ANNUAL
REPORT
2020
Photo: Mike Wilson/GNPA
Letter from the Chair
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the past year, it is nothing short of extraordinary what we at the
Georgia Natural Resources Foundation (GNRF) have accomplished. Despite
having to change our entire approach to virtual during the pandemic, our team
rose to the occasion at every turn and found innovative ways to be successful.
Who would have ever dreamed that we would pull off one of our most successful
fundraisers, Weekend for Wildlife…VIRTUALLY! On behalf of the Board of Directors
& Staff, I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to our supporters. We are so
blessed to have such dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners to fund and
implement the many critical programs which the GNRF supports.
Created in 2010, the GNRF is a Georgia non-profit corporation that supports the
work of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funds raised
through private individuals and corporate sponsors. The GNRF awards these funds
directly to divisions within DNR through its directed giving and grants programs.
Since the GNRF’s inception we have awarded grants and directed giving dollars
exceeding $1.2 million to DNR programs and initiatives. These charitable dollars
provide tremendous benefit to all Georgian’s and out of town visitors to our beautiful
state by helping preserve Georgia’s resources for all to enjoy.
Many Georgians might think that DNR primarily focuses on enforcing hunting and
fishing restrictions and providing hunter safety training, but DNR is responsible for
so much more than that. Their overarching mission is to manage and conserve
Georgia’s natural, cultural, and historical resources. This mission includes wildlife
conservation, boating, managing state parks, trails, cultural & historical sites,
and outdoor recreation all over our great state. During the pandemic, it became
even more clear how important it was to support this mission. It is through our
tremendous partners, like you, that we were able to do just that, and I want to thank
you again for your continued support.
As we look to the future, I am so proud of the work and accomplishments done
by the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. The challenges of the past year or
more have done nothing to dampen our enthusiasm for our partnership with DNR.
As our state continues to grow, it will take an even greater effort to ensure we are
doing our part to protect our beautiful state’s resources for future generations to
enjoy. I am pleased to present the 2020 Annual Report in order to provide you, our
valued partners, with a snapshot of what your generous donations and support
have done to enhance the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
John D’Andrea
Georgia Natural Resources Foundation Chair
2020 Board of Directors
Dr. J. David John Gene Amy
Allen D’Andrea Rackley Hillman
Founding Chair Chair Vice Chair
Chris Glen Jeff Alfred W. “Bill”
Jones III
Albrecht Wilkins Foxworthy
Sara Mark Robert Dr. Richie
Clark Williams Leebern, Jr. Bland
DNR Commissioner
& Ex-Officio
Lonice David Jen William
Barrett Werner Ryan Woodall
Table of Contents
Balance Sheet...............................................................7
Projects Funded...........................................................11
State Parks & Historic Sites Division................................................... 12
Wildlife Resources Division................................................................. 14
Law Enforcement Division................................................................... 19
Coastal Resources Division................................................................ 20
Weekend for Wildlife....................................................21
Donors..........................................................................23
BALANCE
SHEET
2020
Photo: Jenny Burdette/GNPA
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | BALANCE SHEET 8
Balance Sheet period ended January 31, 2021
Foundation Smithgall Weekend for
Total Woods Total Wildlife Total Grand Total
Assets $747,937.27 $220,162.49 $557,684.12 $1,525,783.88
Cash $747,937.27 $220,162.49 $557,684.12 $1,525,783.88
Total Assets
Liabilities
Interfund Payable $3,932.00 - - $3,932.00
(Lifetime License)
Total $3,932.00 - - $3,932.00
Liabilities
Fund Balance $744,005.27 $220,162.49 $557,684.12 $1,521,851.88
$744,005.27 $220,162.49 $557,684.12 $1,521,851.88
Profit/(Loss)
Current Year
Total Fund
Balance
Total $747,937.27 $220,162.49 $557,684.12 $1,525,783.88
