Monday, October 2, 1989
89-300 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Suspected Homicide
Just after noon on the 30th, a park visitor discovered a motor vehicle in
the pond at Island Ford and reported it to the park. Responding rangers
found the partly clad body of a woman in the vehicle, which had been driven
off a dam and fallen 30 feet to the pond. The car is registered to a woman
from Decatur, Georgia, but the victim has not yet been identified.
Circumstances strongly suggest the possibility that the woman was a homicide
victim. Rangers and Fulton County officers are investigating the incident.
(Denny Beach, Superintendent, CHAT, via telephone report to RAD through Park
Police dispatch).
Wednesday, April 18, 1990
90-65 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Drowning
On the morning of the 14th, C.W., 66, of Murrayville, Georgia,
and three friends were fishing in wading suits in the river near Settles
Bridge. When the water level began to rise late in the morning, all four
began to move toward the river bank. C.W. fell over, however, and
drowned when his suit filled with water. CPR was administered when he was
finally brought to shore but without success. (Marvin Madry, CHAT, via
CompuServe message from Capt. Steve Alscher, RAD/SERO, 9:30 a.m. EDT,
4/17/90).
Wednesday, July 11, 1990
90-190 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Multiple Injuries
At 7:25 p.m. on the evening of the 8th, a raft with eight people aboard was
struck by lightning. All eight were knocked from the raft, but were able to
make it to shore. A witness on the shore with a cellular phone called 911
and emergency units responded to the location. Three of the eight were
hospitalized; at least two have since been released. (Ken Garvin, CHATT,
via telephone report from Bill Springer, RAD/SERO, 7/11).
Wednesday, September 5, 1990
90-301 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Arrest for Attempted Rape
As a result of two attempted rapes which occurred early in August in the
Sope Creek area, the park initiated an extensive operation in an attempt to
find the assailant. A stake-out of the area was begun, and a female ranger
served as a decoy in the operation. On August 30th, they captured S.C.A.
when he attempted to assault the ranger, and charged him with
attempted rape. S.C.A. is also the suspect in a rape and an attempted rape,
both of which occurred in Cobb County, and an attempted rape at Kennesaw
Mountain NBP. He was arraigned on the 31st; a preliminary hearing will be
held today. (Telephone report from Capt. Steve Alscher, RAD/SERO, 9/4).
Thursday, September 6, 1990
90-301 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Follow-up on Arrest for Attempted Rape
U.S. Magistrate John Dougherty has denied bail to S.A.C., 24,
who has been charged with two attempted rapes in the park, stating that
S.A.C. could pose a threat to women if freed. Two women who were attacked
near Sope Creek - one on August 13th, the other on August 16th - have
identified S.A.C. as the man who assaulted them. S.A.C. was arrested on
August 30th when he grabbed a ranger posing as a sunbather and pulled down
the top of her two-piece swimsuit. (United Press story, 9/6).
Tuesday, September 18, 1990
90-315 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Probable Drowning
On the evening of the 16th, G.C., 21, was rafting with a group on
the Chattahoochee near Sandy Point when the raft became stuck on a shoal.
After some effort, the raft was freed, but G.C. got left behind. He tried
to swim to the raft, but went under in the process. A search was to have
been conducted for his body yesterday, (Telephone report from Steve Smith,
RAD/SERO, 9/17).
Friday, March 1, 1991
90-301 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Followup on Arrest for Sexual Assault
On August 30, 1990, rangers arrested S.C.A., 25,
for attempted rape. Following two attempted rapes in early
August in the Sope Creek area, the park initiated an extensive
operation in an effort to find the assailant. A stakeout of the
area was begun, and a female ranger served as a decoy in the
operation by posing as a sunbather. When S.C.A. approached her
and pulled down her swimsuit, he was arrested. On February 19th,
S.C.A. pled guilty to three counts of abusive sexual contact.
S.C.A. originally faced seven charges linked to four incidents
occurring in Chattahoochee and Kennesaw Mountain, but the
government agreed to drop four charges in exchange for his
guilty pleas. The judge will consider a recommendation in the
plea agreement that S.C.A., who has no previous criminal record,
be sentenced to five to six years in prison. Sentencing is
scheduled for April 30th. S.C.A. was also implicated in three
sex-related crimes in Cobb County, and is wanted for questioning
in similar attacks on two joggers and a rape near his Cobb
County home. He was charged with public indecency after a June
incident in which he allegedly made an obscene statement to a
female pedestrian and her child and then exposed himself.
[Telefaxed clipping from February 20th Atlanta Constitution,
sent by Steve Alscher, RAD/SERO, 2/28]
Monday, April 29, 1991
91-136 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Fatality
S.D., 41, of Norcross, Georgia, suffered a heart
attack and died while participating in an orienteering exercise
in the Sope Creek Unit of the park on April 21st. S.D.
was a member of the Georgia Orienteering Club. [Telefax from
Bill Springer, RAD/SERO, 4/24]
Friday, May 31, 1991
91-190 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Suicide
Rangers found a vehicle belonging to W.P., 37, at Sope
Creek on May 23rd and began a search for him. His body was by a
ranger on the afternoon of the 26th. W.P. had shot himself.
No note was found. [Telephone report from Steve Alscher,
RAD/SERO, 5/30]
Wednesday, June 5, 1991
91-199 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Drowning
Early on the morning of May 16th, rangers received a report from
S.D. that her son J.D., 22, was overdue from a
kayaking trip on the river the day before. S.D.'s vehicle
was located in the Powers Island Unit, and a search for him
along 15 miles of the river was conducted without results.
Checks of the river were undertaken each day thereafter, and
J.D.'s body was eventually found on the evening of May 30th
wedged under vegetation just north of Long Island. J.D., who
was reported to be a novice kayaker, was not wearing a life
jacket, helmet or wet suit, and was kayaking alone. [Telefax
from Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 6/4]
Tuesday, June 18, 1991
90-301 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Followup on Attempted Rape
Arrest
In August of 1990, rangers arrested S.C.A. for
attempted rape. The arrest came on the sixth day of an
undercover operation, which had been put into effect after a
series of attempted rapes had occurred in the area, including
two in the park, one in Kennesaw Mountain, and several others in
Cobb County, which surrounds both parks. All of the victims had
reported similar descriptions of the attacker. Patricia
Ashcroft, a seasonal park ranger, volunteered to portray a park
visitor sun bathing along Sope Creek. When S.C.A. assaulted her,
rangers responded and arrested him; Ashcroft suffered only
bruises during the brief attack. S.C.A. was later positively
identified by several victims from assaults in the park and Cobb
County and was ordered held without bond pending trial. Due to
the strong case the United States government had against S.C.A.,
he subsequently pled guilty to seven felony counts, including
assault on a federal officer. On June 4th, S.C.A. was sentenced
to 65 months in federal prison, 36 months of supervised
probation after his release from prison, and fined a small court
assessment. He was sentenced under provision of the Sentencing
Reform Act of 1984, which means that S.C.A. will not qualify for
parole. [Telefaxed report from Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 6/16]
Wednesday, July 24, 1991
91-314 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Drowning
T.L.H., 25, of Smyrna, Georgia, drowned while
attempting to swim across the river near Diving Rock on the
evening of July 21st. The Cobb County dive team located his
body in 15 feet of water on the morning of the 22nd. Witnesses
said he'd been drinking. Divers found running pants down around
T.L.H.'s ankles, which may also have been a factor in his
drowning. [Telephone report from Steve Smith, RAD/SERO, 7/23]
Thursday, August 1, 1991
91-356 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Burglary Arrests
On July 7th, ranger Delugach found evidence that the
Chattahoochee Outdoor Center building had been forcibly entered
and also saw three individuals in the area who were acting
suspiciously. Rangers interviewed the trio and two other
suspects; one of the five confessed to breaking and entering and
implicated another member of the group. Numerous items were
taken from the building, but all were recovered by rangers. The
two suspects were arrested on July 8th, and charged with felony
burglary in Federal court in Atlanta the following day.
