A logging project on the delicate Hurricane Creek site in Lumpkin County threatens the biological integrity of the Hurricane Creek and Etowah River, its Darters, and the Eco system on the land. Across Hurricane Creek is a strong example of what devastation looks like. The proposed cutting project is experimental, not necessary, and not the best use of a wildlife preserve that is already ideally suited as a biology station. The Hurricane Creek tract should not be unduly disturbed because it is a habitat for animals, protected plants, and fish. OBJECTIONS TO CLEAR-CUTTING TIMBER AT HURRICANE CREEK: James Parker, ret. NGCSU was curator of Hurricane Creek Wildlife Preserve for over 10 years. "However, the problem [with logging] is that it would be causing damage to the soil and young hardwoods during the process...Given enough time, the hardwoods will dominate, making the area more productive for wildlife. [Logging would cause] peripheral damage (including entrance roads, soil, and desirable trees). I dislike monoculture forests that are maintained for the sole purpose of being cut down at some future point. Wildlife prefer diversity to meet their food and shelter requirements so I tend to favor what benefits them rather than economical benefits."
There is only one way to access the property
Would be hard to reach without damaging structures & desirable vegetation Culvert is rusted through and would not handle heavy truck traffic Truck traffic would severely damage roads Resident at end of River Highlands Rd. would object due to likelihood of damage to utilities under the roadway Access road would have to be repaired after timbering Contrary to the original mission statement relative to property use Gate would have to be left open leaving area unsecure Private land owners in area would object to damage to road Truck traffic would damage underground water line in roadway south of creek Truck traffic would severely damage parking area Truck traffic would severely damage road down hill from parking area to shelter The scenic beauty of the area would be damaged for many years About $100,000 worth of effort has been put into the Hurricane Creek Tract project Structures (restroom, bulletin board, shelter, etc.) could be damaged by heavy equipment Some sites where much effort has been expended could be obliterated (e.g., wetland area) Natural succession (with some artificial help) is gradually trending toward a more mature forest. Clear-cutting would disrupt this for 50 years. Long-leaf pine is not native to northeast Georgia. It would take 15-20 years to produce a significant stand, and it would not be significantly beneficial to wildlife. Upon clear-cutting, it would be a constant battle to maintain pine seedlings. Blackberry, privet, honeysuckle, and poison ivy would grow rapidly and hinder growth. The Etowah River and Hurricane Creek are already threatened waterways. No matter how wide a buffer, there would still be a detrimental effect on these streams. Both Contain one fish species on the federal endangered list and one fish on the Georgia Endangered species list. Several very desirable but uncommon plant species occur on the area: coral honeysuckle, chestnut, chinquapin and pink lady slipper. The pink lady slipper (Cypripedium acaule) is a protected species in Georgia and a couple of colonies of them lie in the proposed path of clear-cut.
James Parker's Background: ...knows the area better than anyone else. ...has worked on developing and maintaining the area for over 10 years. ...has constructed or supervised the construction of all improvements on the area.
Uses supported by the project mission: (See Hurricane Creek Origen Documents) The tract is to serve as a wildlife conservation area. The tract is to be maintained as a scenic area. The track may be used as a recreation area, to include hiking, nature walks, fishing, camping and photography. The tract is to serve as a biological station and study facility for faculty and student research projects.
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Objections to Logging Hurricane Creek |