2018 Annual Report (Final)

2018 Annual Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of
Directors………………………………………………………………………………3

2018 Balance
Sheet………………………………………………………...……………………..4-5

Projects Funded in
2018……………………………………………………………………..………..6-16

State Parks & Historic
Sites………………………………………………………………………………………………..7-9
Coastal Resources
Division……………………………………………………………………………….…………10-12
Law Enforcement
Division………………………………………………………………………………….………13-14
Historic Preservation
Division……………………………………………………………………………………………..15
Wildlife Resources
Division………………………………………………………………………………….………16-18

2018 Donors……………………………………………………………………20-21

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2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amy L. Hillman Edens Davis John Dr. J. David
D’Andrea Allen

Joe M. Hatfield Chris Albrecht Glen Wilkins Jeff Foxworthy

Bill Jones III Lonice Barrett Sara Clark Philip A.
Wilheit, Jr.

Robert D. Dr. Richie Ross King Mark Williams
Leebern, Jr. Bland

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TOTAL ASSETS BALANCE SHEET
JUNE 30, 2018

GRAND TOTAL

Cash $ 1,358,225.39
Receivable -
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 1,358,225.39

LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable $ 7,903.04
Employer's Share -

TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 7,903.04

FUND BALANCE

Fund Balance July 1, 2017 $ 1,148,391.47
Profit / (Loss) Current Year $ 201,930.88

TOTAL FUND BALANCE $ 1,350,322.35

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND $ 1,358,225.39
BALANCE

STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES

REVENUES GRAND TOTAL
Contributions & Donations – Restricted $1,289,695.76
Interest Earned $ 155.66
Interfund Receivable $ 8,700.00
Transfers In $ 301,929.60
$ 1,600,481.02
TOTAL REVENUE
EXPENDITURES $ 2,270.00
$ 11.00
Personal Liability
Postage $ 7,257.64
S&M -
Freight
Other Operating Expenses $ 459,106.19
Meals -
Transfers out-WRD
Per Diem, Fees, & Contracts $ 838,774.13
MV Expense $ 70,433.64
Print & Pub -
Real Estate Rentals $ 2,848.31
Vehicle Rentals -
Grants $ 3,705.51
Computer Supplies/ APP Support Services $ 5,253.00
Mobile Comm $ 500.27
Software -
Voice/Data Communication Service - Mobile/Wireless $ 7,455.00
Cost of Goods Sold $ 91.59
Third Party EXP $ 843.86
-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$ 1,398,550.14
Profit / (Loss) Current Year $ 201,930.88

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STATE PARKS RECREATION & HISTORIC SITES DIVISION

F.D. Roosevelt Angler Gateway
Fish Attractors and Feeders Project

FDR State Park was very excited to be a part of the
Angler Gateway program to improve the fishing in our
lakes. With the $15,000 grant from GNRF, FDR
partnered up with the WRD Fisheries and the local Boy
Scouts of America Troop 40. Paul Jones of Fisheries
was able to stock Lake Delanor with largemouth bass
and hybrid bass in late April. The park staff was also
able to go over to Big Lazer Creek WMA and test their
fish feeder and get suggestions
from Joel Harrison and Jay Williams on what type of
feed works best with the feeders and dispensed pattern
of the feed. Troop 40 agreed to make 60 fish attractors
to go in the lakes as a scout volunteer project. They had everything finished by the end of May. The
park staff installed two fish feeders and 30 fish attractors on a June 6th at around 10:00 am, with the
help of the City of Pine Mountain public works. The city used their backhoe to transport the floating
docks to be placed in Lake Delanor to get ready for our free fishing day, scheduled for the 8th of June.
The event was canceled due to inclement weather, and as a result, we are rescheduling it to a later
date. The park will install the other two feeders and 30 fish attractors at Lake Franklin once the dam is
repaired. The Angler Gateway program at FDR state park will turn “fishing” into “catching” for park
guests for years to come.