[Telefax from Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 7/31]
Friday, August 2, 1991
91-361 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Car Clouting Arrests
Because of auto breakins which were taking place in the Johnson
Ferry Unit, the park established a surveillance operation there
recently. Late on the afternoon of July 14th, these efforts
paid off when ranger Lloyd Morris arrested three men for
entering a locked vehicle. The men - T.M., 34,
M.M., 31, and S.K., 28 were charged with
auto burglary, possession of stolen property and possession of
burglary tools. Three stolen credit cards, which had been used
to make up to $900 in purchases, and $500 worth of stolen items
were recovered. Two days later, the three men appeared before a
federal magistrate in Atlanta; each was placed on a $5,000
secured bond. Based on physical evidence, rangers determined
that the three men may have been involved in numerous auto
burglaries throughout the United States. The Secret Service was
called in for assistance because of its jurisdiction over crimes
involving high amounts of credit card theft. At present, it
appears that the trio has stolen up to $2,000,000 worth of items
nationwide. Their method of operation was to open a locked or
unlocked vehicle, steal one or two credit cards and/or checks
from the rear of checkbooks, then lock up the vehicle to give
the illusion that it hadn't been entered. Any other park with
similar auto larceny cases should call district ranger Anthony
Roybal at 404-952-0370, 404-399-8080, or FTS 331-7230. [Telefax and
phone report from Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 8/1]
Tuesday, August 13, 1991
91-391 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Lightning Fatality
D.C. and J.W., 38, both of Canton, Georgia, were
fishing on the Chattahoochee on the afternoon of August 11th
when a thunderstorm passed through the area. The two went
ashore on Charlie's Island and took refuge under a pine tree.
The tree was soon hit by lightning; although both were struck
down, D.C. suffered only minor burns and was able to begin
CPR on J.W.. Rescuers responded in short order and J.W. was
transported to a local hospital within 90 minutes of the
incident. He was pronounced dead on arrival. [Telephone report
from Steve Smith, RAD/SERO, 8/12]
Thursday, September 5, 1991
91-457 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Drowning
Early on the afternoon of August 24th, D.W., 41, of Atlanta,
Georgia, and two companions entered the river at Powers Island
for a twohour float trip to Paces Mill. Around 5:00 p.m., the
raft became stuck in a shallow area, and Wares stepped out to
push it off. The raft cleared and moved down the river before
D.W. could get back on board. The last his companions saw of
him, D.W. was sitting down in the shallow area. About a half
hour later, D.W.' body was found by other rafters floating in
the river at the southeast tip of Long Island. CPR was begun
and continued until D.W. was pronounced dead at a local
hospital at 6:35 p.m. The medical examiner has determined that
D.W. drowned. D.W. was reported to have been highly
intoxicated at the time, and was not wearing a flotation device.
[Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, via telefax from Steve Alscher, LES,
RAD/SERO, 9/28]
Thursday, October 22, 1992
92-571 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Assist on Arrest of Assailant
During a routine traffic stop on October 21st, a Cobb County officer was
injured when she was deliberately struck by the suspect's vehicle and pinned
between that vehicle and her cruiser. The officer, whose legs were crushed,
was able to shoot one of her assailants, but a second fled into the nearby
Paces Mill area of the park. Ranger Kimberly Kirk and Cobb County officers
were subsequently able to locate and apprehend the man. [Ken Garvin, CR,
CHAT, 10/21]
Tuesday, March 23, 1993
93-132 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Drowning
Just after noon on March 21st, J.A., 30, slipped while fishing
with his brother in the Chattahoochee and fell into the river. J.A.
was wearing chest waders without floatation, and was quickly pulled under
when his waders filled with water. His body was recovered about two hours
later some distance from where he was pulled under. The accident occurred
near the apartments where the brothers lived. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 3/22]
Wednesday, June 9, 1993
93-340 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Suicide
J.G., 47, of Marietta, Georgia, shot himself in the temple with a
handgun in the Sope Creek picnic area at 10 a.m. on the morning of June 4th.
The incident was witnessed by a park maintenance worker, who was
subsequently provided with a critical stress debriefing. Rangers and Cobb
County EMS personnel responded. J.G. was taken to Kennestone Hospital,
where he was pronounced dead. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 6/7]
Thursday, June 24, 1993
93-403 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Drowning
P.K., 73, was seen entering the river in the Settles Bridge area of
the park just after 7 a.m. on June 23rd. He was wearing fishing float gear.
About 20 minutes later, other fishermen on the river saw him upside down in
the water. They pulled him from the river and began CPR. Ranger Lloyd
Morris arrived shortly thereafter and continued CPR until a county EMS unit
arrived on scene. P.K. was taken to a hospital in Cumming, Georgia, where
he was pronounced dead. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 6/23]
Monday, July 26, 1993
93-516 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Drowning
J.V., 42, of Mount Vernon, New York, slipped and fell into the
Chattahoochee on the afternoon of July 22nd as he was attempting to free his
family's raft, which had become stuck on rocks in an area known as the
Devils Race Course. Family members subsequently told rangers that J.V. was
caught in the swift current and quickly pulled under. He was the only
person in the party who was not wearing a life jacket. While air
temperatures in the Atlanta area reached 102 degrees during the day, the
river temperature was about 60 degrees. Rangers and Cobb County fire and
rescue divers searched the river until 7 p.m. without results. The search
was to continue on Friday morning. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 7/23]
Monday, July 26, 1993
93-517 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Marijuana Eradication
Rangers and Georgia Bureau of Investigation officers began an intensive
search for marijuana fields in the park and adjacent to its boundaries on
July 22nd. During the first day, 100 plants were seized and the occupants
of a house bordering the park near Settles Bridge were arrested. The
overall operation was cut short due to rangers' need to respond to the above
drowning and an attempted rape in the Jones Bridge unit. The operation was
scheduled to continue on Friday. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 7/23]
Tuesday, December 7, 1993
93-845 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Suicide
The body of L.M., 45, was found in her vehicle by the ranger who
was closing the Johnson Ferry South Unit on the evening of December 1st.
Two suicide notes were discovered in the vehicle along with pictures of her
two children, which were positioned on the dashboard. The suicide had
apparently been planned, as one of the notes said that park rangers would
find her body. A court date for L.M.'s divorce was scheduled for
December 3rd, at which time she would likely have lost custody of her
children. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 12/3]
Monday, January 10, 1994
94-7 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Arson Fire
An abandoned barn in the Gold Branch area of the Bull Sluice district burned
to the ground on the night of January 6th. Rangers and Cobb County
firefighters responded to the initial call, which came in at 10 p.m.
Control efforts were hampered by the lack of vehicle access to the
structure. Arson is suspected. [Anthony Roybal, CHAT, 1/7]
Tuesday, May 10, 1994
94-212 - Chattahoochee River (Georgia) - Rescue
On May 6th, Dr. R.S., a physician at the Center for Disease
Control, was hiking off trail with his two small children and a teenage
friend on the cliffs of the park's East Palisades unit when he twisted and
fractured his right leg. The teenager was able to locate a ranger's
residence nearby and request help. Rangers and Cobb County officers, rescue
team members and paramedics responded to a staging area on the west side of
the river; rangers then transported men and equipment across the river. It
took about two hours to treat R.S., then lowered him by ropes to the shore,
where he was transported by boat across the river to a waiting ambulance.
Doctors determined that he fractured both the tibia and fibula of his lower
right leg, and that surgery will be required. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 5/9]
Friday, June 24, 1994
94-328 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Fatal Bike Accident
On June 17th, W.B., 39, of Smyrna, Georgia, was traveling south on
his bicycle on the Highway 41 bridge over the Chattahoochee River in the
park when he was struck by a hit and run vehicle and fell into the river.
Rangers and Cobb County deputies searched the river, but were unable to find
him. On June 20th, a fisherman discovered his body about 200 yards from the
bridge. The hit and run driver has since been identified and arrested.
[RAD/SERO, 6/22]
Monday, July 31, 1995
95-473 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Suicide
A hiker came upon the body of a 38-year-old woman on the Fox Lopp trail in the
Sope Creek unit on the morning of July 25th. A joint park-county investigation
was conducted, and it was determined that the woman, P.J., had
committed suicide at that location. [Dispatch, CHAT]
Tuesday, August 1, 1995
95-478 - Chattahoochee (Georgia) - Suicide
A hiker came upon the body of a 38-year-old woman on the Fox Lopp trail in the
Sope Creek unit on the morning of July 25th. A joint park-county investigation
was conducted, and it was determined that the woman, P.J., had
committed suicide at that location. [Dispatch, CHAT]
Friday, October 6, 1995
95-653 - Eastern Parks - Follow-up on Hurricane Opal
Reports have been received from more than a dozen parks affected by Hurricane
Opal:
* Chattahoochee - Flooding has occurred along the river. Park headquarters
is without power. Many trees fell on roads and on one park residence.
