multi-region river corridor feasibility study: phase ii ...€¦ · 112 96 57 96 247 247 26 112 96...

Multi-Region River Corridor Feasibility Study: Phase II

Middle Georgia Region

June 2012

Multi-Region River Corridor Feasibility Study: Phase II

Middle Georgia Region

Prepared by:

175 Emery Highway, Suite CMacon, Georgia 31217Phone: (478) 751-6160

Fax: (478) 751-6517Website: www.middlegeorgiarc.org

June 2012

Front Cover Photograph Credits (Top to Bott om): Ocmulgee River at Porter Pavillion - Amerson Water Works Park, Kristi na Harpst; Directi onal Signage - Amerson Water Works Park, Kristi na Harpst; Ocmulgee River at Uchee Shoals Landing, Kristi na Harpst; Oconee River, Mary Dominy; Balls Ferry Historic State Park, Kristi na Harpst.

Multi-Region River Corridor Feasibility Study - Middle Georgia 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................5

MULTI REGIONAL RIVER CORRIDOR INITIATIVE STUDY AREA MAP .........................6

OCMULGEE RIVER CORRIDOR ...........................................................................................7

Monroe County..................................................................................................................8

Jones County ....................................................................................................................11

Bibb County ......................................................................................................................14

Twiggs County ...................................................................................................................17

Houston County ................................................................................................................20

Pulaski County ..................................................................................................................22 OCONEE RIVER CORRIDOR ...............................................................................................25

Putnam County .................................................................................................................26

Baldwin County ................................................................................................................28

Wilkinson County ..............................................................................................................30 REGIONAL ANALYSIS ...........................................................................................................33

Assessments of Impacts ...................................................................................................33

Limiti ng Factors ................................................................................................................36

Potenti al Funding Sources ................................................................................................37 Recommended Implementati on Strategies ......................................................................42

CROSS REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY ...................................................................................43

Issues and Opportuniti es ..................................................................................................43

Recommended Implementati on Strategies ......................................................................47

CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................48

APPENDIX A: SAMPLE SUPPORT RESOLUTION ............................................................50


Figure 1 Rivers Alive Logo. ..............................................................................................................................10

Figure 2 East Juliett e Dam Canoe Launch, East Juliett e, Kristi na Harpst, 2011 ...............................................11

Figure 3 East Juliett e Dam Canoe Launch, East Juliett e, Kristi na Harpst, 2011 ...............................................11

Figure 4 Spring Street Landing - Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, Macon, Kristi na Harpst, 2012 ..............................14

Figure 5 Bullard Landing, Twiggs County, Robert Rychel, 2011 ......................................................................17

Figure 6 Knowles Landing, Houston County, Robert Rychel, 2011 .................................................................17

Figure 7 Knowles Landing, Houston County, Robert Rychel, 2011 .................................................................17

Figure 8 Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area Map, Twiggs, Bleckley and Pulaski Counti es, www.georgiaoutdoors.com/hunti ng/WMAmaps/ocmulgeeWMA.pdf ............................................18

Figure 9 Uchee Shoals Landing River Mileage Sign, Hawkinsville, Kristi na Harpst, 2011 ...............................23

Figure 10 Rock Hawk Effi gy & Trails Map, www.rockhawk.org .........................................................................26

Figure 11 Rock Hawk Effi gy and Trails Map, Putnam County, www.rockhawk.org/effi gy/map.html ...............26

Figure 12 Oconee River Greenway Corridor Map, Oconee River Greenway Authority, oconngreenway,org/maps.php .........................................................................................................28

Figure 13 Balls Ferry State Historic Park, Wilkinson County, Kristi na Harpst 2011 ..........................................30

Figure 14 Commerce Street, Hawkinsville, Kristi na Harpst, 2011 ....................................................................35

Figure 15 Pulaski County Riverfront Park Concept Plan, 2007 .........................................................................43

Figure 16 Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Master Plan, New Town Macon, www.ocmulgeeheritagetrail.com ..........43

Figure 17 Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument Boundary Study Brochure, Nati onal Park Service, 2012 ................44

Figure 18 Nati onal Park and Preserve Map, Nati onal Parks Conservati on Associati on (NPCA), Chris Watson, 2012 ..................................................................................................................................................45

LIST OF FIGURES


This document consti tutes Phase II of the Middle Georgia porti on of a Multi -Region River Corridor Feasibility Study. The Study is intended to examine in detail the feasibility of establishing linkage and connecti vity, to the greatest extent possible, through the use of multi -use trails, greenways, conservati on areas, and recreati onal faciliti es along the Ocmulgee River and the Oconee River. Starti ng in Athens-Clarke County and ending at Jackson Lake in Butt s County, the proposed river corridor would seek to connect signifi cant historic, cultural, and environmental resources while accentuati ng the history and uniqueness of the surrounding areas (see study area map on the following page). The study is multi -regional in nature in that it encompasses the service area of four Regional Commissions: Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, Middle Georgia Regional Commission, Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission, and Three Rivers Regional Commission.

Through funding made available by the Georgia Department of Transportati on (GDOT), each of the aff ected Regional Commissions contracted with GDOT to accomplish the study in two separate phases for their respecti ve regions. Phase I acti viti es included research and review of existi ng local and regional plans and documents; identi fi cati on of natural and physical features along the corridor; fi eld surveys and inventorying and mapping existi ng and planned faciliti es; a narrati ve descripti on of each identi fi ed resource/facility; interviews with relevant stakeholders and community acti on groups; and a descripti ve narrati ve of the various communiti es along the corridor.

In Phase II, a detailed analysis of the Phase I fi ndings is presented, to include identi fi cati on of specifi c opportuniti es for connecti vity as well as impediments or barriers to connecti vity. Additi onally, the project’s environmental, economic, and social impacts are assessed and project implementati on recommendati ons are provided. Potenti al funding sources to assist with implementati on are identi fi ed, opportuniti es for future connecti vity and follow-on studies are examined, and the general public is engaged through a pair of public meeti ngs. Stakeholder involvement and input is again paramount, along with conti nued collaborati on with partnering Regional Commissions. This porti on of the Study represents the Phase II fi ndings of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC).

INTRODUCTION

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Multi-Regional River Corridor Initiative

Prepared by:

0 10 20 Miles

Legend

Middle GeorgiaRegional Commission

Other RegionalCommissions

Study Area

The six Middle Georgia counti es profi led in the following secti on all adjoin the Ocmulgee River. These include Monroe, Jones, Bibb, Twiggs, Houston, and Pulaski Counti es.

OCMULGEE RIVER CORRIDOR



Community Analysis

Existi ng Conditi ons

There are a multi tude of natural and cultural resources within Monroe County. Some of these resources are within the Ocmulgee River Corridor and others, such as the City of Forsyth, incorporated Bolingbroke and High Falls State Park, are located some miles off of the Ocmulgee River. Although some of Monroe County’s most popular tourism and recreati on desti nati ons are not located directly on the River, this should not prevent connecti vity eff orts. Well-marked bike trails and scenic driving routes are possible means of connecti ng Forsyth and Bolingbroke to river facili-ti es.

Existi ng faciliti es along the Ocmulgee River in Monroe County include unincorporated Juliett e, a historic crossroads community best known as the movie set of Fried Green Tomatoes. Juliett e is a popular desti nati on for both tourists and locals who enjoy picnicking, fi shing, and boati ng at Juliett e River Park.

Monroe County’s other river facility, Pope’s Ferry Landing, is located toward the southern end of the County. Pope’s Ferry is a popular desti nati on for paddlers that put in farther north at Dames Ferry/Highway 18 Bridge. The County notes that it contends with issues of trash and vandalism at Pope’s Ferry, typically by non-paddlers largely around holiday weekends and aft er dark. Increased law enforcement patrols, on-site security measures, and perhaps a co-operati ve monitoring eff ort with neighboring communiti es may help to reduce damage and increase safety. While currently undeveloped, Monroe County owns 13.7 acres of river frontage south of Pope’s Ferry. The southern end of the County also has some low-density residenti al development along the River in the vicinity of River Mist Road, Laila Lane, and Kingswood Drive/River Trace. Monroe County also is well-positi oned along the River and has the opportunity to build upon existi ng assets to increase connecti vity within the County itself and to river-related resources in neighboring counti es such as Bibb, Jasper, and Jones.

Opportuniti es for Connecti vity

Local

Monroe County owns a litt le less than 14 acres of property along the Ocmulgee River in the area of Pope’s Ferry. The land was purchased as part of a conservati on eff ort with Greenspace Grant funds approximately 10 years ago. The small area around Pope’s Ferry landing already has a boat ramp, parking area, basic fi re pit/benches, and trash recep-tacles. With these anchors already in place, the adjacent acreage would be ideal for development into a passive rec-reati on area with walking trails, picnic areas, and camping sites. If Monroe County decides to pursue improvements on this land, Pulaski County’s Mile Branch Park is a good model to look to for inspirati on and ideas.

Connecti vity between Juliett e River Park and Popes Ferry is not feasible via the River due to the presence of the Juliett e Dam; however, a bike trail along Highway 23/87 or establishing multi -use trails alongside the River may be alternati ves worth examining.

Bike routes could also be established to connect High Falls State Park, the City of Forsyth, and unincorporated Boling-broke to the Ocmulgee River. The Central State Corridor State Bike Route travels through Forsyth and Bolingbroke.

MONROE COUNTY



There is the potenti al for local spurs to be created off of the State Route to connect with the River at various points, including:

Forsyth• - Juliett e Road to Juliett e River Park.- Dames Ferry Road to the Dames Ferry/Highway 18 Bridge access point in Jones County.

Bolingbroke• - Pea Ridge Road to Pope’s Ferry.- Pate Road to Pope’s Ferry.

Regional

Monroe County also has the opportunity to connect with initi ati ves in neighboring Jones and Bibb Counti es. In Jones County, paddlers uti lize unoffi cial river access points at East Juliett e just below the John Birch dam and at the Dames Ferry/Highway 18 Bridge. Establishing offi cial river access sites at these two locati ons and then connecti ng down to Pope’s Ferry in Monroe County would benefi t both communiti es.

Monroe County also has the opportunity to work with Bibb County to establish connecti vity southward to Amerson River Park and Macon’s Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. Ideally, Monroe, Bibb, and Jones Counti es would work together to create a Joint River Corridor Master Plan to identi fy land ownership, connecti vity, walking trails, picnic areas, and river access points. A cooperati ve eff ort between these communiti es would help to streamline eff orts as well as en-sure adequate faciliti es and connecti vity.

As menti oned above, the City of Forsyth has the opportunity to be connected to the Ocmulgee via bike trails. The Middle Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan identi fi es Highway 18/Dames Ferry Road from the City of For-syth to the Ocmulgee River and across into Jones County and the Piedmont Nati onal Wildlife Refuge to US 129 as a proposed interregional bicycle route. The bike route could also provide overland connecti vity between Juliett e River Park and the East Juliett e landing.

Additi onally, the Butt s, Jones and Monroe Counti es Multi -Modal Transportati on Study, completed in August 2008, provides multi ple recommendati ons and strategies for establishing bicycle and pedestrian faciliti es and connecti ng appropriate resources and faciliti es.

Multi -Regional

Monroe County has the opportunity to connect northward with faciliti es in Butt s and Jasper Counti es located in the Three Rivers Regional Commission and Northeast Georgia Regional Commission service areas, respecti vely. The Ocmulgee River Blueway is being developed just south of Monroe County. Current plans call for the Blueway to end at Macon; however, it is conceivable that the Blueway could eventually be expanded to include river access sites in Monroe County.

MONROE COUNTY



Limiti ng Factors

Monroe County’s Juliett e River Club meets regularly and undertakes river/park cleanups. This organizati on has the opportunity to expand its focus to the enti re Ocmulgee River Corridor in Monroe County. Other than the Juliett e River Club, Monroe County does not have a local stakeholder organizati on or community acti on group to support river corridor initi ati ves. Other communiti es, such as Bibb, Houston, and Pulaski Counti es that have successfully implemented walking trails, parks, and boat landing improvements all have an acti ve organizati on supporti ng these eff orts. Monroe County should consider establishing a local Rivers Alive chapter to support river-related acti viti es.

A local stakeholder organizati on could also assist the County in addressing safety, security, and maintenance issues at existi ng faciliti es. An ongoing concern of local offi cials is public safety, parti cularly during aft er-dark hours and holi-day weekends when non-paddlers use the parks and boat landings, oft en leaving behind trash and debris. Another limiti ng factor which is shared by all communiti es within the study area is securing funding to develop, operate, and maintain river-related faciliti es.

