/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Natural Gas (GNG), the state's leading natural gas provider and a nationally recognized leader in corporate volunteerism, is the 2010 recipient of the IMPACT Award for Excellence in Corporate Community Engagement presented by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC). The award is in the medium to small category of companies, which includes companies with up to 500 employees. The IMPACT Award is the highest award given by the CVC.
"We are thrilled to honor Georgia Natural Gas as the winner of this year's IMPACT Award for medium to small business. Their exemplary volunteer program is truly part of their business culture and demonstrates their deep dedication to the Atlanta community, their customers and employees," said Lea Rolfes, CVC executive director.
In the eight years since GNG implemented its community service program, the company's employees have made a tremendous difference in the lives of Georgia citizens through volunteerism and philanthropy. In 2009 and 2010 the company's employees volunteered at numerous nonprofits throughout the metro Atlanta area. For the past six years, GNG volunteers have tutored at Centennial Place Elementary School.
In addition to their volunteer efforts, GNG employees have supported nonprofit organizations that offer services and programs to deserving Georgians, particularly children and seniors. For example, the company's employee volunteers, whose motto is "Working Together ... Serving Together," raised funds this summer for local charities such as Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Senior Connections, and the Centennial Place School Foundation.
"We are so honored to be recognized by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta for our employees' dedication to giving back to the communities we serve," said Mike Braswell, GNG president and CEO. "All of the credit for this honor goes to our generous volunteers who prove day after day that a relatively small group of people can make a big difference in the community."
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Showing posts with label 2008 angler awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 angler awards. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Earl and Wanda Barrs Named 2009 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) has named Earl and Wanda Barrs as its 2009 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. The Barrs received the award during the 16th Annual National Tree Farmer Convention in Washington, D.C. on September 30. This annual award recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management on family owned woodlands. The Barrs own Gully Branch Tree Farm in Bleckley County, Georgia.
Every year, ATFS, a program of the American Forest Foundation, recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation on privately owned woodlands across the country with national, regional, and state awards.
Earl and Wanda’s Gully Branch Tree Farm holds a unique spot in the history of the Barrs family. Earl’s family first settled the land in the late 1800s. His great grandparents share-cropped the land and raised their family there. Earl’s grandfather, James, was born on that farm. In the 1930s the land was up for sale for nine bales of cotton. Unfortunately, the family was unable to purchase it.
In the mid 1980s, Earl and Wanda were able to purchase 411 acres of the original farmland from a timber company that had purchased the farm in the 1950s. Now, expanded to 1,500 acres, the Tree Farm is a distinctive blend of heritage, venue for education, and personal experience for the Barrs’ role as private landowners.
Earl describes Gully Branch as a “work in progress,” and it is, just that. After acquiring the land from the timber company, the Barrs spent countless hours, endless energy, and ample resources to transform the industrially managed land into an esteemed, family-managed tree farm. Acres of topsoil piled high in windrows from the previous industrial owner was redistributed to yield more productive viewing and wildlife food plots, as well as acres of better quality soils.
Gully Branch is host to a variety of forest stands and soil types, elevations, vegetation, and wildlife. Loblolly pine plantations and natural loblolly and short leaf pine stands, as well as stands of upland and bottomland hardwoods are managed across the tree farm. Ponds are host to catfish, bream, largemouth bass, and grass carp. Above the waters and trees, red-headed woodpeckers, bluebirds, herons, kingfishers, and Canada geese take their respective “birds-eye” view of this well-managed forested land.
Earl and Wanda’s “work in progress” also includes influencing better management of woodlands by providing property tours, as well as political involvement, media relations, and taking on leadership assignments with natural resource groups.
If this is not enough, telling the story of Gully Branch should include counting visitors to the Tree Farm. Gully Branch as been used as one of the state’s premier outdoor classrooms since 1994. It began that year by hosting 100 seventh graders, and has grown annually to include some 700 to 900 students annually. Since 1994, more than 6,000 students have visited Gully Branch as part of forestry education field trips rooted in the American Forest Foundation’s Project Learning Tree® environmental education program.
