Family Paddle on Etowah Set

Coosa River Basin Initiative is set to host Saturday a 10-mile paddle on the Etowah River from Euharlee to U.S. 411 near Kingston on , June 9.

The 4-hour paddle journeys down the Etowah, passing by and over numerous historic sites, including several Native American fish weirs. These V-shaped rock dams, which the area’s original inhabitants built 500 to 1000 years ago to capture fish, are still clearly visible today.

“This is a great trip for families,” Joe Cook, CRBI Executive director and riverkeeper, said in a press release. “It’s a relatively short trip and there are many islands and shoals for families to stop at and enjoy the river.”

The trip is free to CRBI members. Non-members are charged $35 per family and receive a year’s membership in CRBI.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available.

A small shuttle fee is also charged for each vehicle.

For more information or to register and reserve rental boats visit www.coosa.org or call CRBI Volunteer Paddle Trip Coordinator Alan Crawford at 706-346-3509 or call CRBI at 706-232-2724.

Bartow County recently completed a new public boat ramp at Euharlee and the trip will utilize this new river access facility. Within the next two months, CRBI is expected to begin construction on a new public boat launch at the U.S. 411 site.

The new launches are part of an effort to create a 160-mile long Etowah River Water Trail, stretching from Dawsonville through to Rome along the river.

During the trip, CRBI staff will note points of interest along the route and discuss issues associated with the river.

CRBI is a nonprofit organization and member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance with the mission of informing and empowering citizens to preserve, protect and restore North America’s most biologically diverse river basin.