Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA Proposed for Mining
By Mike Kenton
In the northwest corner of the state lies a true natural treasure, the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Located near the town of LaFayette, this unique area is the home of two world-famous caverns, PettyJohn's Cave and Ellison's Cave, that draw cavers and tourists from around the world. The area also offers recreational opportunities for hikers, backpackers and rock-climbers.
Vulcan Materials Co. has proposed to mine for limestone in the Wildlife Management Area. While the state owns the surface of the land, through a confusing series of errors by the DNR, Vulcan has a lease to mine there. The cave systems, as well as the habitat of the rare green salamander and the state-protected Limerock Arrowhead plant, are in danger of being disturbed, or even destroyed by Vulcan's destructive mining.
Ever since Jimmy Carter purchased the area under the Natural Heritage Program in the 1970s, every Governor since has added to the Wildlife Management Area.
Please write Gov. Roy Barnes and request that he protect this special,
fragile area. The state must do its job and preserve Pigeon Mountain by
refusing to grant the mining permit to Vulcan. Letters may be sent to:
Governor Roy Barnes
State of Georgia
203 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA
30334
(404) 651-7774 phone (404) 656-2612 fax
Here is a sample letter you can use, but please put it in your own words.
Dear Gov. Barnes,
It has come to my attention that a special
natural treasure in the state of Georgia may be in trouble. Crockford-Pigeon
Mountain Wildlife Management Area, known regionally for its natural beauty and
nationally for its incredible cave systems, is targeted for mining by Vulcan
Materials Co. This ecologically sensitive and valuable area must be protected
from the certain damage that would ensue from destructive mining. The impact of
such an irresponsible act would surely disturb the famous cave system, as well
as the habitat of the rare Green Salamander and the state-protected Limerock
Arrowhead plant.
I'm counting on you to do everything in your power to
prevent the mining permit from being issued. Ever since Jimmy Carter purchased
the area under the Natural Heritage Program in the 1970s, every governor has
added to the Wildlife Management Area. Won't you do your part and protect this
Georgia treasure when it needs it most?
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
Last updated: 03 Oct 01