Board

Board meetings are open to the public. The board meets quarterly, traditionally in Adel, lately more often in Valdosta, most recently online via zoom, but sometimes moving to other locations in the watershed, most frequently Live Oak. The board can also meet by teleconference, and makes many decisions by email. Between board meetings, the Executive Committee, consisting of the officers, may make decisions, and sometimes teleconferences between the quarterly board meetings. To contact the WWALS board, please send email to wwalswatershed@gmail.com.

WWALS Board Members:

Sara Jay Jones (President), Bret Wagenhorst (Secretary), Elizabeth Brunner (Treasurer), Trudy Cole, Dennis Price, Kimberly Tanner, Gee Edwards, Scotti Jay,

Sara Jay Jones (post 8, 2021-2022)

Elected to the Board by the board at the October 31, 2021, Special Called Board Meeting, to fill the rest of the term of Post 8. Appointed to the Nominating Committee and made its Chair at that same Board Meeting. Active member of Testing and Songwriting Committees.

Re-elected to the Board at the Annual Member Meeting, July 10 2022.

Elected President by a unanimous vote of the Board on September 24, 2022. Re-elected President by a unanimous vote of the Board on July 9, 2023.

Lives in Lowndes County, Georgia.

Sara testing under Spook Bridge

Interest in WWALS:

To help conserve the wildlife and waterways in my community. I would also like to suggest a fisherman’s community to promote healthy and edible fish in our local waters.

Background:

I spend all my spare time on the water; cleaning, kayaking, fishing, camping. I have also helped out with the festival tents and have a passion for nature.

Bret Wagenhorst (post 9, 2012-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019; post 4 2020-2026)

Elected Secretary at the July 2021 Board meeting, again at the July 10, 2022, Board meeting, and again at the July 9, 2023 Board meeting,

Bret Wagenhorst was on the WWALS board since its inception until he was term-limited in 2019 after two consecutive three-year terms, and appointed to the Advisory Committee. After the year off required by the bylaws, he was re-elected to the board July 12, 2020, to post 4, formerly occupied by John S. Quarterman, who was term-limited. Wagenhorst was re-elected by the membership to the board for another three-year term, July 9, 2023.

Organizer of the annual BIG Little River Paddle Race at Reed Bingham State Park.

Lives in Tift County, GA.

Bret Wagenhorst awarding First Prize for the 2018 BIG Little River Paddle Race

Interest in WWALS:

Although an ophthalmologist in Tifton, GA by profession, canoeing and kayaking are two of his passions outside of work. He states:

“I got involved with WWALS because I realized how special and beautiful these south Georgia waterways are and I wanted to help preserve their relatively pristine character for future generations of paddlers, swimmers and fishermen. I also want to help educate folks as to the value and importance of these gems.”

Background:

He grew up paddling on the Shenandoah River in Virginia as a Boy Scout, but he has been paddling the waterways of South Georgia for the past 17 years. He has paddled various stretches of nearly all of WWALS namesake rivers, as well as the numerous other bodies of water in the region, including the Okefenokee Swamp, the Suwanee and Satilla Rivers, the Santa Fe, Wacissa, Wakulla, Ochlocknee, and Ichetucknee Rivers, the Flint River, Banks Lake, Grand Bay, Ray’s Millpond, and the coastal marshes, often organizing groups of paddlers to join him. He is enchanted by the presence of trees in the waterways, something he did not experience up north, and also the great variety of native plants and animals. He is intrigued and concerned by the incursion of invasive species along our water ways.

Elizabeth Brunner (post 9, 2022-2025)

Elected to the Board at the July 10 Annual Member Meeting and as Treasurer at the Quarterly Board Meeting that same day. Re-elected to be Treasurer at the July 9, 2023, Quarterly Board Meeting.

Active member of the Outings Committee.

Lives in Lowndes County, Georgia.

Elizabeth Brunner holding the WWALS Banner at Banks Lake, 2022-06-14.

