually exists as a low growing, upright shrub and has leaves with irregular shapes. Poison ivy grows as a vine. Poison sumac is a towering plant ranging from five to six feet in height, sometimes reaching up to 25 feet. Common around swamps on wet, acid soils, sumac is identified by seven to 13 leaflets arranged in pairs with a single leaflet on the end. When any of these plants are burned, soot from the fire is coated with the irritating oil and inhaling the smoke can cause fever tracheitis, bronchitis, and severe rash. About half the population is sensitive to these plants. While some people have more tolerance than others, sensitivity to these plants can change over time. Irritation can result from touching anything that has come in contact with the oil from the plants. Pets that have been walking or rolling in the 7 The tick and chigger (or redbug) are arachnids, like scor- pions and spiders. From mid-June through November and sometimes year-round on the coast, chiggers can interfere with outdoor fun. Redbugs are the larval stage of mites that, as adults, feed on insect eggs. The six-legged larvae gets on any kind of animal that brushes against the grass, bush, or small tree on which they are perched. Chiggers make their way into the flesh of snakes, mammals, birds, turtles and people. Burrow- ing in its host for one to five days, chiggers feed on the tissue fluids , not blood. For chiggers, hot water and strong soap will reduce the infestation. Paste made of meat tenderizer applied to the area will actually digest the body of the chigger on the small area of skin, as well as its saliva. Ticks feed on blood in the larval and adult stages. Using their mouths, ticks dig into the host's skin so far that its entire head is buried. In recent years cases of tick-borne disease have been on the increase. Last year, 38 cases of Lyme Disease were reported in Georgia. Only four were reported in 1987 First diagnosed in Lyme, Connecticut in 1976, the disease has been Water from a mountain stream, or any other stream, should be recognized nationally. It is transmitted by a spiral-shaped bacterium carried by the female of the Ixodes dammini tick species. purified before drinking. The tiny ticks are found in wooded areas and grasslands. Though most frequently carried by deer, smaller animals and even domestic pets can carry the ticks. The illness from the bac- plants or even shoes worn in a patch of the plants can carry the terium is best treated when detected in its earliest stages. If you oil. Coated objects can remain contaminated for months. Addi- suffer a rash around the vicinity of a tick bite or flu-like symp- tionally, if you are picking berries or other wild edibles, be sure toms after removing a tick, consult a doctor. Rocky Mountain of their identity. What you are eating may be poisonous. spotted fever is another tick-borne disease, transmitted to Don't Get Bugged humans by the American dog tick. Research has led to the conclusion that a tick must stay affixed to the host for two hours or They sting, they bite, they are just plain irritating. Georgia's outdoors has an abundance of insects. Stinging insects include yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, honey bees, and ants. The scorpion, an arachnid, has a sting similar to a hornet's sting but it is more painful and the amount of poison injected is higher. Most people will not have a serious reaction to any of the stings, however. For safety's sake, if you have reason to believe you are allergic to any sort of stings, tell your doctor. He can prescribe medication that could save your life. Anyone who has ever been outside during the summer has more to transmit diseases. To remove ticks, pull, do not twist, them off. If that fails, try some oily nail polish remover on a piece of cotton. To prevent infection, be sure the head of the tick is removed. Georgia's two poisonous spiders are the brown recluse and the black widow. Both are found mainly around wood piles and hollow logs. The victim of a bite from one of these should get medical attention immediately. Spider webs in the woods are not hazardous but can be a nuisance. A simple walking stick six inches taller than the hiker can clear the way. encountered a mosquito. Georgia has 54 species, ranging in size from 1/8 inch in length to one inch long. Only seven Georgia Snakes, Bears and Other Critters species carry disease or cause discomfort. People are more likely to be injured in an automobile acci- Female mosquitoes are blood feeders. Males exist on nectar dent than by any animal or insect encountered while hiking. and plant juices. Most mosquitoes feed on animals other than Last year 7,000 people were bitten by snakes in the U.S., man, even amphibians and reptiles. Diseases that can be carried according to the National Park Service. Less than 20 died. More by the insect include malaria, spinal meningitis, and several people are struck by lightning each year than are bitten by others. snakes! And chances of surviving a snake bite, even without Flies, like mosquitoes, are classified as aquatic insects treatment, are good. Only four snakes indigenous to Georgia because part of their life cycle is spent in moist areas. An "aqua- are poisonous rattle snakes, copperheads, cotton mouth tic" environment can be skin, an open wound, rotting hay, or moccasins, and coral snakes. Be sure to get prompt medical spoiled food . Flies pass through egg, larva, pupae, and adult attention in case of a poisonous snake bite. stages in a few days. Humans are most familiar with biting flies . Chances of seeing a bear are lower than those for seeing a The best treatment for insect bites is prevention. There are snake. Bears generally avoid people. Bear attacks are only a several effective repellents on the market. Those containing a large portion of N, N Diethylmeatolumide, or "deet" are most danger if you should come upon a mother and her cubs. Quietly leave the area, if you encounter a bear. "' effective. Some people claim that popular products Skin-So-Soft Most Georgia State Parks haW! hiking trails, varying in bath oil and Soft Sense lotion repel insects. Because effective- length from one to 23 miles. Several State Parks have longer ness of repellents can vary with individual body chemistry, find trails that could provide enjoyable overnight trips. These include the one that works for you and stay with it. Research indicates F.D. Roosevelt, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Black that higher body temperatures and moisture-transpiration rates Rock Mountain, Vogel, and Amicalola Falls State Parks. attract mosquitoes. Additionally, shaving lotion , perfume and The key to a safe trip is to be prepared. Accidents can be even hairspray can attract insects. To soothe the itching of avoided, injuries can be properly treated, insect pests can be insect bites, try topical anesthetics meant for treatment of repelled. Plan for safety and fun, and your outing will be a suc- hemorrhoids. cess. Take a hike! 8 Creature Feature /Peregrine Urban Hacking By Dottie Sweat Downtown Atlanta residents and workers are in for a treat! Three young peregrine falcons were recently placed in a hacking box in downtown Atlanta, and they are now testing their wings on the winds that blow through the city. Few people have had the opportunity to witness one of these birds' magnificent flights since falcon populations suffered a dramatic decline in the mid-1900s. The release is part of the Department of Natural Resources' Nongame Wildlife Program, to protect and restore populations of peregrines and other endangered species in Georgia. With the help of Zoo Atlanta, the U.S. Forest Service and the Raptor Rehabilitation and Propagation Project, Inc., three five-week- old birds have been "hacked" on top of Georgia Power Co.'s corporate headquarters at 333 Piedmont Ave. The 24-story Georgia Power Co. building was chosen as the Atlanta site because it stands in a relatively uncrowded area of downtown and is surrounded by a park-like environment. All roof operations, including window washing, have been sus- pended until the falcons leave. Downtown locations were originally chosen because of their similarities to the natural cliffsides on which wild peregrines fre- quently nest. The tall skyscrapers make excellent nesting sites, and food - especially pigeons and starlings - is plentiful. Falcons have been successfully released