Recommendati onsComplete a Master Plan for the 13.7 acres of land Monroe County owns at Pope’s Ferry. • Install directi onal signage to river faciliti es – parti cularly Popes Ferry. • Increase security, safety, and policing at existi ng river faciliti es through:•

- Increased security around major holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) since these are ti mes of increased river-related accidents;

- Installati on of security cameras that are remotely monitored to address security and safety issues; - Consider coordinati on with neighboring Jones County

on policing eff orts.Establish a local chapter of Rivers Alive or similar-type com-• munity acti on organizati on. May consider establishing multi -county organizati on with Jones, Jasper, Butt s, and/or Bibb Counti es. Provide connecti vity between High Falls, the City of For-• syth, and unincorporated Bolingbroke to the River via bike routes. Establish an overland connecti on (bike routes, equestrian • trails, greenway/multi -use trails) between Juliett e River Park south to Pope’s Ferry and to East Juliett e in Jones County.

Monroe County is also encouraged to benchmark successful river initi ati ves of other communiti es. Interested citi zens and local offi cials should also seek to collaborate with state and federal agencies as well as various conservati on and river-related non-profi t organizati ons whenever possible.

MONROE COUNTY

Figure 1



Community Analysis


Multi ple natural, cultural, and recreati onal faciliti es are found in Jones County within close proximity to the Ocmulgee River corridor. These include the Piedmont Nati onal Wildlife Refuge, the Hitchiti Forest, Jarrell Plantati on, the river town of East Juliett e, the Ocmulgee-Piedmont Scenic Byway, and Lucas Lake. Currently, there are no existi ng public access points to the River or connecti vity between resources. The river corridor, however, is relati vely free of both residenti al and commercial development.

There are a few locally popular access points from privately owned property, but there have been long-ti me safety and maintenance issues associated with these locati ons; specifi cally, trash, vandalism, and illegal parking. These sites are, for the most part, remotely located, but fairly well known by local residents.

Local offi cials have been dealing with these issues for a number of years, and recently there has been a notable public groundswell for developing safe public river access in the County. In July 2011, the Jones County Board of Commis-sioners heard concerns from local residents regarding safety issues with people using the SR 18 bridge as an access point to the River. Esti mates are that 500-1000 people access the River in Jones County each weekend during the summer months. Jones County offi cials have expressed interest in developing river-related recreati onal faciliti es, with two locati ons discussed as possible boat ramp/park sites. The two possible sites are the East Juliett e area in the northwest porti on of the County and the River North area southwest of State Route (SR) 18.

JONES COUNTY

Figure 2 Figure 3




Local

Multi ple opportuniti es exist for establishing connecti vity along the river corridor in Jones County. A multi -use trail system linking the many diverse resources would provide for a popular eco-tourism desti nati on, and the additi on of boat ramps and/or parks would further compliment such an initi ati ve. Using the Ocmulgee-Piedmont Scenic Byway at the East Juliett e community as a starti ng point, and terminati ng at Lucas Lake, encompasses almost the enti re cor-ridor within Jones County.

Regional

Similar or complimentary eff orts in Monroe County on the west side of the River would help serve to establish a re-gionally connected river corridor network, as would extending a multi -use trail system south into Bibb County, where it would ulti mately link with Macon’s Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

Multi -Regional

A logical extension of the multi -use trail system described above would also extend northward into Jasper and Butt s Counti es. The Multi -Region River Corridor Feasibility Study Phase I and II porti ons from Northeast Georgia Regional Commission and Three Rivers Regional Commission refl ect current and planned river corridor initi ati ves for Jasper County and Butt s County, respecti vely. Additi onally, the Butt s, Jones, and Monroe Counti es Multi -Modal Transporta-ti on Study, completed in August 2008, provides multi ple recommendati ons and strategies for establishing bicycle and pedestrian faciliti es and connecti ng appropriate resources and faciliti es.

Limiti ng Factors

Safety, security, and maintenance concerns with boat ramps and other river-related faciliti es is a concern among sev-eral local offi cials. Many of these issues can be adequately addressed through appropriate planning and design. Suf-fi cient parking, trash receptacles, and community policing are all required components of any planned river facility.

Another limiti ng factor is the lack of an organized stakeholder or community acti on group to oversee river corridor planning. Examples of successful eff orts in other communiti es almost always involve an acti ve agency or organizati on to champion such eff orts.

Obtaining necessary land ownership and securing needed funding, for both property acquisiti on and constructi on is also a signifi cant obstacle. Specifi c recommendati ons and suggesti ons addressing these, and other obstacles, are provided in the secti on that follows.

JONES COUNTY



Recommendati ons

Creati on of a local River Corridor Master Plan is an important fi rst step in preparing to develop river corridor faciliti es and resources. Items to be included in such a document include identi fying the types of faciliti es preferred (i.e. boat ramps, parks, trails, equestrian, etc.), most suitable locati on(s), needed parking, plan for maintenance, possible fund-ing mechanisms, community support organizati ons, status of land ownership, opportuniti es for connecti vity, etc. An inventory of land ownership along the river corridor can also be included in the Master Plan.

Community concerns related to facility cleanup and ongoing maintenance can be addressed through recruiti ng and developing an acti ve Rivers Alive Program, similar to what exists in Houston and Pulaski Counti es. Benchmarking these communiti es for implementati on strategies is suggested. Additi onally, river communiti es in other parts of the state have installed security cameras in an eff ort to deter theft and vandalism at faciliti es.

County offi cials are also encouraged to collaborate with appropriate state and federal agencies associated with the natural, cultural, and historic resources located in close proximity to the river corridor. Collaborati ve eff orts should focus on eco-tourism promoti on and opportuniti es for connecti vity between resources.



Community Analysis


Bibb County and the City of Macon have well-developed river-related faciliti es. Various recreati onal parks, concert venues, and a multi -use trail have been built along the Ocmulgee River in Macon though the oversight and cham-pionship of NewTown Macon, Friends of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (FOOT), Macon-Bibb County Parks and Rec-reati on Department, and other local and statewide partners. Due to the project scale and funding requirements, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (OHT) Master Plan is being implemented in phases. At its completi on, the OHT will be approximately 22 miles long comprising 1,413 acres. This comprehensive riverside trail and park system will begin at Amerson River Park, connect to various heritage resources, and eventually ending at the Ocmulgee Nati onal Monu-ment (ONM).

Both of Bibb County’s boat landings - Amerson River Park and Spring Street Park - are located within the City of Macon and are part of the OHT. In additi on to the OHT, indirect River Corri-dor connecti vity is provided through the Central State Corridor State Bike Route, which travels through Macon. More direct bike connecti vity could be achieved through the creati on of a local bike trail spur off the State route to Macon’s Central Busi-ness District, the Ocmulgee River, and even to the Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument.


Local

Bibb County has the opportunity to coordinate with local landowners as well as State and Federal agencies to estab-lish additi onal boat landings south of the OHT Spring Street Park and Boat Ramp. There are no river access points between Macon’s Spring Street Park and Boat Ramp and Houston County’s Knowles Landing at State Route 96. This lack of boat landings hinders on-river connecti vity between Macon-Bibb County and communiti es to the south.

The Bond Swamp Nati onal Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservati on Plan (2009) indicates the potenti al for a partnership with Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to locate a public boat ramp on refuge lands along the Ocmulgee River at Bondsview Road. While the Plan does not call for a canoe launch to be constructed at the Bondsview Road landing, DNR does build boat ramp/canoe launch combinati on landings (such as the one slated for constructi on at Mile Branch in Pulaski County). Local stakeholders may need to work with DNR and USFWS to determine feasibility of constructi ng a combinati on landing at the Bondsview Road site. The Plan also identi fi es the importance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conti nue working with Bibb County to complete improve-ments on Bondsview Road.

BIBB COUNTY

Figure 4



Regional

Connecti vity of state and federal public lands along the Ocmulgee River Corridor between Macon and Hawkinsville is being acti vely pursued by two organizati ons, the local Ocmulgee Nati onal Park and Preserve Initi ati ve (ONPPI) and the Nati onal Parks Conservati on Associati on (NPCA). The initi ati ve seeks to leverage conservati on, recreati on, and tourism benefi ts and opportuniti es in six Middle Georgia communiti es: Bibb County and the City of Macon, Houston County and the City of Warner Robins, and Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville.

Bibb County has the opportunity to coordinate with Jones and Monroe Counti es to develop river corridor connec-ti vity and access points north of Amerson River Park. One way these communiti es could coordinate to streamline eff orts and ensure adequate faciliti es is to create a Joint River Corridor Master Plan. The Joint River Corridor Master Plan should identi fy land ownership; set forth connecti vity measures through trails (walking, biking, horseback rid-ing), greenspaces, and river access points; and outline recreati on ameniti es (picnic areas, camping, signage, outdoor events, etc.).

Additi onally, Bibb, Jones, and Baldwin Counti es are working to achieve connecti vity between Macon and Milled-geville along a 33-mile abandoned CSX Railway line. The constructi on of a shared-use trail along the former rail line is being guided by the Central Georgia Rail-to-Trail Associati on, Inc. (CGRTA), an organizati on formed specifi cally to implement this initi ati ve. Not only will this project reuse an abandoned rail line, but it will also provide over-land connecti vity between the Ocmulgee River and Oconee River linking Macon’s Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and the Fish-ing Creek Multi -Use Trail in Milledgeville. The Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan also calls for the extension of this facility north to the Juliett e Bridge in Monroe County and south to the City of Hawkinsville.

Multi -Regional

The Ocmulgee River Blueway is currently a 54-mile stretch of the Ocmulgee River between Twiggs, Pulaski, Bleckley, and Houston Counti es. There are plans to extend the Blueway to encompass 200 miles from Macon/Bibb Coun-ty to the confl uence of the Altamaha, Oconee, and Ocmulgee Rivers. The 11 counti es adjacent to the Ocmulgee River Blueway have all signed support resoluti ons. Local government offi cials and community leaders from all 11 counti es have also initi ated eff orts to form a supervisory organizati on currently called the Ocmulgee River Blueway Partnership.

Limiti ng Factors

Currently, all river-related faciliti es and access points are concentrated around downtown Macon. The existi ng access is well-developed and of high quality att racti ng both community residents and visitors. However, the lack of river access points north of Amerson River Park and south of the Spring Street Park and Boat Ramp hinders regional con-necti vity. Another potenti al limiti ng factor is the planned I-75/I-16 interchange expansion, which will impact the look and feel of the existi ng OHT for a number of years, parti cularly around the Spring Street landing.

BIBB COUNTY



Recommendati ons

Bibb County and the City of Macon are well-positi oned to benefi t from and parti cipate in the various river corridor connecti vity initi ati ves currently underway. Both communiti es should conti nue to be acti ve parti cipants in the Oc-mulgee Nati onal Monument expansion eff orts, regional Ocmulgee Nati onal Park and Preserve, and multi -regional Ocmulgee River Blueway Partnership initi ati ves.

The communiti es should also seek opportuniti es to advance river corridor connecti vity northward to Jones and Mon-roe Counti es. Compiling an inventory of land ownership, parti cularly to the north of Amerson River Park, may assist in identi fi cati on of additi onal up-river access locati ons.

Much of the land south of the Spring Street landing is under the jurisdicti on of state or federal agencies; therefore, coordinati on with these agencies will be criti cal to the future development of new river access points. Conti nued cooperati on between the various acti ve stakeholder organizati ons -- NewTown Macon, the Ocmulgee Land Trust (an initi ati ve of NewTown), and FOOT -- are also essenti al to future connecti vity and eco-tourism initi ati ves.



Community Analysis


As noted in Phase I of this study, Twiggs County appears well positi oned to capitalize on increased eco-tourism op-portuniti es related to the Ocmulgee River. The County is easily accessible via Interstate 16 and State Route (SR) 96, contains a signifi cant porti on of the Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and boasts in excess of 70 miles of undisturbed river frontage.

Additi onally, Twiggs County is a featured community along the recently established Ocmulgee River Blueway, with two of the seven access sites on the 54-mile Blueway located in Twiggs County. The two Twiggs County sites are Bul-lard Landing and Westlake Landing.

During a fi eld survey and conditi ons assessment performed as a part of the study, several potenti al enhancements were identi fi ed at the two existi ng public access sites. These serve as recommendati ons only, but are considered im-portant in promoti ng regional and inter-regional connecti vity along the river corridor.

