Altamaha

Winter 2010 Newsletter

Holland found the tree when visiting the area in the Altamaha River fl oodplain in Long County and McIntosh County with state offi cials and jokingly claimed the tree as his, but it really belongs to you.

The state recently purchased the 7,180 acre track from The Nature Conservancy for about 8 million dollars to protect the old growth trees.

The land, which supports at least 17 rare and endangered species and includes freshwater wetlands, tupelo swamps, and longleaf pine forests, will be maintained as a conservation area in the Townsend Wildlife Management Area.

TThis Tree his Tree Belongs to Belongs to

You. Your Support You. Your Support Helps to Protect it Helps to Protect it and our Amazing and our Amazing Watershed. Watershed.

Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland discovers the largest cypress tree in Georgia, measuring 44 feet and 5 inches

Ohoopee Dunes Natural AreaARK’s Walk on the Wild Side participants thank Mincy Moffett with GA D.N.R.’s Nongame Conservation Section and

Nature Conservancy Land Steward Erick Brown for a wonderful tour of the Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area. Thanks also to Board Member Marilyn Lanier and Faye Parker for a magical day. ARK looks forward to working with D.N.R. to protect this unique ecosystem.

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The fi rst thing to appear when you came over the hill in the Macon neighborhood was a big festive tent in Claire and Charlie Cox’s front yard. Under the tent on the beautiful October night were over a hundred friends gathered to support the work of the Altamaha Riverkeeper and Satilla Riverkeeper.

The Cox’s and other hosts live in the Altamaha River Watershed near the Ocmulgee River and many have life-long experience on the Satilla River and the group wanted

A Celebration for the Altamaha and Satilla Riverkeeper to show support for both Riverkeeper groups. Claire Cox is also proud of her brother, Gordon Rogers who was the Satilla Riverkeeper until recently when he took the helm of the Flint Riverkeeper.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious BBQ pig and all the fi xings catered by Satterfi eld’s and cakes and pies homemade by the Cox’s friends and family. The night progressed with updates on the Riverkeeper’s work and fabulous music by the band, 6 Degrees.

It was a special night and we want to thank everyone for supporting watershed protection. We are especially grateful to the hosts who made the event possible.; Claire and Charlie Cox , Beth Collins and Bob Farquhar, Bob and Susan Middleton, Duck and Jeanette Moss, Joe and Virginia Popper, Lindsay and Marie Holliday, Molly Martin, and Tom and Tricia Bass

Thanks also to Barry Hudson of Middle Georgia Tent Rental, Southern Eagle Distributors, and Bee Natural Candles. With all of your help, the Altamaha and Satilla Riverkeepers will continue to protect our greatest resources for generations to come.

Complaints from local citizens and tourists of stinky air and catching smelly inedible fi sh in the Altamaha River near the Rayonier pulp mill in Wayne County near Jesup increased during the summer of 2009.

The Altamaha Riverkeeper is part of the Altamaha River Partnership (ARP),

a coalition of state, regional, and local representatives promoting nature-based tourism and associated economic development opportunities within 11 counties bordering the Altamaha River.

The partnership goes to great length and expense to promote the Altamaha as a tourism destination through Local Area Welcome Centers, Departments of Tourism, and Chambers of Commerce. Outreach includes producing and supplying annual Altamaha River calendars and thousands of brochures entitled, Georgia’s Altamaha River - A Canoe Trail Map & Adventure Guide.

The brochures attract boaters and kayakers from around the country. Tourists rave about the beautiful trip down the Altamaha until they get in the vicinity of Rayonier. At that point, ARK receives constant complaints

Rayonier Stink Affects Fish, Residents, Tourists, and Tourism Dollars from people who say that Rayonier’s foul odor makes them feel nauseous and sick.

Rayonier claims they are not in violation of their consent order from the state Environmental Protection Division and that they are making efforts to reduce the color and odor of the plant’s discharge into the river. ARK thinks Rayonier’s efforts are inadequate. Until Rayonier cleans up its smelly discharge which is interfering with the enjoyment of the river and making the fi sh unsafe to eat, Rayonier is negatively affecting the environment and economy of all the communities in the area.

losttiJt

RChad Crews holds his nose after cleaning this bream caught

near Raynier.

Speakers at the December 1 forum on Waste Water Treatment on the Georgia Coast received photos taken by James Holland.

Pictured here are Chuck Hopkinson, Bob Freeman, James Holland, Brian Baker, Jim Poff, Bruce Pruitt, Bill Sapp, John

Day, Mark Hooks, and Jack Blanton. Thanks to Chandra Brown, Daniel Parshley, David Kyler, John Carswell, and Bill Sapp for

organizing the event.

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On October 3, when Jackson Lake residents Fonnette and Robert Harris saw someone dredging in the lake with a track hoe, they took their pontoon boat across the lake to investigate.