Primary Areas of Interest:

Raise awareness of watershed conservation issues, Environmental monitoring of watershed conditions, River outings – canoeing/kayaking, River events – water quality monitoring, River cleanup with Adopt-a-stream, Update Social Media Sites, Right to Clean Water.

Interest in WWALS:

I wanted to become involved with WWALS because I care about the water systems in this area. I enjoy going paddling, and I enjoy it even more with the members of the group. The outings are something I look forward to because I always seem to learn new things about southern Georgia’s waterways and their surrounding environments.

Your Background:

I grew up in northern Wisconsin where my family would go out boating, rafting, and kayaking during the summer. My second year of high school, I started water sampling along the Neshota River. I went to college at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, where I earned a degree in Geology with an emphasis in Hydrogeology. After we moved to Valdosta, I became certified in water quality testing in 2021, and I started going to kayak outings whenever I could. Full moon paddles have become regular outings for me within the past year.

Trudy Cole (post 5, 2020-2026)

Elected President at the February 13, 2022, Special Called Board Meeting, for the term expiring at the July 2022 Quarterly Board Meeting. Elected to the Board at the July 12, 2020 Annual Member Meeting, to post 5, formerly occupied by Gretchen Quarterman, who was term-limited. Cole was re-elected by the membership to the board for another three-year term, July 9, 2023. Active member of the Outings and Grants Committees.

Lives in Brooks County, Georgia.

Photo: Gretchen Quarterman, of Trudy Cole, #MomsforCleanWater. My River Is: All of them!!!
I am a Mom for Clean Water for my children and grandchildren.

Interest in WWALS:

I grew up in Colquitt County spending countless hours on the Little and Suwanee Rivers. I want to be active and contribute to WWALS.

Background:

I have been a member of the GA River Network since 2012, paddling over 600 miles of GA rivers. Was certified for water quality testing.

Dennis Price (post 8, 2022-2025)

Elected to the Board at the July 10, 2022, Annual Members Meeting.

Lives in White Springs, Hamilton County, Florida.

Dennis Price explains, 13:50:12, 30.5787100, -83.0523100
Photo: John S. Quarterman, January 27, 2018, at the Dead River Sink, off the Alapaha River

Primary Areas of Interest:

Geology. He explained in 2022: “For millions of years, Florida was a limestone platform not connected to the now North American continent. For eons the limestone bed would emerge, the bed surface would erode then sink again, several times. Each time the limestone would build again with a different set of fossils. The last limestone bed to deposit was the Suwannee Limestone. Florida thru this time was separated from the continent by the Suwannee Straits, similar to the Florida straits separating Florida from Cuba. Erosional sediments from the continent was slowly filling the Straits and when finally filled, sediments began covering the limestone that was Florida. These sediments are known as the Hawthorne formation today.”

Interest in WWALS:

Dennis has led several paddles or hikes, especially to the Dead River Sink off the Alapaha River, a geological feature very unusual in Florida or anywhere.

In 2016 he wrote: “Like many, many people in our surrounding counties, I hunt, fish, hike and paddle our local rivers. I use the environment as do we all. I use the environment as do we all. So, for working and paying taxes all my life — as a Vietnam Veteran, as a person who chose to live in this rural part of Florida and raise his kid, as a person who is not now nor ever will be wealthy — I count our public lands, our woods and rivers as a reward for doing the right thing. I do not mind my tax dollars going towards public lands…. Why wouldn’t you want to do something about the ruining of our waterways and groundwater when you have a right to them and a right to expect them to be clean. [A] lot of small business owners … do make money from the hunters, fishers, hikers, bike riders, motorcyclists, birders, divers, canoers and kayakers. Ask the Town of White Springs, ask Milton’s restaurant in north Columbia County, ask the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, ask the hoteliers and camp grounds, ask the RV Parks. I do not know a one of them who opposes industries from coming into the area, they want it done wisely.”

Your Background:

Practicing Geologist (P.G.) Price has long served on the Hamilton County Tourist Development Council.

