More Information on Settles Bridge Clean up

[Korn Dunker]

Here is a more detailed plan for the clean up. This is a great way for NGTO to get involved with other groups and make a difference.

Pete

Trout Unlimited Community Outreach & information Programs'
Settles Bridge Clean-Up Project

When: March 6, 2004 clean up from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Recreational activity will be available after the cleanup project.

What: A project to meet the following objectives of the Trout Unlimited
Community Outreach and Education Program. The objectives are:

a. Improve conditions of parkland by removal of trash, non-native plants and installation of an educational kiosk donated by Trout Unlimited.

b. Provide a vehicle for multiple organizations to work together thereby forging unity between groups that have not worked together and create greater understanding and cooperation between groups. This new cooperation will help all groups achieve common goals now and in the future.

c. Provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in a community service project.

d. Bring attention to the value of the Chattahoochee River to the local area residences, business and visitors.

Why: Reduction of funding from National and State agencies has created a need for public involvement. Increased public involvement will create a greater awareness and respect for this valuable resource. The land is newly acquired and is has not been developed by the National Park Service. The area is subject to dumping and is in a neglected state. This will be the first of hopefully many River Rescue projects undertaken by multiple groups working in cooperation for a common goal.

Where: Settles Bridge unit of the National Parks Chattahoochee River Park System. This area is located in Gwinnett County. We are hoping to be able to shuttle people from a local school. From Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Go west on West Price Road, north on Suwanee Dam Road, then west on Johnson Road to the park.

Who: Any groups or individuals who support the principles of balanced use and preservation of the Chattahoochee River are invited to participate.

How: With the cooperation of the following groups we hope to accomplish:

a. National Parks Service to oversee general operations on our park area.

b. Georgia DNR has offered to provide trout for stocking to provide enhanced fishing opportunities for those who participate in the clean up.

c. Contact with the US Corp of Engineers promises that the generation schedule will not conflict with the cleanup efforts on the river.

d. Trout Unlimited will provide coordination for all groups.

e. Chattahoochee Coldwater Fishery Foundation will be providing a flotilla of jet boats and possibly a bobcat for the removal of large objects from the opposite bank and the riverbed
.
There is more information than can be listed here. If you would like to participate please contact Bruce Rickey at bruceandjulie@comcast.net or call 770-565-0792. More information will be provided at that time and as it becomes available.

[duane]

Pete,
Thanks for putting this on here, I got this message today also, which brings me to a question, could someone please tell me how to post an e-mail or an article from the web on here?
Thanks,
Duane

[Timberdogg]

Thank you for this effort, and the update. I fish there as often as three times a week, and it makes me crazy to see what has happened, and is still happening, there. I will be there! Jeff

[ASago]

Duane,

Email me with the article and I will make sure we get it posted.

Aaron

[THE EG]

I should be able to bring the kids.

Put a nail on the end of a stick and they'll pick up trash for hours. Just don't tell them it's work...

and stay out of they're way! After all, it's a stick with a nail on it. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif

[Korn Dunker]

EG, Tell them to bring their rods too, there ought to be a few fish to be had afterwards.

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Pete

[Windknot]

Sign me up, Pete, and let's not tell everyone how much can be learned about an area during a cleanup project! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif
Don

[Jerry Adams]

I'm in too.

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Thanks,
Jerry

[Fire Walker]

I am In

[Bob M]

I'm in

[W. Donald Newton]

Even in the remotest, most unlikliest of improbabilities that I could be awake at such an unwholesome hour on a Saturday morning http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif what tools should I bring to the dig (besides my rapier-like wit)?

If Cindy Garrison is on IN SEARCH OF FLY WATERS I could be a tad tardy.

Cheers,

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Don

[duane]

Thank Aaron, the article I wanted to post was the one Korn Dunker posted.
A reminder, we can use all the help we can get, this is a great project and want to get as many folks involved as possible, we are shooting for around a hundred folks, hope to see lots of you there!

Thanks,
Duane

[THE EG]

"they're"?

What kind of a possessive is that.

South Georgia educational system slipping through. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif

[Korn Dunker]

To all who are volunteering to work on this project. Please email Bruce Rickey at bruceandjulie@comcast.net with your name and phone number. He is the coordinator for this project and he needs a hard count asap. He doesn't frequent the board alot, so an email will make his job alot easier. Thanks,

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Pete

[Glenn Scott]

I plan on coming up...just e-mailed Bruce. I'm guessing gloves, trash bags, waders, and a rod would be appropriate equipment? Will there be a "cat-herder" there to keep us all from trying to get a line wet rather than pick up trash?!!!
Glenn

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Glenn

[Korn Dunker]

bump

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Pete

[vonchim]

I'm in.

[GregLS]

Bruce Rickey, who has spearheaded this project, was at The Westsiders Meet and Greet at Olde Towne Grill tonight with a few of his TU comrades to build support for this project. He has put a lot of sweat into organizing this project and needs as many people as we can muster to attend the workday. The most important part here is that those who are going to attend email him at bruceandjulie@comcast.net with your name (first and last not your NGTO board name http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif ) so that he can have an accurate count of those volenteering for his records in the process of aquiring this grant.

