Summer 2018 A publication of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK)

Recognize the Recreators! INCREASE RIVER PROTECTION BELOW

It should be no secret “We have a lot of eagles nesting, osprey flying up from West the Chattahoochee downstream of Atlanta Point Lake. People love it. We see a couple thousand people is dramatically cleaner than it was when CRK paddling this stretch each year.” first stood up to protect the river more than - Chris Chastine, Whitewater Learning Center of two decades ago. Once severely polluted, the stretch of river from Atlanta’s wastewater discharge at down to West At the beginning of 2018, we appealed to Point Lake has rebounded significantly and Atlanta EPD to update the Designated Use of this riverside communities have taken note. section of the Chattahoochee to include Recreation. We documented over 1,800 Each year, hundreds of people fish, paddle, paddlers on this river section from 89 trips swim, canoe and wade in this part of the organized by CRK and other organizations. river. New initiatives promoting river access Residents along this section voiced are emerging everywhere from west Atlanta strong support for our request, and down to Franklin and . And we provided EPD with over 500 yet despite this resurgence in river signatures and comments from recreation, the state of Georgia holds most residents who described their the petition at: of this 76 mile section of the Chattahoochee experiences swimming, to its lowest standard for water quality. CRK chattahoochee.org paddling and fishing on this has been working to change that. /epdpetition. part of the river.

The good news is that improving the water Fortunately, EPD took notice. With quality standard for this part of the river is a step in the right direction, the fairly straightforward. It all comes down to agency recently redesignated 13 river Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division miles near Chattahoochee Bend State Park (EPD) updating the “Designated Use” West Point Lake to include Recreation. That leaves 63 miles category they assign to this part of the river. to go. The remaining river miles flow past EPD uses Designated Use categories to set Cobb, Fulton, Douglas, Carroll, Coweta and limits on the wastewater released into Heard counties, and CRK believes that residents of these counties deserve access different sections of our rivers. A river to a Chattahoochee with the same "This unspoiled section of the section whose Designated Use is Drinking protections that the river has further north. has a Water or Recreation is better protected than You can help make that happen. wild and natural beauty. a section whose Designated Use is Fishing. Most of the Chattahoochee River between Floating down the river, you If you live near the Chattahoochee between Atlanta and West Point Lake has been will see trees, wildflowers, Peachtree Creek in Atlanta and West Point categorized under EPD’s least protective Lake, ask your city and county blue heron, hawks, turtles, category, Fishing, since the time when this representatives to encourage Georgia EPD bass, and perhaps even an part of river was dramatically impacted by to update the Designated Use of this entire eagle.” pollution. EPD claims that not enough people section of river to include Recreation, and - Diana Wilson, spend time on this part of the river to merit sign our request to the agency at Chattahoochee Hills Parks Commission updating that designation, but our research chattahoochee.org/epdpetition. shows otherwise. STAFF REFLECTIONS TURNING LEMONS MELANIE BAIRD COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER TAMMY BATES INTO LEMONADE OUTINGS MANAGER HANNAH BRADFORD WATERSHED PROTECTION SPECIALIST & NATURALIST Environmental Project (SEP). A SEP involves LAURA BREYFOGLE the defendant making a payment to a third WPLFC NATURALIST party non-profit organization to do related TAELAR BYBEE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE restoration work. DALE CALDWELL HEADWATERS DIRECTOR Recently, CRK filed a lawsuit against a JULIET COHEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR construction development firm that allowed ERIK FYFE untold quantities of mud and sediment to pour WATERSHED PROTECTION SPECIALIST into the Chattahoochee River National HENRY JACOBS MIDDLE CHATTAHOOCHEE DIRECTOR Recreation Area. While all of that mud could KEVIN JESELNIK not be recovered, in our settlement GENERAL COUNSEL negotiations the developer agreed to pay BECCA KLEIN $265,000 to five local, environmentally-focused DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR In my 15-year professional career, I have seen organizations. This money will allow thousands CHRIS MANGANIELLO many terrible violations of our environmental WATER POLICY DIRECTOR of underserved kids to participate in outdoor laws. From blatant destruction of MICHAEL MEYER education programs, fund more than three NEIGHBORHOOD WATER WATCH DIRECTOR paving way for unpermitted development to years of water quality research in the river REBECCA RISSER open dumping of oil products; it never ceases PSCIP FELLOW park, train the next generation of environmental to shock me what some people are willing to JESSICA STERLING lawyers, and support clean water protection TECHNICAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR do to skirt the rules. In the cases where the bad HANNAH STEFANOFF work. HENRY BABSON WEST ATLANTA WATER FELLOW actor is caught, fines can be levied and cleanup ordered, but in most cases the damage to our SUZETTE TAYLOR While I was frustrated and saddened by the FINANCIAL MANAGER environment is never fully remedied. Fines environmental degradation the poorly executed JASON ULSETH collected go to a general fund and are not RIVERKEEPER construction development caused, I am very allocated for any environmental benefit while HANNAH WARNER pleased to have turned a negative situation into HEADWATERS OUTREACH COORDINATOR the pollution remains in our waterways. CHRISTINA YORK something positive. So the saying goes, “When DATABASE MANAGER life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But organizations like ours have a way to help BOARD OF DIRECTORS offset the damage to our environment with an J. RUTHERFORD SEYDEL II, CHAIR unconventional method. In cases of egregious DAVE KIRKPATRICK, VICE-CHAIR acts, CRK will file a citizen lawsuit under the LEE CHADWICK REBECCA CRANFORD Clean Water Act. In many cases, we resolve the FELICIA DAVIS dispute through settlement negotiations. To SARAH DEARMAN counter the environmental damage inflicted on DENISE DONAHUE the river, we propose a Supplemental Jason Ulseth, RIVERKEEPER BERT ELLIS MARK GREATREX GERARD GUNTHERT BILLY HALL VICTOR HAYDEL RICHARD JACOBSON FACES MARY ANNE LANIER OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE DANIEL LOCKE JEFF MOKOTOFF STEVE O’DAY JAMIE PRYOR MARY SCHREPFER “People need access DAVID SHAFFER to our waters, to LAURA SMITH CATHERINE WOODLING interact with the creek, put their feet in it, put their hands in it, and understand

Our mission is to advocate and secure that it is a pure place the protection and stewardship worth protecting.” of the Chattahoochee River, its lakes, tributaries and watershed. JUANITA WALLACE ATLANTA OFFICE 3 PURITAN MILL Resident, 916 JOSEPH LOWERY BLVD. Proctor Creek Atlanta ATLANTA, GA 30318 404-352-9828

GAINESVILLE OFFICE 104 WASHINGTON STREET, S.E. Juanita Wallace vividly remembers growing up on Proctor Creek, “The water was so clear, I would GAINESVILLE, GA 30501 678-696-8866 sit there for hours with my feet in it, captivated by the freshness of the air, hearing the sound of the creek, the birds, the bees. When you see life around the water, it gives you a sense of its LAGRANGE OFFICE 35 LAFAYETTE SQUARE purity.” As a highly-engaged community leader, weekly Neighborhood Water Watch volunteer LAGRANGE GA 30240 and concerned Proctor Creek steward, Juanita feels personal connection is imperative to 706-882-3701 conservation. “People need access to our waters, to interact with the creek, put their feet in it, WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG put their hands in it, and understand that it is a pure place worth protecting.”

