Wednesday, June 22, 2011 

Hello Tom Biebighauser:

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my email regarding Mike Rund’s article, ‘Hurricane Creek Stirs Storm of Concern, ‘ which was published June 22^nd 2011 in The Dahlonega Nugget. 

       My comments to your email are in italics, and your remarks are in regular script: 

       I am interested in assisting individuals across North America with wetland restoration projects.

       In the case of Hurricane Creek, (certified) wetlands were removed.
      We have developed techniques for restoring wetlands that benefit endangered species, fish, and wildlife.
      Can you help restore the wetlands at Hurricane Creek in the interests of (protecting) the fish and wildlife that are threatened (by pond constructions)?
      Many of the wetlands we have restored are cleaning run-off and reducing flooding.

      The ponds project, on the site of the removed wetlands, increases the prospect of flooding (damage to the natural area and its wildlife) rather than reducing it, due to its location square on a mapped riverine flood plain.  Construction of ponds will not deter flooding in this area, our experts agree, more to the opposite (see link following). 

We have RECENTLY OBTAINED living testimony that the area where the pond constructions are, the wetlands, and the area surrounding it, PERIODICALLY flood TO A LEVEL DEVASTATING TO ANY CONSTRUCTIONS.  THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY HISTORY OF THAT AREA, IN THAT NO PERMANENT CONSTRUCTIONS OR CABINS ARE EXTANT OR KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTED ON THIS FLOOD PLAIN.

https://sites.google.com/site/protecthurricanecreek/home/hurricane-creek-flood-plain

       Please let me know if you are interested in proceeding with a wetland restoration project in your area.

      Helping to restore the wetlands at Hurricane Creek is a special dream of mine.  I and others have given hundreds of hours collecting signatures, hiring a wetlands expert, and holding an auction to pay the $2500 bill.  We tried to protect Hurricane Creek and its wetlands…and we would love to help restore it.

Sincerely, 

Katie Klemenchich