Georgia sound, Vol. 5, no. 2 (Apr. - June 1999

THE

GEORGIA

COASTAL

MANAGEME T

PROGRAM

eor



So

The ninth annual Coastal Georgia Parent-Child Fishing Derby is scheduled at the West MacKay River Fishing Pier on the S1. Simons Island Causeway on Saturday, June 5,1999. While children of all ages attend this event, competition in the catch-and-release Derby is limited to ages 6 to 12 and trophies are awarded to the top three finishers in each of three age classes.

The Parent-Child Fishing Derby is one of more than 2,500

events that are being held across the country to celebrate National Fishing Week, June 5-13. More than 500,000

John Pafford of CRD reviews fishing safety with Derby participants.

people are expected to participate in these events, which are aimed at

encouraging Americans to fish and to learn about natural resources stewardship.

"The people of Coastal Georgia have a very high level of interest and participation in fishing," said John Pafford, Recreational Fisheries Program Leader and Senior Biologist with CRD. "Our event is aimed to help children discover the joys of fishing and develop an appreciation for our rivers, oceans and the wildlife that live in them."

This year's event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am on Saturday morning, June 5th. The event comes to a close at 11 :00 am with a picnic lunch prepared on site by volunteers, presentation of the trophies, and drawings for door prizes donated by local merchants. The 1999 Coastal Georgia Parent-Child Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Brunswick, YWCA and the Golden Isles Kingfish Classic. For more information or registration forms, please contact the Brunswick YWCA at (912) 265-4100. ~

PAG E 2

THE GEORGIA SOUND

SPRING,1999

By: Cathy Tobler

Coastal Encounters Nature Center

"We will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." (Tiagore)

We are in an environmental crisis, a crisis that is all the more intense because of the tendency of most people to close their eyes and pretend that all is well. Earth Day, April 22, is a day for reflection on our relationship with the planet. Americans define a high quality of life as having sufficient money to meet their needs and enjoy luxuries. For me, clean air, beautiful marshes, being able to swim in the sea, and breathe the air freely are just as important. I remember years ago saying that the day we had to buy drinking water because our tap water was unfit would be a very sad day indeed. Well that day is here. In 1997, the bottled water sales became a $4 billion industry. Did you ever think you would grow up to be afraid to let your children drink tap water?

As Jim Fowler said "We are indisputably at a crossroads. The earth has been an Eden for humans. Our species now confronts the choice of preserving the paradise or turning it into something far less through overpopulation, pollution and misuse. I believe we will stop short of the brink of disaster. We are obviously an adaptive species and one capable of great intelligence. Unfortunately, we have a knack for waiting until the last minute before confronting problems that threaten our lives."

At Coastal Encounters Nature Center, every day is Earth Day. With expanded facilities on Jekyll Island we continue to design classes that are created to make learning fun. Hands-on classes and programs include scientific experiments, the arts and even activities including kayaking. The importance of maintaining and supporting our community's environment is emphasized by discovering the fascinating characteristics of our surroundings.

To learn more about the coastal ecosystems and how they relate directly to you and the entire earth call us at Coastal Encounters Nature Center (912) 635-9102. Schedule a fun learning excursion and come visit our aquariums, touch tanks and other displays. ~

THE

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COASTAL

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SPRING,1999

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 3

A Walk in a Wetland Celebrate May -- American Wetlands Month

~.

By: Janet Evans

"000, Yuck!" you cry as the goo from the bottom oozes up between your toes. A sulphury smell reaches your nose. A winged creature cries out in alarm and flaps away. Something splashes into the water and dives into the tangled plants near your feet. Are you in danger? No. You have just entered the wetland zone!

