Etowah Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan
Local communities and citizens are working to plan future growth within northwest Georgia’s Etowah River watershed. With financial and technical assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and the Georgia Conservancy are working with local interests to develop a regional Habitat Conservation Plan.
Working together are persons from the Nature Conservancy, the Lake Altoona Preservation Authority, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Upper Etowah River Alliance, seven county commissions and multiple city councils. In total, two dozen groups and government entities are working in partnership to develop a plan that protects the Etowah's water quality and helps conserve imperiled aquatic species. Together they could develop a region-wide habitat conservation plan that would be unique for the southeastern United States.
A relatively small watershed, the Etowah supports a diversity of life comparable to much larger river systems. Extending through ten counties, the Etowah’s amazing variety of aquatic species includes an estimate at one time of 91 native fish species.
Unfortunately, there are concerns for the Etowah River's future health. Several native aquatic species are no longer found there. Two fish species, the amber darter and Etowah darter, are listed as federally endangered. A third, the Cherokee darter, is a federally threatened fish species. Most native mussels have been extirpated.
The quality of life for humans, along with all wildlife, faces growing threats as urbanization continues to spread. In response, communities along the Etowah and its tributaries are working to foster sustainable development of homes, roads and commercial development, while making wise use of available land and water resources.
The goal is not to stop growth, but to ensure the least possible impact on water quality and aquatic habitat. To do so, scientists, policy analysts, and educators are working with community leaders to develop a recommended set of plans, ordinances and policies.
The final plan will be tailored to meet the needs of different
county and city governments within the Etowah basin. Once implemented,
the permitting process should become more efficient for construction
projects, imperiled species will be provided better conservation and
taxpayers may save money over the long term.
Public Comment Period