As one third grade teacher said, after participating in an educational workshop and field trip to Gully Branch Tree Farm: “This was truly the best workshop I have ever attended” . . . what better way to learn than to ‘leave no child inside.’ Gully Branch Tree Farm was a joy to visit.”
As Wanda Barrs points out, “We believe leading follows learning. When we ensure learners of all ages are equipped with the facts, then the opportunity for effective leadership is greatly enhanced.”
Bob Simpson, AFF senior vice president of forestry, lauds Earl and Wanda. “Every year, we at the American Forest Foundation commit ourselves to the recognition of family forest owners like the Barrs. As winners of this year's National Outstanding Tree Farmer award, Earl's sustainable forestry practices and Wanda's gifts as an educator help ensure land like theirs will continue for the enjoyment for future generations."
The National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year awards are generously sponsored by Stihl, Inc. the world's leading chain saw manufacturer and a variety of handheld outdoor power equipment.
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Every year, ATFS, a program of the American Forest Foundation, recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation on privately owned woodlands across the country with national, regional, and state awards.
Earl and Wanda’s Gully Branch Tree Farm holds a unique spot in the history of the Barrs family. Earl’s family first settled the land in the late 1800s. His great grandparents share-cropped the land and raised their family there. Earl’s grandfather, James, was born on that farm. In the 1930s the land was up for sale for nine bales of cotton. Unfortunately, the family was unable to purchase it.
In the mid 1980s, Earl and Wanda were able to purchase 411 acres of the original farmland from a timber company that had purchased the farm in the 1950s. Now, expanded to 1,500 acres, the Tree Farm is a distinctive blend of heritage, venue for education, and personal experience for the Barrs’ role as private landowners.
Earl describes Gully Branch as a “work in progress,” and it is, just that. After acquiring the land from the timber company, the Barrs spent countless hours, endless energy, and ample resources to transform the industrially managed land into an esteemed, family-managed tree farm. Acres of topsoil piled high in windrows from the previous industrial owner was redistributed to yield more productive viewing and wildlife food plots, as well as acres of better quality soils.
Gully Branch is host to a variety of forest stands and soil types, elevations, vegetation, and wildlife. Loblolly pine plantations and natural loblolly and short leaf pine stands, as well as stands of upland and bottomland hardwoods are managed across the tree farm. Ponds are host to catfish, bream, largemouth bass, and grass carp. Above the waters and trees, red-headed woodpeckers, bluebirds, herons, kingfishers, and Canada geese take their respective “birds-eye” view of this well-managed forested land.
Earl and Wanda’s “work in progress” also includes influencing better management of woodlands by providing property tours, as well as political involvement, media relations, and taking on leadership assignments with natural resource groups.
If this is not enough, telling the story of Gully Branch should include counting visitors to the Tree Farm. Gully Branch as been used as one of the state’s premier outdoor classrooms since 1994. It began that year by hosting 100 seventh graders, and has grown annually to include some 700 to 900 students annually. Since 1994, more than 6,000 students have visited Gully Branch as part of forestry education field trips rooted in the American Forest Foundation’s Project Learning Tree® environmental education program.
As one third grade teacher said, after participating in an educational workshop and field trip to Gully Branch Tree Farm: “This was truly the best workshop I have ever attended” . . . what better way to learn than to ‘leave no child inside.’ Gully Branch Tree Farm was a joy to visit.”
As Wanda Barrs points out, “We believe leading follows learning. When we ensure learners of all ages are equipped with the facts, then the opportunity for effective leadership is greatly enhanced.”
Bob Simpson, AFF senior vice president of forestry, lauds Earl and Wanda. “Every year, we at the American Forest Foundation commit ourselves to the recognition of family forest owners like the Barrs. As winners of this year's National Outstanding Tree Farmer award, Earl's sustainable forestry practices and Wanda's gifts as an educator help ensure land like theirs will continue for the enjoyment for future generations."