Lucky you! You've found a fascinating, beautiful and useful freshwater wetland, one of the

many types of wetlands f

cross our state. The winged creature was a great blue heron

whose morning fishing

i~rPed. The splash was from a frog and the smell was from

decaying plants

ozing soil between your toes.

s itself. It's land that has water on and in it. It's a wet spot, a bog, a

ere you can get your feet wet! Wetlands are an important natural

of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Only recently have we

portance of the functions that wetlands perform. Wetlands are an

rea. They act as natural sponges and then release water slowly, thereby oding. In some areas, we&~~ds recharge groundwater systems that feed king water wells. Wetland ':~ se:~lrnent eroding from the uplands. This

clogging up the strea

'rwetlands trap many chemicals that are

/' preventingthrm fro~?r 'putrients, ;ke~ping them~ft;
o u ; ds i f~peci~s;

r":ag9 streams. The plants inthe wetla~ds , the w~te;rs. yvetlands Prpvid1yo~er, as:recr~a n stesJor thousa " .i, ',; fl

titers!

THE

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THE GEORGIA SOUND

SPRING,1999

Marine Fisheries

HELP PROTECT AND IMPROVE GEORGIA'S SALTWATER FISHING

By: Spud Woodward
FISH CARCASS DONATION PROGRAM
Dead fish do tell tales! The filleted carcass of a fish offers a bounty of information to the marine biologist. However, it has never been practical for these biologists to hang around a marina waiting for anglers to clean their catch. In 1997, the Recreational Fisheries Program at Coastal Resources Division (COO) began placing chest freezers at heavily usedpublic sites. Anglers are able to donate their fish carcasses by placing them in a plastic bag and dropping them in the freezer. COO staff pick up the frozen carcasses and return them to the laboratory for analysis.

This Facility Is cooperating with Coaslal Resources Division to collect the carcasses of saltwater sportflsh.
LOOK FOR AFREEZER AND MORE INFORMATION NEAR WHERE YOU CLEAN FISH

To date, CRD has received more than 8,000 fish carcasses donated by anglers fishing in the waters from Savannah to St. Marys, Georgia. "The fish carcasses along with the completed information card from the angler helps us determine the size and age composition of the recreational harvest. This information goes into stock assessments and

other important population analyses" states Spud Woodward, Senior Marine Biologist at

COO. With the help of marina owners in

publicizing the program, response from the

L-

"'==..1..lI... angling public has been strong.

Through the carcass recovery program biologists have examined spotted seatrout, red drum, sheepshead, black drum, southern flounder, weakfish, and tripletail for biological information. "We measure the fish, determine sex when possible, and remove the otoliths (earbones) allowing us to accurately determine the age of each donated fish," continues Woodward.

Biologists at CRD plan to continue the carcass recovery program. It presents a unique opportunity to build an effective partnership between angers, scientists and managers. The success of this partnership will determine the future of saltwater fishing in Georgia.

An angler completes an information card, allowing biologists to determine general
locations of where fish are caught.

For more information on the carcass recovery program, contact Spud Woodward bye-mail atspud@fisheries.dnr.state.ga.us

or by phone at CRD at (912) 264-7218. ~

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR

By: Nancy Butler,,,,,
The University ofpe~!~~ia
Natural Resources, hci~ co'):>le 6.5 tons of materi
funded in part by

COASTAL CRAB TRAP RECYCLING PROGRAM
il7lP Service, working with the Coastal Resources Division of the Department of
c~~b trap recycling program in coastal Georgia with the collection of approximately e joint program is made possible by a two-year Coastal Incentive Grant Management Program.

The 1998 r
recyclin,g I this ye~~"
se~p
into

effort between the crab and s h the shrimp industry gia Watermans Ass r of crab traps that h Holland.

b trap recycling program contact Clark Evans;]

Natural Resources, B

, eorgia at (912) 264-7218 or Tom Shierling, The U

Service, Brunswick, Georgia at (912) 264-7268. ~

THE

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COASTAL

MANAGEMENT

Di ion, Department of ia Marine,Extension
PROGRAM

SPRING,1999

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 5

Marine Fisheries
By: Nancy Butler
BOATING ACCESS ENHANCEMENTS CONTINUE ALONG COAST

In an effort to improve access, increase boater safety and enhance boat launching capabilities, two new floating dock facilities have been completed in Chatham County. A new service dock has been completed at the Turners Creek boat ramp and a boating service dock has been added to the Kings Ferry Community Park boat ramp.

