New Paddling Club Launches in Georgia’s State Parks

Hey, paddlers, start working on that j-stroke. Georgia’s State Park System has unveiled a new club just for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. The Park Paddlers Club includes six state parks with waterways ranging from tidal rivers to the celebrated Okefenokee Swamp. Members can earn a bragging-rights t-shirt by paddling all 22 miles at Crooked River, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Sweetwater Creek state parks.

To join, park visitors buy a $10 membership card at any of the six participating parks. After completing the trails and getting their card punched at each park office, members can sport a bragging-rights t-shirt.

Most participating parks are in middle or south Georgia, while Sweetwater Creek is just 14 miles west of Atlanta. At this metro park, club members will explore three miles of a scenic reservoir. The easiest paddle is less than a mile long at Magnolia Springs State Park in Jenkins County, while the most difficult is a four-mile loop on a tidal river at Crooked River State Park near St. Marys. At George L. Smith State Park near Swainsboro, paddlers can explore a pretty mill pond dotted with Spanish-moss draped trees. Visitors to Reed Bingham State Park in Adel will complete more than three miles, floating past lily pads and a bald eagle nest. Finally, at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, paddlers can look for alligators, bears and other wildlife in the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp.

While none of the water trails include rapids or are considered difficult, they all have currents that can be impacted by wind or tide. The club is a fun way for people to work on their paddling skills while also exploring Georgia’s natural beauty. Many parks feature black-water lakes that reflect the trees and sky above. All have exceptional birding and wildlife watching opportunities. At Reed Bingham State Park, many visitors come just to see birds such as eagles, limpkins, turkey vultures and black vultures. At Crooked River State Park, lucky paddlers might even see a manatee. The DNR plans to add additional trails in the future.

Other clubs offered through the Georgia State Park System’s “Get Outdoors Georgia” initiative include the Canyon Climbers Club for hikers and the Muddy Spokes Club for mountain bikers. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 770-389-7401.

Birding Enthusiasts & Emmy-Winning Georgia Outdoors!

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is providing a new e-newsletter for anyone interested opportunities for young birders. Review the first issue of Georgia's Young Birders, it includes a photo quiz, updates about the 2009 Youth Birding Competition and opportunities for folks to get out birding. Future issues will highlight field trips for young birders and updates about the 2009 Youth Birding Competition.

To learn more about the Youth Birding Competition watch this Emmy-winning Georgia Outdoors episode!

Welcome Back Whales

It is seen from a research vessel lookout - a solitary V-shaped “blow” and then something dark on the water’s surface. Often, the return of right whales to Georgia is as subtle as that. But this winter, thanks to a new ruling more of these imperiled whales will have a better chance at making the annual journey safely.

In October, the National Marine Fisheries Service established a rule that will implement speed restrictions for vessels 65 feet or longer. The restrictions call for a speed of no more than 10 knots during certain times of the year in areas designated as critical right whale habitat along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. The rule goes into effect Dec. 9, 2008. Shipping interests can find additional information at this website.

It is important to note that not only commercial ships can cause mortal injuries to right whales. Recreational fishing boats and other large personal recreational boats can also have a devastating impact on the whales, which are found as close as three miles offshore depending on water depth. Although larger recreational boats are not required to adhere to the commercial speed limit, it is recommended that they heed the rule as well.

North Atlantic right whales spend the summer in the cooler waters off New England and Canada. Each fall, a portion of the population returns to Georgia and Florida for the winter. Annual research done by the DNR Wildlife Resources Division and NOAA from December through March is helping wildlife biologists determine the status of these endangered
animals.

Right whales were nearly driven to extinction by commercial whaling in the late 19th century. Commercial harvest was banned in 1935. Today the North Atlantic right whale is classified as endangered under U.S. and Georgia law. Right whales are listed as a priority species in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, the blueprint for conservation in the state. Georgia adopted the right whale as its state mammal in 1985.

Although not hunted now, right whales face conservation problems including ship strikes, entanglement in commercial fishing gear and habitat destruction. Even after nearly 50 years of protected status, there are only an estimated 300 to 400 North Atlantic right whales left.

To learn more about right whales watch:

Georgia Outdoors: Coastal Sports and Wildlife

Georgia Outdoors: Conservation Success Stories

Georgia Outdoors: Favorite State Symbols

Report nesting eagles

Georgians who spot nesting bald eagles can report the sightings.