[Jason Houck, CR, GRSM; Mark Lewis, DR, GUIS; Steve Hickman, IC, JELA; Jerry
Eubanks, Superintendent, GUIS; Steve Smith and Bill Sturgeon, RAD/SEFO; Pat
Reed, CHCH; Mary Jones, HOBE; Barbara Goodman, DESO; Greg Stiles, SHEN]
Wednesday, July 17, 1996
96-376 - Atlanta Area Parks (Georgia) - Special Event: Olympic Incident
The Southeast Field Area incident management team (Bob Panko, IC) arrived at
Martin Luther King NHS on July 12th to coordinate activities associated with
the upcoming Olympics. The team will be working closely with area
superintendents and their staffs, and has been charged with:
o maximizing use of available resources (both equipment and personnel);
o providing coordinated logistical support;
o coordinating interagency emergency planning and response; and
o managing support staff needed to deal with the impacts of the heavy
visitation expected at Martin Luther King, Kennesaw Mountain and
Chattahoochee River.
The team will also provide logistical support to the field director's office
in mitigating impacts from the Olympics on the area. About 60 incident
personnel have been ordered to date, including a 16-person special events
team from Midwest Field Area. Because of the high cost of rental units and
their general unavailability during the Olympics, a local elementary school
near Martin Luther King has been converted into a dormitory-style building to
house incident personnel. The school system will provide both lodging in the
classrooms and food serve in the school's cafeteria. Several other sites
will also be employed to house personnel. Several Olympic events, including
the opening ceremony torch run and two marathons, will occur partly in Martin
Luther King. Media activity and interest in the park has been high; several
international and U.S. television crews have filmed at the site over the past
few weeks. [IC, Olympic Incident]
Monday, February 24, 1997
97-67 - Chatahoochee River NRA (Georgia) - Suicide
On February 20th, P.C. shot himself in the head while sitting in his
vehicle at the Vickery Creek Unit parking area. P.C. had been dead for
several hours by the time he was found. His family had reported him as
missing and suicidal. P.C. had been despondent over his failing business.
[CRO, CHAT, 2/21]
Wednesday, August 20, 1997
97-467 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Car Clouting Arrests
Following a year-long investigation, park criminal investigator Anthony
Roybal and agents from the Secret Service arrested W.M., P.S.,
T.B., R.H., S.K., D.B., G.E.
and J.E. - all from the Atlanta area - for auto burglaries and credit
card fraud. A total of 100 car clouts were cleared by the arrests, as well
as an estimated $500,000 in credit card fraud stemming from the park thefts.
Also cleared from the arrests were between 300 and 400 other auto burglaries
in the Atlanta area with associated credit card fraud of over $1,000,000,
four armed robberies, and a major fencing operation. W.M. has been
sentenced to 31 months in prison, P.S. to eight months, the E.'s to 24
months each, and R.H. to eight months. S.K. and D.B. have been indicted
and are on bail. Additional suspects have been identified, and more arrests
are pending. The investigation continues. [Ken Garvin, CR, CHAT, 8/12]
Friday, October 17, 1997
97-644 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Auto Theft; Gang Activity
On October 6th, ranger Todd Roeder came upon a vehicle in the Medlock Bridge
parking lot which showed no indication that the operator had paid the park's
new parking fee. While writing the citation, he learned that the vehicle had
been stolen from a nearby jurisdiction. At the same time, Roeder was
approached by eight 15-year-olds. As he was questioning them, one of the
juveniles quickly placed something in his mouth, later determined to have
been a small bag of marijuana. After Gwinnett County officers arrived as
backup, Roeder searched the group and found the vehicle's registration papers
in the pocket of one of the juveniles. As he was being put into position for
handcuffing, he broke free and ran off, which caused another member of the
group to run off with him into the woods. The county dispatched over ten
patrol units and two dog teams to search the woods for the two boys. Neither
was found that night, but investigation led officers to them and they were
subsequently arrested. Citations were issued to the other youth and they
were released to their parents. Several of the boys displayed gang tattoos
and gang patches. [Connie Vogel-Brown, Acting CR, CHAT, 10/14]
Thursday, October 23, 1997
97-660 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Drug Seizure
On October 4th, visitors reported finding what appeared to be drugs in a
plastic bag off a trail along the river. Park maintenance worker Donald Sapp
contacted ranger Todd Roeder, who searched and found the bag on the bank of
the river. The contents of the large plastic bag were wrapped in four or
five layers of plastic wrap. Field testing showed that the bag contained 573
grams of cocaine, ten grams of marijuana, and a small amount of heroin mixed
with coffee grounds. Large amounts of controlled substances bundles in this
manner are unusual in the park. No suspects have been identified. [Connie
Vogel-Brown, Acting CR, CHAT, 10/10]
Thursday, October 23, 1997
97-662 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Assist; Arrest of Fleeing Felon
While heading home to his residence from the park on September 20th, ranger
Stuart Delugach saw two Fulton County officers running down a road shoulder
just outside the park's boundary. They asked him to help apprehend a man
who'd just been stopped and was found to be armed with a .38 caliber
revolver. When the man was questioned, he grabbed one of the officers and
dragged her by the side of his vehicle for several yards as he sped away
towards the river. He was last seen wearing camouflage clothing and combat
boots and running into a townhouse just outside the park. He attempted to
elude his pursuers by climbing through adjoining attics in the townhouse
complex, but was apprehended without further incident. Marijuana, rock
cocaine and paraphernalia were found in his vehicle. A criminal history
check revealed that he had a prior conviction for felony burglary. [Connie
Vogel-Brown, Acting CR, CHAT, 10/10]
Wednesday, March 18, 1998
98-105 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Search; MVA with Two Fatalities
Around noon on Saturday, March 14th, Fulton County authorities were notified
that a vehicle had apparently gone off a gravel road and into the
Chattahoochee River just upstream from the Island Ford unit of the park.
Although the land and road were not in the park, the accident scene was
within the 48 continuous miles of river that the park manages. At about the
same time, the county received word that two local men - K.P., 22,
and J.E., 23, both of Alpharetta - had failed to come home the
previous evening, and that one of their vehicles had been discovered at a
local sports bar. Rangers Stuart Delugach, Todd Roeder, Kim Kirk and Steve
Reynolds searched the river for the vehicle and two men along with county
fire and rescue personnel. The search was hampered and made more dangerous
by extremely high, fast water. The search was suspended at dusk, but resumed
on Sunday morning. The vehicle was found late that afternoon and removed
from the river. Both men were found inside. The incident was managed under
ICS, with Fulton County providing the incident commander. [Mark Lewis,
Acting CR, CHAT, 3/16]
Tuesday, April 28, 1998
98-164 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Search; Probable Drowning
Atlanta area residents S.O. and C.H. launched S.O.'s
two-person kayak at the Powers Island unit of the park around dusk on April
23rd. The kayak overturned in rapids a short distance downriver. S.O.
was able to swim safely to shore, but C.H. disappeared. A multi-agency
search involving divers and dog teams was begun and continued through April
26th, but without success. Search efforts were hampered by the river's cold,
swift water. Neither S.O. nor C.H. was an experienced kayaker.
