PRESS RELEASE

Freedom to Float Live Stream Series

July 18, 2024

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

 

Hear how the Ebenezer Creek boosts regional economy and quality of life in Savannah

Our panel conversation with Brian Cohen of Backwater Expeditions and Sara Brune of Visit Savannah show us how valuable Georgia rivers are for local economies and our quality of life

 

ATHENS, GA, July 31, 2024 – This summer, a new Georgia House Study Committee on Navigable Streams has been charged with determining where citizens can recreate on Georgia rivers and streams. This has opened up a conversation about the ways river recreation introduces us to hidden gems across Georgia and the role river recreation plays in our local economies. 

One of those hidden gems is Ebenezer Creek, a blackwater creek just over 30 minutes from downtown Savannah. The tributary of the Savannah River is famous for ancient tupelo and cypress trees and is designated as a Georgia Scenic River and National Natural Landmark. Many outfitters from around the Savannah area, including Savannah Canoe and Kayak, Sea Kayak Georgia, Savannah Coastal Eco Tours, Savannah Wild Eco Tours and Backwater Expeditions, offer tours on Ebenezer Creek.

To learn more about this special paddle spot in southeast Georgia, the Freedom to Float Coalition sponsored a live stream broadcast featuring Brian Cohen of Backwater Expeditions and Sara Brune of Visit Savannah to discuss ways river recreation on Ebenezer Creek showcases a pristine wild place, attracts tourists, and improves quality of life for visitors and locals alike.

Brian Cohen started Backwater Expeditions in 2000 after a career as a firefighter. Today he leads smaller groups through the narrow creeks to create intimate experiences with nature. “We’ve had people from all over the world visit, and many people give referrals, saying, ‘If you go down that way, you’ve got to stop.’,” Cohen said. “The creek itself is majestic, one of the most pristine tupelo/cypress swamps left in the world.” 

According to Sara Brune with Visit Savannah, Savannah’s tourism economy generated 4.7 billion dollars in 2023- and it was likely the water that drew them in. “We know river recreation and waterfront attractions are the top attractions for visitors in Savannah,” Brune said. “We don’t just care about visitors; residents enjoy the tourist attractions. A good place to visit is a good place to live.” 

Brune, who studied park recreation and tourism management, says studies show the importance of outdoor recreation for environmental education and to promote wellbeing. “It helps protect [natural] resources, because that’s how people learn to appreciate the value of the resources. Beyond economic benefits, we also have environmental education benefits we know are very important for sustainability.” 

Sara Brune said it is concerning that legislation could limit outdoor recreation in Savannah. “A sustainable tourism destination spreads pressure on the resources, you don’t want to limit the available places you can recreate,” Brune said.”We want to spread the economic benefits of tourism. The fact that you have several communities thriving on river recreation is excellent for the resiliency of the tourist destination.” 

The stories we tell of river recreation tourism on Ebenezer Creek will be used as part of the Freedom to Float campaign to urge legislators to support the state’s robust outdoor recreation economy and protect existing river recreation uses.

The Georgia House Study Committee on Navigable Streams has indicated they will likely determine where citizens should have the right to recreate on Georgia rivers based on an 1863 law defining “navigable streams” that was originally defined for purposes of river freight. Legislative debates have raised much concern among paddlers, boaters and fishermen that their favorite river destination may soon be declared “non-navigable” for recreation and the entrepreneurial businesses who depend on income from these recreational pursuits may be forced to shut down.

The committee will convene later this year to collect data and testimony from Georgia citizens, residents and municipal officials about the role that river recreation plays in local communities and make recommendations for future legislation. 

As we’ve heard here, 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!

 

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Watch the Freedom to Float Livestream Series:

Recording from 7-8: Announcement about the series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmtuSsn7og&t=4s

Recording from 7-15: Episode 1 The Columbus Success Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-4jj_l2hrc&t=101s

Recording from 7-22: Episode 2: River Recreation on the Cartecay River

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgC1PArbtQ0

Recording from 7-29: Episode 3: River Recreation on Ebenezer Creek in Savannah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDcA4kuAO6A

 

About Freedom to Float Livestream Series:

The Georgia Freedom to Float Live Stream Series seeks to highlight the businesses and communities that will be most affected by the policy debate over navigable streams and start a statewide conversation about what is at stake when our access to Georgia rivers is at risk.

Hear more panel conversations with Georgia entrepreneurs and river advocates in LIVE panel conversations each Monday in July and August at 6:00 pm broadcast on the Georgia River Network Facebook page, the GRN YouTube channel and the ACA Georgia Facebook page.The broadcast 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

Moderator: Durrell Smith, Minority Outdoor Alliance

Panelists:

Rena Peck, Georgia River Network

Joe Cook, Georgia River Network

Andrea White, Georgia River Network and ACA Southeast Chair

 

July 15 at 6 pm: The Success Story in Columbus GA

Moderator: Todd Rehm, Editor, GA Pundit

Panelists:

Dan Gilbert, Whitewater Express

Peter Bowden, Visit Columbus
Andrea White, Georgia River Network and ACA Southeast Chair

 

 

July 22 at 6 pm: Cartecay River/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, Savannah, GA

Moderator: Jonathan Mann, GCA/Former CNN 

Panelists: 

Brian Cohen, Backwater Expeditions

Sara Brune, Visit Savannah

 

  • RECORDING AVAILABLE ON DEMAND:
    Recording from July 29  available on demand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDcA4kuAO6A

 

August 5 at 6 pm: Upper Chattahoochee, Helen, GA

Moderator: Todd Rehm, Editor, GA Pundit

Panelists:

Tim Brenner, Wildwater Outfitters/Festive Watersports

Joe Cook, Georgia River Network

 

August 12 at 6 pm: Cedar Creek, 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, Ringgold, GA

Moderator: Todd Rehm, Editor, GA Pundit

Panelists:

Julie Wolff, Kayak Ringgold

Mayor Nick Millwood of Ringgold, GA

 

August 26 at 6 pm: Etowah and Chestatee Rivers, north Georgia

Moderator: Durrell Smith, Minority Outdoor Alliance

Panelists: 

Ben LaChance, Appalachian Outfitters

Sam McDuffie, Visit Dahlonega

Robb Nichols, Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

 

We need everyone to tell their stories about river recreation! 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

 

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/

 

Ebenezer Creek, a blackwater creek just over 30 minutes from downtown Savannah,  is famous for ancient tupelo and cypress trees and is designated as a Georgia Scenic River and National Natural Landmark.

 

 

Georgia River Network’s 2023 Paddle Georgia event brought over 200 visitors to Ebenezer Creek in a single week.

 

Ebenezer Creek is home to ancient cypress and tupelo trees.