Georgia sound, Vol. 11, no. 4 (Oct. - Dec. 2005

T H E

G E O R G I A

C O A S T A L

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

Georgia

Sound

OCTOBER-DECEMBER, 2005

VOL.11, NO.4

CoastFest 2005
Celebrating 10 years of coastal natural resources education
CoastFest celebrated its 10th anniversary in grand style at the 2005 event with over 6,400 smiling faces enjoying Georgia's largest celebration of our state's coastal natural resources.

Hosted by Coastal Resources Division, the event welcomed over 85 environmental exhibitors that provided visitors with interactive exhibits where they could "do, see and touch" as they learned. Event goers could be "scientists for a day" aboard research vessels or even travel back in time thanks to living history demonstrations. Three programs rotating throughout the day captured the attention and educated crowds of excited participants. "Make-it-take-it" projects were a big event hit as well as a student art contest exhibit displaying over 600 pieces of artwork. Young and old alike learned about their natural world at the free family oriented event. The excitement continues along the Marshes of Glynn next year on October 7, 2006 as the 11th annual CoastFest event celebrates the rich natural resources of coastal Georgia ~ hope to see you there!

Inside This Issue:
CoastFest 2005
International Accolades for Orange Tide Project

Boastin' About Oyster Roastin'
Prickly Pear Cactus Moth Research Project

Short Strikes
Savannah Redfish Rally Wrap-Up

Ship to Shore
Peach on the Beach Now Real!

PAGE 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

By: Lea King ~ Public Affairs Coordindator

Orange Tide Project Garners Sea Monkeys International Accolades

Glynn County Senior 4-Hers have been very busy with Several "real-world" scientific projects this past year. Dubbed the "Sea Monkeys," the group has focused its efforts on local environmental projects that are benefitting our local community. One of those projects, the "Orange Tide Study," has gained not only local attention, but also state, national and international attention as well.

Members of the Sea Monkey Senior 4-H Club busily prepare oranges for the first drop of the Orange Tide Study.

The Sea Monkeys have found that, "yes, you can make a difference" and have been reaping the rewards of their efforts and project dedication. Over the past year, the Sea Monkeys have conducted their Orange Tide Study several times; each time dropping marked oranges in designated coastal tidal creeks and then documenting the locations of the washed up citrus fruit on St. Simons Island beaches. The group has used this study to help Georgia state researchers understand the possible source locations of beach water bacteria.

As a result of their efforts, this fall Keep Brunswick Golden Isles Beautiful (KBGIB) recognized the group by awarding the Sea Monkeys the "Civic/Community Service Organization Award" for the Orange Tide Study. The young people participated in KBGIB's Recycle Schools Program, Bring One for the Chipper, the Spring Kick-off as well as multiple beach sweeps and park clean-ups. KBGIB also recognized the teens for innovative projects such as "cache in trash out" geocache boxes. The Sea Monkeys put together trash bag kits which included gloves and litter prevention information in their club geocache boxes. This has prompted visitors and locals alike to pick up trash in the geocache box vicinities set throughout the county and rewarded participants' efforts with McDonald's gift certificates.

The senior 4-Hers also won first place in the "Environmental Improvement" (youth) category at the annual Keep Georgia Beautiful award luncheon in Atlanta. Their studies, the Orange-Tide and "Brown-Tide" spanned nine months and helped track marsh tidal creek flow as well as help identify possible sources of non-point source pollution. The teens offered real solutions to the community such as "pet bag dispensers" made from recycled five gallon water bottles and handed out information promoting cleaner, pet friendly beaches. The statewide Environmental Improvement Award recognizes the efforts of educators, groups, and businesses providing environmental education to a school, community or natural area.
And the accolades did not stop there. The Sea Monkey's Orange Tide Study garnered the group the distinction of becoming one of three international winners of the 2005

Sea Monkey club members (L-R) Will Prince, Brandon Smith and Jeremy McGuire accept the Keep Brunswick Golden Isles
Beautiful Civic/Community Service Organization Award on behalf of the Glynn County Senior 4-H Club.
~ Continued on Page 3 ~

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 3

~ Continued from Page 2 ~

Earthwatch "Earthbound3 Challenge" - along with Kabura Ulwan School in Uranga, Kenya and West Ashley High School in South Carolina. Members of the Sea Monkeys traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts recently to receive the award.

This distinction earns the group $12,000

towards participation in an international

Earthwatch research expedition of their choice in

2006. Not bad for a group of Glynn County,

Georgia 4-Hers! The Earthbound3 Challenge was

an invitation to school and community groups to

launch their own local environmental projects.

