Stewardship, taking care of the resources with which we’ve been entrusted, is not only an obligation and privilege but also a smart thing to do. And when a significant component of those resources is in trouble, smart people take action. The hemlock, that beautiful signature evergreen of our North Georgia mountains, plays a key role in the health of our forests and waterways, habitat for many birds and animals (especially trout), beauty of our communities, property values, jobs and revenue associated with tourism and recreation, and really our very way of life.