Liabilities &
Fund Balance
9 BALANCE SHEET | 2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT
Statement of Revenues & Expenditures
Revenues Foundation Smithgall Weekend for Grand Total
Total Woods Total Wildlife Total
Contributions $563,953.24
& Donations $98,723.24 - $465,230.00 $7,877.50
(Restricted)
$7,877.50 - - $1,164,868.98
Revenue (Admin) $840,720.58 $ 220,162.49 $ 103,985.91 $0.01
$0.00
Prior Year Reserves $0.01 - -
Carry Over - - - $1,736,699.72
$220,162.49 $ 569,215.91
Other Intergovtl. $947,321.33
Revenues
Transfers In
Total Revenue
Expenditures $1,004.30 - - $1,004.30
$2,722.31 - $10,733.79 $13,456.10
Supplies & Materials - $798.00 $823.00
$25.00 - - $1,960.00
Other Operating $1,960.00
Expenses - - $35,405.97
$35,405.97
Print & Publication $240.00 - - $240.00
- - $67,500.00
Personal Liab. of $67,500.00 - - $10,000.00
Employees $10,000.00 - - $79,935.23
$79,935.23
Per Diem, Fees, - - $3,500.00
& Contracts $3,500.00
- - 230.03
Rents (OTRE) $230.03
---
Transfers Out -
$793.22 - - $793.22
Tuition/Scholarships $203,316.06
- $11,531.79 $214,847.85
Grants to DNR
Grants to Others
& Cities
Centralized ACCTG
Systems Fees
SAO Teamworks
Billing
Personal System
Total
Expenditures
Total Liabilities $744,005.27 $220,162.49 $557,684.12 $1,521,851.87
& Fund Balance
PROJECTS
FUNDED
2020
Photo: Kip Stahl/GNPA
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | PROJECTS FUNDED 12
State Parks & Historic Sites Division
F.D. ROOSEVELT STATE PARK INTERPRETIVE PANELS
The Georgia Natural Resources Foundation (GNRF)
sponsored the development of interpretive panels at
F.D. Roosevelt State Park (FDR) in 2020–21.
In the 1930s, FDR’s building of the park’s infrastructure
was a product of the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC). A program started during President
Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” the CCC employed young
men all around the country. At FDR, they built many
structures and facilities that are still in use today.
The GNRF grant allowed the Division to showcase
the history of three of these important areas with
interpretive panels and to purchase an additional 25
trail signs to be placed around the park on lakefronts
and hiking trails.
For the three larger panels the Division contracted
with an exhibit design firm, the History Workshop,
to develop interpretive text, provide images, and
manufacture these 24”x 36” panels. This process took
several months of research, development, review,
and editing which was managed by Judd Smith, Parks
Historian of the Cultural and Interpretive Resource
Unit of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. Once
the panel layouts and content were completed the
panels were approved for production. The panels are
constructed of fiberglass embedded laminate, which
is a durable and fade resistant material developed
for outdoor panels exposed to the elements. The
production process took approximately six weeks
and by early April 2021 the panels were completed
and shipped to Park Manager Desmond Timmons
at FDR for installation. The park staff completed
installation of the panels, and they are now available
for the enjoyment and education of the public.
The first panel was developed to highlight Lake
Franklin, the largest of the CCC lakes at FDR. This
lake has recently undergone significant work, as it
was drained in 2020 so repairs could be conducted
on its 80-year-old dam. The interpretive panel
13 PROJECTS FUNDED | 2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT
installed on its shore showcases the lake’s history
including nearby CCC structures, such as two group
camps, a massive tornado that damaged the area in
2011, as well as the recent conservation and repair
work on the dam.
The second panel describes the Liberty Bell Pool, an
iconic bell-shaped swimming pool created and built by
the CCC with direct input from President Roosevelt.
The pool continues in operation to this day and the
panel highlights the pool’s 80+ year history and the
techniques that went into its design and construction.
The third panel chronicles the history of Lake
Deleanor another CCC built lake at FDR, its unique
name (a combination of Delano and Eleanor), and
several structures built along its shore. The lake
has provided enjoyment for campers, boaters, and
anglers since the 1930s.
The remaining panels (25) are trail signs that
measure approximately 9” x 12” and are fabricated
by Wilderness Graphics. These are used to highlight
the various animal and plant species that one might
see in various locations around the park.
