Athens Community Watershed Project

Abstract

Representatives from several groups within the Athens community have come together to form the Community Watershed Project (CWP). The Athens CWP is designed to address the particular problems of the North Oconee River drainage in Clarke County, Georgia, while serving as a pilot for community watershed projects throughout the state. The CWP recognizes the need for holistic water quality approaches, and builds upon state and federal activity associated with the Georgia Total Maximum Daily Load (Clean Water Act Section 303) process. Major focus is directed to previously uncontrolled non-point sources. The CWP was initiated with the River Rendezvous: an opportunity for community members to participate in visual surveys assessing the general health and identifying threats to the North Oconee watershed. Future direction of the group will be determined by the goals and values established by participants and the Athens community at large.