We hope to see you on May 22!
We are excited to gather with the CNPC community at our Picnic in the Park on Sunday, May 22 from 2 - 4:30 PM at Island Ford's Hewlett Field.
Our annual gathering celebrates our supporters and introduces new people to CNPC. There will be complimentary SweetWater and Coke beverages and light snacks, games, live music and more. The event is free, but you must register to attend. Click the link below to learn more and secure your space at the picnic. |
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May Is Water Safety Month
It’s time to get out and enjoy the river—safely. Sometimes a day of paddling, tubing, or wading in the Chattahoochee River doesn’t end well. Here are a few reminders for how to recreate responsibly. (Please pass these on, especially to the riskier groups who tend to get into trouble. Hint--that would be younger males.)
Wear a PFD--A U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is Required To Be Worn if you are boating, tube floating, or wading in river areas between
- Buford Dam and the GA 20 highway bridge and
- Morgan Falls Dam and the Morgan Falls boat ramp.
On all other river sections in the park, you must have a wearable PFD on board all watercraft, including float tubes and air mattresses for each person. All children under the age of 13 MUST WEAR a PFD when a watercraft is underway.
Cold water, time, and swimming ability--Water released into the Chattahoochee River comes from the bottom of Lake Lanier at approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That is COLD! Water this cold can be dangerous, causing shock and hypothermia. Don’t overestimate your swimming ability or underestimate the danger this cold water presents to even the strongest swimmers. You don’t have much time before hypothermia sets in.
Water quality and quantity—The water quality and flow rate of the Chattahoochee River fluctuate. The water quality is generally good except after a heavy rain. Visit the BacteriAlert website to find out how safe it is to be in the river. Water levels on the Chattahoochee River are influenced on a daily basis by weather and water releases from Buford Dam and Morgan Falls Dam. Before launching your boat or tube, check the flow rate and you'll learn what to expect, like how long the ride should take or if you will be bumping over rocks or in a flood. Check the River Flow Rate here. You may also access the Buford Dam water release schedule by calling 770-945-1466, or toll free 1-855-DAM-FLOW (1-855-326-3569), or visit their Hydropower Generating Schedule website. For the Morgan Falls Dam water release schedule visit Georgia Power's Chattahoochee Hydro Real-Time Operations website.
Additional information specific to safety and current conditions in the CRNRA may be found at Safety - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) and Current Conditions - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). For more general information on water safety, check out the How to Recreate Responsibly Water Safety Edition at Water Safety Edition | #RecreateResponsibly
As a final reminder for Water Safety Month, we suggest not diving or jumping into the river, for many obvious reasons. And to enjoy the entire day, remember your sunscreen, keys, and that cell phones don’t float, even if they are waterproof.
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For Non-Emergency Law Enforcement Assistance in the CRNRA call 404-730-7911. If you experience an emergency, dial 911. Photo of the Life Jacket Loaner Station at Akers Mill
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Shooting the Hooch
Did you know that the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail was the first designated National Water Trail in the country? The 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area are available for raft, canoe, kayak, motorboat and other small boat use year-round.
The river is open from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Plenty of time to paddle, find a good fishing spot, or just leisurely float. There are entry points throughout the CRNRA and nearby areas including:
Between Buford Dam & Morgan Falls Dam - Bowmans Island, Settles Bridge, McGinnis Ferry, Abbotts Bridge, Medlock Bridge, Jones Bridge, Garrard Landing, Island Ford, Don White Park, Azalea Park, and Morgan Falls Park
South of Morgan Falls Dam - Morgan Falls Park, Johnson Ferry, Powers Island and Paces Mill |
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CNPC is Helping the Park and Our Community |
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One way we support the CRNRA is by funding projects in the park, and we are partnering with the NPS on some great ones. Upcoming projects include a Pollinator Garden at Island Ford, a Student Conservation Association Trail Crew, and much requested benches for the Cochran Shoals Overlooks. To learn more and to make a donation click on the below button. |
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Know someone looking for a summer job? NOC is hiring river and bike guides at multiple outposts in north Atlanta along the Chattahoochee River. With access to adventure, gear discounts, and more, what are you waiting for- apply today!
www.NOCcareers.com
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The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a great place to rent SUPs, canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes for day use on the river. All rentals include paddles and wearable personal flotation devices (PFD). As a CNPC member when you pay for one boat rental you can get a second rental at NO CHARGE for rentals Monday - Friday. You just need to tell the NOC that you are a member and give the discount code you received when you joined. Forgot the code? No problem, just email info@ChattahoocheeParks.org and we will send it to you. |
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People of the Park: Tom Martin
Since May is Water Safety Month, it made perfect sense to speak with one of our volunteers, Tom Martin, who is both a site steward and part of the CRNRA River Crew.
Photo of Tom Martin on the Chattahoochee
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What is your favorite CRNRA park?
If I had to pick a favorite park, it would be Bowman’s Island East where I am a site steward. Site stewards are the eyes and ears for the NPS, so I really know this park well. But for me, the Chattahoochee River itself is my true favorite. The park would not be the park without this wonderful river. Being on the river is something special that everyone should experience.
Do you have a National Park on your bucket list to visit?
As a paddler, I would say Great Falls Park in northern Virginia. The Potomac River flows through the park and has a variety of rapids from Class II (moderately easy) to Class VI (extreme). I visited briefly once but was not able to go down the river. But it was fun visualizing how I could run this river.
How did you first get involved with the CRNRA?
I’ve loved being on rivers and lakes for most of my life. For years I was involved with Sweep the Hooch, and after retiring I've been able to give more of my time. In addition to volunteering it’s also fun to encourage others to get involved. I have my ACA (American Canoeing Association) Certification and am part of the CRNRA River Crew. We lead both regular trips down the Chattahoochee as well as trash clean-up expeditions. The river clean-ups often capture a bunch of trash. It’s important that we maintain the CRNRA as people are less likely to litter if their surroundings are clean.
Where did you grow up and have you always liked the outdoors?
My family lived in Sandy Springs when I was young. I remember when I was 2 or 3, my grandmother taking me to a small creek. She said that we could float on a log down the river. This got me hooked on moving water. In my life I have been able to paddle down many rivers. From the (Georgia Tech) Ramblin Raft Race to rivers around the US, I have had a lot of good adventures and have made some good friends.
Finally, I know from our conversation that water safety is also important to you. Can you share a few fun tips?
Important to plan your river outing to make sure you have everything you need, and to know the area you will be paddling. If you don’t plan, nothing is going to get done. Also, don’t paddle anything you are not willing to swim!
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Follow us on social and stay updated on all park activities! |
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Become a CNPC member or donate today!
YOU can help us achieve our vision of an inspired and thriving community of support for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. |
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CNPC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are proud to support our Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system managed by the National Park Service. |
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