The National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year awards are generously sponsored by Stihl, Inc. the world's leading chain saw manufacturer and a variety of handheld outdoor power equipment.
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Atlanta Falcons Chauncey Davis Honors 2009 Community Impact Awardees
/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta Falcons Defensive End Chauncey Davis recently honored Georgia Power Foundation's Michael Anderson, Aetna's Cynthia Follmer and Camp Kudzu- Georgia's largest camp for kids with diabetes, during the 2009 Community Impact Awards, at the Arthur Blank Family Office.
Davis was joined by a number of Falcons players including Jamaal Anderson and Jonathan Babineaux, corporate executives and community leaders during the inaugural awards reception created to honor the dedication, work and community outreach of outstanding Atlantans and organizations. Good Day Atlanta's Mark Hayes served as master of ceremonies for the evening's event.
"Our Man of the Year and Woman of The Year continue to inspire people to do great things in the community. The Chauncey Davis Foundation was truly honored to recognize not only their achievements but also their commitment to the people of Georgia," said Davis, a 5th year NFL star and Auburndale, Florida native. "Camp Kudzu remains on the frontline, working with young adults affected by diabetes. Camp Kudzu's work often goes unnoticed and unrecognized but I consider it an invaluable asset to our community."
In 2007, during Davis' second season with the Atlanta Falcons, his mother Glenda Davis, had her leg amputated due to complications associated with diabetes. This fueled Chauncey's desire to make a difference and directed his focus to participate with various health and wellness related outreach initiatives. That same year, the Atlanta Falcon's standout defensive end established The Chauncey Davis Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with a focus on educating youth about health and wellness issues. Each year, the foundation provides a number of educational workshops, seminars and activities to promote healthy living, physical health, mental health and lifestyles with a specific concentration in diabetes awareness, detection and prevention.
Sponsors for the event included: Mercedes Benz of Buckhead, Georgia Power, DTLR, Orkin & Associates, Silverman Construction, Graham and Associates, Piedmont Heart Institute, Kellee Communications, RBC, Universal Sports Management Inc., The Shaw Group, Williams Realty, Aetna, BB&T, Nike, R.L. Brown & Associates, H.J. Russell New Urban Development, Pencilworx, Marketing Consultants of Atlanta, Profile Marketing & Public Relations, Affairs To Remember, Bezaar Events, Upscale Magazine, HealthNovation, Grey Goose and more.
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Davis was joined by a number of Falcons players including Jamaal Anderson and Jonathan Babineaux, corporate executives and community leaders during the inaugural awards reception created to honor the dedication, work and community outreach of outstanding Atlantans and organizations. Good Day Atlanta's Mark Hayes served as master of ceremonies for the evening's event.
"Our Man of the Year and Woman of The Year continue to inspire people to do great things in the community. The Chauncey Davis Foundation was truly honored to recognize not only their achievements but also their commitment to the people of Georgia," said Davis, a 5th year NFL star and Auburndale, Florida native. "Camp Kudzu remains on the frontline, working with young adults affected by diabetes. Camp Kudzu's work often goes unnoticed and unrecognized but I consider it an invaluable asset to our community."
In 2007, during Davis' second season with the Atlanta Falcons, his mother Glenda Davis, had her leg amputated due to complications associated with diabetes. This fueled Chauncey's desire to make a difference and directed his focus to participate with various health and wellness related outreach initiatives. That same year, the Atlanta Falcon's standout defensive end established The Chauncey Davis Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with a focus on educating youth about health and wellness issues. Each year, the foundation provides a number of educational workshops, seminars and activities to promote healthy living, physical health, mental health and lifestyles with a specific concentration in diabetes awareness, detection and prevention.