in several U.S. cities, including Denver, Colorado and St. Louis, Missouri. Though peregrines released in urban areas face different obstacles, such ... as windows and cars, than those released in the wild, survival rates are very similar. What is 'Hacking?' Hacking, a medieval falconer's term, is a method of rearing birds in a state of semi-captivity and gradually introducing them to the wild, says Terry Johnson, senior biologist and program coordinator for Georgia's Nongame Wildlife Program. The bird~ have been fed two quail per bird per day by an attendant the birds have been kept from seeing. It is important that the birds do not learn to associate food with humans so they can The hacking site atop Georgia Power's downtown Atlanta headquarters. learn to feed themselves in the wild. When the falcons are fledged and ready to fly, at about six weeks of age, the box is opened and they will be free to leave. The peregrines have been equipped with radio transmitters designed to fall off within a few weeks. They will be somewhat awkward in their flying at first, but observers will be on hand to help ensure their safety. The radio transmitters help observers keep up with each falcon's location should a problem arise. The falcons will continue to return to the hack box to feed for about eight weeks while learning to hunt on their own. Attendants will place quail in the box each day until none of the falcons have returned to feed for four consecutive days. At this point, feeding will be stopped and the birds will have to rely on their own skills. Though the falcons are expected to leave the downtown area initially, supporters hope the birds will return to the area in two to three years to nest and reproduce. Observing the Peregrine For those interested in keeping an eye out for the bird, fullgrown peregrine falcons are about the size of a crow and can be easily recognized by their heavy black "sideburns" and notched bill. They have pointed wings, a narrow tail and quick wingbeats, not unlike those of a pigeon. Peregrines bear a strong resemblance to the American kestrel, which is a common inhabitant of downtown Atlanta. The kestrel is much smaller than the peregrine and has an orange-brown body with gray wings and light-colored underparts. Adult peregrines are slate-gray and barred with a spotted underside. Younger falcons are brown and heavily streaked. Peregrines are considered the fastest members of the falcon species. They are able to cruise in level flight at 50 to 60 miles per hour and have been clocked at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour when diving after their prey. Georgia's last know peregrine falcon nesting occurred in 1942. The population suffered a devastating decline because of DDT and other highly toxic pesticides being sprayed on plants and passed up the food chain in increasing concentrations. Accumulations of these pesticides reduced the amount of calcium the female birds could use to lay their eggs. As a result, females laid eggs with very thin shells that were easily crushed when adults tried to incubate them. In response to the dramatic decline in populations of raptors and other species, Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973, which established the foundation necessary to save endangered plants and animals in the U.S. from extinction. Since the banning of DDT and the regulation of other pesticides, peregrine falcon populations have stabilized somewhat. Through efforts such as those of DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program, it is hoped these magnificent birds can be restored to their earlier numbers in Georgia. 9 Freshwater wetlands are among natural systems being protected through efforts of the Natural Heritage Inventory. By Deborah Dewberry Georgia's Natural Heritage T he Department of Natural Resources has operated the Georgia Natural Heritage Inventory as one of many resource protection programs designed to help the state achieve a balance between the goals of environmental conservation and the dramatic changes brought by intensive growth. With the state's growth, land-use changes have been widespread and persistent. Concentrated building, monoculture (one-crop) forestry, mechanized farming and wetlands drainage have altered natural communities, many times ousting their plant and animal inhabitants. As many species have become endangered or threatened because of these activities, their habitats irretrievably changed or lost, natural diversity has also begun to decline. Since 1986, when DNR began the Natural Heritage program in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, its complex task has been to identify and help protect rare species. More broadly, its objective has been to protect natural diversity- the natural occurrence of a wide variety of plants and animals in habitats to which they are biologically adapted. Now being integrated as part of a more comprehensive resource protection program that will also focus on freshwater wetlands, the Natural Heritage program will remain at its Social Circle headquarters on the grounds of DNR's Walton Fish Hatchery, and will continue to determine the current status of Georgia's rare plants, animals and natural communities. As the umbrella under which DNR has operated the Georgia Protected Plant, Natural Areas, and Ginseng Management programs, the Heritage Inventory program is expected to play an increasingly important role in the Department's overall resource protection goals. Program Beginnings Inventory A national nonprofit organization, The Nature Conservancy has helped preserve 128,000 acres of natural habitat in 34 areas of Georgia since 1962, and has been instrumental in forming similar Natural Heritage programs in all 50 states. According to DNR Commissioner J . Leonard Ledbetter, the Conservancy prompted DNR to undertake the Natural 10 The endangered wood stork (left) ; right, a hooded pitcherplant colony. Both are being protected in Georgia. As species continue declining at an alarming rate worldwide, programs like DNR's Natural Heritage Inventory use information-age tools to protect natural diversity. Heritage program. "Five years ago, The Nature Conservancy encouraged DNR to develop an inventory of Georgia's natural heritage. The organization assumed a major role in helping fund the program," Ledbetter says. He adds that the hard work of people like Jane Yarn, who chairs The Nature Conservancy's board of directors in Georgia, has been instrumental to the program's success. In 1986, The Nature Conservancy agreed to lend its expertise to help the state begin a Natural Heritage program. The Conservancy trained staff and helped Georgia develop a sophisticated computer information base that documents occurrences of rare plants , animals and natural communities throughout the state. The Conservancy provided the necessary computer software for the Georgia program, as weU as mapping, research and verification methods developed specificaUy for Natural Heritage programs in aU states. For the first two years, the Conservancy also funded approximately 40 percent of the Natural Heritage program's operating costs. A final monetary contribution was conferred in May, when the Conservancy presented DNR with $22,000 to help fund the program through fiscal year 1989. As of this past Jul y I, 1989 the program is being supported entirely by state funds. Now fully operated by DNR, the Natural Heritage program maintains a close working relationship with The Nature Conservancy, and its Georgia field office, which is directed by Tavia McCuean. The program also maintains close contact with similar heritage programs in other states, particularly in the Southeast. Natural Heritage programs that are in the same regions of the U.S. rely on each other, exchanging information and research data regularly. Program Activities Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River. Encompassing 37 million acres, it is home to about 930 species of vertebrates - approximately 18 marine mammals, eight pelagic (oceangoing) birds, 10 to 15 anadromous fish (freshwater breeding, saltwater inhabiting), 10 to 15 estuarine fish (estuary-inhabiting), about 80 amphibians, 85 reptiles, 95 mammals, 300 fish and about 370 species of birds. There are over 3,600 species of vascular, or higher, plants within Georgia's borders. Right now, the Natural Heritage staff is concerned with some 400 rare or unusual