The Environmental Group

SNCA’s Environmental Group is focused on the protection and enhancement of the natural resources of the Sautee Nacoochee community and environs. The hilly and mountainous areas of White and Habersham counties that surround the Sautee and Nacoochee valleys include major forestlands and waterways. Much of northern White County lies in the Chattahoochee National Forest, parts of which are incorporated into two of Georgia’s premier state parks, Unicoi and Smithgall Woods. The spring that gives rise to the Chattahoochee River is in the National Forest near the White County line, and the river’s headwaters cascade down the mountains toward Robertstown and the Helen Valley.

Although Habersham County’s National Forest is not so mountainous as White’s, it also includes several popular scenic and recreational sites, such as Lake Russell, Panther Creek and areas near Tallulah Falls. Habersham’s primary water source, the Soque River Basin, is famous for beginning and ending in the same county. The Soque joins the Chattahoochee below the Buck Shoals area of White County in a part of the river favored by canoeists.

As development and population growth continue at a rapid pace in this attractive and highly desirable part of North Georgia, the quality and quantity of our woodlands, surface waters, and groundwater, already degraded, are increasingly threatened. The Environmental Group monitors local, state, and federal initiatives and policy changes that could affect our resources and participates in pertinent public meetings and comment periods. Recent governmental actions we’ve been involved with include the U.S. Forest Service Revised Land Management Plan for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests and White County’s stream bank and mountain protection ordinances.

In addition to ongoing projects described below, the Environmental Group organizes seasonal wildflower walks, Earth Day celebrations, and bird walks. We also sponsor forums on current environmental issues, including most recently, the Woolly Adelgid aphid that attacks native hemlock. Public participation in these events is encouraged. They are posted in the White County News and Northeast Georgian and on SNCA’s email Update.

In keeping with SNCA’s founding commitment to preserve natural resources, our ongoing programs continue to focus on water and trees, and recently we’ve begun a long-term study of bird presence in our area. Birds not only are harbingers of spring, but also may be indicators of a changing environment. Moreover, birding activities are fun and a great way to recreate while gathering environmental information.

If you are interested in participating in any of our ongoing or occasional activities, please contact Lark Hutto at 706-865-7017.