South River Water Trail

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

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 OptionsResponse

PercentResponse

CountHistoric Site 54.3% 3527Attractions 40.8% 2654Wineries 10.2% 664Outdoor recreations 20.9% 1361Visit family/friends 26.7% 1733Shopping 19.4% 1261Museums 22.9% 1491Fairs and festivals 11.0% 717National & State Parks 22.6% 1467Other (please specify) 7.2% 465

answered question 6500skipped question 479

% 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 CountyProposed Access – Panola Shoals

DeKalb CountyProposed Access – Panola Shoals

DeKalb CountyProposed Access – Everett Property

DeKalb CountyEverett Property Parking

Rockdale CountyProposed Access – Lorraine Park

Rockdale CountyProposed Access – Lorraine Park

Rockdale CountyProposed Access – Lorraine Park

Newton CountyProposed Access – Water & Sewer Pty

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

Collaborating Partners

Thank You

www.southriverwatertrail.org