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Footprints & Paddledrips
Volume 4 Issue 4
Newsletter of the Georgia Nature-Based Tourism Association,
April, 2002
March Meeting Highlights
The March meeting of the GNTA was held on Tuesday, March 19 at the Baxley-Appling
Co. Board of Tourism office in Baxley with Director Lynn
Carter acting as host.
The featured speaker was Christine Griffiths of The
Nature Conservancy.
She presented a slide program on the unique Moody Swamp which was recently
acquired by the Nature Conservancy and is jointly managed by them and
the GA Dept. of Natural Resources.
The Moody Swamp is located along the shores of the Altamaha River and
is rich in species diversity.
Its cypress & black gum wetlands and adjacent longleaf pine forests
contain threatened wildlife and ancient trees.
The afternoon educational activity came in the form of visits to Appling
County's Heritage Center and also to Wildlife Art, a local gallery that
features South Georgia's wildlife in a variety of artistic mediums.
Georgia's Newest State Park
Okefenokee State Park (Suwannee River Section) Dedication--On
March 17 members of the GNTA revisited the site of their Fall 2000 Canoe
Excursion & Ecological Conference along the banks of the Suwannee
River near Fargo. (see Nov. 2000 Newsletter edition). The purpose was
to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new state park to be located
along Georgia's most famous waterway.
Fargo Mayor Patricia Oettmeier, a driving force behind its creation,
led the celebration, and many state and area dignitaries were in attendance
to participate in launching the next "jewel" in the crown of
the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources state park system.
Governor Roy Barnes gave the keynote address that described how
nature-based tourism has become an economic boon to rural communities
that spotlight their natural features.
As if to prove his point, two canoeists paddled along the river in the
background during the speeches.
It was learned that the new Okefenokee State Park will be composed of
the exisiting Stephen C. Foster State Park plus the addition of a Suwannee
River Section.
Land for the Suwannee River Section was donated by Superior Pine of
Fargo, a well-known leader in community involvement on the part of corporations.
The governor stated that this complex will become a model for Georgia's
state parks in the future.
The aim is for responsible development that takes in the entire picture
of nature-based tourism, not just its separate parts.
In addition, each step of the process is grounded in sound ecological
principals, such as use of recycled materials in construction and placement
of structures for lowest impact.
This new site will focus on preserving and presenting the historic and
beautiful Suwannee River that has its origins in the Okefenokee Swamp.
Features will include an eco-lodge, cabins, nature trails, exhibits,
& welcome center. The Fargo golf course has become part of this new
park as well.
For further information call 912-637-5597 (City of Fargo).
The GNTA has helped focus attention on this special area through its
meetings, regional conferences, and articles.
The Association as a group was asked to provide input for the project,
and several of its individual members provided assistance on a regular
basis. Ashton, Ashton, & Associates served as primary consultant,
and Jane Helms, of The Helmstead Bed & Breakfast was an early
and avid supporter.
Check the GNTA Resource Directory for members with ties to this area.
Proposed Titanium Mines for S. GA—A Continuing Concern
The Coastal Plain of Georgia contains an extensive system of sandy ridges
that represent ancient shorelines and offshore bars. Often, these areas
contain a variety of minerals such as titanium which is used for
golf clubs, in paints, and other products.
Opposition came from local business leaders and concerned citizens but
soon spread nation-wide.
Not only were they worried about the environmental impact of such a project
on the watershed, habitats, and wildlife, but they were also disturbed
about the inevitable negative economic impact on area nature-based tourism
businesses.
Thru much hard work, a compromise was reached that would result in the
federal government's purchase of the land designated for that project
and the addition of it to the refuge along with other beneficial projects
for the region.
However, a combination of "politics" and government regulations
stalled the process and funding has yet to be acquired.
Through the intervening years the GNTA has worked to create a network
of individuals, agencies, organizations, and other entities that work
to promote the idea that environmental protection and economic development
are not mutually-exclusive processes.
In fact, they come together most effectively in a responsible nature-based
tourism industry.
