Georgia Rivers

01/16/2025

With the legislative session underway, it's time to speak up to save the swamp!

🎞️ Learn more about the Okefenokee's ecosystem, history and cultural significance by watching our documentary "Okefenokee Destiny".

Watch "Okefenokee Destiny" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puVfjowu4aY

📷️: A showing of "Okefenokee Destiny" at Nature Now Filmfest in Columbus with Durrell Smith, Georgia Rivers board member and founder of The Sporting Life Notebook

01/15/2025

"Twin Pines might get a permit for its controversial mining plan to dig 50 feet into 582 acres into Trail Ridge, on the border of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge — but there’s another threat.

Mining tens of thousands of acres on the Toledo Manufacturing property, which lies at a lower elevation and closer to the swamp than the Twin Pines’ proposed mine site south of it, would also harm the one and only Okefenokee Swamp."

Read Rena Ann Peck's full op-ed at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Mining that steals water from the Okefenokee, Georgia’s grandest public property, should not be allowed. Mining that lowers the water table — causing drought conditions across Trail Ridge, drying up waterlogged peat in the swamp — sets the stage for unnaturally severe wildfires that damage others’ private properties such as valuable tree farms."

Mining anywhere near our beloved swamp should not be allowed.

01/15/2025

Georgia rivers are for all!

With support from our many sponsors and supporters, we are proud to offer full and partial scholarships for day trips, weekend adventures and the week-long Paddle Georgia event to qualifying women, minorities, recent immigrants and low income Georgia residents.

The scholarships range in value from $100 for day trips to nearly $500 for the annual week-long Paddle Georgia trip, as well as kayaking and water safety training classes.

Applications for scholarships are open now and can be accessed at https://georgiarivernetwork.regfox.com/paddle-georgia-scholarship-application-

Many of our 2025 trips highlight Black history along the paddle routes, including trips on Ebenezer and Abercorn creeks near Savannah March 21-23; the Altamaha River near Brunswick May 2-4 and Big Cedar Creek near Rome July 26-27.

The full slate of paddle trips can be viewed at https://garivers.org/calendar-2/
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"Georgia ríos son para todos! Con el apoyo de sus numerosos patrocinadores y seguidores, Georgia Rivers ofrece becas para participar en sus excursiones de un día, aventuras de fin de semana y su evento de una semana de duración Paddle Georgia para mujeres, minorías, inmigrantes recientes y residentes de bajos ingresos de Georgia.

El valor de las becas varía desde $100 para excursiones de un día hasta casi $500 para el viaje anual de una semana de la organización conocido como Paddle Georgia, así como clases de capacitación en kayak y seguridad en el agua.

Las solicitudes para becas se pueden consultar en https://georgiarivernetwork.regfox.com/paddle-georgia-scholarship-application-

Muchos de los viajes programados destacan la historia negra a lo largo de las rutas de canoa, incluidos los viajes por los arroyos Ebenezer y Abercorn cerca de Savannah del 21 al 23 de marzo; el río Altamaha cerca de Brunswick del 2 al 4 de mayo y Big Cedar Creek cerca de Rome del 26 al 27 de julio.

La lista completa de viajes en canoa se puede consultar en https://garivers.org/calendar-2/ La organización ya está aceptando solicitudes para becas.

01/14/2025

Join us for an early spring paddle in Southwest Georgia!

Explore the new Muckalee-Kinchafoonee Creek water trails near Albany on our first weekend paddle trip of the year February 28-March 2.

On March 1 we’ll tackle 10 miles of the Kinchafoonee and on March 2 will venture on six miles of the Muckalee.

Registration fees include guide services and maps, shuttles services and educational programs. Rental kayaks may be reserved during registration. Participants will provide their own accommodations and meals. Campsites are available at Chehaw Park.