The Parks and Historic Sites Division would like to
thank the GNRF for its contribution of the financial
grant to make this opportunity available for the park’s
thousands of visitors. The GNRF’s generous support
has made this important project a success.
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | PROJECTS FUNDED 14
Wildlife Resources Division
SUMMER CAMP & TEACHER WORKSHOP FUNDING AT CEWC
Last year the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation provided funding to support
teacher workshops at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (CEWC)—Outdoor Wildlife
Leadership School (OWLS) and Teacher Conservation Workshop (TCW)—and a
summer camp—Adventures in Conservation Education Camp (ACE)—for middle
schoolers. Due to COVID-19, all workshops and camps were canceled, and funds
were held to support programming during the summer of 2021. Plans for the
summer 2021 include:
• Hosting a modified Teacher Conservation Workshop for 20 educators June
14th–17th at CEWC. The entire workshop will take place on the CEWC/Clybel
WMA property with virtual visits to mills and logging sites. Some of the activities
include demonstration of prescribed fire and wildfire suppression techniques,
discussion on forestry and wildlife managements practices, birding, canoeing,
and exposure to over 20 Project WILD, WET and Learning activities that
educators can take back to their classrooms to engage students in the concept
of forestry and wildlife management.
• Hosting a modified Outdoor Wildlife Leadership School for 16 educators July
6th–9th at CEWC. The entire workshop will take place on the CEWC/Clybel
WMA property. Half of the workshop will focus on the Piedmont ecoregion with
activities around granite outcrop habitats and longleaf pine communities. The
other half will focus on the field of wildlife forensics. We have teamed up the
Law Enforcement Division to create a series of case studies that highlight real
world issues the LE team encounters while enforcing DNR’s rules and regulation
around wildlife. Thanks to the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Division, we were
able to adapt their wildlife forensics curriculum into a Georgia version and will
provide a copy of the curriculum to every participant along with resource material
to implement the activities in it.
• Hosting a modified Adventures in Conservation Education Camp for 16 campers
July 13th–16th. The entire camp will take place on the CEWC/Clybel WMA
property. Half of the camp will focus on the Piedmont ecoregion with activities
around granite outcrop habitats and longleaf pine communities. The other half
will focus on the field of wildlife forensics. We have arranged for an LE officer
to be on site to talk with campers about the role and responsibilities of a Game
Warden, conduct a K9 demonstration, and guide the campers through four real
world scenarios.
15 PROJECTS FUNDED | 2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT
EDUCATIONAL FISHING PROGRAMS AT CEWC & MARBEN PFA
The Georgia Natural Resources Foundation Grant
provided funding to support educational fishing
programs at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (CEWC)/
Marben Public Fishing Area (MPFA). Both CEWC &
MPFA teams joined forces at their Wildlife Resources
Division property to host three Fish-n-Learn
programs from October 2020–Spring 2021. The
fishing programs improved the skills and knowledge
of almost 40 anglers (children and parents). Funding
from the GNRF Grant provided the young anglers
enrolled in the beginner program with fishing gear
and tackle (rods, reels, tackle boxes, and other
supplies: hooks, bobbers, bait, stringers, etc.) to
start fishing on day one. The GNRF Grant provided
our anglers with artificial baits for their tackle boxes.
All program participants received personal training
from the CEWC/MPFA teams, and they leave our
programs confident and excited about fishing.
Fish-n-Learn 1 is the beginner’s level program, geared
towards the new angler. It focuses on the basics of
fishing, such as: rigging line, basic knot tying, baiting
a hook, casting, and cleaning a catch. In September
2020, nine children along with their parents lodged
and dined at the CEWC from September 11–13 for
Fish-n-Learn 1. Upon the program’s completion, a
survey was sent to parents requesting their feedback.
Majority of the comments were positive and indicated
a successful weekend. Many parents requested
updates for future Fish-n-Learn programs, indicating
their enthusiasm.