In recent months TE Consolidated of Australia has announced its desire
to develop titanium mines along the Satilla River near Lulaton in Brantley
Co., near Brunswick in Glynn Co., and near Yulee in Nassau Co.
in Florida.
Once again, history repeated itself. As in Charlton Co., the citizens
of the affected counties have spoken out against such projects with a
similar focus on the impact on nature-based tourism as well as the environment.
A victory was won in when the Glynn County Board of Commissioners voted
against issuing a permit for the site proposed there.
David Kyler, of the Center for a Sustainable Coast and
GNTA member, was a key force in helping defeat these plans.
His impressive comments to the commission can be read at their website:
www.sustainablecoast.com.
In the drive to boost the economy he states: "...we must look beyond
quick and easy solutions".
The process to take care of both the environment and the economy is a
challenging one, but one worth taking when you consider the alternative.
Okefenokee Swamp Scenic Highways Project
Those amazing women mayors of the Okefenokee Swamp are at it again.
Seemingly possessed with endless energy and ideas, a trio of South Georgia
officials are working together and ignoring city and county lines to provide
the nature-based tourist with a memorable path to their Okefenokee Swamp
destination.
Mayors Dixie McGurn (Folkston) in Charlton Co., and Patricia
Oettmeier (Fargo) and Carol Chambers (Homerville) in Clinch
have combined forces and are working to have area roads formally designated
as a Scenic Highway.
Portions of Highways 441 near Homerville & Fargo, 94 near Fargo &
St. George, and 121 near Folkston would be linked through this title.
These routes pass through farmlands, cypress creeks, pine forests in
different stages of growth, meadows, and marshes.
Roadsides are often ablaze with colorful native wildflowers, and travelers
have an excellent chance of spotting the rare and beautiful Swallow-tailed
Kite.
Brochures that describe the beauty of these sections would be produced
for the traveler, and efforts would be made on a regular basis to maintain
the quality of the surroundings thru such events as community trash-pick-ups.
Another win-win situation for that conservation/commerce conection.
Historical Tourism Commission
The GNTA has been placed on the list of interested citzens & organizations
that have been invited to present their views on what the State of Georgia
should be doing to promote history and tourism.
The Governor's Commission on Georgia History and Historical Tourism
was created to study a broad range of history, preservation, and tourism
issues.
These include Georgia history education, a state museum, partnerships
among public and private organizations, tourism, and economic development.
The next meeting will be Aug. 16 in Macon.
For further information contact Ed Jackson, Chair at 706-542736 or jackson@cviog.uga.edu.
Send Us Your News
Know about any interesting nature news, conservation concerns, or nature-based
events & conferences?
Please help spread the word by sending us a notice.
At each meeting member newsletters & other informative documents
will be available for display.
Association Schedule
General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of alternate months. If
you would like to host a future meeting, please contact the current president
no later than the 15th of the month preceding the gathering.
2002 (date/location/host)
May 28--Cypress Lake Plantation, Rhine--Eastman-Dodge Co. COC
Note: Hosts are needed for 2002 in Jul. 16, Sept. 17, &
Nov. 19
GNTA Contacts
Correspondence/membership
President:
Sheila Willis
326 Pineview Dr.
Waycross, GA 31501
912-285-0419
swillis@wayxcable.com
Newsletter Items (by last Monday of each month)
Vice President:
Karen Arms
P.O. Box 10585
Savannah, GA 31412
912-232-0032
karms@tootsytours.com
Billing statements
Treasurer:
Joy Campbell
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
912-496-7156
info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Members Spotlight
The GNTA is composed of a variety of individuals & entities who all
believe that conservation and commerce are inter-connected.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of Nature-based Tourism.
There is a shared sense of responsibility to our communities and our natural
resources.
Also, GNTA members believe in the importance of looking past artificial
boundaries of city, county, & state limits and those that separate
various agencies & organizations.
Each of us can reap benefits by examining the work & ideas of others.
In order to learn more about the individual members of the GNTA &
the focus of their work, a "Members' Spotlight" column is presented
here with excerpts taken from the members' brochures, flyers, and other
information sources. Additional members will be highlighted on a regular
basis.
