Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
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Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
MISCELLANY
FEATURES AMERICAN CHESTNUT TREE BY BILL “WILD BILL” MAHER PHOTOGRAPHS BY R. CAMP & J. MAHER
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HELPING BRING FDR TO HIS PARK BY DAVID BURKE & JODY RICE PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID BURKE
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FDR INTERPRETIVE VOLUNTEERS BY JODY RICE PHOTOGRAPHS BY HODDY & WAGGENER
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IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS BY CINDY REITENGER PHOTOGRAPHS BY NAOMI WAGGENER
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UP-DATE: WILDLIFE AMBASSADORS BY EARTHQUEST PHOTOGRAPHS BY HODDY & WAGGENER
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CRAFTMANSHIP SHOWCASE WOODCARVING 101
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WHITE CANDLE TRAIL
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
12 1 out of 4 trees were an American Chestnut in southest forest, until a blight was introduced during the 1930’s. These trees average 8 ft in diameter and 100 plus ft tall. Photo to the left: Family standing in front of an old, hollow chestnut tree in Tremont Falls, Tenn., circa 1920. The tree was later felled and used to retain dirt fill during the construction of a railroad. Story on page 3.
MISSION: The mission of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to serve the present and future citizens of Georgia by managing our natural resources in a manner that sustains their worth through conservation, protects and enhances their integrity through regulation and enforcement, fosters stewardship through education, and balances resource use with protection of the public health, safety and well-being.
VISION: DNR strives for excellence in protecting, enhancing, and preserving Georgia’s natural and historic resources for the present and future generations of Georgia. COVER: The photo of Harris Hawk soaring above the heads of on lookers in F.D. Roosevelt State Park, GA. PHOTO BY NAOMI WAGGENER
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Winter 2006
American Chestnut Tree
Volume 2, Issue 2 Chestnut Foundation; Bob Johnston from Micrometrics; Abe Winters and John Routon from Tree Climbing USA; and Jeff Newman from TreeTrek Adventures. The list of the missing also included a large number of volunteers who had helped haul heavy equipment to the tree several times during the summer, then hauled it back out at the end of every workday. Klaus and Keehn had previously said this tree was particularly important because it is the southernmost flowering tree they have discovered, and it appears to be more resistant to chestnut blight than other nearby American chestnuts.
Ronnie Camp, Bill Maher, Tim Keyes, Nathan Klaus, and David Keehn
It was still three days before the official start of autumn, but Monday, Sept. 18, was the only available day that tree climbers and researchers could get together for the fall harvest of the carefully pollinated and protected nuts of an extremely rare American chestnut tree. This tree had been found last spring at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park near Warm Springs, Ga. We met at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Dowdell’s Knob, the heavily wooded western point of a secondary ridge on Pine Mountain. This was the exact spot where, according to legend, President Roosevelt in the 1930s came up with the idea for the Civilian Conservations Corps. Our group included Jody Rice, the senior interpretive ranger at the 10,000-acre state park; Ronnie Camp from the American Chestnut Foundation and Micrometrics Inc.; Jo Meyer from the Pine Mountain Trail Association; climber Glenn Biggerstaff from Maryland; and brother Joe and myself. We were missing a number of people who had been involved earlier in the project. The missing people included Nathan Klaus, a biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources who discovered the tree last spring; Dave Keehn from the American
SOUTHERNMOST FLOWERING TREE THEY HAVE DISCOVERED The American chestnut was nearly wiped out in the early 20th century by the blight that arrived in New York City in a shipment of plants. Up until that time, American chestnuts had been among the largest and most popular Bill Maher inspecting a blightshade and nut invested American Chestnut trees in the Photo Credit: J. Newman eastern U.S., reaching a height of 100 feet or more. Young trees still grow out of the stumps of the dead trees, but the slow-growing trees normally succumb to the blight long before they reach maturity. Fortunately, the blight did not affect the American chestnut’s very close cousin, the Chinese chestnut. The Chinese chestnut, which usually grows only to about 30-35 feet, now thrives in most of the states along the Eastern Seaboard. Scientists have been working for more than 60 years to crossbreed the Chinese and American versions of the chestnut to create a blight-resistant tree.
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Winter 2006 After “our” tree was discovered, several climbers got together in early summer and set up an extensive traverse system between four surrounding trees. This allowed us to reach almost to the very top of the target American chestnut tree. It took about two hours to set up the system every time we climbed and almost that long to tear it down each evening. We could not climb the chestnut tree itself because it was too rare, too valuable, too thin, and too delicate.
