Etowah Scenic River Update
January 23, 2005
The Etowah Scenic River Committee wants to thank many groups for their support.
The news media have been especially helpful in providing information to a wide audience
The Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Forestry Commission for providing resource and historical information and Dawson County Commissioner for their guidance
Nature Conservancy and other Conservancies for their many contacts and excellent articles
The Upper Etowah River Alliance for their widespread support
Numerous groups with interest in canoeing, hiking and conservation education
A large number of individuals for help and support
Civic organizations such as the Homeowners Association, Woman’s Club, Rotary and the Lions
Dawson Chamber of Commerce and the Big Canoe Smoke Signals newspaper for mass mailings of information
Local stores and businesses in providing petitions and information to their customers
Private river outfitter for their cooperation
Dave Rosselle, Amicalola Community Website ( for setting up our Web site in cooperation with Mill Creek Environmental Services
The processes we are using are as follows…
The initial public information meeting was held on Jan. 12th, 2005 and was attended by a widespread audience (150-200) of different interests.
Presently we are continuing to gather information and have asked that comments and letters of support be sent to Dawson County commissioners and State legislatures by about Feb. 15th.
An recent informal electronic poll indicated that a large percentage of citizens in our community favor this proposal.
We are encouraging individuals and groups to visit the river system. Walking down stream on the Amicalola from the gravel parking lot where Route 53 crosses the Amicalola west of Dawsonville can see a snapshot view of the river. The Etowah can be seen at the bridge crossing on the Shoal Creek Road. Shoal Creek Road is a gravel road that is on the right side of the Dawson Forest Road just before you enter the Dawson Forest City of Atlanta tract where there is an open gate.
As the weather warms, we hope to have a number of boat trips on the river that will provide key decision makers important information and a valuable perspective on the need for designating sections of the Amicalola and Etowah rivers as part of the Georgia Scenic Rivers System.
We have been in communication with the City of Atlanta, Department of Aviation Authority about this proposal. Another organization we are also in contact with is the City of Atlanta. Undoubtedly, these organizations will play a major part in this process.
The Website continues to grow and expand as we gather additional information and Internet tools. A new, permanent “Web site address” has been selected: The new Web site will appear on the Web very soon. The current Web site, , will be updated with a notice that “redirects” visitors to the new Web site. Also, work is now underway to establish The Etowah Scenic Rivers Petition on-line so that anyone with Web access can log-on and submit their support electronically.
Formal recommendation will be submitted to the Dawson County Commissioners. The date is uncertain at this time.
Volunteer groups are eager to help. The University of Georgia, through their graduate program, will be working with the committee and others to begin volunteer graduate studies on the river.
We are attempting to make contact and provide information to any groups or individuals that are interested in the Etowah Scenic River project.
Our goal is to help accomplish the objectives in the Dawson County Commission’s Vision Statement as described in their Open Space Preservation Objective.
We view this proposal in a win-win situation that we believe will be beneficial to Dawson County, the surrounding communities and to the State of Georgia under The Governors Green Space program.
Etowah Scenic River Committee
Bill Hess 706-216-1469 Kurt Krattinger 706-216-4722 Arlene McClure 770-457-7556
Kurt
Ann Williams 706-216-2307 Dan Centofanti 770-380-1488