The Challenge built on the website and film

documentary following three high school

students, Jamie, Arsen, and Tyler, the

Nathan Potts, (L-R) Harvest Hale, Robi Gray, Jeremy McGuire, Brandon Smith, and Lynn Cobb, Keep Georgia Beautiful Manager,
celebrate the Glynn County Senior 4-H Club's state award.

"Earthbound3," as they explored the state of the world's environment by participating in 12 Earthwatch projects in one year. The Challenge

issued by the Earthbound3 was: "Remember that the most important aspect of your project is to get your

community involved. You should engage people that otherwise wouldn't be working with each other. Inspire

community action! Educate people that think they already know everything! Show everyone how simple it is to

change the world!"

Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Founded in Boston, it now operates offices in Oxford, England, Melbourne, Australia and Tokyo, Japan. Earthwatch Institute has 50,000 members and supporters spread across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Its 3,500 members volunteer their time and skills to work with 120 research scientists each year on Earthwatch field research projects in over 50 countries world-wide.

The Sea Monkeys are busy deciding "where in the world" they would like to participate in an Earthwatch study next year and are also busy planning several more local community environmental projects. Congratulations to this fine group of young people and to their leader, Robi Gray for a job well done. Yes, you can make a difference and the Glynn County Sea Monkeys certainly are.

For more information about the Earthbound3 competition log onto: Http://earthbound3.earthwatch.org/about_contest.html. For more information about the Glynn County Sea Monkeys, their Orange Tide Study project or other community projects, contact Robi Gray at: Robigray@bellsouth.net.

Nathan Potts (L-R) and Harvest Hale accept the Earthbound3 international award for the Sea Monkeys at the Earthwatch Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

PAGE 4

THE GEORGIA SOUND

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

By: Brooks Good ~ Coastal Technical Assistant, Water Quality Monitoring Program

Boastin'About Oyster Roastin'

Nothing goes better with cool crisp weather and

clear star filled nights than several bushels of local

Georgia Oysters, a football game on the radio, and

the company of friends and family around a bonfire.

For generations, the tradition of Oyster Roasts has

been a much anticipated and well-enjoyed activity for

residents along the Georgia coast. Local oysters are

not only delicious, they set the stage for what many

consider the finest of outdoor social events. The

popularity of Oyster Roasts is due, in part, to their

simplicity and relaxed atmosphere. While you will not

find soft music, fine wine, and formal clothing at most

Oyster Roasts, what you will find are flavorful oysters,

saltine crackers, cocktail or hot sauce, flannel shirts

The local Georgia Oyster is known for its thin shell and salty flavor.

and a WHOLE LOT of story-telling and good times.

Served on the half shell, steamed, or fried, most people agree that local oysters are second to none.

The only unfortunate part about our tradition of

Oyster Roasts here on the Georgia Coast is that most

of the oysters used in these events come from states such as Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Most people don't realize

that local oysters are available and easily accessible with a little know how. Where can you get a little know how?

Well, keep on reading.

Most people prefer to purchase oysters from a dealer prior to an oyster roast function. Several seafood dealers located along the Georgia Coast harvest and sell local oysters. All of the Commercial Shellfish Harvest Areas in Georgia are monitored monthly by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure that shellfish are safe for consumption. The following is a list of seafood dealers listed by county that typically sell local oysters.

Townsend Seafood Jacobs Seafood MacClam, Inc. Phillips Seafood Dewitt Seafood Y&W Shellfish

McIntosh County McIntosh County McIntosh County McIntosh County McIntosh County Camden County

(912) 832-6377 (912) 832-4406 (912) 832-4425 (912) 832-4423 (912) 832-5135 (912) 729-4814

The flavor and freshness of local oysters is well worth driving a few extra miles to get. While purchasing oysters

from a dealer is the most popular way to provision yourself for a roast, there is another option for the more

adventurous souls. In addition to maintaining commercial shellfish harvest areas, the DNR also maintains Public

Recreational Shellfish Harvest Areas. Similar to the Commercial Areas, the Recreational Harvest Areas are

monitored monthly by DNR to ensure that shellfish are safe for consumption. Currently, DNR manages

Recreational Areas in Chatham, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden Counties for both oyster and clam harvest.

Maps of these areas are available at the DNR Brunswick office or can be mailed to your address by calling (912)

264-7218 and asking for information on Recreational Shellfish Harvest Areas.