The Wildlife Resources Division monitors known eagle nests and works with landowners to help protect them. Georgia’s nesting eagle population has been increasing, with new nesting territories established each year. Bald eagles return to these territories in late summer or early fall and usually have eggs by December. The eggs hatch about a month after being laid and the young leave the nest about 12 weeks later, typically in late March or April.

Information that might indicate the presence of nesting eagles can be forwarded to the Wildlife Resources Division by filling out a form available on their website.

Project Feeder Watch

Thousands of bird watchers in Georgia and across the nation will be keeping a close eye on their feeders this winter as part of Project FeederWatch. The 22nd season for this popular citizen-science project runs from Saturday, Nov. 8, through April 3. But it's not too late to join!

FeederWatch participants help scientists monitor changes in bird populations by tracking birds at their feeders during the 21 weeks. Georgians are encouraged to join in, contributing to the science, conservation and enjoyment of North American feeder birds.

Project FeederWatch surveys birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas and other sites. Participants periodically count the highest numbers of each species they see at their feeders for the period. The data help scientists track broad-scale movements of winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.

Watchers also benefit. More than 100 studies have shown that getting closer to nature reduces stress and promotes a feeling of well being.

Highlights from the most recent season include the largest southward movement of red-breasted nuthatches in the project’s history, part of an expected influx of northern birds flying farther south when their food supplies run short, according to FeederWatch. Among rare birds reported was a streak-backed oriole in Loveland, Col. - the state’s first report of this Mexico native - and a dovekie deposited by a December nor’easter in Newton, Mass., the first time this North Atlantic seabird has been recorded in Project FeederWatch.

The project is conducted by individuals and groups of all skill levels. While the season opens Saturday, participants are encouraged to join any time.

To learn more or sign up, visit Project Feeder Watch website or call the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473. The fee is $15 ($12 for lab members). Participants receive the "FeederWatcher’s Handbook,” an identification poster of the most common feeder birds in their area, a calendar, instructions and the FeederWatch annual report, “Winter Bird Highlights.”

Volunteers With Ear, Heart For Frogs Sought For Survey

The frogs are calling. The question is, will Georgians who know what they’re hearing answer?

The second year of a calling frog survey in Georgia starts Jan. 15. There are 78 survey routes but only about 30 volunteers lined up to cover them. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, needs some 50 more listeners who can decipher the croaks, trills and peeps of Georgia’s 31 frog species.

The effort is important. The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program survey developed by the U.S. Geological Survey is aimed at tracking regional and national trends in frog distribution and abundance. Given the sensitivity of amphibians to air and water quality changes, those trends can signal environmental problems and shape conservation priorities. But in Georgia, baseline data is needed first.

Which means more survey volunteers with an ear and even a heart for frogs.

Before being assigned one of the pre-set routes scattered across the state, participants must pass an online quiz testing their ability to audibly identify frog species. Helpful resources include the online supplement to the new reference “Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia.” published by the University of Georgia Press. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division also has available the compact disk "Calls of the Wild -Vocalizations of Georgia's Frogs.”

The quiz is available online at and allows would-be monitors to test their skills.

Volunteers are asked to commit to the survey for at least three years, underscoring the need for consistency in such citizen-science projects. Routes are run three nights a year, once each in three call periods: Jan. 15-Feb. 28, March 15-April 30 and May 15-June 30.

To sign up or find out more, contact the Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section at (478) 994-1438.

Leaf Watch 2008

In just a few weeks, Georgia’s forests will turn into a brilliant blanket of red, orange and gold, inspiring leaf peepers to pull out their cameras and lace up their hiking boots. To help track the changing leaves and plan autumn escapes Georgia State Parks will launch Leaf Watch 2008 beginning today on the Georgia State Parks website.

Whether traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and biking, or heading south for canoeing and camping, Leaf Watch 2008 will offer advice on where and when to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Visitors can read regular updates provided by park rangers, get safety tips for hiking and camping, and learn why leaves change color. Last-minute availability for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms at the state parks will be posted, in addition to a Webcam showcasing the rolling mountainside of Black Rock Mountain State Park near Dillard.

Typically, northern Georgia peaks in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. Some parks in southern Georgia put on a pretty display during late autumn, particularly those with cypress trees and tea-colored swamps.

Today is National Hunting and Fishing Day

In celebration of the passion for the outdoors that you share Georgia Outdoors encourages you to get out and participate in one of the many activities the GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division that will be held in honor of the 2008 National Hunting and Fishing Day, this Saturday, Sept. 27.

