Chattahoochee River Recognized by America’s Great Outdoors River Initiative

Date: May 21, 2012
Contact: Rudy Evenson, Public Information Officer, 678-538-1241

SANDY SPRINGS, GA: On Monday, May 21, 2012, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar identified the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and National Water Trail as one of 10 river projects across the Southeast to serve as models of the America's Great Outdoors River Initiative to conserve and restore key rivers across the nation, expand outdoor recreational opportunities and support jobs in local communities.

"The Chattahoochee River has long been a favorite place for people to get outdoors in the Atlanta metropolitan area," noted National Recreation Area Superintendent Patty Wissinger. "Our recent designation as a National Water Trail and this recognition from America's Great Outdoors highlights the continuing role that the river plays as a regional and national resource as well. Coming with the start of summer vacation this weekend, this is a great reminder to enjoy the national park in your backyard."

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park Service comprising 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River from Buford Dam on Lake Lanier to Peachtree Creek in the city limits of Atlanta. The National Recreation Area receives approximately three million visitors a year who enjoy over 70 miles of trails for hiking and running and 18 developed river access areas for boating and fishing expeditions. 

For the full Department of the Interior press release, please visit https://on.doi.gov/JKXeJW. 

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About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 395 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.