Shenanigans
&
Notes from Previous Meetings
Welcome to
LumpkinCoalition.org
The Lumpkin Coalition is a 100% volunteer non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization formed to facilitate projects that benefit North Georgia, Lumpkin County, its residents and visitors. We are dedicated to preserving quality of life for all those who share it. To this end, we support the preservation of a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth.
Hemlockfest Tickets available online now!
Current Issues & Actions
Hemlocks: The Eastern and Carolina Hemlock trees are dying due to a spreading infestation of the Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an aphid-like insect native to Asia. Hemlock stands are among the only old growth forests in the east and are of great importance to wildlife, water quality, economy, and basic quality of life. If action is not taken soon, almost all of these magnificent trees will die within the next 10 years. Visit our Save the Hemlocks page to learn more.
Predator Beetle Labs: The Hemlock woolly adelgid reached the Dahlonega area a few years ago and has been multiplying at an explosive rate. While infestations on private property can be managed with chemicals, this type of control isn't feasible in our forests. It is hoped that having a complex of biological controls such as predatory beetles that feed only on adelgids will help control the population once we get enough out there.
There are now three research labs in Georgia that rear predator beetles for control of the woolly adelgid on public lands -- Young Harris College, University of Georgia, and North Georgia College and State University. Lumpkin Coalition has donated funds to support all three. Visit our Save the Hemlocks page to learn more.
Hemlock Help for Lumpkin Property Owners: Homeowners who would like to treat their own Hemlocks for the lowest possible cost or who want to contract with a qualified local professional for this service may call the Hemlock Help Line for information, advice, and assistance. Homeowners who need on-site help to inspect their Hemlocks, discuss treatment options, or possibly arrange for a volunteer treatment project may take advantage of the Private Landowners Assistance Team (PLAT) program. To learn more, please visit the Hemlock Help page.
HemlockFest: HemlockFest is a wonderful annual benefit festival sponsored by Lumpkin Coalition to raise awareness of the HWA problem and funds to help the Hemlocks. HemlockFest 2009 is held the first full weekend of November, so be sure to save the dates each year. Visit the HemlockFest page to learn more.
River
Monitoring and Cleanup: The importance of North
Georgia's rivers and streams is hard to overestimate. With the
increase of population in the area and the current drought conditions,
they are increasingly under stress and need our help.
The Lumpkin Coalition has implemented a committee to address water quality issues in north Georgia. Activities include monitoring the health of local waterways, advocating for water quality and responsible use of our water resources, and assisting in the organization of/and participation in river clean-ups, among other projects. Photos of the LC-sponsored Rivers Alive Clean-Up this past Fall are posted on the Rivers page.
More volunteers are urgently needed for river monitoring in Lumpkin County. If you live along or near a waterway and are interested in helping to protect our vital water resources, please contact us.
Support
Volunteers: Lumpkin Coalition is an issue-based organization that welcomes all who are interested in preserving and enhancing our quality of life through a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth. We are 100% volunteers with no paid staff or officers and no membership dues -- just lots of hard-working folks who enjoy each other and our wonderful part of Georgia. We usually meet the first Tuesday of each month, as announced in the left column. So please visit the Contact Us page and come join us!
Donations: If you would like to support the efforts of Lumpkin Coalition through a financial contribution, please visit our Donations and Sponsors pages or click on Contact Us for our mailing address. Donations may be in the form of funds, materials, or services. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