plants, 230 rare or unusual animals and 165 natural communities, collecting data on their occurrences and status in Georgia. The Natural Heritage program's primary activities have concerned rare species finding them, identifying them, and taking steps to protect them. To accomplish this, the staff conducts site investigations, going into the field when a rare species is believed to exist in a certain area. Concern for particular types of habitats will also prompt field surveys in areas such as granite outcroppings or freshwater wetlands. Information gathered in the field is entered into the program's extensive information base, to continually improve and update this central "bank" of rare species information. Because only a very small percentage of Georgia's lands have actually been inventoried, the process is never-ending. "The species we're now interested in may be different in 10 years' time. Those not being brought to our attention now, we may be tracking then. There wiU always be a need for the information gathered by the program, and there will always be new information to gather," says Game and Fish Division program coordinator and zoologist Chuck RaboUi. Environmental reviews are among the many important facets of the Natural Heritage program's work. Each month, between 40 and 50 such reviews are carried out for proposed government or private developments. The information is often used to lessen the impact that land-use changes can have on natural communities and their inhabitants. Through environmental reviews, the Natural Heritage program provides valuable support for many programs within DNR, and for other state or federal agencies. Another major service is a nswering hundreds of public information requests yearly. Last year, about 700 inquiries were handled. These, for the most part, are written requests for information, says Carol Corbat, 11 Heritage Inventory staff member Chuck Rabolli (right), and an associate, investigate a population of the hairy rattleweed, the state's rarest plant. program wildlife biologist. In addition to the bulk of information supplied for environmental reviews, the program receives many requests from private consulting firms doing environmental assessments for companies or individuals. These may be needed to meet permit requirements for developments, or requested by citizens for other purposes. The information requests come from educational groups, private citizens, school children, private companies and civic groups. Within DNR, many programs consult the Natural Heritage information base. For the Department's Nongame Wildlife Conservation Program, the Natural Heritage program keeps the most current status records on endangered animals in Georgia. The Department's wetlands protection efforts and the new Game and Fish Division wildlife lands acquisition program are also top Department priorities aided by the Natural Heritage program's information base, field investigations and environmental reviews. Protecting Natural Diversity Why should a rare plant or animal be protected? While some believe that human beings should protect species from extinction because our activities often cause their decline, another primary reason is that protecting rare species can help prevent a biodiversity ucrisis ." Ecologists, biologists and others are concerned about the loss of biodiversity because of an alarming rate of species decline , worldwide. What is being called the "loss of biodiversity crisis" is not a crisis in Georgia yet, however. This potential crisis, also, is very different from other pressing environmental concerns of the day the disposal of solid or 12 hazardous waste, protection of water quality and supply, or the need for clean air. It is much harder to put your finger on, according to Chuck Rabolli. A diverse environment is a healthy environment, he explains. "Over the millinia, four to five hundred million species have existed. Now there are probably eight to ten million in the world. Extinction is the rule, not the exception. But you have to consider its present rate. Whereas one species every I ,000 years or so was lost in prehistoric times, we are now losing hundreds, perhaps thousands per year worldwide. This has brought about the need to take a serious look at the causes of these declines. We need to keep the elements of the natural world in place." No one really knows the ultimate effect that losing just one species can have. Because of this, it is not possible to determine at what point too many species have been lost to maintain a healthy environment. Nevertheless, we do know that all species have real value. Twenty plant species provide us with about 90 percent of the food we eat, and we know that four or five of these alone provide about 75 percent of our food. Plants and animals give us food , clothing, medicine, building materials, and many other things. "Only a very, very small proportion of all plants and animals have been used to sustain or serve people. However, all have value. That's why we are concerned with rare species. Our quality of life depends on maintaining natural diversity," Rabolli says. As the Natural Heritage program has assessed the loss of rare species, it has applied this information toward a better understanding of how dangers to all species can be lessened, thereby protecting natural diversity and all of our natural resources. Information surrounding a species' decline can help detect a problem in the environment that could affect the welfare of many more plants and animals, and people, as well. "Because the decline of a species is often caused by something that has gone wrong in the environment, this decline gives us an early warning signal that will allow us to find the cause," Rabolli explains. Information collected by the Natural Heritage program gives clues about environmental conditions causing such a decline, and is used to improve the overall quality of the environment. Endangered species protection may also be the catalyst that prompts conservation practices that benefit the whole environment. Such benefits include the planning of land acquisition, pesticide or other pollutant restrictions, and land-use regulations. Protected Plants in Georgia There are 16 federally protected and 58 state protected plants in Georgia. Some are on the brink of extinction, with fewer than five known populations. Such plants occur on public or private property, but can only be protected by state statute when they occur on public lands."We can list only one plant native to Georgia that has become extinct," says program botanist Tom Patrick, who is responsible for the Department's Protected Plant Program, and maintaining the state's official protected plants list. The Franklin tree has not been observed in the wild since the late 1700s. Luckily it survives in the horticultural trade and has become quite a collector's item, according to Patrick. The status of others is simply dismal, like that of the whitetop pitcherplant, which no longer reproduces in Georgia. "No population here is healthy enough to flower and form seed, and it will disappear from our state's flora unless we do something," he adds. DNR's Protected Plant Program coordinates its activities closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Georgia program's priorities aFe to monitor federal and state protected species, keep status information current, and continuously verify findings in the field. Habitat management; rescue missions that transplant species into safer habitats; the reintroduction of plants; research for better management techniques; and mapping of important sites are all recovery methods the program employs. The Natural Heritage program enjoys an excellent working relationship with the University of Georgia's Botany DI!J)artment. The state has contributed to the University's botanical atlas, Distribution of the Vascular Flora of Georgia, and has shared the institution's research facilities. Recently the Natural Heritage program completed two status survey projects for seven rare plants in Southwest Georgia, along the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. Information Southeast Georgia's Okefenokee swamp is an example of a natural area being protected for its significant biological and geologica/ fea tures, as well as its diverse array of wildlife. The swamp is listed as a National Natural Landmark by the federal governm ent. from