| Etowah
River 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, eight county commissions and eleven 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. 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:
The
Etowah Initiative: Institute of Ecology Office of Public Service & Outreach,
The University of Georgia
Etowah Watershed: 1974 Landcover |
