2024 Annual Highlights

Dear CNPC friends,

As I reflect on our incredible journey this year, I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. Serving as Executive Director of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) has been an extraordinary honor, and it’s your unwavering support that fuels our mission to enhance the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). The responsibility of preserving and enhancing this park for future generations requires a selfless commitment to the promise of conservation.

Oftentimes in the National Park Service, you’ll hear them say they are “in the forever business”, meaning their mission is to preserve these iconic and special places across our country for future generations. It challenges everyone to consider more than just CRNRA today, but to think about its forever.

This year, we've reached key milestones, including completing a new strategic plan that sets the stage for a vibrant future and a stronger partnership with our national park. Yet, as we celebrate these milestones, we are also acutely aware of the millions of dollars in deferred maintenance CRNRA faces, alongside a static budget. As the park's official friends group and primary philanthropic partner, our role remains essential to its preservation and enhancement.

Last year, CRNRA welcomed over 3.1 million visitors, making it the 29th most visited national park out of 431. CNPC is committed to implementing the Trails Plan, which will expand the park’s trails from 66 to nearly 100 miles, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable experience for all. We’ve begun work at Island Ford, marking our largest project to date with an investment of over $1,000,000. None of this would be possible without your support, and we need your continued help to make it happen. We could not do this critical work in our national park without you, and we need your help to get there! In a year, you'll see Island Ford transform, with over 2 miles of new and revitalized trails ready for adventure and memories.

To seize these opportunities and confront the challenges ahead, we need your continued support. We are incredibly grateful for everything you’ve already contributed - your generosity has been essential in protecting this beloved park. Every dollar you give helps to safeguard the natural beauty, cultural treasures, and recreational spaces that make the CRNRA a beacon of inspiration and wonder. Thanks to you, we’ve come so far, and together, we can go even further - ensuring a more vibrant, memorable, and sustainable park for all.

We can’t thank you enough for being part of this journey.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Brittany Jones

Executive Director