the surveys is being used to determine whether the plants will be placed on state or federal protection lists. Tom Patrick notes that public awareness of rare plants and the need to protect their habitats is increasing. "We see more and more botanical gardens and conservation and education efforts," he says, adding that more field studies will be needed for protected plant research on methods of protection in the field. The surveying of populations for disease, and exploration of more sites before changes in land use alter them, are other goals of DNR's Protected Plant Program. Importance of Natural Areas Natural areas are increasingly important in Georgia. They provide an opportunity to study conditions under which important biological processes naturally occur, and give scientists a glimpse into ecosystems found in Georgia's early history. They also provide recreation opportunities, such as those found on wildlife management lands, and valuable outdoor experiences like camping, birding, hiking, and similar activities. Because nearly all Georgia's lands have been timbered or farmed , a nd many have been through severe soil erosion cycles, those undisturbed natural areas that do remain are of great importance, according to program ecologist Jon Ambrose. Natural areas help maintain biodiversity by providing habitats for many species that can't exist in disturbed habitats like farmed or timbered areas, not to mention habitat for threatened, rare or endangered species. They reduce soil erosion, help moderate floods and absorb and break down pollutants. They also provide nursery areas for game and commercially important species, Ambrose says. The Natural Areas program maintains a registry of public and privately owned natural areas in the state, which have met criteria prepared by the Georgia Natural Areas Act of 1966. Membership on this registry requires written, non-legal, agreement between landowners and DNR, whereby the landowner will manage the site in keeping with the Department's natural area policies. Twentythree sites have been placed on the registry since the program was begun. Other methods of protecting registered natural areas include fee-simple acquisition by the state, or the granting of conservation easements. The Game and Fish Division's land acquisition program is evaluating many such areas for state ownership and protection, and the presence of such a reas o n la nds being considered for acquisition greatly enhances their value to the public. Other public agencies have assisted in protection of natural areas in Georgia , among them the Natural Landmarks Program of the National Park Service, which evaluates and registers natural areas with significant biological or geological fea tures. Such areas in Georgia include the Okefenokee Swamp, Cohutta Wilderness Area, Cumberland Isla nd National Seashore, and Ebenezer Creek , among others. Am brose says the Natural Areas program hopes to expand its efforts to secure protection for natural areas through voluntary agreements, acquisition, cooperation with other agencies, and public education. Program Evolution While continuing to develop its extensive computer information base , the Natural Heritage program will emphasize gathering data and providing information on Georgia's rare plants, animals and natural communities. In the future, the program may perform contract work with state and federal government agencies, and will expand its service to the Department's resource protection efforts, overall. In ack nowledgment of the need for compromise among environmentalists, developers and others who use Georgia's natural resources, the program will C'ontinue to strive for balance between the goals of economic development and those who are concerned about, or charged with, protecting the envi ronment. The Natural Heritage Inventory will also continue to emphasize the importance of environmental laws and public education, in support of efforts to protect rare species and natural diversity in Georgia. The program's services are available to any citizen. For more information on the activities of the Georgia Natural Heritage Inventory, please write or call the program at Route 2, Box 119-D, Social Circle, Ga. 30279, Telephone (404) 557-2514. 13 Horse Creek Wildlife Managem ent area (top) is being expanded by an additional 845 acres. The first phase of the ne w lands acquistion program has brought 40,000 acres of new wildlife lands under state management. 14 F ve years ago, the Board of Natural Resources and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) foresaw a situation that could affect the future of hunting and fishing in Georgia. The Department's Game and Fish Division operated a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system that consisted of 54 separate areas with a total of 1.1 million acres of good hunting land. In considering the projected growth for the state, the Department realized that amount was extremely inadequate. Of the nine southeastern states east of the Mississippi River, Georgia ranks 8th in the number of acres of public hunting lands per I,000 people and in the percentage of hunting lands that are state-owned. By comparison, Florida with its 8.8 million people has 619 acres per 1,000; Mississippi has 2.4 million people and 395 acres per 1,000; and North Carolina, with about the same population as Georgia (over six million), has 357 acres per I ,000. According to the latest statistics, Georgia is the fourth fastest-growing state in the nation. With expanding populations and industrial growth, the amount of state managed wildlife lands decreases daily. About 1985 , the Board of Natural Resources urged DNR to begin a long, careful look at the lands the Department leased from private and public sources. Some of these leases were secure for the future since they were on lands owned by the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of Georgia, Georgia Forestry Commission, the City of Atlanta and Georgia Power Company. But almost 40 percent were on lands owned by private business. On some, lease fees were paid by DNR; on others, the use was donated. At about the same time the cost of hunting leases began to soar. The $.50 and $1 per acre lease fees were now $5 and $6 per acre. There were rumors from some of the surrounding states that $12 per acre lease fees were being charged, with prime quail hunting lands bringing as much as $25 per acre. Landowners realized there was money to be made from hunting leases. Large landowners could withdraw their lands from the state's wildlife management lands and convert them to leases to individuals and private hunting clubs. Few thought this could happen, but it did in South Carolina, the management area system lost a considerable portion of its properties in one year. In Georgia, at risk were 29 management areas consisting of almost 400,000 acres, owned by private individuals and businesses. Some informed DNR that they would withdraw their lands from the WMA program. DNR knew that with highcost leases, many hunters would be left with no lands on which to pursue their sport. Traditional hunting practices in Georgia would be drastically changed. The only solution to the problem would be additional state owned and managed wildlife lands. Wildlife Lands Acquisition Many lands being purchased are potentially suitable for good waterfowl habitat. A new game and fish lands acquisition program, funded by sportsmen, will put good hunting andfishing within easy access of all who enjoy wildlife-related recreation. By Gib Johnston DNR owned 97,900 acres within its Wildlife Management Area System, which when combined with the secure leases made up almost 600,000 acres of hunting land. Although this is a lot of land, it fell far short of what was needed. Game and Fish Division biologists knew that by the year 2000, Georgia's population would reach eight million and wildlife habitat would decrease by three million acres. By then, there will be 700,000 hunters and 1.3 million fishermen looking to the state's fish a nd wildlife resources for recreational opportunity. To accommodate them at least 1.4 million acres of state owned wildlife lands would be needed , which translated into a 900,000 acre deficit. A plan had to be devised to acquire land . Acquisitions would ensure the future protection of the areas, and public hunting in Georgia. Timing was critical since land prices were favorable