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The Conasauga River

Holly Creek, a tributary of the Conasauga River

 

Background
On the steep, forested slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest Georgia, the clean, cool waters of the Conasauga River descend rapidly through the mountains toward Tennessee. Crossing the state line, the river pauses in deep pools, dropping now and then through a number of small rapids, finishing its journey down to the Oostanaula River in Georgia.

The Conasauga is home to many species of fish and freshwater mussels. Most of the fish inhabit the areas of the river located in the Chattahoochee National Forest where the river flows more rapidly. Freshwater mussels are often found in the valley and around private land where the waters move more slowly. Since fresh water mussels inhabit areas most susceptible to harmful run-off and higher levels of sediment, the Conservancy is working with landowners to help protect the resources and fragile species of the Conasauga River watershed.

Come and Visit
In the Conasauga River watershed there is much to see and enjoy. Recreational opportunities abound - fishing, swimming, canoeing, hiking and snorkeling. People travel from near and far to enjoy the river and beautiful landscape.

Directions
From I-75 to U.S. Forest Service Office in Chatsworth, GA
Get off Interstate 75 at Exit 336 and turn right onto U.S. Highway 41. Continue on U.S. Highway 41 as it changes to US-76/ GA-52/ N Dalton Bypass. Take a left onto GA-52 E/ US-76 E/ Chatsworth Road SE travel just over 7 miles and the U.S. Forest Service office is located on the left. Here you can stop and ask for specific directions to numerous camping sites, trails, and river drop-ins.

Animals We Protect
Mussels of the Conasauga RiverOne of the country's six most biologically diverse river systems, the Conasauga River is home to nearly 50 protected species of animals, including 24 rare and endangered aquatic species, such as the Conasauga logperch, the amber darter, and the blue shiner. Also the Conasauga is home to 25 species of fresh water mussels, including two species which were previously believed to be extinct. By working with landowners, other conservation organizations, industries and government agencies, the Conservancy is working to protect the river system and ultimately, the many rare and endangered species that inhabit its waters.

A mussel release program is just one example of how the Conservancy is working with partners to re-establish a healthy population of rare freshwater mussels in the Conasauga River. In the last few years the Conservancy has assisted the Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute in releasing more than 47,000 juvenile freshwater mussels, including just over 37,000 mussels in 2003 alone. Because mussels are microscopic until a few years of age, the Conservancy and its partners will have to wait a couple of years to determine the survival rate of these releases.

Why This Site Was Selected
The Conasauga River watershed is one of the most biologically diverse river systems in the United States, containing one of the last diverse populations of freshwater mussels in the entire Coosa River basin. The Nature Conservancy recognized the need to protect this ecological resource, and, in 1995 established a community-based office in northwest Georgia. The Conasauga Watershed remains relatively intact, but with increasing pressures on this priceless resource the Conservancy as well as the local community are working to maintain the Conasauga’s pristine and sensitive ecosystem.

What the Conservancy Is Doing
The Conservancy has been working closely with private landowners, government agencies, and industries in the watershed to establish best management practices, restore and protect riparian habitat, and establish permanent conservation easements. These projects are designed to protect  the river system and, ultimately increase the populations of rare and endangered freshwater fish and mussels that inhabit its waters.

Learn more about the Conservancy's on-going efforts to protect the Conasauga River watershed. Download a copy of the Conasauga River fact sheet (pdf, 1.58 MB).


Photo Credit (top to bottom): Holly Creek © Nate Thomas/TNC; Mussels of the Conasauga © Nate Thomas/TNC