Access Reopened
Good news! In January 2002, the landowner at the Etowah take-out called American Whitewater to announce their reopening of the Etowah take-out. The owner is asking for $2 per person on the honor system, envelopes are provided at the site. There is a gate to the parking area that is unlocked during the day. The owner asks that visitors close the gate whenever entering or leaving the site.
While it is disappointing that the State failed to renew their lease on the site, we are excited by the owner’s continued interest in providing public access to the Etowah!
Background
In December 2001, the takeout for the Lower Amicolola at Kelly Bridge Road on the Etowah River was closed when the State of Georgia’s lease expired.
Kelly Bridge Rd has been the take-out for trips putting in at Lower Highway 9 on the Etowah and at Highway 53 on the Amicalola. The next potential access point is on Old Federal Rd, 5.9 miles downstream, although the status of this access point is unknown.
The State of Georgia owns much of the watershed for the Amicolola River as part of the Dawson Forest management area, which consists of approximately 25,000 acres in 4 tracts. The Gainesville District Game Management Area and the State of Georgia were aware of the issue and were exploring options for creating a new take out.
Boaters that use the Amicolola and Etowah rivers are encouraged to write or call Mr. Bill Fletcher, the Regional Supervisor of the Gainesville District Game Management Area. These letters and calls should support Mr. Fletcher in his and the state’s efforts to secure permanent, free, public access on the Amicolola and Etowah rivers.
Address letters and calls to:
Mr. Bill Fletcher
Regional Supervisor
Gainesville District Game Management Area
2150 Dawsonville Highway
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
(770) 535-5700