Roscoe Nicholson
Encyclopedia
Roscoe Nicholson was a surveyor
and early advocate of conservation
, who played an important role in preserving forest land in the U.S.
state of Georgia
in the early 20th century.
Born and raised in Pine Mountain, an unincorporated community at the eastern edge of Rabun County
, Georgia
he was the first forest ranger in Georgia. Before becoming Georgia's first forest ranger in 1912, he worked as a surveyor for the federal government.
Nicholson advised the United States Forest Service
in its initial and subsequent land purchases in what is now the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. He and Arthur Woody
are considered to be the two most important early figures in the history of the Chattahoochee National Forest. In addition to being instrumental in the early land purchases, Ranger "Nick", as he was called, worked to prevent forest fires by purchasing bloodhounds to track arsonists and building the first fire tower in the area on Rabun Bald
(second-highest peak in Georgia). He also played an important role in establishing telecommunications in the region, being responsible for having telephone lines run from Clayton, Georgia
to Pine Mountain.
Ranger "Nick" retired in 1952. In 1960, the Coleman River Scenic Area
near Clayton, Georgia
was dedicated to Ranger "Nick" following his 40 years of public service in honor of his promotion of conservation ideals and other work.
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
and early advocate of conservation
Conservation ethic
Conservation is an ethic of resource use, allocation, and protection. Its primary focus is upon maintaining the health of the natural world: its, fisheries, habitats, and biological diversity. Secondary focus is on materials conservation and energy conservation, which are seen as important to...
, who played an important role in preserving forest land in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
state of Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
in the early 20th century.
Born and raised in Pine Mountain, an unincorporated community at the eastern edge of Rabun County
Rabun County, Georgia
Rabun County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2000 census, the population was 15,050. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 16,519...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
he was the first forest ranger in Georgia. Before becoming Georgia's first forest ranger in 1912, he worked as a surveyor for the federal government.
Nicholson advised the United States Forest Service
United States Forest Service
The United States Forest Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass...
in its initial and subsequent land purchases in what is now the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. He and Arthur Woody
Arthur Woody
Arthur Woody was born in Suches, Georgia. Arthur Woody, who saw his father kill the last deer in the North Georgia mountains in 1895, is credited with bringing deer back to the North Georgia mountains...
are considered to be the two most important early figures in the history of the Chattahoochee National Forest. In addition to being instrumental in the early land purchases, Ranger "Nick", as he was called, worked to prevent forest fires by purchasing bloodhounds to track arsonists and building the first fire tower in the area on Rabun Bald
Rabun Bald
Rabun Bald, with an elevation of is the second-highest peak in Georgia; only Brasstown Bald is higher. It is located in Rabun County, Georgia and is the tallest mountain in the county. An observation tower on the summit provides hikers with views that, on clear days, extend for more than...
(second-highest peak in Georgia). He also played an important role in establishing telecommunications in the region, being responsible for having telephone lines run from Clayton, Georgia
Clayton, Georgia
Clayton is a city in Rabun County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,019 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Rabun County and is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains.-History:...
to Pine Mountain.
Ranger "Nick" retired in 1952. In 1960, the Coleman River Scenic Area
Coleman River Scenic Area
The Coleman River Scenic Area is located in Rabun County, Georgia in the Chattooga River District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. It is located at the point of confluence of Coleman River with the Tallulah River. The scenic area consists of encompassing lower Coleman River and was dedicated...
near Clayton, Georgia
Clayton, Georgia
Clayton is a city in Rabun County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,019 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Rabun County and is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains.-History:...
was dedicated to Ranger "Nick" following his 40 years of public service in honor of his promotion of conservation ideals and other work.