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State budget cuts hit Rabun?
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| Chris Peck, fisheries technician with Ga. Department of Natural Resources, feed the trout at the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery. The closure of the hatchery has been recommended by the DNR board of directors as part of a plan to reduce the states $1.6 billion budget gap. |
By Justin Raines Staff Writer
Hunting and fishing, two of Rabun County's most precious natural resources, are seriously threatened.
The Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and the Lake Burton and Warwoman Wildlife Management Areas may soon be shut down if Gov. Sonny Perdue approves a list of budget cuts proposed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources board of directors earlier this month.
In August, Perdue's office ordered all state agencies to create plans that would cut spending by up to 10 percent. The state is facing a projected $1.6 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009, which began July 1.
"Governor Perdue had given an edict on cuts, a percentage they had to come up with, and the DNR made cuts based on the governor's edict," said state Rep. Charles Jenkins.
The cuts, which suggest 6-, 8- and 10-percent reduction plans, include closing one cold-water fish hatchery and eliminating WMAs operated on federal lands.
"They plan to put an 8-percent reduction in (the Burton hatchery's) operating funds, about $200,000, and that would close the hatchery because they can't operate with that kind of cut," Jenkins said.
At this point, none of Rabun's three state parks are directly threatened by the cuts.
"The list of proposed closed parks has not been published yet," said Kim Hatcher, DNR public affairs coordinator. "Obviously, Tallulah Gorge and Black Rock Mountain are really popular state parks."
If the Lake Burton and Warwoman WMAs are eliminated, the changes would not take effect until next fall. Hunting would still be allowed on national forest lands, but state management projects such as food plots and quota hunts would be eliminated. There would also be a heavy reduction in law enforcement and wildlife technician positions.
The state runs three cold-water fish hatcheries, Burton, Buford and Summerville, that are responsible for stocking rainbow, brown and brook trout in North Georgia's lakes, rivers and streams.
Due to high operating costs, Rabun's hatchery was selected to be shut down.
"The Burton hatchery is the hatchery mentioned to be cut," said Anthony Rabern, DNR senior fisheries biologist.
If Perdue approves the closing of the Burton hatchery, local fisheries would be seriously affected.
DNR's annual stocking program would be reduced by 31 percent, which equates to 341,000 less trout in state waters. Stocking would be eliminated in 115 smaller North Georgia streams. Lakes Burton and Seed would see the loss of 20,000 brown trout stocked to support a growing trophy fishery.
"One out of every three trout would not be there anymore," said Charlie Breithaupt, chairman of the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited. "At least that. To me it could be even worse. It would be devastating to trout fishing."
The hatchery would lose four full-time employees, which would affect monitoring, management and enhancement of wild trout fisheries. The family fishing pond and hatchery tours would also be eliminated.
"I know there's a big number of people that come to the county for trout fishing and use services here: motels, food and even fishing equipment," Breithaupt said. "As far as sportsmen coming to Rabun County, it's going to have a serious impact."
Although it's still too early to forecast specific implications for the local economy, many local business owners oppose the closing of the hatchery.
"I'm not happy about it," said LaPrade's Marina owner Peter Anzo. "I think it would be a shame for the county and for tourism in North Georgia. We see quite a bit of trout fishermen coming to the marina and asking about buying bait and tackle. I think it would be disappointing for everybody."
Jeff Houston, store manager of Reeves Hardware in Clayton, was concerned about the effects closing the hatchery and WMAs might have on retail.
"I think it would have a big impact, especially on the fishing end of it," Houston said. "We do a big business with the trout fishermen. People travel a great distance to fish up here on these streams. It would hurt us and it would hurt the economy here."
Mary Boland, executive director of the Rabun County Convention & Visitors Bureau, was concerned about the trickle-down effect closing the hatchery might have.
"It's not just the trout fishermen themselves; they also bring their families," Boland said. "While they're fishing, their wives are shopping in the stores. I think it will absolutely have an impact."
The Dillard House owner John Dillard Sr. said recreational activities were a main draw for Rabun's tourism, and anytime those opportunities are compromised, the county suffers.
"Over a period of years, it will have a big effect on a lot of businesses," Dillard said. "This thing is not going to hurt just The Dillard House. It's really a countywide loss to a lot of businesses. Every time we lose a recreational-type thing, it really hurts. You keep adding those things up until there's no reason for people to come up here."