Volume 2, Issue 2 Our goal on Monday was to snip the thin ends of the branches and allow the carefully numbered bags to fall to the ground. Each would hopefully contain one or more pollinated nuts. Ronnie Camp then collected each bag and packaged them to be sent to the foundation’s lab. We tried to reach the bags from the ground with a pruning pole, but most were still out of reach. Joe and Jody did the actual traversing to collect the bags while I cleaned out a lot of suckers and smaller limbs from a nearby oak that was preventing direct sunlight from reaching another nearby American chestnut. Camp said the increased sunlight would help the second chestnut to flower next spring and would give the foundation another source for pollinated nuts. Glenn, admittedly still new to tree climbing, made one climb to help set up the traverse system. He then joined Jo Meyer to do ground support for the crew.
(Left to Right) Ronnie Camp and Glenn Biggerstaff assisting Joe Maher accessing the canopy
In June we had climbed up on the traverses and dipped each young flower into a medicine bottle filled with hybrid pollen that was 1/8th Chinese chestnut and 7/8th American chestnut. Paper bags were then placed around the 30 pollinated flowers (each flower produces a burr and each burr produces 3 nuts, thus making a total possibility of 90 viable nuts), and the bags were tied at their mouths. We had returned to the tree in late July to inspect the bags and work with Georgia Public Television on a 90-minute documentary they were filming about efforts to restore American chestnuts to the nation’s forests. The documentary is tentatively scheduled to be aired later this year, but an exact date has not been set.
Joe Maher collecting burrs
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Winter 2006 There was one bag left in the tree when a severe thunderstorm rolled into the area from the west and drenched us with more than an inch of rain in less than 15 minutes. Although the rain soon tapered off, there was still a lot of lightning in the area, and Ronnie Camp made the decision to abandon the final bag.
Ronnie Camp is inspecting a double burr
Volume 2, Issue 2
Craftsmanship Showcase Woodcarving 101 Woodcarving is one of the oldest traditional arts that has beginnings since humans have lived in caves. Woodcarving has been used for spiritual emphasis by traditional cultures and in today’s modern museums across the world as an art form. Many ask, “What is the difference between wood carving and whittling?” This is a fair question. The two main distinctions are apparent in the dictionary definitions of the two terms. To whittle, Webster’s dictionary says, is “to cut or shape wood by slowly paring it with a knife.” But woodcarving, it says, is “the art of fashioning or ornamenting objects of wood by cutting with a sharp implement held in the hand.” Thus, while whittling is usually limited to the use of a knife; woodcarving is considered an art, while whittling is not.
We were thoroughly tired and completely soaked, but somehow we managed to haul all the gear and ropes back up the mile-long mountain trail to the parking area. Wet gear and wet ropes, we discovered, weigh about double their dry weight. Plans are already under way for next spring to daylight, fertilize, pollinate, and eventually cultivate both the “Klaus” tree and the nearby smaller trees.
Becky Waggener finishing heart Photo Credit: Naomi Waggener The Woodcarving 101 participants found out that woodcarving is an art form and by working with various medias could create their own unique works of art.
♦By Bill “Wild Bill” Maher ♦Photographs By
Ronnie Camp & Joe Maher
The participants worked in the round and relief, creating a meaningful experience and developing a talent that will enable them to express themselves.
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Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
Helping Bring FDR Back to His Park In 1924, President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) came to Warm Springs, Georgia to seek treatment for the polio that had stricken him three years earlier. During his stay, he adventured out into the rural communities to talk with farmers about their lives. While on one of his outings he went to Dowdell’s Knob, the highest point on Pine Mountain at 1,395 feet above sea level. From there, he had commanding views of the valley below. Dowdell’s Knob became a favorite place for FDR to rejuvenate his soul and contemplate more than could be imagined about the future of America and the world.
Those that visit Dowdell’s Knob today can discover its historical significance and if they listen carefully, will hear the echoes of FDR’s era emerge from the quietness. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is going to honor America’s only four-time elected President with a life size bronze statue at Dowdell’s Knob. The sculpture will depict FDR on top of an automobile seat enjoying the panoramic view below, just as he did during the 1920s and 30s, even on the afternoon before his death at the Little White House on April 12, 1945.