According to the Harris’s they confronted the man standing on the dock next to the dredging and asked if he had permits for dredging, the man replied, “Ma’am, I don’t know nothing about any permits.”

Next the Harris’s asked if Governor Perdue knew they were doing this work, the gentleman politely replied, “Ma’am I am the Governor.”

Mrs. Harris said, “Governor don’t you know you are violating many environmental regulations? “

The Governor replied “I don’t know nothing about any environmental regulations.”

At that time Ms. Harris said “And you are the Governor of Georgia?”

Jackson Lake is on the Ocmulgee River and part of the Altamaha River Watershed. The Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland (ARK) reported the incidence to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Holland says, “This problem requires investigation. It is illegal to dredge and also to discharge a pollutant (dredge spoil) in Waters of the U.S. without fi rst obtaining at minimum a Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Permit.

ARK talked to Molly Davis at EPA who said, “Georgia Power is the permit holder for Jackson Lake and ultimately responsible for all actions on the lake. Georgia Power investigated the site and estimated that fi ve cubic yards of dirt were dredged at the Governor’s dock and discharged into the lake. After Thanksgiving when Georgia Power

Governor Purdue Dumps Dirt in Jackson Lake and Pleads Ignorance

lowers the lake levels, corrective action will be required of the Governor; he will have to properly remove and dispose of the dredged dirt to a proper confi ned upland disposal site.”

Holland says, “The Governor saying he did not know a permit was needed is not an acceptable excuse for the Chief Law Enforcement Offi cer for the State of Georgia. The amount of dredged and discharged spoil is not the question; the question is why Governor Perdue did not obtain any and all permits before dredging in Waters of the U.S. as required by law. It is common knowledge, every county commission chairman in the state knows that you cannot dredge in U.S. waters without fi rst obtaining Federal Permits, much less discharge the dredge spoil back into the same body of water it came from. ”

Altamaha Riverkeeper’s environmental education and outreach work is increasing stewardship. The Glass Wall Project created by the Salt Marsh Soldiers at Mary Ross Waterfront Park depicts how Brunswick students created something beautiful with recycled trash, in this case discarded bottles.

Altamaha Riverkeeper’s environmental education and

Salt Marsh Soldiers

Students in Vicki Klahn’s classes were inspired after Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland’s educational presentations and formed a conservation group named the Salt Marsh Soldiers. This photo is of their October river clean up at Brunswick’s Homer Wilson Boulevard just north of Andrews Island.

When caught by citizens, Perdue denied knowledge of any environmental regulations.

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More Coal to Impact the Upper Watershed

In recent years, local residents have seen the Oconee River’s fl ow reduced to dangerously low conditions. Our experts say the current modeling and analysis has an inadequate drought contingency plan, little planning for worst case scenarios, and does not address what happens if water is not available.

Faulty modeling and fl awed analysis generated and presented by Power4Georgians contributed to the EPD’s assertion that the Oconee River could provide cooling water and accept waste water for Plant Washington.

Greenlaw and Southern Environmental Law Center worked with experts to submit legal comments on behalf of ARK and others opposing air and water permits for this plant.

The applicant estimated it would be able to withdraw the water needed for the proposed plant from the Oconee River for 3 out of every 4 years. Our expert analysis indicates that the Oconee will more likely have available water for the coal plant in only 3 of 10 years – just 30% of the time. The plant would need to meet its water needs for the rest of the time, approximately 7 out of 10 years, by drawing on the region’s groundwater.

As a result, our experts believe the groundwater

Plant Washington’s Draft Permits Based on Faulty Assumptionswithdrawal modeling is based on an incorrect premise that underestimates the frequency and duration of groundwater withdrawals. It also appears that EPD failed to consider whether the proposed plant’s groundwater withdrawal would impair the net fl ow of groundwater into the Oconee during drought.

The water withdrawal permit also requires the applicant to consider the worst case scenario, such as periods of drought when cooling water might not be available from the Oconee River and groundwater resources might be limited. Water demand for the coal plant will be highest in the summer meaning the maximum withdrawal will likely coincide with the times when the river fl ow is the lowest. Our experts say that the applicant’s contingency plan fails to adequately consider severe droughts and other critical river conditions.

You can help stop Plant Washington by telling Central Georgia EMC president George Weaver (Gweaver@cgemc.com, 770-504-7900) that we don’t need the dirty energy from coal-fi red Plant Washington, which threatens our watershed. Robust energy effi ciency programs can meet our energy needs as we develop renewable energy to sustain our local economy and environment.

As ARK continues to address ongoing problems with reduced river fl ows from upstream consumption, pollution from industrial and municipal discharges, and increasing uncontrolled stormwater run-off, our troubled Oconee River is targeted as a water source and waste water discharge location for the proposed new coal-fi red power facility, the 854 megawatt Plant Washington in Sandersville.