Although there was a life jacket in the kayak, neither of them was wearing
it. [Gil Goodrich, CR, CHAT, 4/27]
Wednesday, May 6, 1998
98-164 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Follow-up: Search for Drowning Victim
On May 3rd, a construction worker spotted a body in the Chattahoochee River
below his work site on an I-75 bridge in Atlanta. Rangers recovered the body
from dense debris with the assistance of local agencies. The county medical
examiner confirmed that the victim was C.H., who had been missing
since April 23rd, when his kayak overturned in swift water in the park. The
body was recovered about two-and-a-half miles downriver from the scene of the
accident. [Gil Goodrich, CR, CHAT, 5/5]
Friday, June 5, 1998
98-265 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Apparent Suicide
On the morning of June 3rd, D.M., 34, telephoned an Atlanta-area
911 operator from a pay phone near the Paces Mill Unit of the park and said
that he was going to kill himself with a rifle "in the park." He then hung
up the phone. Rangers and county officers immediately responded; they found
D.M.'s body after a brief search of a wooded area. The apparent cause of
death was a shotgun wound to the head. Based on evidence found at the scene
and a preliminary investigation, the incident is being investigated by the
park and county as an apparent suicide. [Gil Goodrich, CR, CHAT, 6/4]
Tuesday, August 10, 1999
99-440 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Rescue
On July 31st, C.R. was hiking a trail in the Sandy Point area of the
West Palisades Unit when she fell to a ledge about five feet below,
fracturing her ankle. Seasonal ranger Tom Byrnes was transported to the area
by boat, then climbed 40 feet to C.R. through rough terrain and brush to
provide medical aid. Rangers joined with Cobb County firefighters in a
technical lowering evacuation and also ferried supplies and personnel to the
accident scene. C.R. was lowered to the river, then taken by park boat to
a waiting ambulance. [Kevin Tillman, PR, CHAT, 8/8]
Wednesday, January 5, 2000
99-767 - Chattachoochee River NRA (GA) - HazMat Spill
On the night of December 27th, a tanker truck carrying 5,000 gallons of
hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and phosphate overturned on the I-285/75
entrance ramp, causing some chemicals to leak from the tanker into
Rottonwood Creek, a tributary of the Chattahoochee. About 150 fish were
killed, and the Paces Mill unit was closed for the day. State DNR
biologists declared the river safe on the evening of the 28th, but Paces
Mill remained closed for another day as a precaution. [Kevin Tillman,
CHAT, 1/3]
Thursday, January 27, 2000
00-015 - Eastern Areas - Follow-up: Winter Storm Impacts
Several more reports have been received on the impacts of the ice storm
and blizzard that swept through the South and East this week:
o Chattachoochee River NRA (GA) - The storm struck Georgia on January
22nd and left the park and surrounding area covered with ice. Park
roads and 60 miles of trails were closed due to thousands of downed
trees. The headquarters complex was without power for three days.
Park crews started working on Sunday to clear roads and hook up
generators. Some areas were still closed as of yesterday afternoon.
Additional snow and ice are forecast for tomorrow.
Short summaries from other parks affected by this storm would be
appreciated. [Mike Hill, Superintendent, PETE, 1/26; Jim Burnett, CR,
COLO, 1/26; Scott Pfeninger, CR, CHAT, 1/26; John Burns, CR, ASIS, 1/26;
Cynthia MacLeod, Superintendent, RICH, 1/26]
Wednesday, July 12, 2000
00-387 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Two Rescues
On June 30th, rangers received a report that a person had fallen from
a cliff in the Vickery Creek unit, a climbing area within the park.
Rangers Steve Reynolds and Brett Painter responded along with a local
fire department. J.D. of Columbus, Georgia, had attempted to
rappel off the cliff but had not secured his rappel line to an
adequate anchor point and consequently fell 40 feet to the ground,
sustaining serious head and facial injuries. He was evacuated via a
technical raising system, then taken to a local hospital for
treatment. On July 5th, five women fell from a cliff in the park's
Whitewater unit around 4:30 a.m. The accident occurred when park
dispatch was closed, so rangers weren't notified until 7 a.m. Ranger
Connie Vogel-Brown determined that the women had been hiking in the
park after dark and had become lost. All five fell about 30 feet into
the Chattahoochee River; three sustained injuries, one serious. She
was evacuated via a local fire department boat. [Kevin Tillman, Acting
CR, CHAT, 7/11]
Wednesday, December 20, 2000
00-756 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Public Indecency Conviction
On May 17th, M.G. was arrested for public indecency in the
park's Medlock Bridge Unit during an undercover operation. M.G. was
the president and CEO of the Southeastern Legal Foundation, known for
its involvement in lawsuits aimed at disbarring President Clinton for
the Monika Lewinsky affair, barring homosexual men from being Boy
Scout leaders, and opposing affirmative action practices by Atlanta's
mayor. On December 14th, M.G. pled guilty to public indecency; he
was sentenced to a year's probation, fined $1,000, and banned from all
national parks for a year. M.G. has since resigned his position.
Media interest in the case has been high. Ranger Bret Morris was the
lead investigator. [Kevin Tillman, SPR, CHAT, 12/18]
Wednesday, December 20, 2000
00-760 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Suicide
The park was notified of a body in the Island Ford Unit of the park on
the morning of December 12th. Rangers found the body of a 38-year-old
woman hanging from a tree. Investigation revealed that she'd entered
the park the previous day, parked her car, and walked a short way off
the trail to the point where she was found. The victim had a history
of domestic violence and attempted suicide. Ranger Keith Ray is
conducting a joint investigation with Fulton County authorities.
[Kevin Tillman, SPR, CHAT, 12/18]
Thursday, August 9, 2001
01-427 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Car Clout Arrests
There were 63 car clouts in the park during the period from March 26,
2000, to January 24, 2001. Investigators learned that several groups
had targeted the park. Ranger Steve Reynolds developed leads from
information provided by several witnesses and other police agencies in
the metropolitan area that led to the indictment of six people.
Reynolds also pursued leads that resulted in the indictment of four
other people in Perry, Georgia. The incidence of car clouts in the
park was significantly diminished through his efforts. (Kevin Tillman,
SPR, CHAT, 8/9)
Thursday, August 9, 2001
01-428 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Drowning
G.B.G., 27, of Wexford, Pennsylvania, and three
friends attempted to cross the Chattahoochee River without lifejackets
on the afternoon of August 4th. G.B.G. began to have difficulty
in the fifteen-foot channel near shore and disappeared below the
surface. NPS rangers, Georgia Department of Natural Resource rangers,
and Cobb County and Fulton County rescue units were notified and an
immediate search was begun. The search had to be terminated, though,
due to severe thunderstorms that had moved into the area. On August
6th, members of the Cobb County dive team located G.B.G.'s body
near the point last seen. Media interest has been high. (Kevin
Tillman, SPR, CHAT, 8/9)
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
01-637 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Arson
On December 5th, park dispatch was notified of a fire in the woods near the
historic Allenbrook house. Ranger and Roswell FD firefighters responded and
found that a contract crew working on the house had extinguished the blaze.
Investigation revealed that a lone male had been seen near the house with a gas
can. When spotted by the contractors, he went to an area near the house, poured
out the gas, and started a fire in the brush just inside the tree line. [Kevin
Tillman, SPR, CHAT, 12/11]
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
01-638 - Chattahoochee River NRA (GA) - Rescue
Ranger Keith Ray checked out and confirmed a report of a hiker who'd fallen
in the Vickery Creek unit on December 9th. N.W. of Atlanta had fallen
about 15 feet while walking across the top of a cliff, sustaining a concussion
and fractures to her lower leg. Rangers and Roswell FD personnel were summoned
to the scene. They transported her by wheeled litter to the trailhead, where she
was transferred to an ambulance and taken to a local hospital. [Kevin Tillman,
SPR, CHAT, 12/11]
Friday, June 20, 2003
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (GA)
Special Event: River Race
A kayak and open canoe race took place on June 7th between river
miles 317 and 325. The event was sponsored by the NPS, city of Roswell,
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Rivers Alive, and Chevron. The focus of the
event was promotion of river use and public understanding of clean water
in Atlanta. The event was handled under a unified incident command.
There were no incidents. [Submitted by Kevin Tillman, IC]
Monday, September 08, 2003
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (GA)
Arrest of Fugitive Wanted for Cruelty to Children
Ranger Steve Reynolds came upon an illegally-parked vehicle in the
Sope Creek unit of the park on August 18th. Reynolds checked the
registration and found that the vehicle belonged to Reverend A.A.,
Jr., who was wanted after being convicted of cruelty to children.
A.A. is the pastor of the nearby House of Prayer, whose congregation
believes in the public whipping of children, and was wanted by Fulton
County for violation of his probation. Police had been seeking him since
March of this year. Reynolds and ranger Dan Albus arrested A.A., then
transported him to the North Fulton police station, where he was turned
over to the Fulton County fugitive unit. The fugitive unit has been
actively seeking A.A. for months. Media interest has been high.
