Freedom to Float Live Stream Series

Media contact: 

Andrea White | andrea@garivers.org | 615-482-5570

Hear how river recreation boosts local economies in Freedom to Float Live Stream Series

Tune in to weekly panel conversations with Georgia outfitters and regional advocates to hear just how valuable Georgia rivers are for local economies and quality of life

ATHENS, GA, July 9, 2024 – River recreation introduces us to hidden gem regions and cities across Georgia, but many are unaware of the role river recreation plays in our local economies. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, boating and fishing pump some $1.1 billion into Georgia’s economy annually. Over 70 outfitters operate river recreation businesses on Georgia’s streams that create jobs and attract visitors who spend money at a wide array of local businesses, often several times each year. 

River recreation is currently at risk as a Georgia House Study Committee on Navigable Streams is convening later this year to determine where citizens have the right to recreate on Georgia rivers. Early indications show that legislators may not honor the places where Georgians currently have thriving river recreation businesses, where local governments have designated water trails for public use and where city and county governments have invested in building boat ramps and infrastructure to encourage tourism.

This summer, Georgia River Network and the Freedom to Float Coalition are hosting a Freedom to Float Live Stream Series to highlight just how valuable Georgia rivers are for local economies and our quality of life. Hear from local entrepreneurs and river advocates across the state in LIVE panel conversations each Monday in July and August at 6:00 pm broadcasted on the Georgia River Network Facebook page, the GRN YouTube channel and the ACA Georgia Facebook page. The broadcasts will also be recorded on each of these pages for on demand viewing later.

Georgia Freedom to Float Live Stream Schedule:

July 8 at 6 pm: LIVE Announcement/About Freedom to Float Legislation
Moderator: Durrell Smith, Minority Outdoor Alliance
Panelists:
Rena Peck, Georgia River Network, Executive Director
Andrea White, Georgia River Network and ACA Southeast Regional Chair
Joe Cook, Georgia River Network
Listen to a recording of our first panel conversation here:
https://fb.watch/tc_uKVJasX/
https://www.youtube.com/live/DtmtuSsn7og?feature=shared

July 15 at 6 pm: The Success Story in Columbus, GA
Moderator: Todd Rehm, Editor, GA Pundit
Panelists:
Dan Gilbert, Whitewater Express
Uptown Columbus

July 22 at 6 pm: Cartecay River in Ellijay, GA
Moderator: Jonathan Mann, GCA/Former CNN
Panelists:
Tripp Janssen, Cartecay River Experience
Robert Ferguson, Georgia Mountain Trails Partnership

July 29 at 6 pm: Ebenezer Creek in Savannah, GA
Moderator: Jonathan Mann, GCA/Former CNN
Panelists:
Brian Cohen, Backwater Expeditions
Visit Savannah

August 5 at 6 pm: Upper Chattahoochee in Helen, GA
Moderator: Todd Rehm, Editor, GA Pundit
Panelists:
Tim Brenner, Wildwater Outfitters/Festive Watersports

August 12 at 6 pm: Cedar Creek in Rome, GA
Moderator: Todd Rehm, Editor, GA Pundit
Panelists:
James Lossick, Cedar Creek Outdoors
Janet Cochran, former Explore Georgia and Georgia Rural Center
Virginia Galloway, Paulding County Commissioner

August 19 at 6 pm: South and West Chickamauga Creek in Ringgold, GA
Moderator: Stacy Stone, Tennessee Valley Canoe Club
Panelists:
Julie Wolff, Kayak Ringgold
Mayor Nick Millwood of Ringgold, GA

August 26 at 6 pm: Etowah and Chestatee Rivers in north Georgia
Moderator: Durrell Smith, Minority Outdoor Alliance
Panelists:
Ben LaChance, Appalachian Outfitters

The Freedom to Float Live Stream Series shares first person testimony about the role river recreation plays in our local economies and underscores the importance of keeping our rivers open for all to enjoy.

The stories told during the live stream series will be used as part of Georgia River Network’s Freedom to Float campaign to urge legislators to support the state’s robust outdoor recreation economy by protecting existing river uses and the public’s right to boat down any stream that will float a boat. River recreation boosts tourism and impacts local economies, but more importantly increases our quality of life. The freedom to create memories and explore Georgia’s rivers is priceless!

Georgia River Network encourages everyone to share their own stories about how river recreation impacts their life. For more information on the Freedom to Float issue and to use our Action Alert to contact Georgia Legislators check out the Freedom to Float home page:
garivers.org/protect-our-freedom-to-float-georgia-rivers/

Interview Contacts:

• Rena Ann Peck, Executive Director Georgia River Network, rena@garivers.org
• Andrea White, Community Programs Coordinator, andrea@garivers.org, 615-482-5570

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About Georgia River Network:

Georgia River Network is a statewide 501c3 organization with the mission to protect and connect people with Georgia’s rivers. Georgia River Network serves as Georgia DNR’s non-profit partner running the Georgia Water Trails Network and works to map rivers on the free Georgia River Guide mobile app. Georgia River Network connects people to Georgia rivers by hosting paddle trips across the state, including the signature week-long Paddle Georgia camping adventure hosted on a different Georgia river each year, and  kayak training and safety classes. Georgia River Network also serves as fiscal sponsor of the Okefenokee Protection Alliance, Georgia Outdoor Recreation Coalition and Georgia Water Coalition.

Visit garivers.org to learn more about paddle trips, water trails and ways you can protect Georgia rivers. 

About the Freedom to Float Coalition:

Georgia River Network is advocating for legislation that will protect the public’s right of passage on streams capable of supporting small, person-powered watercraft, and a “recreational boat test” to give everyone the freedom to enjoy Georgia’s rivers. We are working in collaboration with the Freedom to Float Coalition including: American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Georgia Canoeing Association, and the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club.

Learn how you can take action to protect the freedom to float by visiting garivers.org/protect-our-freedom-to-float-georgia-rivers/