No directi onal signage or facility signage for Bullard • Landing or Westlake Landing. Two-mile dirt road ac-cess to Bullard Landing should be paved as well as adding gravel for the parking area.

Westlake Road street sign missing from turn off at • SR 96. Westlake Landing will need over one mile of roadwork to be accessible to the general public. Law enforcement has discouraged use of the landing un-ti l the road is repaired.

Twiggs County offi cials are encouraged to use Knowles Landing in neighboring Houston County as a point of com-parison. The Landing, accessible from SR 96, is marked with boat landing signage and directi onal signage; has paved access, suffi cient parking, and trash receptacles.

TWIGGS COUNTY

Figure 5

Figure 6 Figure 7



It is also important to note that Twiggs County has identi fi ed the widening of SR 96 for funding through the Trans-portati on Investment Act. The project calls for widening SR 96 from east of County Road 540/Old Hawkinsville Road to West of SR 87 to four lanes. This project could assist in having a positi ve impact on the economic vitality for both the County and the region, as well as providing opportunity for greater access for visitors to the river corridor. This route also serves as a porti on of the TransGeorgia Corridor statewide bicycle route, crossing over the Ocmulgee River between Houston and Twiggs County.


Local

A unique opportunity exists for pursuing river corridor connecti vity at the local level; specifi cally, developing a multi -use trail system that would link the two public access points (Bullard Landing and Westlake Landing) with the Oc-mulgee Wildlife Management Area centered between the two. The trail system would also provide access to the TransGeorgia Corridor statewide bicycle route from both north and south of SR 96. This would provide for a signifi -cant recreati on-based att racti on for the County. Establishing community parks at the two public access sites is also a considerati on.

Regional

A multi -use trail system as described above could also be extended northward into Bibb County and the City of Ma-con to eventually connect with the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. The trail system could also extend south into Pulaski County, linking an additi onal porti on of the Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area with the planned Hawkinsville-Pulaski Riverwalk.

Multi -Regional

Twiggs County’s conti nued involvement with the Ocmulgee River Blue-way should serve as a catalyst for additi onal river corridor connecti vity extending outside of the Middle Georgia region. A multi -use trail sys-tem connecti ng the Blueway’s seven river access points appears to be a natural next step with this initi ati ve. Additi onally, linking the Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area, which encompasses parts of Twiggs, Bleck-ley, and Pulaski Counti es, with such a trail system would provide for a popular statewide eco-tourism and recreati on desti nati on.

TWIGGS COUNTY

Figure 8



Limiti ng Factors

A primary limiti ng factor in Twiggs County is the lack of any formal, organized, and singularly-focused stakeholder group to aggressively pursue river corridor initi ati ves. Local offi cials have stated an interest in pursuing river corridor initi ati ves, and the Development Authority of Jeff ersonville and Twiggs County and the Twiggs County Chamber of Commerce have previously led eff orts associated with the Blueway project. However, an enti ty dedicated primarily towards river-related initi ati ves should prove benefi cial. Examples of successful eff orts in other communiti es almost always involve an acti ve agency or organizati on to champion such eff orts.

Additi onal impediments or barriers to connecti vity include obtaining necessary land ownership and securing needed funding, for property acquisiti on and constructi on. Recommendati ons related to these, and other obstacles, are pro-vided in the secti on that follows.

Recommendati ons

Initi ate needed improvements to existi ng river corridor faciliti es (i.e., Bullard and Westlake Landings).

Creati ng a singularly-focused stakeholder organizati on to oversee river corridor initi ati ves in Twiggs County is para-mount to long-term success. Such an organizati on would be tasked with identi fying and pursuing potenti al funding assistance sources. The organizati on should also seek to partner and collaborate with counterpart organizati ons in neighboring counti es as well as applicable state and regional agencies.

An eff ort at determining land ownership along the river corridor should also be initi ated. While this informati on is subject to change, developing an inventory, and periodically updati ng it as needed, should serve useful as specifi c initi ati ves and/or projects are targeted for implementati on.

County offi cials are encouraged to collaborate with the multi ple hunti ng and fi shing plantati ons popular within the County to promote eco-tourism opportuniti es and conservati on eff orts, and to ti e those eff orts to river corridor ini-ti ati ves. Additi onally, river corridor initi ati ves should incorporate equestrian usage and faciliti es where feasible.

All intended river corridor initi ati ves and implementati on strategies should be defi ned in a locally developed River Corridor Master Plan. This Plan should be updated periodically and should be consistent with other local planning documents as well as state and regional objecti ves.

TWIGGS COUNTY



Community Analysis


The recently released 2010 U.S. Census refl ects Houston County as the fastest growing county in Middle Georgia as well as one of the fastest growing in the State. Houston County grew by a total of 29,135 residents from 2000 to 2010; this represents a growth rate of 26.30 percent. The County’s burgeoning populati on presents a challenge to local leaders to appropriately plan for and develop suffi cient recreati onal opportuniti es to sati sfy residents’ needs.

Houston County has a single public access point to the Ocmulgee River at Knowles Landing located just off of State Route (SR) 96. The Landing is a well developed and maintained facility consisti ng of identi fying signage, paved drive-way access, double concrete boat ramp, paved parking for approximately 30 vehicles, and trash receptacles. Orga-nized clean-up events take place through the Rivers Alive Program where volunteers uti lize boats as well as on foot to clean the area around the boat ramp and the River, both upstream and downstream from the Landing. Additi onally, County inmates are used to periodically trim and remove vegetati on from around the Landing.

Upkeep of the facility and the river corridor has strong community support. County employees team with citi zen volunteers and corporate parti cipants (e.g., Frito-lay and Perdue Farms) in conducti ng these clean-up campaigns as well as coordinati ng clean-up eff orts with neighboring counti es. Knowles Landing is also one of seven publicly-owned access points along the recently designated Ocmulgee River Blueway.

Houston County offi cials have also identi fi ed a 178-acre greenspace parcel located on the north side of the SR 96 bridge to be developed for passive recreati on purposes and Blueway support.

In December of 2010, the State of Georgia purchased a signifi cant porti on of the Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA), preserving this area from private development. The State’s purchase included all river frontage and the existi ng road and trail system through the property.

The projected widening of SR 96 from two to four lanes has the potenti al to provide greater river corridor access for local residents and visitors. This route also serves as a segment of the TransGeorgia Corridor statewide bicycle route, crossing over the Ocmulgee River between Houston and Twiggs County.


Local

An opportunity for local river corridor connecti vity exists with the possible development of a multi -use trail sys-tem linking the TransGeorgia Corridor statewide bicycle route, the passive recreati on area north of SR 96, and Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area south of SR 96.

HOUSTON COUNTY



Regional

A multi -use trail system, as described above, could also be extended south into Pulaski County, connecti ng with the Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area and the planned Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Riverwalk. Coordinati on with Twiggs County eff orts on the east side of the River should also be pursued. An additi onal considerati on is extending the trail system northward to connect with the Ocmulgee Heritage trail in Macon-Bibb County. Multi -Regional

Houston County’s conti nued involvement with the Ocmulgee River Blueway may serve as a catalyst for additi onal river corridor connecti vity extending outside of the Middle Georgia region. A multi -use trail system connecti ng the Blueway’s seven river access points appears to be a natural next step with this initi ati ve. Additi onally, linking Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area and the Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area, located in Twiggs, Pulaski, and Bleckley Counti es, with such a trail system would provide for a popular statewide eco-tourism and recreati on desti -nati on.

Limiti ng Factors

The presence of Robins Air Force Base (RAFB), situated in the northeastern porti on of the County and just west of the Ocmulgee River, may present challenges to developing river corridor initi ati ves in this vicinity. Preliminary feedback from Base offi cials indicates that the Ocmulgee River is of suffi cient distance from the Base’s eastern boundary so as not to confl ict with Base acti viti es.

Recommendati ons

Creati on of a singularly-focused local organizati on tasked with planning, developing and implementi ng river corridor initi ati ves in Houston County is suggested. The organizati on may also carry out appropriate coordinati on with neigh-boring counti es and other stakeholders groups seeking river corridor connecti vity. Additi onal responsibiliti es could include identi fying and pursuing potenti al funding assistance sources, publicizing and marketi ng eff orts, organizing events, and providing informati on to local offi cials and citi zens. Additi onally, proper coordinati on with RAFB offi cials is strongly encouraged prior to planning and/or implementi ng applicable river corridor projects. Development of a local River Corridor Master Plan is also suggested. This document would identi fy community goals and objecti ves related to river corridor acti viti es and defi ne specifi c implementati on strategies. The Plan should align with other local planning eff orts and be updated or modifi ed as needed.

River corridor initi ati ves should seek to incorporate equestrian usage and faciliti es where feasible.

HOUSTON COUNTY



Community Analysis


Within the past few years, Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville have launched a number of “back to the river” initi ati ves. One of the communiti es’ primary goals is to complete a one-mile riverwalk connecti ng Uchee Shoals Park/Boat Landing and Mile Branch Park/Boat Landing. A recent Recreati onal Trails Program (RTP) funding award will allow Phase I of the riverwalk constructi on, from Uchee Shoals to just past Veteran’s Park, to be completed during 2012-2013. The loft constructi on at Hawkinsville’s former Pillowtex Mill building, which overlooks the River, is also esti mated for completi on in early 2013.

Improvements are also scheduled to take place further down river at Mile Branch Park/Boat Landing. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is slated to replace the existi ng Mile Branch boat ramp in 2013. Constructi on plans call for an upgraded ramp that includes a canoe launch. Pulaski County is acti vely working to identi fy fund-ing opportuniti es to implement additi onal faciliti es at Mile Branch including: an environmental educati on building; second restroom facility; outdoor amphitheater; canti levered fi shing and camping platf orms; and a large, enclosed picnic pavilion.


Local

At this ti me, there are only two boat landings – Uchee Shoals and Mile Branch - open on a daily basis in Pulaski Coun-ty. Approximately one mile apart, these two landings allow for short paddle trips. A third privately-owned landing, Sandy Hammock, is located at the southern end of the County approximately 14 miles south of Mile Branch. The property owners of Sandy Hammock generously open the landing for special events such as Paddle Georgia; however, coordinati on for use of Sandy Hammock as a more permanent landing with daily accessibility would signifi cantly enhance local and regional connecti vity. If it is not feasible to open Sandy Hammock for regular use, the community should consider developing an additi onal landing south of Mile Branch to improve on-river connecti vity and provide a diversity of trip lengths within the County.

The Hawkinsville Rotary Club is initi ati ng eff orts to extend the mile-long greenway along the Ocmulgee River approxi-mately .5 miles north of the City’s Uchee Shoals Landing. The project is currently in the planning stages with Hawk-insville Rotary members benchmarking the Perry Rotary’s trail/greenway project along Courtney Hodges Boulevard. In additi on to expanding north along the west side of the River, the community also has the opportunity to link the east side of the River. Establishing a local bike trail could provide a linkage between riverwalk faciliti es, downtown Hawkinsville, and the Enduring Farmlands Scenic Byway across the River to the Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area.

PULASKI COUNTY



Regional

The Ocmulgee Nati onal Park and Preserve is an eff ort being led by the Nati onal Parks Conservati on Associati on (NPCA) and the Ocmulgee Nati onal Park and Preserve Initi ati ve, a local stakeholder group. The goal is to connect the multi tude of State and Federal public lands along a 50-mile stretch of the Ocmulgee River between Macon and Hawkinsville. The initi ati ve seeks to leverage conservati on, recreati on and tourism benefi ts, and opportuniti es in six Middle Georgia communiti es: Bibb County and the City of Macon, Houston County and the City of Warner Robins, and Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville.

Multi -Regional

Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville are responsible for organizing the Ocmulgee River Blueway initi ati ve to enhance eco-tourism and recreati on opportuniti es along the River. At this ti me, the Blueway comprises a 54-mile stretch of the Ocmulgee River between Twiggs, Pulaski, Bleckley, and Dodge Counti es. Eff orts are currently underway

to extend the Blueway to encompass 200 river miles from Macon/Bibb County to the confl uence of the Altamaha, Oconee, and Ocmulgee Riv-ers. To date, the 11 counti es adjacent to the Ocmulgee River Blueway have all signed support resoluti ons. Local government offi cials and community leaders from all 11 counti es have also initi ated eff orts to form a supervisory organizati on currently called the Ocmulgee River Blueway Partnership. The Blueway initi ati ve is also unique in that it includes three Regional Commission service areas: Middle Georgia, South Georgia, and Heart of Georgia Altamaha.

