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With its headwaters beginning in north Georgia, the Altamaha River watershed spans 53 Georgia counties, draining about one-fourth of the state. It is the largest free-flowing, intact water system on the Atlantic coast.
Formed by the joining of the Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers, the mainstem of the Altamaha River – or the lower Altamaha River system – flows freely for 137 miles before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, accounting for 18 percent of the freshwater inputs to the South Atlantic continental shelf. Along the way, the river winds through bottomland hardwood and longleaf pine forests, historic rice fields and cypress-tupelo swamps. The river feeds into one of the highest quality and most expansive estuarine and salt marsh system in the world.
Home to more imperiled species than any other river system in Georgia, the lower Altamaha River system harbors more than 120 rare or endangered plant and animal species. This species inventory includes the largest southern populations of Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons, seven species of freshwater mussels found nowhere else in the world, and the only known example of an old-growth longleaf pine-black oak forest.
Incompatible land and water use practices like conversion of natural areas, water withdrawals, and the spread of non-native invasive species threaten this important watershed. A conservation priority since 1969, the Conservancy has worked to protect 82,000 acres of the lower Altamaha basin. Through scientific study, landowner collaborations, and direct acquisitions, the Conservancy continues to safeguard this important river system.
Nature picture credits (left to right): Photo © Harold E. Malde (swamp); Georgia Plume © David Mikesic .
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