After two years of analysis and extensive public involvement, USFS officials reviewed eight alternatives and selected Forestry Service preferred alternative (Alternative 4). Trout Unlimited was in support of this Forestry Service preferred alternative.

Minor modifications have been made to Alternative 4 since July 2008: boating is now permitted from the confluence of Norton Mill Creek (instead of County Line Trail) in NC south to Burrells Ford Bridge in SC; no limits on number of boater groups per day; language regarding large woody debris removal has been changed to “Removal of large wood debris to accommodate recreation in the upper reaches is prohibited”; and language closing parking within ¼ mile of Burrells Ford Bridge has been removed from the alternative.

The August 26, 2009 Forestry Service press Release

Forestry Service Environmental Assessment outlining all details and alternatives

The Shakerag Water Reclamation Facility is proposed for 315 acres along Kemp Road, off McGinnis Ferry Road about 2,000 feet north of Johns Creek . The project size description states it is a 2.5 million gallon per day (MGD) facility with upgrades to 10 MGD. The Metro North Georgia Water Planning District Wastewater Management Plans call for an expansion to 24 MGD by 2035.

Concerns have been aired regarding discharge of phosphorus at almost 4 times that of the Gwinnett County facility, and fecal matter at 100 times that of Gwinnett. The permit request does not require physical monitoring of intake and discharge water temperatures. Additionally, there are concerns regarding size of the facilities footprint and its impact on buffer zones along the Chattahoochee River . An environmental assessment is in process after which discharge permits can be granted. An appeal process may be made if discharge permits exceed the precedent set by Gwinnett County . DRI public comment closed Friday, June 12th.

UCCTU does not oppose the plant but is opposed to the current Fowler/Shakerag standards which are lower than those of nearby plants. Trout Unlimited lists the Chattahoochee River as one of America ’s Top 100 Trout Streams due to its brown trout fishery and unique location in a major metropolitan area. This brown trout fishery has been the subject of a GA DNR study for the past five years documenting their natural reproduction and sustainability. Temperature and water quality in the Chattahoochee River should be maintained, and improved where possible, to sustain this environment. Facilities like Fowler/Shakerag, as proposed, threaten this unique environment and the wild brown trout population.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is considering approval of the Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan. This plan is designed to protect the unique fish species of the Etowah, some which are found no where else and three which are on the endangered species list. This while not compromising the ability of the region to grow. Some of these species are a food source for trout in the Etowah headwaters and downstream. Protecting these waters also helps ensure families have clean drinking water along with plentiful fishing and boating opportunities.

Problem: Fish species are threatened by declining water quality and habitat fragmentation that accompanies land development, roads, and dam projects. Some builders and developers want to stop the plan and have these fish removed from the endangered species list.

Solution: Approval of the Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan to protect our drinking water, swimming, and fishing holes; protect property by managing construction site mud runoff from washing into streams; increase the ability of local governments to protect land for conservation purposes; while balancing regional growth needs.

Trout Unlimited is participating in this campaign.

A comprehensive list of bills that were voted on or introduced by the Georgia Legislature 2009 of interest to TU members.

The link is a 340Kb pdf document (requires Acrobat reader).

In June 2004, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) released its 362-page draft of the General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, a proposed guideline for management decisions for the next 10 to 15 years. The draft called for major change, significantly deviating from both the current plan and the original intent of the CRNRA founders.

Due to input from groups like Trout Unlimited, The draft plan was amended to include two additional alternatives that are outlined in the GMP November 2005 Newsletter.

GA TU supports Option F.

UCCTU and GA TU Partner with Rabun TU and Chattooga Conservancy to Clean Up Stekoa Creek in Clayton GA.
Stekoa Creek is classified as a Primary Trout Stream but has been adversely affected by development and a leaking sewer system.

Stekoa Creek Fecal Coliform Counts

Trout Unlimited is America’s leading trout conservation organization dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Trout need clean, cold water to survive and reproduce. The greatest threats to trout streams are sedimentation and elevated water temperature, which result from land use practices that disturb natural conditions.

We have witnessed firsthand the loss of trout habitat that occurs around interstate construction corridors. The best mitigation efforts are unable to adequately stem the silt, petroleum runoffs, and thermal pollution that are integral to the construction and use of interstates.

There is no corridor through the Chattahoochee National Forest capable of avoiding the destruction of some of Georgia's precious trout habitat.

Interstate 3/3rd Infantry Division Highway Initiation Act

Introduced in the US Senate February 18, 2005 by Senators Chambliss and Isakson.