2 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER ON PATROL WITH CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

BROKEN EQUIPMENT AT OIL PROCTOR CREEK IN COMPANY THREATENS FLAT CREEK REAL-TIME

In April, CRK’s Headwaters office received a In February, CRK deployed a water HOTLINE report about a malfunctioning piece quality sensor in Proctor Creek of equipment located at an oil company in that measures temperature, pH, midtown Gainesville at the headwaters of Flat conductivity, and dissolved oxygen Creek, which flows into . We every 15 minutes and relays the investigated the site and found an oily sheen data in real-time over a cellular in the parking lot near the creek. We reported network. The sensor is part of a the violation to the City of Gainesville and are larger project spearheaded by EPA, continuing to monitor the area weekly. and our sensor is one of a dozen in Georgia. We participated in a two- day workshop hosted by EPA staff, where we learned to build, program ROLLBACKS IN PERMIT FOR and deploy the open source water CUMMING CHICKEN PROCESSOR quality sensor. We plan to build a network of these devices across Tyson Foods in Cumming operates a the watershed to help us identify wastewater plant to treat water used in pollution problems in critical areas. processing and packaging live chickens. The wastewater, which can contain high levels of bacteria and ammonia, is released into Orr Creek, a tributary of Big Creek. Tyson’s wastewater discharge permit expires this year and is up for renewal. In April, CRK submitted comments to the GA EPD on a draft permit and pointed out several problems with the permit, including rollbacks to the limits of bacteria and ammonia the facility can discharge into Orr Creek.

MASSIVE TIRE DUMP DISCOVERED AND REMOVED

During a sewer spill inspection, we discovered some 10,000+ tires at an abandoned apartment complex in west Atlanta’s Valley of the Hawks. CRK alerted the GA EPD and City of Atlanta who worked together to clear out the tires. Abandoned tire piles are a public health threat as tires can hold water and create habitat for disease harboring mosquitoes. The area has now been enclosed by a chain-link fence and barriers to discourage illegal dumping.

LOWER CHATT RIVER MONITORING MALFUNCTIONING SEWER LIFT STATION CAUSES BIG STINK This winter, we made the trek with CRK’s patrol boat down to the lower ‘Hooch. Just a A railroad employee called CRK for help after few miles north of the state boundary. smelling foul sewer odors. CRK staff The lower Chattahoochee is like a different responded quickly by tracking the foul stench river than the upper stretches we know and down to a broken sewer lift station operated love – we experienced flat water and saw by an apartment complex adjacent to Utoy limestone banks, ferns, and cypress trees. Creek in southwest Atlanta. If not for the call, This was the first of two trips we will be taking the lift apparatus would have continued this year to check out a few industrial sites releasing sewage into the valley below. We and take water quality samples, as part of notified GA EPD who informed us of the lift CRK’s larger and growing effort to address station’s history of problems. The lift station water quality issues in the entire is now operating correctly, and we have Chattahoochee basin. established a downstream water monitoring station to detect and address any future spills quickly.

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/our-work/enforcing-environmental-laws

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 3 CRAYFISH, CRAWFISH, CRAWDAD, MUDBUG, YABBIE

Crayfish have been given many names, but whatever you call this feisty freshwater lobster they are more than just ‘good eating.’ Crayfish are considered moderate bio-indicator species when determining the health of a habitat.

It is easy to find these animals in rural streams or hidden deep in the forest, but “Many locals have clued me one U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist in to the history of the area searches for these creatures in what many and how they have always would believe to be an unlikely place. had hope for Proctor Creek.” Proctor Creek, one of Atlanta’s most urban - Tamara Johnson, Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service creeks, has been the focus of biologist Tamara Johnson’s work for many years now. great sign, not only for Proctor Creek and She works to identify species found in the the surrounding community, but for creek and crayfish are her specialty. Tamara’s ongoing search for crayfish. Tamara’s interest is in finding the Chattahoochee Crayfish, a species of Tamara has seen changes herself, “I have crayfish that is protected in Rottenwood noticed many areas with ‘black tape’ (AKA Creek just a few miles away. Tamara Johnson measures no biodiversity here) being removed from a crayfish in Proctor Creek. the stream and life is being discovered… The Chattahoochee Crayfish is a gaudy Many locals have clued me in to the history member of the crayfish family with green, On many summer days you will find Tamara of the area and how they have always had blue, orange and even lavender coloration. and her interns tracking through the cool hope for Proctor Creek.” Though not much is known about its waters of Proctor Creek. This creek system behavior, Tamara hopes that in locating this is fully encapsulated within the limits of Many times, we drive over bridges where animal and other animals within streams Atlanta, and has long been the poster child creeks lie hidden underneath and we give like Proctor (that have a lot of urban for pollution. CRK regularly monitors no thought to the creatures that call it influence), we can better understand the Proctor Creek and has seen a major shift in home. Let us be encouraged that even in the similarities and differences between rural the stewardship by the local community as places that may seem desolate, life can still and urban streams. well as lower E.coli bacteria levels. This is a be found.

CAMP ¡LIBERTAD! WELCOMED ABOARD THE MISS SALLY

It’s a June morning on West Point Lake and the Miss Sally floating classroom is busy Two campers hosting Casa Alterna's Camp ¡Libertad! Like participating in the many other groups this summer, the West Point Lake children and chaperones are here to have a Floating Classroom program. good time and learn about the lake, wildlife and water stewardship.

On land there’s excitement among the two dozen children as staff demonstrate how to use a fishing pole and explain the types of fish they might catch from the shoreline—a special summer treat. But the sound of approaching engines leaves no doubt that a ride on the floating classroom is the reason they are here.

