According to American Rivers (a national environmental advocacy group), the Chattahoochee is the third most endangered river in the United States, falling behind the Green River (Utah, Wyoming, Colorado) at #2 and the Potomac River (Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Washington D.C.) at #1.
The Chattahoochee not only supplies water to Atlanta and surrounding areas, it offers recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and is noted as one of America's best trout streams. Add to this its recent designation as our country’s first National Water Trail. The Chattahoochee has come a long way in terms of its health and clean water supply. How is it that with all the river has going for it, it is considered endangered?
The Chattahoochee seems to be a constant, ever flowing river. Most of us drive over it at some point during our daily commute. When we turn on our faucets, it's there. When we flush a toilet, it's there. When we water our plants, it's there. When we open a bottle of Coca-Cola, it's there. Think about how often we expect the River to be there for us - and, of course, it always is. But the truth is, the Chattahoochee might be reaching its limits of "being there". It just might have too great a demand, and not enough supply to please us.
The Chattahoochee is one of the most dammed rivers in the United States. A constant war between Georgia, Alabama and Florida is
putting a lot of pressure on the River. It is being pulled in
every direction, from multiple sources. If I was the River, I would be pretty stressed out. I, personally, wouldn't seem so calm and relaxed all the time. This is why the river is endangered. American Rivers stated that the Chattahoochee was ranked third due to “New dams and reservoirs threatening to dry up the river flow.” It can't fill its demand and the resolutions (build more dams, create more reservoirs), to many, are considered a bigger threat to the river, rather than a strong resolution.
From their website: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must deny permits for these reservoirs
and state decision makers must embrace more cost effective solutions,
like water efficiency, in order to ensure a reliable water supply and
healthy river for generations to come.
http://www.americanrivers.org/our-work/protecting-rivers/endangered-rivers/2012endangered-chattahoochee.html
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The River is a main player in our everyday lives, a constant source we rely on. With the controversy around the water and the River, is is a perfect time to get out and explore the river. Come see what it has to offer besides just running water - wildlife, tranquility, peace of mind - a whole different world exist on the River.
We would love to have you join us on a Canoe trip down the Chattahoochee. But, if not, we hope you find a way to make it down to the River just to enjoy it. We hope you find your own way to connect with it - whether that is venturing out with us in a canoe, walking along the shore looking for birds, sitting next to it to read a book or having a family picnic near it. This summer, take a moment to show your gratitude towards the river - to thank it for enriching our lives in more than one way. Get to understand the river, how it works and the pressure being put upon it. Make your own conclusions on what is best for the river and best for all of us - who are constantly connected to the River.
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More resources:
http://www.ucriverkeeper.org/documents/ChattahoocheePressRelease.pdf
http://www.ajc.com/news/chattahoochee-makes-most-endangered-1437666.html
http://chattahoochee.org/documents/UCRCommentLetterGladesReservoir_000.pdf
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We hope to see you out on the River soon!
