The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will partner with Georgia River Network for Paddle Georgia 2009, billed as the largest, week-long group canoe and kayak adventure in the country. This summer's trip will take place on the Coosawattee and Oostanaula rivers of Northwest Georgia.
DNR's Wildlife Resources Division and Environmental Protection Division will provide educational programs for the 300-plus participants expected to paddle 92 miles from Ellijay to Rome in the annual canoe and kayak trip set for June 20-26.
During the trip, DNR biologists and scientists will show off terrestrial animals found along the banks of the river, introduce paddlers to some of the creatures that live in the rivers and teach paddlers how to test the rivers for water quality through Adopt-A-Stream--the state's citizen water monitoring program.
All of this will take place on what is considered North America's most biologically diverse river basin.
"The Coosa system is home to 30 endemic aquatic species," said Brett Albanese, a DNR biologist participating in the program. "These are species of fish, mussels, snails and crayfish that are not found anywhere else in the world except in this part of Georgia. It's a real biological treasure trove."
Along the Oostanaula, DNR biologists will set up a portable aquarium at one of the boat launch sites displaying native fish, including the lake sturgeon, a prehistoric fish that DNR has been reintroducing to the Coosa system since 2002 in hopes of re-establishing a viable population of the fish.
During the group's stay in Ellijay, DNR biologists will present a live animal program, featuring raptors, reptiles and mammals, and throughout the week, DNR Adopt-A-Stream personnel will teach dozens of paddlers how to test the rivers for water quality.
The tests conducted on the rivers and their tributaries will provide a snapshot of the health of the river system, according to state Adopt-A-Stream coordinator, Harold Harbert.
"This will be the third year that we have participated in Paddle Georgia," said Harbert. "It's a great way to get citizens involved in protecting our rivers and gathering information about stream health. Testing on previous Paddle Georgia trips led to the successful identification and elimination of pollution problems."
Now in its fifth year, Paddle Georgia continues to achieve its goal of introducing citizens to Georgia's rivers and enlisting them in the protection of these rivers. Since its inception, more than 1200 people have participated and the event has generated more than $45,000 for river protection.
Georgia River Network is an Athens-based non-profit organization working to ensure a clean water legacy by engaging and empowering Georgians to protect and restore their rivers.
Paddle Georgia is made possible through the support of Georgia Power Company and the following sponsors: Mohawk Industries, Hennessy Land Rover, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Stack & Associates, The Outside World, China Clay Producers Association, Earth Fare, International Paper, Café Campesino, Oglethorpe Power, The Rain Barrell Company, Patagonia, Menasha Ridge Press, Kind Healthy Snacks, Kettle Chips, REI and Current Designs/Wenonah Canoe.
There is a limited number of spaces still available to participate in the trip. More information and registration information is available at www.garivers.org or by calling 706-549-4508.
The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia's natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices.
For more information, contact:
Joe Cook, Paddle Georgia Coordinator, at 706-409-0128 or via e-mail at joecookpg@gmail.com
April Ingle, Georgia River Network, at 706-549-4508 or via e-mail at ingle@garivers.org
Sarah Dearman, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, at 404-463-2092 or via e-mail at sarah.dearman@gadnr.org.