In 2016 he wrote: “I have been working in the North Florida Flatwoods as a geologist for the last 42 years, starting as an exploration geologist, mapping the ore body in Columbia and Hamilton counties, for what is now PCS phosphate in Hamilton County. I have walked hundreds of miles through the Flatwoods, including my time with the FDEP and the SRWMD. I have spent the last 20 years working for myself as a licensed well driller and wetlands/geologist consultant. Most recently I spent 4 years permitting a wetlands mitigation bank, Bayfield Mitigation Bank, a few miles south of Sandlin Bay in Columbia County.”

Kimberly Tanner (post 3, 2023-2024)

Elected to the Board at the July 9, 2023, Annual Members Meeting.

Lives in Naylor, Lowndes County, Georgia.

Gee Edwards (post 1, 2023-2024)

Elected to the Board at the July 9, 2023, Annual Members Meeting.

Lives in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia.

Scotti Jay (post 10, 2023-2024)

Elected to the Board at the July 9, 2023, Quarterly Board Meeting.

Lives in Lowndes County, Georgia.

WWALS Former Board Members:

WWALS Former Board Members: Jesse Cole, Tom Potter, Laura D’Alisera, Shelby Miller (former Treasurer), Dave Hetzel (former WWALS Ambassador), Tom H. Johnson Jr. (former President), Garry Gentry (former Secretary), Dan Phillips, Gretchen Quarterman (Executive Director and former Treasurer), John S. Quarterman (Suwannee Riverkeeper and former President), Bobby McKenzie, Shirley Kokidko. Eileen Box, Phil Hubbard, Christopher J. Mericle, Karan A. Rawlins, Chris Graham, Al Browning.

Jesse Cole (post 6, 2022-2023)

Elected to the Board at the July 10, 2022, Annual Members Meeting. Declined to run again at the July 9, 2023, Annual Members Meeting.

Formerly active member of the Songwriting Contest Committee.

Lives in Lowndes County, Georgia.

Movie: Jesse Cole doing a Slim Pickins, (90M) 30.8447547, -83.3475775, 2022-06-25.

Primary Areas of Interest:

Membership Drives, River outings – canoeing/kayaking

Interest in WWALS:

I noticed the need for additional pop-up tents and tables while attending the first songwriting contest. I’ve been bringing a few of my own and helping with setting up and breaking down the event since. While I’ve been told that I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, I do carry buckets pretty well. This event draws much attention to the group and it’s efforts and I’d be happy to help.

Your Background:

I met Gretchen at the Azalea Festival years ago and discussed getting my kids unplugged while kayaking. I’m uncertain about when I joined, but my wife and I have been getting several teenagers to experience our waterways and develop an awareness and appreciation of their own backyards.

Tom Potter (post 3, 2016-2018, 2018-2021, 2021-2024)

Resigned from the board March 9, 2023, for personal reasons.

Elected President at the July, 10, 2022, Quarterly Board Meeting. Resigned as President for personal reasons, August 9, 2022. Remained on the board.

Elected Senior Vice President in July 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Elected to the board September 20th 2016 to the remainder of the term for the board position formerly occupied by Chris Graham, and re-elected twice.

Chair, Science Committee, and active on the Testing, Outings, Events, Grant Writing, Personnel, and Advisory Committees.

Profiled in Subaru Drive.

Photo: John S. Quarterman for WWALS, Tom Potter at Onemile Branch Cleanup during Azalea Festival, Drexel Park, Valdosta, GA, 2019-03-10.

Active participant on the Grants Committee, Outings Committee, and Water Trail Committee. Lives in Valdosta, Lowndes County, GA.

Interest in WWALS:

I would like to contribute my expertise and knowledge to WWALS in developing a more comprehensive understanding of the physical and biological resources in the region.

Background:

I am a research environmental chemist with more than 40 years of professional experience. Over the past 18 years I have lead a team of scientists evaluating impacts of farm and watershed scale conservation practices on water quality and quantity in the Southeastern USA and Puerto Rico.

Laura D’Alisera (post 7 (2019-2022)

Elected at the July 14, 2019, Annual Member Meeting to post 7, formerly occupied by Eileen Box. On the Songwriting Contest Committee for 2019, 2020, and 2021, and Winner of the 2018 Suwannee Riverkeeper Songwriting Contest. Elected interim Secretary for the July 2021 Annual Member and Quarterly Board meetings.