If you are members of "Any groups or individuals who support the principles of balanced use and preservation of the Chattahoochee River" and want to organize them to participate on the project please email Bruce with your details about your group.

Thanks! I hope to see you there! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[The Ole Man]

Bruce did a nice presentation this evening and had some photos of the area. There is a lot of "heavy duty" trash to clean up--like lawnmowers and washing machines and other similar stuff to be pulled from the river bottom. The county is providing two dumpsters for the removal. First 100 to sign up get a special event T-shirt. Bruce had about 52 volunteers as of today--so email him if you want to help. Send him your shirt size as well. Again--numbers of manhours is what counts in obtaining a larger grant for further improvements after this initial action based on a small grant. Just an fyi--this is newly aquired Natl Park (Rec Area) land that the Park Service does not currently have funds for improvements, clean-up, ect.

[Korn Dunker]

Also needed for the clean up: anyone with 4 wheelers and trailors, pick up trucks, etc., are needed to help move the trash from the roadside / streamside to the dumpsters.

After the clean up ends at 1PM, there will be lots up fun activities to be had there, so bring your kids if you can. Just let Bruce know their names .

Contact him at the above address as soon as possible for planning purposes. THe more people who turn out, the more work we can knock out.

Thanks,

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Pete

[jamessig]

I assume everybody is meeting up on the east side of the river off of Suwanee-Dam Rd. The west side is the one that needs the most work.

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james

[Korn Dunker]

Back to the top. We still need HELP. James, we will be working both sides of the river. There are several large appliances across the river that will be towed across, hopefully! Chris Scalley and his fleet will be there to assist. This is why we need lots of folks to help.

We will meet and park at the school at the corner of Suwanee dam road and Johnson Road. I believe that the Park service will be providing the shuttle to the work sites.

We are also still in need of Pick up, 4 wheelers, trailors to help transport the trash to the dumpsters the county has greatfully supplied for free.

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Pete

[Korn Dunker]

Bump. Remember to contact Bruce Rickey if you can make it. Please check in at the booth when you get there to get a shirt and assignments.
bruceandjulie@comcast.net


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Pete

[ASago]

We need more volunteers - and a couple drivers.. please see post in this forum "DRIVERS NEEDED".

[Korn Dunker]

The time is almost upon us, This weekend in fact. I look forward to seeing everyones cheery face early Saturday. Don't forget to check in when ya get there. Looks loke I will be doing the check-in.
Get ready for a fun day!

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Pete

[THE EG]

Just some cheerleading.

I hope nobody has seen this effort as a hard sell. As with everything else on NGTO, it is not intended to be. From what I have seen there is a tremendous opportunity here for NGTO folks.

If there are at least 100 folks at this function, some of the prime players involved in conserving the Hooch for trout fishers will be in the running for very large grants. I'm more of a "pay my own way" type and that is why I like NGTO but I understand the realities in this world. I'm not going to pass up an opportunity at free (truthfully, read that as taxpayer's) money for something that is a good cause. No more, no less.

The ramifications of this project are large enough that the members of NGTO are helping this cause through a vote of the BOD to pay the cost of lunch for up to 150 folks. It's Subway and won't cost an arm and a leg. Remember, the BOD is che... err... I mean thrifty when it comes to your money.

For those that like a carrot dangled in front of them. The word is there MIGHT be a coordinated stocking for a fun time afterwards. Be forwarned, I know good NGTO members would not take advantage of this situation but some unscrupulous lurker might get the idea that they will fish the morning away instead of volunteer.

Be advised, anybody fishing within eyesight of this project (during designated work hours, we're not fanatics) will be descended upon by at least four pre-teenage boys that will proceed to violate everything common sensical to catching a fish. Adults will be there to back them up if there are "issues".

I personally get my kids involved in these things becasue it is a good civics lesson. I also can't pass up a free shirt. But it should be fun too.

I hope anybody that has the opportunity can lend a hand on Saturday.

[Fish Gazer]

I'm in. I met B983 Sun at the expo,and got a reminder... http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif thanks Brent, nice meeting you. I am not sure I can stay to fish,but would really like to help. For Directions coming east on 20? Please help.


Thanks Gazer

[vonchim]

What are they gonna use the canoes for?

[Korn Dunker]

The caneos are for fun and games afterward.

Directions are: 20east to Suwannee dam road and turn right. Look for the School on the right.
I assume you mean Ga 20...

Email Bruce Rickey for a map if anyone needs it. bruceandjulie@comcast.net

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Pete

[THE EG]

As far as I know it is rain or shine.

The school where folks will be meeting up in the morning is Riverside Elementary School and the address is:

Riverside Elementary School
5445 Settles Bridge Road
Suwanee, GA 30024

Please do a map quest search if the link does not work. I believe it is off of Johnson Road which is off of Suwanee Dam Road. But I could be mistaken.

http://www.mapq uest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&address=5445+Settles+Bridge+Road&city=Suwanee&state=GA&zipcode=30024&submit=Get+Map (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&address=5445+Settles+Bridge+Road&city=Suwanee&state=GA&zipcode=30024&submit=Get+Map)

[This message has been edited by THE EG (edited 03-05-2004).]