Camp ¡Libertad! is centered around a small “In a day when children can name scores of corporate logos, community in the heart of LaGrange and but can't name probably three fish in our lake or two trees in based on the tradition of Freedom Schools our neighborhood, this is much needed.” during the Civil Rights movement. Organized - Anton Flores, Organizer, Camp ¡Libertad! by Anton Flores, the goal of the camp as he put it “is to develop confident, literate, and empowered Latinx children who will be birds like great blue herons and cliff Returning to the dock, instructors reviewed change makers in every sphere of their swallows quickly come into view. Osprey lessons learned from the day including one watershed.” and their fledgling young win the most fact that took the kids by surprise. The attention, though. Anton turned to me and question was posed again: “What’s the As the Miss Sally cruises along the forested said, “In a day when children can name source for our drinking water?” This time shoreline of the lake, binoculars are handed scores of corporate logos, but can't name they answered in unison, “Chattahoochee out and the children are instructed on the probably three fish in our lake or two trees River!” types of wildlife they might spot. Impressive in our neighborhood, this is much needed.”

4 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND DONORS FOR HELPING US KEEP WATCH OVER OUR WATERS! January 2018 through June 2018

RIVER BENEFACTOR Law Offices of Hodges, Craig Stewart Salon Allison Holton ($10,000 & UP) Broadaway & Bell Jennifer & Graham Dorian Merideth & Joe Houseman The Metropolitan Club Pat & Russ England Judy & Walter Hoyt Alice H. Richards Charitable Fund Elizabeth & David Minnix Jack Friou Iles Family Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Jackie & Tony Montag Karen Gayton Alicia & Hal Jacobs Colonial Pipeline Company Orvis Liza Goodwin Molly & Dennis James Cox Enterprises, Inc. Paramount Event Group, LLC The Heritage School, Inc. Joel Jones Bert Ellis Paulson Mitchell Incorporated Christy Hubbard Joseph & Friends The Erosion Company Nina Petkas & Stefon Tigges Jake Martin & Son Contractors, Inc. Casey Keeter The Home Depot Foundation Rain Barrel Company, LLC Johnny's New York Style Pizza Randall Kent The James M. Cox Foundation River Network (West Point) Tom Lantz Mildred Miller Fort Foundation Salon Venessa, Inc. Gwendolyn Labod Betty Londergan Patagonia Student Conservation Association LaFayette Christina School Georgann & David Lyons Ray C. Anderson Foundation Van Michael Salon (Sandy Springs) Laseter's Tavern at Vinings James Mager REI West Point Development Authority Kuanhui Lee Steve Massell Patti & Don Ross Woodard & Curran Foundation Abigail Lockwood Nicole & Dean Mathison Sartain Lanier Family Foundation, Inc. Mary & Charlie Yates Family Fund The Lovett School Wendy & Scott May Laura Turner Seydel Mary Maddox Kathie & Jay McClure & Rutherford Seydel RIVER PATRON Karen & John McHugh Leann & James McLendon Turner Foundation ($500-$999) Stuart Meddin Bonnie & Matt Meshad USA Storage Jeff Mokotoff Alicia Anderson Andrea Metivier Van Michael Salon (Buckhead) Mellow Mushroom (Gainesville) Anonymous Lauren & Mark Moyer Cheri & Terry Morris Archer Western Hugh Nevin RIVER DEFENDER Sun Namkoong Atlanta Rowing Club Sabrina Nordquist ($5,000 - $9,999) Christine O'Cleary Debbie & Jesse H. Austin III Barbara O'Connor Fran & Steve O'Day Aflac Lynn & Michael Briggs O’Daniel McDonald, LLC Daniel O’Rourke American Rivers Brookstone School, Inc. Neil Ortkiese Park Pride Amy & Kenton Brown Edley & Tim Ortman Chica Burnett Craig Pendergrast Callaway Foundation Beth Kosman & Martin Pearson Charter Bank The William R. & L. Kay Phinney Leslee Chadwick Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy Keith Perkey Charitable Fund Kathryn & Bill Pettyjohn The Coca-Cola Company City of Milton RAG Thyme Salon Collective Insights, LLC. Marjorie Cohen Brook & Kyle Pointer Elisabeth Rutherford Angie & Steve Ponsell , Inc. Cool River Tubing Company Salesforce.com Foundation Stephen Raidbard Shearon & Taylor Glover Rebecca & Kevin Cranford Carran Schneider Nonnie Marett & William Rogers Google Sarah & Adam Dearman Serenity Day Spa & Salon William Rousseau Abby & Gerard Gunthert Downtown Drafts, LLC Kathy Hearn & Keith Sharp Salon Pure Victor Haydel Elements Salon Tyler Spivey John B. Scott Jr. Mary Jane & David Kirkpatrick Friends of McIntosh Reserve State Farm Companies Foundation Martha & Conner Seabrook Southwire Company Gainesville Flooring Joanne Steele Bayberry & Atique Shah Toto USA Alva Maria Edmondson & Lytt Gardner Jade Thurmond Veronica & Daniel Shaughnessy True Salon, Inc. GE Foundation Valley High School Annie Smith Turner Enterprises, Inc. Georgia Institute of Technology Katherine Woodruff Williams Marty Speight US Environmental Protection Agency GeoSyntec Consultants, Inc. Charles Yovino Melanie & Curtis Sprung Waterkeeper Alliance Sandra Gulllardo Joy & Fred Staeck Mark Hackner RIVER SUPPORTER Jessica Sterling & Ben Emanuel RIVER ADVOCATE The Harris Family Charitable Fund ($100-$249) ($2,500 - $4,999) Teena Stern & Don Haugen Ben Giles Stevens Luke Stillson Hutchinson Traylor Insurance Audrey Adams Anonymous Tina Strobel Connor & Bo Keatley Lea Agnew Aria Salon, Inc. Lynn & Shea Sullivan Mechelle & Matthew Khodayari Gaylin Allen City of LaGrange Christine & Brad Thomas Bryan Knight Peggy Amend & Bob Buschman The Coca-Cola Company Lisa Thule Shaun Martin Patricia & Thomas Andrews Missy & Clay Courts Justin Thurman Celeste Myall & Dan McAlexander Anonymous EarthShare of Georgia Tokio Marine Management, Inc. Kevin McCauley Andrea & John Bealle Interface, Inc. United Way of Greater Atlanta Alicyn McLeod Elizabeth Berli Kimberly Clark Corporation Joanne Vandewater Nikles & Roach Family Carol Cain The Kroger Company Foundation Linda Vanegas The Outside World Tamara McClelland & Jim Callison Mary Anne & Jaime Lanier Barbara Vlasz Philadelphia Insurance Company Maria & Todd Carter Mincey Marble Manufacturing, Inc. Voya Mary Jane & John Piazza Dena Castellon Network for Good W. Daly Salon & Spa, Inc. Point University Caterpillar Inc. Roy & Janet Dorsey Foundation Van Westmoreland Princeton Salon & Spa Douglas Caulkins Ruby Collins, Inc. Diana Wilson Kent & Jamie Pryor Chattahoochee Rhythm Keepers Cathy & Gady Zeewy David Shaffer R2T, Inc Clermont Veterinary Hospital Troup County Board Of Education Renasant Bank Stephanie & Barton Cooper NEW & RENEWING WEG Electric Corp Salon Lafaye Henry Crosswell DONORS ($99 & LESS) WestPoint Fund at the Nancy & John Sanker Felicia Davis Community Foundation Laura & Edward Smith Anthony Deljou 505 Eats Southern Harbor Marina LaSha & Peter Ackerman RIVER CONSERVATOR Dale DeSena Cameron P. Ives & David Stockert Melanie Adams ($1,000-$2,499) Rosemary Dodd Julie & John Swanson Denise Donahue & Simone du Boise Jan Albitz American International Group Liz & Andy Thompson Sue & Julian Duttera Carolina Aldridge Auction Event Services Tull Charitable Foundation, Inc. Jody Dyess Kate Allen Beverly & John Baker University of North Georgia Michelle & Scotty East Virginia & Bond Almand Bambu Salon & Spa, LLC Foundation, Inc. Michael Eckardt Valerie & Cotten Alston Bela Fleck Productions, Inc. Vanason's Hair Salon, Inc. Leanne & Chris Edmondson Roland Alston Gail & David Chester Catherine Woodling & Evan Strange Anne Marie & Greg Esslinger Paul Amato Christine Tryba-Cofrin & David Cofrin Junta Yasuda Mary Lane & Dave Fantigrossi Angel Anbari Anita Ford Ben Anderson Colonial Pipeline Company FRIEND OF THE RIVER ($250-$499) Cornerpoint Partner Free Spirit Aveda Hair Salon Katie Anderson Dantera Salon & Day Spa Inc. Carolyn Appen Judy Freeman Anonymous Elachee Nature Science Center Neal Audet Julie Zweig & David Friedman Lacey Arlotta Ford & Harrison LLP Terri & Jay Beech Emilie & Richard Friese Amy Arno The Frances & Beverly M. DuBose Susan Bell Morris Pat & Sidney Gay AT&T Foundation Laura & Sam Breyfogle Howard Gleiter Joel Avrunin Gainesville Urology Deana & Bob Brooksher Sandy & Stephan Gosch Don Bachand Georgia Transmission Corporation Bill Brooksher Martha & Mike Greenway Richmond Barge Bijan Golshani Rhonda Brown Katy & Steve Griggs Honey & Alan Barnes Caroline & Mark Greatrex Central High School Tracy & Steve Gruenig Vicki & Frank Barron Julie Hairston Shelley Childers Jennifer & Reed Haggard Tracy Barth Carolyn & Billy Hall Debra & Rea Clark Nancy Hall Rose & Mark Barton Marcia & Richard Jacobson Clayton Distributing Company, Inc. Melissa Hellem Kristy Basinger LaGrange - Troup County Collier Hills Civic Association Beth & Matt Hereford Ann Bataillon Chamber of Commerce CORE Benefit Solutions Beth & Alex Hodges Roni & Dan Batchelor

