Welcome to the Lumpkin Coalition Website
The Lumpkin Coalition is a 100% volunteer nonprofit 501c3 charitable organization formed to address issues concerning North Georgia, Lumpkin County, and its residents. We are dedicated to preserving quality of life for all those who share it. To this end we support the preservation of a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth.
Donations
If you would like to donate to this cause right now, either click Contact Us for our mailing address, or go to our new donation site.
Current Issues and Actions
Information about this year's Beetle Battle Paddle!
IMPORTANT: Read the new action alert from Georgia Forest WatchNEW: Hemlock Hotline. If you have questions about your hemlock trees or information about infestations please call the hemlock hotline 706-864-4787. For more information please click on the link.
NEW: Please vist the website for our new beetle lab at NGCSURead "Wildlife Habitat Associations in Eastern Hemlock Birds, Smaller Mammals, and Forest Carnivores" Newsletter.
Read our most recent Meeting Notes and Volunteer Opportunities.
Hemlocks: The eastern and Carolina hemlock trees are dying due to a spreading infestation of the hemlock woolly adelgid, 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.
Read the HemlockFest 2008 Press Release
Hemlockfest 2008: November 7th, 8th, and 9th - Hemlockfest is a benefit music festival to raise awareness and funds to help save the eastern and Carolina hemlock trees. Funds raised will be used to support adelgid devouring beetle rearing labs. Three labs in Georgia are currently in need of support: one at UGA, one at NGCSU and the another at Young Harris. Our efforts In 2006 largely contributed to the establishment of a beetle rearing laboratory at the University of Georgia. The Young Harris lab has done a fantastic job from a small facility and is expanding its operation. All donations in support of this cause are 100% tax deductible.
Roadless Rule Act: The decision of whether or not to keep our last remaining roadless areas that are within our national forests roadless is now up to the governor of each state. The burden is put 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 is not applying.
I-3: An interstate has been proposed to connect Savannah, Ga. to Knoxville, Tenn. via Valdosta, Ga. and our Magnificent Appalachian Mountains (including through Great Smoky Mountain National Park). The devastation this would cause our watersheds, rivers and streams, our wildlife, our air quality, our small towns and businesses, and our 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 organization 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.
River Monitoring and Clean-up: The Lumpkin Coalition is proposing to start a committee to address water issues. Activities may include the monitoring (health) of streams and rivers as well as assisting in the organization of/and participation in river clean-ups among other projects.