Sugar Mill RV Resort owner Rita Smith said that things were bad enough with the sluggish economy and high fuel prices.
"It's bad enough that we have a drought and a gas shortage," Smith said. "Now they want to reduce the amount of fish? Are they trying to make this Lake Lanier? That's one of our natural resources. Why the fish hatchery?"
Moccasin Creek State Park is located adjacent to the hatchery, and Park Superintendent Brian Nichols said many campers came solely to enjoy the area's trout fishing.
"We have a big number of our visitors that are fishermen, specifically trout fishermen that come here from Georgia and other states, so it will definitely have an impact," Nichols said.
William Criswell and his family have been camping at Moccasin Creek for more than 10 years. He said fishing was a main attraction.
"Do not shut it down period," Criswell said. "I don't think they'd have as many people coming up here to camp if they shut it down."
Tom Chesnick, who operates Gotcha fishing guide service on Lake Burton, said closing the hatchery would be a mistake.
"If they care about the beauty of this place and what brings people here, they're just cutting their own throat," Chesnick said. "It's a major dumb thing to do."
Perdue's office is expected to make directives on the proposed cuts early next month. Until then, it is important that residents express their concerns.
Jenkins said none of the cuts were a "done deal," and he encouraged public comment.
"I believe if we have enough people to voice their opposition to close the fish hatchery, I believe they can get it turned around," Jenkins said. "If enough people get into the act, I believe we can win. I think more calls to his office would be beneficial in helping us turn this around."
Letters can be sent to the Office of the Governor, State of Georgia, 203 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA, 30334. E-mails are accepted at www.georgia.gov. Phone calls can be made to 404-656-1776.
The Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and the Lake Burton and Warwoman Wildlife Management Areas may soon be shut down if Gov. Sonny Perdue approves a list of budget cuts proposed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources board of directors earlier this month.
In August, Perdue's office ordered all state agencies to create plans that would cut spending by up to 10 percent. The state is facing a projected $1.6 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009, which began July 1.
"Governor Perdue had given an edict on cuts, a percentage they had to come up with, and the DNR made cuts based on the governor's edict," said state Rep. Charles Jenkins.
The cuts, which suggest 6-, 8- and 10-percent reduction plans, include closing one cold-water fish hatchery and eliminating WMAs operated on federal lands.
"They plan to put an 8-percent reduction in (the Burton hatchery's) operating funds, about $200,000, and that would close the hatchery because they can't operate with that kind of cut," Jenkins said.
At this point, none of Rabun's three state parks are directly threatened by the cuts.
"The list of proposed closed parks has not been published yet," said Kim Hatcher, DNR public affairs coordinator. "Obviously, Tallulah Gorge and Black Rock Mountain are really popular state parks."
If the Lake Burton and Warwoman WMAs are eliminated, the changes would not take effect until next fall. Hunting would still be allowed on national forest lands, but state management projects such as food plots and quota hunts would be eliminated. There would also be a heavy reduction in law enforcement and wildlife technician positions.
The state runs three cold-water fish hatcheries, Burton, Buford and Summerville, that are responsible for stocking rainbow, brown and brook trout in North Georgia's lakes, rivers and streams.
Due to high operating costs, Rabun's hatchery was selected to be shut down.
"The Burton hatchery is the hatchery mentioned to be cut," said Anthony Rabern, DNR senior fisheries biologist.
If Perdue approves the closing of the Burton hatchery, local fisheries would be seriously affected.
DNR's annual stocking program would be reduced by 31 percent, which equates to 341,000 less trout in state waters. Stocking would be eliminated in 115 smaller North Georgia streams. Lakes Burton and Seed would see the loss of 20,000 brown trout stocked to support a growing trophy fishery.
"One out of every three trout would not be there anymore," said Charlie Breithaupt, chairman of the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited. "At least that. To me it could be even worse. It would be devastating to trout fishing."
The hatchery would lose four full-time employees, which would affect monitoring, management and enhancement of wild trout fisheries. The family fishing pond and hatchery tours would also be eliminated.
"I know there's a big number of people that come to the county for trout fishing and use services here: motels, food and even fishing equipment," Breithaupt said. "As far as sportsmen coming to Rabun County, it's going to have a serious impact."