and high qu ality lands were still available. Both price and availability are highly subject to changes in th e economy, so the time to buy was at hand. The plan was simple. Working with Governor Joe Frank Harris, the Board of Natural Reso urces a nd members of the General Assembly, DNR asked that the General Assembly pass legislation to increase fees for hunting and fishing licenses. This would produce $3.8 million in additional revenues. Then , if Governor Harris would support an issue of general obligation bonds, the debt from these bonds could be paid off in 20 years using the money from the license fee increase. All agreed that the plan was viable and in 1987 the license fees were increased by an average of $2 each . In 1988, a $15 million sale of general obligation bonds was authorized and another $15 million was issued in 1989. The plan was underway and it received enthusiastic support from Georgia's hunters and fishermen , financing the plan through purchases of hunting and fishing license fees and Wildlife Management Area Stamps. Finding the Right Lands The next problem was to find large tracts of land for sale, evaluate their suitability as WMAs and negotiate the price. Criteria were established for lands that would be considered. The best lands for wildlife production are those with the greatest habitat diversity. An ideal property would consist of five to 10 percent permanent open areas such as pastures and food plots. Mast-producing (acorns, nuts and berries) hardwoods a nd pines or other conifers would each constitute 40 to 70 percent of the forested areas. Priority would be given lands which include a major river system with good bottomland hardwoods but 50 to 70 percent of the property should be uplands. Wetland habitat (swamps, beaver ponds, freshwater marshes and oxbow lakes) is important, but if not present, the property should contain areas that could be converted to wetlands. The suitability of the land for construction of a public fishing lake makes a property more desirable. A combination Wildlife Management Area/ Public Fishing Area ensures maximum availability of the land to the hunting and fishing public. There are parts of Georgia where WMAs abo und and other areas in which they are few and far between. Therefore, lands in areas of the state where citizens must travel long distances to hunt or fish are given priority as potential acquisi tions. One of the goals of the program is to put public hunting and fishing areas within reasonable distance of everyone. Another consideration is the land's ability to be self-supporting. Therefore, properties with the ability to produce timber and pulpwood in a self-sustaining concept would compliment the land's basic qualities of natural bea uty and wildlife production. This management concept can yield a $ 15 to $20 per acre income. Cost to manage the area would be $5 per acre with profits going toward improvements and the purchase of additional la nd s . Unique Habitats Lands with unique habitat or habitat that allows the protection of endangered or threatened species, or lands with interesting geological features are especially desirable to DNR. These allow for a greater diversity in management and recreation. State ownership 15 By acquiring lands with freshwater wetlands, the Department can keep these important natural sy stems from being altered, drained or lost. will ensure protection against alteration of these natural systems. Agreements to purchase 12 tracts of land have been signed, totaling 33,217 acres. The lands have been purchased at an average cost of $485 per acre. On these lands, there are planned two public fishing areas, seven wildlife management areas , two combination fishing/wildlife management areas and one waterfowl area. The lands will offer great opportunities for hunters, fishermen and the Department of Natural Resources. They will offer wildlife recreation value and value as demonstration areas for unique natural habitat management, as well as for timber management. Nature trails and hiking trails will be developed to teach the ecology and the value of unique habitats. Natural areas set aside will protect endangered and threatened species. Areas for field trials and shooting ranges will be developed where unique habitats do not exist. The possibilities are unlimited. Acquisitions In Burke County, a 7,360-acre tract on the Savannah River has been acquired. It includes over 700 acres of wetlands, a public fishing area, three miles of river frontage and a wide variety of habitat types. Bottomland hardwoods, planted pines, sandhills, spring heads and natural pines are found on the property. Griffith's Landing, a State Natural Area, is on this property. The site has a sizeable exposure oflim estone with huge fossil oysters which will offer the opportunity to learn about prehistoric oceanography. There are numerous gopher tortoise burrows and wood stork foraging areas. There are two boat ramps to 16 the Savannah River and many other potential areas for public use. Patrick's Fishing Paradise, near Tifton, is a I,050-acre tract with more than 88 lakes and ponds ranging from one quarter acre upwards. Ten of these make up 351 acres of water to be intensively managed for fishing. The others will be used for waterfowl management. The area offers potential for bird dog field trials, small game and dove hunting. The endangered indigo snake has been seen on the property. This land adds greatly to the outdoor recreational opportunities in south Georgia . A portion of Ocmulgee WMA is being purchased. This 5,608-acre tract located in Pulaski County has a 120-acre public fishing area site and several miles of Ocmulgee River frontage . The area will be managed jointly as a WMA/PFA. Bullard Creek is an example of a Wildlife Management Area that was lost to the state as a hunting area because of increased lease fees. Of the original30,000-acre WMA, 8,442 acres where the most intensive management occurred has been purchased. The area, in Jeff Davis and Appling counties has over 25 miles of river frontage and 7,000 acres of wetlands and bottomland hardwoods. It offers protection of the river corridor and its numerous oxbow lakes. A possible foraging habitat for Mississippi and swallowtail kites, bald eagles and wood storks, the land also has alligators and many unusual species of plants and animals. An excellent area for a hiking trail exists along the limestone bluff on the riverfront. A I,896-acre tract in Lowndes County is part of an extremely large Carolina Bay complex and has as its center a 1,000-acre bay. The land is near Moody Air Force Base from which land is leased for Grand Bay WMA. Adjoining the property is Banks Lake, which is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This purchase links thousands of acres under joint management of DNR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Air Force. One of the only two known colonies of the roundtail muskrat in Georgia is resident on the property. Diverse habitat here includes a rookery, an area frequented by sandhill cranes and many unique plant communities. In Stewart County, 4,948 acres of rolling countryside with gullies, planted pines, hardwoods, four large beaver ponds and a nice stream running through a hardwood bottom has been purchased. A state-protected plant, the plumleaf azalea, is found on the property. Two tracts of land totaling 441 acres have been purchased in Dodge County. Here, a public fishing area will be developed. In addition to "new" properties, additions have been made to existing wildlife management areas. An additional 845 acres have been bought at Horse creek WMA in Telfair County and two tracts of 633 and 1600 acres have been added to Big Lazer Creek WMA in Talbot County. To the citizens of Lowndes, Jeff Davis, Burke, Appling and the other counties where acquisitions have been made, the program seems overwhelmingly successful. But the current program will only add ftfty to sixty thousand acres to the WMA system. An immediate need is being met, but for the needs of hunters and fishermen into the middle of the next century, 200,000 acres are needed. Two hundred thousand acres, when properly managed, will provide the same recreation potential as 500,000 acres of unmanaged land . The first part of the acquisition program has brought about 40,000 acres into state management, and the second phase is beginning. Phase II is identical to the