[Submitted by Kevin Tillman, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Friday, January 02, 2004
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (GA)
Suicide in Sope Creek Unit
A 41-year-old man from Marietta, Georgia, committed suicide in the
Sope Creek Unit early on the morning of December 2nd. An early morning
jogger found his body and contacted Cobb County PD. Police then notified
the park. Ranger Steve Reynolds found a note in the vehicle indicating
that the man had been suffering from health problems. A .38 caliber
Taurus pistol was found in the vehicle. Reynolds and Cobb County
officers are investigating. [Submitted by Kevin Tillman, Supervisory
Park Ranger]
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (GA)
Attempted Suicide
On February 10th, maintenance worker Jeff Carr was working in the
Paces Mill unit of the park when he noticed a SUV parked next to a
garbage can with a dryer hose connected from the exhaust pipe to the
interior of the vehicle. Carr contacted the park dispatcher, who
requested assistance from the Cobb County Fire Department. Upon
arrival of the fire department, paramedics found the SUV's occupant
alive but suffering from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. The victim
was then transported to a local area hospital for further evaluation.
[Submitted by Kevin Tillman, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Eastern Areas Update on Hurricane Recovery Operations
Here's today's roundup of post-hurricane reports:
Chattahoochee River NRA The park sustained major storm
damage from Hurricane Ivan, including 200 downed trees, five miles of
washed out roads, raw sewage spills in two units, loss of 500 linear
feet of split rail fencing, and flooding of several park buildings. The
headquarters area was without power for 27 hours and it took 88 hours to
restore phones and computer links. Park staff and volunteers worked
throughout the weekend to open up many of the units. A SET team
comprised of personnel from the Forest Service and Martin Luther King,
Jr. NHS arrived on Sunday to help clear debris and silt. As of
yesterday, half of the downed trees had been cleared from entrance roads
and trails. The Paces, Vickery and Whitewater Units remain closed due to
the raw sewage spills and a collapsed road. Facility manager Richard
Lutz is IC for the incident.
Reports from Peter Givens, IO, Incident Management Team, GUIS; Nancy
Poe, CHAT; John Stiner, CANA; Phil Noblitt, PIO, BLRI; Bill Halainen,
IO, Incident Management Team, DEWA; Al Henry, Chief Ranger, UPDE.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (GA)
Search in Progress for Body of Missing Fisherman
On morning of August 12th, Y.T.N., 45, of Duluth, Georgia, entered
the Chattahoochee River from the Gwinnett County Jones Bridge wearing
fisherman's waders. He was fishing near Jones Bridge around 8:20 a.m.
when his waders filled with water and he was swept away by the
current. Y.T.N.'s fishing companion watched him disappear underwater
and called 911, initiating a multi-agency response. Park dispatch was
notified and rangers responded with a vessel. A unified incident command
was established with Gwinnett, Fulton, Forsyth and Dekalb Counties, the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the NPS. The river between
Medlock Bridge and Holcomb Bridge was closed in order to protect the
scene and provide for the safety of rescuers. A coordinated search
of the river was begun that included county dive teams and K-9 units.
The dogs alerted to a section of the river, but a search for Y.T.N. in that
area was unsuccessful. The search continued over the weekend and
was still underway on Monday, but no sign of Y.T.N. has yet been found.
Ranger Victor Leyva is serving as the NPS IC and liaison with the
Gwinnett County IC. [Submitted by Scott Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Chattahoochee River NRA
Body of Suicide Victim Recovered from River
The body of an Atlanta man was found floating above the Morgan Falls Dam on
the Chattahoochee River on the morning of Friday, January 20th. Park staff and
Fulton County FD firefighters recovered the body. The victim was last seen on
December 31st. He left a suicide letter for his family in which he said that he
was going to jump from the Route 9 bridge into the river. A missing persons
report was filed with the park by the family on January 8th. NPS and Georgia DNR
rangers searched the river for the subsequent two weeks in an effort to find the
victim. [Melissa Lanshe, Park Ranger]
Friday, June 29, 2007
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (GA)
Suicide Victim Found In River
Canoers found the body of a 45-year-old man from Roswell,
Georgia, in the Chattahoochee River on the afternoon of June
21st. Investigating rangers and Roswell PD officers found
the man face down with a gunshot wound to his body. A search
of the riverbank led to the recovery of personal belongings
and a revolver. The man had last been seen the previous day
and had been reported missing. The initial finding was that
the death was a suicide. A follow-up investigation is being
conducted.
[Submitted by Scott Pfeninger, Acting Superintendent]
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Atlanta Sites
Parks Escape Serious Damage From Weekend Tornado
The tornado that struck downtown Atlanta on Friday night
with 130 mph winds, causing damage to buildings throughout the city,
largely spared Martin Luther King, Jr. NHS and Chattahoochee River NRA.
The latter had some fierce winds, hail and rain, but was not hit by the
tornado. One tree was lost. The only damage found at the former was to a
historic house two doors down from Dr. King's birth home. The house is
vacant at present. [Clark Moore, Chief Ranger, MALU; Scot Pfeninger,
Chief Ranger, CHAT]
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Chattahoochee River NRA
Man Drowns While Attempting To Swim Across River
Four men were enjoying the river in near 90 degree
temperatures on the afternoon of Friday, June 13th, whey they attempted
to swim across it just downstream from Jones Bridge. E.P.-F.,
28, of Doraville, Georgia, struggled while swimming and
went under the surface. His three companions were unable to reach him
and called 911 for help. Rangers and local rescue squads responded with
divers and found his body early that evening. The river at the time was
flowing low, with a temperature around 61 degrees. The medical examiner
ruled the cause of death as accidental drowning. [Scott Pfeninger, Chief
Ranger]
Monday, July 21, 2008
Chattahoochee NRA
Thieves Break Into Park Fee Machines
Two of the park's electronic fee machines, both made by
Miti Manufacturing, were broken into on the night of July 11th. It
appears that the thieves pried the ATM-like doors open. They took $1,041
in cash and caused $9,078 in damage to the two machines. Fortunately,
receipts had been collected from the machines the day before. The
remaining three Miti machines were shut down and emptied of funds as a
precaution. The park is looking into a variety of methods to improve
security of the Miti machines prior to putting them back into service.
[Scott Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Chattahoochee River NRA
Illegal Filmmakers Cited For Weapons, Permit Violations
A park visitor spotted five men with assault rifles and
pistols in the woods near a popular visitor area early on the afternoon
of July 11th. The five men had a sixth man on his knees with hands
handcuffed behind his back and were pointing two AK-47's at his head.
They also had a video camera on a tripod nearby and were filming this
apparent execution. Local police responded and detained the men, ages 18
to 24, at gunpoint. Ranger Jose Rochez also responded and helped
officers collect evidence and conduct interviews. It turned out that the
six were filming a movie without a permit, using several BB/pellet guns
and two real AK-47s. The owner of those guns was arrested, while the
others received violation notices for weapons and permit violations.
[Scott Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Monday, March 16, 2009
Chattahoochee River NRA
Suicide Victim Found In Chattahoochee River
Local police and fire units responded to a 911 report from
a fisherman regarding a body found in an infrequently visited section of
the park on the afternoon of March 9th. They found the remains of a
54-year-old Georgia man near the banks of the Chattahoochee River. He'd
last been seen on November 8th, but his family hadn't reported him
missing. The medical examiner ruled the death a suicide. [Scot
Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Chattahoochee NRA
Park Begins Damage Assessments As Flood Waters Slowly Recede
The park continues to deal with the impacts of a major
flood on the Chattahoochee River. Rain totals in the areas around the
park have ranged from 13 to 20 inches since Monday, forcing the
operators of Georgia Power's Morgan Falls dam to open a total of eight
flood gates. As noted in yesterday's report, this caused the closure of
numerous park areas in anticipation of flooding, including Don White,
Johnson Ferry, Paces Mill, Whitewater Creek, Vickery Creek, Columns
Drive, Interstate North Parkway, Powers Island, and Abbotts Bridge.
