Georgia ForestWatch, a Dahlonega-based organization with a mission to protect and enhance the health of Georgia’s 867,000 acres of National Forest, has announced progress on its Clean Streams Campaign. Through the campaign, Georgia ForestWatch members and partner organizations are working to protect aquatic species that live in the mountain headwater streams of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest from chronic habitat damage. Mountain streams that originate in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest feed the rivers that supply north Georgia’s drinking water while also providing recreational and economic value to the surrounding communities.
A Georgia ForestWatch volunteer examines a road through North Georgia's forests. Credit: Georgia ForestWatch
After initial survey work by Georgia ForestWatch, Clayton residents and influential people in the community have joined together to bring attention to the issue of sediment flowing from Charlies Creek Road into Flat Branch and Charlies Creek, both of which flow into the Tallulah River, a designated harvest trout stream. The Chattooga River Ranger District Forest Service has installed signage to eliminate illegal ATV and Jeep traffic that was directly damaging the Tallulah River’s banks.
The Chattooga River District Forest Service team joined ForestWatch to survey Darnell Creek Road and record sediment flowing from the road into Darnell and Thomas Creeks. Concerned citizens in Clayton have contacted Congressman Andrew Clyde about the poor state of Darnell Creek Road, the issue of sediment, and how it is difficult to access the local shooting range.
As a result of Georgia ForestWatch efforts, the Blue Ridge Ranger District informed Georgia ForestWatch that they will be putting up gates on Flatlands Road to close the eroded section during the winter and wet weather. Georgia ForestWatch is also working with the Ranger District to evaluate the need for drainage at critical points on the road to eliminate sediment from a deep trench section draining directly into a headwater stream.
Georgia ForestWatch is working with several Trout Unlimited chapters in North Georgia on survey training. ForestWatch is also working to obtain a permit from the Forest Service to collect data and report issues. As a result of related efforts, several illegal ATV trails were identified leading from Tray Mountain Road and a new population of the rare American climbing fern was discovered.
The Sierra Club Georgia Chapter is proud to be an ally of Georgia ForestWatch. Do you want to get involved with Georgia ForestWatch and the Clean Streams Campaign? Georgia Forestwatch holds virtual meetings the 1st Friday of every month at 2 pm. Sign up here for the July 2nd meeting here or check out the Georgia ForestWatch website to learn more about the organization.