BSA, Troop 40- Hard at work

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COASTAL RESOURCES DIVISION

Project Report: 2018 Georgia Natural Resources Foundation
Funding

Coastal Resources Division

During 2018 and 2019, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) requested and received $47,400 from the Georgia
Natural Resources Foundation, including a directed gift of $15,000 from Georgia Power to CRD for two specific
projects. The following narrative illustrates the projects where CRD spent these funds.

Research and Surveys Projects ($10,600, Georgia Power directed gift)

Carcass Project: In the fall of 1997, CRD initiated the Marine Sportfish Carcass Recovery Project to take
advantage of the fishing efforts of thousands of anglers by turning filleted fish carcasses that anglers would
normally discard into a source of much needed data on Georgia’s marine sportfish. The approach is simple, yet
effective. Chest freezers are placed near fish cleaning stations at selected locations
along the Georgia coast. Anglers place their bagged and filleted carcasses with a
completed anger information card in the freezer. Staff recover the carcasses and
process them for biological information used to describe the size, sex, and age
structure of the recreational harvest. This recycle-for-research information is then
combined with other surveys and inventories to determine the status of recreationally
important finfish species in Georgia waters. The project is a true partnership between
anglers, business, conservation NGOs and CRD. More than 2,400 unique anglers
have donated nearly 80,000 fish carcasses since the project began. Funds
provided by the GNRF were used to purchase chest freezers, processing
supplies, promotional signage, and angler rewards.

Age and Growth Lab: For most fish, age is determined from their otoliths (ear stones) which are sectioned
using a low speed saw with diamond tipped blades (pictured). Otoliths help fish orient themselves and maintain
balance, acting much like a human’s middle ear. They are composed of calcium
carbonate, with a new layer deposited annually. The result is rings (i.e., annuli) like
the rings of a tree, which can be counted. By knowing the age of fish, scientists can
determine the composition of the catch, age-at-maturity, age at capture in the
fishery, and the maximum age the species lives thereby informing of the population
health and the sustainability. The Age & Growth Laboratory sections and ages over
2,000 otoliths per year. Some of the fish aged include: Spotted Seatrout, Red Drum,
Southern Kingfish (Whiting), Atlantic Croaker, Tripletail, Sheepshead, and Southern
Flounder. Funds provided by the GNRF were used to purchase a high
precision, low-speed isomet saw (pictured).

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Coastal Longline: The Coastal Longline survey currently
samples in waters of Doboy Sound to St. Mary's from June
through December. This survey has examined the effects of bait
type and hook size on species selectivity as well as examining
spatial and temporal effects on catch rates. All sharks captured
are identified to species, sexed, measured, weighed and
examined for umbilical scarring/remains and then tagged. To
date, 14 species have been encountered. Red Drum are also
measured, weighed, fin clipped for genetic analysis, and
tagged. All other specimens are identified and counted. Funds
provided by the GNRF were used to purchase a Passive
Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tag Reader.

Cooperative Angler Tagging: The Cooperative Angler Tagging Project collects data about
fish species across Georgia's Coast. To date, anglers have tagged more than 7,000 fish,
including Sheepshead, Spotted Seatrout, Red Drum, Tripletail, and Tarpon. The life growth,
movement, and habitat preference data are combined with that from other programs to
provide a better picture of the recreational fishery. In appreciation for reporting tag
recaptures, anglers receive a reward. Additionally, both the tagger and the reporter receive
a report including the date, location, size, and equivalent information on the recapture.
Funds provided by the GNRF were used to purchase program signage which was
placed at boat ramps, bait shops, sporting goods stores, and marinas across the
coast.

Coastal Receiver Array: The Array is a series of passive acoustic listening stations
stretching offshore of St. Simons nearly 18 miles and passing through several artificial reefs
and well as stations of Wassaw sound. The array detects fish acoustically tagged by CRD
biologists and those tagged by other states. Of particular interest is the fate of Red Drum as
it relates to angler activity; that is, how many fish make it through the slot limit and into the
spawning population. This is a number referred to as ‘escapement’. This information supports
management efforts in the state and across the region. To date,
23 Red Drum have been tagged and released in Wassaw
Sound. Fish range in size from 380-680 mm fork length (FL).
Additional fish will be tagged through 2021 as part of this
project. GNRF funds helped purchase acoustic tags and
offset maintenance and operational costs.