first. The $15 million bond issue has been authorized . Property has been identified and negotiations are underway. By late summer, 1990, this second part of the program will likely be finished. DNR will continue to negotiate other land purchases as property and funding for them becomes available. It is a sound program , funded entirely by hunters and fishermen. No money from the State's General Fund is involved. Prime lands in near id~llocations have been acquired. Through this program, with the support and encouragement of Governor Harris, the Bo a rd of Natural Resources, the state Legislature and its hunters and fishermen, DNR is moving toward the goal of putting good hunting and fishing within easy reach of every Georgia sportsman. DNRFilm&Video By Kathy Matthews New films from DNR address threatened species such as the Southern bald eagle (left); and manmade reefs that simulate natural ones (right), providing habitat for fish . Rom the majesty of an eagle soaring high above rolling hills to the mystery of a reef hidden 80 feet below the ocean's surface, Georgia is a state of unsurpassed natural beauty. The treasures of rare wildlife and unspoiled natural areas await discovery. Two new titles in the Department of Natural Resources' Film and Video library explore many of these rarely seen wonders. The spectacular wildlife cinematography of Give Wildlife a Chance gives viewers a glimpse of many Georgia plants and animals that are threatened with extinction. Underwater Oases: Georgia's Artificial Reefs looks at recently constructed offshore reefs that are home to an astonishing variety of ocean life. Stressing the importance of Georgia's diverse ecosystems and the life they sustain, Give Wildlife a Chance takes viewers into places untouched by human development. Some of the country's leading naturalists explain the importance of natural areas for the benefit of wildlife and our own quality of life. Interviews feature Dr. Eugene Odum, known as the "father of modern ecology" and director emeritus of the University of Georgia's Institute of Ecology; also featured are world-renowned wildlife artist and bird expert, Robert Tory Peterson, Wild Kingdom's Jim Fowler, and the head of Georgia's Nongame Wildlife Conservation Program, Terry Johnson. The 20-minute film highlights accomplishments of Georgia's nongame wildlife program, which encourages citizens to "Give Wildlife a Chance!" The citizen-funded conservation program is primarily concerned with public education about the need to preserve natural habitat for nongame species. Habitat for the wild creatures of Georgia also provides recreation areas, for people who enjoy the outdoors. The film introduces DNR's Nongame Checkoff Donation Program , which offers taxpayers an easy way to support nongame conservation. By checking a designated box on the 1989 State Income Tax form, citizens may donate a portion of their state income tax refunds directl y to Georgia:s nongame wildlife program . Underwater Oases: Georgia's Artificial Reefs plunges into the undersea world off the coast of Georgia. Only five percent of the 4,000-square-mile continental shelf off the state's coast has natural reefs. The ocean floor is otherwise barren. The 30-minute film explores the few natural reefs that do exist offshore and features DNR's current program to construct artificial reefs. Underwater Oases looks at sunken surplus ships, tires, and other manmade materials which become barnaclecovered "reefs", providing hiding and feeding places for fish . Magnificent underwater footage demonstrates how fish are attracted to the manmade shelter on the ocean floor. Like oases in an underwater desert , artificial reefs are havens for many forms of ocean life. Underwater Oases looks at how DNR's Coastal Resources Division researches and monitors fish populations on and off the reefs. Reef construction has augmented fishing success and increased diving opportunities. The reef program has proven an economic asset to Georgia. DNR's Film and Video Unit produces documentaries on a wide array of Georgia topics, ranging from historic places and environmental concerns to recreation, sport fishing and wildlife management. The Film and Video Unit's excellent work has merited national and international recognition in ftlm festivals and other competitions. Co-producers Becky Marshall and Jim Couch most recently received an Emmy Award for their 1988 public service announcement promoting recreational fishing on Georgia's coast. Borrow or Purchase Films Give Wildlife a Chance and Underwater Oases: Georgia's Artificial Reefs are available on a free-loan basis or can be purchased ($20.00 + 2.50 postage and handling) by sending a check to the address below. Formats available include 3/4" videotape and 112" VHS videotape. To receive a catalogue of all 22 titles or to borrow a film , write to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Film & Video Unit, 205 Butler Street, S.E., Suite 1258, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. 17 Offshore fishing on the Georgia coast offers excitement, challenge, and if you're lucky, In Wahoo is one of the species that may be caught while slow trolling off the Georgia coast. the blue-green waters off Georgia's coast lie some of the The best bait fish to use when slow trolling for king mack- most exciting fishing opportunities in the state. King mackerel, ere! is the Atlantic menhaden, sometimes called pogy. These Spanish mackerel, tarpon, cobia, sailfish and grouper are only a flashy little fish are easy to spot near shore as they churn the few of the many different species just waiting to snatch the hook water with their silver bellies. They are easily caught by a strong of an unsuspecting offshore fisherman . And, the fisherman who person with a cast net. is lucky enough to hook one of these "monsters" is not only Then, it is only a matter of locating the big fish. Rogers sug- guaranteed an exhilarating battle when hauling the catch in, gests making contacts at tackle shops and marinas to keep up but, in most cases, an excellent meal for his efforts. with what is currently being caught, where it is being caught Offshore fishing is excellent year-round for the fisherman and what the fishermen are using to catch it. who is willing to fish for different species during different times Charter services are usually a good bet as well, especially for of the year, says Gordon Rogers, a biologist with DNR's Com- fishermen with little offshore experience or with little knowledge mercia! Fisheries Program. Spring, summer and early fall are of the area. Though chartering an offshore trip for six people the best seasons to fish for migratory species, such as king and will generally cost between $250 and $500, it is usually worth Spanish mackerel and offshore billfish. During the winter the money. "Charter services usually end up saving you money months, the conditions are good for catching red snapper, in the long run," Rogers says. "With a charter, you can Jearn in grouper and other reef dependent species. a trip or two what might take you a year or more to Jearn on your own." Catch a 'King' However, if you do not want to use a charter service you can still experience some of the tried and true spots off the In Georgia, the king mackerel is one of the most prized of gamefish for offshore fishermen . It is also the biggest tourna- Georgia coast. Fishermen will generally have good luck fishing around any of Georgia's eight offshore artificial reefs. Con- ment fish. "It's a real challenge to catch a big king mackerel," says Rogers. "These fish are well known for their terrific fights structed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with sport fishing clubs, these artificial reefs are and streaking runs, but they also make good eating." scattered along the coast and were created to enhance recrea- Slow trolling is one of the best and most reliable methods tional fishing opportunities. for catching a king mackerel. Invented in North Carolina, slow A rip, or tideline, can also be a good place to fish. A rip is a trolling is a method of live lining (fishing with live bait) that salinity front that tends to concentrate zooplankton and there- consists of a controlled drift. "Instead of drifting with the cur- fore attract bait fish . The bigger predators, such as jacks, sharks rent, slow trolling allows fishermen to have some direction and and king and Spanish