Dr. Parker took us on a tour of the property and I was ready to go. That's when I

sent you the first email. My thinking was that, as it was an NGCSU

property, that students and staff would have more standing to influence the

fate of the tract.

The plan, if I understood Parker correctly, is to clear cut much of the

property and plant Long Leaf Pine as a forestry experiment.

Now the issue for me is starting to get a little complicated. Long Leaf

Pine habitat used to cover much of the coastal plain from Texas to Virginia.

It has declined to a few percentage points of its original range mostly due

to forestry practices with faster growing species being favored. And many

of the habitats other residents, such as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker have

declined as well.

On the other hand, the Long Leaf Pine is not native to this part of Georgia,

nor to flood plains like the Hurricane Creek tract.

The project is being spearheaded by the biology department head at NGCSU,

Dr. Nelson. I don't know what the thinking is behind this project.

I believe Dr. Parker would be willing to show you and anyone interested the

Property--I know he would like to have Dr. Potter walk the property.

Katie intends to circulate petitions on this. Do you have any suggestions

what might be done?

I have attached some pictures from our walk on the property. There is more

infrastructure than shown.

Thanks for your interest!

Greg and Linda Gilbert

Dahlonega

Highlights of Dr. James Parker's letter to NGCSU President Dr. Potter:

August 29, 2009

Hello Dr. Potter;

I have recieved a rebuttal from Dr. Nelson regarding my objections to cutting timber on the Hurricane Creek Tract; however I remain firm on the points I have raised as to why that is not necessary.  Further, I do not believe that the alternative areas, i.e. in the Pine Valley area having an abundance of acreage, have been fully investigated. These other areas would also not impact private roads and private property the way logging the Hurricane Creek tract would.  Dr. Nelson referred to the facilities, the outdoor classroom, the restroom and the storage facility as temporary structures.  But I can assure you they were never meant to be temporary.  The Classroom shelter is set in cement as well as the bulletin board.  Many students and I spent many hours constructing these using limited resources and hand tools.  They were designed to last for many years.  The culvert should not be disturbed as it would cause ecological damage to the creek than leaving it in place. 

I hope that you will take the opportunity to visit Hurricane Creek and walk its scenic trails. I believe that once you walk there you can understand why this area needs to be preserved. 

Sincerely;

James Parker