In addition, an interpretive panel will be placed near the memorial to describe how important FDR was to Pine Mountain, America, and the world. It will explain some of FDR’s New Deal Programs including the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). To help fund this project, fifteen limited edition bronze maquettes, measuring 16” x 18” x 12”, are available to purchase. The museum quality maquettes cost $6,500 and will fund the casting of the full-sized bronze statue. The expected project of commissioning, installing, and enhancing Dowdell’s Knob scenic overlook will cost $100,000. To date, visitors to Roosevelt’s Little White House have provided donations in the sum of $20,000. Private collectors have purchased several of the maquettes and there are still three opportunities remaining to own one. For more information go to: http://gastateparks.org/net/content/go.aspx ?s=113967.0.1.5&mode=e. The statue depicts FDR sitting on his removable car seat with his leg braces exposed. The statue is designed so visitors can sit next to the president and have their photograph taken.
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Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
Meet the Artist
"I wanted the sculpture to be strong, wise, and intimate," says Dawe while sculpting a Maquette. "Capturing FDR's likeness was just a matter of studying photos and video, but capturing his character and legacy was another matter."
Martin Dawe, the Atlanta sculptor selected to create the bronze statue of FDR, excels in a variety of mediums and is adept at figurative and representational styles, ranging from loose, impressionistic work to traditional sculptures with a late 19th century style. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dawe grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. After studying at Boston University's School of Fine Arts, he received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Georgia State University. Dawe apprenticed for eight years under Julian Harris, a distinguished sculptor and Georgia Tech professor emeritus of architecture. Dawe leads a team of talented apprentices at his 6,000-square-foot studio near downtown Atlanta. Here, they blend state-of-the-art technology with a disciplined, classical approach. You can view Dawe's portfolio at www.cherrylion.com
Martin Dawe, Paul Nelson, Dan White, Ronnie Eakins, Abit Massey, Don McGhee, Dr. Toby Raper, Jody Rice and David M. Burke Photo Credit: DNR
WHEN THE STATUE IS PLACED, WE HOPE THAT AS PEOPLE SIT UPON THE CAR SEAT NEXT TO FDR, THEY WILL BE INSPIRED BY THE DECISIONS HE MADE, WHICH STILL AFFECT ALL OF OUR LIVES TODAY.
♦By David Burke, Interpretive Ranger & Jody Rice, Interpretive Ranger ♦Photographs By David Burke, Interpretive Ranger
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Winter 2006
FDR Interpretive Volunteers We Can Do It The goal of FDR State Park’s Interpretive Programming is to protect, enhance, and preserve Georgia’s natural and historic resources for all ages and individuals of all walks of life through educating and enlightening our clients that come here and through stewardship. Meaningful and experiential interpretive programs have been created to meet the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ mission statement, spawn creativity and individual growth, build leadership skills, and meet Georgia’s Performance Standards.
Volume 2, Issue 2
it shows in all of their efforts and time. FDR Interpretive Volunteers reach out to every wide-eyed child and every adult’s spirit that comes to FDR State Park so that our clients can experience the natural, cultural, and historical resources of this mountain area. From Technical Tree Climbing to editing and photography, our volunteers provide irreplaceable assistance and leadership. Though they are too numerous to mention all of them individually, all of their efforts are greatly appreciated.
Projects such as the FDR State Park American Chestnut Tree Project and the Documentary Project have also been undertaken this year. A few DNR Rangers could not have accomplished all this. It takes a team effort that encompasses a wide variety of groups and organizations to make this possible. Most of the individuals that encompass these groups are not paid employees but volunteers. These volunteers span in talent and experience that has added a richness and depth to the team. The volunteers have professional backgrounds that range from construction workers, lawyers, photographers, and educators. These volunteers have graced FDR State Park’s Interpretive Programming and
Ken Hendricks, tree monitor, giving instruction at one of DNR TCR’s Open Tree Climb
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Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
Recognition should be noted for the following individuals for their selfless services:
Baldwin, Joshua Camp, Ronnie Hall, Jim Hendricks, Randie Hendricks, Ken Hoddy, Steve Keehn, David Luft, Irene Luft, Paul Johnston, Bob Maher, Bill Maher, Joe Newman, Jeff Rice, Chuck Rountan, John Waggener, Naomi Wait, Amy Weeks, Michael ! Winters, Abe
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
AND TO THE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE DONATED THEIR TIME FOR THE PURPOSE OF STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE IN PROTECTING, ENHANCING, AND PRESERVING GEORGIA’S NATURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES FOR THE PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF GEORGIA. FDR State Park is deeply grateful for the contributions from all of you. Thank you for helping us help others.
