Shenanigans
&
Notes from Previous Meetings
Welcome to
The Lumpkin Coalition's Web Site
Current Issues & Actions
Hemlocks: The Eastern and Carolina Hemlock trees are dying due to a spreading infestation of the Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an aphid-like insect native to Asia. Hemlock stands are among the only old growth forests in the east and are of great importance to wildlife, water quality, economy, and basic quality of life. If action is not taken soon, almost all of these magnificent trees will die within the next 10 years. Visit our Save the Hemlocks page to learn more.
Predator Beetle Labs: The Hemlock woolly adelgid reached the Dahlonega area a few years ago and has been multiplying at an explosive rate. While infestations on private property can be managed with chemicals, this type of control isn't feasible in our forests. It is hoped that having a complex of biological controls such as predatory beetles that feed only on adelgids will help control the population once we get enough out there.
There are now three research labs in Georgia that rear predator beetles for control of the woolly adelgid on public lands -- Young Harris College, University of Georgia, and North Georgia College and State University. Lumpkin Coalition has donated funds to support all three. Visit our Save the Hemlocks page to learn more.
Hemlock Help for Lumpkin Property Owners: Homeowners who would like to treat their own Hemlocks for the lowest possible cost or who want to contract with a qualified local professional for this service may call the Hemlock Help Line for information, advice, and assistance. Homeowners who need on-site help to inspect their Hemlocks, discuss treatment options, or possibly arrange for a volunteer treatment project may take advantage of the Private Landowners Assistance Team (PLAT) program. To learn more, please visit the Hemlock Help page.
HemlockFest: HemlockFest is a wonderful annual benefit festival sponsored by Lumpkin Coalition to raise awareness of the HWA problem and funds to help the Hemlocks. HemlockFest 2009 is held the first full weekend of November, so be sure to save the dates each year. Visit the HemlockFest page to learn more.
River
Monitoring and Cleanup: The importance of North
Georgia's rivers and streams is hard to overestimate. With the
increase of population in the area and the current drought conditions,
they are increasingly under stress and need our help.
The Lumpkin Coalition has implemented a committee to address water quality issues in north Georgia. Activities include monitoring the health of local waterways, advocating for water quality and responsible use of our water resources, and assisting in the organization of/and participation in river clean-ups, among other projects. Photos of the LC-sponsored Rivers Alive Clean-Up this past Fall are posted on the Rivers page.
More volunteers are urgently needed for river monitoring in Lumpkin County. If you live along or near a waterway and are interested in helping to protect our vital water resources, please contact us.
Stop I-3: An interstate
has been proposed to connect Savannah, Ga. to Knoxville, Tenn. through our magnificent Appalachian Mountains (including
part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). The devastation this
would cause our watersheds, rivers and streams, wildlife, air quality,
small towns and businesses, and overall quality of life is immeasurable
but assured. Please join the effort to stop this or any similar
interstate from being constructed through our Appalachian or Piedmont
regions.
Action Alert: The Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the study of the proposed Interstate 3 may be issued as soon as this fall. It’s crucial that the contractors bidding on this project know that many legislators and the citizens they represent in this area oppose construction of this road. Read the latest Action Alert from the Stop I-3 Coalition and find out how you can help before it's too late.
Stop I-3 Page: Please visit the new Stop I-3 page of our web site. In addition to the latest Action Alert, it contains:
- Maps of the originally proposed and potential alternate routes
- Key Impacts on the areas through which it may pass and the state as a whole
- A list of the counties, cities, and other organizations have passed Official Resolutions of opposition
- A Sample Letter that can be customized to your Congressmen, as well as their Contact Information
|
|
|
Mountain stream in the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina (photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service) |
Reconsider Corridor K: The Stop I-3 Coalition has brought to our attention another costly, destructive, unnecessary four-lane road that is on the fast track to completion in rural, mountainous western North Carolina. The route would stretch from Asheville, NC to Chattanooga, TN and would literally pave the way for Interstate 3 to slice through the mountains from Tennessee to Georgia, bringing with it air, water, and noise pollution, forever changing local communities, landscape and wildlife habitats, not to mention the waste of taxpayer money for projects that do not have a justified need or purpose.
Rather than this destructive and costly proposal, upgrades along the existing route should instead be thoroughly evaluated and considered. If you are concerned about the integrity of the southern Appalachians—the land and the people, and about irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars, take action. Express your concern to the NC DOT.
Don’t allow Corridor K to carve a swath of destruction through our mountains. Please read more in the new Reconsider Corridor K section of our Stop I-3 page.
Roadless Rule Act:
The decision on whether or not to keep our last
remaining roadless areas within our national forests roadless is now up
to the governor of each state. The burden is on keeping them
roadless. Through a complicated application process, each governor
must request the protection of these areas that were once protected by
law.
The good news is that some applicants have been granted the protection sought. The bad news is that Georgia's Governor Perdue did not apply, so it's all the more important that citizens voice their opinion to his office and stay vigilant about activities related to this issue.
Support
Volunteers: Lumpkin Coalition is an issue-based organization that welcomes all who are interested in preserving and enhancing our quality of life through a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth. We are 100% volunteers with no paid staff or officers and no membership dues -- just lots of hard-working folks who enjoy each other and our wonderful part of Georgia. We usually meet the first Tuesday of each month, as announced in the left column. So please visit the Contact Us page and come join us!
Donations: If you would like to support the efforts of Lumpkin Coalition through a financial contribution, please visit our Donations and Sponsors pages or click on Contact Us for our mailing address. Donations may be in the form of funds, materials, or services. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
