HURRICANE CREEK PETITION 

We, the undersigned, oppose the logging of the  'Hurricane Creek Tract Wildlife Conservation Area,' a 62 acre North Georgia College and State University owned tract on the Etowah River.  

Hurricane Creek is rich in biodiversity of flora and fauna.  'Hurricane Creek' includes a wet weather wetlands, 42 kinds of trees and shrubs, 9 kinds of vines and creepers, 43 kinds of other kinds of flowering plants including the Georgia protected Pink Lady Slipper, and 5 kinds of non flowering plants. There are 17 kinds of fish including the state endangered Holiday Darter and federally endangered Etowah darter, 6 kinds of amphibians, and 10 kinds of reptiles.  

The Hurricane Creek tract serves as part of an informal wildlife corridor and logging would harm existing wildlife.  We object to this aspect of the project because this forestry project could be done elsewhere on college property without disturbing the Hurricane Creek tract. 

In addition to logging, this pristine area would be damaged by heavy earth moving equipment.  In spite of adhering to buffers such logging still threatens Hurricane Creek and the Etowah River with additional siltation.  In addition, this project entails the removal of the existing infrastructures including an outdoor classroom-pavilion. 

We urge NGCSU to take a leadership role in protecting the Etowah River, one of the most ecologically diverse and valuable rivers in the United States. We encourage the ongoing use of the Hurricane Creek Tract by the college and community as a biology station and other educational uses.