Mission Statement
The Chattooga Conservancy’s mission is: “To protect, promote and restore the natural ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed ecosystems; to ensure the viability of native species in harmony with the need for a healthy human environment; and, to educate and empower communities to practice good stewardship on public and private lands.”
Our Staff
Nicole Hayler
Executive Director
B.A. History, Mount Holyoke College, Class of 1982.
Nicole Hayler has served as the Executive Director for the Chattooga Conservancy since 2013. Nicole previously served as Program and Development Coordinator for the Chattooga Conservancy from 1995 to 2012.
Buzz Williams
Program Associate
B.S. Forestry, Clemson University, Class of 1977.
Buzz Williams has served as Program Associate for the Chattooga Conservancy since 2013, and Board Chairman since 2014. Buzz previously served as the Executive Director for the Chattooga Conservancy from 1995 to 2013.
Christa Wilson
Administrative Assistant
B.A. Biology, College of Charleston, Class of 2013.
Christa has served as an Administrative Assistant for the Chattooga Conservancy since March of 2022.
Board of Directors
John Hicks
Chief Financial Officer
Sarah Gillespie
Board Member
Tracy Chapple
Board Chair
David Prentice
Board Member
Terry Walker
Board Member
Molly Dougherty
Board Member
David Sibilio
Board Member
Ryan Dale
Board Member
Christina Passafaro
Board Member
Jennifer Goree Gregory
Board Member
our goals
The Chattooga Conservancy’s goals steer our program activities. These goals are to:
Monitor the U. S. Forest Service’s management of national forest lands in the Chattooga watershed
Educate the public
Promote public choice based on credible scientific information
Work cooperatively to develop a sound ecosystem initiative for the watershed
Promote public land acquisition by the Forest Service within the watershed
Protect remaining old growth and roadless areas
Promote sustainable communities
Promote conservation by honoring cultural heritage