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 5 Mackenzie Battista Margery Diamond Chris Hester Melinda Merrill Debbie & Andy Bauman Bill Donovan Susan Hewitt Microsoft David Bayne Kevin Doyle Patt L High David Middour Lynne & Craig Beach Christine Drayer Caleb Hill Stephen Milano Mary Beam Gail Driebe Nancy & Forest Hilyer Ekaterina Pilishvili & Igor Milchman Danny Beasley Caroline Driggers Jaylee Hitt Phyllis Miller Carol & Bill Beavers Ruth Dubin Cathy & Duane Hoback Michael Miller Lee Becham Mary Jo Duffy Stacey Hoffman Milton Martin Toyota Candy Beck Jerry Duncan Bob Hoffman Susan Mioduser Linda Bell Janice Duncan Fran Holland Tyler Mitchell Amadeo Bellotti Dunwoody Woman's Club Michael Honnold Ahmed Moinuddin Jamie Bishop Paul Durrence LouAnn Hood Jill Momper Linda Black Monica Dutke Tom Hooks Chris Moore Sarah & Hubert Blanchard Linton Eberhardt Ralph W. Howard Cynthia Moorhead Skip Blankley Mike Edelstein Stephen Huber Nancy & Steve Moorman Belle Blanton Betty Edwards Bob Hudgens James Morris Maureen & David Blencoe Eldridge Family James Hunt Maren Muelles Stuart Blencoe Norma Ellis Charles Hyatt Casey & Jason Mummaw Thomas Blum Mike Ellison Kellie Iannone Brad Myers Lee Boone Thomas Emory Lee Irminger Donna & James Nail John Booth Kayla Engle-Lewis Cindy Jabaley Teresa Nelson Beverly & Lamar Booth Suzanne Erickson Jacob Family Sheryl Nelson Joe Boris Joshua Everett Moshe Jacobson Molli Newman Margery & Bill Bouris Robin Fabrick Alan Jenkins Walter Newsopme Jodie Boyd Pat Fagan Laura Jennings Betty & Tommy Nicholson Christine & Charlie Bradley Nick Fender Paige Joe Amanda & Joe Nicolosi Margaret & Stuart Bramwell John Ferguson Keena Johnson Georgette Nixon Lorrie & David Brandt Drew Ferguson Leslie & Chuck Johnson Thaddeus North Tisha Brangan Andrew Fine Mary Johnson Jim Nuetzel Ben Breedon Carol Fink Brenton Jones Rebecca Obermeier Joe Bride Lindy Fink Emily Jones Brett O'Brien Bridgman Family Emanuel Fisteag Rebecca & John Jordan Joyce Odum Bright Funds Foundation Glenn Flake Joseph & Friends III, Inc. Greg & Debbie Oleson Jason Britt Chris Fletcher Linda Keck Richard Olson Wesley Brock Melissa & Mark Flom Carolyn Kelfer Kirkland O'Neal Sarah Brookshire Charlotte & Anton Flores Audrie Kelton Gregory Osgood Jesse Brown Ginger Florey-Powell Alan Kendall Kate O'Toole Roger Brown George Flynn Susan Kenny Linda & Jim Owen Foster Brown Martine Ford Gordon Kester Marty Owens Marcia Brown Linda & Frank Frederick Ken & Susan Kincaid Randall Paige Kathryn Brune Matthew Freeman Kathy King Clyde Patrick Ruth & Robert Bruner Scott Frick Isabelle & Charles Knight Bruce Payne Christine & Keith Bruno Robin Friedman Elizabeth Kohler Peachtree Garden Club Lauranne Buchanan Tanya Fry Diane & Gene Korzeniewski William Peck Michael Bufkin Kathy & Robert Fuller Patricia Kush Charlotte Pelz Bernie Burgener Nan Ellen & Dave Fuller Donna Laird & Bill Behm Catherine Pendleton & Robert Fritz Julie Burroughs & Michael Joseph Owens Fuquea Margaret Lane Perry Family Fran Burst-Terranella Cathy Fussell Elizabeth & Jeffrey Langfelder Margaret & Brian Philbin Charlie Caldwell Tracey & Gary Gaines Jane & Dave Larson Charles Pickett Lisle Pothaste & Dan Calhoun Gainesville Physical Therapy Valaria Latham Tammy Pierce Janice Calzokari Romeo Galang Donna Laurent Christopher Pierce Cargill Office Supplies Alice & Bob Gartley Law Office Of Michael M. 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Claxton Peter Gordon Josh Lumley Gregory Pulliam Brooks Clay Kathleen Gray Sabine Luz Amy & Phil Qualter Debora Clem Steve Griffin Linda MacGregor Jennifer Ragland Julie Clements Brad Griffiths Mary Mack Michele Raphoon Robert Clydesdale Shanna Hadden Thomas MacMillan Walt Ray Kathy Cobb Jeff Hagan Dena Maguire Young & David Young R. A. Raymond Betsy Cohen Nancy Hale Gregory Malar Allyson Read & Scott Pfeninger Angela & Jeremy Cohen Amy Hall Evan Mallen Madeline Reamy Alan Cole Glenda Hamilton Burt Manning Mike Reilly Micah Coleman Kathleen Hanna Marco's Pizza Margaret Reneke Sally & Tom Colkett Donna Haralson Sharon Marshall Caitlin Rhea Jesse Colkett John Haralson Nancy & Tom Martin Helen Rice Beverly Collier & Hale Spiegelberg Charlie Harman Rhonda & Lonny Martin Helen Richardson Peter Collins Linda Harrah Leigh Martin Winters Richwine CompostNow Jim Harrington Susan Martrin Marc Riley Comstock Family Angelo & Debbie Harris John Mather Anna Robertson Bennett Eric Conder Mandy & Richard Harris Louise McAfee David Robinson Jaclyn & Michael Connell Shekinah Harrison Gayle McAllister Jana Rodgers Patricia Connor Brian Hart Rachel McArthur Joanne & Dean Rogers Edward Cook Mary Hart W. Gary McBride Patty & John Rogers Jessica Cooper Jason Hartley Christy McClellan Penni Rollings Virginia & Robert Copeland Michael Hastings Brenda Constan & Martin McConaughy Rebecca Roman Ann Couch James Hawkins Scott McDaniel Amanda & Leslie Romig Diane Cousins Sonia Hayden Sara McDaniel Sandra Ross Vanessa & Ian Cowie Katie Hayes & Landon Brown Patty & Laughlin McDonald Dave Rosselle Bryan Crafts Bethany Headrick Ashley McElreath Roy Rubin Luann Craighton Joseph Healy Peggie Mcgee Rushton Lisa Crim Colleen Heath Robert McGuire Laura Russo Dean Crist Sara Heath Merry Mcmillan Howard Salk Kayla Crowell Russell Henderson Jr. Errin McNeight Ziggy Salvador Mike Cuccinello Amber Hendrix Natalia & Justin McNew Carlos Sandi Carol Culberson Chris Henrich Michael McRae Alexandra Sawicki Jim Davison Allison Henry Peyton McWhirter Jonathan Sawyer Mark Dessommes Eileen Herron Leah Medley Margaret & Eugene Schaufler James DeVries Doug Hessinger Ernesto Mejia Lara & William Schiefelbein

