From rushing rapids to meandering
streams, Georgia’s last great rivers are among the state’s most beloved places. They serve as sources of clean drinking water, popular sites for fishing, camping and hiking, and home to a rich diversity of aquatic species.

Unfortunately, dirt, oil and runoff pollution from the rampant development of new homes and roads has put even the most pristine of these waters at risk. According to a recent study at the University of Georgia, we are losing 108 acres of open space every day in Georgia.

And this development is not slated to slow anytime soon—Georgia’s growth rate is twice the national average, and our population is projected to increase 30 percent in the next 20 years.

Fortunately, Georgia has strong laws on the books that allow government officials to preserve and protect unspoiled waters. A clause in the Clean Water Act allows states to designate our most treasured rivers as “Outstanding National Resource Waters,” (ONRW).

This special designation provides increased protections to the watershed and river that will ensure a healthy river for future generations.

Georgia has yet to give this level of protection to any of our most treasured rivers, putting us behind every state in the Southeast except Mississippi.

Environment Georgia is leading a coalition to convince the Department of Natural Resources that the time has come to provide important protections for our most treasured rivers. We’ve identified several rivers that would be suitable for designation, including the Conasauga and Jacks Rivers in north Georgia.

The Conasauga is one of the six most biologically diverse river systems in the country, containing 24 rare and endangered species. The northernmost stretches of the river, found in the Cohutta Wilderness Area, are also some of the best-known stretches of trout streams in Georgia.

Slightly to the east, the Jacks River is a popular place for camping, hiking and
trout fishing—an especially breath-taking venue because of the 60-foot Jacks
River Falls.

Over the next few months Environment Georgia will be working to educate and organize people about the amazing resources our rivers provide and the opportunity to protect them.