Learn more and register at garivers.org/event/paddle-georgia-2025-muckalee-kinchafoonee-adventure

📷️ : Fowltown Blue Hole, David Dixon
📷️ : Old Grist Mill Notche Palmyra Falls, David Dixon

01/13/2025

Today is the start of the 2025 Georgia General Assembly! What will Georgia Rivers fight for this session?

🐊Protect the Okefenokee
Georgia Rivers will advocate for legislation that will place a moratorium on mining Trail Ridge and protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

Tell your legislators that protecting the Okefenokee is important to you! Take action at garivers.org/protect-the-okefenokee-national-wildlife-refuge/ #/426

🛶 Protect Freedom to Float
Georgia Rivers will advocate for legislation that recognizes Georgia's long tradition of protecting public passage down all streams capable of floating boats, including recreational boats like canoes and kayaks.

Tell your legislators to protect the freedom to float! Take action at garivers.org/protect-the-freedom-to-float-action/ #/411/

The Georgia General Assembly will meet between January 13 and April 4. Follow our legislative updates and get ready to take action during the legislative session!

New to Georgia politics? Learn about how bills are passed at www.georgia.gov/life-law and track bills at www.legis.ga.gov

01/12/2025

Head down to the Savannah River basin for a weekend paddle on two legendary creeks!

Ebenezer Creek is famous for ancient cypress and tupelo trees and iconic blackwater scenery.

Abercorn Creek is a tidally-influenced stream that winds into a labyrinth of islands and creeks that make up the Savannah River National Wildlife Refuge.

Over the weekend, local experts will provide details about these important places in Georgia and our nation’s history as we explore both the natural and cultural history of these Savannah River tributaries.

Registration fees include semi-private cottage accommodations and tent camping options at New Ebenezer Retreat Center, six catered meals, guide services and maps, shuttle services and educational programs. Rental boats may be reserved during registration for additional fees.

Learn more and register at garivers.org/event/paddle-georgia-2025-ebenezer-abercorn-adventure

01/12/2025

Did you know we now have seven guidebooks?!

The Altamaha River User's Guide was released in spring 2024 to provide all the information you need to plan a trip on the Altamaha River and water trails.

The guidebook covers 137 miles of river from the confluence of the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers to the coast, as well as the Altamaha's major tributary, the Ohoopee, which winds some 120 miles through south-central Georgia.

Get guidebooks on our online store at georgia-river-network.square.site

Join us for a paddle on the Altamaha River Delta May 2 - 4! This two-day canoe/kayak camping adventure along the Georgia coast will highlight the rich Black history found in the Altamaha delta and on the state’s coastal islands where the Gullah-Geechee culture lives on.

Register today at garivers.org/event/altamaha-river-delta-adventure/?instance_id=253

01/11/2025

Now is the time to plan your next adventure for 2025!

📱 Our Georgia River Guide app makes it easy for you to find new water trails near you.

The app is always free thanks to sponsors who keep our resources accessible for all!

Download the Georgia River Guide app today! garivers.org/georgiariverguide

📷️: Altamaha River Water Trail

01/10/2025

Got snow? ❄️ Got a boat? 🛶

Take a tip from our executive director Rena Ann Peck and go sledding!

Happy snow day!

01/08/2025

Josh Carter loved fly fishing and spending time on Georgia rivers with his grandfather, President Jimmy Carter.

Josh accepted the Georgia River Hero award on behalf of his grandfather at our Georgia Rivers Gala and shared moving memories of his family's love for Georgia rivers.

He also urged Georgia to follow his grandfather's legacy of river protection.

"We don't have to guess how Jimmy Carter would feel about Georgia's legislative debate on navigable streams," Josh said. "We know he would protect our communities, our small businesses, our recreation, our environment, our water."

Hear Josh Carter celebrate the river conservation legacy of his grandfather, President Jimmy Carter:

Georgia River Network honored President Jimmy Carter at the Georgia Rivers Gala for his enduring environmental legacy for Georgia’s rivers. Josh Carter accep...

01/07/2025

The experiences President Jimmy Carter had on Georgia rivers connected him to rivers and led to his conservation efforts in Georgia and nationwide.

