Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

Sunset on the Chattahoochee River, beautifully captured by Chattahoochee Outdoors.

Way up in the North Georgia mountains, the Chattahoochee River rises as a cool, clear spring. We had the pleasure of hiking to that spring last week with a great group of colleagues from Trust for Public Land, Birds Georgia, and West Atlanta Watershed Alliance. It was a joy to witness our river’s humble beginnings, complete with a salamander sighting or two! As CRK celebrates our 31st anniversary today, we’re reminded of the power of collective action. The Hooch has come a long way since 1994, in no small part thanks to community members and organizations like these joining forces to stand up for our lands, waterways, and the people and wildlife who depend on them. Thanks to all for a wonderful hike. Let’s keep up the great work!

The Chattahoochee River is 430 miles long, and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is proud to be its full-time protector. With the support of more than 10,000 members, we have a proven track record defending the river from polluters. As we mark our 31st anniversary today, we are ready to lead the way in the coming months and years in response to reductions in services from the federal government. Our shared source of water is at stake. Help us defend our river. Visit chattahoochee.org/donate to support this critical work with a donation today.

More than 160 conservation advocates from the mountains to the coast gathered yesterday for Capitol Conservation Day! Members of the GEORGIA WATER COALITION urged legislators to support three bills: ☑️ Protect the Okefenokee from mining (HB 561 & HB 562) ☑️ Protect communities from PFAS "forever chemicals" (HB 611) ☑️ Protect consumers from rising energy bills associated with the unprecedented growth of water-hungry data centers (SB 34) Thanks to everyone who came out and spoke up for clean water! Sign up for alerts and take action at protectgeorgia.org. 💧 Photos by Erik Voss

One year ago, routine monitoring by CRK uncovered extremely high levels of bacteria entering the Chattahoochee River from Atlanta’s largest wastewater treatment plant. Since then, we’ve ramped up our testing at wastewater facilities throughout the entire Chattahoochee basin. With your support, we’re holding polluters accountable to ensure that communities have the right to fishable, swimmable, drinkable waters. Learn more at chattahoochee.org.

We’re excited to see Georgia’s legislators working to protect the Okefenokee! Two bipartisan bills, HB 561 and HB 562, have been introduced to protect this wild treasure from risky mining operations. Please reach out to your legislators today and urge them to pass these important bills before it's too late! Go to https://lnkd.in/gqtHju4v to take action! #ActNow #SaveTheOkefenokee

Great to have The Duracell Company with us on West Point Lake! During their day-long conference at the Oakfuskee Conservation Center, we took groups out for some fresh air and a guided tour of the lake.

Spring is approaching! It’s the perfect time to look out for wildflowers like the enchanting Chattahoochee trillium, pictured here. This species has a very interesting life cycle. It’s part of the ephemeral plant family, meaning it has only a brief above-ground presence. In the early spring, as sunlight filters through the canopy, the trillium emerges from the forest floor, unfurling its leaves and blossoms in a magnificent show. As the warm days of summer arrive, the plant retreats to its subterranean existence, leaving no trace. Chattahoochee trillium thrives in the well-drained, nutrient-rich soil found near riverbanks and damp forest areas. It’s often spotted along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, hence its name, though it can be found in other parts of Georgia and Alabama. While it is a captivating sight, remember to appreciate these flowers responsibly! This delicate species faces several conservation challenges, so it’s important to preserve its natural habitat and resist the temptation to disturb or remove these beautiful flowers from the wild. Photo: Alan Cressler, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Facing a moment where Atlanta should not expect federal assistance to prepare the city for a hotter, wetter future, CRK’s Founding Riverkeeper Sally Bethea offers three specific climate solutions hinging on one clear path forward: “When Mayor Dickens, the City Council, and Atlanta’s corporate community join together, they find the money and political will to accomplish their goals.” Read more in her latest column for Rough Draft Atlanta. https://bit.ly/41glhu9

Since 2017, CRK and our partners at the Southern Environmental Law Center have pushed for stronger water quality measures to protect the right to drinkable, swimmable, and fishable water for people on the river in Columbus, Georgia and downstream in Lake Eufaula. A Georgia court recently reversed a decision affecting the operation of the Columbus sewer system along the Chattahoochee River. The court sided with Columbus Water Works, stating that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division wrongfully issued the utility’s 2020 permit because EPD did not conduct an adequate analysis before adding a limit on the amount of E. coli bacteria discharged to the river through the combined sewer system during heavy rainfall events. The next application cycle for a 5-year permit will begin in April. Despite the recent setback, CRK is ready to continue pushing for stronger measures to protect the safety of people recreating on the Chattahoochee River and the Columbus Whitewater Course. Read more on our website: https://bit.ly/4171Xz9