Summer 2008 Newsletter

Altamaha

Stand Up and Renew Your Support

for Watershed Protection
The drought and Georgia’s exploding population are threatening our water supply. In
2007, thousands of fish and mussels died as Georgia streams and reservoirs dried up. Add
to that, the draining and filling of thousands of acres of wetlands, marshes, and swamps
for development and water protection becomes more important than ever.
The issues are not just the droughts themselves but problems created during the
drought such as cities taking out more water or putting in more wastewater, the cause
attributed to last August’s fish kill on the North Oconee River.
Sadly, our state and federal agencies are not keeping up with doing the job of
protecting our natural resources. The Altamaha Riverkeeper is responding to and
CONTINUED ON PG. 4
Students Work to Protect Marsh
Salt Marsh Soldiers begin the Glass Wall Project at Mary
Ross Waterfront Park. L-R: Victoria Edwards, Justin Walker,
Temekia Williams, Shaneice Armstrong, Patrick Mack, Tyree
Sams, Eric Hughes, David Smiley, and local environmental-
ist / glass wall engineer Chris Daughtry
ARK News
Welcome Aboard:
• 2008 officers: Len Hauss, President; Bruce
Berryhill, Vice President; Wright Gres, Treasurer; and Neill
Herring, Secretary.
• New board members: Becky Wood, Walt Wood, and
Whit Wright.
• New staff members: Coastkeeper Wendy Galan and
Operations Manager Bryce Baumgartner.
Thanks to:
• Past President Mary Ellen Wilson (2003-2007).
• Past President and founding member Robert DeWitt
(2000-2003). Robert was presented the Carolyn Hodges
award at the 2007 Annual Meeting.
• Neill Herring, board member honored with the
Ogden Doremus award. Mary Ellen, Robert, and Neill are
ARK board and staff development retreat with Waterkeeper Alliance
(WKA) at Little Ocmulgee State Park in McCrae, January 2008. L-R:
Emily Egginton WKA, Kristine Stratton WKA, Bryce Baumgartner,
Bruce Berryhill, Deborah Sheppard, James Holland, Becky Wood, Walt
Wood, Neill Herring, Mary Ellen Wilson, Wright Gres, Len Hauss,
Wendy Galan, Mark Yaggi WKA, Constance Riggins
Altamaha
A group of Vicki Klan’s 9th grade students from
Risley Memorial Center and Glynn Academy in Brunswick
were inspired when James Holland spoke to their class.
They created the Salt Marsh Soldiers, adopted a spot on
Academy Creek, and have been cleaning the highly littered
area almost quarterly for 2 years.
To make people aware of the problem the Salt Marsh
Soldiers are taking beer bottles, the most common type of
trash found in the area, and building a wall depicting plants
and animals in the salt marsh ecosystem. Since glass is not
recycled in Brunswick, the students are demonstrating how
to create beautiful things out of trash. The Soldiers will
also include a plaque as a tribute to local environmentalists
and James Holland’s name will be the first on the list.
continuing their service on the board.
• Carl Poppell, Tracey Adams, and Walter Ogden for
their past service on the board.
• Former ARK staff members Debbi Davis, Mathew
Teti and Billie Jo Hagan.
Wendy Galan is the new Altamaha Coastkeeper. Wendy
was raised fishing, shrimping, and crabbing in the rivers and
creeks that separate St. Simons and Sea Island with her
father, Captain Frank Mead, a charter boat guide for over 30
years. Before Joining ARK, Wendy, a graduate of
Armstrong State University, worked at Sea Island as the
assistant to the Executive Chef where she learned how to
juggle many changing priorities and manage culinary chaos.
Wendy says that as the Altamaha Coastkeeper, she feels like
she has the job that she has trained for all of her life.
Bryce Baumgartner is ARK’s new operations manager.
After 20 years as an electrical engineer and
manager in telecommunications, Bryce was ready
to move away from the hustle and bustle of South
Florida. Attracted by the country living and
friendly lifestyle, he and his wife Melissa Pope
Scott, an artist, moved to McIntosh County where
they enjoy the area’s wildlife, fishing, and
kayaking with their three grown sons who visit
often. Bryce says the job at the Altamaha
Riverkeeper gives him a chance to make a
meaningful contribution and to give something
back.
Support ARK’s work...
become a member today!
2
GetActive at Your Local Level
by Walt and Becky Wood
Here’s How & Why
Participating in local land use planning is the first step to
protecting water quality. Your local zoning board makes
critical decisions about a development’s size, density, roads,
water, and sewer systems. Local meetings provide numerous
opportunities for involvement in economic development and
land use decisions by your local city council, county
commission, development authority, and planning and
zoning board.
Most meetings are required to be open to the public,
advertised, publicly posted, and provide agendas and
meeting minutes. ARK encourages you get involved, unite
with your neighbors, and join a growing number of
watershed citizens who are working to protect water quality
at the local level. Start today by finding meeting
announcements in your local newspaper and attending
meetings. Helpful tips for getting involved:
• Don’t try “one up-man-ship” — YOU will lose; be
congenial, not adversarial.
• Make yourself known to officials and establish
credibility and name recognition. Speak in facts, not
emotions. Do your research and know of what you speak,
then speak concisely and avoid repetition.
• Attend meetings of your county commission, city
council, school board — become aware of what is going on
BEFORE it is in your backyard. If you don’t, it soon WILL
BE in your backyard. Request copies of meeting agendas
several days in advance. Some local governments require
you to sign up and state the subject of your remarks several
days in advance if you wish to address your elected officials
in open meetings. Some have a “Public Comments” section
in the agenda. Call your county or city offices to find out
how this is done. You should expect questions and if you
don’t know the answer, then so state and offer to get back to
the individual asking the question. Do not try to bluff your
way through the question because the individual who asked
probably already knows the answer — if you tell them you
will get back to them, then do not fail to do that!
• Read the legal ads, public notices, and public
hearing announcements in your local newspaper – legal
requirements are specific for how far in advance and how
many times these notices have to be published.
• Submit your own agenda items for meetings, but
don’t try to surprise your officials — provide them with a
smooth outline of your agenda. You can also request one-on-
one meetings with officials.
• Get to know your local media personnel who cover
these meetings — ask to contribute to their coverage.
• Write “Letters to the Editor” to your local
newspaper, but DO NOT publicly admonish or embarrass
3 Altamaha
your elected officials. You will gain nothing but grief by
doing so. If they do something you like, praise them
publicly; or if someone else attacks them, try to defend them
— you will reap huge rewards by doing this.
• If there is something you really want done, put it in
a properly written, grammatically correct format. If it
requires signatures, present a smooth document ready for
their signatures along with a cover letter explaining why you
want what you are requesting, especially in the case of
resolutions. Be absolutley certain that you spell each name
correctly! Present a copy for each individual whose signature
you are requesting. Also, attach a CD or disk and present this
to the Mayor or Chairperson. If they want to make changes
they can easily load the document into their computer and do
so — this will pay dividends! In a few days after you have
delivered the documents, contact the Mayor or Chairperson
and ask if they have questions and if they will present it, or
let you present it to the Commission or the Council or
Board. Follow your request until you get disposition on it.
• Arrive at meetings early — what you can learn from
casual conversation or what you overhear can be valuable.
Also, do not disrupt the meeting by coming in late.
• Get to know secretaries and office personnel and
make sure they know you by sight, name, and reputation. If
they don’t want you to see or speak to whomever you ask for,
you aren’t going to see or speak to them except by chance.
• Dress appropriately for meetings. You won’t get a
second chance to make a first impression!
• Be absolutely certain that you turn off your cell
phone or pager when you go into a meeting.
• Don’t be afraid to take them some homemade
cookies, candy, or other goodies at Christmas or other
special occasions. Tell them that you appreciate their efforts.
• Volunteer to help with special projects and to serve
on Boards and Committees. Let them know you are willing
to get involved.
• Remember there is strength in numbers so get as
many people to these meetings as you can. Get your friends
and neighbors to contact the officials and lobby for the
common interest.
Stand up...
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
reporting more problems throughout the watershed than ever
before. We are using our investigations to encourage
citizens to insist that our government officials enforce
environmental regulations.
In light of the growing need we are especially pleased
to announce a new challenge from the Malcolm Fraser
Foundation to match dollar for dollar all contributions
made before June 15, 2008. Please take advantage of this
generous offer and renew your commitment to support
ARK’s work by increasing your tax-deductible donations
through a monthly pledge, gift of stock, or donation on line.
Encourage your friends, co-workers, and family to support
ARK now and double the value of their donations. Your
support makes hundreds of accomplishments possible.
• After ARK’s air survey and report, Hartley Station
development in Macon was ordered to halt work that was
contaminating a wetland with widespread erosion
• McIntosh County Commissioners committed to
develop a wetlands protection ordinance after local action
from concerned ARK members
• ARK’s appeal of a post disturbance buffer variance
for Aiken Island in Brunswick led to judge’s ruling against
granting buffer variances after an area is already disturbed
• After ARK reports, owners of Chakmak subdivision
in Pine Harbor, McIntosh County were ordered by EPD to
clean up a dump on Sapelo River filled with old cars,
modular homes, roofing, generators, appliances, and tires
• Andrews Island site next to Hwy 17 near Jekyll’s
Sidney Lanier Bridge was required to restore salt marsh after
ARK documentation of marsh destruction
Houston County Board Members Get Involved
After moving back home to Houston County, Becky and
Walton Wood have become active in political and
environmental issues that affect the middle Georgia area.
They attend all County Commission and most of the Perry
City Council meetings and spearheaded the drive to adopt
the “Water Resolution.” They communicate local issues to
Altamaha
• ARK and Darien Neighborhood Association
identified problems that led to Darien’s development of
improved ordinances and zoning procedures
• Army Corp of Engineers acknowledged errors in
wetland delineation at Cottage Grove subdivision in Glynn
County after ARK’s research and reporting showed
inconsistencies in delineation
• Wildlife in the Altamaha photography show was
presented by James Holland at Middle Georgia College
• James Holland was
named as one of Georgia’s
“Most Influential in 2008” by
Georgia Trend Magazine
• Citizens concerned
over development of Julienton
Plantation and Young Man’s
Road united for better planning
and wetland protection in
McIntosh County.
ARK and seek assistance when needed.
The Wood’s were asked to assist in a county Storm
Water Stakeholders’ Committee made up of the building and
development industries, local businesses, and concerned
citizens. The group painted storm water drains with
environmental logos to remind residents not to dump waste
oil and other pollutants into the drains. Becky and Walt also
designed a brochure for auto parts stores and quick lube
locations urging citizens to recycle oil and other automotive
waste products rather than dumping the pollutants into storm
water drains or garbage cans for transport to the landfill.
Walt and Becky met Altamaha Riverkeeper James
Holland several years ago when he was in Houston County
investigating a complaint. James has been instrumental in
encouraging their interests in environmental issues and
provided on the job training so they can engage in watershed
protection.
4
A Glimpse into the Past
If walls could talk, the ARK’s new office in Darien
would tell a story. It occupies part of what was known by
many as the Hardware Store, built in 1890 by Theodore
Gronwald. According to the Darien Timber Gazette,
“Theodore Gromwald, a native of Holland moved to Darien,
immediately made his home here, and proceeded to become
thoroughly interested in the welfare of the town. Energizing
in business, he erected a large brick building to
accommodate his increasing customers.”
Over the years, Gromwald’s building was owned by A.
Konetzko, George Noble Jones, Robert Strain, and Sally and
William Wylly, among others. In 1915, George Patelidas
bought the building and later passed it onto his son Stelio
Patelidas. In 1985, Patelidas sold the lot consisting of the
Darien Hotel, Patelidis Hardware, and Rogers Drugstore to
Linda Miller and Sheila Parker for an antique store. Since
then, the hardware store has housed several businesses
including the Tea Cup Inn Tearoom, This Old House
Antiques, and Shaw’s Antiques.
In 2007, Sheila and Johnny Parker restored the spacious
1,830 square foot historic building retaining many original
elements including the windows, yellow pine floors, and red
brick walls. The stairs to the second-story are constructed
from the pine tongue and groove boards, which once graced
the walls of Purvis Elementary School in Brunswick. The
stair banister is an early twentieth century oak wagon tongue
complete with a wrought iron hinge and ring.
Johnny and Sheila Parker working on renovation at 105
West Broad Street
There was quite a fur trade in Darien during the 1930’s
and ARK’s meeting room now occupies the original fur-
drying room. Reflecting the building’s origins, the original
beaver boards used to stretch the hides of beaver, mink, and
fox are mounted on the office walls. Other period artifacts
on display reflect Darien’s timber industry, including an
early 1900’s chipping tool used to cut into pines for draining
sap for turpentine and a log ruler used to measure timber
before shipping. A reconstructed upstairs balcony in the back
of the building overlooks what was once the Darien Hotel
courtyard.
Deborah Sheppard, ARK’s Director, says, “We are
grateful to be part of the Parker’s historic preservation work
in Darien; it compliments our work to preserve our area’s
priceless natural resources.”

