Protection Crucial for Narrow Gate Property

During a very difficult time of fiscal decision by the new Pickens County team of County Commissioners, it’s understandable why a nature park might not gain much attention. But how important is our water supply? 

Mountain Conservation Trust appealed to the County Commissioners at their February work session to consider acquisition strategies for an important tract of land that protects our water supply. The 280 acre Narrow Gate property is immediately adjacent to Pickens County’s Burnt Mountain Preserve, a passive recreation area which is under permanent stewardship by the Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia (MCT) and part of the scenic view from the lower Highway136 overlook.

Click HERE to read more about Narrow Gate.

Etowah River Water Trail

Cutting a unique path across North Georgia, the 163-mile long Etowah River Water Trail provides a path into one of the state’s most historically significant and one of the nation's most biologically diverse rivers. MCT in cooperation with other non-profit organizations, private landowners and local governments, the Etowah River Water Trail promotes stewardship and recreational use of the 163-mile long Etowah River.

Currently, seven developed public boat landings, numerous undeveloped public access points and several boat ramps on Lake Allatoona (the river's only impoundment) provide journeys of varying lengths along the river's course. A coalition of non-profit organizations, private landowners and local governments are working to establish additional developed boat landings to improve public access to what many call North Georgia's "best family paddling destination."

Recently the City of Canton Boat launch was just completed, for which Mountain Conservation Trust contributed funding and project assistance.The Etowah Water Trail will help connect people with the river, its scenic beauty, and habitat diversity – creating a new and broader constituency in support of conservation and land protection.  MCT will be working closely with American Rivers on mapping of the river corridor and working with interested land owners on permanent conservation of priority habitats, scenic corridors, and various levels of canoe access along the trail including possible rest and camping areas.

For more about the canoe trail, check out http://www.etowahwatertrail.org for an interactive map of the entire river. You can also find printable maps of 16 river sections and descriptions of points of interest for each of these 16 river sections on the site. The interactive map allows you to identify public access points, view photos and read about historic sites, industrial facilities and natural features along the Water Trail route. In Spring 2013, the information contained on this website will be published in guidebook form by the University of Georgia Press. The user-friendly book will be suitable for taking on your next Etowah River trip. Look for it at outfitters and bookstores soon!