This story is free to read.

Georgia environmental agency gives notice of violation to conservancy group behind Henson Preserve project

Ray Knott and Patty Springer, of Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc., give a tour of the recently preserved Charles B. Henson Preserve at Johnson's Crook. A structure behind them is part of what's left of a failed development the two hope to rebuild into a park area. / Photo by Mark Pace/Chattanooga Times Free Press Ray Knott and Patty Springer, of Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc., give a tour of the recently preserved Charles B. Henson Preserve at Johnson's Crook. A structure behind them is part of what's left of a failed development the two hope to rebuild into a park area. / Photo by Mark Pace/Chattanooga Times Free Press

By Patrick Filbin June 3, 2020 5 min read

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has given a Signal Mountain conservation group a notice of violation for causing damage to a private landowner’s property in Dade County, Georgia, by letting sediment and fill material go into a nearby creek.

The landowner also claims the group has caused other damage to his property including his stone columns, survey pins and a trespassing sign.

The conservation group said the property owner is harassing the group and misrepresenting the scope of what it is responsible for.

Frank Saggese owns about 10 acres in Rising Fawn in Dade County. Hurricane Creek runs through parts of his land.

“The peace and tranquility that is associated with this area is like none other,” Saggese said. “The Hurricane Creek area is absolutely beautiful.”