The Problem with Rayonier Continues...

Rayonier's wastewater flows down the Altamaha with pol- Altamaha Coastkeeper Wendy Galan holds her breath while
luting dark colored discharge on the left. On the right, the taking water samples at Rayonier. Her face shows a common
tributary from Morgan's Lake is not impacted, as indicated reaction to the smell in the area.
by the lighter colored water, until it reaches the Altamaha.
Six years after a voluntary settlement of ARK’s appeal of Rayonier’s NPDES wastewater Discharge Permit, Rayonier’s
dark colored, foul smelling discharge into the Altamaha continues to offend and frighten boaters, fishermen, and swimmers
many miles downstream of the discharge pipe near Jesup. In a Halloween 2007 trick to ARK and Georgia’s citizens, Rayonier
and the EPD negotiated a consent order to allow more time and less clean up of the discharge color than ARK agreed to in
revisiting the settlement agreement.
ARK no longer has reason to believe that Rayonier is committed to a timely clean up of its discharge. We need to hear
about your experiences and concerns with Rayonier’s discharge. Please contact the ARK office if you want to help ARK get
the Altamaha’s biggest polluter cleaned up.

5 Altamaha
Citizens Support Wetland Protection
On Valentines Day, the McIntosh County Commission County
responded to a packed room of citizens’ calling for wetland assurances
protection by voting to develop and adopt a county wetland that the
protection ordinance. This move came after citizens rallied marsh and
to express their frustration and concern over the destruction wetlands are
of salt marsh and fresh water wetlands on Young Man’s protected by
Road and the rezoning to increase development density for state and
Julienton Plantation adjacent to the largest clam growing federal
operation in Georgia. agencies lack
Many McIntosh citizens no longer believe the state and credibility.
federal government are protecting our freshwater wetlands, After seeing
coastal marshlands, and water quality after seeing many our wetlands
critical areas destroyed without the proper permits or review. and marshes
While citizens watched the daily destruction of a large cleared,
site on Young Man’s Road, the McIntosh County ditched, and drained to allow for more development with
Commission marginalized their concerns and rezoned the greater densities, residents want change. ARK applauds
nearby Julienton Plantation property from Conservation local citizens and the County Commission for their effort to
Preservation (CP) allowing 1 house on 3 acres to Residential develop a model wetland protection ordinance to protect our
(R1) allowing from 1 to 3 houses per acre depending on the remaining wetland resources.
availability of community water and/or sewer.

