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River cleanup set for March 19

If you have been lucky enough to fish, float or have fun near the Chattahoochee River, you already know what a precious resource it is, especially for those near the metro Atlanta area. Here is your chance to give back and help make the resource even better.

A river cleanup, coordinated by Trout Unlimited and The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, is scheduled for the Settles Bridge Unit (in Gwinnett County) of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m.-noon. Cooperating agencies include TU, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

This event will be held in conjunction with the North Georgia Trout Online Spring Fling, which will take place at the Buford Trout Hatchery following the cleanup. Trout fishing in the Chattahoochee also will follow the cleanup.

"This land was acquired in 1999 and is still in the development phase by the National Park Service and as such is an area that is subject to illegal dumping," said Trout Unlimited Representative Bruce Rickey. "Current reduction of funding for both National and State agencies creates a need for public involvement and will provide those who participate a greater awareness and respect for this valuable resource. We encourage any groups or individuals who support the principles of balanced use and preservation of the Chattahoochee River to participate."

Objectives for this area include improving the conditions of this area by removal of trash and non-native plants, stream bank restoration, and the creation of a trail to access the upstream shoals. This event will carry on a tradition started by last years' project by providing a vehicle for multiple organizations to work together forging unity and creating greater understanding and cooperation between these groups; providing an opportunity for individuals to participate in a community service project and bringing attention to the value of the Chattahoochee River to local area residences, business and visitors.

"The initial cleanup last year and efforts this year will continue to improve angler access to this popular urban trout fishery and will continue to allow us to stock a portion of the Chattahoochee that we previously had not been able to stock," said WRD Chief of Fisheries Management Chuck Coomer.

The participating agencies will provide different aspects of assistance. The National Parks Service will oversee general operations on the park area, WRD will provide trout for stocking for those who participate in the clean-up, COE has indicated that the generation schedule will not conflict with the cleanup efforts on the river, and TU will provide coordination for all groups.

For more information or if you would like to participate, contact Bruce Rickey (bruceandjulie@comcast.net or 770-565-0792) or Susan Joffre (susan_joffre@nps.gov or 678-538-1244).