Coastfest 2018 ($5,000)

A prominent feature at CoastFest of late has been the 5,000-gallon mobile
aquarium known as the “Hawg Trough”. The aquarium is filled with filtered
seawater and large specimens of several iconic species of saltwater fish,
such as Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and Tripletail. DNR staff and
volunteers interact with visitors explaining the life history and habitat
requirements of these species and providing information about the angling
techniques commonly used when targeting these species.

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College of Coastal Georgia Internship ($4,400)
The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) and CRD
have a successful service-learning partnership
through which students in the biology and coastal
ecology career paths interact with CRD staff to
enhance their knowledge of coastal resource
management and conservation. During 2018 the
GNRF, together with a direct gift of $4,400 from
Georgia Power, provided funding for summer
internships for one student each summer to
work with CRD biologists.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

2018 Grant Cycle (FY 2019)

GNRF awarded a $5,000 that made it
possible for the Georgia DNR Law
Enforcement Division to hold their
annual Awards Banquet to recognize
award recipients.

GNRF awarded a $10,000 grant to
purchase on body armor for the 33rd
Game Warden Academy. Each
officer was provided a ballistic vest
to aid in their protection. Our
number one goal is the safety of our
Game Wardens.

GNRF awarded a $4,000 grant to the DNR Law
Enforcement Division to develop and provide a
Game Warden Coloring Book for educational
purposes depicting safety messaging to be
distributed to youth. We feel the benefits from
these materials will pay dividends for many years
forward by educating youth on the proper and safe
way to participate in and enjoy hunting and boating
activities.

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GNRF awarded a $3,000 grant to purchase Law
Enforcement Division Branded youth fluorescent
orange vests. We feel the benefits from these
materials will pay dividends for many years forward
by educating youth on the proper and safe way to
participate in and enjoy hunting with the fluorescent
orange gear and build support and understanding
of the benefits that result from Conservation Law
Enforcement.

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISON

2018 Grant Cycle

The Historic Preservation Division received a grant
total of $15,000. This grant fund was used to
increase public awareness of HPD, the division’s
mission, the results the division produces for DNR
and for the State of Georgia as a whole.
Specifically, this video highlighted the rehabilitation
tax incentive and Section 106 programs, which are
crucial for the continued success of HPD’s mission.

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WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION

Grant Report for 2018

In 2018, WRD was awarded $15,000 in grants from GNRF to
fund multiple educational programs and We are Champion Gift
Cards. The programs and gift cards have been detailed below.

The goal of Teacher Conservation Workshop is to introduce participants to the concept of forest
and natural resource management, examine the ways it is practiced, and provide participants with the
skills and knowledge that can be directly used to support the Georgia Standards for Excellence in
Science.

1) The 2018 (FY18) Teacher Conservation Workshop supported 19 educators from across
Georgia. When asked to rate their awareness and understanding of Georgia forests and
wildlife resources and issues surrounding the management and conservation of the resources,
the average pre workshop score was 1.9 out of 5.0 and
post workshop score increased to 4.9 out of 5.0. When
asked to rate their content knowledge about forestry
and wildlife resources management and conservation,
the average pre workshop score was 2.0 out of 5.0 and
post workshop score increased to 4.8 out of 5.0.

The goal of Outdoor Wildlife Leadership School is to explore
Georgia’s ecoregions as it relates to plants, animals, and
conservation issues of each region, and provide teachers with
skills and knowledge that can be directly used to support new Georgia Standards for Excellence in
Science.