6 RIVERCHAT Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Patrick Schlottman Joe Townsend In memory of Elizabeth DesPortes Diamond AutoSpa & Lube Cosette & David Schmid Sue & Mike Tracy Patricia Hallum Don Carter State Park Elizabeth Schnabel Pete Trench Downtown Drafts In memory of Kevin Dyer Linda & Bob Schneider TRS, LLC Dress Up Gainesville Joi & Robbie Cook Kimberly Schoder Pat & L.W. Tucker Elevation Fitness Jim Unger Joe Schoofs In honor of Steve Gold Fifth Group Restaurants Maggie Van Cantfort Paula Schubert Cheryl & Harris Gottlieb Fly Shop Company Heidi & Brendon Schwartz Kilsup Van Lieu Forest Hills Resort J.P. Van Rooyen Jessica Schwartz In honor of Alexander Holmann Friends of Georgia State Parks Laine Scott Vanasons Salon Myrricia Holmann Front Porch Collective E. Cooper Seay Jean-Marie & Gary Veeneman Georgia Crown Mimi Seydel & Guy Hunt Rajesh Venkateswaran In memory of Taylor Ibarrondo Georgia Harvest Tables Tom Shafer Steven Vickery Diane Bridges Georgia Nature John Shaw Anbarasan Vincent First Data Corporation Matthew Shaw F. Argean Vokes Cody Luedtke Photographers Association Merrideth Colwell & Thomas K. Shea Ron Walker Ruth Shults Glenda’s Shealy Family Walling Family GLL Marine In honor of Henry Jacobs Carol Shifflett Adam Walston High Country Outfitters Judy & Edward Garland Richard Simmons Scott Wanzor Elizabeth & Matt Simmons Linda Warner In honor of Anne Jenne Home Depo Julie Siwicki Morning Washburn Margaret Lirones Honey Baked Ham Michael & Cheryl Ann Slavik Donna Werner Lake Lanier Canopy Tours Smile Back Faye Westfall In honor of G.B. Pratt & Rachel Pratt Mary Anne & James Lanier Deborah & Kevin Smith Wharton Family Carol Pratt Longstreet Café Anthony & Katherine Smith Laurie Wheeler Michael Lowe In honor of Northside neighborhoods Debra Smith Becky & Mike Whitmire Amanda & Paul Mayberry & communities Lori & Jeff Smith Nick Wilhelm The Metropolitan Club Clairnelle Wilkerson Angela Erwin Gary Smith Miller Union Julie Smith Mark Williams In memory of Jacqueline & Julius Rutzky Nantahala Outdoor Center Melanie Smith Vanessa & R.M. Williams Ivy Rutzky Natural Juice Café Jared Smith Hunter Williams Outside World Outfitters Paul Smith Randy Williams In honor of Ted Turner Paradise Boat Rentals Susan Smithson Chris Williams and Shearon & Taylor Glover Pelican Pete’s Smoke Rise Garden Club Jarod Wills Mandy & Knox Culpepper Ray-Lynn Snowden Wayne Wilson Pet Pleasers Bakery Publix Supermarkets Charities Lindsay Snyder Lisa Winn CRK GIFTS IN-KIND Brenda Speir Nancy Wylie Bonny Putney Rain Barrel Company, LLC Margaret Spencer Marc Yaggi 2 Dog Restaurant REI Catherine Spillman Chas Yancey 97.1 The River Christopher Yasko Republic Services Helen Stacey Affairs To Remember Beth & Jon Stahlman Timothy Yeager River Through Atlanta The Lisa Stamey Michelle & Michael Young Royal Lakes Golf & Country Club American Rivers Dennis Stansell Kathryn Young Ruby Falls Tour Appalachian Outfitter Shane Starr Chuck Young S&S Fire Pits John Steed Cory Zahner Serenbe Development Corporation Atlanta Department of Watershed Mary Sterling Lindsay & Bill Zerressen Shane's Rib Shack Sherry Zhou Management Julie Hart & Robby Stewart Smart Glass Jewelry Atlanta Hawks Don Still Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Catherine & John Stiney Atlanta Journal Constitution MONTHLY SUSTAINERS/ Smith's Old Bar Janet & Jim Stockslager EMPLOYEE GIVING The Atlanta Opera Center Soaring Sapphire Designs Peter Stoddard Atlanta Seafood Market Southern Smoq BBQ Ickis Stone Atlas Pizza William Bell Spa on Green Street Jim Stovall Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters Joshua Crane-Whittington Studio 5 Salon John Strickland Benjamin Hansen Ken Beck SweetWater Brewing Company Aggie & Marty Swails Jonathan Jordan BiBa’s Italian Restaurant SYRCL Trude Taft Joseph Lyle Big Daddy DJ Services Tree Top Quest Maleah Taylor Tynke & Frederik ten Lohuis Brenau Downtown Center Truelove Celebrations Bakery Kelly Teem Bridgestone Gail Teuscher Uncle Maddio’s Pizza IN HONOR OF/MEMORIALS Busch Gardens Village Health Wellness Spa The Opportunity Group Canoe Restaurant The Pickle Food Truck Vine & Cheese Caroline’s Lucky Dog Salon Mackensie Thomas In memory of Guy Adams Wander North Georgia Cartecay Vineyards Corinne & Jim Thornton Helen K. Hale Wild Wings Cafe Cartoon Network Tyler Thurmond Wildewood Outfitters In honor of Dale Caldwell Center for Arts Andrea Timpone Tom Wilson Fleur De Lis Garden Club CHaRM Tire Barn Inc. WSB-TV Chattahoochee Nature Center Hong To In honor of Kelly Callahan Yonah Mountain Vineyards Classic Tents & Events Muriel & Jim Toler & M. Harness The Coca-Cola Company Christina Toliver-Ehrhardt Katie Terry Rob Toner The Collegiate Grill *CRK receives 100% of Board Marcia Tourtellott In honor of Ivey & Charles Crutchfield Crossroads Deli and Employee Giving Travis Towns Marti Breen Decatur Glass Blowing