Island Ford was closed when water began flowing over the Island Ford
pond dam and parkway. Maximum river flow occurred at 11 p.m. Monday,
with the river reaching 28.6 feet and flowing at 51,000 cubic feet per
second (normal levels are 5 feet and 1,900 cfs). This was the second
highest flow recorded since the river reached 29 feet in December of
1919. On Tuesday, rangers continued to post and enforce closures, since
flood waters continued to inundate low lying areas of the park. Many
local roads surrounding the park remain closed due to exceedingly high
water covering roadways and bridges. All of these bridges will remain
closed until inspections are completed to ensure they are structurally
sound. Numerous sewer manholes located along the river have been
overflowing for the past two days, dumping hundreds of thousands of
gallons of raw sewage in to the park. Flood waters contaminated with raw
sewage present an additional public health issue. A diesel fuel spill of
unknown quantity may have also occurred when a sand and gravel company
adjacent to the river flooded. A search is underway for a 32-year-old
man who is missing and presumed drowned. He was attempting to reach his
father, whose residence along the river was flooding. His vehicle was
found outside of the park and he was last seen attempting to ford a
swollen creek on Monday afternoon. Late last night, Georgia Power began
closing flood gates at the dam, and are down to four open gates. They
predict that the remaining four gates will be closed over the next two
days, barring further rains. The river receded slowly yesterday and
damage assessments were begun, but were limited because many areas
remain covered by flood waters and debris. Damages include loss of a
restroom facility, automatic fee pay stations, pavement, road and trail
erosion, signs, picnic tables, split rail fences, a mud slide, and
downed trees. Welfare checks were made during the day to ensure
employees were safe. [Scott Pfeninger, Acting Superintendent}
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Chattahoochee River NRA
Flood Damage Assessments Underway, Many Closures Remain In Effect
The park continues to recover from this week's flood. The
Chattahoochee River dropped below flood stage at 6 a.m. yesterday
morning and was again fully within its banks by noon. By 9 p.m., it had
dropped to its normal level of five feet. Current developments include
the following:
The search underway for the missing and presumed drowned
32 year old male was called off when he was located at an evacuation
shelter in good condition.
The two park dams were inspected and found to be safe, so
Island Ford was reopened at 10 a.m.
Some local roads surrounding the park remain closed due to
debris left by high water that covered roadways and bridges. Some of the
bridges have been declared unsafe after inspections and will need to be
replaced. These bridge closures increase the distance and time necessary
to travel between park areas.
River waters contaminated with sewage continue to present
a public health issue. Numerous sewer manholes located along the river
have been overflowing for the past three days, dumping millions of
gallons of raw sewage in to the park. A significant sewer junction
located in a major tributary was found to be missing today, washed away
by the flood waters. Sewage continues to pour into the tributary and
river with no estimated repair date available. The water level is still
too high and swift for repair crews to begin any work.
Some sewage treatment plants are still out of service due
to flood damage and are dumping untreated sewage directly in to the
river. A 25-mile-long segment of the river was posted closed to all use
yesterday for public safety reasons after consultation with the US
Public Health Service. This closure will likely remain in effect until
all sewage can be contained and properly treated.
Damage assessments have begun, but are limited as many
areas remain covered by contaminated debris and siltation up to two feet
deep in places. Additional damages discovered yesterday included a
second automatic fee pay station, boat ramp, gravel roadways washed out,
and more downed trees.
A damage assessment team has been requested from the
regional office to help speed the evaluation of damages and prepare work
plans. A US Public Health Service officer and regional emergency
services coordinator will review safe work and cleaning practices with
the park staff on Friday morning. The park is assembling teams of
employees to begin hiking all 50+ miles of park trails to document
damages beginning Friday.
Ten park areas remain closed, with rangers continuing to
enforce closures to ensure public safety. These areas will likely remain
closed until next week to allow the sewage-contaminated debris to dry
and become inert. One closed area was reopened illegally by unknown
people and had to be re-secured this evening by rangers. [Scott
Pfeninger, Acting Superintendent]
Friday, September 25, 2009
Chattahoochee River NRA
Update On Recovery From Severe Flood
Chattahoochee River waters contaminated with sewage
continue to present a public health issue. Sewer manholes located along
the river have been overflowing for the past four days with millions of
gallons of untreated sewage released in to the park. Some sewage
treatment plants are still out of service due to flood damage and are
also dumping untreated sewage directly in to the river with no repair
date known. Water samples taken by the USGS near Paces Mill indicate E.
coli counts of 14,000 colonies per 100 ml. The EPA recommended threshold
to prevent illness from water contact is 235 colonies per 100 ml.
Anytime the count is above 235 the park and USGS provide public notice
that the river as unhealthy for recreational use. The USGS will continue
to monitor and assist the park with additional water quality testing.
The park has expressed its concerns to EPA and requested any assistance
they may be able to provide. Damage assessments are underway but are
limited as many areas remain covered by contaminated debris and
siltation. Several areas have a significant amount of debris and
siltation that will need to be removed prior to allowing public access.
Additional damage discovered today include a second restroom facility.
Ten park areas and 25 miles of the river remain closed with rangers
continuing to enforce closures to ensure public safety. [Scott
Pfeninger, Acting Superintendent]
Monday, September 28, 2009
Chattahoochee River NRA
Flood Recovery Continues; Some Areas Reopen
Chattahoochee River waters contaminated with sewage
continue to present a public health issue. Damage assessments continued
last Friday, but were limited because many areas remain covered by
contaminated debris and silt. Following three days of sunny weather,
Abbotts Bridge and Don White areas were reopened on Friday; the Powers
Island parking lot and pavilion were reopened yesterday. Seven park
areas and 25 miles of the river remain closed, with rangers continuing
to enforce closures to ensure public safety. [Scot Pfeninger, Acting
Superintendent]
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Chattahoochee NRA
Flood Damage Assessments Continue; River Closure Lifted
A Southeast Region damage assessment team continued
performing inspections of roads, bridges, and facilities yesterday, and
park staff continued systematically checking the parks 50+ miles of
trails and foot bridges to document damages. New damage found included
eight more trail bridges and five culverts damaged or lost, four
boardwalks damaged, and 30 more trees down blocking trails. Serious
washouts of trails have also been found, including one 1200-foot section
of trail that vanished from erosion. Two to twenty inches of slippery
mud cover trails, bridges and roadways in the river corridor.
Chattahoochee River water quality has improved to 756 colonies of E.
coli per 100 ml. Although slightly above the EPA threshold, the 25 mile
river closure was lifted on Tuesday afternoon. Columns Drive and a two
mile fitness trail, one of the most visited areas of the park, were
reopened yesterday after assessment teams completed their checks. Six
park areas still remain closed, with rangers continuing to enforce
closures to ensure public safety. [Scott Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Chattahoochee NRA
Still More Flood Damage Discovered; Assistance Sought From SACC
A Southeast Region damage assessment team continued its
inspections of facilities with park staff yesterday, systematically
checking the parks 50+ miles of trails and foot bridges to document
damages. New damages found on Wednesday include one more trail bridge
damaged, four new trail sink holes, and 36 more trees down blocking
trails. Serious washouts of trails have been found, including a
1000-foot section of fire road/trail. Two to twenty inches of slippery
mud still cover trails, bridges and roadways in the river corridor.
About 60% of the river was assessed from boats yesterday. River bank
erosion is severe in one section, there are new sandbars, and a new
large boulder is located in the navigation channel. A 50 gallon barrel
was also discovered submerged in the river. The Johns Creek Fire
Department hazmat team responded and removed it for testing. Additional
river and tributary water samples were taken to monitor the E. coli
levels. Soil samples were also taken of the silt and mud covering the
Paces Mill parking lot and will be tested by the USGS for contaminates.
The Johnson Ferry North pavilion and boat ramp were reopened today after
assessment teams completed their checks. Sawyers, swampers, engine
crews, a water tender, heavy equipment operators, front end loaders, and
dump trucks were requested today from the Southern Area Coordination
Center to remove the growing number of trees blocking trails and silt
and mud obstructing boat ramps and parking lots. Five park areas remain
closed, with rangers continuing to enforce closures to ensure public
safety. [Soot Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Chattahoochee NRA
Post-Flood Cleanup Operations And Repairs Continue
Fallers, swampers, heavy equipment operators, engine
crews, and a safety officer were requested last week through the
Southern Area Command Center to aid in flood debris cleanup. Eleven
people subsequently arrived from Everglades NP, Shenandoah NP, Great
Smoky Mountains NP, and Kennesaw Mountain NBP and began clean up this
past Tuesday. During the course of the week, over 150 hazardous trees
blocking roads and trails were cleared. Mud and silt covering roadways,
bridges, boat ramps, and some trails were removed and hosed clean. Water
monitoring samples show the river has cleaned itself, returning to
pre-flood E. coli levels. Repairs will continue this week as the park
works to restore gravel roadways and parking lots damaged by flood
waters. The remaining three park areas still closed should be reopened
by the end of the week. [Scot Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Monday, March 15, 2010
Chattahoochee River NRA
Two Drown In Separate Incidents On River
There were two drownings in four river-related incidents
in the park the weekend before last, largely due to the first nice
weather in months combined with high water levels on the river. On
Saturday, March 6th, a fisherman was swept into some rapids just below
the Jones Bridge area, which flipped him upside down in his float tube.
