Commentary
My daughter Jackie Cushman recently shared with me an inspiring project taking place in Georgia to protect and conserve the Chattahoochee River. I believe it’s important to highlight this initiative as it showcases how citizens can come together for conservation efforts that benefit everyone.
Jackie, who previously chaired the Trust for Public Land Advisory Board for Georgia, has been involved in the incredible work being done alongside the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and various local, state, and federal agencies to restore and revitalize the Chattahoochee River in and around Atlanta.
The Chattahoochee River originates in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia and flows across the state towards the Alabama border. It plays a crucial role in providing water, power, recreational opportunities, and sustenance for millions of people. The river also supports diverse ecosystems, making it vital for the entire region. Without a healthy Chattahoochee River, Georgia would face significant environmental challenges.
However, the Chattahoochee River was once facing severe pollution and degradation.
Back in the 1970s, during my time as an environmental studies professor at what was then West Georgia College, I studied the river and became actively involved in its protection. Upon being elected to Congress in 1978, I played a role in establishing the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. While this was a positive step, rapid development in Atlanta since the 1950s had led to industrial waste and pollutants being discharged into the river for years. Additionally, runoff from roads and urban areas further contributed to the pollution of the river.
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Despite early efforts to protect the river, the challenges of rapid development outpaced conservation measures. By the 1990s, the Chattahoochee River was heavily polluted and even labeled as the most endangered river in the nation by American Rivers. This prompted organizations like TPL, the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and various public and private entities to join forces in cleaning up the river. Through collaboration with government officials at all levels, significant strides were made in enforcing environmental regulations on local entities.
Over the next three decades, remarkable progress was achieved. TPL played a key role in preserving thousands of acres and 81 miles of riverfront along the Chattahoochee. Today, the river is at its cleanest state in recent memory.
Currently, TPL is focused on reconnecting the community with the revitalized river. The Chattahoochee RiverLands initiative aims to develop 100 miles of trails, parks, and recreational spaces along the metro Atlanta stretch of the river. This comprehensive plan will span across 19 cities in seven counties, providing 42 access points and eight campsites for public enjoyment. By 2030, the project envisions creating a significant outdoor area in Atlanta, encompassing a 19-mile, 6,000-acre greenspace from Peachtree Creek to Boundary Waters Park in Douglas County.
All of these achievements are a testament to the collaborative efforts of organizations like TPL and the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, along with bipartisan political support, in safeguarding this vital river. While challenges may arise in the future, the Chattahoochee is in capable hands.
The Chattahoochee RiverLands project serves as a blueprint for fostering active citizenship and environmental stewardship across the country.
From Gingrich360.com
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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