Amicolola River Situation
The following is a reprint of a posting to the AWC email list:
From: Mike Farrell [mailto:mff@adc.idt.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2001 8:37 AM
I think this is important to do something about. I know many of us haven't paddled the Lower Amicolola that this effects. Personally I hate to lose access to any river, and this is no exception. So lets see what we can do -- oh yeah, get on for the gipper.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001 10:38:07 -0500
From: "Coleman, Brent" <BColeman@bigscreen.mea.com>
Mike,
I thought this may be of interest to the AWC. I think anyone who is interested in ever paddling the Lower Amicolola should write a letter to Mr. Fletcher regarding this issue.
Brent
-----Original Message-----
From: Emily Hitchcock [mailto:Emily.Hitchcock@LAW.State.GA.US]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2001 4:33 PM
To: Julia Franks (E-mail)
Julia,
I wanted to let you know about what is going on with the Amicolola River so that you could get the information out to the GCA and other interested persons. If you, as Conservation Chair for the GCA, are not the correct person to act on this information, please forward it to the correct person. Thanks.
First, the takeout for the Lower Amicolola at the bridge on the Etowah River was closed effective December 1, 2001 when the State of Georgia's lease expired. I understand that the person who owns the land on both sides of the river is uninterested in renewing the lease, at least not at a reasonable price. We need to get this information out in the paddling community prior to the beginning of the rain, if we ever get it. Paddlers need to make alternate takeout plans. The State of Georgia may own as much as 90% of the watershed for the Amicolola River as part of the Dawson Forest management area, which consists of approximately 25,000 acres in 4 tracts. I spoke with Bill Fletcher, the Regional Supervisor for the Gainesville District Game Management Area, who indicated that the State has been exploring options for creating a new take out. He stated that one of the problems with the existing land is the cost of improving the existing roads sufficiently to provide year round access.
Apparently, the State is also exploring the option of purchasing or leasing another tract for this purpose. Mr. Fletcher's telephone number is (770) 535-5700 and his address is 2150 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. At a minimum, I think that paddlers should write supporting the State's effort and encouraging Mr. Fletcher to act as quickly as reasonably possible. In addition, I think that the GCA should consider an organized effort to lobby the State. I am also sending a copy of the this e-mail to Marvine as well as to other paddling contacts, such as AW. If you have any questions, please call me at (770) 987-8423.