Judge’s Ruling Protects State Waters

“The jurisdiction line (where the marsh meets the upland) led to
Environmental the developer bulldozing marsh and dumping 126 truckloads
Protection of dirt into the marsh.
Division The suit could have been avoided. The EPD and CRD
(EPD) failed are responsible for protecting salt marshes but it took the
to protect state judge’s ruling to enforce the law.
waters by
improperly
granting a Science Fair Awards
buffer Coastkeeper Wendy Galan presents ARK awards to
variance to a two eighth graders at the 2008 Georgia Regional Science
Cabretta and Blackbeard Island Brunswick and Engineering Fair sponsored by Coastal Georgia
developer.” That Community College in Brunswick.
was the June 2007 decision of Judge John B. Gatto, a state
administrative law judge in a suit won by the Altamaha Resse Parshley from Need-
Riverkeeper (ARK) and Satilla Riverkeeper. The court wood Middle School, 1st
concluded the developer, Robert M. Torras, Sr. repeatedly Place winner for his project:
disturbed the buffer and failed to stabilize the site. The two- Canals and floodgates in the
acre site in Brunswick is being developed into the “Brunswick fresh water and salt water-
Landing Marina.” mixing zone.
The judge ruled “the developer failed to provide the
EPD director with evidence that impacts to the buffer had
been avoided or minimized.” Therefore, the Court concluded
that EPD Director Carol Couch improperly granted a
Camille Hattaway from St
variance application.
Francis Xavier School, 2nd
In the course of ARK’s three-year investigation
Place winner for her project:
beginning in 2004, ARK filed numerous complaints with the
Fertilizer. Photos by Glynn
Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Department of
Environmental Coalition.
Natural Resources and EPD officials. According to ARK,
CRD’s failure to establish the correct location of the marsh

Altamaha 6
Altamaha Riverkeeper, One of
100 MOST INFLUENTIAL GEORGIANS
Georgia Trend magazine has sifted through a lengthy list
of people throughout the state who seem to carry a lot of
weight. In the January edition of the magazine covering
business, politics, and economic development, the staff
released the names of the ‘100 Most Influential Georgians.’
"You will recognize most of the names on this year’s
roster; the usual suspects; the CEOs, statesmen, college
presidents, and the like. There are some you’ve probably
never heard of; people who cast their influence from behind
the scenes. Altamaha Riverkeeper James Holland is one of
these people," says Georgia Trend.
Holland wasn’t always an environmental activist. As a
boy in Cochran, he loved hunting, fishing, and almost any
activity that involved the natural world. At 17, he became a
Marine. Then he moved to Brunswick and decided his life’s
work would be on the water as a crabber. For years, his crab
pots were always brimming with 1,500 pounds of crabs a and environmental well-being are one and the same. I
day. Ultimately development upstream warmed and polluted encourage everyone to report pollution and demand action
the water to the point that the crabs began to disappear and from regulatory agencies and elected representatives. "
his catch dwindled to less than 200 pounds a day. That’s
when he became one of the founding members of ARK.
When you look at the photographs of the most
influential people in Georgia, Holland is the only one in the
entire magazine who is not smiling. He says he has no
reason to smile, because neither the Environmental
Protection Division nor the Army Corps of Engineers are
doing their job to protect our environment.
"We are in the middle of a state water crisis and yet our
wetlands, swamps, and marshes are being destroyed daily by
development. Natural wetland systems are natures' way of
storing and gradually releasing water when it is needed, " he
said. "The agencies must do a better job of enforcing
regulations to protect our natural resources. Our economic

Proposed Coal Plant on the Oconee River

Plant Washington, a coal-fired power plant is proposed
near Sandersville in Washington County in rural east-central
Georgia. According to the plant’s website, the company
estimates beginning the operation in 2013 to provide base
load electricity to nearly 700,000 Electric Management
Corporation (EMC) members.
The Washington County plant would negatively impact
Georgia’s water and air quality according to the Southern
Alliance for Clean Energy. To obtain water for the plant, the
EMCs are proposing to build a 30-mile pipeline to the
Oconee River. In addition, they plan to dig 16 wells
throughout Washington County to draw from groundwater
during periods of drought. The proposed plant will also emit
smog-forming nitrogen oxides, mercury, soot-forming sulfur
dioxide, and global warming pollutants such as carbon
dioxide for generations to come.
Georgia already has 10 coal-fired power plants, one of
which, Plant Scherer just to the north of Macon, is often
cited as one of the most polluting coal-fired plant in the
nation. The cycle of building power plants to serve over-
projected needs and then promoting consumption to pay for
expensive polluting power plants needs to end now. ARK
urges you to get directly involved in reducing the negative
impacts of centralized power plants on our water, air, global
warming, and our pocketbooks by working to reduce energy
consumption and promoting investments in efficiency and
conservation. Let’s challenge the utilities to spend the
same amount of money to save energy that they do on
generating energy. Contact ARK for ways to get involved
in finding better energy choices than Plant Washington.

7 Altamaha
Superfund Site Fees Donated to Environmental Groups
Attorneys present check to ARK. Left to right: L-R Wendy Galan,
Mathew Teti, Robert Killian, Deborah Sheppard, Joel Wooten, James
Holland, John Bell and Constance Riggins.
In December 2007, a team of attorneys who won the
largest environmental legal settlement in Georgia history
presented several local and statewide organizations with
checks totaling $100,000. Recipients of the funds include
the Altamaha Riverkeeper, Georgia Conservation Voters,
GreenLaw, Georgia Watch, Glynn Environmental Coalition,
Water vs. Energy
A corn ethanol plant within a few miles of the Altamaha
River is in the permitting stage before construction in Mount
Pleasant, a community between Jesup and Brunswick. The
East Coast Ethanol, LLC website says the company is
organizing, financing, and constructing four 110 million
gallon per year grain-ethanol production facilities to be
located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and
Florida.
The GA Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is
reviewing requests from the Mt. Pleasant plant to withdraw
almost 2 million gallons of water a day from the Upper
Floridian aquifer. The estimate for the plant’s discharge into
the Altamaha River is around 250,000 gallons of water daily.
In a February meeting, Bill Frechette, a hydrologist with
EPD, met with citizens from Mt. Pleasant like Kim Smith.
“Most area residents totally depend on well water from the
aquifer. How will the plant’s water withdrawal plans affect
our water supply? With the plants close proximity to our
homes and the predicted 100 trucks a day going down our
road, we are also concerned about traffic and safety
problems,” Smith said.
Frishette said the plant’s request was not a lot of water
Altamaha
Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper, and Satilla
Riverkeeper.
“These funds will support the Altamaha
Riverkeeper and the Altamaha Coastkeeper’s work
to protect our coastal estuary and marsh systems,”
said Deborah Sheppard, Executive Director of the
Altamaha Riverkeeper. “We are fortunate to have
attorneys whose skill and dedication created this
legal victory which makes LCP accountable for
their damage to the Glynn County marshes.”
In November 2006, the attorneys settled the
case against the Allied/LCP chlor alkali plant in
Brunswick, for a total of $50 million plus
additional cleanup at the site. The attorneys, Joel
Wooten (Butler, Wooten & Fryhofer) of
Columbus, Robert Killian (Killian & Boyd) of
Brunswick, John Bell (Bell & Brigham) and Pam
James (Pam James Law) of Augusta settled the
pending cases on behalf of Glynn County and
over 200 Glynn County property owners.
Honeywell’s records show that from 1957
until 1994, the Allied/LCP plant knowingly
discharged hundreds of thousands of pounds of mercury and
PCBs directly into the outfall that drained into Purvis Creek
and the Turtle River. It is one of the most contaminated sites
in Georgia’s history and was designated Georgia’s first
Superfund site.
for the Floridian aquifer compared to the nearby Rayonier
pulp mill, which uses 60 million gallons a day. Frechette
said, “State law says the water use is reasonable. EPD can
only ask: is the water available? The answer is yes. Are there
any unreasonable impacts on the aquifer? The answer is no.”
He told the group the state did not regulate noise or truck
traffic because those were local issues.
Many citizens attending the meeting including Ernie
Brooks were dismayed. “Why can this plant draw millions
of gallons of water a day, but I can only water my lawn on
Tuesdays and Thursdays?” he asked.
ARK is concerned because ethanol production uses
massive amounts of water, industry standards indicate
between three and six gallons of water to produce one gallon
of ethanol. According to the Institute for Agriculture and
Trade Policy- “Shortage of water is the Achilles heel of corn-
based ethanol.”
In a state where water resources are already stressed,
what is the effect of a water sucking industry on our water
quality and supply? In the rush to cash in on ethanol, we do
not want to give away our area’s greatest natural resource,
the Altamaha River.
8
ARK’s Nature Photos
Featured
As Altamaha Riverkeeper, James Holland
witnesses the devastating effect of pollution. His
genuine affection for the wildlife and habitat that he
works so hard to protect was evident in his March
2008 photography exhibit at Middle Georgia College.
In the opening reception and gallery talk, Holland
reflected that in coming back to his hometown of
Cochran, his life had gone full circle. He admitted that
growing up he had hunted but now his biggest
pleasure was shooting wildlife with a camera,
especially butterflies.
Holland talked about the diminishing wetland
habitat, an area that many animals depend on. He said
“I’m not against development but some areas are
better suited than others. How would you feel if one
day you came home and discovered that your home
and entire neighborhood was destroyed? “
Holland said he hoped his photography would give
people an opportunity to connect with our beautiful
wildlife so they would appreciate and protect it. Stop
by our office in Darien and see the current display.