1) The 2017 (FY18) Outdoor Wildlife Leadership School I
supported 13 educators from across Georgia. Throughout
the week participants explored the Piedmont and Upper
Coastal Plain ecoregions of the state. Activities included
hiking Ohoopee Dunes and learning about sandhill
ecology, discussing the role of prescribed fire, birding at
CEWC and Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, canoeing at
Bond Swamp, and investigating a local stream with the
WRD Stream Team. Teacher surveys showed that 100%
of participants were extremely satisfied with the overall
workshop. Their awareness and understanding of the
Upper Coastal Plain ecoregion (plants, animals, and
conservation issues) increased from an average score of
1.92 out of 5.0 to an average score of 4.67 out of 5.0.

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2) The 2018 (FY19) Outdoor Wildlife Leadership School III supported 16 educators from across
Georgia. OWLS III was a new workshop CEWC hosted that featured the Lower Coastal Plain
and Barrier Islands. Participants canoed and hiked the Okefenokee Swamp, went birding at
Altamaha WMA, toured the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, cast netted off Jekyll Island, explored
Sapelo Island’s marshes and maritime forests, and
searched for sea turtles with the WRD turtle crew. Teacher
surveys showed that 100% of participants were
extremely satisfied with the overall workshop. Their
awareness and understanding of Georgia’s Lower
Coastal Plain ecoregion (plants, animals, and conservation
issues) increased from an average score of 2.03 out of 5
to an average score of 4.65 out of 5. Their content
knowledge about salt marshes, swamps, and maritime
forests increased from an average score of 2.00 out of
5.0 to an average score of 4.43 out of 5.0.

The goal of Adventures in Conservation Education Camp is to connect middle school aged
participants who are interested in wildlife and the environment with Georgia’s amazing ecosystems.
During the camp, participants explored plants, animals, and conservation issues DNR biologists are
investigating as well as the careers people have in managing, conserving, and supporting these
ecosystems.

1) The 2017 (FY18) Adventures in Conservation Education
Camp supported sixteen campers. The program focused
on the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain ecosystems.
Campers hiked Ohoopee Dunes, discussed the role of
prescribed fire in management of species, canoed Bond
Swamp and waded into the local creek with WRD’s
Stream team to help inventory the species found there.

2) The 2018 (FY19) Adventures in Conservation Education
Camp supported eleven campers. The program focused
on the Lower Coastal Plain and Barrier Island
ecosystems. Campers canoed and hiked the
Okefenokee Swamp, went birding at Altamaha WMA,
toured the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, cast netted off
Jekyll Island, and explored Sapelo Island’s marshes and
maritime forests. Of the eleven students involved, four of
them had never been to the coast before, and each
student got to experience something brand new to them
throughout the week.

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Georgia Natural Resources Foundation Grants Awarded to WRD Public Affairs

• FY18 – We are Champion Gift Cards
o Given to WRD staff throughout the year who exemplify the WRD mission and values.
These lasted through 2019 and were an effective way to show appreciation to staff for
work done during the year.

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2018 GNRF Donors

$50,000+ SUPPORTERS

Coral Cares Georgia Power

Delta Air Lines $25,000+ SUPPORTERS Harley Langdale
Eleanor and Tom Ratchford Sandra and Delbert Bland
Honeywell Springer Mountain Farms Big Chief Country Store
PENLEY/Onward Reserve Village at Indian Springs
WalMart
AT&T Yamaha
Chemours
Coca-Cola $15,000+ SUPPORTERS Schalk Pienaar Safaris Namibia
Double A Productions State Mutual Insurance
Georgia Transmission Corporation GPB Connect South
GoVolt Walter and Judy Hoyt Mitchell Stephens
Insurance House Fieldale Farms
Steve Adams and SouthEastTrans Kinder Morgan
Dr. Richie and Ava Bland Metro Green Recycling
Bobolink Foundation Phillip Bronkhorst Safaris
Brandt Information Services Piedmont Healthcare, Inc.
Emory Healthcare and the Woodruff
Health Sciences Center $10,000+ SUPPORTERS Ben Hall
Georgia Southern University Jeff Sinyard
Georgia Trend Magazine Oglethorpe Power Corporation Dept. of Natural Resources
King & Spalding Rayonier Advanced Materials PhilipWilheit
Rayonier W. Kapugia
Southern Ionics Minerals
Troutman Sanders
Williams Family Foundation – Marguerite
Neel Williams Fund
Mary and Adam Sowatzka
Marvin Daniel