mackerel, come to the rips to feed. to make loops around a reef, rip or whatever area they are fish- A flock of feeding sea birds is also a good indication that ing," Rogers says. fish, especially Spanish mackerel, are nearby. Chumming is also While it is impossible to troll too slowly, it is very easy to go an option. When chumming, fishermen throw bait fish over- too fast. If the boat is moving faster than the bait can swim, the board to create a slick and attract fish. "Putting the fish in the bait will quickly become disoriented and die. When slow trol- blender creates the best chum," says Rogers, smiling, "but it ling, the goal should be to move at an idle speed just fast sure does make a mess in your blender!" enough to allow the bait to swim along behind. Once a fisherman has his bait ready and a suitable location 18 Slow Trolling By Dottie Sweat selected the real challenge begins catching a fish. Most offshore boats are equipped with downriggers and outriggers. Downriggers are weighted devices which make it possible to fish at different depths, while outriggers are poles which extend out from the boat allowing fishermen to spread several lines out at different distances behind the boat. Just hook the bait fish through the nose and start fishing. Then, the. waiting begins. Sometimes a fish will strike the bait right away, but other times one must wait and wait and wait. Just remember, patience is a virtue. There is nothing like the sound a reel makes when a fish takes the bait. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz screams the line as the fish starts to run with the bait and the fight begins. The king mackerel will streak back and forth several times, finally ending in a head-shaking struggle near the boat as the fish tries to free itself from the hook. Hauling one of these huge fish in requires both strength and stamina. It can be totally exhausting and can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. Some of the larger offshore boats are equipped with a fighting chair, which the fisherman can strap himself into, enabling him to brace his feet during the struggle. On smaller boats, good balance and a little help from the others aboard has to suffice. The thrill of the catch makes it worth the struggle in the long run. A Lot of Opportunities Other species of fish make exciting catches as well. "The tarpon is really the king of nearshore gamefish," says Rogers. "They are terrific fighters and there is a real challenge both in getting them to bite and in landing them once they are hooked." Tarpon prefer the shallow banks of sounds, tidal rivers, and the surf zones making them fairly accessible to most fishermen. Tarpon are not particularly good eating though, and most fishermen prefer to release them in hopes of hauling them in again at a later date. Barracudas and amberjack are outstanding fighters and brawny pullers in terms of stamina. Both of these species can be found swimming around reefs and buoys. Barracudas will usually eat anything available. They will strike flashing spoons, disturbances in the water, or other hooked fish, often jumping completely out of the water several times. Amberjack can be caught when trolling or anchored using Jive bait or rigged dead bait. The ultimate catch, however, is one of the billfish, such as a On the dock, fishermen clean yellow fin tuna and dolphin fish. sailfish, marlin or swordfish. For most people, a catch like this is a once in a lifetime experience. "With the exception of sailfish, which are frequently caught in nearshore waters, billfish are not readily available to the average fisherman off the Georgia coast, explains Rogers. It takes a very large, well equipped boat to catch billfish, which are generally captured 50 to 70 miles offshore. The typical offshore boat costs between $25,000 and $50,000, but most successful billfish anglers use boats that cost much, much more. Billfish are usually taken on trolled baits, such as rigged ballyhoo, mullet and Spanish mackerel. A wide variety of plastic lures are also gaining popularity. Such a catch is considered a high point in any angler's career and the fish usually becomes a trophy or is released. Occasionally, anglers may land sailfish while trolling for kings. Improving Coastal Fishing The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division is taking steps to make Georgia's offshore fishing opportunities even better, says Duane Harris, Director of the Division. With the cooperation and assistance of sportfishing clubs, DNR has constructed eight artificial reefs since the early 1970s. These reefs are made up of tire units, boat molds, concrete rubble and sunken vessels. Several nearshore reefs are planned as well and will be constructed primarily of concrete and concrete rubble. The Coastal Resources Divison also participates in the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC). Since the SAFMC was created in 1976, it has developed fishery ma nagement plans for snapper, grouper, king and Spanish mack- 19 Naturally Delicious Mouth-Watering Mackerel Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are a few of the many popular fish that anglers can catch off Georgia's coast. King mackerel is one of the most prized gamefish for offshore fishermen. These recipes should make the catch especially good when the trip is finished! King Mackerel Steaks With Tomato-Wine Sauce 2 lbs. king mackerel steaks 2 Thsp. margarine or butter, melted 1 Tsp. salt 1/8 Tsp. pepper Paprika Tomato-wine sauce (below) Take two lbs. of king mackerel steaks (or other fish steaks) and thaw iffrozen. Place the fish in a single layer on a well-greased pan, approximately 13 x 10 inches. Brush the fish with margarine and sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika. Broil approximately four inches from the source of heat for five to six minutes. Turn the fish and baste with sauce. Broil for seven to ten minutes longer or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve with Tomatowine sauce. Serves six. Tomato-Wine Sauce 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and cut into wedges Yz Tsp. sugar '14 cup chopped green onion 2 Thsp. margarine or butter, melted I clove garlic, minced Yz cup dry white wine Yz cup margarine or butter 2 Thsp. chopped parsley '14 Tsp. salt 118 Tsp. pepper Sprinkle tomatoes with sugar and set aside. In a small saucepan, cook the green onion and the garlic in two tablespoons of margarine until tender. Next, add wine and cook until the liquid is slightly reduced, stirring constantly. Finally, add tomatoes and remaining ingredients. Heat, stirring gently, until margarine melts. Makes two cups of sauce. Spanish Mackerel Paysanne 2 lbs. Spanish mackerel fillets Yz Tsp. salt Y4 Tsp. white pepper I can (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained Yz cup sliced green onions '14 cup catsup 2 Thsp. margarine or butter, melted Yz Tsp. liquid smoke Take two lbs. of Spanish mackerel fillets (or other fish fillets) and thaw if frozen. Cut fillets into serving-size portions. Place the portions into a well-greased baking dish, measuring 12 x 8 x 2 inches. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Next, combine remaining ingredients and spread this over the top ofthe fish. Finally, bake at 350F, for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serves six. (Recipes courtesy ofFlorida DNR.) ere!, cobia, spiny lobster, coral and billfish. They have also instituted bag limits and size limits on several species of offshore fish. "The purpose behind the SAFMC is to conserve habitat and fisheries resources so that while fisherman are still allowed to catch them , they do not overharvest the population," Harris says. A relatively new development in Georgia is the increasing number of catch and release tournaments, according to Henry Ansley, Outer Continental Shelf Program Leader. These tournaments especially help the billfish populations, which have been overfished in the past several years. Instead of bringing in the billfish to be weighed, photographs are taken of the fisherman hauling in the catch. Once the fish is landed and photographed, it is released. The pictures are taken to the weighmaster, rather than the actual fish , and points are awarded on the basis of the release. "You receive more points for releasing a billfish than you do for landing it," explains Ansley. "In fact, bringing a billfish to the dock will, in some cases, get you disqualified. For many people, catching a billfish is a once in a lifetime experience. There is a real thrill in catching the fish , then releasing it ." 