With your help, we will continue to stand strong to ensure our drinking water is clean and safe and that our Chattahoochee River system Space is protected for us now and for future generations. Please become a member today.

Visit chattahoochee.org/ become-a-member-or-renew.

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 7 STAND UP FOR CLEAN WATER: 24TH ANNUAL PATRON DINNER

"Each year, CRK honors community leaders, institutions and businesses who embrace our mission to protect and restore the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries, lakes and watershed. These honors are awarded at our annual Patron Dinner where we also celebrate the organization’s achievements of the year and raise funds to support our programs." - Juliet Cohen, Executive Director, CRK

Corporation to select CRK as its Earth Month Partner. Now in its eighth year, Van Michael Salon and AVEDA have led an annual campaign in April to raise awareness tand p and support for our mission. S for U Agnes Scott College will receive our River Sustainability Clean Water Award for demonstrating exceptional commitment to protecting the Chattahoochee River. Agnes Scott College has adopted and implemented a Water Plan to reduce its footprint on the river focusing on efficiency and conservation. In addition, the College has implemented a suite of renewable energy strategies including solar and geothermal power sourcing. These and other sustainability programs are already having a positive impact on the river and its communities.

Bonnie Jackson is the honored recipient of our River Please visit chattahoochee.org/patrondinner for more information. Steward Award. For three decades, Bonnie devoted herself to protecting Georgia’s natural resources by This year’s Patron Dinner theme is “Stand Up for Clean Water” and serving the organizations that are dedicated to defending and will be held on the evening of September 26 at the Georgia preserving these special places including the Chattahoochee River Aquarium. Van Michael Salon is our honored recipient of our River while Operations Manager at CRK. Guardian Award for having supported Chattahoochee Riverkeeper since 2007. In 2012, Van Michael Salon’s commitment to clean and Join us on September 26 as we celebrate those individuals and plentiful water in the Chattahoochee River inspired AVEDA institutions that have gone above and beyond for our waterways!

MANY WAYS TO GIVE BACK

There are many ways to give back to CRK above and beyond your time and annual membership donation. Whether it’s while you shop, through your company, or even using social media, opportunities to help promote CRK’s mission to protect the Chattahoochee River are abundant. Here are a few ways you can give your favorite river advocacy group the extra support needed to continue our important work.