These two facilities are a result of a cooperative effort

between Chatham County and the Coastal Resources

Division. John Pafford, Recreational Fisheries Program

Leader and Senior Biologist with CRD, worked with Jim

Golden, Director of Chatham County Parks & Recreation, to

put together joint funding to complete these projects.

Chatham County contributed $61,900 in SPLOST funds to

the overall projectcost of approximately $110,000, and

The recently completed service dock at Turners Creek boat ramp, Federal Aid match from Sport Fish Restoration funds made
shown here, has a new 90' fixed walkway leading to a

30' x 4' gangway down onto a 20' x 3D' float.

up the balance of the costs. In addition to providing partial

....-----..;;;....;;;.......;-------------... funding, DNR acquired all state and federal permits,

designed structure and over saw construction of both dock facilities.

"More than 50% of Georgia's six-county coastal population lives in Chatham county," states John Pafford. "The goal of these types of enhancement projects is to increase public fishing," continues Pafford, "and to improve fishing opportunities. "

Since 1978, CRD has received Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration to conduct Fisheries research and enhance saltwater fishing opportunities. Funds for these activities come from a federal tax revenue generated from a manufacturer's excise tax on a wide range of fishing products - including fishing rods, reels, creels, lures, flies, tackle boxes, and motorboat fuels - and have been managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for recreational sport fishing enhancement projects. In coastal Georgia, Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funds have contributed to the construction of 18 offshore reefs and 12 inshore reefs, 8 fishing piers/docks, 4 boat ramps, and 8 floating dock facilities.

With the availability of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds (75%) and State match (25%), more public access enhancement programs are on the drawing board for Chatham County including a floating dock at Thunderbolt Ramp and a fishing pier at Skidaway Narrows. eRD is also currently working with officials to enhance public access at Bell's Landing and Houlihan Boat Ramp Park with the development of floating dock facilities.

For more information on Georgia's access enhancement programs or Sport Fish Restoration Funds, contact John Pafford at Coastal Resources Division in Brunswick at (912) 264-7218. ~

The new Kings Ferry Community Park boating service dock was constructed with aluminum and concrete pylons and features a 75' fixed walkway connecting to a 30' gangway down onto a 30' x 40' float.

THE

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PAGE 6

THE GEORGIA SOUND

SPRING,1999

What is it that attracts thousands of visitors and new residents to the Georgia Coast every year? That helps makes the quality of life here so high? That encourages industry to locate here? That makes the Coast vital habitat for dozens of threatened
and endangered species? It's water, more than any other single resource, water that makes our Coast a good place to live, work and play.
We use the Upper Floridan Aquifer for drinking water and industrial processes. Our coastal salt waters support shipping and commercial fishing industries. Our rivers, streams and estuaries support recreational boating and fishing activities. All coastal waters provide habitat for commercial and recreational fish species, for endangered species like the manatee, right whale and sea turtles, and for waterfowl.
These waters, however, face a number of threats, the most insidious of which is non-point source pollution, or NPSp, as it is often abbreviated. NPSP comes from everywhere and nowhere in particular. It consists of particulate matter in the air, oil on our streets, bacteria from human and animal wastes, pesticides and fertilizers from our lawns and soil from constructions sites that all get washed with storm water runoff into our streams, rivers and estuaries.
A few drops of oil here or fertilizer there may not seem like a big environmental problem, but the cumulative impact of the few drops each one of us leaves behind is becoming an enormous burden. According to Georgia's Environmental Protection Division only 39% of rivers and streams assessed in 1996-97 fully met water quality standards. Only 15% of lakes and reservoirs met standards. Eighty-five percent of streams and 99% of lakes in the state that did not fully meet water quality standards failed because of NPSP (See EPD's report "Georgia's Environment '98").
The first step in solving the NPSP problem is to realize that we are all responsible for it. We must all take actions to help solve the problem. Georgia's Coastal Management Program is taking responsibility by developing a Coastal NonPoint Source Pollution Control Plan, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Division. This plan, required by Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Management Reauthorization Act of 1990, will be used to coordinate all efforts to reduce NPSP affecting the Coastal Area.
What can you do to help?
Local Governments can recognize that storm water management is not just about water quantity; it's also about water quality. Water quality can be improved by decreasing the amount of impervious paving surfaces used in development, by educating the public and encouraging recycling of used motor oil, by enforcing the use of silt fencing at construction sites and by properly siting and maintaining septic systems.
Local Citizens can reduce their use of lawn chemicals and fertilizers, recycle used motor oil, wash cars at facilities whose waste water is treated, keep their cars tuned-up, walk or bike for short trips rather than driving, and properly maintain septic systems.
effective program residents
Adopt-A-Stream ) quality using
Non-point source pollution is a problem that we have all helped to create. By working together and doing what we can as individuals, we can all help to solve it. For more information on NPSP please contact Beth Turner at beth@ecology.dnr.state.ga.us or (912) 264-7218. ~