With 3200 megawatt coal fi red Plant Scherer already

operating on the Ocmulgee River near Macon and 1500 megawatt Plant Harley Branch coal plant upstream on the Oconee River’s Lake Sinclair near Milledgeville, our watershed already suffers serious impacts of air and water pollution from the dirty coal industry. ARK is working with dozens of groups and hundreds of individuals to stop Plant Washington. We are also seeking support from more citizens in monitoring the operations and environmental impacts of Plant Scherer and Plant Harley Branch.

When the Macon Water Authority (MWA) released millions of gallons of untreated sewage in the Ocmulgee in Sept/Oct 2009 and claimed it was not affecting water quality, ARK members and Macon residents reported the problem to the media. ARK has submitted open records act requests through Greenlaw attorneys to determine what happened and why. ARK is currently is working with the attorneys and local residents to prevent future problems.

Sewage Released into the Ocmulgee

WAND, the Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament, honors ARK’s Executive Director Deborah Sheppard with the

Environmental Activist Award in May 2009. Pictured is Deborah accepting the award from WAND Director Bobby Paul.

Thanks to the Clam Jam VolunteersAlice Bealer, Angie Gatewood, Anna Gatewood, Arlie McNeill, Bob Clark ,Cap Cappelman, Dave and Jane Gilmour, Don Carson, Doris Cohrs, Gwendolyn Glover, Jamie Sharp, Janisse Ray, JD and Linda Daniel, Jenny Leonord, Katie Shellman, Tyler Gatewood, John Baker,Kenny Gatewood,Vicky and Larry Fuller, Linda Lamb, Paul Griffi n, Rus Leornard, Sam Hawthorn, Steve Holley,Susan Murphy, Sheila and Johnny Parker, Tommie Kapplar

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The 2009 Clam Jam was jamming!Special Thanks to Clam Jam SponsorsCecil and Lisa Coke/ Riverside Cemetery, Cecil and Sandy Hudson, Christa Fragiamore/ Southeast Crescent Group Environmental Consultants, Clifford F. Altekruse, Law Firm of Smith Currie & Hancock, LLP, Atlanta, Coastal Wildscapes, Colonial Coast Eco – Tours, Captain Sheryl Schooley, Darien Pharmacy, Darien Telephone Company, David and Betty Lewis, Dock Supply Serving Coastal Geor-gia, Don Stack, Attorney at Law, Edo Miller Funeral Home/ Arlie McNeill, Francis Burke, Frank E. Jenkins, II, Law Firm of Jenkins & Olson P.C., Cartersville, Freds/ Darien, Garth Bray and Kathryn Baxter, George West, Growing Places Marketing/ Judy Sharpton, Heineken USA/Bob Clark, Alan Campbell, Head East II Seafood/ Fred and Darlene Kruse, Jane and Joe Fulcher, John Wegner, Joni House and Jerry Hightower, Joshua and Victoria Kight, JP Spirits and Wine, Krull and Associ-ates, Larry’s Giant Subs/Darien, Marilyn Lanier, Martin A. Shelton, Law Firm of Schulten Ward & Turner, LLP, Atlanta, Phil Fortune, Law Firm of Smith Currie & Hancock, LLP, Atlanta, Pierre Howard, Piggly Wiggly/- Darien and Eulonia Stores, R.E.M., S. Clark Heindel, Ph.D., Sapelo Sea Farms and Phillips Seafood, Sheffi eld Distributing, Smith and Sons Seafood, Spankies, Walter’s Caviar, Whit Perrin Wright and Russell Wright, Yellow Bluff Plantation Property Owners Association

The fantastic October Harvest Moon and over 200 ARK friends enjoying fresh clams, oysters, and shrimp and you have the Clam Jam. Contentment Bluff, the location describes the event best.

An exciting array of auction items gave guests a chance to, we like to say win, wonderful nature excursions, holiday stays at private islands and great vacation homes, catered gourmet dinners, art, and books.

And then the dancing began to the sounds of John Baker and the String Rays.

It was a happening and we want to thank the people who made the event a success, the generous volunteers, the sponsors, the members who donated the auction items, and the guests who bought them. You made the Clam Jam – Jam.