~ Continued on Page 5 ~

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 5

~ Continued from Page 4 ~

All one needs to participate in the harvest of shellfish

is a fishing license, a pair of rubber boots, gloves, a

bucket, a tool to separate oysters and a STRONG back.

Having access to a boat is preferable, although one

harvest area is land accessible. Oysters must be a

minimum of three (3) inches from hinge to mouth unless

the oyster cannot be removed from a legal sized oyster

without destroying it. For clams, the minimum depth

from one shell half to the other must be at least inch

thick. Recreational quantity limits are up to two bushels

of oysters and one bushel of clams per person per day,

with a maximum limit of six bushels of oysters and one

bushel of clams per boat per day.

Harvesting oysters and clams can be a muddy job, but the rewards

Equipped with this information, there is no reason to

are well worth the effort at the dinner table.

let this cool weather season pass without having an Oyster Roast of your own. Whether you decide to purchase

local shellfish through a dealer or harvest your own, I think you will agree that the flavor and freshness are

incomparable.

Georgia Recreational Shellfish Harvest Areas
Georgia recreational shellfish harvest areas can be found in the following coastal counties: Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh. Recreational shellfish harvest area county maps may be downloaded from the CRD web site at http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us or can be mailed by calling (912) 264-7218.
GA DNR Shellfish Program
Shellfish
A Georgia Fishing License is required to take shellfish (oysters, clams) for non-commercial purposes. Shellfish must be harvested between the hours of 1/2 hour before official sunrise and 1/2 hour after official sunset. Shellfish may only be taken with handheld implements. Recreationally harvested shellfish may not be sold.
Shellfish Limits
Oysters must measure no less than three inches from hinge to mouth, unless the oyster cannot be removed from a legalsized oyster without destroying it. For clams, the maximum depth from one shell half to the other must be at least 3/4 inch thick.
Recreational quantity limits are up to two bushels of oysters and one bushel of clams per person per day, with a maximum limit of six bushels of oysters and one bushel of clams per boat per day.
Harvest Area Monitoring
DNR tests shellfish harvest waters monthly for harmful bacteria. When bacterial contamination is found, DNR will close the area until the contamination subsides
For current harvest area status information call the DNR Shellfish Sanitation Program at (912) 264-7218.
The consumption of raw or undercooked foods such as meat, fish, and eggs, which may contain harmful bacteria, may cause serious illness or death.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

PAGE 6

THE GEORGIA SOUND

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

By: Dr. Stephen D. Hight ~ U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
Prickly Pear Cactus Moth Research Project

The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, is a non-native pest of prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.). Originally from Argentina, this pest threatens the growth of native, endangered and ornamental cacti in many coastal areas of Georgia and Florida. In 1989, the moth was found in the Florida Keys and has since spread along southeastern coastline from near Charleston, SC to Mobile, AL. Of great concern is the potential for C. cactorum to spread into prickly pear rich areas of the western United States and Mexico.

Dr. Stephen Hight (L) shows Glynn County 4-H leader Robi Gray potential moth infestation areas of a prickly pear cactus on the grounds
of the DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick.

Females lay their eggs on the cactus pads. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into and then hollow out the cactus pads leading to cactus decay and rotting, destroying the prickly pear. A native cactus moth is common in Florida cactus pads and is far less devastating to cacti than its non-native counterpart. Larvae of the native cactus moth, Melitara prodenialis, are solid blue to purple. Larvae of the non-native invasive species C. cactorum are easily distinguished by their bright orange and black coloration.

Residents of southeast Georgia are invited to take part in a scientific study involving the cactus moth. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are studying C. cactorum and are using "moth traps" to do so. The Glynn County Senior 4-Her's (Sea Monkeys) are currently assisting the ARS researchers and monitoring two locations of prickly pear cacti. The second of their monitoring locations, along the Earth Day Nature Trail at the Department of Natural Resources in Brunswick, is presently being readied for the project. The "sticky" traps are baited with a synthetic female sex pheromone that lures male moths into a compartment where they become stuck and are unable to escape. Volunteers such as the Sea Monkeys monitor the traps on a regular basis and mail any traps containing moths to the researchers in Tallahassee.

For more information on the moth trap program and how to become involved, contact Dr. Stephen D. Hight at (850) 656-9870 x18 or Hight@saa.ars.usda.gov.

Glynn County Senior 4-Her Harvest Hale dissects a prickly pear cactus to
document moth infestation.