The fisherman was unable to upright himself and was underwater for
approximately five minutes. CPR was begun by a fellow fisherman, but was
unsuccessful. The fisherman was wearing a life jacket. On Sunday, March
7th, two men were in a boat that struck a rock just below McGinnis
Ferry. Both men were thrown from the boat and the boat capsized. A
boater in the area witnessed the accident and was able to save one of
the two men, but was unable to locate the other. Search efforts
continued until he was found around noon the next day when a spotter in
a Georgia State Patrol helicopter located the body about two miles
downstream from the accident scene. Rangers then recovered it. Personnel
from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and from the Johns
Creek, Forsyth County and Gwinnett County Fire Departments all played
key roles during the entire SAR. Neither of the men were wearing life
jackets. The other two incidents involved overturned canoes and a
fisherman caught in the rising water by a scheduled release from Buford
Dam; they resulted in only minor injuries. [Robyn Podany, Management
Assistant]
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Chattahoochee River NRA
Fisherman Drowns In Chattahoochee River
A visitor reported a body floating near the center of the
river on the evening of Saturday, May 14th. Supervisory park ranger Will
Overton and local EMS personnel responded and recovered the body of
S.D.S., 51, of Gwinnett County, Georgia. S.D.S. had apparently
been fishing in the river. Although other fishermen were nearby at the
time, none saw him go under. An investigation is underway. This was the
second drowning in less than a month in the Chattahoochee River. On
April 13th, a 62-year-old man from Oregon died while kayaking the river
with a friend. [Nancy Walther]
Monday, June 6, 2011
Chattahoochee River NRA
Young Girl Drowns In River, Two Others Rescued
Three young people - a nine-year-old girl, a
twelve-year-old boy, and a 19-year-old girl - were reported missing on
the north section of the Chattahoochee River early on Friday afternoon.
They were all floating down the river in tubes of various types. The
body of the youngest girl was subsequently recovered, and her two
companions were found, both seriously injured and hypothermic. They were
taken to an area hospital. Personnel responded from all area counties,
the Georgia highway patrol and DNR, the Army Corps of Engineers, and
several swiftwater rescue and dive teams. [Patty Wissinger,
Superintendent]
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Chattahoochee River NRA
Search Conducted For Man Suffering From Alzheimer's
A 72-year-old Georgia man who was reportedly suffering
from dementia wandered away from his residence close to the park's
boundary on the afternoon of May 24ths. City of Duluth police conducted
a search that night without locating the man. The park communications
center received a call for assistance early the following morning.
Rangers Sean Perchalski and Paul Forward conducted a search of the river
by boat along with a state patrol helicopter. The missing man was
located within 15 minutes of launching. He was found alive, lying face
up in about three inches of water on the river bank. He was extremely
hypothermic and treated for exposure while being transported back to the
boat ramp. Upon arrival he suffered a cardiac arrest on the bow of the
boat. Paramedics immediately began CPR as they loaded him into the
waiting ambulance, but the man was pronounced dead shortly after he
arrived at the hospital. [Sean Perchalski, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Chattahoochee River NRA
Man Drowns In Attempt To Swim Across River
G.P., a 22-year-old Georgia man, drowned in the
Chattahoochee River on the evening of Saturday, June 9th. G.P. was at a
picnic with friends and family when he and two companions decided to
swim across the river. G.P.'s companions made it across, but realized
that he hadn't when they got to the far shore. They called 911 and a
search was begun that went on until dark. It resumed the next morning,
and G.P.'s body was soon found and recovered from 15 feet of water near
the point last seen. G.P. was not a strong swimmer, and, according to
friends, had not intended to enter the water that day. The incident
occurred in the popular south end of the park in the Palisades Unit. The
multi-agency search and recovery included the National Park Service,
Cobb County Dive Team, Cobb Fire and Police, Sandy Springs Fire
Department, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. [Scott
Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Chattahoochee River NRA
Homicide Victim Found In River
On the morning of Wednesday, August 1st, two fishermen saw
a bundled object floating in the Chattahoochee River near the Interstate
285 bridge. A short time later, they saw that the object had become hung
up on a rock, waded out to get a closer look, discovered that it was a
man's body, and called 911. Cobb County Police & Fire recovered the
body. Investigators determined that the man - identified as R.M.,
39, of Decatur - had been shot to death outside of the park. On
August 4th, Cobb County fugitive investigators and U.S. marshals
arrested R.M.'s housemate, 39-year-old H.K.M., and
charged Martin with felony murder and aggravated assault. [Scott
Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Chattahoochee River NRA
Man Arrested For Breaking Into Park Cars
Ranger James Psillis apprehended a man who was breaking
into vehicles at one of park's many units on April 20th. Rangers were
conducting surveillance on a parking lot when they saw a person and
vehicle matching the description of a suspect seen leaving the area of
previous car clouts. He loitered in the area for approximately 30
minutes before leaving the area in his vehicle. About 20 minutes later,
he returned, exited his vehicle, donned rubber gloves, and
threw ceramic/porcelain shards known as ninja rocks at the windows of
three vehicles, breaking the glass and stealing items from within. While
he was trying unsuccessfully to enter a fourth vehicle (the window
wouldn't break), a family emerged from the nearby trailhead and he ran
back to his vehicle, concealing himself on the floor of the backseat.
Backup rangers arrived on scene along with local police and they
conducted a felony stop, arresting the man without incident. Several
stolen items were recovered from his vehicle, including a pair of
binoculars valued at over $1,000 with a serial number that matched
binoculars stolen from a vehicle within the park back in October 2012. A
US magistrate judge signed a criminal complaint against him last week
for two felony charges, with several more charges pending. Rangers are
currently working with four other agencies and are expected to clear
around 60 other vehicle theft cases along with fraudulent use of credit
cards due to this arrest. Since this apprehension, there has been a
major decline in car clouts within both the park and local area. [Scott
Pfeninger, Chief Ranger]
Friday, July 26, 2013
Chattahoochee River NRA
Rangers In Swiftwater Rescue Course Rescue Several Boaters
While participating in a 40-hour swiftwater rescue
technician certification training course on the Chattahoochee River on
Friday, July 12th, rangers Jay Kolodzinski and James Psillis,
supervisory ranger Sean Perchalski, and members of two local fire
departments performed four rescues involving seven visitors.
Due to heavy rains over the last several weeks, the
training was conducted in extreme conditions with water flow rates of up
to 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on a river where normal flow rates
hover around 1,200 cfs. Water temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit
also made hypothermia a risk.
On Friday, the fifth and final day of the training, course
participants were scheduled to perform a search and rescue exercise. As
the exercise got underway, they encountered several visitors whose
canoes and kayaks had overturned and been swept away in the current. In
cooperation with their classmates, the three Chattahoochee River NRA
rangers rescued all seven visitors before regrouping to successfully
complete a staged night exercise utilizing the incident command system
and operational leadership.
A total of sixteen participants completed the swiftwater
rescue training course, practicing rescue techniques and tactics on both
the Chattahoochee River and the Amicalola River in north Georgia.
[Sean Perchalski, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Friday, August 9, 2013
Chattahoochee NRA
Search Underway For Missing Boater
On Tuesday August 6th, rangers and other personnel began a
search for a missing boater in the Chattahoochee River.
Late that afternoon, rangers received a call for
assistance in finding a man who'd been on the river with a party of 21
other boaters. The man was swimming between two rafts when he went
underwater and failed to resurface.
Rangers and personnel from the National Park Service, the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the cities of Atlanta, Roswell,
Sandy Springs and Johns Creek, and Forsyth and Dawson Counties have been
searching in less than ideal conditions. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms
and dense fog have plagued the search area for the last two days.