Why Wetlands are Important

More than one-third of the United States’
threatened and endangered species live only in
wetlands, and nearly half use wetlands at some point
in their lives. Estuarine and marine fish and shellfish,
various birds, and certain mammals must have coastal
wetlands to survive. Most commercial and game fish
breed and raise their young in coastal marshes and
estuaries. Menhaden, flounder, sea trout, spot, croaker,
and striped bass are among the more familiar fish that
depend on coastal wetlands. Shrimp, oysters, clams,
and blue and Dungeness crabs likewise need these
wetlands for food, shelter, and breeding grounds.
For many animals and plants, like wood ducks,
muskrat, cattails, and swamp rose, inland wetlands are
the only places they can live. For others, such as
striped bass, peregrine falcon, otter, black bear,
raccoon, and deer, wetlands provide important food,
water, or shelter.
Many of the U.S. breeding bird populations—
including ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hawks, wading
birds, and many song-birds— feed, nest, and raise
their young in wetlands. Many species of migratory
birds are completely dependent on certain wetlands
and would become extinct if those wetlands were
destroyed.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

9 Altamaha
 Homage to Water
Canopy Studio Repertory Company, an
Athens dance company known for aerial dance,
performed “Water Body” and part of the
proceeds from the performance were a benefit for
the Atlamaha Riverkeeper.
“The Water Body performance on April 18-
20 and 25-27, 2008 was about the preciousness
of water, how we can be stewards of it, how we
pollute it, and how we need to reclaim it as an
essential and spiritual element,” says Canopy
Director Susan Murphy”
The show included a video designed by
show Co-Director Michelle Dodson, a graduate
student in the UGA theater and film department.
Dodson shot portions of the video montage in the
Altamaha River estuary on a boating trip with L-R, Bottom row: Dana Skelton, Julie Phillips, Melissa Roberts,
Riverkeeper James Holland. Susan Murphy, Jenna Hencinski, Carlynn Kenna. Middle row:
Ecological writer, naturalist, and former ARK Deborah Sheppard, Constance Riggins, Megan Cattau, Chris
Board member, Janisse Ray, wrote the poem used Knightes, Rabun Dekle, Julia Franz, Amy Powell, Allyson Mann,
for the production’s spoken word. Michelle Dodson, James Holland. Sitting on Tetra: Lindy Pals,
The Altamaha Riverkeeper appreciates the Lauren Puls, and Annette Byrd.
combination of talent, creativity, and generosity.
We thank Susan Murphy, Don Carson, Janisse Ray, Michelle Dodson, Dana Skelton, and all of the Canopy dancers for
the honor of ARK’s association with the beautiful performance.

Young Man’s Road

McIntosh Citizens discovered the hard way that state and federal agencies are not
keeping wetlands from being destroyed, even in high profile cases like this one on
Young Man’s Road in North McIntosh County. Stunned residents joined ARK in
repeatedly reporting suspected violations on this site to state and federal officials. We
watched in horror as this vegetated wetland and marsh front property was devastated.
The Coastal Resources Division, EPD, & the Corp of Engineers received reports
and responded to developers but said they could not stop this destruction. These
agencies have met for months with the developer to devise a plan to restore this site.
ARK supports restoration of the site and meaningful fines for the developers. We join
with citizens in
asking why
wetlands and
marshes have to be
destroyed before
any government
agency will act.
Now we have a
devastated site and
lots of agency
attention and tax
payer money being
spent on fixing
something that
should have never
been destroyed.