Lives in Jacksonville, Duval County, FL.

Laura D'Alisera (Sara Jay)
Photo: Sara Jay, of Laura D’Alisera winning the 2018 First Annual Suwannee Riverkeeper Songwriting Contest

Interest in WWALS:

I am a long time resident in North Florida and for many years served on environmental organizations such as Greenscape of Jacksonville. Rivers don’t recognize geo-political boundaries and the Suwanee watershed graces and feeds Florida’s aquifer.

Background:

I have been an advocate for the St. Johns River and am concerned about the rampant development that is imparing the health of our watersheds. As an mitigation planner for the City of Jacksonville, I spent a good part of my working life trying to ameliorate the damage caused by inprudent development.

Shelby Miller (post 10, 2020-2021, 2021- resigned July 2022)

Elected at the April 19, 2020, Quarterly Board Meeting to post 10, and as Assistant Treasurer.

Elected Treasurer at the July 12, 2020, board meeting. Elected Chair of the new Personnel Committee at that same meeting. Re-elected to the Board by the Members and by the Board as Treasurer in July 2021.

Resigned as Treasurer and from the board effective July 10, 2022.

Lives in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia.

Photo: John S. Quarterman, Yay winner! Shelby Miller drawing the winning WWALS kayak raffle ticket, at Griffis Fish Camp, Suwannee River 2019-12-07

Interest in WWALS:

As a lover of our local rivers and watersheds, I became familiar with WWALS first as a paddling organization through one of the monthly Full Moon Paddles. In my involvement on various outings I quickly learned that WWALS is more than a just a recreational group for paddling but a coalition for the stewardship of our environment. As a nature lover I believe it is our responsibility to help preserve and heal the lands that have done the same for us. As a board member, I hope to accomplish this task while sharing a love for the craft of paddling and the great outdoors with those around me.

Background:

My love for the great outdoors started at an early age as my mother worked for the Boy Scouts of America, and my brother was an active member. Some of my earliest memories involve cold nights around a campfire and scavenger hunts deep in the woods. I was raised with a love of nature and a deep respect for it which only strengthened as I got older. It is within that same organization, the Boy Scouts of America that I deepened my roots as I worked in many volunteer capacities from merit badge counselor to being a certified camp director. These experiences afforded me a trove of knowledge from rallying and training volunteers, developing a cross curricular pathway for scouts of all ages, to facilitating a nationally accredited camp following all BSA compliance standards. In more recent years I’ve learned to seek solitude and solace among the trees, developing a deep fondness for hiking and an increased love for paddling our local rivers and watersheds. This led me to WWALS and later led me to joining the Outings Committee to help others enjoy nature the same way I do.

Dave Hetzel (post 1, 2012-2015, 2015-2018; post 9, 2019-2022)

David Lowell Hetzel, August 30, 1936 ~ April 3, 2022 (age 85).

WWALS Ambassador and Chair of the Advisory Committee. Dave is a charter board member, and was the first to be term-limited after two consecutive three-year terms. After a year off, he was elected anew to post 9, formerly held by Bret Wagenhorst, and re-elected as WWALS Ambassador, a Vice President officer title. He was re-elected WWALS Ambassador July 12, 2020, and again in July 2021.

He lives in Tifton, Tift County, GA.

Photo: Gretchen Quarterman, of Dave Hetzel explaining WWALS, October 2014.

Interest in WWALS:

In this video, WWALS Ambassador Dave Hetzel explains the Alapaha River Water Trail: recreation through fishing, swimming, boating, conservation, and economic benefits through heads on beds, restaurant customers, gas, and outfitters. The Alapaha River Water Trail could even help attract knowledge-based companies as they see this improved quality of life for local citizens.