THE

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THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 7

People to Know

Rubinette Douglas
GCMP Marsh and Shore Permit Coordinator

Has your town been thinking of building a public walkway

at the beach? Or would your county like to build a new fishing

pier on a tidal creek? Then meet Rubinette Douglas, the

Habitat Management Program's Marsh and Shore Permit

Coordinator. Bring your plans to her and she will help you

navigate the permitting process from beginning to end. She

can advise you on how to get the permits you need while

minimizing both your time and expense and also negative impacts to our coastal environment. Rubinette, a native of Darien, has worked for the Department's Coastal Resources

Rubinette Douglas, CRD's Marsh and Shore Permit Coordinator.

Division for 24 years. One of the things she enjoys most about her job is working with people to

help satisfy their needs, while at the same time helping to minimize impacts to the coastal

environment. If you have questions concerning marsh or shore permits, Rubinette can be reached

at (912) 264-7218. ~

THE

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THE GEORGIA SOUND

SPRING,1999

IMAGINE -- The Congress of the United States passes legislation that provides annual funding for almost all water quality research needs in coastal Georgia; provides annual funding for acquisition of critically important wildlife lands; provides annual funding for local parks and recreation areas; and provides annual funding for management of nongame and endangered wildlife species. And, all this is done with monies that already exist in the federal treasury.

IT'S POSSIBLE -- EVEN LIKELY! The U.S. Congress is right now considering legislation that could provide all of these and even more benefits to Georgia. The Conservation and Reinvestment Act was introduced in the Senate (5. 25) on January 19 and the House (H.R. 701) on February 10. This is, without question, one of the most exciting wildlife conservation proposals to originate in the U.S. Congress in many years.

How does it work and what exactly will it do? The Conservation and Reinvestment Act would dedicate 50%

or more of the annual revenues from 0

leases, which are estimated at $4.59 billion in the year

2000, and divide these

ree separate

Title I of the legislation would dedicate 27% of

qualified local com

r activities associated

water quality research, grou water management,

programs. Georgia's share WI approximately $

as revenue to coastal states and

e nt-type activities, including

d

. 'lar projects and

TItle II would dedicate 16% S. 25 and 23% in H.R. 701 of the offshor~ 0 ,Q,,~.~~~:~enu ,to fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Urban Park and Recreation Re Very P;ogta:ms:"'Georgia's share
would be roughly $ . lion a ually.

Title III will fun

ing With

m which has been

nning stages for six years.

Unfortunately, until n

was no funding mecha to help fund projects elp manage nongame and

endangered wildlife species, education programs, hiking tr nd other wildlife c ervation projects. H.R.