Another multi -regional initi ati ve is Georgia’s Enduring Farmlands Scenic Byway, which travels between Hawkinsville/Pulaski County and Abbeville, Rochelle, and Pineview in Wilcox County. The Byway is a cooperati ve eff ort between all six local governments and two Regional Commissions (Middle Georgia and Heart of Georgia Altamaha). Designated in March 2011, the Byway is the only designated route that showcases Georgia’s agricultural heritage. A porti on of the Byway route parallels the Ocmulgee River and provides overland connecti vity to river access points in both Pu-laski and Wilcox Counti es.

Limiti ng Factors

Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville enjoy a dedicated local support system of volunteers who routi nely moni-tor both landings, parti cularly Mile Branch. Ongoing monitoring is essenti al to the safety and security of these sites. Long-term dependence on volunteers may become a limiti ng factor as these sites conti nue to develop and increase in size and usage. The communiti es may need to consider implementi ng additi onal safety measures such as remotely monitored security cameras.

PULASKI COUNTY

Figure 9



Recommendati ons

River-related initi ati ves in Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville benefi t from strong support of several acti vely engaged stakeholder organizati ons including the Riverfront Park Citi zens Advisory Council, Pulaski Rivers Alive, and the Hawkinsville Rotary Club. These community acti on groups and the local governments excel at working coopera-ti vely to leverage local resources and engage the support of outside agencies, parti cularly the Nati onal Park Service (NPS) and the Nati onal Parks Conservati on Associati on (NPCA). The community should broaden its outreach and engagement to other state, federal and non-profi t agencies, parti cularly land trusts and conservati on-focused orga-nizati ons.

Projects related to the Ocmulgee River have become community building initi ati ves – both locally and regionally. The local governments and stakeholder groups should work to maintain their current momentum and conti nue to pursue funding and outreach opportuniti es, such as hosti ng paddle events and river clean-ups. River connecti vity eff orts could also be expanded to include additi onal forms of connecti vity between downtown Hawkinsville, the Enduring Farmlands Scenic Byway, and Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area via local bike routes and equestrian trails. The communiti es should consider additi onal expansion opportuniti es for land-based acti viti es by extending greenway connecti vity south of Mile Branch to Sandy Hammock and north of Uchee Shoals to Houston and Bleckley Counti es. To aid greenway and overland connecti vity eff orts, the communiti es should identi fy and maintain a list of land owner-ship along both sides of the Ocmulgee River.

PULASKI COUNTY

The three Middle Georgia counti es adjoining the Oconee River corridor are Putnam, Baldwin, and Wilkinson Counti es. Each is profi led in the following secti on.

OCONEE RIVER CORRIDOR



Community Analysis

Existi ng Conditi onsThe lakes/river corridor in Putnam County is primarily characterized by residenti al subdivisions concen-trated along or within close proximity of both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair. While the corridor provides multi ple recreati onal opportuniti es and is easily accessible, avenues for connecti vity are limited due to the abundance of residenti al development.

As pointed out in Phase I of the study, Georgia Power Company has developed and published Shoreline Management Guidelines for the lakes, requiring a permit for constructi on acti viti es along the shoreline. This is parti cularly relevant in Putnam County due to the County’s enti re eastern boundary being comprised of shoreline. The shoreline guidelines and standards are, however, intended to protect and enhance the scenic, recreati onal, and environmental value of the lakes.


Local

The greatest opportunity for establishing connecti vity along the corridor or shoreline within Putnam County exists at the eastern most porti on of the County where the two lakes merge. The Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway (State Route 16) serves as the center point with Rock Hawk Effi gy Park and Trails north of the Byway and the Oconee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) south of the Byway. A litt le further south is Oconee Springs Park. A multi -use trail system linking these specifi c resources and facili-ti es is a logical extension of the existi ng trails found at Rock Hawk Effi gy Park and the WMA.

Additi onally, there are multi ple recreati on faciliti es situated around Lake Oconee (e.g. parks, campgrounds, picnic faciliti es, beaches, etc.). Collab-orati ng with Georgia Power towards establishing connecti vity between some of these faciliti es should also be explored.

The Putnam County / City of Eatonton Joint Comprehensive Plan also encourages eff orts at establishing bicycling, pedestrian, and equestrian usage along the Historic Piedmont (SR 16) Scenic Byway extending from the City of Eatonton to the Hancock County line at the Oconee River. The City of Eatonton has included development of a greenspace and multi -use trail system plan as an implementati on acti vity in its porti on of the Comprehensive Plan.

PUTNAM COUNTY

Figure 10

Figure 11



Regional

An opportunity for establishing a link in a regionally connected river corridor network exists where the March to the Sea Corridor State Bike Route crosses Lake Sinclair into neighboring Baldwin County; connect-ing the State Bike Route with eff orts already underway in Baldwin County (Oconee River Greenway and Fishing Creek Community Trail).

Regional initi ati ves are also identi fi ed in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the Middle Georgia Region. The 2010 update to the Plan includes four primary focus areas, with one being establishing a network of inter-regional bicycle routes and multi -use trails connecti ng major points of interest. Putnam County initi ati ves are also specifi cally referenced in the plan.

Multi -Regional

The Putnam County Multi -Modal Transportati on Plan, which was developed as a part of the East Geor-gia Multi -County Transportati on Study conducted in 2007, proposes two multi -use trails. The fi rst is the Glades-Union Chapel Multi -Use Trail that would begin at the Jasper County line and end at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center. The second is along SR 44 from the SR 44/16 split to the Greene County line. The two proposed trails would conti nue into the aforementi oned adjoining counti es creati ng a multi -regional network.

Limiti ng Factors

Trail or greenway connecti vity within Putnam County is somewhat limited by the amount of residenti al development along the shoreline of both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair.

Recommendati ons

Connecti vity eff orts should focus on linking, to the greatest degree possible, the many recreati onal faciliti es that currently exist along Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair, and the Oconee River. Close collaborati on with Geor-gia Power offi cials regarding establishing this linkage should be acti vely pursued. This type of initi ati ve is consistent with Georgia Power’s stated goal of protecti ng and enhancing the scenic, recreati onal, and envi-ronmental value of the lakes. Additi onally, all feasible connecti vity initi ati ves and implementati on strategies should be defi ned in a locally developed Master Plan.

Coordinati on with appropriate stakeholders and decision makers should also occur related to establishing connecti vity to and from the City of Eatonton via bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian faciliti es along State Routes 16 and 44. Creati on of a focus group to guide connecti vity eff orts is strongly encouraged.

PUTNAM COUNTY



Community Profi le


Baldwin County is arguably the most well positi oned of the nine counti es in the Middle Georgia study area to carry out river corridor connecti vity. This is true for two reasons--the presence of the Oconee River Greenway Authority (ORGA) and the Greenway Park in the City of Milledgeville, and Lake Sinclair and the many Georgia Power-provided ameniti es north of the City. As described in Phase I of this study, both the Lake and the River are readily accessible and provide multi ple recreati onal opportuniti es. In essence, successful connecti vity has already been established, or planned for, along the enti re length of the Oconee River in Baldwin County.

Additi onally, the City of Milledgeville and surrounding area provides for a wide array of faciliti es, att racti ons, and ameniti es that either compliment, or serve to benefi t from, river corridor faciliti es. In additi on to the eco-tourism and recreati on ameniti es aff orded by Lake Sinclair and the Oconee River Greenway, visitors to the area can also experi-ence Baldwin State Forest and the Bartram Educati onal Forest; the Old State Capital building and museum; the Old Governor’s Mansion; as well as Andalusia Farm, the home of Flannery O’Connor.

Development of the Oconee River Greenway is being pursued in a phased approach. Current focus is on extending from the Oconee River Green-way Park site in the City of Milledgeville, south to Balls Ferry State Park in Wilkinson County. Long-term plans call for conti nuous greenway develop-ment along the Oconee River to where it merges with the Altamaha River in the southeastern porti on of the State.


Local

An important local connecti vity initi ati ve is the Fishing Creek Community Trail project. The Fishing Creek Community Trail is a 9.36-mile bicycle/pe-destrian trail that will provide a means for people to travel to signifi cant points of interest in the City of Milledgeville. The Fishing Creek Communi-ty Trail represents an expanded vision for greenway development within the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. Currently, the eastern most secti on of Fishing Creek forms the southern border of the fi rst phase of the Oconee River Greenway and Riverwalk. The Fishing Creek Community Trail will travel along Fishing Creek from the Oconee River Greenway on the eastern edge of the community, to the Industrial Park and Recreati on Complex on the west side of town. Like the Greenway, the Trail is planned for constructi on through a phased approach.

BALDWIN COUNTY

Figure 12



Regional

An existi ng regional initi ati ve involves constructi on of a shared-use trail on an approximate 33-mile abandoned CSX Railway line corridor that runs from the City of Macon in Bibb County to the City of Milledgeville in Baldwin County. The proposed Rail-to-Trail Corridor directly serves three counti es and two citi es; Bibb County and the City of Macon, Jones County, and Baldwin County and the City of Milledgeville. The Central Georgia Rail-to-Trail Associati on, Inc. (CGRTA) was offi cially incorporated in April of 2006 with the primary purpose of pursuing and overseeing develop-ment of the trail. Additi onally, a Feasibility Study for development of the trail was conducted by the Middle Georgia Regional Commission in 2006-2007. An ancillary intent is to connect the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail in Macon with the Oconee River Greenway in Milledgeville.

Also, the Oconee River Greenway’s planned expansion along the Oconee River into Wilkinson County demonstrates eff orts at establishing regional connecti vity.

Multi -Regional

Cross-regional connecti vity is also being pursued by the Oconee River Greenway Authority through the Greenway’s conti nued planned expansion south along the Oconee unti l its convergence with the Altamaha River. Much of this area is within the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission service area and will require multi -regional coor-dinati on.

Limiti ng Factors

Trail or greenway connecti vity immediately north of Milledgeville is not feasible due to the dams located on Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee further north.

Funding constraints and fi nancial assistance program availability have limited ORGA-planned constructi on acti viti es.

Recommendati ons

As stated previously, Baldwin County is well positi oned to conti nue river corridor connecti vity eff orts. The community is fortunate to have a singularly-focused organizati on, in the form of the ORGA, dedicated to pursuing such eff orts as well as a fully developed Master Plan to guide implementati on acti viti es. The community also has several other ac-ti vely engaged stakeholder organizati ons that support the ORGA’s mission. These include the Oconee River Greenway Foundati on, Live Healthy Baldwin, and the Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Local offi cials and the ORGA are encouraged to seek opportuniti es to collaborate with agencies and stakeholders, both within the region and outside of the region, at identi fying common goals and objecti ves related to river corridor connecti vity. Opportuniti es for promoti ng conservati on eff orts and mutual support of recreati onal projects should also be explored.

BALDWIN COUNTY



Community Analysis


Wilkinson County has the opportunity to build upon its existi ng assets to create additi onal eco-tourism and outdoor recreati on att racti ons along the Oconee River. Current eff orts are focused on the development of the new Balls Ferry Historic State Park. Constructi on on Balls Ferry is scheduled to begin in mid-2012. One of the most notable acti viti es is the relocati on of the existi ng boat landing further south due to the presence of Civil War bunkers and archeologi-cal sites being discovered at the site. The existi ng boat ramp will be connected to the new landing by a walking trail. Visitor ameniti es such as restrooms, parking areas, and trash cans will be installed at the new landing site. Wilkinson County would also like to eventually add a pavilion and drill the artesian well; but neither project is currently included in the constructi on or environmental plans.

The Oconee River Greenway which begins at Lake Sinclair in Baldwin County will eventually extend south to Wilkin-son County’s Balls Ferry Historic State Park. The Oconee River Greenway Authority (ORGA) is tasked with oversight of the Greenway initi ati ve. The Chairman of the Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners is a member of the Au-thority’s Board of Directors, which acti vely guides Greenway development initi ati ves.

While not directly adjacent to the Oconee River, another local tourism initi ati ve under development is a Georgia scenic byway. Currently, the Uchee Scenic Byway route is proposed to follow Highway 112 in Wilkinson County from Allentown to Toomsboro traveling into Baldwin County and ending in downtown Milledgeville. At this ti me, the route is in the applicati on process.


Local

The Oconee River forms the eastern border of Wilkinson County, providing the community with a number of pos-sibiliti es for establishing local eco-tourism att racti ons including walking trails, public fi shing areas, bird watching areas, camping, and paddling. Designated areas for many of these acti viti es will be part of Balls Ferry Historic State

Park upon its completi on. However, the State Park only fronts along a small porti on of the Oconee River at the southern end of the County. Opportuniti es to create walking/hiking trails, boat landings, and pic-nic areas along other porti ons of the River should be considered.