Thank You to the Generous Auction ContributorsBarbara Odil, Betsy Cain, Bob Farquhar, Brad Baugh, Brad Winn, Capt. Charlie Phillips, Captain Howard Browning, Captain Sheryl Schooley, Carlson Potts, Christa Frangiamore, Coastal Pines Golf Club, Dan and Ginger Troy, Darien Telephone Company, Dave and Jane Gilmore, Dirk Stevenson, Don Carson, Doug Makemson, Dr. Lloyd Newberry, Faye Hinson, Frank and Martha Williams, Greyfi eld Inn, Ivan Bailey, James Holland. Janisse Ray, Joan Hilliard, Jon Traer, M.D., Joni House and Jerry Hightower, Leanne Lowman, Linda Armstrong, Lodge at Little St. Simons, Luci Mercuri, McIntosh SEED and Wilson Moran, McIntosh Theater Arts Company, Melissa Pope Scott, Nancy Neylans, Nancy Ricker Rhett, Phillip Juras, Pranzos Restaurant, Raven Waters, Robert Kennedy Jr./Waterkeeper Alliance, Royce Hayes, Sally Sirmans, Sapelo Hammock Golf Club, Sheila Parker, Stacia Hendricks, Susan Murphy, Taylor Denny, Thomas Bland, UGA Press, Walton Harris

We are very grateful to the many people who contributed to the Clam Jam and apologize for any omissions.

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Oconee River Project Improvements in water conservation and effi ciency are critical for meeting

Georgia’s water needs while keeping enough water in our rivers to sustain ecosystems. In November, ARK’s Oconee Projects Coordinator Ben Emanuel began work on a project designed to promote increased water effi ciency in Athens’ commercial sector. Ben will also be building support for ARK’s work throughout the Oconee River watershed, and has begun coordinating activity on pressing issues such as the planned Hard Labor Creek reservoir in the Apalachee basin, where offi cials have discussed a water sale to metro Atlanta.

Demonstrating the water gains that can be achieved through effi ciency is just one way to show how metro Atlanta can solve its water crisis without turning to expensive, unsustainable solutions that could damage communities and ecosystems across the state.

Contact Ben at Altamaha Riverkeeper Oconee Projects, P.O. Box 1223, Athens, GA 30603 or oconee@altamahariverkeeper.org.

Ben Emanuel (L) and Brian Nuse (R) in Rifl e Cut in the Altamaha River

Cathead Landing Development Fined Cathead Landing LLC was found guilty of violating

Darien’s Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance by engaging in land disturbing activities without a permit and destroying the required 25 foot buffer between the development and the inlet of Cathead Creek. City of Darien Municipal Court Judge W.I. Williams imposed a $48,500 fi ne on developer Jarrell Jones on October 8, 2009. Jones estimated it would cost $32,000 to

restore the 25 foot buffer and Judge Williams reduced the cash fi ne to $16,500 payable to the City of Darien.

This decision shows that Darien is serious about enforcing its environmental protection ordinances. It also serves as a reminder to developers to protect buffers before engaging in land disturbing activities and to obtain the proper permits before construction.

ARK Appeals Amendments to Coastal Marshland Protection Committee Rules

Stack & Associates fi led ARK’s legal challenge to the new Marsh Rules which purport to establish standards and procedures for the Coastal Marshland Protection Committee when reviewing applications for a permit to construct or modify a marina, commercial dock, or community dock on or over marshlands within the estuarine area.

Recognizing the coastal marshlands’ vital importance to the citizens of this State, the Georgia Legislature enacted the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act nearly four decades ago. For the fi rst three decades the Marsh Act was rarely invoked. Like the many once-sleepy fi shing villages and communities along the coast, the Marsh Act received little attention. However, beginning in the mid-1990s with the period of dramatic population growth in the coastal region, the Marsh Act has become the center of disputes over the future of Georgia’s irreplaceable coastal resources.

The DNR, through its Coastal Resources Division (CRD) is charged with implementing the Marsh Act to ensure that the “values and functions of the coastal marshlands are not impaired.” Rather than fulfi ll that mandate, the CRD is facilitating the permitting process for projects that have both individual and cumulative negative

impacts on the marsh.From 1995 to 2002 (the last year for which data

is readily available), CRD issued permits for 1,688 private docks, eight new marinas, and fourteen new commercial docks. Despite the growing evidence of harm to the marshes, DNR is failing to establish meaningful regulations addressing such fundamental issues as dock length, shading, marsh wrack accumulation, dock orientation, storm water discharges, salinity changes, the creation of dead zones, and cumulative impacts.

Even though during the public review citizens challenged the rules due to the lack of meaningful rules and standards, the DNR enacted the Marsh Rules on October 28, 2009 through its Board of Natural Resources.

Unfortunately, instead of basing the rules on scientifi cally defensible data and sound policy, DNR has created an arbitrary system that will simply expedite the destruction of the coastal marshes.

As evidenced by various agency memos and statements made at public hearings, the true purpose of the Marsh Rules is to fast-track the permitting process, elevating expediency and “effi ciency” above the protection of the marsh.