Nancy Addison $5,000+ SUPPORTERS Vaughn Family Foundation
Delos Yancey Jim and Peggy Walters
Atlanta Gas Light Wesley Langdale James L Allgood
Broadfield Foundation Rob and Wendy Leebern Dwight J. Davis
Roddy and Sara Clark Rick Jeffares Hart and Jeff Payne
The Concrete Company Tim and Traci Lowe Helen Willis
Dan and Amy Hillman Dwight and Donna McLaurin Elizabeth Mclean
Dwight and Sharon Evans Marty and Julie McLendon Terry Cook
Georgia Correctional Industries Aaron and Linda McWhorter Thomas Phelps
Georgia EMC Metro Atlanta Chamber Carrol EMC
Georgia-Pacific Mark and Judy Mobley Fidelity
William S. Morris IV Galloway FD
Hodges Family Fund, Coastal Georgia E. Bolton J. Bland
Foundation Laura H. Richards Trent Hubbard
Bodine and Lillie Sinyard McGuire Woods Consulting
Hodges, Harbin, Newberry & Tribble, Inc. Stephens Industries LP
Ray and Mary Lynn Lambert Brother and Carol Stewart 20
University of West Georgia

Lee Russell Pennington $1,000+ SUPPORTERS Nancy and Lindsay Thomas
Paul Boynton Nancy Smith
Brittany and John Charron Dave Williams Hannah and TC Deveau
C. Dunn Brian Brodrick Marcy and Brant Lane
Natalie Howard Dr. Brooks Keel TNC
Carol Wood Stefanie and Bill McHugh William Bagwell
Merett Alexander Brian Daniel Daniel Defense
SweetWater Brewing Company Connie and Ed Carr William Stubbs
Kaci Johnson Charley Hood A. Jones
Lisa and Homer Bryson C. Wright Kaci and Duncan Johnson
Tiffany and Chris Clark Deborah and Chris Brookshire Andres Villegas
Martin R Peters Pat and Jerry Booker Andrew MacCartney
Bart Gobeil Kimberly and Jon Pannell Denise Deal
Miki and Jody Thomaston K. Shanklin
Beth Blalock Lovett David Wilkins
Brian Tolar Lori and Mike Royal Ron May
Lake Lanier Islands Timothy Martin
Secretary of State Brian Kemp Debbi and Mike Worley Brian Robinson
Attorney General Christopher Carr Dow Kirkpatrick
Barbara Hampton $30+ SUPPORTERS Leonard Eager
Jerry Donovan John William Bowers
Callie DeHaven Mark Williams Johnathan Sims
Charles Voegeli Nicole Newell Doug Haymans
George Dusenbury Paul Babaz Gregory Dozier
Jeff Fritz Ragen Marsh Mark Johnson
K. Sartor Rebecca Cummiskey James Renner
Marsha Certain Georgia United Credit Union Jessie Petrea, III
Michelle Fitzpartrick Steve Irwin Friedman Warden McLean
Ryan Teague Russell Crutchfield Bryan Batson
Ashley and Trip Addison Heather Teilhet C. Welchel
Patricia Barmeyer John D’Andrea Carey Miller
William Donohue Linda and Christopher May Dallas Davidson
Russell Smith D. Harris HB Katzenbach
Scott Tanner T. Johnson Lonice Barrett
John Morris Mark Walker Tami Jennings Ramsay
B. Coy Michael Smith
D. Cheek Joe Slaughter
G. Oelkers D. Bunnell
Crystal and Mark Berry Dr. Carl Szesniak
Lauren Curry
Shawn Ryan
Wes Robinson
Stephanie Kindregan

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