Matching Gifts Kroger Rewards Many companies offer to match an employee’s donation to a Did you know you can support charity. Check with your human resources department to verify Chattahoochee Riverkeeper each if your company offers a matching gift program and what time you shop at Kroger? Sign up protocols you should follow. for a Kroger Plus Card, and select Chattahoochee Riverkeeper as CRK Merch your organization of choice. T-shirts, hats, tumblers and more, make great gifts and are a Once enrolled, you’ll earn wonderful way to show your support. Plus, you’ll be a walking rewards for CRK every time you billboard for CRK! Check out chattahhoochee.org/crk-store for shop and use your Plus Card. more details. Social Media Amazon Smile The more people who know about CRK, the more people can Amazon Smile offers the same products, prices and shopping get involved in our important work! Head over to CRK’s social features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop media platforms – give us a like, follow us and repost the events on smile.amazon.com, and choose Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and issues that are important to you. You can also raise money as your charity of choice, the Amazon Smile Foundation will from your Facebook page. Put a CRK donation button on your donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to CRK. wall and ask friends to contribute to protect your river!

8 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER A NEW HOME FOR THE LAKE LANIER AQUATIC LEARNING CENTER

For the last 17 years, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) and Elachee Nature Science Center have partnered to operate the Lake Lanier Aquatic Learning Center (LLALC.

The LLALC, a 40-foot custom-built catamaran has successfully engaged more than 60,000 students and teachers from north Georgia in outstanding outdoor learning opportunities.

The Chota Princess II In 2018, the LLALC welcomed its third docking at CRK’s partner, Hall County Parks and Leisure, and new boat house on moved the program to River Forks Park in Lake Lanier. Hall County. The park had existing amenities to operate the program including pavilions, fishing pier, bus parking and restrooms. To house the boat, CRK commissioned the construction of a double slip boat house with a gangway and skylights at the cost of nearly $200,000. Many thanks go to The plankton and wildlife – that are tied to age- Program scholarship awards make it James M. Cox Foundation for their support appropriate Georgia Standards for possible each year for thousands of of the capital project. A ribbon cutting Excellence. Students learn how the lake students to participate from Title I schools ceremony is planned for August 21. water is connected to the drinking water and after-school and summer programs that that flows from their home and school serve the financially disadvantaged. The On board the LLALC, students conduct a faucets, in addition to ways they can protect LLALC is primarily available for public and variety of hands-on activities that emphasize these precious water resources. Enhancing private schools, colleges, nature centers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the on board program are supplemental and summer camps; however, guided lake and Math) concepts – from water quality land-based watershed activities and lake tours can be arranged for civic groups, testing to the identification of freshwater history lessons. businesses, and others.

PADDLE PEACHTREE CREEK ANYONE?

“Does anyone want to try paddling Peachtree Creek next week?” asked Outings “You can paddle Peachtree Creek and find plenty of trash, but Manager, Tammy Bates, in our May staff the best part is seeing a place you think you know from a meeting. After all, the creek has been a new perspective right in Atlanta’s backyard.” Sweep the Hooch destination for years. Now - Tammy Bates, Outings Manager, CRK Tammy wanted to expand our engagement from a river bank cleanup to a paddle cleanup. Peachtree Creek is choked with 1990’s, flooding with stormwater and the contrasts—houses so close to the creek trash – plastic bottles, bags and aluminum untreated sewage every time it rained from that they must ; a red shouldered hawk cans litter the banks and creek bed. Illegal the City of Atlanta’s combined sewer that eyed us as we paddled past; golf balls dumping adds its own collection of system. Thanks to our 1995 lawsuit against resting on the bank while turtles swam ‘treasures’ including tires, car parts, Atlanta for failing to control the discharge underneath us. We were in the middle of the couches and mattresses. of raw sewage and other pollutants from city, surrounded by evidence of humans, combined sewer overflows and the but felt completely alone. In the 1990’s, author Dave Kaufman improvements that followed, water quality investigated how Atlanta’s history has is much better today. Taking out at Park, shaped Peachtree Creek and explored the Tammy reflected on the journey, “You can creek in a canoe. In his book, Peachtree We wanted to experience the creek as Dave paddle Peachtree Creek and find plenty of Creek, a Natural and Unnatural History of did—on the water. So in the spirit of urban trash, but the best part is seeing a place you Atlanta’s Watershed, Kaufman talks about adventure we carried our kayaks into the think you know from a new perspective Peachtree Creek as an open sewer. Water creek at Memorial Park on a warm May right in Atlanta’s backyard.” quality in the creek was terrible in the morning. Along the way, we were struck by

CRK will hold a paddle cleanup on Peachtree Creek on September 8. Check out opportunities to join CRK’s other outings at chattahoochee.org/ cleanups.

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 9 GOLF COURSE IMPACTS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED

The old Bobby Jones Golf Course in Negotiations Lead to Project Improvements Atlanta's Memorial Park is undergoing a major renovation. At the cost of $23 million, Over several weeks, CRK worked closely Creek have been abandoned. The the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation is with the Foundation to reduce impacts Foundation also dropped plans to re-grade transforming its 18 tees, greens, and while still achieving golf course design the banks of Tanyard Creek, which will help fairways into a nine-hole reversible course goals. A series of negotiations resulted in a prevent future bank collapses. with other amenities. Part of the renovation drastically improved variance application, plans call for impacts to the state designated which also included a robust mitigation The revised application includes stream 25-foot stream buffer along Tanyard and plan. buffer mitigation and native replanting along Peachtree Creeks. To encroach on the 25- the banks of Tanyard and Peachtree Creeks foot buffer, a variance from the Georgia In the initial application, the Foundation in areas that have long suffered from erosion. Environmental Protection Division is proposed to cut down 46 large diameter This mitigation will provide for an overall required and this created an opportunity for trees in the buffers; we were able to reduce net positive impact to the banks of these CRK to weigh in on the plans. that to 18. Initial plans to build cart trails creeks that flow into the Chattahoochee and tee boxes on the banks of Peachtree River just four miles downstream. Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth was already familiar with the project having conducted Tanyard Creek’s lushly vegetated stream buffer. several site visits to address significant erosion and sedimentation on site due to general land disturbing activities following winter rains. CRK closely reviewed the application for a stream buffer variance in the spring. Original plans involved removing all vegetation on both sides along parts of Tanyard Creek and grading the streambanks to the water’s edge. Missing from the application was any mitigation to offset the impacts of tree removal and bank regrading.