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Thanks to our SupportersAce Garden Center St. Simons Island, Altamaha Coastal Tours-Danny Grissette, Brian Adams, George Adams Sr., Randy Alderhold, Cliff & Saundra Alterkruse, Kirby & Jan Alton, Jack & Vivian Amason, Andrew Jr. Charles, Anne Armstrong, Henry Freeman & Dorothy Jean Bacon, Alan & Diann Bailey, Ivan Bailey, Margaret O. Bailey, Karen Bair, John Baker, Jane Balsey, Robert & Lanelle Barber, James & Ann Barfi eld, Rick Barnhart-Larrys Giant Subs, Larry & Eleanor Barringer, Tom & Tricia Bass, Philip & Judy Bates, Charles & Joyce Baugh, Kathryn Baxter, Lynn Bayens, Jane Beadles, Alice Bealer, Regina Beatie, Rebecca Bell, Dennis & Betty Benner, William & Ida Benton, Karen Bernheimer, M/M Claude Bird Jr., Thomas & Martha Crouch Black, Thomas Bland, Ben G. Blount, Meredith A. Blount, Sam Booher, Walter & Bertha Boone, Bob & Jan Bosque, Richard & Ginger Boswell, Alan Bowden, Phyllis Bowen, Dr. Roger & Annette Branch, John I. Branch, Rose Marie Brantley, Keith Brasher, Garth Bray, Joel & Vicki Breman, James Bridges, Stanley & Saundra Brobston, Chandra Brown, Eddie & Wana Brown, Paul E. Brown, Howard & Rose Browning, Kate Broyles, Virginia Bufkin, Raven Burchard, Francis Burke, Ronald & Mary Burns, Butler Conservation Fund, Venetia Butler, Betsy Cain, Emily Calhoun, Calvert Social Investment Foundation, Capp Cappelmann, M/M M.A. Carlton, Carmine Carpenter, Angela Carrington, Don Carson, Bill & Ann Carswell, George & Margaret Carswell, Ben Carter, Guy & Nancy Carter, Cassina Garden Club, Lucindia Chance, George B. Chapman, James Chapman, Guy & Robin Cheek, Laura Chenault, James & Lisa Cheney, Paul & Jane Christian, Bob Clark, Guy & Frankie Clark, Katharine A. Clark, Virginia Clark, Tom Clements, John & Betty Cleveland, Coastal Pines Golf Club-Wade Carruth, Coastal Wildscapes, Gina Cogswell, Susan & William Cohen, Cecil & Lisa Coke, Mary Jane Coleman, Ray & Dona Colglazier, Beth Collins, Colonel Daniel Appling DAR, Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, Neil & Stiles Conrad, Robert & Jane Cook, Rundle & Jeannine Cook, Price & Rogena Cordle, Nancy Shipman Coursey, Dot Cowart, John P. Cowart Jr., Paul Cowley, Charles & Claire Cox Jr., Charles & Carol, Cox, Dick & Elsie Creswell, Dennis & Faren Crews, Jim Croft, Diane Cronin, Gary Cross-Cross Plumbing, Chris Crounse, DeAubrey & Carolyn Crummey, Scott Cunningham, Paul & Deborah Cushing, Dorinda Dallmeyer, Darien Telephone, G. William & Lisa Davenport, Bucky Davis, Jim Davis, John Davis, Max Davis, Robert & Brooke Davis, Walt & Bertha Davis, Donald & Violet Dawe, Charles Debele, M.F. DeLoach Jr., Marie Dennard, Taylor Denny, Marie Dent, Department of Natural Resources-WRD-Shirley Hall,Chris Depkin, Robert & Tracie DeWitt-R&R Seafood, Lynn Dobbins, Dobbs Foundation, Jane Donahue, James & Regina Drake, Donald Drapalik, Charles Driebe, Bennie & Bobbie Dubberly, Mary Lynn Dukes, John Dunham, George & Susan Dupree, Bud & Honey Durden, East Beach Association, William Eisenhauer, Wilson & Tracy Elder, Samuel Elliott, Jarvis Ellis, Charles & Lalla Eshliman, Thomas Fanslow, Bob Farquhar, Thomas Fassuliotis MD, William & Martha Faw, B.J. Fazekas, Danny & Lori Feig-Sandoval, Laurence Fennelly, Cuyler & Gail Findlay, Bill & Sandy Flatau, Mary Lou Forsyth, Phil & Jan Fortune, Ben & Zay Foster, Gary Fowler, Christa Frangiamore, Freds-Darien, LeeAnn Friedman, Ronald & Willene Frost, Robert & Carol Fudge III, Jane & Joe Fulcher, George & Ann Fuller, Thomas & Carolyn Gaines, Anna Gatewood, Kenny, Angie & Tyler Gatewood, Richard Gennings, Richard & Mary George, Georgia River Network, Sue Gertis, Bruce & Laurie Gerwig, Sarah Gerwig, Billy Gibson, Zeke Gilmore, Dave & Jane Gilmour, Paul & Cathy Glenn, Gwendolyn Glover, Jack & Jo Godfrey, Dan Good, Will Gosney, Thomas & Virginia Gossage, Leon Green, Wright & Dusty Gres, Greyfi ed Inn-Mary Jo Ferguson, Paul Griffi n, Robbie & Patty Griffi th, Rebecca Grouse, Eva