TPL donates Chattahoochee headwaters land to state

UNDATED - The Trust for Public Land (TPL) Thursday announced the conservation of three critical paddling locations in the headwaters area of the Chattahoochee River.

Located in White, Hall and Habersham counties, the land will be given as a partial donation by TPL to Georgia's Department of Natural Resources to increase public access to the waterway, while supporting state and area groups in their on-going efforts to improve eco-tourism.

TPL and the state Department of Natural Resources officials marked the occasion Thursday morning at Wildwood Outfitters, featuring representatives from both organizations.

"This is a major step to improve access along the river," says Chris Clark, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "The conservation of these locations is also going to help future generations experience the wonder and awe of Georgia's great outdoors. We hope to one day be able to paddle the Chattahoochee River from the headwaters to the Gulf."

The protection of these locations bolsters ongoing efforts to develop a "blueway" on the Chattahoochee River and improve public access to the river for outdoor enthusiasts. Much like a designated hiking "greenway" on land, a "blueway" enables similar enjoyment of waterways. The land TPL purchased and is donating to the state includes two parcels that Wildwood

Outfitters' has used as watercraft put in/take out locations (1.2 acres in White County and .23 acres in Habersham County). TPL is making a partial donation to the conservation of the 37 acres at Mossy Creek in Hall County, acquired from the estate of John H. Stembler.

With these acquisitions The Trust for Public Land continues its Chattahoochee River Protection Campaign to conserve and protect some of the most vulnerable and recognizable river frontage in Georgia.

The 37 acres acquired from the Stembler Estate will allow for improved public access and increased conservation by protecting approximately 1,250 feet more of preserved Chattahoochee River frontage.

"Visitors from around the country journey to Georgia to enjoy the beauty and excitement of whitewater rapids of the upper Chattahoochee River. What better example of river preservation can TPL give to show our commitment to protecting these great resources," said Helen Tapp, Executive Director of The Trust for Public Land in Georgia.

"It's important to make sure we conserve and protect the treasures around us. I want my grandkids to have the same enjoyment of 'shootin' the 'Hooch' that I grew up with," said Dave Gale, one of the owners of Wildwood Outfitters. "TPL is helping to make that happen."