Altamaha 10
ARK & Coastkeeper Appeal CMPC Decisions
Harrington Creek at low tide, not deep enough for the
current dock, the proposed and permitted dock, nor boats.
Dock Improvement or Plan for New
Commercial Marina?
“The Coastal Marshland Protection Committee (CMPC)
made a mistake by granting a permit that could allow a
commercial marina on Harrington Creek on St. Simons
Island.” This is the opinion of over 300 citizens and the
Altamaha Riverkeeper & Coastkeeper who say the fragile
and shallow site location is unsuitable for the proposed
marina and the proposed 6,000-gallon underground fuel
storage tank.
The permit applicant, P & M Cedar Products, denies the
project is for a commercial marina. They claim they only
want to repair a dilapidated dock at Village Creek Landing
for an embarkation point for guests and staff of the nearby
ecotourism resort, Little Saint Simon’s Island (LSSI).
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) states
that to receive a permit the applicant is required to
demonstrate the proposed alteration is not contrary to the
public interest and that no feasible alternative public
facilities exist. However, for years, boats and guests going to
LSSI embark from the nearby Hampton River Club Marina.
Recently Hampton River Club Marina requested a major
expansion and has more than enough slip space, parking, and
fueling capacity to serve both LSSI and other members of
the public.
ARK says the applicant submitted erroneous information
in its application and the state did not verify Harrington
11
Creek’s depth measurements. James Holland Altamaha
Riverkeeper and Wendy Galan Coastkeeper followed up by
conducting an extensive depth survey of this section of the
creek. According to ARK’s information: from mid outgoing
to mid incoming tide, the channel is only passable by
kayakers and johnboats. At low tide, it is not deep enough
for other boats. The applicant has already discussed
dredging the creek with state and federal officials.
Other problems exist for modifying the only free public
access to the water on St Simons Island. The committee did
not impose conditions to prevent pubic fuel sales or to limit
fuel usage to LSSI vessels even after various members of the
public and a CMPC member observed that the proposal
appeared to be a commercial marina in disguise. The
committee also failed to adopt any restrictions on the number
and size of vessels that use the dock or the tidal ranges in
which they use the public ramp. The project goes far beyond
what LSSI needs and the island is not the permit applicant or
even a co applicant. For instance, a 6,000-gallon
underground storage tank will hold substantially more fuel
that little St Simons Island would require on a monthly basis.
The CMPC and P & M have attempted to derail the
appeal by challenging ARK's standing or right to appeal this
decision. This technical manuever delays the resolution of
the case on its merits and increases ARK's legal costs.
Earlier attempts by the state to challenge ARK’s standing to
appeal permit decisions have failed. We question why the
state is spending money to waste ARK’s time and resources,
when they could be addressing citizen concerns by
improving permitting decisions with critical review and
proper evaluation of applications.
ARK and its Coastkeeper program have also appealed
the permit for a 1300 + foot dock rider system at Tranquility
on the South Newport in North McIntosh County. As in the
Harrington Creek marina case, the CMPC failed to properly
review and evaluate the proposal in light of the CMPA. The
proliferation of docks created by high-density upland
development is increasing negative impacts to the salt marsh
ecosystem. These cases illustrate the necessity for accurate
applications and proper review.
Altamaha
 CLAM JAM 2007
The Altamaha River Keeper celebrated Georgia’s coastal bounty with Clam Jam 2007 on November 17. The event
was held at Pelican Point’s Restaurant in Belleville, a small community in McIntosh County overlooking the Sapelo River.
The food served at the party slept in the river the night before, and the local shrimp, oysters, and clams were
representative of the party’s purpose: to emphasize that citizens, seafood and wildlife all demand healthy water.
Support for protection of our magnificent coastal resources began with scores of businesses and individuals donating
wonderful auction items for the party. Clam Jam sponsors were generous, hosts abundant, bringing their family and
friends from throughout the watershed. Once the auction began, guests were fierce and liberal in their bidding. The
Dappled Grays and Noel Hamilton and Friends, Jonny Hibbert and John Riley provided music for dancing following the
auction. The party was a great success and ARK thanks everyone who participated.
Clam Jam Sponsors Charlie Phillips Dan and Ginger Troy Mike Buckner
Boone’s Seafood Christa Frangiamore Dapple Grays Noel Hamilton
Brighter Day Natural Foods Christi Lambert Daron (Farmer D) Joffe Ogeechee-Canochee
Market Cliff and Saundra Altekruse David and Betty Lewis Riverkeeper Chandra Brown
Don and Karen Stewart David and Mindy Egan Don and Karen Stewart Open Gates Bed and Breakfast,
Garth Bray and Kathryn Baxter Emmy and Al Minor Don Carson Jeff and Kelly Spratt
Georgia Shrimp Company Greg Bayard and Maggie Kelly Fiddlers Peter Wagner
Krull and Company Jane and Joe Fulcher Frances Landel Raven Buchard
Mary Ellen and Dick Wilson Kate Smith Gordon Rogers Robert Filippo
Melaver, Inc. Katie Shellman Half Moon Outfitters, Richard Meeder
Mr. and Mrs. Ray McPhail Lane and Flip Chalfant Charleston SC Rod Squires
Phillips Seafood Linda Lamb and Paul Griffin Helen Findley Ruth Kelly
Piggly Wiggly Lisa Norton Ivan Bailey Savannah Bee Company
Poppell, Bolin, and West, Michelle Lane Janisse Ray Scottie Lingerfelt
Attorneys at Law Nancy Smith Jeannine Cook Shelia Parker
Russell and Molly Kent Robyn and Daron Joffe Jekyll Island Artist’s Association Sheryl Schooley
Sapelo Sea Farms Sheila and Johnny Parker Joe Durrett St Catherine’s Island
Southeast Georgia Health Contributors John Riley Foundation
System Al Kline Jonny Hibbert Stacia Hendricks
Stormwater Systems Alan Campbell Kate Smith Sue Gertis
The Peninsula at Golden Isles Altamaha Coastal Tours Kristen Strezo Taylor Denny
Whitworth Law Firm, P.C. Andy Palmer Len Poleszak Tim Blackledge
Hosts Antonio Raimo Galleries, Atl. Linda Armstrong Tradewinds of Coastal Georgia
Alice Bealer Ben Foster Lucian DeBacker Waterfront Wines
Ann and Andrew Hartzell Bonnie and Steve Newell Lydia Thompson Wild Birds Unlimited, Savannah
Bill and Frances Landel Brad Baugh Maria Mixon Wright Gres
Bill, Jan, and Brittany Merriman Brent Daniel Marty Whitthoft
Charles Seabrook Cargo Portside Grill, Brunswick Melissa Pope Scott

Mark your calendars for Richard Madray

September 27, 2008 Clam Jam
Please volunteer now to help. We need auction items,
sponsors, and party hosts to put
together tables of friends. It will
be an exciting event with music,
dance, and seafood to celebrate
our coastal estuary and its
bountiful gifts. Party location
will be in McIntosh County,
Georgia’s leader in shellfish
harvesting. We will provide
more information as the date
draws closer.
(1923-2007) Jesup
Quick with a smile, Richard
loved his family and the Altamaha.
He was a leader on ARK’s Board of
Directors from the beginning of the
organization up until his death. His
knowledge of the river and his enthusiasm to protect it
was inspiring to us all. Richard was an avid historian and
served as a Wayne County Commissioner, member of the
Wayne County Historical Society and the Jesup First
Free Will Baptist Church. People like Richard who loved
the river, enhance ARK’s mission and make our work
more meaningful.

Altamaha 12
Don Cohrs (1926- 2008) Darien
Don Cohrs acted every day in countless ways to support
his community and protect the environment he cherished.
According to his wife Doris, he always said “I wish
everyone would take a walk in the woods and look and
listen to nature's awesome wonders.” An avid and expert
birder, Don's favorite bird was the one he was looking at.
We honor his memory by sharing our favorite wildlife
photos throughout the newsletter.

In Honor Of
Mr and Mrs Jerry Amerson by Dr and Mrs Tyrus Ivey
Stacia Hendricks by Jane Beadles
Ogden Doremus (1921- 2007) Metter
Mandy Schmitt by David Dod As spring comes again to the Altamaha, we celebrate
Deborah Sheppard & her lovely children by Joel and Vicki Breman
Alice Bealer by Emily Calhoun
Earth Day in memory of our friend, teacher, and protector of
Wendy Galan by James B. Gilbert Georgia's environment.
Wendy Galan by David Hobbs and Karen Evans