Background:

According to Latasha Ford, Tifton Gazette, 5 May 2015:

Hetzel is a former city councilman and has served on several committees. He is very active in the community, serving on many boards, including Keep Tift Beautiful, Tiftarea Greenways Association, Tift County Commission on Children & Youth, Gang Prevention Committee, Tiftarea Homeless Coalition and the Tifton Merchants Association. He has helped with several other community projects, such as Hands on Tifton and Meals on Wheels.
Hetzel is a member of First United Methodist Church and is a retiree from military duty. He served 25 years active duty with the United States Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel. During that time, he served 11 years in the Pacific Theatre. He was elected to the Georgia Municipal Association Board of Directors from 2008-2012 and appointed director of training in 2010.
Hetzel and his wife, Louise, have five children (one deceased) and grandchildren.

Tom H. Johnson Jr. (post 8, 2019-2022)

Elected at the July 14, 2019, Annual Member Meeting to post 8, formerly occupied by Shirley Kokidko. Chair of the Songwriting Contest Committee for the 2020 Contest. Chair of the standing Nominating Committee.

Elected President at the July 12, 2020, board meeting, and again in July 2021. Resigned as President and from the Board September 28, 2021, due to personal reasons.

Lives in Pine Mountain, Harris County, GA.

Photo: John S. Quarterman, of Tom H. Johnson Jr. at Little River Confluence on first day of Paddle Georgia 2019 30.8471200, -83.3476300

Interest in WWALS:

Have had a bee in my bonnet about Valdosta/Lowndes sewage since 1968/9. Subsequently, led canoe outings for a number of individuals and groups on overnight trips on the Alapaha River, AND, more recently, with the exception of Big Shoals, have canoed from Big Water in the Okefenokee to Branford, Florida. As a pre-teen, my awareness of springs/blue holes/water table/pollution issues was awakened by my grandfather in the mid-60s, as he was unusually concerned about artesian wells in Georgia and springs in Florida (a FL native). My personal general water interest then kicked off after a visit to Mt. Whitney and seeing the subsidence of Owens Valley (now quadruple what it was then), and hearing that had been a major apple producer, and locally after collecting fossils in riverbeds, and dry caving in south Georgia and north Florida. Would like to see WWALS/Suwannee Riverkeeper as fully funded as possible, with three or four full-time PAID staff, including a biologist/geologist.

Background:

Interest in water. Worked for years in United Methodist related non-profits in development departments. First learned to fish and boat on black water (Okefenokee, Ohoopee, Ogeechee, Alapaha, Suwannee, Satilla, 10-Mile Creek off the Altamaha). Have continued to return to canoe in the Suwannee River basin since 1977, when I moved away. Have been shocked and hugely saddened at the unabated degradation of the blue springs I’ve witnessed.

Garry Gentry (post 2, 2012-2015, 2015-2016, 2019-2021)

Secretary. Resigned from WWALS board May 2016 due to personal reasons. Re-elected to the WWALS board 8 February 2019 and elected Secretary. Re-elected Secretary July 12, 2020. Resigned from Board June 2021 due to personal reasons.

Lives in Tift County, GA.

Photo: John S. Quarterman, of Garry Gentry reading the WWALS letter to the Georgia Public Service Commission asking for more solar power, June 18, 2013

Interest in WWALS:

I have been involved with WWALS since almost the beginning and common sense says we need clean water and good stewardship of our planet to leave as a legacy for the next generation.

Background:

I grew up on and own a farm in Irwinville, GA which borders on the Alapaha River and grew up accessing the Alapaha for hunting and fishing. I have been a political activist and environmental activist most of my life.

Dan Phillips (post 1, 2018-2021)

Elected to the board 14 July 2018 to Post 1, previously held by Dave Hetzel, who was term-limited. Chair of the Water Trails Committee. For personal reasons, declined to run for the board again when his term expired in 2021.

Lives in Hahira, Lowndes County, Georgia.

Photo: Phil Hubbard, of Dan Phillips winning First Solo Make Kayak in the 2018 BIG Little River Paddle Race.

Interest in WWALS:

I look forward to the WWALS outings, learning and exploring our local rivers and places I have not been. I have been a member for over a year and have participated in many outings. It is rewarding to be involved with a group who cares and raises awareness for clean water and healthy waterways.