Sponsors for the event included: Mercedes Benz of Buckhead, Georgia Power, DTLR, Orkin & Associates, Silverman Construction, Graham and Associates, Piedmont Heart Institute, Kellee Communications, RBC, Universal Sports Management Inc., The Shaw Group, Williams Realty, Aetna, BB&T, Nike, R.L. Brown & Associates, H.J. Russell New Urban Development, Pencilworx, Marketing Consultants of Atlanta, Profile Marketing & Public Relations, Affairs To Remember, Bezaar Events, Upscale Magazine, HealthNovation, Grey Goose and more.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Local Garden Club Wins Statewide Awards
Historic Augusta, Inc. is pleased to announce that the Spade and Trowel Garden
Club of Augusta was presented two awards by the Garden Club of Georgia at their
annual state convention in Atlanta in May. The club was awarded the First Place
Award in the Historic Preservation category and an Honorable Mention in the Civic
Improvement category, both for their efforts in restoring and maintaining a portion
of the garden at the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson with historically
appropriate plant material. Funds for the project were provided by the Sertoma
Club and a Community on My Mind grant.
The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson is located at 419 Seventh Street
in Augusta. Tours of the museum are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10
am until 5 pm. The last tour each day begins at 4 pm. Admission is $5 for adults,
$4 for seniors and $3 for students. Group rates are available. For more information
about the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, visit
www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org or call 706-724-0436.
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Club of Augusta was presented two awards by the Garden Club of Georgia at their
annual state convention in Atlanta in May. The club was awarded the First Place
Award in the Historic Preservation category and an Honorable Mention in the Civic
Improvement category, both for their efforts in restoring and maintaining a portion
of the garden at the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson with historically
appropriate plant material. Funds for the project were provided by the Sertoma
Club and a Community on My Mind grant.
The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson is located at 419 Seventh Street
in Augusta. Tours of the museum are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10
am until 5 pm. The last tour each day begins at 4 pm. Admission is $5 for adults,
$4 for seniors and $3 for students. Group rates are available. For more information
about the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, visit
www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org or call 706-724-0436.
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Monday, June 1, 2009
Writers for Atlanta's Mundo Hispanico and Azizah Magazine Win New America Media Awards for Outstanding Journalism
/PRNewswire / -- New America Media (NAM) announced today that two journalists from ethnic news organizations in Atlanta won prestigious awards in NAM's national awards contest, which includes entries from ethnic media outlets across the country.
Leslie Froelich, of Mundo Hispanico, a weekly Hispanic newspaper, and staff writers at Azizah, a monthly magazine covering Muslim woman, will be honored for their outstanding work. Ms. Froelich won an Arts, Sports & Entertainment category for an article on "Spanglish," the mixing of the Spanish and English languages. The Azizah writers won an environmental category for feature stories exploring the Islamic approach to environmentalism.
Sandy Close, NAM's executive director, said the award winners exemplify the quality of work performed by ethnic media outlets across the country. Citing a new poll showing that the ethnic media in America is growing as mainstream newspapers struggle to keep readers, Ms. Close said more and more Americans are recognizing the influence of the ethnic media.
"Even as both mainstream and the ethnic media struggle to survive in difficult economic times, it's clear that the quality of work, and the ethnic media's commitment to the communities that they serve, has never been better," Ms. Close said. "The ethnic media is continuing to make an impact in urban and rural communities. NAM award winners, such as Ms. Froelich and Azizah Magazine, demonstrate that the ethnic media is making a difference."
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, and not speaking a word of Spanish until she learned it in high school, Ms. Froelich never imagined she would soon be writing for Nuevo Sumario newspaper in Cordoba, Argentina, then find herself covering finance, business, real estate, heath, and lifestyle at Mundo Hispanico, Atlanta's largest Spanish language newspaper.
It was in the newsroom, overhearing colleagues from Venezuela, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and across Latin America, where Ms. Froelich was first fascinated by the sounds of Spanglish, the hybrid language of English and Spanish embraced especially by younger Latinos in the U.S. While researching the story, Ms. Froelich sought to determine if the collision of Spanish and English was viewed as a bad thing -- a devaluing of the Spanish language -- or a good thing -- a natural evolution of words helping create a common framework especially among newcomers.