20 Billfish are a very important recreational species. They are also very important to the charter industry. "There is no point in killing a billfish," says Ansley. "They are worth much more on the hook than they are on the dock. If you want a trophy fish, measure the catch before releasing it. A good taxidermist uses very little, if any, of the actual fish to make a trophy anyway." Fishing clubs are also helping with conservation efforts, continues Harris. "We've got a lot of very active fishing clubs along the Georgia coast. Some of these clubs are more conservation oriented than others, but they are all moving in that direction. Many of the fishing organizations that exist for both angling ethics and conservation efforts are really having a positive impact on DNR's efforts to preserve and enhance both Georgia and the southeastern region's i'!!;hery resources. "We have made a lot of improvements in the fisheries management program, but there are still additional steps that need to be taken," says Harris. "Through the continued support of Coastal Resources Division programs, DNR hopes to maintain challenging and exciting fishing opportunities both for present fishermen and for fishermen who have yet to wet a line in Georgia's offshore waters." Calendar SEPTEMBER HARD LABOR CREEK OBSERVATORY: 1ST QUARTER MOON Sept. 8, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge. Free. 404/ 557-2863. PHOTOGRAPHER'S MORNING OUT .Sept. 9, 7:30 a.m. to Noon Panola Mountain State Conservation Park, Stockbridge. Free. 404/474-2914. BROAD RIVER DAY TRIP Sept. 9, 10 a.m. Victoria Bryant State Park, Royston. 4041245-6270. WILDERNESS SURVIVAL Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville. Free. 404/265-2885. C.C.C. REUNION Sept. 15 to 17 F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain. Free. 404/663-4858. ALTAMAHA RIVER DAY TRIP Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ft. King George Historic Site, Darien. Program fee. 912/437-4770. TAKE PRIDE IN AMERICA Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to Noon Red Top Mountain State Park , Cartersville. 404/974-5182. FALL WILDFLOWER DAY Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Panola Mountain State Conservation Park, Stockbridge. 404/474-2914. ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Crooked River State Park, St. Marys. Free. 912/882-5256. HAMBURG HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. & Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hamburg State Park, Mitchell. Free. 912/552-2393 . SOUTH FORK BROAD RIVER OVERNIGHT TRIP Sept. 16 to 17 Watson Mill Bridge State Park, Comer. Program fee. 404/783-5349. NATIVE AMERICANS Sept. 23, 2 to 4 p.m. Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs. Free. 404/944-1700. Hamburg will host a festival Sept. 16-17. FALL EARLY BIRD WALKS Sept. 23, 8 to 10:30 a.m. Panola Mountain State Conservation Park, Stockbridge. Preregistration is required. 404/474-2914. CHEROKEE INDIAN DAY Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. New Echota Historic Site, Calhoun. Free. 404/629-8151. SEAFOOD PROGRAM Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah. Preregistration required. 912/356-2523. AUTUMN LEAYES ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sept. 24, Noon to 5 p.m. John Tanner State Park, Carrollton. Free. 404/832-7545. NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE SOUTHEAST Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unicoi State Park, Helen. Free. 404/878-2201 , x-283. THE WAR OF 1812 IN GEORGIA Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunbury Historic Site, Midway. Admission fee . 912/884-5999. STORYTELLING ON THE PLANTATION Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jarrell Plantation Historic Site, Juliette. Admission fee . 912/986-5172. OCTOBER ARTIFACT J.D. & WEAPON DEMONSTRATION DAY Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park, Blakely. Free. 912/723-5296. HEART TO HART COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hart State Park, Hartwell. Free. 404/376-8756. INDIAN RECOGNITION MONTH Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 10 to 11 a.m. Indian Springs State Park, Indian Springs. Free. 404/775-7241. A NIGHT AT OLD FORT KING GEORGE Oct. 7, 7 to 9 p.m. Fort King George Historic Site, Darien. Admission fee. 912/437-4770. CANOOCHEE RIVER DAY TRIP Oct. 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ft. McAllister Historic Park, Richmond Hill. Program fee. 912/727-2339. FALL WILDFLOWER DAY Oct. 7, 2 to 4 p.m. Providence Canyon State Park, Lumpkin. 912/838-6202. SOUTH FORK BROAD RIVER OVERNIGHT TRIP Oct. 7-8 Watson Mill Bridge State Park, Comer. Program fee. 404/783-5349. ELIJAH CLARK RENDEZVOUS Oct. 13, 14, 15, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton. Free. 404/359-3458. HARVEST FESTIVAL Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia. Free 404/356-4362. FIBER CREATIONS FROM THE MOUNTAINS Oct. 14 & 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unicoi State Park, Helen. 404/878-2201, x-283. OLD MILL POND ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , Oct. 15, 1 to 6 p.m. George L. Smith State Park, Twin City. Free. 912/763-2759. REIDSVILLE/GORDONIA ALATAMAHA HOBBY SHOW Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Oct. 15, 1 to 6 p.m. Gordonia Alatamaha State Park, Reidsville. Free. 912/557-6307 ALTAMAHA RIVER OVERNIGHT TRIP Oct. 20 & 21 Ft. King George Historic Site, Darien. 912/437-4770. FALL FAMILY CAMPING KICK-OFF Oct. 20 to 22, 7:30 p.m. High Falls State Park, Jackson. Free. 912/ 994-5080. INDIGO, A COLONIAL EXPORT Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunbury Historic Site, Midway. Admission fee . 912/884-5999. 21 DNR VIDEO LffiRARY Underwater Oases: Georgia's Artificial Reefs In the undersea world off the coast of Georgia, the warm waters of the Atlantic nourish an astonishing variety of life. But off Georgia, natural reefs cover only about 5% of the entire ocean floor. Most of the bottom is a vast, empty expanse of sand that offers little natural habitat for fish. Since 1972, a system of manmade reefs has increased the habitat -- and improved the fishing - off Georgia's coast by providing food and cover for many different kinds of fish. Through outstanding underwater photography, Underwater Oases: Georgia's Artificial Reefs looks at both manmade and natural reefs. And through spectacular footage of many different kinds of fish being caught, Underwater Oases shows how the artificial reefs have improved the fishing off Georgia's coast. 28 minutes, 1989. Give Wildlife A Chance From ordinary backyard wildlife to exotic endangered species, Georgia is home to more than 900 kinds of animals and more than 3,000 kinds of plants. Through interviews with some of the country's leading naturalists, Give Wildlife a Chance looks at a group of animals and plants known as nongame . Nongame makes up more than 90% of all our wildlife, and includes all a nimals not hunted, trapped, or fished for, along with most species of pl ants . Through its outstanding wildlife photography, Give Wildlife a Chance explores the fate of many of these species . From fascinating pictures of eagles as they feed, nest, and raise their young, to rare footage of some of the state's most remote natural areas, Give Wildlife a Chance reminds us that the future of Georgia's wildlife is our responsibility. 21, minutes, 1989. Only $2000 Department of Natural Resources FILM & VIDEO 205 Butler Street, S.E., Suite 1258 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404) 656-0772 Please Send Me: Name D Underwater Oases @ $200 Title D Give Wildlife a Chance @ $200 Company 0 Enclosed is my check to the DEPT OF NATURAL Street RESOURCES for$ Please add $2.50 for City State Zip shipping and handling. D Charge my credit card (plus shipping and handling). D VISA 0 MASTERCARD Expires Credit Card Number I I I I I I I I I I Phone ( DNRfilms and videotapes deal with a wide range of conservation topics, from sensitive environmental issues to natural history and outdoor recreation. Because oftheir exceptional quality, they have achieved widespread national and iternational recognition in film festivals around the world. 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