Gift Memberships Special Thanks to Friends & Volunteers

Hunter Hurst and Barbara Foster from Susan Earl Adam Kron JD and Linda Daniel
Mrs. George U. Strosnider, Mr. Merle A. Bessey, Mr. and Mrs. Al Bilotti, Akin Memorial United Methodist Jeanne Norris
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Josh Chamberlain, Mr. Church Jeremy Maslak
and Mrs. Sam Vollen, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nance, Mr. and Mrs. Blake Alice Bealer Joe and Jane Fulcher
Henry from Janice and Larry Lamattina Allen Dubose Joe Durrett
Mrs. Ida Cecil from Mr. and Mrs. John Cecil Ann Hartzell John Baker
James L. Harrell from James R. Harrell Aoki Yanigiya John Cleveland
John and Anne Donaldson, Gus and Sally Camacho, Keld Agnar and Becky and Walt Woods John Evans
Judith Ryerson from Capp Cappelmann Bill Sapp Johnny Bembry
Tom and Tricia Bass from Gayle Findlay Brian Gist Joyce and Chuck Ellison
Ben and Patricia Cochran from Gayle Findlay Bruce Berryhill Justine Thompson
Bill Fanning Jr. from Honey Fanning Bryce Baumgartner Kate Marks
Laura Toal from Russell Toal Bub and Mary Lynde Way Kathryn Kappler
Johnny and Sarah Johnson from Kyla Hastie Cabrinia Wright Kathy Wilcox
Chris Crouse, Andy and Tina Pusser from George and Ann Fuller Caitlan Kelley Katie Shellman
J. Andrew Summerour from Martha Summerhour Cap Cappelmann Kelly and Jeff Spratt
Carrie Knapp Kim Harper
Catherine Wannamaker Krista Frangiamore
In Memory Of Chandra Brown
Charlie Agnew
Kristine Stratton
Kurt Ebersbach
Richard Madray by: Dorothy Hires, Emily Harris, Joan and Winton Charlie Phillips Len Hauss
Westberry, Lynne Hanks and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Adams, Mary Christa Frangiamore Lisa Sanders
Ellen Wilson, Len and Janis Hauss, Wayne County Retired Educators Claudia Hafner Mac and Neill Herring
Association, Linton and Olene T. Lewis, Monica Oquinn, Marilyn Lanier, Cliff and Saundra Altekruse Marilyn Lanier
Wilson and Tracy Elder, Dayne and Evelyn Deloach, Piney Grove Dana Beach, Georgia River Marion Ricker
Cemetery Trust Fund, Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Houston and family, Warren Network Mark Yaggi
and Sharon Whidden, Riley and Shirley Reddish, Onnie Osborne, Major Daniel Parshley Marshall Gaddis
General and Mrs. William Holland Danny Grissette Mary Ann Overstreet
Ogden Doremus by: Joel and Vicki Breman, Chandra and Doug Brown, David and Mindy Egan Mary Ellen Wilson
Patsy Bowen, Savannah Presbytery M.K. Pentacost Ecology Fund David Kyler Michelle Dodson
Lana and Leah Meadows by Jeanie and Wendell Meadows David Mixon Motoki Yanigiya
Howard Reddish by Len and Janis Hauss David Pope Nanae Yanagiya
William Bryan Jr. by: Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Hale, Mr. and Mrs. William Don Stack Neil Carey
Bryan III, Jim Connah Doris and Don Cohrs Patagonia Atlanta
Mrs. Margaret Somers by Mr. and Mrs. E. Kay Stafford Jr. Dortha Myers Patricia Rugaber
Robert L. Osborne by Linton and Olene T. Lewis Ed Henderson Patrick Hagan
Kay Slavinsky by Pam and Lewis Shropshire Ed McDaniel Paul Christian
Hannah Lardin Swearingen by Joan Lardin Ed Stelle Peter Krull
Milton Newton Hopkins Jr. by: Susie Humphries, Don and Doris Cohrs Elizabeth Nicholas Phil Fortune
Dr. Peter Holliday by Jack and Barbara Jenkins Ellie Legg Renee and Amy DeWitt
Christopher Dickinson by Lewis and Pam Shropshire Elliot Brack Rett Davis
Emmitt F. Yearty by Timothy Parker Emily Egginton Rev Gary Abbot
Aaron Sweerus by Marjorie Sweerus Bell Emmy and Al Minor Robert Dewitt
John Kraus by Chris and Ward Milner Erica Overstreet Robert Oberman
Mr. Bad, a good kitty by Jane Fraser Frances and Bill Landel Rosa Parks
Bob and Margina Dunlap by Gina Dunlap-Cogswell Fred and Sallye Hooks Sandy Pharr
Dr. C. E. Patton by Tracy Elder, Jack Patton, Steve Patton, Rob Patton Fred Marland Scott Cunningham
Ray Jessup by Dr. and Mrs. John W. Bembry Georgia Conservancy Sheila and Johnny Parker
Ida Cecil by: Wesley and Molly Cottingham, Edward and Susan Gordon Rogers Susan Murphy
Reynolds, Jimmy and Nancy Cain, David and Tina Jimmerson, Mary Gray Cat Gang Dulcimer Band Tommie Kapplar
Severance and Kay Eisenhower Hutton Brown Tracey Huskey
Earl B. Fazekas by B. J. Fazekas James Bryan, Jr. Vicki Klahn
Johnny Adams by Kathryn Shellman Janisse Ray Walt and Becky Wood
Byron Lewis by Capp Cappleman Jason Chapman Wendell and Kathleen Berryhill
Tommy Hogg by Boree and Dora Watson Jay St Vincent Wendell Meadows