Wilkinson County also has the opportunity to provide bicycle connec-ti vity between some of its citi es and the Oconee River. The Middle Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan identi fi es Highway 57 from the City of Irwinton (County Seat) to Balls Ferry Park as a pro-posed bicycle route. The recommended bicycle route would also con-nect to the proposed Uchee Scenic Byway, which travels along High-way 112 through Wilkinson and Baldwin Counti es. An offi cial spur could be added to the proposed Byway route to provide even greater

WILKINSON COUNTY

Figure 13



connecti vity between the City of Toomsboro and Balls Ferry State Historic Park.

Regional

The completi on of Balls Ferry Historic State Park will provide a quality recreati onal desti nati on for local residents and tourists from across the Middle Georgia Region and throughout the State of Georgia. Balls Ferry is also a signifi cant feature of the Oconee River Greenway. The Greenway initi ati ve exemplifi es regional connecti vity. Wilkinson County has the opportunity to take a more acti ve role in ORGA to facilitate the expansion/connecti vity along the Greenway between existi ng resources in Baldwin County and those in Wilkinson County, such as Balls Ferry.

While the County does have a few boat landings, gaps in river connecti vity sti ll remain between Baldwin and Wilkin-son Counti es. There are no river access points along a 31.4-mile stretch of river between Boat Landing Road in Bald-win County and Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge in Wilkinson County. Eff orts should be made to identi fy landown-ers along the River to assess feasibility of obtaining additi onal river access points between Baldwin and Wilkinson Counti es.

Multi -Regional

Wilkinson County is uniquely positi oned to provide cross-regional river connecti vity between Middle Georgia and the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission service areas. As a key member of the Oconee River Greenway Authority, Wilkinson County will need to have an acti ve role in ORGA’s eff orts to expand south along the Oconee to its confl uence with the Altamaha River.

In additi on to ORGA’s expansion initi ati ves, Wilkinson County has the opportunity to partner with Appling County on eco-tourism and outdoor recreati on initi ati ves. A new state park is planned along the Altamaha River in Appling County. Establishing a blueway to create a direct river linkage between Balls Ferry State Park in southern Wilkinson County and the planned state park in Appling County will benefi t both att racti ons. A blueway would also enable Wilkinson County and the enti re Oconee River Greenway to link into the larger Altamaha River Canoe Trail, which travels all the way to the Georgia Coast.

Limiti ng Factors

At this ti me, the largest barrier to connecti vity is the lack of access points along the River parti cularly in northern Wilkinson County. According to local offi cials, much of Wilkinson County’s river frontage is in private ownership. Land acquisiti on or access easements are needed to establish connecti vity between Baldwin and Wilkinson Counti es.

The conditi on of existi ng access points are another limiti ng factor. As Phase I notes, the approaches to all river access points involve some travel over dirt or gravel surfaced roads which become impassible during and aft er periods of heavy or extended rains. In additi on, all existi ng river access points can be classifi ed as moderately diffi cult to carry a canoe.

WILKINSON COUNTY



Recommendati ons

Develop an inventory of land ownership along the River. • Using the land ownership inventory, identi fy locati ons between Baldwin County and Balls Ferry where river ac-• cess points are needed to allow paddlers to uti lize that porti on of the River. The current 34 river mile separati on between the access point at the State Hospital/Boat Landing Road in Baldwin County and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge is too long to accomplish in a single day of paddling. Work with local landowners to obtain river access (purchase, easements, etc.), along the 34-mile stretch between • Boat Landing Road and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge.Maintain and improve existi ng approaches and access points within the County. • Local offi cials are encouraged to remain acti ve in the ORGA and promote the regional and multi -regional con-• necti vity through conservati on and recreati onal acti viti es and initi ati ves. The Balls Ferry Historical Park Associati on should be a key local stakeholder group promoti ng connecti vity and • river usage, and has potenti al to partner with other stakeholder organizati ons in surrounding counti es on future greenspace, tourism, and river-related initi ati ves.

WILKINSON COUNTY


Environmental Impacts

River corridors are considered of vital importance to Georgia in that they preserve the qualiti es that make a river suitable as a habitat for wildlife, a site for recreati on, and a source for clean drinking water. The Offi cial Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop minimum planning standards and procedures for the protecti on of river corridors in the State, and requires local governments to use these minimum standards in developing and implementi ng their local comprehensive plans. The method mandated in O.C.G.A. for the protecti on of river corridors is the establishment of a natural vegetati ve buff er area bordering each protected river. Local governments will, in turn, develop river corridor protecti on methods that will maintain the integrity of this buff er area. A noteworthy example in Middle Georgia is the Oconee River Greenway Authority’s plan for parks and recreati on areas, starti ng north of the City of Milledgeville and extending to Ball’s Ferry State Park in Wilkinson County. The Greenway was developed specifi cally to help preserve and protect the areas surrounding the Oconee River.

The vast majority of the impacts of the proposed river corridor initi ati ve to the surrounding environment should be positi ve. All undeveloped areas of the corridor are subject to compliance with both State and locally enacted environmental protecti on criteria, with an extensive environmental assessment oft en required prior to any constructi on acti vity taking place. Along with wetlands, there are numerous plant, tree, animal and bird species that make their habitats in these areas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division are typically consulted during the environmental assessment as to the presence of any threatened or endangered species. If any threatened or endangered species are found, it would be benefi cial to locate signs and other markers along the corridor that depict important areas of observati on. The presence of these rare species should also be noted in any marketi ng tools developed in order to att ract those interested in wildlife observati on.

Additi onally, an interconnected river corridor serves as an excellent tool for conservati on eff orts. By bringing att enti on to the signifi cant environmental features along the corridor, it is likely that there will be an increased eff ort by users and communiti es alike to preserve important landscapes and viewsheds as well as provide needed links between fragmented habitats and protect plant, animal, and bird species.

The proposed river corridor also could become an outstanding tool for educators by serving as an outdoor classroom, rich with an array of environmental features that would insti ll a wealth of scienti fi c knowledge in their students, and enable students to gain an appreciati on of their natural surroundings and become more sensiti ve to the need of natural resource protecti on.

It is generally understood that the river corridor initi ati ve will be looked upon primarily as a series of connected recreati onal resources. However, with ever-increasing att enti on being paid to air quality in Middle Georgia, parti cularly in the Macon urbanized area, use of the corridor as a potenti al transportati on alternati ve should not be discounted. Bicyclists, as well as some pedestrians, may choose to uti lize a river corridor trail system as an alternati ve to the automobile between communiti es.

An examinati on of other studies and river corridor eff orts from around the nati on reveals that as people begin to enjoy and uti lize their rivers, they start to care more about them and seek avenues to preserve and protect them. Reduced polluti on, cleaner drinking water, and bett er planned development along the rivers are ancillary benefi ts oft en derived from river corridor projects.

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ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS


Economic Impacts

Many communiti es across the country have begun to realize the economic benefi ts associated with river trails and other river-based recreati onal faciliti es. These faciliti es help sti mulate local economies and boost tourism and recreati on-based businesses. In additi on, many major corporati ons have made the availability of such faciliti es an important business climate indicator when making site selecti on decisions. For example, aft er considering several citi es, Ruby Tuesday, Inc. relocated its Restaurant Support Center to a site adjacent to Greenway Trail in Maryville, Tennessee. This was done in part, because the Chairman and Chief Executi ve Offi cer (CEO) of the company was extremely impressed with the beauty of the greenway and felt it helped develop a sense of community and would benefi t his more than 300 employees. There are countless studies and reports stati ng the economic benefi ts of trails, greenways, and open space initi ati ves across the nati on. According to a 2006 publicati on by the Outdoor Industry Foundati on, the acti ve outdoor recreati on economy is a $730 billion annual contributi on to the U.S. Economy. Also, evidence conti nues to grow that trails and greenways bolster property values and make adjacent properti es easier to sell. In a 2002 survey of homebuyers, sponsored by the Nati onal Associati on of realtors and the Nati onal Associati on of Home Builders, trails ranked as the second most important community amenity out of a list of eighteen choices.

The Nati onal Park Service reports that outdoor recreati on and leisure expenditures account for a substanti al part of tourist’s discreti onary spending, as eco-tourism conti nues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry. Greenways are oft en major tourist att racti ons generati ng expenditures on lodging, food, and recreati on-oriented services and improving the overall appeal of a community to tourists and new residents. In many communiti es, trail systems have become the central focus of tourism acti viti es.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal touted the importance of tourism to a gathering of the State’s top tourism professionals at the 2011 Governor’s Conference on Tourism held at the Wilson Conventi on Center in Macon in September of 2011. The Governor pointed out that tourism accounts for 12.1 percent of the State’s revenue. Visitors to Georgia spent $21 billion in 2010, up 8.3 percent from 2009, according to the U.S. Travel Associati on. Additi onally, more than 233,800 jobs are directly att ributed to the tourism industry, accounti ng for $6.8 billion in payroll.

In the Middle Georgia porti on of the study area, several opportuniti es exist for expanding and eventually linking existi ng faciliti es that will have enormous economic value both to the local communiti es involved and to the region as a whole. These specifi c opportuniti es are examined in more detail elsewhere in the study.

Social Impacts

The positi ve social impacts resulti ng from the availability of river corridor recreati onal faciliti es are many and varied. They range from health and wellness benefi ts, to quality of life enhancements, to helping contribute to a sense of community identi ty.

Recent studies by the Center for Disease Control and Preventi on (CDC) highlight some alarming trends. Obesity is on the rise, parti cularly amongst our nati on’s youth. Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The percentage of children ages 6-11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7 percent in 1980 to nearly 20 percent in 2010. Obesity may soon cause as much preventable disease and death as cigarett e smoking, with the indirect costs att ributed to these conditi ons amounti ng to over $100 billion annually.

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It is an undeniable fact that regular physical acti vity contributes to weight loss; can help prevent heart disease, control cholesterol levels and diabetes, and slow bone loss associated with advancing age. Exercise also lowers the risk of certain cancers and helps reduce anxiety and depression.

Trails, greenways, and parks all help contribute to a healthier community by providing people of all ages with att racti ve, safe, and accessible places to bike, walk, hike, jog, and skate. The presence of these types of recreati on faciliti es make it easier and more appealing for people to want to engage in physical acti vity. River corridor faciliti es provide for a natural, scenic area that infl uences people to want to be outside and acti ve. The end result is healthier citi zens and a subsequent reducti on in healthcare costs.

Many citi zens living in expanding urban areas are growing increasingly more alarmed about the diminishing quality of life brought on by sprawling development and its by-products of traffi c congesti on, air polluti on, and a reducti on of greenspace. Many seek to escape these conditi ons by either relocati ng to small towns and rural areas in search of a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle with more att racti ve landscapes, or they seek to visit communiti es that provide for eco-tourism opportuniti es. Those Middle Georgia communiti es located in the study area have the opportunity to enhance their livability and att ract residents and visitors from nearby urban areas by developing an interconnected river corridor network.

In additi on to providing a means of connecti ng recreati onal faciliti es along the river corridor, establishing an att racti ve and functi onal trail system would provide for an alternate method of transportati on between communiti es. Currently, the only viable means of transportati on within and between regions is by automobile. As populati on in the region conti nues to increase (10.97 percent rate of growth from 2000 to 2010), the amount of automobile traffi c will increase correspondingly. In additi on to the substanti al recreati onal usage an interconnected trail system would realize, a trail would also off er citi zens a commuti ng opti on and perhaps an incenti ve to leave the automobile behind and choose to bike a few miles into work or to other trip desti nati ons.

The presence of a manmade trail system like the one proposed will provide a uniquely eff ecti ve way to highlight the area’s history. The historical and cultural resources, found along the corridor and in the nearby communiti es, are many and varied. The recogniti on of the cultural, historical, and natural assets located along the river corridor enhances a sense of community identi ty. In fact, many river faciliti es and trail systems are planned, designed, and constructed with the concept of community identi ty in mind. A noteworthy example of this concept is the City of Hawkinsville’s eff orts towards developing a riverwalk, the improvements they have made at Mile Branch Park, and the many community-sponsored river events, all of which complement its local branding as a “Historic River Town”.

