Georgia Magazine - October 2019 - 22

He's an active member of the leadership team for the Georgia Water Coalition, a group of organizations, companies, faithbased groups and others who are committed to clean-water
policy in Georgia. He notes that people can sign up to receive
water legislative updates at protectgeorgia.org/sign-up.html.
"It is so important for everyone to let their voices be heard
on matters that affect them, especially matters as important as
protecting our water resources," he says. "Know your elected officials and let them know how you feel. Be part of the process."

Explore Georgia's waters
"If you spend a day or two on the river, you'll fall in love,"
says Gwyneth Moody, who grew up paddling Northeast Georgia's Broad River with her family. Today, she's the director of water trails and outreach at the Georgia River Network, an Athensbased organization that helps people enjoy, connect with and
advocate for economically vital and clean flowing rivers.
"Water trails, or blue ways, are like hiking trails in our rivers," Moody says. "We have 18 established water trails in Georgia
and 18 developing water trails."
She says that her organization is working with stakeholders
to develop water trails, including the Tugaloo River Water Trail
near Toccoa.
"Its crystal-blue waters are beautiful," she says. "And it also

For more information
Rivers Alive, riversalive.georgia.gov
Get involved with a waterway cleanup
event this fall.
Georgia River Network, garivers.org
Connect with and advocate for economically vital and clean flowing rivers.
Browse the established and developing
water trails across Georgia.
Georgia Water Coalition, gawater.org
Browse the annual Clean 13 and Dirty
Dozen lists. Join other groups and clubs
statewide that are committed to protecting and caring for Georgia's surface
water and groundwater resources.

JOE COOK

National Park Service, nps.gov/
subjects/rivers/georgia.htm
Browse the listing of Georgia's rivers
with locations and descriptions.
Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, adopta
stream.georgia.gov
The site provides manuals, training and
technical support so that individuals
and communities can monitor and/or
improve sections of streams, wetlands,
lakes or estuaries.

Georgia Magazine

October 2019

has a lot of Cherokee history associated with it."
All water trails are listed at gawatertrails.org, along with
maps, lengths, access points, classifications and points of interest along the routes.
"The water trails draw people into the rivers to see spectacular sunrises and sunsets and hear the flap of a beaver's tail
on the water," she says. "They experience the wonder of nature
up close and personal."
Paddling a stretch of water has transformed people into
engaged citizens who want to help with river protection efforts,
and that's not all. Water trails boost tourism and an outdoor
recreation industry that boasts significant economic benefits for
Georgia communities.
"Recreating on rivers helps us realize that they are the
lifeblood of our communities," Moody says. "When you paddle
on a river and pass pumps withdrawing and returning [treated
wastewater] for agricultural irrigation, industry and municipal
drinking water, you see and better understand how rivers are
utilized for so many aspects of our lives.
"Rivers are here for our enjoyment, but we need to ensure
they are protected so they're here for future generations to enjoy
as well."
Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer who lives in
Adairsville.

Paddlers find serenity on the Etowah River in
Dawson County, downstream of the Dawson
Forest and Kelly Bridge.

http://www.gawatertrails.org http://www.protectgeorgia.org/sign-up.html http://riversalive.georgia.gov http://www.garivers.org http://www.gawater.org http://www.nps.gov/subjects/rivers/georgia.htm http://www.nps.gov/subjects/rivers/georgia.htm http://adoptastream.georgia.gov http://adoptastream.georgia.gov

Georgia Magazine - October 2019

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