13 Altamaha
 Thanks to our supporters
Adriane Wood Butch Zell David Wright and Mary Mcgee George Rogers
Al Kline Butler Wooten & Fryhofer, LLP Dawn and August Stitzel Georgia Graves
Alan and Pat Sproles C. Brooks and Othilla Bailey Debbie Kearney and Dale Williams Georgia River Network
Alan Campbell Calvin and Lillie Ann Yawn Deborah Oder Georgia Shrimp Company
Albert Way Capp Cappelmann Del and Beverly Presley Gina Dunlap-Cogswell
Alice Bealer Cargo Portside Grill Delores Coy Glenn Carroll Boatenreiter
Alice L Steyaart Carl Kitchens and Carole Dixon Denise Holland Glover and Joanne Rae McGhee
Alison Hawk Carlton Herrin and Carla Jernigan Dennis and Amy Walker Golden Island International, LLC
Allan NeSmith Carlton Rowell Dennis and Betty Benner Gordon and Gina Rogers
Allan Sproles Carmine Carpenter Dennis and Faren Crews Grace Jackson
Allan Sproles Carol Kemker Diane Lewis Gray Cat Gang
Allen McDaniel Carol M. Williams Dianne Russell Greg and Lisa Milks
Alpha J Watson Carol Moldoveanu Dick and Barbara Kasak Gregg Bayard and Maggie Kiley
Altamaha Coastal Tours Carol Stangler Don and Dortha Myers Gregory and Joyce Kennedy
Alvin Tuten, Jr. Carol Williams and Roderic Johnson Don and Karen Stewart Griffin and Carolyn Lotson
Amelia Lasater Carole Lyons Don Carson and Susan Murphy Guy and Nancy Carter
Andrew and Ann Hartzell Caroline and Terry Harrington Donald Richardson Jr. Guy and Robin Cheek
Andrew Cabero Jr. Cary Smith Donny Screws, Jr. Guy and Valerie Fried
Andrew Wetherington Cassina Garden Club Dot Cowart Gwyneth Moody
Andy and Amy Broderick Cecil and Sandra Hudson Dot Moss H.P. Nunnally Jr.
Andy and Tina Pusser Chandra and Doug Brown Dr. and Mrs. E. L. Harrell Hamilton Plantation Garden Club
Andy Palmer Charles A. Daley Dr. and Mrs. E. R. McDannald, Jr. Harold and Virginia Hicks
Angela Donaldson Charles and Belitje Bull Dr. and Mrs. John Bembry Harriet Jardine
Angie and Kenny Gatewood Charles and Claire Cox Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Brobson Harriet Langford
Ann and Bell Carswell Charles and Grace Kerns Dr. and Mrs. Thomas McKee Harry Mitchell
Ann and George Fuller Charles and Joyce Baugh Dr. Dale Bishop Hazel Lowery
Ann and Jim Trapnell Charles and Joyce Ellison Dr. Eugene and Charlsie Keferl Helen Findley
Ann and Ralph Hemphill Charles and Laura Seabrook Dr. Gary Lewis Helen Meadors
Anna Campbell Charles and Marjorie Bell Dr. Lloyd Newberry, Jr. Helen, Alexis and Julianne Aberle
Anna Tillman Charles Andrew Dr. Melissa Booth Henry and Audry Phillips
Anne Armstrong Davis Charles Andrew, Jr. Dr. Richard and Ginger Boswell Henry and Diane Parkman
Anne Hoyt Charles Baugh Dr. Roger and Annette Branch Henry Freeman Bacon
Anne Langford Charles Heinz Dr. Thomas Fassuliotis Holli Bailey
Anne Mueller Charles Smith and Ginger Lowery Honey Fanning
Anne Smith Charlie Agnew Dr. Walter Ray Davis Jr. Horst Beall
Antonio Raimo Galleries Charlie Belin Dusty and Wright Gres Howard and Rose Browning
April Ingle Charlie Phillips Dwain Christian Huey R. Ham
Aurelia Adams Chester Parker E. Jack Davidson Ivan Bailey
B. J. Fazekas Chip and Gina Sasser E. Turner Collins Ivy and Terri Rozier
Barbara Ann Simons Chris and Ward Milner Ed and Linda Hunt J. Bryan Fobbus
Barbara Lumpkin Chris Crounse Ed Jordan J. Burton Cousar
Barlow Rhodes Chris Depkin Ed McDaniel J. M. Starr, Sr.
Barry Hannah Christa Frangiamore Eddie and Wana Brown J.M.M. Harrison
Barry Hudson Christi Lambert Edward and Susan Reynolds Jack Amason
Bell & Brigham Christina Nichols Edward Boshears Jack and Barbara Jenkins
Ben and Zay Foster Christine Rodick Edward Byron "Bo" Lewis Jack and Patti Sandow
Ben Blount Christine Salberg Elaine and Charles Nash Jack and Sherry Jones
Ben Ogbogu Christopher Miller Elbern Lowery Jack F. Godfrey
Berkeley and Dan Minor Cindy McDonald Eliose Thompson Jackson Lake Homeowners
Bertha and Paul Marsden Claire Daughtry Ellen and Michael Kiley James Harrell
Betsy Lerner Clare Buchanan Ellie Legg James and Jeanne Manning
Betty Herrin Clark and Tammy Heindel Eloise B Thompson James and Lisa Cheney
Betty Scott Clementi L. Holder Emily Calhoun James and Mabel Hicks
Betty Vaughn and Don Schoonover Colonel (R) John E. Rourke Emmy and Al Minor James and Sue Gertis
Bill and Frances Landel Constance Johnson Farm 255 James Drake
Bill Eisenhauer D. Alan West Faye D. Parker James Buttimer and Theresa Wexel
Bill Heinz Dale and Sonny Thorpe Faye Hinson James L. Jackson Jr.
Bill Jones Dale Bishop Faye Sisson James P. Cifrino, Jr.
Bill Liggin Dan and Ginger Troy Fiddlers - Darien Jan and Bill Merriman
Bill Sapp and Allison Burdette Dan Good Foye L. Tinsley III Jane and Joe Fulcher
Blake Lisenby Dan Stone Frances and Bill Landel Jane and Malcolm MacKenzie
Bo McAdams Dana and Chris Skelton Frank and Lois Quinby Jane Clark
Bob and Jackie Gunn Daniel Krauss, Jr. and Daniel Krauss Frank and Patty McIntosh Jane Hildebrand
Bob Biebel Daniel Parshley Frank and Patty Parrish Jane Walker
Bob Livingston Danny and Kim Smith Frank Giusta Janice Browning
Bonnie and Steven Newell Danny Grissette Frank Watson Janiece and Peter Broadhead
Boones Seafood Dapple Grays Frankie and Guy Clark Janisse Ray and Raven Burchard
Boree and Dora Watson Darien Telephone Company Frankie Pennone Jean and Bob Melton
Brad Baugh Daron Joffe Frankie Snow Jeanie and Wendell Meadows
Breezer Molton, Half Moon Outfitters David and Betty Ann Lewis Gaby Ivie Jeannine and Rundle Cook
Brenda Strickland David and Kim Wittenberg Gail S Bleichner Jeff and Kelly Spratt
Brian Strange David and Mindy Egan Garden Club of Gerogia Jeffery Brown
Brighter Day Natural Foods David and Tina Jimmerson Garth Bray and Kathryn Baxter Jeffrey and Judy Jennings
Brockington and Associates, Inc David Dickerson Gary Fowler Jennifer J. Zimmerman
Bruce Berryhill David Dockery George A Rogers & Yvonne V. Miller
Bub and Mary Lynde Way and Rosemarie Griggs George and Ethel Pruden Jim B. Gilbert
Bud and Mary Alice Thomas David Dod George and Juanita Davis Jim Connah
Bud and Niki Queen David Higgins George and Lisa Trexler Jim Grode and Julie Mayfield
Burt Cousar David Hobbs and Karen Evans George and Susan Dupree Jimmie Ann Abner
Burton Family Foundation David Pope George C. Carson Jimmy and Charlotte Harrell
Butch and Pat Hall David Rickerson George Eshliman Jimmy and Nancy Cain

