North Georgia Canopy Tours has moved from ground zero on August 1, 2009, to a scheduled opening on April 1, 2010, with concentrated effort, a virtual storm of activity, and the assistance of many friends. Tours would like to express its gratitude for the assistance received from others. In particular, Tours would like to thank:

Roger and Kristi Rumbaugh for their support in spirit, ideas, loaned tools, trucks, and equipment, as well as for their watchful eyes, online expertise, regular rescues of one form or another, and for being the best neighbors anyone could wish for.

Other neighbors for support and contributions of ideas, observations, recommendations, historical information, and for spreading the word, including Bethel and Geraldine Wilson, Geraldine Free, Clifford and Margie Wilson, Terry, Wanda, and Mitchell Mintz, Junior Baugh, Steve and Tina Wilson, and others who expressed interest and excitement in our project and offered help and support.

William Sisum for his continuous efforts and enthusiasm, for his expert operation of the tractor, and for always being the one you can count on to immediately respond to any urgent or important need by others on the project.

Bonsai-Design for their superb design and implementation of the Tours layout. Led by Brandon Skupski, the Bonsai-Design team planned the course, selected and purchased the materials, and participated in the purchase of equipment and the training of guides. None of these accomplishments could have occurred so seemingly seamless without the constant attention of Charmaine Leonidas.

R.P. Mason and team for the original clean-up of the central area, construction of the parking lot, Observation Deck, Outfitters Building, Registration Center, septic systems, water system, dry hydrant systems, and bridge over the North Oconee River, as well as preparation of the teepee area. R.P.’s team included Renea, Jeremy, Justin, Danny, Nick, Ty, Jordan, and James,

Rodney Holbrook and his father for the grading of the driveway, dry hydrant area, septic system, teepee area, pond drainage, pond “ledge,” bridge, and all the unexpected earth moving details.

Marshall Floyd for his assistance with the cleanup of the central area.

Shane Cleveland for his surveying work in connection with property purchases, for his mapping of individual tree locations, driveway location, and work on the PCD permitting plans.

Jeff Kastle for his skills, knowledge, passion for the forest, and assistance in assessing trees for use and for removal and in identifying unusual species.

Jonathan Marziliano and Gwyneth Moody as the first two employees of North Georgia Canopy Tours, who have enthusiastically and bravely taken on all tasks thrown at them and worked with all other teams on the property.

Fred Fioto for his helpful attitude, timely and expert implementation of the website.

Tony Quinn, arborist and timber expert, and his team for felling dangerous, dead, and other necessary trees, assisting with trail cleanup, chipping, and marketing.

Seven Beauties, Inc., for milling rescued lumber and lumber from the property for use in the course and for benches and tables.

Myles Montgomery for his coordination of the plans for all the various systems and leading the preparation of materials to obtain County approval.

Greg Murphy for his well-digging and advice on the water system.

Bill Eckert for his assistance in designing and obtaining the permitting for the water system.

David Schillings for his architectural assistance with the Outfitters Building.

Bill Bell of Stone Design for engineering assistance in the plans for the Registration Building.

Kevin Greene and his team for building the dual zip tower.

Christina Smith and Joe Savage for their accounting and bookkeeping assistance.

County Officials – The Hall County Planning and Zoning Department for their prompt consideration of proposals, suggestions for improvements, and enthusiasm for the project and the Hall County Commission, which enthusiastically followed the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Department. Special thanks to Randy Knighton and Pete Fletcher for their prompt responses and input on solutions to challenges faced by Tours.

The Hall County Fire Department and Fire Marshal for working with Tours to ensure the safety of all participants and guests with a well-designed and implemented dry hydrant system.

The City of Lula: to Dennis, Rosemary, and Margaret for their enthusiasm, suggestions, contacts, and support.

Bruce Green, GDEcD, Director of Tourism Product Development, and his staff for guidance with regard to obtaining a grant from the State of Georgia and provision of valuable contacts and introductions in the Tourism Industry in Georgia.

Cheryl Smith, GDEcD, Regional Tourism Rep, for her constant support, regular updates, introductions, links, encouragement and enthusiasm. The Northeast Georgia Mountain Tourism Region has a real gem in Cheryl.

Stacey Dickson, Lake Lanier CVB, for her warm embrace of our project, support, contacts, and for speaking before the Hall County Commission on behalf of Tours.

The many merchants of Hall County (and beyond) for their willingness to place posters for Tours on their windows and otherwise spread the word of Tours’ opening.

And last, but certainly not least, our fabulous “sister” facility and partners of Hocking Hills Canopy Tours who because of their advice and hand holding will allow North Georgia Canopy Tours to be Georgia’s Ultimate Zipline - A Treetop Adventure, an experience you will not soon forget.