South River Water Trail

What is a Water Trail? A water trail is a section of river with public access used for recreational boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. 15 Established Water Trails 17 Developing Water Trails

Water Trail Criteria Public access areas where paddlers can unload boats and park vehicles River access sites appropriately spaced apart for full day or 2-3 hour paddling trips Depending on the length of the trail, water access to public overnight camping sites Water Trail information provided through website and maps Trail is sponsored, maintained and promoted by a local entity or partnership

Georgia Water Trails ❏ Altamaha River Canoe Trail ❏ Augusta Canal ❏ Broad River Water Trail ❏ Chattahoochee River NRA ❏ Chattooga Wild and Scenic River ❏ Coosawattee River Water Trail ❏ Etowah River Water Trail ❏ Gainesville Upper Lanier Water Trail ❏ Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Trails ❏ Ocmulgee River Water Trail ❏ The Dub Denman Canoe Trail (Tallapoosa) ❏ Toccoa River Canoe Trail ❏ Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail ❏ Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail ❏ Yellow River Water Trail Alapaha River Water Trail Chattahoochee Valley Blueway Columbus Whitewater Park Conasauga Canoe Trail Coosa River Water Trail Flint River Water Trail Little Ohoopee Blue Trail Lower Chattooga Canoe/Kayak Trail Middle Chattahoochee Blueway Ochlockonee River Water Trail Lower Oconee River Water Trail Oconee Rivers Water Trails Oostanaula River Water Trail Satilla River Water Trail South River Water Trail St. Mary’s River Water Trail W/S Chickamauga Creek Blue Trail 15 Established Water Trails 17 Developing Water Trails

Mission The mission of the South River Water Trail (SRWT) is to encourage restoration and preservation of the South River; establish the river as a valued natural community resource and refuge for native flora and fauna; promote sustainable recreation and economic development; and community-wide environmental education and stewardship.

Vision Within ten (10) years, the SRWT will become a nature and recreation destination in the region and the South River will sustain its official designated use of “swimmable” and “fishable”.

Infographic

SRWT Benefits Economic Recreation Social Conservation Education

●Increased tourism and spending in the local area ●Existing businesses increase profits → restaurants, outfitters, lodging... ●New businesses develop to support the trail ●Festivals and events around the trail support the local community ●Benefit local community with higher quality of life & improved tax base Economic Benefits

2012 Georgia Visitor Information Center Survey What is your main area of Interest? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Historic Site 54.3%3527 Attractions 40.8%2654 Wineries 10.2%664 Outdoor recreations 20.9%1361 Visit family/friends 26.7%1733 Shopping 19.4%1261 Museums 22.9%1491 Fairs and festivals 11.0%717 National & State Parks 22.6%1467 Other (please specify) 7.2%465 answered question6500 skipped question479

% People Participating in Outdoor Recreation

Spending on Type of Trip

Recreation

River Recreation is Economical Access can be minimal and inexpensive. Not as much land to buy or as many structures to build. Can utilize existing public land and facilities on rivers and lakes. Panola Shoals (DeKalb County)

Gateway to Conservation

Educating River Users Safety River Etiquette Plants & Animals Unique Features Maps

DeKalb County Proposed Access – Panola Shoals

DeKalb County Proposed Access – Everett Property

DeKalb County Everett Property Parking

Rockdale County Proposed Access – Lorraine Park

Newton County Proposed Access – Water & Sewer Pty

Newton County (Jackson Lake) Proposed Access – Georgia Power Pty

Collaborating Partners

Thank You