Mickey Cummings addresses Kiwanis Club

Guest speaker Mickey Cummings.

UGA Cooperative Extension Coordinator Mickey Cummings talked to the Kiwanis Club of Blairsville on Monday about the pressures on the natural resources in the mountain counties. He presented statistics showing that the population is increasing rapidly, the population density is increasing, there are more vehicles than drivers (17,000 drivers in Union County and 26,000 vehicles), and property values are increasing dramatically. Also, agricultural income is decreasing and the mix is changing; the poultry industry has decreased, and ornamental horticulture and horses have increased.

There are more people, more building and more demands on water. The loss of vegetated areas along our streams is resulting in more sedimentation and increases in water temperature. Sedimentation destroys fish habitat and increased temperature adversely affects the trout population. The loss of this area is caused by development along the streams and loss of hemlocks from the wooly adegid.

Our natural resources are what attract people to this area, and sustainable growth is dependent upon our protecting them. It is everybody's responsibility

The Kiwanis Club of Blairsville is dedicated to serving and supporting young people in the immediate area around Blairsville through numerous projects.

The Kiwanis Club meets at the Cobbs Mill restaurant in Blairsville at 12:00 Noon on each Monday. Come join in the fun with us. For more information, contact President Charlie Krick at (706)781-6793.