Fish-n-Learn 2 is the intermediate level program,
geared towards those participants who have already
completed level 1, or come with fishing experience
and knowledge. The GNRF Grant provided tackle
(artificial bait and lures) for anglers to use and keep
in their tackle boxes. Nine children along with their
parents participated in our April 9–11, 2021 program,
Fish-N-Learn Grant $3,000.00
Grant Award Total $2,335.33
Amount Spent To-Date
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | PROJECTS FUNDED 16
which focused on bass fishing. Participants had the opportunity to fish from boats and
learn more advanced fishing strategies and introductory fishery resource management.
Registration fees covered participant meals during the programs and lodging on
site at CEWC. Approximately, $2,300 was spent between Fish-n-Learn level 1 and
level 2 programs. Due to COVID-19, the Fish-n-Learn scheduled for March 20–
22, 2020 was postponed until October 9–11, 2020. Since supplies were already
purchased for the rescheduled March program, the supplies were utilized during
the October event. This shifted supply purchases for subsequent programs. Fall 2020
supplies were purchased in spring of 2021, which will be used in our fall 2021 program.
Due to overwhelming feedback from participants, a third Fish-n-Learn program
has been developed. In partnership with Coastal Resources Division, Fish-n-Learn
3 is scheduled to take place at Jekyll Island on September 11, 2021. Registration
is schedule to open by August 1 and can accommodate 24 participants who will
learn the basics of surf fishing. In contrast to Fish-n-Learn 1 & 2 programs, Fish-n-
Learn 3 will be a one-day program rather than a program for 3-days and 2-nights.
Approximately, $500 from the GNRF Grant remains to purchase supplies and
fishing tackle for our fishing program on the Georgia Coast.
Future Fish-n-Learn programs on our schedule: October 8–10, 2021; April 29–May
1, 2022; October 7–9, 2022; May 5–7, 2023.
17 PROJECTS FUNDED | 2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT
GO FISH EDUCATION CENTER
The Georgia Natural Resources Foundation awarded
the Go Fish Education Center $3,000 in the 2020
grant cycle. These funds have been used to purchase
fishing equipment for our fishing day camps and
beginner fishing classes. These instructional fishing
programs are a vital part of the Wildlife Resources
Division’s angler recruitment and retention efforts.
A lack of basic fishing skills and a perceived high
cost of equipment are examples of barriers potential
anglers face. By offering quality fishing education
programs coupled with fishing equipment, Go Fish
Center programs address these barriers.
The Go Fish Education Center will conduct four
summer day camps sessions this summer. Campers
will receive 3 days of fishing instruction and fishing
equipment to take home at the end of the camp.
Topics include fish biology, fish identification and the
importance of fishing regulations. Last year’s camp
numbers were reduced due to COVID. However, 40
campers over four camps caught 697 fish! Several
of our previous camp participants have become
weekend regulars to our Go Fish casting pond. Two of
our campers from last year have become volunteers
who now teach others the tradition of fishing.
The funding provided by the GNRF grant has also
allowed Go Fish to purchase fishing equipment for
two one-day fishing clinics this spring and summer.
These clinics are open to the public ages 8 and
up. Each participant will receive a fishing rod and
reel combo with tackle. The goal of this program is
to introduce families to the sport of fishing. These
clinics cover conservation in fishing, knot tying, fish
identification, fish handling and casting techniques.
Go Fish Education Center Camps Grant
Grant Award Total $3,000.00
Amount Spent To-Date $1,674.42
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | PROJECTS FUNDED 18
ANGLER AWARDS & BASS SLAM PROGRAMS
The Georgia Angler Award Program/Georgia Bass Slam Program recognizes
anglers that catch fish that meet or beat a specific weight or length and/or everyone
that catches at least five of the ten black bass species found in the state.
In 2020, the Angler Award Program recognized 181 anglers and the Bass Slam
Program recognized 41 successful “slammers.” We anticipate the same number of
anglers (if not more) to participate in 2021. Funds from this grant allowed for the
purchase of supplies and items to support the program.
These programs provide a unique opportunity to reward people for doing something
they already love—fishing. This positive reinforcement to their angling experience
encourages them to continue to fish, to seek new places to fish, and in all likelihood,
to purchase fishing licenses now and in the future. Every license purchase can bring
back approximately $50 in federal funds to Georgia. Additionally, anglers having
this positive experience are more likely to bring along a friend or family member—
making way for more anglers (and perhaps more license buyers) in the future.