Ms. Froelich was surprised by her findings. "I thought I was going to find more of a balanced mix of responses, particularly among academics, that Spanglish is ruining the Spanish language, obstructing it," she said. "When really, most felt it was a reflection of where the country is headed."
The Atlanta-based Azizah Magazine published a package of stories entitled: "Color Me Green, Loving Planet Earth." Their stories explored the connection between Islam and environmentalism. It included one staffer's first person perspective of junking one's car for car sharing, a one woman's journey toward eco-activism. Contributor Nadirah Z. Sabir described running her last minute errands using a car share service. Readers were also invited to take the Azizah Green Test from editor Azizah Zahera to find out how green they are.
"We wanted to emphasize, going green is dear to us, because we have a spiritual responsibly to care for the earth," says Tayyibah Taylor, editor-in-chief and publisher of Azizah Magazine. "We tried to show how Muslims were doing it here."
Despite an emphasis on faith, Ms. Taylor says it was very important to not "preach." Instead, their package of stories tried to engage readers by highlighting what people were doing to make small changes in their lives. "The more you know about options and possibilities," Ms. Taylor said, "the more apt you are to put it into practice."
All the award winners from around the country will be honored at NAM's National Ethnic Media Expo & Awards on June 4-5 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. The awards will be presented on June 4 at 6:00 pm, an event that will be co-sponsored by NAM and the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication.
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Leslie Froelich, of Mundo Hispanico, a weekly Hispanic newspaper, and staff writers at Azizah, a monthly magazine covering Muslim woman, will be honored for their outstanding work. Ms. Froelich won an Arts, Sports & Entertainment category for an article on "Spanglish," the mixing of the Spanish and English languages. The Azizah writers won an environmental category for feature stories exploring the Islamic approach to environmentalism.
Sandy Close, NAM's executive director, said the award winners exemplify the quality of work performed by ethnic media outlets across the country. Citing a new poll showing that the ethnic media in America is growing as mainstream newspapers struggle to keep readers, Ms. Close said more and more Americans are recognizing the influence of the ethnic media.
"Even as both mainstream and the ethnic media struggle to survive in difficult economic times, it's clear that the quality of work, and the ethnic media's commitment to the communities that they serve, has never been better," Ms. Close said. "The ethnic media is continuing to make an impact in urban and rural communities. NAM award winners, such as Ms. Froelich and Azizah Magazine, demonstrate that the ethnic media is making a difference."
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, and not speaking a word of Spanish until she learned it in high school, Ms. Froelich never imagined she would soon be writing for Nuevo Sumario newspaper in Cordoba, Argentina, then find herself covering finance, business, real estate, heath, and lifestyle at Mundo Hispanico, Atlanta's largest Spanish language newspaper.
It was in the newsroom, overhearing colleagues from Venezuela, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and across Latin America, where Ms. Froelich was first fascinated by the sounds of Spanglish, the hybrid language of English and Spanish embraced especially by younger Latinos in the U.S. While researching the story, Ms. Froelich sought to determine if the collision of Spanish and English was viewed as a bad thing -- a devaluing of the Spanish language -- or a good thing -- a natural evolution of words helping create a common framework especially among newcomers.
Ms. Froelich was surprised by her findings. "I thought I was going to find more of a balanced mix of responses, particularly among academics, that Spanglish is ruining the Spanish language, obstructing it," she said. "When really, most felt it was a reflection of where the country is headed."
The Atlanta-based Azizah Magazine published a package of stories entitled: "Color Me Green, Loving Planet Earth." Their stories explored the connection between Islam and environmentalism. It included one staffer's first person perspective of junking one's car for car sharing, a one woman's journey toward eco-activism. Contributor Nadirah Z. Sabir described running her last minute errands using a car share service. Readers were also invited to take the Azizah Green Test from editor Azizah Zahera to find out how green they are.
"We wanted to emphasize, going green is dear to us, because we have a spiritual responsibly to care for the earth," says Tayyibah Taylor, editor-in-chief and publisher of Azizah Magazine. "We tried to show how Muslims were doing it here."