Altamaha 14
 Thanks to our supporters
Jimmy Johnson Lynne Dobbins Paul and Cathy Glenn Sean Galvin
Jo and Jack Godfrey Mac and Brenda Rawson Paul and Joan Sykes Senator Jack Hill
Joan C. Lardin Malcom Fraser Foundation Paul and Rene Kane Sheila and Johnny Parker
Joan Hutcheson Marcus and Chrissy Pearson Paul Cushing Sheryl Rentz
Joan Lardin Mardy Greer, Fidlers Paul E. Brown Sheryl Schooley
Joann C. Cook Margaret Anne and George Paul Griffin and Linda Lamb Sidney Bacchus
Joanne Sharpe Carswell Payson and Sara Sullivan Skip Slocum and Sara Taylor
Joe and Jane Magnum Margaret Lee Peggie Harris Southeast Adventure Outfitters
Joe Durrett Margaret Rose Jones Peggy Lee Southeast Georgia Health System
Joe M Blanton Maria Mixson Pete Peteet and Ana Vizurraga Spring Tide Communities
Joe Vinson Marian and Wayne Owens Peter Paluch and Judi Holley Stacia Hendricks
Joel and Vicki Breman Marilyn Lanier Peter Wagner Stanley Smith
John and Geraldine Train Mark and Betsy Friedman Phil and Jan Fortune Stephanie and Tom Coffin
John and Karen Traylor Mark Turpen Philip I. Friedman DDS Stephen and Barbara Ryner
John and Lane Mitchell Marston Dyche Pierre Howard Steve & Barbara Ryner
John Baker Martha Summerour Piggly Wiggly Steven and Gail Willis
John Branch Marty Witthoft Poppell, Bolin & West, Steven Scott Battle
John E. Ladson III Mary Eleanor Wickersham Attorneys at Law Stormwater Systems, Inc.
John Link Mary Ellen and Dick Wilson Preston Foskey Sue Gertis
John McCord Mary Lou Forsyth Price and Rogena Cordle Summer Teal Simpson
John Pasto Mary Lynn and Edmund Dukes R. Don Lewis Suntrust Bank - Robert W. Owen
John Riley Mary Severance & Kay Eisenhower R.E.M. Susan Inman
John Sparrow Mattie and David Gladstone Ralph and Ann Hemphill Susan Thomas
John Wegner Maurice Hatfield Ralph and Ellen Shapiro Susie Humphries
Johnny and Sarah Johnson Max Brugh Randal Walker Suzanne H. Williams
Jonny Hibbert Max Davis Randy Brown Suzy Cohen
Jon Schwartz McReynolds Family Foundation Randy Coody Taylor and Marie Schoettle
Joy Kennedy Melaver, Inc. Ray and Georgia Hawkins Taylor Denny
Joyce Murlless Melissa Pope-Scott Ray E. Colglazier Terri and Ivy Rozier
Joycelyn Young Michael and Benita Muth Ray Garrett and Mary Jane The Keith Brasher Family
Judy and Phil Bates Michael and Joyce Russell Coleman The Sapelo Foundation
Julia Spivey Michael and Pamela Browning Reba Stone The Turner Foundation
Karen Hunt Michael Moody Rebecca Bell The Walter Boone Family
Kate Broyles Michelle Hendry Rebecca R Shortland Thomal Patrick and Bretta Perkins
Katherine Mountcastle Michelle Lane Regina Beatie Thomas and Doris Tomberlin
Kathryn Shellman Mick Allen Rep. Debbie & Mike Buckner Thomas and Stephanie Coffin
Kay Beynart Mike and Laurie Hawks Richard and Carol Hatcher Thomas Black
Kaye T. Bracewell Mike and Rosie Ozaki Richard and Gia Lillie Thomas Gaines
Keith and Shirl Parsons Molly Martin Richard and Martha Armstrong Thomas Ingram
Keith Haskell Monica O'Quinn Richard and Michelle Brown Thomas Lowndes
Ken and Celia Bush Morgan Fordham Richard Lowrance Tim Blackledge
Ken and Linda Tucker Mr. & Mrs. Richard Madray Richard Neal and Ginger Boswell Timothy Parker
Ken and Marjorie Neuhart Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Hale Rick Parrish Tina and Walton Harris
Ken Medernach Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Peppiatt Rick Smith Tom Fanslow
Ken Neuhart Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Jr. Rita Kilpatrick Tommie and Kathryn Kappler
Ken Suttles Mr. and Mrs. Claude Bird Robbie Griffith Tommy Wallace
Keta Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Holder Robert and Carol Fudge Toni and Jimmy McCook
Killian & Boyd, PC Mr. and Mrs. Dubose Porter Robert and Carolyn Hargrove Tradewinds of Coastal Georgia
Kim and Thomas Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Guy Carter Robert and Tracie DeWitt Troy and Paula Winebarger
Kitty and Philip Spivey Mr. and Mrs. H. Ray McPhail Robert Baker Upper Oconee Watershed Network
Kitty Kellogg Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hagerty Robert Davis Urbana Garden Club
Krull & Company Mr. and Mrs. Horace Wishart Robert N. Saveland Venetia Butler
Kyla & Keith Hastie Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks Robert Saveland Veolia Environmental Services
Lane and Flip Chalfant Mr. and Mrs. John Cecil Rod Squires Vickie S. Traylor and Jeremy T.
Larry Hodges Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Lindsey Roger and Susan Mathews Schneider
Larry Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gossage Roger Frobe W. E. Fraser
Laura Chenault Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tomberlin Rogers Family Trust Wallace Floyd
Laura Fabrizio Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Thompson, Jr. Ron and Jennifer Kneib Walt and Becky Wood
Laurens County Sportsman Club Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Thorpe Ronald and Willene Frost Waterfront Wine - Darien
Laurie Fahs Mr. and Mrs.Paul Mathis Jr. Rooney and Peggy Tillman Wayne and Marian Owens
LaVada Kendrick Mrs. Sam R. Cecil Rosemary Griggs Wesley and Jan Rogers
Len and Janis Hauss Nancy and Hank Boshears Rowland Cliatt Wesley and Molly Cottingham
Len Poleszak Nancy and Hank Ringeling Royce Hayes Whitworth Law Firm
Leslie B. Davenport, Jr. Nancy Shipman Coursey Russell and Molly Kent Wild Birds Unlimited
Lewis and Pam Shropshire Nancy Zeigler Russell and Whit Perrin Wright William A. Parker Jr.
Lillian Jenkins Nathan and Joyce Klaus Rusty Quarterman William C. Eisenhauer
Lillian Schaitberger Neal Priest Ruth Kelly William Harden
Linda Armstrong Nellie Sparrow Sally Bethea William J Ellis III and Jane Watt
Lindsay and Marie Holliday Neptune Garden Club Sally Mathis Balsley
Lisa Davidson Nila Geiger Sam Elliott William Jones
Lisa Mason Noel Hamilton Sandra Cerrato William Laws
Lisa Norton Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper Sandra Stribling William M Lester Jr
Lori and David Morley Olen Williams Sara Barczak and Anthony Jernigan William Meadows
Lorraine Koenn P Edmonds Sarah & Wilson Barmeyer Wilson and Patrica Thorpe
Louie Talmadge Lumley Parker and Mandlon Blount Satilla Riverkeeper, Inc. Wilson and Tracy Elder
Lucian DeBacker Pat Wilkinson Saundra and Cliff Altekruse Winn and Carolyn Baker
Lucy and Edgar Shaw Patricia and Wilson Thorpe Savannah Bee Company Zeke Gilmore
Lucy J. Mercuri Patty Martin Savannah Presbytery M.K.
Luke and Anne Smith Paul & Jane Christian Pentacost Ecology Fund
Lydia Thompson Paul and Annabelle Salter Scott Cunningham
Lynne Bayens Paul and Brenda Kordizikowski Scottie Lingerfelt, Sailfish Inn

15 Altamaha
 PRSRT STD
Altamaha US POSTAGE
PAID
P.O. Box 2642 PERMIT #15
Darien, Georgia 31305 DARIEN, GA

(912) 437-8164
www.altamahariverkeeper.org

RETURN ADDRESS REQUESTED

Board of Directors Staff

Bruce Berryhill, Cochran Bryce Baumgartner
Robert DeWitt, Darien Operations Manager
Wright Gres, Baxley James Holland
Kyla Hastie, Athens Altamaha Riverkeeper
Len Hauss, Reidsville
Neill Herring, Jesup Wendy Vazquez Galan
James Holland, Brunswick Altamaha Coastkeeper
Christi Lambert, Darien Constance Riggins
Marilyn Lanier, Cobbtown Development Director
John Pasto, Cochran
Ann Trapnell, Metter Deborah Sheppard
Mary Ellen Wilson, Eastman Executive Director
Becky Wood, Kathleen
Walt Wood, Kathleen
Whit Perrin Wright, Jasper
Your membership contributions allow us to keep working for our watershed. Your membership
expiration date is listed on your mailing label. Please send your tax deductible donation today.

Where is the Watershed

Thanks to the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island,
with special thanks to David and Mindy Egan,
Senator Jeff Chapman, Representative Debbie
Buckner, Jekyll Island Authority member Ed
Boshears, and the thousands of citizens who are
working to protect Jekyll. For more information
go to: www.savejekyllisland.org.
and why is it important?
The Altamaha River Watershed is Georgia’s largest, covering 14,000
square miles. Beginning near Atlanta and Athens, in the foothills of the
Appalachian Mountains, the water system sends one hundred thousand
gallons of fresh water a second to the Atlantic Ocean. Once it reaches
the coast, the watershed creates one of the most productive estuaries in
the country.
Georgia’s coast is less than a hundred miles long, but it contains one
third of the salt marsh on the United States’ Eastern coast. The
watershed’s rivers, small creeks, and streams feed the bountiful estuarine
ecosystem that provides the nursery grounds for commercially and
recreationally valuable fish and food for thousands of migratory birds.
More than 120 species of rare or endangered plants and animals live
in the Altamaha River Watershed - the largest documented cluster of
globally imperiled plants and animals of any watershed in Georgia.
Thousands of residents depend on the Altamaha River Watershed
for recreation, food, and drinking water.

How ARK Works: Assisting citizens with

The Altamaha Riverkeeper water pollution problems, the Altamaha
and its Altamaha Riverkeeper investigates sites to stop
Coastkeeper program pollution. ARK’s work includes water testing,
are working to protect documentation, and follow up reports to
and restore the habitat, local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to
water quality, and flow of the encourage the enforcement of water quality
mighty Altamaha from its laws. Through education, environmental
headwaters in the Oconee, advocacy, citizen action, negotiation, and if
Ocmulgee, and Ohoopee to its necessary, legal action, ARK finds solutions to
terminus at the Atlantic Coast. protect the health of our rivers and estuary.