Angler Awards Programs Grant
Grant Award Total $9,000.00
Amount Spent To-Date $8,987.54
Angler Awards Bass Slam Awards
Certificates $100.00 Certificate Paper $120.00
Certificates: Mailing Costs $106.20 Certificate: Mailing Costs $65.60
Hats $3,520.00 Grand Prize (2020) $258.00
Hats: Mailing Costs $955.95 Grand Prize (2021) $430.46
Shirts $1,956.12 Total $874.06
Shirts: Mailing Costs $496.50 New Item for Both Programs
Grand Prize (new for 2021) $172.46 Fish Microfiber Towel w/Hook $806.25
Total $7,307.23 Total $806.25
19 PROJECTS FUNDED | 2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT
Law Enforcement Division
DNR’s Law Enforcement Division received a $20,000
grant that made it possible for the Georgia DNR Law
Enforcement Division to purchase Branded Items for
giveaway to customers and stakeholders, fund the
Law Enforcement Off the Pavement Awards Banquet
at High Falls State Park and purchase Body armor for
the 34th Game Warden Academy as well as replace
expired armor throughout the state. The Division
is appreciative of the support from GNRF to fund
these projects.
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | PROJECTS FUNDED 20
Coastal Resources Division
During 2020, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) requested and received
$47,600 from the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation, which included the cycle
2020 request of $20,000, a directed gift of $20,000 from a Weekend for Wildlife
signature sponsor, and cycle 2019 carryover funds.
SHELL COLLECTION FACILITY
As described in the project funding request, CRD’s
Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit (HERU) is
actively working to build natural oyster reefs. Whether
developed for habitat restoration, reef enhancement,
or fishing opportunity, the creation of natural oyster
reefs benefits fish, shellfish, birds, and fishermen.
The material of choice for reef development is
natural oyster shell, which is becoming harder to find
as more states develop similar programs. Shell is
collected from restaurants and donated from private
oyster roasts and on occasion, CRD purchases shell.
Whether purchased, collected, or donated, all the
shell eventually makes its way to CRD where it is
cured, bagged, and readied for a deployment project.
Having an efficient way to handle tons of shell is
important to the overall success of the project.
With the Foundation’s support, a new shell collection
and recycling facility was designed and constructed
utilizing a concrete slab and solid wall bins. The bins
allow for larger volumes of shell to be held and cured
which increases availability for projects. Construction
of the collection and recycling facility occurred in
March and April of 2021 and after a 28-day cure,
use began on June 1. Total project costs were
approximately $99,000 with the foundation providing
$47,600 and the remainder from federal grants.
WEEKEND FOR
WILDLIFE
2021
Photo: GADNR
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | WEEKEND FOR WILDLIFE 22
Weekend for Wildlife is one of the nation’s most successful conservation events,
raising more than $15 million in thirty-three years to conserve Georgia’s prized
natural resources. The 2021 event was unlike any other that the Foundation had
ever planned. With the uncertainties of a global pandemic, the typical format of
Weekend for Wildlife was tabled, and our teams had to quickly pivot to a fully
virtual event. We knew the alternate format would likely impact fundraising and that
further motivated us to make the 2021 WFW a success, because this pandemic
has shown us that we must have abundant public wild lands and thriving wildlife
populations for all to explore and enjoy.
With the help of our sponsors and individual donors, we were able to raise over
$740,000 in critically valuable support for the DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s
Wildlife Conservation Section, which greatly depends on fundraisers, grants and
direct contributions to support its vital mission of conserving nongame species.
This year has brought many changes and challenges to our families, communities,
state, and country, but it has not diminished the need for wildlife conservation.
Through careful planning and a devoted team of hard-working experts, Georgia
DNR has remained committed to the management and conservation of Georgia’s
natural resources. We are so proud to be able to support the mission of the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources and look forward to another successful
WFW in 2022.