The wrath of the cactus moth is evident in the remains of a once-healthy prickly
pear cactus pod.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 7

By: Spud Woodward ~ Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries
Short Strikes

Sunbury Boat Ramp Repaired and Ready for Increased Use
The tidal waters of Liberty County have become a destination for many anglers and boaters from inland communities such as Statesboro and Hinesville. Since only a few boat ramps exist in the county, public-access boat-hoist facilities such as those at Yellow Bluff Fish Camp and Half Moon Marina have traditionally proven very important. However, there's a growing trend toward privatization of such facilities. In fact, Yellow Bluff Fish Camp will be closed to the public in the very near future. Recognizing this, Constituent Services Program personnel recently partnered with staff from the Liberty County Public Works department to improve the Sunbury public boat ramp, located on the Medway River. Repairs involved the removal of the deteriorated portion of the ramp and replacement with a new push slab that extends approximately 25 to 30 feet into the river during low tide. This provides a more durable and safe ramp in an area where public boating access is extremely limited. Liberty County provided $3,000 of services to match $21,000 of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration provided by Georgia DNR. Local contractor R.B. Baker contributed the services of a large bulldozer valued at $1,000. For more information about boating access contact Shawn Jordan or John Pafford at (912) 264-7218.

Legislative Committee Visits Coast
Each January, the Georgia General Assembly convenes and deliberates over a wide variety of issues, including those related to management of the state's natural resources. In the House of Representatives, the Game, Fish, and Parks Committee bears responsibility for lawmaking in support of wildlife conservation and state parks. During October, Chairman Bob Lane, of Statesboro, led several members of his committee on a visit to coastal Georgia. The itinerary included a trip on the Altamaha River delta where Wildlife Resources Division staff discussed waterfowl management, flathead catfish population control, and shorebird conservation issues. The committee had an evening meal at Ft. King George Historic Site, where they interacted with Parks and Historic Sites Division staff in period costume. The visit culminated with a trip to Sapelo Island, where the committee members participated in red drum tagging, ate lunch at the historic Reynolds Mansion, and learned about coastal ecology during a demonstration trawl on the research vessel Anna.

Shrimp Fishery Stakeholder Panel Activities Conclude
The sixth and final meeting of the Georgia Shrimp Fishery Stakeholder Panel was held on October 24 in Brunswick. The panel discussed the results of public input from two town hall meetings and a web-based survey before making recommendations to Georgia DNR. Several members of the panel volunteered to serve on the Shrimp Advisory Panel, which will meet in December to develop an action plan for changes in shrimp-fishing regulations. Issues identified by the stakeholder panel include a repeal of the prohibition on modified cast nets, a uniform mesh size for food-shrimp cast nets, development of a food-shrimp harvest permit, and consistency of fishing hours for all commercial activities. Thanks go to T.E.R.N. (The Environmental Resources Network) for providing financial support for the stakeholder process. Contact Patrick Geer or Doug Haymans at (912) 264-7218 for more information.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

PAGE 8

THE GEORGIA SOUND

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

By: Doug Haymans ~ Peach State Reds Coordinator
Savannah Redfish Rally Kick Off

for Peach State Reds Initiative

Tropical Storm Tammy huffed and puffed with all her might, but couldn't completely stop the Savannah Redfish Rally an event hosted Oct. 7-8 by the Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia to benefit the Peach State Reds Initiative. The competition to catch the largest fish was postponed because of the weather, but the redfish-with-the-mostspots tournament went as scheduled.

On Saturday, October 8, more than 50 anglers took to the waters around Savannah. By the end of the day, 21 had returned to tournament headquarters at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography to submit a legal fish for judging.

First place in the men's division went to Mike Sloan of Savannah, who caught a redfish with nine spots. Sloan received an additional two points for bringing in a releasable live fish. Brunswick resident Chris Woodward took top women's honors with a three-spot fish, also live. Fourteen-year old Matt Buoy of Savannah claimed the youth division title, also with a live three-spot fish.

All three winners took home $1,000 in cash and prizes. As

Mike Sloan, winner of the Inaugural Savannah Redfish Rally, holds his winning nine spot red
drum.

part of his prize package, Buoy received a Georgia Lifetime Sportsman License. Several of the tournament fish are now on display in the UGA Marine Extension Aquarium at the

Skidaway Institute, and two will soon be on display at Bass Pro Shop's

Outdoor World in Savannah.

The competition to catch the largest redfish was held October 21. This part of the Savannah Redfish Rally was designed to give anglers a chance to capture adult redfish, which will be used as brood stock for the Peach State Reds Initiative. While conditions were perfect for fishing the shoals and sandbars known to be haunts of big reds, the fish didn't cooperate. Although 12 anglers fished hard, Herb McKenzie of Savannah was the only one to catch a fish large enough to qualify.

Needing 11 more adult redfish, Coastal Resources Division biologists

teamed with their counterparts from Wildlife Resources Division Region

VII to work the waters between Wassaw and Ossabaw Islands. Within

one week, the fish were in captivity at the Skidaway Institute and being

prepared for their journey to South Carolina. On November 16, staff with the SC Department of Natural Resources transported the fish to their facilities in Charleston. The reds will be conditioned to spawn in August 2006, after which the larvae will be transported from Charleston

Wally Jenkins (left, SCDNR) and Chris Kalinowsky (GA/DNR Coastal Resources)
prepare to load an adult red drum for transport to Charleston.

to the Waddell Mariculture Center in Bluffton. These larvae will be reared

~ Continued on Page 9 ~

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 9

~ Continued from Page 8 ~
in outdoor ponds for about a month, or until they reach 1 inch in length. The ponds will be drained and the fingerlings will be transported to Wassaw estuary, where they will be released directly into marsh habitat.

Thanks to assistance from the Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia and concerned anglers, one of the most challenging tasks associated with the Peach State Reds Initiative has been accomplished. For more information about the Peach State Reds Initiative go to www.peachstatereds.org or contact Spud Woodward or Doug Haymans at the division office in Brunswick (912) 264-7218.
A TALE OF MANY SPOTS...
One of the most defining characteristics of a red drum is its false eye-spot on the tail. In fact, the fish's scientific name, Sciaenops ocellatus, means "false eyed sea fish." Most red drum have just one spot on each side of their tail, but variations do occur. The concept of a fishing tournament for the redfish with the most spots was based on this phenomenon. In early November, a call came into the Coastal Resources Division office inquiring as to whether a record was kept for the number of spots on a redfish. The 75-spot fish pictured here (both sides counted) would have surely won the Savannah Redfish Rally had it been caught a month early. The angler reported that it was caught "somewhere along the Georgia coast." Plans are underway for the 2006 Georgia Redfish Rally, which will be a coastwide, monthlong competition for the redfish with the most spots. Detailed information will be available early in 2006.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

PAGE 10

THE GEORGIA SOUND

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

Susan Shipman

From the Director's Desk
SHIP TO SHORE... Coastal Resources Division Director

A Spirit of Community
Little did I know when I penned my hurricane articles for the fall edition of the Georgia Sound what a record hurricane season the Southeast would experience in 2005. And while some may say it brought out the worst in some, it no doubt brought our the best in many, many others, as families, friends, neighbors and total strangers reached out to help others in need.

DNR was among those first responders from far and wide who lent a helping hand. Sister Divisions (Wildlife Resources and Parks & Historic Sites) sent commissioned Law Enforcement officers to the Gulf Coast during their time of greatest need. Coastal Resources Division (CRD) assisted with an outpouring of monetary contributions, clothing, and other personal items.

What I would submit is an unparalleled spirit of giving and helping others, continues year long at Coastal Resources Division. CRD associates participate enthusiastically and generously in the perennial State Charitable Campaign. We have reached a new all time high, with 72% of our associates participating in the 2005-2006 Campaign.

A spirit of community service permeates DNR. Each year the Board of Natural Resources presents the Danny Creel Citizenship Award to a DNR employee who has distinguished him or herself through their community and social issue involvement, civic achievements, and charitable work or contributions. The award was established in 2000 in honor of Sergeant Danny Creel, a twenty-six year associate of the Wildlife Resources Division, Law Enforcement Section who was tragically killed in an automobile accident that year. Danny was not only committed to the protection of our State's natural resources and the people benefiting from them, but he dedicated his life to helping others in his community of Americus, Georgia and Sumter County through his many notable civic and charitable contributions.

Coastal Resources Division is extremely honored and proud to have our very own Lea King recognized by the Department and the Board of Natural Resources as the recipient of the 2005 Danny Creel Citizenship Award. Many of our readers know Lea through her work at CRD as our Public Affairs Coordinator. Lea coordinates outreach and education efforts to the general public, and is the lead coordinator for events such as DNR's annual fall environmental festival celebrating Georgia's coast, CoastFest. She produces this quarterly Division newsletter, the Georgia Sound, and assists with the design and production of other divisional publications and posters. She is a founder and very active member in the Georgia Coastal Educators Group.