Grovner, Fred & Valda Gunter Jr., Bill & Karen Hahn, Randy & Ellen Hall, Barry Hannah, Jeff & Ellen Hanson, William Harden, Bob & Jane Hardy, Robert & Carolyn Hargrove, Jimmy & Charlotte Harrell, Susan Harrington, Joan Harris, Pam Harris, Walton & Tina Harris, J.M.M. Harrison, Andrew & Ann Hartzell, Royce Hayes, Len & Janis Hauss, Greg Hawthorne, William Hazelhurst III, Head East II Seafood-Fred & Darlene Kruse, Clark & Tammy Heindel, Bill Heinz, Ralph & Ann Hemphill, Stacia Hendricks, Carlton & Carla Herrin, Sara Jackson Hertwig, Harold & Virginia Hicks, David E. Higgins, High St. Unitarian Universalist Church, High Tides Guide, Jerry Hightower, Jane Hildebrand, Jack Hill, Joan Hilliard, Dave & Carolyn Hinderliter, Faye Hinson, George Hirvela, Larry Hodges, Frank & Laura Hogue, H. James Holcomb, Clementi Holder, Dennis & Charlene Holder, Hillman Holland, Lindsay & Marie Holliday, Steve Holly, Gary Hopkins, Joni House, Pierre Howard, John & Robin Hoy, Dr. Donald & Mary Hubbard, Cecil & Sandy Hudson, Billie Huggins, Susie D. Humphries, Ed Hunt, Hunter & Barbara Hurst, Joan S. Hutcheson, April Ingle, Richard & Helen Irwin, Dr. N.T. & Catherine Ivey, Gaby Ivie, John Izard, Jackson Lake Homeowners , Grace Jackson, Mike & Bonnie Jackson, Russell & Jane Jacobs, Wild Bill & Joyce Jarrell, Donald Jefferson, Frank Jenkins III, Jack & Barbara Jenkins, Lillian B. Jenkins, Rod Johnson, Gordon & Pam Johnston, G. Hewitt & Martha Joiner, Jack & Sherry Jones, Linda Jones, William R. Jones, Phillip Jordan Jr., John & Lola Josey, JP Spirits & Wines-Jim Gibson, Philip Juras, Paul & Rene Kane, Tommie & Kathryn Kappler, Keep Dublin-Laurens Beautiful-Patsy Baker, Kitty Kellogg, Edith Kelman, Greg & Joyce Kennedy, Russell L. Kent, Charles & Grace Kerns, Jerry & Pat Kicklighter, Kevin Kiernan, Joshua & Victoria Kight, Rita Kilpatrick, Larry & Rita Kohse, Dorothy Krakow, Daniel Krauss Jr., Daniel Krauss III, Melissa Kriest, Kathryn Kyker, John E. Ladson III, O.C. & Tonya Lam, Larry & Janice Lamattina, Linda Lamb, Bill & Frances Landel, Richard & Martha Lang, Harriett Langford, Marilyn Lanier, Joan Lardin, Amelia Lasater, Laurens County Sportsman Club, Ed Law, Rhett Lawrence, William & Diane Laws, Don & Peggy Lee, Ellie Legg, William Lester Jr., David & Betty Lewis, Gary Lewis, R. Don Lewis Jr., Russell & Diane Lewis, Richard & Gia Lillie, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Kenneth & Patricia Lindsey, John C. Link, Little St. Simons Island-Joel Mayor, Elbern Lowery, Hazel Lowery, Leeanne Lowman, Thomas & Patricia Lowndes Jr., Richard Lowrance, Louie Talmadge Lumley, Barbara Lumpkin, Kathy C. Lynn, Carole Lyons, M/M Edwin MacKethan, Mary Louise MacNeil, David Mahnken, Roy & Sarah Malone, Paul & Bertha Marsden, Jim & Camille Marshall, Baldwin Martin, Roger & Susan Mathews, Greg & Sally Mathis, Jimmie & Toni McCook, James McCoy, Allen & Sara McDaniel, Donald & Betty McDougald, Mary McGee, Glover & Joanne McGhee, McIntosh Seed, Frank & Patty McIntosh, Dr. Thomas & Gwen McKee, Tim & Debbie McKeon, Bill & Wendy McNair, Arlie McNeill, Helen Meadors, William E. Meadows, Harvey Meisner, Lucy Mercuri, Thomas & Carol Mertens, Middle Georgia Tent Rentals-Barry Hudson, Bob & Susan Middleton, Alex & Cathy Miller, Martin & Laura Miller, Chris & Ward Milner, Bill & Sherry Minnich, Al & Emmy Minor, Dan & Berkley Minor, Elizabeth Mitchell, Harry Mitchell, Harry & Dale Moffett, J. Mincy Moffi tt Jr., Carol Moldoveanu, David & Lori Morley, Cate Morrill, Christopher Morris, James & Jeanette Moss, Katharine B. & Kenneth Mountcastle, Jeannie Moxley, Kristen Mueller, Phyllis Mullikin, Joyce Murlless, Susan Majette Murphy, Walt & Barbara Murray, Don & Dortha Myers, Charles & Elaine Nash, Chris & Beth Nelson, Neptune Garden Club, Ken & Marjorie Neuhart, Dr. Lloyd & Martha Newberry, Steve & Bonnie Newell, Nancy Neylans, Brent & Xada Nichols, Kate Noble, James C. Nobles Jr., Nancy Norton, Hugh P. Nunnally Jr., Foster & Gail Odom, Doug