Despite an emphasis on faith, Ms. Taylor says it was very important to not "preach." Instead, their package of stories tried to engage readers by highlighting what people were doing to make small changes in their lives. "The more you know about options and possibilities," Ms. Taylor said, "the more apt you are to put it into practice."
All the award winners from around the country will be honored at NAM's National Ethnic Media Expo & Awards on June 4-5 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. The awards will be presented on June 4 at 6:00 pm, an event that will be co-sponsored by NAM and the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Three from DNR Honored for Right Whale Work
Three employees of the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section have been recognized for their outstanding work during the 2008-2009 right whale calving season.
Senior wildlife biologists Clay George and Mark Dodd and wildlife technician Kate Sparks received awards at the recent Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation conference in St. Augustine, Fla., for their contributions to disentangling North Atlantic right whales.
The 2008-2009 calving season included five documented whale entanglements. Four of the whales were freed from the life-threatening fishing gear and line.
Along with Dodd, George and Sparks, those honored for their part in the disentanglement efforts included Tom Pitchford and Katharine Jackson of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Patricia Naessig of Wildlife Trust, Jessica Taylor of the New England Aquarium, Brian Sharp of Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and Chris Slay of Coastwise Consulting Inc.
According to conference organizers, the group endured harsh conditions and made personal sacrifices to ensure that the critically endangered animals were given every chance for survival.
“We are very proud of the work that Clay, Mark and Kate accomplished during the 2008-09 season,” Nongame Conservation Section Chief Mike Harris said. “Their dedication and commitment to conservation of Georgia’s wildlife are an example for all of us in the Wildlife Resources Division.”
The Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation is made up of more than a dozen organizations and agencies, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Wildlife Trust, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the New England Aquarium. All work together to advance right whale conservation along the eastern U.S. coast.
Decimated by commercial whaling in the 19th century, approximately 400 North Atlantic right whales remain. Almost 200 were sighted off the Georgia coast this winter, up from 150 in 2008. The total includes 39 sets of mother and calf pairs, breaking the previous record of 31 calves set in 2001. The rest of the whales were juveniles and non-breeding adults.
Sparks, Dodd, George and wildlife technician Adam Mackinnon, all part of the Nongame Conservation Section staff at the Brunswick office, also completed training and testing requirements this year to earn the designation of captain.
Georgians can help conserve right whales and other nongame wildlife through buying a wildlife license plate featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird. The program is vital to Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funds for its mission to help conserve wildlife not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in Georgia.
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Senior wildlife biologists Clay George and Mark Dodd and wildlife technician Kate Sparks received awards at the recent Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation conference in St. Augustine, Fla., for their contributions to disentangling North Atlantic right whales.
The 2008-2009 calving season included five documented whale entanglements. Four of the whales were freed from the life-threatening fishing gear and line.
Along with Dodd, George and Sparks, those honored for their part in the disentanglement efforts included Tom Pitchford and Katharine Jackson of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Patricia Naessig of Wildlife Trust, Jessica Taylor of the New England Aquarium, Brian Sharp of Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and Chris Slay of Coastwise Consulting Inc.
According to conference organizers, the group endured harsh conditions and made personal sacrifices to ensure that the critically endangered animals were given every chance for survival.
“We are very proud of the work that Clay, Mark and Kate accomplished during the 2008-09 season,” Nongame Conservation Section Chief Mike Harris said. “Their dedication and commitment to conservation of Georgia’s wildlife are an example for all of us in the Wildlife Resources Division.”
The Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation is made up of more than a dozen organizations and agencies, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Wildlife Trust, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the New England Aquarium. All work together to advance right whale conservation along the eastern U.S. coast.
Decimated by commercial whaling in the 19th century, approximately 400 North Atlantic right whales remain. Almost 200 were sighted off the Georgia coast this winter, up from 150 in 2008. The total includes 39 sets of mother and calf pairs, breaking the previous record of 31 calves set in 2001. The rest of the whales were juveniles and non-breeding adults.