Although it's still too early to forecast specific implications for the local economy, many local business owners oppose the closing of the hatchery.
"I'm not happy about it," said LaPrade's Marina owner Peter Anzo. "I think it would be a shame for the county and for tourism in North Georgia. We see quite a bit of trout fishermen coming to the marina and asking about buying bait and tackle. I think it would be disappointing for everybody."
Jeff Houston, store manager of Reeves Hardware in Clayton, was concerned about the effects closing the hatchery and WMAs might have on retail.
"I think it would have a big impact, especially on the fishing end of it," Houston said. "We do a big business with the trout fishermen. People travel a great distance to fish up here on these streams. It would hurt us and it would hurt the economy here."
Mary Boland, executive director of the Rabun County Convention & Visitors Bureau, was concerned about the trickle-down effect closing the hatchery might have.
"It's not just the trout fishermen themselves; they also bring their families," Boland said. "While they're fishing, their wives are shopping in the stores. I think it will absolutely have an impact."
The Dillard House owner John Dillard Sr. said recreational activities were a main draw for Rabun's tourism, and anytime those opportunities are compromised, the county suffers.
"Over a period of years, it will have a big effect on a lot of businesses," Dillard said. "This thing is not going to hurt just The Dillard House. It's really a countywide loss to a lot of businesses. Every time we lose a recreational-type thing, it really hurts. You keep adding those things up until there's no reason for people to come up here."
Sugar Mill RV Resort owner Rita Smith said that things were bad enough with the sluggish economy and high fuel prices.
"It's bad enough that we have a drought and a gas shortage," Smith said. "Now they want to reduce the amount of fish? Are they trying to make this Lake Lanier? That's one of our natural resources. Why the fish hatchery?"
Moccasin Creek State Park is located adjacent to the hatchery, and Park Superintendent Brian Nichols said many campers came solely to enjoy the area's trout fishing.
"We have a big number of our visitors that are fishermen, specifically trout fishermen that come here from Georgia and other states, so it will definitely have an impact," Nichols said.
William Criswell and his family have been camping at Moccasin Creek for more than 10 years. He said fishing was a main attraction.
"Do not shut it down period," Criswell said. "I don't think they'd have as many people coming up here to camp if they shut it down."
Tom Chesnick, who operates Gotcha fishing guide service on Lake Burton, said closing the hatchery would be a mistake.
"If they care about the beauty of this place and what brings people here, they're just cutting their own throat," Chesnick said. "It's a major dumb thing to do."
Perdue's office is expected to make directives on the proposed cuts early next month. Until then, it is important that residents express their concerns.
Jenkins said none of the cuts were a "done deal," and he encouraged public comment.
"I believe if we have enough people to voice their opposition to close the fish hatchery, I believe they can get it turned around," Jenkins said. "If enough people get into the act, I believe we can win. I think more calls to his office would be beneficial in helping us turn this around."
Letters can be sent to the Office of the Governor, State of Georgia, 203 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA, 30334. E-mails are accepted at www.georgia.gov. Phone calls can be made to 404-656-1776.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of theclaytontribune.com.
Richard Wright wrote on Sep 22, 2008 12:32 PM:
" My grandchildren visit the fishing ponds at the hatchery regularly and love to see the fish at the hatchery. I do not know why the state would like to give up this valuable peace of property for the citizens of Georgia. If you closed it down who would then purchase it? It cannot be replaced. All the land around the most beautiful lake in north Ga., “Lake Burton” has been taken. When we have guests we usually take them to see the hatchery and Wild Cat Creek. I noticed a lot less fish in our streams this year or maybe I was there on the wrong day. I am sure that you could sell it for a big profit but it would be our loss. Please !!!!!!!! Please do not take it from us. Richard Wright "
Randy Willett wrote on Sep 29, 2008 3:13 PM:
" I have been traveling from Florida to Clayton for over 10 years now to enjoy a week of camping and fishing with 20+ men from our area. We utilize the local businesses, visit the gorge, run the rapids and fish the streams and rivers. I cannot imagine not doing this each year but closing the fish hatcheries leaves little motivation to continue coming there. I hope the state government will find other ways to cut funds. "
Suzanne Matthews wrote on Sep 20, 2008 12:07 PM: