Sign up now for the outing of the year!We're proud to again offer this very special
collaboration between Georgia ForestWatch and the U.S. Forest Service.
We're pairing up to offer you the chance to experience firsthand the awesome
richness of the sparkling Conasauga River. Biologist Jim Herrig will be our
guide as we snorkel a
¼-mile stretch of the river, where up to 45
species of fish have been documented and thousands of fish
can be seen on any given day along with turtles, tadpoles, and salamanders.
Jim will provide equipment including wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. Plus, we'll
have available special viewing boxes that let you see underwater without going
under--this is great for children and non-swimmers.
Date of Outings:Saturday, July 31st, and Saturday, August 14th 2010
Meeting Time, Place, and
Directions: We will meet at 9:45am at a designated place near Chatsworth, GA. More information will be provided upon
reservation and payment (see below). From the meeting place we will caravan to
the snorkel hole. Plan to be out all day.
Leaders:Jim Herrig, USFS Aquatics Biologist, Wayne Jenkins, Georgia ForestWatch Executive Director, and Jill Gottesman, Georgia
ForestWatch Outreach Director
Outing Location:Conasauga River north of the Cohutta Wilderness, near the TN border
General Info: The snorkel location is a short walk from the parking
area. We will offer a private changing area for those who wish to change clothes
before or after snorkeling. If the group is large, we will split in half and
rotate between snorkeling and taking a leisurely stroll along the river. Families with young children will be given priority placement in the first
snorkel group.
Difficulty: Easy, family friendly. Children age 6 and
up are welcome to attend
with a supervising adult. The water is deep in
places, so young children or weak swimmers need safety floats.
Bring: You are welcome to bring your own mask & snorkel.
Due to the sensitive nature of this river, fins/flippers will not be
allowed. Also
bring a swimming suit, water shoes, light hiking shoes, towel, life
jacket or water wings if needed, lunch, beverages, rain gear as
needed. (Allergic to bees/wasps? Remember your meds/epi-pen)
Limit: 40
Rain Date: Rain or Shine. This snorkel will only cancel (or at
least pause for a time) if there are thunderstorms in the area.
Pet Policy: Thank you for not bringing your pet friends on
Georgia ForestWatch outings.
Family Safe Policy: Outings are a smoke, alcohol, and drug free setting,
thanks.
Reserve your spot today!
While most Georgia ForestWatch outings are free, this
outing does carry a fee of $20 per person regardless of age. This fee is
required by the U.S. Forest Service. Payment must be made for the first trip by 5pm on Tuesday, July 20th and for the second trip by 5pm on Tuesday, August 3rd or the
reservation will be canceled. When you sign up, please provide your name, address, phone (preferably
home & cell), e-mail, and names/ages of any children attending.
To sign up via e-mail reply to this message or call Jill at
706-635-8733.
Payment Options:
-Checks via US Mail payable to Georgia ForestWatch, 15 Tower Road, Ellijay,
GA 30540.
-Cash, check, or credit card in person at the Georgia ForestWatch office.
-Credit card via phone. (It is not secure to send your credit card
information via e-mail.)
Refund Policy: After July 20th and August 3rd there are no
refunds for this outing as we must secure your slot with the Forest Service. You
are welcome to send someone in your place.
Our snorkel outings are exciting because of the incredible biodiversity in the Conasauga River! This river flows straight out of the permanently protected Cohutta Wilderness! Read on to learn about a new campaign to expand wilderness areas in Tennessee, some of which are right across our state line.