“What he did in Georgia led to a lot of what he was able to do across the country with his conservation legacy," said Georgia Rivers executive director Rena Ann Peck.

Hear Rena share more reflections on President Jimmy Carter's inspiring work in this special memorial segment by Atlanta News First.

Carter, an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed boating and fly fishing, also did quite a lot to advance conservation efforts in Georgia and beyond.

01/05/2025

Important take on the annual NYD Chili Run tradition on the Cartecay River in the context of the Freedom to Float debate happening here in Georgia.

Thanks to Jeff Little, Kathy Tivnan Adamo and all of our Freedom to Float Coalition partners at Georgia Canoeing Association, TVCC Kayaking, ACA Georgia, and American Whitewater as well as Tim Brenner and Woody Janssen representing Georgia Outfitters.

Freedom to Float home page: https://garivers.org/protect-our-freedom-to-float-georgia-rivers/

01/04/2025

After public review and comment, the Southeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will proceed with a plan to expand the acquisition boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge adding approximately 22,000 acres adjacent to the existing refuge.

This minor boundary expansion enables the Service to work with willing landowners to explore voluntary conservation actions, including potential acquisition, that would further protect the refuge’s globally significant freshwater wetland system and wildlife habitat.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/lZ7950UzyNk

📸Larry Woodward/USFWS

01/01/2025

So excited to see our friends Fletch, Eric and Jeff in action, right here in Georgia!

12/31/2024

John from Creek Fishing Adventures talks about the importance of following Georgia Rivers, an organization that fights for public access and Right of Passage for all river folks!

12/31/2024

The The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently published a summary of the debate over how to balance public access to waterways and private property rights.

At the heart of the issue? What constitutes a “navigable” waterway.

“Georgia’s definition — which still looms over the debate today — is largely based on an 1863 state law that says “navigable” streams are public, but identifies navigable waterways as those capable of transporting a boat loaded with freight for all or part of the year. Access to other waterways, meanwhile, has been dictated by tradition rather than any official determination,” the article says.

“Outdoor recreation proponents have long said the definition was outdated, but the need to clarify access became more urgent last year.”

The House Study Committee on Navigable Streams released its final report, which recommended the legislature abort the mission of delineating navigable and non-navigable streams.

“Many outdoor recreation advocates say allowing private property owners to limit access to waterways that flow through their land will threaten their enjoyment and the state’s recreational boating and fishing industry, which generates an estimated $1.1 billion of economic activity annually, according to the nonprofit Georgia Rivers.”

“It’s unclear what — if anything — the legislature will do on this issue during the upcoming session, which starts in a few weeks.”

Read the full article at www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/who-can-float-on-georgias-small-streams-the-answer-is-still-murky/OYUXHXZ4BFHORCWHIVGW74AY4I/

Follow our Freedom to Float updates at garivers.org/protect-our-freedom-to-float-georgia-rivers/

12/30/2024

As we celebrate the life of President Jimmy Carter, we celebrate his contribution to a lasting environmental legacy for Georgia’s rivers.

As Georgia Governor from January 1971 to January 1975, Carter:

🌊 canoed down Bull Sluice Rapid on the Chattooga River in North Georgia, protected the Chattooga River from dam building, and designated the Chattooga as a Wild and Scenic River- the first river to receive the title nationwide.

🛶 paddled the Flint River, then vetoed plans for three dams proposals on the Flint. President Carter attended Paddle Georgia 2008 on the Flint River to encourage our river protection efforts!

As U.S. President from 1977 to 1981, Carter protected water resources, supported significant environmental policy changes and encouraged river recreation.

✍️ President Carter designated the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park Service and protected the watershed for Atlanta's primary water source.

🎣President Carter enjoyed fly fishing in Georgia streams!

At Georgia Rivers, we honor President Carter's legacy by continuing to protect rivers and streams statewide.

12/29/2024