Other Issues & Actions

In addition to our focus on Saving the Hemlocks, Lumpkin Coalition supports a number of other efforts that affect the quality of life in here in North Georgia. Read about them below and become involved in these important issues.

Stop I-3

An interstate has been proposed to connect Savannah, Ga. to Knoxville, Tenn. via Augusta, Ga. through our magnificent Appalachian Mountains (including part of the Great Smoky Mountain 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 new interstate from being constructed through our Piedmont or Appalachian regions.

Lumpkin Coalition supports the efforts of the Stop I-3 Coalition by raising awareness of the issue, directing folks to their well put together and informative website, and by getting petitions signed. We also remain open and available to other requests they may have for our help.

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 the construction of this road. Read the newest Stop I-3 Action Alert and find out how you can help before it's too late.

Also see our Stop I-3 page for information on the Corridor K issue.

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 Gov. Perdue did not apply.

River Monitoring & Clean-Up

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 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.

"Preserve Our Heritage" Project

Georgia is blessed with remarkable land. Our unmatched scenic vistas and diverse landscapes afford us an infinite variety of beauty and recreation, and our farms and timberlands help feed, clothe, and shelter the world. The land filters our water supply as rainfall makes its way into streams or underground aquifers, restoring and purifying this essence of life. When land gives us so much, we each have a stewardship role in caring for, improving, and passing our land forward to future generations.

-- Georgia Land Conservation Program

Responsible, long-range planning with a view toward conservation in Lumpkin County and North Georgia is essential if we want our home to remain a safe and healthy place to live, a viable habitat for wildlife and plants, and a desirable tourist destination. Fortunately, Georgia is a state that offers private landowners a number of programs that not only support the protection and conservation of scenic, economically important, and environmentally significant sites, but also provide financial assistance for land management practices, technical assistance for developing a plan to manage your land, and tax incentives for land conservation.

Lumpkin Coalition supports local land conservation efforts and would like to share some important resources with you in hopes that you will consider them thoughtfully. For additional information, please visit:

Landowner's Guide to Conservation Incentives
This guide, developed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, describes the major land conservation programs for private landowners in Georgia.
Conservation Programs for Georgians that Offer Financial Incentives and Technical Assistance
For those of you managing your Georgia property's natural resources, including wildlife, timber, soil, water, recreation, and aesthetics, there are several conservation programs offering millions in incentives and cost-share opportunities to help landowners.
A Landowner's Guide -- Conservation Easements for Natural Resource Protection
This is one of a series of resource papers on proactive strategies for a healthy environment, published by the Georgia Environmental Policy Institute and the Georgia Land Trust Service Center.
List of Georgia Land Trusts
This list of active land trusts in Georgia includes national, multi-state, statewide and local land trusts that are directly and actively involved in land conservation in Georgia.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

To stay informed about environmental legislation and receive alerts, join the Georgia Environmental Action Network (GEAN) by clicking here.

Click here to identify your legislators at My Elected Officials and their contact information.