701 would utilize 10% and 5.25 proposes 7% of offshore oil an::gas revenues an ally be dedicated to Title III

state programs. Georgia would receive some $8 million annually under this p am.

Hunters and anglers have enjoyed the benefits of permanently funded programs which derive their revenue from an excise tax on hunting and fishing tackle. Called the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Programs, these programs have existed for 50 years. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, black bear, and other wildlife populations have recovered from disastrously low levels as a result of these programs. Nongame wildlife species have never enjoyed any such funding mechanism but the Conservation and Reinvestment Act can provide this opportunity.

Senator Max Cleland, Representative Saxby Chambliss, and Representative Charlie Norwood are Georgia's original signers of this legislation. We would, of course, like to see Georgia's entire delegation sign on and support this important federal initiative. This can only happen with your support. ~

THE

GEORGIA

COASTAL

Duane Harris, Director Coastal Resources Division

MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM

SPRING,1999

THE GEORGIA SOUND

PAGE 9

ProgralD Update
By: Dr. Stuart Stevens

The first year is now behind us. Implementation of the Georgia Coastal Management Program (GCMP) is well underway and the coast is feeling
positive impacts from the Program including research into critical local water use questions, renovation of historic sites, retrofitting of homes to save water, ... the list goes on. I want to take a moment to explain another role of the GCMp, i.e., participation in regional and national initiatives. Recently we traveled to Washington to meet with Senators Cleland and Coverdell, and Representative Kingston to discuss several pending issues which will impact the coast of Georgia.

The federal Coastal Zone Management Act was first passed in 1972. This law is reauthorized periodically by Congress and must be reauthorized in 1999. We have been working with other states and national organizations on proposed changes to the federal law. These include a clear mechanism which will encourage local government involvement in coastal management issues including additional funds for local projects. GCMp, in contrast to most other coastal states, has been committed to local government involvement from the beginning. Other proposed changes include revision of the federal law related to nonpoint source pollution control and funding for new states entering the federal program. Last fall, Senator Coverdell signed a letter to other members of Congress encouraging their support of the federal law and adequate levels of funding. His staff report that he has a keen interest in the coast and will be watching the reauthorization of the federal law.

Another federal act that is pending is referred to as the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999 (Senate Bill 25). This Act would share monies generated from outer continental shelf lease sales for minerals. Although there is no activity off Georgia's coast, we would still be eligible for nearly $20 million each year. The funds would go to three efforts: land and water conservation funds; Teaming with Wildlife Program; and coastal impact assistance. The first two are statewide programs proving lands for parks, wildlife management, fishing, and nongame wildlife management. The last would provide funds for coastal areas, and local governments would be eligible for 40% of the funds. Nearly $8 million annually would be provided for planning, green space development, non-point source pollution control and many other projects. GCMP is working very closely with other state and national organizations to provide information to Congress about the value of this program to Georgia. We are pleased that Senator Max Cleland is a cosponsor of this Act.

Lastly, GCMP is involved with the Corps of Engineers and other government agencies in evaluation of several dredging projects. We are evaluating the disposal of material associated with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and are involved with assessing potential impacts of the Savannah Harbor Expansion project. Congressman Kingston is very interested in these projects and their impacts on commerce and the environment. He has asked us to keep him informed of our progress.

We are impressed with the continuing interests of our Washington Delegation about critical coastal issues. The GCMP will work diligently tc coordinate with all of our clients on these regional and national efforts. If you would like more information on any of these federal laws or the dredging projects, please contact us. ~

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SPRING,1999

Now Available from EPD

By: Ted Mikalsen

The Revised Commercial Forestry BMP Manual

Copies of Georgia's Best Management Practices for Forestry, which became effective January 1, 1999, are available upon request. This manual consolidates and revises the 1981 "Recommended Best Management Practices for Forestry in Georgia" manual and the 1989 "Best Management Practices for Forested Wetlands in Georgia" to reflect changes in technology and applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. It is the product of a two-year effort of a task force composed of representatives from the environmental community, the forestry industry, forest land owners, and Federal and State agencies.
Best Management Practices, or BMP's, are applied during forestry activities to protect the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the State's waters. The application of these practices will prevent or minimize the elevation of water temperatures and the delivery of sediment and other pollutants to water bodies.
The highlights of the revised forestry management practices are as follows:
More emphasis is placed on pre-planning using soil and topographic maps to identify water bodies for protection through BMPs.
The designated Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) buffer widths for those water bodies will depend on slope and stream type rather than physiographic region.
SMZ widths (bank to bank) will vary from 40 to 100 feet for perennial streams, 20 to 50 feet for intermittent streams, while trout stream SMZ widths will be 100 feet regardless of slope or stream type.
The secondary SMZ category has been eliminated. Clear cutting is no longer recommended within SMZs due to temperature standards in the Georgia Water
Quality Control Act. Harvesting recommendations will depend on the stream type. The extent of harvesting by square feet per
basal area or canopy cover depends on the stream type. The use of mechanized harvesting equipment is allowed in the SMZ provided there is no significant soil
compaction or rutting. The use of any chemicals in SMZs is discouraged. New tables for sizing permanent and temporary culverts for stream crossings are provided. More specific guidelines for mechanical site preparation options based on slope and soil erodibility hazard rating
are provided. More wildlife friendly grassing and seeding recommendations for soil stabilization are provided. A section on Additional Management Objectives that deal with wildlife management, aesthetics, ruraVurban
interface area, etc., has been added. An appendix with applicable Federal, State and local laws has been added.

These revised BMPs represent the collective best science, experience, and efforts to establish sound and responsible guiding principles to protect water quality during silvicultural operations in the State of Georgia. Single or multiple copies of this manual may be obtained by calling the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Customer Assistance Program toll-free at 1-888-EPD-5947 (in Atlanta 404-657-5947). ~

THE

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SPRING,1999

THE GEORGIA SOUND
lendat of Uptomin" venfs

PAGE11

~ G~V ~rii)~(9(9(9(9(9(9(9 T'zis is el Wk

What Has....

9.(!
"J el

~ :;yt1;
J.~ft",

?? 1000 feet of seam tape?

......

?? Skin madefrom more than 300 yards of PVC coated nylon?

?? Is full of air?

?? In real life would weigh over 60 tons.... ?? And brings a smile to anyone who sees him?

~

?

Answer: It's now under con

tlantic Humpback whale mpleted the whale will stretch .

70 feet and sta

ers will have a span tip-to-tip of

over 30 f

around inside!

Created fro whale is a full-scal "We hope that whe Conservation and w Duane Harris, CRD

e with air, CRD's orId's oceans. the need for reatures," states

Peter Durst of North Sales/South Carolina works on the top section of the CRD whale. When not sewing whales, Peter is a sailmaker in real life!

ce to name the whale before its first public appearance at the

Jazz--Up Brunswick-Golden Isles ee In runswlc

,April 17, 1999. Future appearances include Brunswick's

Harborfest May 8-9 and the October '99 Coastfest sponsored by CRD at the CRD Headquarters in Brunswick. ~

THE

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PAGE 12

&

f:

TH E G E

1\ SOUND

Nature Trail Partnership is "For the Birds"
The many wild birds calling DNR's Earth Day Nature Trail home, or at least a vacation destination, are reaping the benefits of a unique partnership between community groups. John Johnson of Wild Birds Unlimited along with the Supported Work Model Program for Glynn County Schools have joined forces to ensure the Earth Day Nature Trail has much to offer our visiting fine feathered friends. Peggy Chamberlain, Assistant Director of the school program, and her students weekly maintain the Trail's bird feeders which, along with seed, were donated by Wild Birds Unlimited. With this extra time and attention the Nature Trail has experienced an increase in flying visitors. Coastal Resources greatly appreciates the efforts of these participating groups. ~
Thank You!

SPRING,1999 @

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