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

~ Continued on Page 11 ~
P R O G R A M

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

THE GEORGIA SOUND

P A G E 1 1

~ Continued from Page 12 ~

What you may not know is Lea's many and varied contributions to the community and her fellow man outside of work. Lea is the heart of the Golden Isles Track Club. She was instrumental in organizing the recent Brunswick Stewbilee 5K and Camp Striker Freedom Run for the Troops in Baghdad, Iraq. The Georgia Army Air National Guard's 48th Brigade, with over 600 soldiers, ran their race on the same date as Brunswick's. Lea helped collect T-shirts from race clubs all over the U.S. and provided them to the soldiers for the Baghdad race.

Many runners have a cause, and Lea commemorates each race she runs to the cause of organ donation. An organ donor herself -- she donated a kidney to her mother -- she now helps to coordinate organ donors and families in support of people facing the choices, operations, and questions regarding donation. Her passion for helping others carries through at the workplace. Lea coordinates the Red Cross Blood Drives held regularly at DNR's Coastal Regional Headquarters. These drives often exceed goal, because of her promotion of our drives through local radio coverage. She also organized a successful headquarters-wide bone marrow drive as well.

Lea King of Coastal Resources Division is the 2005 DNR Danny Creel Citizenship
Award recipient.

And as if she weren't busy enough, Lea King is a 4-H volunteer. Having been a 4-H'er growing up in Brantley County, Lea is an

Photograph by Michael Chadwell ~ GA/DNR inspiration and a role model for the local St. Simons Senior 4-H group,

the Sea Monkeys. In addition to helping with their beach sweeps, she assisted with their beach bacteria-

tracking project, which recently won a $12,000 prize in international competition. Lea is also is a Girl

Scout Volunteer. Not only does she create fliers, posters and patch designs for the Marshes of Glynn Girl

Scouts, but she recruits volunteers for their local Girl Scout day camp.

Lea is an active member of the Parrotheads, a local Brunswick -Golden Isles area assemblage of Jimmy Buffet fans that perform various acts of community service. Most recently she helped organize a Parrotheads fund-raiser for a waitress injured in an accident and unable to work for several months. Lea is a volunteer for the annual YWCA Tribute To Women Leaders fund-raiser which scholarships low income childcare and sponsors a summer career program for 8th grade girls.

Anyone who knows Lea knows her to be an unassuming person who gives of herself to others in so many anonymous ways. She is the person who will notice someone in need and go out of her way to make them feel important, needed, and valued. South Georgia and DNR in particular are fortunate that Lea chose to work close to home. She could succeed anywhere but she chose to stay and serve the people of South Georgia. And Coastal Resources Division is much the better for that decision. The entire Division joins me in saluting Lea King on her selection as the 2005 Danny Creel Citizenship Award Recipient.

Coastal Resources Division colleagues join me in wishing all our readers a safe, happy, productive and prosperous 2006!

THE GEORGIA COASTAL

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

PAGE 12

THE GEORGIA SOUND

T H E

G E O R G I A

C O A S T A L

M A N A G E M E N T

P R O G R A M

Georgia

Sound

OCTOBER-DECEMBER , 2005

VOL.11, NO.4

Department of Natural Resources
Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way, Suite 300 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687

F A L L , 2 0 0 5

Peach on the Beach is Now Real!
"Peach on the Beach" ~ the "face" of Georgia's beach water quality monitoring program, ~ has become more than a mere cartoon character "Peach" is now real! Thanks to the creative talents of local costume maker Mary Parrott, Peach can now jump off of the printed page and into outreach
programs! CRD beach water quality technician Magan Harsh will showcase Peach at school and civic group beach water quality monitoring program presentations. Having made its debut at CoastFest 2005, Peach is ready to help "spread the word" about Georgia's beach water quality.
Peach on the Beach

The Georgia Sound is produced quarterly by the Georgia Coastal Management Program. If you would like more information on the Georgia
Coastal Management Program, visit our web site at http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us
or contact Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218. Past issues of The Georgia Sound can be found on the CRD web site.
Layout & Design by: Lea King For address corrections or to be added or deleted from the mailing list,
please contact Lea King at (912) 264-7218.
Lea_King@dnr.state.ga.us

Contributors to this issue: Elizabeth Cheney, Brooks Good, Doug Haymans,
Dr. Stephen Hight, Lea King, Susan Shipman and Spud Woodward This publication is made possible through efforts by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Deadline for the Winter 2006 edition is February 1, 2006. We welcome suggestions of articles and photography.