The search continues.
[Sean Perchalski]
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Chattahoochee NRA
Body Of Missing Boater Found And Recovered
A week-long search for a missing 32-year-old Atlanta man
came to a conclusion on August 13th when his body was found in the
Chattahoochee River.
The body was spotted by searchers in a Georgia Department
of Natural Resources helicopter and was recovered from the river
approximately 100 yards downstream from where he was last seen.
Rangers were assisted by police and fire personnel from a
number of local agencies - the Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
Roswell, Sandy Springs, Forsyth County, Clayton County, Dawson County,
Johns Creek, and the City of Atlanta.
[Sean Perchalski, Park Ranger]
Friday, July 18, 2014
Chattahoochee River NRA
Rangers Save Three From Drowning In River
Rangers Paul Forward and Chris Calkins and Supervisory
Ranger Sean Perchalski were patrolling Diving Rock, one of the park's
busiest areas, on the evening of July 6th when Forward spotted a man in
the middle of the river who appeared to be in distress.
The man went under several times as two other visitors
struggled to keep him afloat. He then began to pull both of them
underwater.
Forward threw them a lifeguard rescue tube and a throw
bag, but the people in the water couldn't reach them. Perchalski then
threw a life vest and a second throw bag, which they were able to grab
and use to stay afloat. The rangers then pulled all three to shore.
The 22-year-old man who'd originally gotten into trouble
was checked out by EMS, but declined further treatment at a medical
facility. The other two were extremely fatigued but otherwise okay.
This area has been the scene of several drownings in the
past few years by people who've tried unsuccessfully to swim across the
river. The most recent was on June 9th, when a 24-year-old man drowned
while swimming across the river at the same exact location. The river is
approximately 175 feet across at this point.
Earlier that day, rangers had discussed what they would do
if this exact situation were to occur.
[Sean Perchalski, Park Ranger]
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Chattahoochee NRA
Improvised Explosive Device Found In Park
On November 4th, a park visitor found a backpack which was
left unattended in the Vickery Creek Unit adjacent to a hiking trail.
The visitor checked the backpack to identify an owner and noticed what
appeared to a possible improvised explosive device.
Ranger Jay Kolodzinski and a Roswell PD officer looked for
and found the backpack. An explosives disposal unit from Cobb County PD
responded along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Joint
Terrorism Task Force special agents, and bomb technicians from the
Atlanta Field Office. The Cobb County team rendered the suspected
improvised explosive device safe.
Due to nightfall, the scene was secured overnight by
Rangers Anthony Winegar and Mel Johnson from Kennesaw Mountain NBP. The
FBI Evidence Recovery Team, Atlanta Field Office, and Sandy Springs
Georgia, Police Crime Scene Unit processed the crime scene.
The FBI is the lead agency on the investigation.
[Greg Podany, Special Agent]
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
National Park System Coronavirus Response Update
News on national parks continues to focus mostly on the
administration's response to the pandemic. Here's an assortment of
stories from the last two weeks:
Return Of Visitors A few stories have been posted in
the media about the return of visitors over the Memorial Day weekend.
Although a public health emergency is in effect in Georgia, WXIA/WATL
in Atlanta reported that large crowds appeared along the
Chattahoochee River, ignoring social distancing requirements; the park
and local communities are working on a solution to the problem. The
Rumsen-Fair Haven Patchsays that there were no issues with
beach crowding or overcapacity at Sandy Hook in Gateway over the
weekend. An article in The Guardian reports on the huge
number of visitors arriving in Yellowstone over the holiday weekend,
noting that neither visitors were disregarding social distancing and
that masks were not generally seen.
September 18, 2022
Chattahoochee National Recreation Area
Rising car break-ins
The park has begun using license plate reading cameras to crack down on
car break-ins. The park has had 63 reported cases of theft this year,
compared to 13 in 2021 and 28 in 2020. NPS staff think the number may be
higher because some do not report, while others report the incident to
local authorities, especially if they don't notice that anything has
been stolen. Four arrests related to car break-ins have already been
made. Source: Sandy Springs Police
January 25, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Storm damage
On January 9, the NPS closed the Whitewater Creek entrance road and
parking lot for storm damage assessment and repairs. Source:
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
February 8, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Erosion closes road
As of February 1, the park has closed the Whitewater Creek entrance due
to erosion of the road and parking lot from recent rainfall. It is
unclear when it will reopen. Source: WSB-TV
May 10, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Guilty plea to burglary
In August and September 2022, a string of car burglaries was reported in
the recreation area. In each case, a passenger car door was pried open
with a special tool, debit and credit cards were stolen, and the cards
would be used a local mall almost immediately to purchase luxury goods,
such as Apple products and jewelry. While on patrol in September 2022, a
ranger observed an individual crouched down between two vehicles and
tampering with a vehicle. The individual had a 12-year-old serving as a
look-out. When the ranger searched the individual's car, they found
receipts for jewelry and Apple products, as well as "burglary tools." On
December 12, 2022, the individual pleaded guilty to possession of
burglary tools and attempted car burglary. On April 28, the individual
was sentenced to a year in prison, a year of supervised release, and
$802 in restitution. Source: WSB-TV
May 24, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Hiker fatality
On April 18, a 46-year-old was walking home from work with two dogs
on Vickery Creek when they fell off a cliff. Based on the accident
scene, it appears the individual got tangled up with their dogs while
trying to bypass a section of trail with several trees down across it.
The individual fell 15 to 20 feet, hit their head, and fell into the
water. The individual was found deceased. The trail on Vickery Creek is
an unauthorized walking trail and has now been closed after a meeting
between the NPS, City of Roswell, and Georgia Government Fire and
Rescue. The trail will be covered in natural debris to discourage
unauthorized use. Source: WSB-TV
May 24, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
The park was able to conduct temporary repairs to reopen the
Whitewater entrance of East Palisades after January storm damage forced
them to close it. The park is discussing long-term repair options. They
were also able to repair the step-down ramp at Powers Island, which will
open Memorial Day. Source: Marietta Daily Journal
June 7, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Business may close due to safety concerns
After 23 years of business, a watercraft rental business called "Shoot
the Hooch" has been asked by the NPS to move from Powers Island to a
part of the river 20 miles north of Duluth. The business owner said that
the river is unsafe due to fallen trees and dam releases that have
eroded the riverbank. The owner also said the NPS does not have enough
people patrolling the water to keep visitors safe. The owner said they
are not currently operating their rentals and may close if conditions
stay the same. Source: Atlanta News First
July 5, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
E.coli contamination
On June 30, the park closed the river from Chattahoochee Nature Center
to Johnson Ferry due to water quality test results that found E.coli
levels at almost 300 times the recommended limits for recreation. These
conditions are considered "consistent with an ongoing sewage spill"
above Willeo Creek Park due to a malfunction at the Fulton County (GA)
Big Creek wastewater treatment plant. The BacteriAlert program, a
collaboration between the park, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and the U.S.
Geological Survey, conducted the testing. On July 1, the closure was
extended to Whitewater Creek. On July 3, the closure was extended to all
sections of the park that are downstream of the Nature Center, for a
total of 11 miles now closed. The cleanup effort is expected to take
"days or even weeks." Source: Appen Media, Chattahooche River National
Recreation Area (6/30, 7/3), The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
July 5, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Wildfire caused by firework
On June 28, a brush fire was started by a "fountain-style" firework at
Vickery Creek. Staff from the NPS, Roswell fire and police, and a
helicopter from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources responded to
the burn and were able to contain it at roughly one-third of an acre.
Source: Atlanta News First
July 26, 2023
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On July 10, the park reopened the section of river in the park, from
Powers Island, downstream. On July 19, the park reopened the rest of the
remaining closures. The area was closed due to E. coli contamination
coming from the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility (see 7/5/23
Coalition Report). The river has now tested at safe levels for
recreation. Source: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (7/10,
7/19)
May 15, 2024
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division fined Fulton County
$90,524 for 25 permit violations and the closing of Chattahoochee River
NRA for 20 days in June 2023. The county's Big Creek sewage plant
released "tens of millions of gallons" of partially treated sewage into
the river system, resulting in dangerously high levels of E. coli
bacteria in the waterway. The NPS is assessing damages to the park and
"will seek compensation." Source: RoughDraft Atlanta
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