In additi on to individual communiti es forging an identi ty with the rivers, regional opportuniti es exist as well. The recently created Ocmulgee Blueway, linking Bleckley, Houston, Pulaski, and Twiggs Counti es via a canoe and kayak trail along a 54-mile corridor on the Ocmulgee River, is an avenue for strengthening a regional identi ty with the River as well as facilitati ng a multi -region partnership. A similar opportunity for strengthening regional identi ty exists with the conti nued expansion of the Oconee River Greenway into surrounding counti es.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Figure 14


There are a number of common obstacles and impediments that must be overcome in order to ensure successful river corridor connecti vity. While not all inclusive, those addressed in the following secti on were identi fi ed by a signifi cant number of stakeholders as presenti ng the greatest challenges. Where applicable, possible alternati ves or soluti ons are provided. Stakeholders in several Middle Georgia communiti es have indicated a concern with policing and maintenance of either existi ng faciliti es or new planned faciliti es. Specifi cally, boat ramps have been an area of concern, parti cularly those located in remote or isolated areas. In some instances these faciliti es have become hangouts and are left in an unkempt state and/or subject to vandalism. A survey of communiti es where this is not a problem commented on a strong law enforcement presence, rules or codes that are strictly enforced, and acti ve involvement of community acti on groups such as Rivers Alive or Friends of the River. Adverti sed community clean-up events performed at interval ti mes during the year also have proven helpful in creati ng a sense of community pride and identi ty with the river.

Prolonged periods of drought impact both usage of the rivers as well as the aestheti c appeal of many river faciliti es such as trails and greenways. As with most outdoor venues, weather is always a factor or concern. New faciliti es and events should be planned and developed with this concept in mind as well as an acknowledgement that eco-tourism acti viti es and events are someti mes seasonal in nature. Local usage of faciliti es is more likely to be year-round, parti cularly those geared towards bicycle-pedestrian usage.

Several potenti al issues are noted as they relate to private land ownership along the corridor. The fi rst is out-of-town ownership. Acquiring property from local owners is oft en diffi cult, but when dealing with individuals who reside in other porti ons of the State, or elsewhere in the country, the diffi culty is oft en compounded. Another issue is the sheer size of the study area and the fact that ownership records can change over ti me. Research will need to be conducted to obtain a complete and accurate list of property owners adjacent to the proposed corridor.

Additi onally, there are legal liability concerns for local governments and stakeholder groups pertaining to recreati onal water acti viti es. Several opti ons are available to address such concerns, to include liability waivers and liability insurance, but the use of appropriate legal counsel is paramount to ensuring safeguards and adequate legal protecti on.

LIMITING FACTORS

REGIONAL ANALYSIS


Potenti al funding sources that can assist with connecti vity eff orts such as planning, design, and constructi on are many and varied. The sources listed below are not all inclusive, but represent the more commonly known and uti lized programs. They include:

Transportati on Enhancement (TE) ProgramThe Intermodal Surface Transportati on Effi ciency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) created the Transportati on Enhancement Program. The Act required that ten percent of the funds within the Surface Transportati on Program (STP) be reserved for the TE Program. Subsequent federal legislati on (TEA-21-Transportati on Equity Act for the 21st Century and most recently SAFETEA-LU--Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi cient Transportati on Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) has made minor changes to the TE Program, but it sti ll remains a vital and permanent part of the Federal-aid Highway Program. Projects eligible under this program include the provision of faciliti es for pedestrians and bicycles.

The TE Program is not a grant. Federal funds are made available to projects on a cost reimbursable basis; i.e., the sponsor must incur the expense before Federal TE funds are paid to the Sponsor. For funding purposes, all transportati on projects are divided into three phases:

Preliminary Engineering (PE) – Pre-constructi on work items such as planning studies, environmental • documentati on, design plans, right-of-way plans and constructi on bid documents.Right-of-Way - Property acquisiti on.• Constructi on - Project implementati on.•

Federal funds available under the TE Program will pay up to 80 percent of the total project cost. The Sponsor’s local match must be at least 20 percent of the total project cost. The local match may be cash, in-kind services, or donated services, materials or real property. The federal TE funding may be used in any or all three project phases menti oned above. Most sponsors use their own funds to complete the preliminary engineering and right-of-way phases and use the TE funds for constructi on. This approach is encouraged by Georgia DOT since it simplifi es the project management process the Sponsor must follow. Local stakeholders can play a signifi cant part in this grant process by providing all or most of the matching funds through a combinati on of cash, in-kind services, and real property.

Recreati onal Trails Program (RTP)The Recreati onal Trails Program was fi rst authorized under ISTEA, then later under TEA-21 and more recently under SAFETEA-LU. This program is funded through the transfer of federal gas taxes paid on non-highway recreati onal fuel uses in off -highway vehicles and in back country camping. In 1992, The Georgia Department of Natural Resources was designated as the agency to administer the Recreati onal Trails Program.

The purpose of the RTP is to provide and maintain recreati onal trails and trails-related faciliti es identi fi ed in, or that further a specifi c goal of, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreati on Plan. The RTP mandates that the grant funds be allocated by the following categories and percentages: motorized, not less than 30 percent; non-motorized, not less than 30 percent; and diversifi ed, not less than 40 percent.

This is a reimbursement program; therefore, the grant recipient must pay 100 percent of the cost of an item before submitti ng a request for reimbursement for 80 percent of eligible costs. The program encourages the donati on of private funds, materials, new right-of-way, and services at fair market value. These donati ons can be counted toward the match. Like the TE Program described above, local stakeholders can make a signifi cant contributi on to the required local match either by providing funds or right-of-way donati ons.

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES

REGIONAL ANALYSIS


Safe Routes to School (SRTS) ProgramSecti on 1404 of SAFETEA-LU provides funding for Safe Routes to School Programs to benefi t children in primary and middle schools (K-8). The purpose of the program is to enable children, including those with disabiliti es to walk and bicycle to school. The intent of the program is to make walking and cycling to school safe and appealing.

The SRTS Program provides Federal-aid highway funds to State Departments of Transportati on over fi ve federal fi scal years in accordance with a formula specifi ed in the legislati on. These funds are available through a competi ti ve applicati on process. Eligible acti viti es include sidewalk improvements, traffi c calming and speed reducti on improvements, pedestrian crossing improvements, off -street pedestrian faciliti es, and traffi c diversion within approximately two miles of schools. Non-infrastructure-related acti viti es are also eligible for funding including public awareness campaigns, traffi c educati on, enforcement near schools, and student sessions on bicycle and pedestrian safety. In 2011, Baldwin County Schools was awarded $499,977 in SRTS infrastructure grant funds to assist with constructi on of a pedestrian/bicycle path that will travel along Fishing Creek from the Oconee River Greenway on the easternmost edge of the community to the Board of Educati on, Industrial Park, and Recreati on Complex on the west side of town. Constructi on of the trail is being pursued in multi ple phases as funding is obtained and the project is known as the Fishing Creek Community Trail.

Highway Bridge ProgramThe Highway Bridge Program under the SAFETEA-LU legislati on provides funding that is primarily intended for use in replacing and rehabilitati ng highway bridges along with systemati c preventati ve maintenance. Sidewalks can be built as part of bridge rehabilitati on, as well as pathway undercrossings or bridges. When pedestrian faciliti es are incorporated into a bridge rehabilitati on or replacement project, the program requires there to be a pedestrian use at the end of the bridge and that safe faciliti es are provided at a reasonable cost.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low-to-moderate income citi zens. Eligible acti viti es include the acquisiti on of real property appropriate for the preservati on or restorati on of historic sites, the conservati on of open spaces, natural resources, and scenic areas, and/or the provision of recreati onal opportuniti es.

Georgia Land Conservati on Program (GLCP)The Georgia Land Conservati on Program as specifi ed in Chapter 305-01 O.C.G.A provides grants, low-interest loans, tax incenti ves and consultati on/referrals/technical support to carry out its goals to improve water quality and conserve fragile, threatened, and natural habitats and forest and agricultural lands. An eligible land conservati on project must demonstrate that it meets one or more of the ten specifi c objecti ves, including the provision of recreati on in the form of boati ng, hiking, camping, fi shing, hunti ng, running, jogging, biking, walking, and similar outdoor acti viti es.

All qualifi ed citi es and counti es, regardless of size, are eligible to apply for funding under the GLCP. To be a qualifi ed city or county, a community must be in compliance with requirements established by the Georgia Department of Community Aff airs (DCA) and the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. GLCP funds can be used for all direct costs of acti viti es which are required by applicable state laws and local ordinances or policies in order to obtain fee simple or lesser interests in real property. These costs shall include the purchase price, if any; the cost of due diligence investi gati on, such as appraisals, surveys, phase 1 environmental reports and ti tle searches; ti tle insurance;

REGIONAL ANALYSIS


fees for services related to the direct acquisiti on of property, such as holding costs, overhead costs, fi nder’s fees, and real estate commissions; att orney fees; pro rata ad valorem taxes and other costs related to closing the transacti on; provided, however, that the costs shall not include any costs for services provided in violati on of Chapter 40 of Title 43.

Georgia Conservati on Tax Credit ProgramThe Georgia General Assembly in 2006 passed an amendment to existi ng tax law to “provide for income tax credits with respect to qualifi ed donati ons of real property for conservati on purposes.” Qualifi ed donati ons include fee simple donati ons or conservati on easements of property to a qualifi ed organizati on.

A qualifi ed organizati on means the state, a county, a municipality, or a consolidated government of this state; or a bona fi de charitable nonprofi t organizati on qualifi ed under the Internal Revenue Code. To be a qualifi ed organizati on, a charitable nonprofi t must:

Be authorized to do business in Georgia and have a tax-exempt status as a charity under Secti on 501(c) 3 • of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; andMeet the requirements of Secti on 1.170A-14(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and, therefore, • have the power to acquire, hold, or maintain land or interests in land; and Have adopted the Land Trust Alliance’s Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practi ces (2004) as guidelines • for the organizati on’s operati ons and commit to making conti nual progress toward implementati on of these Standards and Practi ces; and Have received a Determinati on Lett er from the IRS.•

Conservati on purposes were defi ned by the Act to include those types of conservati on lands identi fi ed in Chapter 22 of Title 36 of the Georgia Code, as follows:

“Conservati on Land” means permanently protected land and water or interests therein, that is in its • undeveloped, natural state or that has been developed only to the extent consistent with, or is restored to be consistent with, one or more goals, including the provision of recreati on in the form of boati ng, hiking, camping, fi shing, hunti ng, running, jogging, biking, walking, and similar outdoor acti viti es.

The purpose of the Georgia Conservati on Tax Credit Program is to provide a fi nancial incenti ve to landowners in order to encourage dedicati on of their property for conservati on uses. The incenti ve is provided in the form of state income tax credit that can be applied in the tax year of the donati on; an unused tax credit can then be carried forward and applied to the landowner’s tax liability for up to fi ve additi onal years.

The total income tax credit provided under the Act cannot exceed the lesser of $500,000 or 25 percent of the fair market value of the donated property in the year in which it was donated. For individual landowners, the total amount of the tax credit cannot exceed $250,000. For corporate landowners, the total tax credit cannot exceed $500,000.

It should be noted that under the Frequently Asked Questi ons (FAQ) secti on of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR)-Georgia Conservati on Tax Credit Program website, the following response is found: “The State of Georgia will only accept a donati on of land (fee-simple or conservati on easement) if the property is of statewide signifi cance and can be managed to protect and maintain its values in perpetuity. In additi on, emphasis is placed on sites that can provide opportuniti es for public recreati on, educati on, or scienti fi c research.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS


Georgia Division of Public Health (GDPH)The Georgia Division of Public Health provides support and assistance to jurisdicti ons and local community groups related to planning, preparing grant applicati ons, and conducti ng fundraising acti viti es for walking trail projects.

MillionMile GreenwayThe MillionMile Greenway is a non-profi t organizati on that focuses on inspiring the public to create trails and greenways at the local level, with an ulti mate goal of connecti ng those greenways to create a network throughout Georgia and beyond. Each mile of the MillionMile Greenway is required to have three components: conservati on, recreati on, and connecti vity. The MillionMile Greenway off ers grants and packages of services to help communiti es start greenway projects.

Corporate and Business Community The Kodak American Greenways Program; a partnership project of the Eastman Kodak Company, the Conservati on Fund, and the Nati onal Geographic Society; provides small grants to sti mulate the planning and design of greenways in communiti es throughout America. Although public agencies can apply, local, regional, or statewide nonprofi t organizati ons receive preference. The maximum grant is $2,500, with most grants ranging between $500 and $1,500.

