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.
Etowah River HCP Review Process
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is currently reviewing whether or not to approve the Etowah Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and issue incidental take permits to the local governments who voluntarily choose to implement the policies in the plan.
In the summer of 2009 (June 30 - August 31), the Etowah HCP was published in the Federal Register for public comment. The FWS received over 500 comments on the plan and are currently reviewing alternatives on how to address some of the comments.
At the request of the steering committee, we are also re-convening two of the technical committees to assist in addressing these comments (stormwater and grading committees). The first stormwater technical committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 15th in Canton, GA. The grading committee meeting will be schedule for the beginning of 2010.
For information on FWS review of the plan, the upcoming technical committee meetings, or any other information pertaining to the Etowah HCP, please contact EricProwell at: (706) 613-9493 X234, eric_prowell@fws.gov.
For further information:
Etowah Regional Habitat Conservation Plan website
Etowah
Regional HCP fact sheet.
For a list of current and future partners working on the Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan, please go to Etowah Partners.
Related Links:
Etowah Watershed: 1974 Landcover