Bull River Cruises
In 1999 Michael Neal created Bull River Cruises in order to carry
out his vision "to share the natural beauty of Coastal Georgia's
waterways with others" and to "provide quality educational opportunities
to explore Georgia's Coastal nature and history".
He accomplishes his mission through the use of the "Island Explorer",
a 45 ft., 49-passenger excursion vessel from a base at the Bull River
Yacht Club Marina in Savannah.
Trips include tours of Savannah & Wassaw National Wildlife Refuges,
sunset and
dolphin cruises, a visit to the University of Georgia Marine Extention
Center (Skidaway Aquarium), and isolated Ossabaw Island.
History, culture, and local commerce (seafood & shipping) are featured
in ones such as the Thunderbolt Tour and Daufuskie Island Adventure.
Neal has stated that the more people know about how our environment works
and our connections to it, the more they will want to protect it, and
nature-based tourism business are in the perfect position to provide that
education in a professional and memorable way.
This method can even be an effective selling point, he says, as in their
slogan: "Bull River Cruises offers more than just a dolphin Cruise,
we offer a learning experience in the Coastal Georgia Ecosystem."
Each cruise takes into account the particular interests of the visitor,
provides opportunities for hand-on experiences, interactive discussions,
and always "there will be times of just enjoying the scenery".
In order to provide a quality tour for their clients, BRC has formed
partnerships with other area entities and businesses such as local restaurants,
aquariums, and cultural sites.
In addition, the staff has participated in many conferences and projects
that seek to protect the natural resources without which they could not
operate.
They have worked closely with the Girl Scouts in providing tours that
would help them earn the Coastal Georgia Patch and expose legislators
and business leaders from around the country to our irreplaceable
salt marshes and barrier islands.
Plus, it is not uncommon for the "Island Explorer" to be offered
for use in fundraising activities by charitable organizations.
A priority with Neal is that Bull River Cruises be staffed with caring
people who want to learn and who follow the highest standards-of-ethics
for nature-based tourism.
For more information:
Bull River Cruises
8005 Old Tybee Road
Savannah, GA 31410
912-897-7300
www.bullriver.com
Center for a Sustainable Coast
The motto of this Center is: "conserving our natural heritage, investing
in our children's future on the Georgia coast".
It is a non-profit organization formed in 1997 and based on St. Simons
Island that "works to protect, preserve, and sustain coastal Georgia's
vital natural, cultural, and economic resources."
It takes as its definition of "sustainability" the following:
"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generation to meet their own needs."
A five-tier plan of action includes education, collaboration, advisement,
advocacy, and legal activity.
Attention is placed on "the conditions and trends of coastal Georgia's
environment, existing and potential economic value of nature-based businesses,
and improving the accountability and reliability of decisions significantly
affecting the coastal environment", as well as many other related
issues.
Executive Director David Kyler leads a team of talented and dedicated
professionals which "believes that it is time to reconsider how we
define progress before "progress ruins what coastal Georgians value
most."
In order to carry their mission, they have partnered with a variety of
organizations on special projects and organized or participated in multiple
environmental forums and workshops.
A successful union with the Conservation Resource Institute & the
Georgia Conservation Voters led to the development of criteria to help
guide the OneGeorgia Authority in rural economic development.
Also, they were there in the beginning for the creation of the Coastal
Greenway Project, which is the first state coastal trail plan in the Southeast.
This project provides alternative modes of transportation linking coastal
Georgia towns to major natural, recreational, educational, & historic
sites.
Additional areas of activity & issues of concern come under the headings
of: air quality & atmospheric deposition, water resources, fisheries
& nature-based businesses, development, environment (education &
value), and publications.
A few examples of recent topics on their agenda include: coastal marsh
hammocks, titanium strip mines, and air & water pollution.
The Center's web site contains a wealth of information on coastal concerns
and provides links to other agencies for further contact by concerned
citizens.
For more information:
Center for a Sustainable Coast
221 Mallory St.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-3612
www.sustainablecoast.com
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