Upper Chattooga Boating will Continue Under New Court Decision

Last week a federal judge ruled in favor of the US Forest Service in the case regarding the management of the Wild and Scenic upper Chattooga River. The decision upholds the current USFS policy of allowing paddling December through April, above 350cfs, on 15 miles of the 21-mile-long upper Chattooga.  While the legal decision is a disappointment, this new management plan is clearly a victory for the paddling community, and is the direct result of over 15 years of advocacy that included an active legal strategy.

A group of conservation-oriented paddling organizations, clubs and individuals recently asked the Court to extend paddling through all twelve months of the year and restore nationally consistent management to the river.  Last week, the Court held that the USFS has the discretion to impose the existing limits on paddling.  The Court also rejected arguments by Georgia Forest Watch and private property owners who sought an immediate return to a total boating ban.  

The conservation-oriented paddlers involved in the case are evaluating the legal options, but regardless will continue to work with the Forest Service to bring responsible and nationally consistent river management to the Upper Chattooga.

The winter paddling season was a huge success for the paddling community as paddlers logged the first legal descents of the river since 1976.  These trips revealed three spectacular and distinct sections of an incomparable river.  Importantly, these recent trips also revealed that paddling is a low impact and compatible way of enjoying the Wild and Scenic upper Chattooga River.  Paddling use numbers were negligible compared to other types of visitors, and paddling is once again a legal way of enjoying the previously forbidden Upper Chattooga. 

Thank you to all the American Whitewater members and volunteers who have been involved in this important issue.