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN--HAVE A GOOD JOURNEY,
Steve Hoddy and Harriet Photo credit: Naomi Waggener
♦Jody Rice Interpretive Ranger
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Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
Important Bird Area F.D. Roosevelt State Park is the first state park in Georgia to be named an Important Bird Area (IBA). It has recently been added to a list of 44 other designated sites around the state. As stated by the Atlanta Audubon Society, “An IBA is a site that provides an essential habitat to one or more species of Georgia’s breeding and nonbreeding birds. These are generally discrete sites that support one or more high priority species, large concentrations of birds, exceptional habitat and/or have substantial research value. Such sites may be protected or unprotected, public or private, and any size amenable to conservation efforts.”
The Important Bird Area (IBA) program is a worldwide effort to identify and conserve key breeding and feeding sites for birds. BirdLife International and the National Audubon Society coordinate the efforts. If you think your site may qualify as an IBA, refer to the criteria for nominating a site posted on www.atlantaaudubon.org. Note: A little bird told me that Fort Mountain and Cloudland Canyon are already potential candidates if anybody can provide a list of birds known to occur at those sites.
♦Cindy Reittinger Interpretive Specialist
White Candle Trail
Ronnie Eakins, D. Neal Wickham, Carol Carson, Jody Rice, Jim Hall, Don McGhee, Jake Weeks, Ella Rose Land, and Hannah McGhee
Photo Credit: N. Waggener
In order to be selected as an IBA, a site must meet at least one of the five criteria as determined by an elite committee of bird experts in Georgia. According to Jim Wilson, Georgia’s IBA Coordinator, FDR meets three of the five criteria. It provides a unique habitat, it is a site where significant numbers of birds concentrate for breeding during migration or in winter, and it is important to species of high conservation concern, including wood thrush, gray gnatcatchers, summer tanagers, prairie warblers, and hooded warblers.
Named after the long white growth buds of the Longleaf Pine Tree, the White Candle Trail was officially opened to all hikers on December 9, 2006. Over 55 hikers came to the vinecutting ceremony and then joined the Pine Mountain Trail Association for a hike on the 2.5-mile White Candle Trail. The trail winds through valleys flowing with streams and goes upwards to vistas that allows one to view Dowdell’s Knob and the valley below.
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Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
Up-date: Wildlife Ambassadors
“Our” Wildlife Ambassadors are speaking volumes through their behaviors and beauty. These environmental experiential educational programs are designed to enhance awareness and illustrate the true nature of these majestic animals by seeing live demonstrations of their natural abilities through trained behavior. Audiences are given an unparalleled experience that books, television, and multi-media cannot provide.
S. Hoddy and Renegade
As our world becomes more and more populated, the stress on the environment increases. If we do not take measures to balance the effect that people have on our natural world, there may not be much of a future for anyone. In this country billions are spent on what ultimately ends up being trivial endeavors. Imagine the positive impact that 100 million dollars spent on motion pictures could have in helping develop an alternative fuel supply or supporting our national wildlife refuges.
EarthQuest has collaborated with F.D. Roosevelt State Park to promote environmental education and preservation through first-hand experiences with wildlife.
Since F.D. Roosevelt State Park has started this collaboration with EarthQuest, we have enabled people to understand our natural world and respect the Bubba-lewie at role it plays Wildlife Festival in our mutual survival. This is evident by the growing interest in volunteer activities at the park and increased support through donations. It is apparent that when one looks into the eyes of wildlife, they see a reflection of their soul. This connection between humans and wildlife is bringing people and nature together.
Thank you for your support, ♦By EarthQuest ♦Photographs By Hoddy, Waggener
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Winter 2006
Volume 2, Issue 2
NOCTURNAL TREE CLIMB
JANUARY 6, 2007 6P.M.-10P.M.
Join us aloft in The Hendricks Tree, a wonderful 90 ft. tall white oak, which is our living classroom. This climb is a nocturnal climb that will include Florescent Lichen and other florescent critters of the night, astronomy studies, and other night climbing activities. We may even have our local nighttime denizen the Barred Owl, join us. For ages 10 and up. $15.00 per-person. Pre-registration is required..
HORSE FAIR
MARCH 5, 2007 11A.M.-3P.M.
Become horse wise as experts give demonstrations on saddling, hitching up horses to wagons, horse care and maintenance, and training. Join us at the Roosevelt Stables. $10.00 for horse rides; $5.00 for pony rides (for ages 9 and under).
BACK TO THE 50’S DANCE
JULY 7, 2007 7P.M.-10P.M.
Go back in time to poodle skirts, bobby socks and hoola hoops—the wonderful 1950’s. Meet at the Park Office Amphitheater for 50’s trivia and custom contest.
_______________________________________________ For more information concerning program activities, Volunteer contact: FDR State Park 2970 GA Hwy. 190 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 706-663-4858 Email:
[email protected] www.gastateparks.org/info/fdr/
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