Events that will be offered in Georgia include SEVEN Outdoor Adventure Days (activities will differ at each event - but some highlights include birdhouse building, archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, hunting dog demonstrations, exhibits and more), kids’ fishing events, a “day at the range” and much more!

In addition to these events, a free fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on that Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. On this day, residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

The U.S. Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day 37 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs. Conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia - including a complete listing of events in the state visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select “Get Involved.”

Georgia Hunters Can Help in the Fight Against Hunger

GEORGIA HUNTERS CAN HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER - Ten collection sites available beginning September 13

For the past 15 years, hunters across the state have been bringing meat to the tables of those in need through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program. This successful program celebrated serving its one-millionth meal in 2007 and provides numerous opportunities for hunters to share their harvest with those in need. This year, hunters can donate deer at ten participating processors beginning September 13 and continuing through January 15.

Hunters interested in participating in Georgia Hunters for the Hungry should bring field-dressed deer to any of the drop-off locations listed below. All hunters who donate a deer during this collection period will be entered into a drawing for a deer rifle, sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

For information about collections sites visit this website: www.gohuntgeorgia.com

National Hunting and Fishing Day

In celebration of the passion for the outdoors that you share Georgia Outdoors encourages you to get out and participate in one of the many activities the GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division that will be held in honor of the 2008 National Hunting and Fishing Day, this Saturday, Sept. 27.

Events that will be offered in Georgia include SEVEN Outdoor Adventure Days (activities will differ at each event - but some highlights include birdhouse building, archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, hunting dog demonstrations, exhibits and more), kids’ fishing events, a “day at the range” and much more!

In addition to these events, a free fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on that Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. On this day, residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

The U.S. Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day 37 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs. Conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia - including a complete listing of events in the state visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select “Get Involved.”

Tonight is the Great American Backyard Campout

Join thousands of neighbors, friends, and families across the country for NWF’s fourth annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28, 2008!

Be part of this nation-wide event! Visit this website for help making the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, tips and more.

Great American Backyard Campout

Join thousands of neighbors, friends, and families across the country for NWF’s fourth annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28, 2008!

Be part of this nation-wide event! Visit this website for help making the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, tips and more.

Free Admission and Parking at Georgia's State Parks This Saturday

To kick off the state’s “Get Outdoors Georgia” initiative, every one of Georgia’s 63 state parks and state historic sites will be free for every Georgian on Saturday, June 14 - just in time for Father's Day weekend. All parking fees and admission fees will be waived for a full day to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking and dozens of other activities in Georgia’s diverse and beautiful outdoors.

Dozens of events, such as fishing rodeos and guided hikes, are planned across the state, details can be found at www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Held in Trust


Georgia Outdoors: Family Getaways


Sites to Behold: The History of Georgia's State Parks

Today is National Trails Day

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report by the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

To learn more about National Trails Day events in Georgia visit this website.

Fish Free in Georgia Today

National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-8, began in 1979 and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers a free fishing day on Saturday, June 7, 2008. On this day, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license in order to fish. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA).

In addition to the free fishing days, there are more than 50 Kids Fishing Events (KFEs) scheduled across the state during the week to help introduce children to fishing. These events offer a healthy form of entertainment for kids and are an excellent opportunity for beginning anglers to experience the vast rewards of recreational fishing. KFEs are FREE, held statewide and have experienced volunteers on hand to help. Many events offer prizes, free lunches and other fun-filled activities - so make plans to attend a KFE today!

National Trails Day this Saturday June 7

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report by the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

To learn more about National Trails Day events in Georgia visit this website.

Manatees are Back

The first manatees of the season have been spotted along the coast of Georgia. This means it is time again to remind boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals.

With an estimated population of only 3,000 animals in U.S. waters, manatees, also known as sea cows, are protected as an endangered species under federal and Georgia law. Approximately one quarter of all manatee mortalities in Georgia since 1980 were caused by watercraft collisions. Other dangers to the species include entanglement in fishing gear and harmful algal blooms known as red tides.

Although Florida manatees are present throughout the year in Florida, they are migratory in Georgia. Manatees begin their slow migration up the Georgia coast each spring when water temperatures rise into the upper 60s. They can be found in tidal rivers, estuaries and near-shore marine waters throughout Georgia and the Carolinas throughout the summer months. Manatees return to Florida in September and October as water temperatures cool.

Adult manatees are approximately 10 feet long and weigh up to 1 ton. Their skin varies from gray to brown, and their bodies are rounded with two pectoral flippers and a wide, flat tail. Subsisting on marsh grass and other aquatic plants, the animals are gentle and pose no threat to humans. It is illegal to hunt, play with or harass manatees.