Background:

I grew up outdoors camping, fishing, and canoeing. I enjoy kayaking and being off the beaten path.

Shirley Kokidko (post 8, 2017-2019)

Formerly Assistant Secretary. Elected to the board 12 July 2017 to the remainder of the term for the board position formerly occupied by Chris Mericle. She did not run again in 2019.

Active in the Outings Committee and the PR Committee, for which she manages the WWALS Meetups.

Lives in Atkinson County, Georgia.

Interest in WWALS:

I look forward to every kayaking outing that the group sponsors and would like to contribute to the group so that others can also join and support our activities.

Background:

I have been updating the WWALS Meetup page as new outings are planned.

Eileen Box (post 7, 2017-2019)

Elected to the board 12 July 2017 to the remainder of the term for the board position formerly occupied by Al Browning. Did not run again in 2019.

Chair of the Events Committee and active in the Watershed Issues Committee.

Lives in Suwannee County, Florida.

Interest in WWALS:

Interest in protecting the environment/watershed. Raise awareness of watershed conservation issues, Citizen advocacy related to watershed conservation, Organize Informational sessions with invited speakers.

Background:

Conservation chair of Live Oak Woman’s club. Hosted several events related to protecting the environment: activist against Sabal Trail Pipeline, medical waste incinerator in Suwannee County. I will continue to host events in my community as needed.

Phil Hubbard (post 2, 2016-2018, 2018-resigned January 2019)

Former Secretary, and Former Chair of the Outings Committee. Elected July 13th 2016 to the remainder of the unexpired term of Garry Gentry, and re-elected.

Lives in Lowndes County, Georgia.

Interest in WWALS:

I have been kayaking for only a year. Prior to this I had limited knowledge of the surrounding rivers. I find it to very relaxing while being adventurous and that many others share these same interest. However, like myself they don’t know where to go. To me, kayaking on an open lake is rather boring. The local rivers provide challenges and skills while fulfilling my desires for adventure. I feel one of my contributions could be to help organize outings to educate and inform like minded people of the joys the river

Background:

I have a military background as well a professional driver. I have been a fleet manager for over 20 years. I coordinate the logistics of transportation daily and all that entails. I have been a hobbyist photographer since the 70’s and a professional motorsports photographer for some dozen years. I have the equipment and access to materials for trophies and awards.

Christopher J. Mericle (post 8, 2014-2016)

Lives in Hamilton County, FL.

Elected to the Board at the end of 2014; resigned 2016.
Former Chair, Outings Committee Former Chair, Withlacoochee River Water Trail Committee
formerly on the Watershed Issues Committee
formerly on the Alapaha River Water Trail Committee
Former WWALS representative to The Florida Springs Council

Photo: Suwannee Democrat

Interest in WWALS:

My father bought a canoe when I was three. I have been on the water ever since. Canoeing and camping was what took most of my free time as a child and teenager. The Wekiva River in central Florida was my backyard. The Wekiva is one of the two National Wild and Senic Rivers in Florida. My wife Deanna and I now live on the Withlacoochee River in Hamilton County, FL. I grew up knowing the pristine waters of the Wekiva, my children grew up swimming in the clear springs on the Santa Fe and the Withlacoochee.

I first became aware of WWALS when I entered into the fight to stop the Sabal Trail Gas Pipeline. I knew something had to be done to save the very springs my children swam in for future generations to enjoy. This pipeline was the catalyst that made me aware of how passionate I am about preserving our precious water resources. WWALS is dedicated to that purpose. Over the years I have witnessed the decline of various waterways including the Wekiva and Withlacoochee Rivers. WWALS provides an avenue to advocate for the local watershed.

Working together to achieve common goals, WWALS is a voice for the watershed and surrounding environment that people hear and respect. It is that which I want to promote and be a part of.

Background:

Many years of canoeing, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. Living on two spring fed rivers, witnessing the effect of human impacts.

Led the fight to move the Sabal Trail gas pipeline off the Withlacoochee River in FL (and was successful).

I know that if we can create a successful water trail for all to enjoy, the river and watershed will benefit from it.

People protect what they care about.

Karan A. Rawlins (post 6, 2012-2014, 2014-2017; resigned 2015)

Former Chair of the Events Committee. Lives in Tift County, GA.

Interest in WWALS:

Karan Rawlins resigned from the WWALS board in June 2015 due to press of ther commitments, for example as president of the Georgia Exotic Pest Council (GA-EPC). She remarked:

WWALS is great group with an important role to play in keeping our local waterways safe. You have done an amazing job and should be proud of your accomplishments.

Background:

Karan A. Rawlins is Invasive Species Coordinator for the Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia in Tifton. Rawlins earned a MS from University of Texas at Arlington.

Karan’s duties include development of educational and public outreach materials on invasive species; development of smartphone apps for collecting and reporting data on invasive species (http://apps.bugwood.org); continuing the development of content for www.Invasive.org; BugwoodWiki (http://wiki.bugwood.org) and the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States (www.invasiveplantatlas.org); expanding the development and operation of the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force (www.gainvasives.org); development of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas; development and training associated with the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (www.EDDMapS.org) in Georgia and across the United States; development of the Invasive species Community of Practice in eXtension (www.extension.org/invasive_species); and collection of field survey data.

Karan is currently president of GA-EPPC; volunteers with citizen groups fighting invasive species; participates in conservation projects to preserve native habitats and the native species therein; and has contributed over 6500 images to the Bugwood Image Database System of both invasive and native species recorded during field work.

See Karan’s photographs in the Bugwood Image Database System

The 2nd edition of the Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Species – How You Can Make a Difference

Chris Graham (post 3, 2013-2015)

Chair of the Alapaha Water Trail Committee. Lives in Lowndes County, GA.

Interest in WWALS:

He says:

“I feel I have accomplished a good deal in our area. Now that the Alapaha River Water Trail brochures are printed and WWALS is starting on the Withlacoochee River Water Trail, I feel it is time for someone in the Little River or Withlacoochee River watersheds to have an option to join the WWALS board to do something good for their river.”

Background:

Chris Graham helped oppose closing Lowndes County Road 16 (Old State Road) that was the only public access to the Alapaha river in Lowndes County, Georgia. He also helped get Lowndes County commissioners to fund with SPLOST dollars a Naylor Boat Ramp on the Alapaha River near HWY 84. Plus he helped to get the Alapaha River Water Trail started and remains the Chair of that Committee, which continues work on placing road signs and kiosks at access points and fundraising to do so.

Al Browning (post 7, 2012-2013, 2013-2016)

R.I.P. May 12, 1954 – September 28, 2019

Promoted water quality testing and education. Lived in Berrien County, GA.

Interest in WWALS:

In August 2012 at a water quality certification training he helped organize and present, Al Browning remarked:

Suppose there’s a business looking to south Georgia, to move into an area. They can go to the Adopt-A-Stream website for that particular area, and get an idea of where the best water is. And they may choose… that Berrien County has terrible water; I’m going to go to Cook County, or Lowndes!

Al continued to invite people to join WWALS in monitoring water quality.

Background:

Al Browning as a high school teacher was written up by Ashley Harper for WALB, 29 July 2003, Berrien students protect the environment,

Berrien High School is getting the community involved in their environmental clean up project. Their plan includes planting trees, flowers, and building a butterfly sanctuary on the new school grounds.

Tuesday, project leader Al Browning told city leaders the school needs their help to make it a success.

“Whether its by picking up a shovel or donating money, we need all the help we can get,” said Browning. “We want the community to get involved with the high school and know what our students are doing.”

Browning hopes to finish the project by December.

Last year, B.H.S students participated in the Adopt a Stream program and cleaned up the Alapaha River along Berrien Beach.

Al spoke about water quality and his river experiences at the 13 December 2014 Alapaha River Water Trail organizational workshop and he continues to talk to Berrien County about signs and further access for the Alapaha River Water Trail.