SUPREME COURT SENDS WATER WARS CASE BACK

On June 27, the very last day of the U.S. again consider the ACF Stakeholder’s water for economic sustainability. The Supreme Court’s 2017-2018 term, the Sustainable Water Management Plan, a legal battles are not really about which Court issued its opinion in the Florida v. plan that identifies specific and technical state wins or loses. The debate is about Georgia water wars case. The Supreme tools for sharing this critical resource. critical water resources, community Court Justices were deciding whether or We must cease endless rounds of health, and economic growth in not to accept an appointed special litigation, and instead focus our communities spanning three states. master’s recommendation to essentially resources on sharing our water dismiss Florida’s case seeking limits on resources equitably because Regardless of the outcome, Georgians Georgia’s water use primarily in Metro communities will continue to grow and have a responsibility to conserve water. Atlanta along the Chattahoochee River our clean water resources are limited. If a robust culture of conservation does and on agricultural lands along the Flint not take hold in Atlanta, the River. This opinion recognized that there will basin and across all economic sectors, always be a downstream community, Georgia will be back in court again Writing for the Court, Justice Stephen farmer or industry that will need clean another day. Breyer held that Florida’s case should not be dismissed and sent it back to the special master. Now, the special master must consider all of Florida’s claims and determine if there is a solution that will balance relief to Florida’s oyster fishery against any potential impacts to Georgia’s economic interests in Atlanta and its South Georgia farms.

CRK believes that now is the time for the three states (Alabama included) to negotiate an interstate compact to equitably apportion the waters. Furthermore, the CRK’s General Counsel, Kevin Jeselnik, and Water Policy Director, Chris Manganiello, three states should in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. in January.

10 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER GEORGIA EPD GETS COLUMBUS, GA PERMIT RIGHT AGAIN

In recent years, the Chattahoochee River through Columbus has undergone a revival. In 2013, Columbus leaders made a $25 million investment to create the Columbus Whitewater Course, which extends for 2.5 miles through downtown Columbus.

Tens of thousands of kayakers, rafters, Now… fisherman, and swimmers take to the river in Columbus each year. What In late 2017, EPD proposed a “draft many visitors may not know is that permit” limiting the amount of fecal when it rains, untreated and partially coliform bacteria and chlorine that can treated sewage is released into the be discharged from the CSS. Fecal river from the City’s combined sewer coliform is an indicator of the amount system (CSS) that runs alongside the of dangerous bacteria present in the whitewater course under the combined sewage, while chlorine is a Riverwalk. commonly used disinfectant to remove the bacteria. Chlorine in rivers can be In a CSS, stormwater and sanitary harmful for aquatic life and form toxic sewage (a.k.a. what is flushed from a byproducts in downstream drinking toilet) flow together in a single pipe. water sources. The CSS must be During dry weather, Columbus’s managed in a way that removes the system can send the sanitary sewage bacteria from the wastewater, but does to a wastewater treatment plant. When not result in heavily chlorinated water more than 0.6 inches of rain falls in one in the Chattahoochee. hour, the excess stormwater overwhelms the combined system and “Because of the potential public a mix of untreated or partially treated health threat, the Water Works should wastewater and stormwater is released accept the new permit required by into the river. CRK is concerned that the EPD that limits effluent emission during heavy rains, high levels of into the river, the same as is required bacteria and chlorine from the CSS put for all other cities along the river,” public health at risk and potentially says Virginia Causey, a local historian harms fish and wildlife. and organizer with Friends of South Commons. Then… CRK has sampled combined sewer Columbus Water Works received its discharges since October 2017 to better first permit to operate its CSS in 1992, understand the water quality and and constructed its current facilities public health impacts of the current between 1993 and 1995, decades before system and to provide science-based the development of the whitewater support for a more protective permit. course. During the past twenty years, Columbus Water Works' current CSS the Georgia Environmental Protection permit, issued in 2010, does not meet Division (EPD) attempted to impose federal Environmental Protection upgrades of the CSS. Each time, Water Agency guidelines. CRK supports EPD’s Works rebuffed the state’s efforts to 2017 draft permit, because it is time to impose more protective requirements provide full and accurate water quality for monitoring and limits for bacteria information and protection to in the discharges. Columbus’ thousands of river users.

CRK, Mid Chatt Watershed Protection Specialist, Hannah Bradford, taking a Fishermen along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Columbus. water sample at a Columbus CSS outfall.

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8TH ANNUAL SWEEP THE HOOCH A Sweep the Hooch volunteer pitches in with a smile to help remove trash along the river. We broke the record with 820 volunteers who pulled 24 tons of trash from the Chattahoochee River! We are grateful to our sponsors. River Benefactor: The Home Depot. River Advocate: Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Brown Bag Marketing, Collective Insights, Kimberly-Clark, The Kroger Company Foundation, Ruby Collins, Inc., Southwire Company. River Conservator: David B. and Gail Chester. Media Sponsors: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Family2Family

CATWALK FOR WATER

The 6th Annual Catwalk for Water was a success, raising thousands of dollars CRK’s many clean water initiatives! It was hosted at The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta in partnership with AVEDA. A special thank you to sponsors Colonial Pipeline and Arthur Blank Family Foundation for their support.

The CVRR crowd enjoys a set by the Chattahoochee Rhythmkeepers.

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER VALLEY RALLY

Big thanks to the 130 paddlers who joined us for the 3rd Annual Chattahoochee Valley River Rally as well to the sponsors of the event: Interface, West Point Development Authority, LaGrange-Troup Chamber of Commerce, Charter Bank, Southern Harbor Marina, Renasant Bank, Hutchinson Traylor, Johnny’s Pizza, Point University, GLL Marine and SweetWater Brewing Company.

4TH ANNUAL WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival was a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for the Neighborhood Water Watch program in the Headwaters region. Thanks to our sponsors - River Conservator: Brenau University, Gainesville Urology, Mincey Marble, SweetWater Brewing Company, United Distributors, WSBTV, Family 2 Family. River Steward: David and Gail Chester, Gainesville Flooring, Mike and Lynn Briggs, Nantahala Outdoor Center, North Georgia Label, Outside World Outfitters. River Patron: University of North Georgia Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis. Friend of the River: John O'Sullivan, Susan and Bill Brooksher, Jake Martin & Sons, Contractors, INC, Core Benefit Solutions, Joanne Steele, Karen and John McHugh.