NE Ga. ranger district named top district in 13-state USFS area

GAINESVILLE - The Blue Ridge Ranger District has been honored as the (U.S. Forest Service/USFS) Ranger District of the Year for 2014 from among 66 ranger districts across 13 states as well as Puerto Rico. <br /> <br /> "The district has consistently demonstrated a balanced approach to resource management with robust programs from recreation to fire to heritage," said Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Supervisor, Betty Jewett. "Moreover, this district is incredibly effective at cooperative partnerships that move projects forward and are inclusive to the public."<br /> <br /> The Blue Ridge Ranger District makes up the middle third of the Chattahoochee National Forest, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres. The district is home to Georgia's highest peak - Brasstown Bald - the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Lake Winfield Scott, 311 miles of recreational trails and six Wilderness Areas. The district manages national forest land in six counties including Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Towns and Union.<br /> <br /> "I am very proud of our folks here who work each and every day at a very high level," said District Ranger, Andy Baker. "Teamwork, motivation, and inclusiveness are very much characteristic of this District."<br /> <br /> Among the District's success stories are:<br /> n The Brawley Mountain Golden-winged Warbler Habitat Restoration Stewardship Project in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the National Audubon Society. <br /> n The Beasley Knob Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Improvement Project. <br /> n Partnering with Greening Youth Foundation of Atlanta to host internships for underserved and disconnected high school and college students in North Georgia.