GON Organizes Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA Work Day

A work day on a Wildlife Management Area spawned from the Friends of WMAs idea started by GON is set for Crockford-Pigeon Mtn. WMA for Saturday, March 16, 2002.

“Y’all have a great idea how to channel the desire of sportsmen to help and volunteer,” said area manager Allen Padgett.

“I do this with other groups (like horseback riders and rock climbers) all the time, so we have a good idea of how to make it work. You never know how many folks you are going to get, so you build a list of priorities and have the materials there. If volunteers don’t come, you’re still going to have to do it later anyhow, so it’s no big deal.”

The work day, if successful, could serve as a model for other WMA area managers who might be interested in using volunteers to help with projects to improve Wildlife Management Areas.

Allen said there are many things volunteers could help with on Crockford-Pigeon Mtn., and the first priority will be planting oak trees.

“A couple of years ago we bought about 2,000 acres of property, and it was cutover. We have a lot of sawtooth oaks that we want to put in it. I could use one person or 100 people, and we could set out 100 or 1,000 trees. If the timing works out, we’re also clearing 50 acres of wildlife openings, and we want to plant that. I have tons of work that could be done.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for the work day is asked to meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Crockford-Pigeon Mtn. check station. For more information, call (706) 295-6041.

Directions to Crockford-Pigeon Mtn. WMA: From Lafayette, take Ga. Hwy 193 west for 2 1/2 miles to Chamberlain Road; turn left and go three miles to Rocky Lane Road; turn right and go 1/2-mile to the check station.