Wal-Mart Stores and the Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club Foundati ons provide funding to local organizati ons in several diff erent areas, including educati on and the environment. Government agencies and 501 (c) 3 organizati ons are eligible to receive the funding.

Georgia Power provides philanthropic support through the Georgia Power Foundati on, Inc., corporate giving and employee involvement. Since 1986, the Georgia Power Foundati on has given more that $85 million to non-profi t organizati ons throughout the State. The foundati on has identi fi ed four areas of focus that includes: promoti ng health and cancer preventi on and protecti ng the environment. About 46 percent of the foundati on’s annual contributi ons support the area of health and human services, while 13 percent of the foundati on’s contributi ons go toward environmental grants. Grant requests up to $10,000 are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Georgia Power works with leadership teams in its regions across the State to evaluate grant proposals within their local areas. Tax-exempt organizati ons may request contributi ons once per 12-month period and reapply on an annual basis. Georgia Power makes charitable donati ons to hundreds of organizati ons and initi ati ves throughout their service territory. Most of the corporate giving is driven by employees who work with community agencies to identi fy the best programs to address local needs.

Georgia Power’s employees and reti rees donate more than 70,000 hours of volunteer hours annually in their communiti es to support educati on, the environment, community and economic development, and other initi ati ves. These eff orts are coordinated through their Volunteer Services Department.

“Operati on Roundup” is a community development program funded by the voluntary contributi ons of the customers of Tri-County Electric Membership Corporati on (EMC) to the Tri-County EMC Foundati on. Charitable donati ons are then made by the Foundati on to worthy projects and needs within the eight-county Tri-County EMC service area (includes Bibb, Jones, and Baldwin Counti es). Organizati ons can apply to the Foundati on’s Board of Directors which awards funds quarterly based on the worthiness of each applicati on and the availability of funds.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS


Recreati onal Equipment, Inc. (REI) annually dedicates a porti on of its operati ng profi ts to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor acti viti es, and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreati on. REI employees nominate organizati ons, projects, and programs in which they are personally involved to receive funding or gear donati ons.

Pertaining to large-scale trail constructi on, considerati on should be given to naming a porti on of the trail aft er a corporate or individual sponsor who donates a certain size gift to the constructi on of the trail. This has been done in other trail projects in the country to raise the large sums needed to build the trail.

Private Foundati onsPrivate foundati ons that support the cause of health, fi tness, and environmental protecti on, through trail development, are an additi onal source of funding. The Foundati on Center, a non-profi t organizati on formed in 1956, connects nonprofi ts with various grant sources. The Center maintains a comprehensive database related to available grants, awarding agencies, eligible applicants, and minimum/maximum awards. It also operates research, educati on, and training programs designed to advance philanthropy at every level. It should be noted that there is a subscripti on fee to access the Center’s database.

Bikes Belong Coaliti onBikes Belong is a nati onal coaliti on of bicycle suppliers and individuals working together to put more people on bicycles. Bikes Belong accepts requests for funding of up to $10,000 for facility projects.

The Facility project objecti ve is to connect existi ng faciliti es, or create new opportuniti es; leverage federal, state, and private funds; infl uence policy; and generate economic acti vity. Eligible facility projects include bike paths, trails, routes, lanes, and innovati ve and unique high-profi le projects. Bikes Belong will consider funding advocacy work and constructi on cost matching funds.

Special Purpose Local Opti on Sales Tax (SPLOST)Special Purpose Local Opti on Sales Tax is an alternati ve many communiti es have used since its incepti on to improve or expand its infrastructure base. A possible use of the SPLOST is the development of trails and greenways. It is likely that monies for this use would have be part of a comprehensive list of capital improvements, or part of a specifi c SPLOST to fund recreati onal or transportati on plan improvements. Baldwin County/City of Milledgeville has successfully uti lized SPLOST funding for the development of the Oconee River Greenway.

Community PartnershipsPartnering with community organizati ons can also result in many important contributi ons being made towards the cause of an interconnected river corridor network, as well as helping to create enormous community support for the project. Some examples that other communiti es have successfully implemented include:

A local trail organizati on in Ohio raised money selling an “honorary acre” of land based on the price of • the land.A greenway foundati on in Oregon sold symbolic “yards” of the trail and placed the donor’s names on • permanent markers that are located at each trailhead. The foundati on was able to raise enough in private donati ons to match its TE program award.In Colorado, a local homeowners group adjacent to a trail project helped to parti ally fund the project. A • Boy Scout troop in the same community assisted with clearing ten miles of the trail.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS


This secti on of the study takes the fi ndings and results of the research and analysis that was conducted and att empts to formulate a workable and achievable implementati on strategy at the regional level. The implementati on strategy is designed to be acti on-oriented and practi cal in nature. The listed acti viti es are not necessarily in order of importance or priority. Some tasks, such as fundraising and building community support, are ongoing in nature and will conti nue throughout the lifeti me of the river corridor initi ati ve. Also, many of the implementati on tasks can be initi ated simultaneously. It should be noted that the following recommended implementati on tasks are not all inclusive and are not intended to replace the need for local and regional planning documents. Suggested strategies include:

Create a Regional enti ty to integrate and promote local eff orts into a regional and/or multi -regional • initi ati ve.

Develop local level River Corridor Master Plans identi fying desired faciliti es, projected costs, usage • esti mates, and opportuniti es for connecti vity.

Develop a comprehensive inventory of land ownership along the river corridor, and update periodically.•

Pursue all eligible funding assistance opportuniti es. Develop fundraising events and acti viti es. •

Commission a region-wide Economic Impact Study related to river corridor resources and faciliti es. •

Facilitate collaborati ve eff ort between various Rivers Alive chapters to ensure regional coverage. •

Acti vely enforce all rules and regulati ons governing usage of river faciliti es to deter crime and vandalism. • Explore the installati on of security cameras where needed.

Encourage each county to identi fy a single area of the river corridor to focus on local improvement • eff orts. Altamaha River Partnership has successfully employed this approach.

Solicit politi cal and community support. Establish partnerships between appropriate organizati ons that • advocate and support river corridor connecti vity (NewTown Macon, Oconee River Greenway Authority, Conventi on and Visitors Bureaus, etc.)

Encourage the establishment of private businesses, such as outdoor outf itt ers, that support recreati on • and eco-tourism initi ati ves.

Coordinate with all applicable federal, state and local agencies/offi cials to ensure maximum use of all • available resources and programs and to aid with marketi ng and informati on disseminati on.

Gather offi cial resoluti ons from all interested local governments and authoriti es proclaiming support for • river corridor initi ati ves aimed at establishing connecti vity (see Appendix A for sample resoluti on).

Benchmark other successful river corridor projects, both statewide and nati onally. •

Obtain appropriate legal consultati on regarding liability issues prior to implementi ng, sponsoring, or • promoti ng recreati onal water acti viti es; liability waivers and liability insurance opti ons.

RECOMMENDED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

REGIONAL ANALYSIS


Successful cross-regional river corridor connecti vity is predicated on how community stakeholders choose to ad-dress important issues and opportuniti es within the Middle Georgia region. The following list of current issues and opportuniti es related to cross-regional river corridor connecti vity were identi fi ed through research, public inquiry, and stakeholder input.

Oconee River Greenway – Arguably, the greatest opportuniti es for cross-regional river corridor connecti vity rest with the Oconee River Greenway Authority (ORGA). The Oconee River Greenway Authority is a State Authority established in the 2002 legislati ve session of the State of Georgia to protect the Oconee River and the surround-ing archeological and historic sites as well as establish a series of unique parks along the Oconee River. A notable component of its mission statement is “to provide increased recreati onal benefi ts, including trails for hikers, jog-gers and non-motorized bikes, visual enjoyment and enhanced river access.” Additi onally: “to coordinate expansion of the Greenway outside of Baldwin County with other counti es along the Oconee River.” A Greenway Master Plan, using a phased approach, has been prepared by the ORGA detailing the various resources and faciliti es projected for future development. The ORGA looks long-term to construct a greenway from Lake Sinclair to the area where the Oconee River enters the Altamaha River in southeast Georgia.

Pulaski-Hawkinsville Riverwalk – A unique opportunity for facilitati ng cross-regional river corridor connecti vity exists in Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville. In an eff ort to improve access and encourage uti lizati on of the Ocmulgee River for recreati onal purposes, the community has been acti vely working to improve boat landings and faciliti es as well as develop a Riverwalk, connecti ng the Uchee Shoals City Park and Boat Ramp to the Mile Branch County Park and Boat Ramp. These eff orts served as a cata-lyst in the recent development of the Ocmulgee River Blue-way, a 54-mile stretch with various access points in Twiggs, Houston, Bleckley, and Pulaski Counti es. Community leaders are acti vely seeking connecti vity between all conservati on areas in the community in an eff ort to establish a greater network of greenspace/conservati on areas throughout the County and to the River. A local River Advisory Committ ee has been formed; a river corridor Master Plan developed; and conti nuati on of the planned Riverwalk north, ulti mately connecti ng to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, has been pro-posed. These acti viti es have allowed Pulaski County and the City of Hawkinsville to partner with neighboring counti es and regions as well as State and federal agencies.

Ocmulgee Heritage Trail – Another signifi cant oppor-tunity within the Middle Georgia region for promul-gati ng cross-regional river corridor connecti vity is the success of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (OHT). The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is currently a nine-mile walking, biking, running, and skati ng trail along the Ocmulgee River in the City of Macon. It currently runs from the Oti s Redding Bridge to Glenn Ridge Drive in the Shirley Hills neighborhood, with an extension to Central City Park and the Ocmulgee Nati onal Monu-

CROSS-REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Creek

Restrooms

Shelters & Play Area

Pulaski County Riverfront ParkConcept Plan 0’ 50’

Prepared by the National Park ServiceRivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program Middle Georgia Regional Development Center

with assistance from

September 2007

100’

Ocm

ulgee River

Tree Canopy

River Trail Corridor

River Trail Corridor

Tent Camping

Nature TrailExtension

Parking-Boats

Parking

Restrooms

EnvironmentalEducation

Stage

Active Areas

Ramps

Nature Trail-Trailhead & Shelters

Fishing

Total Acres: 23North of entrance road: 5 acSouth of entrance road: 19 ac

Figure 15

Figure 16


ment. Also considered part of this facility is a passive recreati on area located at the old water works plant site off North Pierce Avenue. A future extension of the trail is planned that will provide a connecti on to this park. At total build-out, the OHT will be approximately 22 miles long; encompass more than 1,413 acres; and will include ameni-ti es such as trail heads, boat launches, river access, river outlooks, and environmental educati on centers. There are multi ple opportuniti es for future connecti vity with the OHT from other river corridor initi ati ves, as indicated elsewhere in this study. The Trail is a public-private partnership managed by NewTown Macon in cooperati on with the Macon-Bibb County Parks and Recreati on Department. Other key partners include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Transportati on, Macon Water Authority, Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument, Urban Development Authority, and numerous businesses, citi zens and foundati ons.

Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument – The Nati onal Park Service is currently conducti ng a boundary expansion study for Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument, which should be complete by the end of 2012. The study will:

Address whether existi ng park boundaries provide adequate protecti on of park resources.• Evaluate each "parcel" under considerati on (multi ple parcels may be considered together as a single • larger "parcel").Assess impacts on local communiti es and surrounding areas.• Include consultati on with aff ected local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, landowners, and local orga-• nizati ons.Esti mate acquisiti on costs and statement of relati ve prioriti es.• Account for other considerati ons, such as whether there are hazardous materials that would require • miti gati on, buildings that require management, or other disturbances.


United States Department of the InteriorNational Park Service

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The purpose of this action is to conduct a boundary study and environmental assessment (EA) to determine:

1.If a boundary expansion is appropriate; and if so 2.Which properties are appropriate for inclusion in an expanded park boundary.

Purpose of the Boundary Study

Need for the StudyThis boundary study is needed for the following reasons:

approximately 300 acres of land that it wishes to donate to Ocmulgee National Monument. The NPS cannot accept this land unless it has been found appropriate for addition to the monument and formally included in a revised boundary.

adjacent to Ocmulgee National Monument that may be appropriate for inclusion in a revised boundary.

Fields Traditional Cultural Property may warrant further protection via inclusion in Ocmulgee National Monument.

connection between lands currently owned by the NPS and the USFWS. Such a connection would create a protected corridor of public land and make it available for public use.

resources of Ocmulgee National Monument from further urban encroachment.