THANK YOU
FROM HUNTERS AND The Environmental Resources Network CONSERVATION IS A TEAM SPORT
HIKERS TO BIRDERS Friends of Georgia’s Wildlife Conservation Section
January 30
AND ANGLERS,
OUR LOVE OF THE 2021
OUTDOORS BRINGS
VIRTUAL EVENT &
US TOGETHER. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CONSERVATION
IS A WAY OF LIFE.
HELP US PRESERVE
OUR WILDLIFE FOR
GENERATIONS
TO COME.
DONORS
2020
Photo: Kip Stahl/GNPA
2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT | DONORS 24
$100,000+ Donors
Eleanor and Tom Ratchford
$50,000+ Donors
Altria Group
$25,000+ Donors
Chemours State Mutual Insurance
Coca-Cola Jacob and Traci Crowe
Georgia Power Company Bland Farms
Honeywell International Inc.
$15,000+ Donors
Dee Yancey The Village at Indian Springs
Judy and Walter Hoyt, Sr. Philip Wilheit, Sr.
Georgia Transmission Corporation
$10,000+ Donors
Atlanta Gas Light Rayonier
Bobolink Foundation Rayonier Advanced Materials Foundation
Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health Reynolds Lake Oconee
Connect South NextEra Energy Resources
Four Oaks Southwire Company, LLC
Georgia Highway Contractors Association Williams Family Foundation
Georgia Southern University Jeb Stewart
MetroGreen Recycling Wes Walraven
$5,000+ Donors
Joyce Holland CSX Transportation Jim and Peggy Walters
Billy New Patrick and Lynne Denney Schalk and Amore Pienaar
Allen Densmore Dwight and Sharon Evans Tim and Traci Lowe
Coral Cares Joe and Rosalyn Hatfield Amy Hillman
Sara Clark Doug and Carol Mabry Georgia Farm Bureau
Broadfield Foundation Marty and Julie McClendon Nick and Jamie Ayers
Nancy Addison Russ Pennington Ray and Mary Lynn Lambert
Dwight and Brenda Davis Bodine and Lillie Sinyard Sonny and Judy Deriso
Bioengergy DevCo
25 DONORS | 2020 GNRF ANNUAL REPORT
$500+ Donors Jonathon Pannell
Callie DeHaven
John and Ellen D’Andrea Brother Stewart
Lee Jarboe Jen and Shawn Ryan
Peter Hjort Ryan Teague
Rabun Neal William Bagwell, Jr.
Michael Cole Taye Pierce
Terry Cook M. Debussey
Adam Taylor James Allgood, Jr.
Chris Phillips Senator Butch Miller
Barbara Hampton Paul Shailendra
Jay Kimbrel Commissioner Mark Williams
Trena Kimbrel Ronny Just
Brad Alexander Michael Cole
Daniel and Elizabeth Veal Dwight McLaurin
Katherine Warden
Helen Willis Brent Vendola
Edens Davis Bo Kelly
Cathy Barnette
$25+ Donors Carletha Bryant
Joey Slaughter
Lonice Barrett Bill Donohue
Mark Berry Jamey Finocchio
Louis Cole Artica Gaston
Christopher Brookshire David Jordan
Homer Bryson Mary Kimberly
Representative Jon Burns Lisa Kruse
Katie Gregory Lisa McLean
Jay Mannelly Sandra McLean
Scott Tanner Kathryn Miller
Brock Hutchins Matt Owens
Jeff Wansley Georgia Patterson
Doug Haymans Kyle Pearson
Double A Productions Rena Peck
United Way Wes Robinson
Jeff Cown Robert Sargent
Harris Hatcher Travis Sweat
Chris Light Jake Tench
Thomas Litts Tracey Will
B. Lynn Penny Dunn
Ted Will Donald McGowan
Wanda Granitz Kim Piemme
Ben Granitz Michael Robinson
Josh HIldebrandt Michael Staton
John Ambrose Gregory Wade
Cherry Green Angie Johnson
Steve Friedman Brad Ballard
Andcraft Enterprises Merett Alexander
Eric Bentley
Tracy Bowers
Megan Gray
Rhonda Hensley
Kate Iannuzzi
Andy Mays
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