Oetter, Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper, D. Michael & Joan Otis, Wayne & Marian Owens, Elizabeth Oxnard, David Palmer, William A. Parker Jr., M/M Chester Parker, Faye D. Parker, Tim & Marguerite Parker, Henry & Diane Parkman, Frank & Patty Parrish, Keith A. & Shirl Parsons, Robert E. Parsons, Bobbie Paul, Marcus & Chrissy Pearson, Robert & Nancy Lewis Pegel, Bob & Patty Pepper, Charlie Phillips, Lynn Phipps, Piggly Wiggly-Darien & Eulonia, Veronica Pitt, Mike & Phyllis Polsky, David Pope, Melissa Pope-Scott, Joe Popper, Polly Porter, Carlson Potts, Col. Merritt B. Pound Jr., Laura Powell, Pranzo’s Portside, Neal & Patricia Priest, George & Ethel Pruden, Lin Purtle, Rusty Quarterman, Frank & Lois Quinby, R.E.M., Jeff & Carolyn Rader, Stephanie Ramsey, Mac & Brenda Rawson, Dell & Rita Ray, Janisse Ray, John & Sue Ray, Sheridan & Janet Reed, Harold Reeves, James & Linda Reichard, Jennifer Reiesch, Buddy & Billye Reliham, Barlow Rhodes, William J. Rich, Donald Richardson Jr., Edward & Ellen Riley, Ann Ritchie, River Network, Susan Roberts, Cesar & Janis Rodriguez, George A. Rogers, Gordon & Gina Rogers, Jan & Wesley Rogers, Clay & Karen Rolader, Betty Rose, Col. John & Angela Rourke, Carlton & Sara Rowell, Timothy & Sharon Rowland, Terri & Ivy Rozier, Guy Rutland, Stephan & Barbara Ryner, Cathy Sakas, Christine Salberg, Jack & Patti Sandow, Sapelo Hammock Golf Club, Sapelo Sea Farms, Savannah Presbytery, Robert Saveland, Chris & Julia Sawyer, Diane Sayers, John T. Schafer, Jeeremy Schneider, Taylor & Marie Schoettle, Sheryl Schooley, Don Schoonover, Jim Schupp, Jon Schwartz, David & Wanda Scott, Donny Screws, Nancy Seideman, Michael & June Sharkey, Jamie Sharp, Joanne Sharpe, Judy Sharpton, Edgar & Lucy Shaw, Phillip Sheffi eld, Katie Shellman, Martin & Dawn Shelton, Anna Shepard, Sue Sherrill, Rebecca Shortland, Lewis & Pam Shropshire, Barbara Ann Simons, Summer Teal Simpson, Sally Sirmans, Hall & Wendi Sisson, Smith & Sons Seafood, Andy & Cina Smith, Luke & Anne Smith, Rick Smith, Stan & Maryann Smith, Sharon Sommers, Soperton Garden Club, Spankys, Earnest & Nellie Sparrow, Emmy Spires , Jeff & Kelly Spratt, Kathy Sprouse, Stack & Associates, M/M E. Kay Stafford Jr., Rex & Lisa Stalvey, J.Marvin Starr Sr., Francis Steiner, Ed & Joan Stelle, Dirk Stevenson, Alice Steyaart, Carl & Mary Stimmel, Brian Strange, James & Rubyedora Sullivan, Payson & Sara Sullivan, Martha Summerour, Ken Suttles, Starling & Elizabeth Sutton, Paul & Joan Sykes, Wayne Tatum, Javier Tavel, Brad Taylor, Sara Taylor, Tom & Nancy Taylor, The George E. Crouch Foundation, The McReynolds Family Foundation, The Malcolm Fraser Foundation, The Norcross Wildlife Foundation, The Sapelo Foundation, Wendell & Joan Theus, Susan Thomas, Eloise Thompson, Martha Thornton, Dale & Sonny Thorpe, Scott Tift, Anna Tillman, Rooney & Peggy Tillman, Diana Toledo, Dr. John & Kaye Traer, Ann trapnell, Vickie Traylor, Trevitt Farms LLLP, Carmen Trevitt , George & Lisa Trexler, Trinity Presbyterian Church, John Trussell, Paul & Janet Turnburke, Alvin & Elaine Tuten Jr., Upper Oconee Watershed, Urbana Garden Club, Betty Vaughn, Joe Vinson, Katherine Vogen, Jane Walker, Randal Walker, Tommy Wallace, Waterkeeper Alliance, Raven Waters, Alpha J. Watson MD, Boree & Dora Watson, Frank T. Watson, Albert Way, Martin & Karen Weathers, F. William & Barbara Weaver, Dr. Jim & Dianna Wedincamp, John Wegner, D. Alan West, George L. West, Charles Westberry, Wayne Wetherington & Family, Warren & Sharon Whidden, Patricia Payne White, Pat Wilkinson, Carol Williams, Frank & Martha Williams, John Williams, Sarah Williams, Linda Rinehart Williamson, Steven & Gail Willis, Dick & Mary Ellen Wilson, Jo D. Wilson John Wilson, Troy & Paula Winebarger, Brad Winn, Peter & Sylvia Winn, Horace & Mary Wishart, Walt & Becky Wood, Gale E. Woodard, Michael Woodward, Joni Woolf, Joel Wooten, David Wright, Russell & Whit Perrin Wright, Calvin & Lillie Ann Yawn, Joycelyn Young

Gift MembershipsAlice Bealer by Emily Calhoun & Janet Bealer Rodie

James A. Gibson by Billy R. GibsonJoseph Williams by Robert & Nancy Lewis Pegel

Richard Davis by Helen MeadorsCharlie Phillips by Kristin Mueller

Dr. Donna Wear by Price & Rogend CordleDr. Lindsay Holliday by Dr. N.T. & Catherine Ivey

In Honor ofJames Holland & Wendy Vasquez Galan by Joe & Jane Fraser Fulcher

James Holland by Ralph & Ann HemphillJanisse Ray by Colonel Daniel Appling DAR

Meredith Blount, by Ben G BlountMike & Margaret Chanin & Richard & Martha Armstrong by Katharine A. ClarkDeborah Sheppard by Bobbie Paul & Cate Morrill & Harvey Meisner & Edith

Kelman & Joel & Vicki BremanAnna C. Chalmers by Carole Lyons

Chuck & Joyce Ellison by Larry & Rita Kohse

In Memory ofJack Steppe by Joni W Woolf

Jimmy Crowe by Margaret O Bailey & Timothy & Sharon RowlandThe Honorable Ogden Doremus by M.K. Pentecost Ecology Fund Committee

Willie Atwood by Polly PorterTinsley Mathews by Tim & Marguerite Parker

Tom Chambers by Dan & Berkeley MinorNorbert Sharkey by Kate BroylesDon Ellis by Joanne M. SharpeHelen Burke by Jane Gilmour

Board of Directors

Bruce Berryhill, CochranRobert DeWitt, DarienWright Gres, BaxleyLen Hauss, JesupNeill Herring, JesupJames Holland, BrunswickChristi Lambert, DarienMarilyn Lanier, CobbtownJohn Pasto, CochranKim Tyler, DublinBecky Wood, KathleenWalt Wood, KathleenWhit Perrin Wright, Jasper

Staff

Bryce BaumgartnerOperations Manager

Ben EmanuelOconee Project Coordinator

James HollandAltamaha Riverkeeper

Constance RigginsDevelopment Director

Deborah SheppardExecutive Director

AltamahaP.O. Box 2642Darien, Georgia 31305(912) 437-8164www.altamahariverkeeper.org

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PAIDPERMIT #15DARIEN, GA

Your membership contributions allow us to keep working for our watershed. Your membershipexpiration date is listed on your mailing label. Please send your tax deductible donation today.

The Altamaha Riverkeeper and its Altamaha Coastkeeper program are working to protect and restore the habitat, water quality, and flow of the mighty Altamaha from its headwaters in the Oconee, Ocmulgee, and Ohoopee to its terminus at the Atlantic Coast.

Get InvolvedThe General General Assembly reconvenes on January

11, 2010. You can play an important role in protecting Georgia’s water resources by communicating with your State Senator and House of Representatives before and during the session. Stay informed about pending legislation by signing up for ARK’s email updates by emailing or calling us with your email address. You can also sign up for the Georgia Environmental Action Network’s (GEAN) updates by going online at www.protectgeorgia.net or on the ARK website at www.altamahariverkeeper.org. GEAN is a collaborative effort among environmental and conservation organizations throughout the state (including ARK) to educate and mobilize their memberships utilizing a state-of-the-art electronic action alert system.

Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland gives presentation to Glynn Middle School 7th Grade.