 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.