Sparks, Dodd, George and wildlife technician Adam Mackinnon, all part of the Nongame Conservation Section staff at the Brunswick office, also completed training and testing requirements this year to earn the designation of captain.
Georgians can help conserve right whales and other nongame wildlife through buying a wildlife license plate featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird. The program is vital to Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funds for its mission to help conserve wildlife not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in Georgia.
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Monday, February 16, 2009
Anglers Receive Honors from Georgia Wildlife Resources Division
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently awarded 26 anglers with a 2008 angler award for reeling in an outstanding catch (or catches!) last year. The angler award program recognizes those who catch fish that meet or exceed a specific weight for that particular species.
“Presenting angler awards to those who made some great catches last year is a great time to not only applaud the award recipients, but it’s also a wonderful time to recognize the great fishing opportunities - such as the nine public fishing areas - that are available to everyone in the state,” says Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi. “Fishing also is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, and most people recognize that outdoor recreation activities actually strengthen the family as a unit and children as individuals.”
The Wildlife Resources Division presents 2008 angler award recipients with a certificate signed by division Director Dan Forster and an embroidered baseball cap that reads, “Georgia Angler Award 2008” and is customized to include the species and weight of the fish caught by each winner. Qualifications for angler awards include:
- Catching the fish by legal hook and line sport fish methods in Georgia,
- Meeting or exceeding the minimum weight OR length requirements,
- Taking the fish to a division fisheries biologist for positive species identification OR including a clear, side view photo of the fish for identification purposes,
- Completing and submitting an angler award application to: Wildlife Resources Division/Angler Award Application/2070 U.S. Hwy. 278, SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.
In addition to the angler award program, the division also maintains a freshwater fish state record program for anglers who land a catch that exceeds the existing record catch weight by one ounce or more. State record fish award winners also receive a certificate of recognition and an embroidered baseball cap that reads, “Georgia State Record Holder,” and includes the award winner’s name, the species, the weight and the date caught.
That’s not all, though - the division also is helping to recognize children across the state for catching their first fish with the online kid’s first fish award certificate available at www.gofishgeorgia.com . Parents can easily download the certificate, fill in the pertinent information and present it to a child for a fish well caught.
For more information regarding fishing in Georgia, including official angler award and state record program rules and the kids first fish certificate, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or contact the nearest Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Management office.
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“Presenting angler awards to those who made some great catches last year is a great time to not only applaud the award recipients, but it’s also a wonderful time to recognize the great fishing opportunities - such as the nine public fishing areas - that are available to everyone in the state,” says Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi. “Fishing also is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, and most people recognize that outdoor recreation activities actually strengthen the family as a unit and children as individuals.”
The Wildlife Resources Division presents 2008 angler award recipients with a certificate signed by division Director Dan Forster and an embroidered baseball cap that reads, “Georgia Angler Award 2008” and is customized to include the species and weight of the fish caught by each winner. Qualifications for angler awards include:
- Catching the fish by legal hook and line sport fish methods in Georgia,
- Meeting or exceeding the minimum weight OR length requirements,
- Taking the fish to a division fisheries biologist for positive species identification OR including a clear, side view photo of the fish for identification purposes,
- Completing and submitting an angler award application to: Wildlife Resources Division/Angler Award Application/2070 U.S. Hwy. 278, SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.
In addition to the angler award program, the division also maintains a freshwater fish state record program for anglers who land a catch that exceeds the existing record catch weight by one ounce or more. State record fish award winners also receive a certificate of recognition and an embroidered baseball cap that reads, “Georgia State Record Holder,” and includes the award winner’s name, the species, the weight and the date caught.
That’s not all, though - the division also is helping to recognize children across the state for catching their first fish with the online kid’s first fish award certificate available at www.gofishgeorgia.com . Parents can easily download the certificate, fill in the pertinent information and present it to a child for a fish well caught.
For more information regarding fishing in Georgia, including official angler award and state record program rules and the kids first fish certificate, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or contact the nearest Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Management office.
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