Conservation and Stewardship

Water trails create an incentive to protect water quality for recreational uses and to protect the economic opportunities of increased tourism. Local pride in the river helps build support for river conservation. Conservation opportunities include but are not limited to:

River Clean-ups
Conduct trash cleanup events along water trails and water trail access points. Volunteers can organize a river clean up with the help of Georgia's Rivers Alive program. Learn more about organizing a clean up or finding one in your area at http://www.georgiaadoptastream.com/RiversAlive.

Volunteer Trail Keepers and Water Monitors
Individuals or groups can adopt a water trail or a reach of a water trail (similar to adopt-a-highway programs) Volunteers monitor and report on water quality conditions on the trail using Georgia Adopt A Stream's volunteer monitoring program.  Learn about it at Georgia Adopt-a-Stream

Land Protection
Land protection initiatives can increase wildlife habitat and provide viewing opportunities. Local protections that help keep the river clean can include improved zoning and buffer requirements, improved storm water practices, prevention of new water quality threats, and enforcement of water quality laws.

Dam Removal
Removing dams that no longer make sense will secure natural river flows, remove recreational safety hazards, and improve access to the river.

Improved Planning Efforts
Improved watershed planning to protect against poorly planned development along the river.

More Permanent Protections for Your Waterway
There are also several protections that you could petition for your waterway or water trail. Please visit this section if you are interested in applying for more permanent river protection in Georgia.  We are also happy to give you more information about these designations, so feel free to contact us with any questions!!