What is a boundary study? A boundary study is undertaken to determine whether there are additional lands near an existing park unit that ought to be protected via inclusion in the park boundary. The NPS may recommend a boundary revision to:

enjoyment related to the purposes of the park;

need for access, or the need for boundaries to correspond to logical boundary delineations such as topographic or other natural features or roads; or

In order to recommend a boundary expansion or change, the study must determine that added lands will be feasible to administer considering size, configuration, ownership costs, and other factors. It must also find that other alternatives for management and resource protection are not adequate.

This study will:

adequate protection of park resources.

parcels may be considered together as a single larger “parcel”).

areas.

federal agencies, tribes, landowners, and local organizations.

priorities.

are hazardous materials that would require mitigation, buildings that require management or other disturbances.

Once the study is complete, however, the process is just beginning. Congress must act on the recommended boundary changes before any land acquisition can begin or donations accepted.

Study Process, Nepa & Schedule

No boundary adjustment outlined in this study may be accomplished without authorization by the United States Congress. The implementation of action related to a boundary adjustment will depend on future funding and Service-wide priorities. The approval of a boundary adjustment does not guarantee that funding and staffing needed to implement the proposed actions will be forthcoming. Full implementation may be many years into the future.

StUDY AREA

What Happens Next?

Figure 17


Nati onal Park and Preserve – The 50-mile long stretch of the Ocmulgee River that fl ows from Macon to Hawkins-ville contains a wealth of natural and cultural assets, many on existi ng public lands. These public lands include the Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument, Bond Swamp Nati onal Wildlife Refuge, Oaky Woods State Wildlife Management Area, and Ocmulgee State Wildlife Management Area. Robins Air Force Base, in the middle of this corridor, is a criti cal economic contributor to the region. The long-term goal is to increase coordinati on between all of these agencies to establish a formal, connected network of public lands along the Ocmulgee River between Macon and Hawkinsville to form a new Ocmulgee Nati onal Park and Preserve.

The Nati onal Parks Conservati on Associati on (NPCA) and the Ocmulgee Na-ti onal Park and Preserve Initi ati ve (ONPPI), a local stakeholder organizati on, are leading this eff ort. Both organizati ons seek to work cooperati vely and with other community and civic partners to:

Support the expansion of the Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument • to protect additi onal cultural sites, such as the Ocmulgee Old Fields, preserving 17,000 years of human history in the Ocmul-gee River valley; Encourage natural resource conservati on along the eastern edge • of Robins AFB, improving the viability of the Base by prevent-ing encroachment and landscape fragmentati on, supporti ng air quality, and enriching the quality of life for military personnel and area residents. Support the extension of the 54-mile Ocmulgee River Blueway • canoe trail north to Macon and south from Pulaski County, and diversify the regional economy by growing public lands-based recreati on and heritage tourism; Work with sportsmen to secure, expand, and permanently pro-• tect areas that allow public hunti ng and fi shing; Conserve and perpetuate Middle Georgia’s black bear popula-• ti on, while maintaining important wildlife habitat for over 200 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, 80 species of repti les and amphibians, and 100 species of fi sh. Link the Ocmulgee Nati onal Monument together with other • public lands in the corridor and champion their dual designa-ti on as Georgia’s fi rst Nati onal Park & Preserve, in keeping with the goals of House Resoluti on 1256 and Senate Resoluti on 755, passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2004.

Ocmulgee River Blueway – A new and exciti ng cross-regional river corridor connecti vity initi ati ve underway in Middle Georgia is the recently designated Ocmulgee River Blueway. The Blueway is a partnership between Bleckley, Houston, Pulaski, and Twiggs Counti es establishing a canoe and kayak trail along a 54-mile corridor on the Middle Ocmulgee River between Bullard Landing in Twiggs County and Sandy Hammock Landing in the southern end of Pulaski County. The river secti on connects seven existi ng publicly-owned sites and was developed with technical as-sistance from the Nati onal Park Service‘s Rivers, Trails and Conservati on Assistance Program and the City of Hawk-insville Bett er Hometown Program. Ulti mately, the goal is to provide connecti vity beyond the initi al 54-mile route to create a conti nuous Blueway from Macon to Darien and connecti ng into the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail, which stretches along the Atlanti c coast from Florida to Virginia.


Figure 18


Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) – Wildlife Management Areas serve as a vital link in promoti ng river corridor connecti vity. They oft en cross regional boundaries, off er a wide variety of recreati onal opportuniti es, are generally free of uncontrolled development pressures, and thus serve as an excellent avenue for connecti vity. The Middle Georgia study area contains parts of fi ve WMAs that impact river corridor connecti vity. These include the Ocmul-gee WMA, Oaky Woods WMA, Rum Creek WMA, Beaverdam WMA, and Oconee WMA. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources boasts that there is at least one Wildlife Management Area within an hour of every Georgia resident. Signifi cant opportuniti es exist for uti lizing these important conservati on resources in establishing cross-re-gional river corridor connecti vity, within the Middle Georgia region as well as the other Regional Commission study areas.



Similar to the secti on dealing with regional connecti vity, suggested implementati on strategies are provided for stakeholder considerati on when pursuing cross-regional connecti vity opportuniti es. Recommended strategies include:

Collaborate with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on integrati ng the State’s prioriti es from • the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservati on Strategy for Georgia, also known as the State Wildlife Acti on Plan (SWAP) with river corridor connecti vity acti ons.

Coordinate with relevant land trusts (e.g. The Nature Conservancy, The Conservati on Fund, the Trust for • Public Land, the Georgia Land Trust, Georgia Conservancy, etc.) in determining conservati on prioriti es related to river corridor connecti vity plans and projects.

Promote the river corridor as a geotourism desti nati on. Geotourism is defi ned as tourism that sustains • or enhances the geographical character of a place. Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism, that desti nati ons should remain unspoiled for future generati ons, while allowing for ways to protect a place’s character. It adds to sustainability principles by building on a desti nati on’s geographi-cal character and its “sense of place” to emphasize the disti ncti veness of its locale.

Collaborate on developing cross-regional river-based initi ati ves that lend themselves to establishing • and uti lizing connecti vity between faciliti es. Examples include wilderness challenges (combined run-ning, canoeing and biking events), fi shing tournaments, paddle events, scouti ng events, etc.

Obtain appropriate legal consultati on regarding liability issues prior to implementi ng, sponsoring, or • promoti ng recreati onal water acti viti es.

Formulate a consorti um of agencies and stakeholder groups to integrate and coordinate cross-regional • initi ati ves. Conduct periodic planning summits.

RECOMMENDED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES



The study resulted in several noteworthy fi ndings or observati ons related to the feasibility of establishing river corridor connecti vity. These fi ndings represent the most signifi cant barriers to pursuing increased connecti vity in Middle Georgia; however, most can be overcome by employing appropriate implementati ons strategies.

The study found that there are varying degrees of interest and acti vity within the communiti es that make up the study area. While some communiti es have identi fi ed river corridor enhancements as a primary community objec-ti ve and are aggressively pursuing implementati on, others have not taken the necessary steps to gauge community support or to plan for river corridor faciliti es. In some communiti es, strong citi zen support has been demonstrated, but corresponding politi cal support has not been obtained. Additi onally, there are few river corridor-specifi c planning documents developed at the local level. Noteworthy ex-cepti ons include the Oconee River Greenway Master Plan, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Master Plan, and the Pulaski Riverwalk Master Plan. These large scale, multi -county initi ati ves present ideal opportunity for greater coordinati on and communicati on between neighboring counti es, regional enti ti es, and State agencies; although the competi ti ve nature of funding assistance programs someti mes discourages collaborati on between competi ng communiti es.

Also, land ownership issues, specifi cally, privately-owned land along the river corridor, with some being held by enti ti es located outside of the State, present a challenge to those stakeholder groups seeking greater river corri-dor access and connecti vity. Additi onally, while many stakeholders acknowledge that there are economic benefi ts associated with increased river corridor usage, no regional study has taken place to defi ne the potenti al economic impact for the region. Several local offi cials have indicated a concern with maintenance and security needed at ex-isti ng and/or new river faciliti es as well as the aff ect that prolonged drought conditi ons have on river acti viti es and the corresponding economic impact felt by communiti es.

Liability issues associated with promoti ng or sponsoring water acti viti es also pose a problem for local governments and stakeholder groups. The use of liability waivers and liability insurance are oft en used; however, legal review and consultati on is strongly encouraged prior to initi ati ng specifi c acti viti es.

While multi ple obstacles and impediments do certainly exist, opportuniti es for river corridor connecti vity along both the Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers abound within the Middle Georgia Region. In many instances, eff orts at establishing linkage and connecti vity through the use of multi -use trails, greenways, conservati on areas, and recreati onal faciliti es are well underway. Additi onally, opportuniti es for establishing connecti vity across regional boundaries have recently taken greater prominence among many local and regional stakeholders. Recogniti on of the many benefi ts associated with river corridor faciliti es, such as increased recreati onal opportuniti es, community health and quality of life enhancement, and greater economic growth, have all contributed to placing a higher pri-ority on planning for, developing, and funding river corridor faciliti es.

It is the intent of Phase II of this study to provide an analysis of conditi ons at not only the County level, but region-ally and cross-regionally as well. Included in this analysis is a series of suggested implementati on strategies that can be undertaken by individual counti es, regional stakeholders, and/or agencies partnering to foster cross-regional connecti vity. Local and regional stakeholders are encouraged to examine and consider the suggested implementa-ti on strategies provided in this study as a means of addressing the barriers described above. Many of the imple-mentati on strategies off ered have proven successful elsewhere within the State or around the nati on, and may have applicability in Middle Georgia as well.

CONCLUSION


In an eff ort to generate interest and momentum, local offi cials and interested stakeholders are encouraged to im-mediately target those strategies that are relati vely easy to accomplish and serve to demonstrate strong, local com-mitment. For example, facilitati ng passage of support resoluti ons from all aff ected local jurisdicti ons and authori-ti es proclaiming support for river corridor initi ati ves aimed at establishing connecti vity is a relati vely easy task that demonstrates to state and federal agencies the depth of local support. These resoluti ons can also aid in securing funding assistance for river corridor enhancement projects when included in grant applicati ons. To aid in this eff ort, a sample resoluti on is provided in the appendix of this study.

Another example includes a successful strategy employed by the Altamaha River Partnership. Each county along the Altamaha River agreed to identi fy a single area of the river corridor within their county to focus on for local improvements. A similar strategy is suggested for both the Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers. Improvements can be as simple as organizing a clean-up eff ort, installing signage, or placing trash receptacles or picnic tables and benches at existi ng faciliti es. These simple eff orts help to publicize the river as a valuable community resource and serve as a catalyst in enlisti ng volunteers and raising funds.

It is hoped that the analysis, fi ndings, and implementati on strategies contained within this study will prove useful to local and State offi cials and involved stakeholders in their eff orts at achieving river corridor connecti vity.

CONCLUSION


SAMPLE SUPPORT RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION OF ____________ COUNTY or CITY of ____________

WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Transportati on contracted with Heart of Georgia Alta-maha Regional Commission, Middle Georgia Regional Commission, Northeast Georgia Regional Commis-sion, and Three Rivers Regional Commission to conduct a multi -region study examining the feasibility of establishing linkage and connecti vity through the use of multi -use trails, greenways, conservati on areas, and recreati onal faciliti es along the Ocmulgee River and the Oconee River; and

WHEREAS, the fi ndings of the multi -region feasibility study identi fi ed multi ple opportuniti es for establishing river corridor connecti vity; and

WHEREAS, the multi -region feasibility study off ered a series of implementati on strategies, both regionally and cross-regionally, designed to achieve the desired river corridor connecti vity; and

WHEREAS, the multi -region feasibility study recognized numerous economic, recreati onal and quality of life benefi ts associated with establishing river corridor connecti vity; and

WHEREAS, establishing river corridor connecti vity encourages natural resource protecti on and is consistent with the goals and prioriti es of the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreati on Plan (SCORP) of protecti ng open space, wetland preservati on, and the provision of linkages between parks and recre-ati on faciliti es.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the ___________ COUNTY Board of Commissioners or Mayor and Council of the CITY of ___________ hereby proclaim support for eff orts and initi ati ves de-signed at establishing linkage and connecti vity through the use of multi -use trails, greenways, conserva-ti on areas, and recreati onal faciliti es along the Ocmulgee River and the Oconee River where feasible.

______________________________ Chairman / Mayor

ATTEST:

______________________________ County / City Clerk

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