Manatees have a slow reproductive rate. Females are not sexually mature until about 5 years old, and males mature at approximately 9. On average, an adult female gives birth to one calf every two to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year.

Mothers nurse their young for one to two years, so a calf may remain dependent on its mother during that time. Manatee calves are approximately 4 feet long at birth and about 60 pounds.

The number of manatees along Georgia’s coastline each year is unknown because the turbid, murky waters near the coast make surveys difficult. Georgia residents can help biologists learn more about the movements and habitat use of manatees by reporting any sightings and taking photographs.

Collisions between boaters and manatees are more likely to occur in shallow waters, particularly around docks and at the edge of marshes where manatees feed. Following boater safety regulations in these areas can reduce the risk of a collision. Boaters should also watch for
manatee backs, tails, snouts and “footprints” - a series of round swirls on the surface caused by a swimming manatee’s tail.

If a boat accidentally collides with a manatee, the DNR Wildlife Resources Division asks that the boater stand-by and immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or DNR at (800) 2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Doing so provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather valuable scientific data. According to Wildlife Resources, boaters will not be charged if they were operating their boat responsibly and the collision was an accident.

If you see or photograph a healthy, injured or dead manatee, please contact DNR at (800) 2-SAVE-ME or (912) 269-7587. Please note the date, time, location and number of manatees seen, as well as the coordinates, if possible. Photographs of scars on their backs and tails are especially useful because they can often be used to identify previously known manatees.

Here are some other ways Georgia residents can help protect manatees:

• Look around for manatees before cranking your boat’s motor.

• Use caution when navigating in shallow water and along the edge of a marsh. Manatees cannot dive away from boats in these areas.

• Please heed “slow speed,” “no wake” and manatee warning signs, especially around docks.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare, making it easier to spot manatees below the surface.
  

• Watch for large swirls in the water called footprints that may be caused by manatees diving away from the boat.

• Dock owners should never feed manatees or give them fresh water. This could teach the animals to approach docks, putting them at greater risk of a boat strike.

• Never pursue, harass or play with manatees. It is bad for the manatees and is illegal.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Coastal Sports and Wildlife

National Safe Boating Week

Using your boat this week? Grab a life jacket and “Wear It!” Accidents happen too fast on the water to reach for stowed life jackets. Most boating fatalities are drownings – and 90 percent of those who drown while boating are not wearing a life jacket. Now new styles are available – comfortable, lightweight, and perfect for any boating activity or sport.

May 17-23 is National Safe Boating Week. Celebrate by wearing your life jacket at all times while boating. Ask your friends and family to do the same?

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIFE JACKET

Looking for a life jacket? Today’s jackets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and
materials. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure it’s right for YOU, your planned
activities, and the water conditions you expect to encounter.

Try It On

• Check the manufacturer’s ratings for your size and weight.

• Make sure the jacket is properly zipped or buckled.

• Raise your arms straight up over your head while wearing your life jacket and ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings, gently pulling up.

• If there is excess room above the openings and the jacket rides up over your chin or face, it does NOT fit properly. A snug fit in these areas signals a properly fitting life jacket.

Fit Facts

• It is extremely important that you choose a properly fitting life jacket.

• Jackets that are too big will cause the flotation device to push up around your face, which could be dangerous.

• Jackets that are too small will not be able to keep your body afloat.

Important Reminders

• Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

• Double check that your jacket is appropriate for your favorite boating activities.

• Take the time to ensure a proper fit.

• Life jackets meant for adults do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Boating

Emmy Nominations for Georgia Outdoors!

Two Georgia Outdoors episodes were singled out for Emmy Nominations is past Friday, May 9. The winners will be announced at a banquet on June 21. But you can watch the nominated shows right now!

Georgia Outdoors:Suwannee Watershed for Television Programing Excellence Category: 31, Informational/Instructional

Georgia Outdoors: Citizen Science for Television News and Program Specialty Excellence Category: 19DE, Health/Science Program

Georgia Outdoors Photo Contest: Last Day!!

Today is the last day to enter the Georgia Outdoors Nature Photography Contest. Get those photo submissions in the mail today!

You can win a chance to be on Georgia Outdoors and receive a 3day 2night stay at Flat Creek Lodge!

Visit this website to learn more about the rules and regulation of our Georgia Outdoors Nature Photography Contest: http://www.gpb.org/georgiaoutdoors/photocontest