Tupelo and cypress forest on Ebenezer Creek. Join our weekend paddle March 21-23! Register here.

Dear River Protector,

We are in the middle of our busiest season for conservation advocacy! Georgia's legislative session is halfway through with Crossover Day on March 6.

Two bills have been introduced to protect Okefenokee's Trail Ridge from mining threats. The Okefenokee Protection Act HB 561 would permanently prohibit all future mining along Okefenokee’s Trail Ridge. The second bill, HB 562, would place a five-year moratorium on mining along Trail Ridge.

It is essential these bills get attention and signers in just a few days. Contact your legislators and urge them to sign these protection bills.

The legislative session is also a time to educate lawmakers on issues important to Georgians. Join us for Boaters Day at the Capitol on March 18 to talk with legislators about Georgia's river recreation tourism economy and the need for our right of passage to float Georgia rivers and streams to be enshrined in Georgia law.

We are on full alert down at the Capitol for Georgia rivers and your access to them. This requires us to keep on our feet, and 100 percent focused throughout the energizing but very long days. I'm so thankful you have my back and are by our side speaking up for what matters to you as the voice for Georgia Rivers!

Yours in river recreation and conservation, 

Rena Ann Peck

Executive Director

Upcoming Events

Stay Tuned for the Georgia Rivers Training Calendar!

Registration will open for all 2025 kayak and water safety classes on March 7.

Paddle Scholarships Are Available! 

Through funding from our many supporters and sponsors, Georgia Rivers is offering scholarships that provide full and partial complimentary registrations for qualifying individuals. Priority will be given to women, people of color, recent immigrants to the U.S. and low income individuals and families.

We are nearly halfway through the 2025 legislative session! Crossover Day is March 6. Read our latest updates on efforts to protect water trails and right of passage on Georgia rivers.

New Swamp Protection Bills Introduced

Two bills have been introduced in the Georgia State House to protect Okefenokee's Trail Ridge from mining threats. Protecting Trail Ridge is essential to maintain surface water and groundwater hydrology in the Okefenokee, St. Marys River, and surrounding areas.

The first bill, Okefenokee Protection Act HB 561, would permanently prohibit all future mining along Okefenokee’s Trail Ridge.

The second bill, HB 562, would place a five-year moratorium on mining along Trail Ridge. This prohibition would provide time for state regulators and independent scientists to evaluate how mining impacts groundwater levels and the swamp’s water table.

Use our form to contact your legislators and ask them to sign bills that protect the Okefenokee.

Okefenokee Bills in the News

Two bills target mining near Okefenokee Swamp – The Blackshear Times on February 26

As decision on mine near the Okefenokee looms, new swamp protection bills emerge – Atlanta Journal-Constitution on February 24

Lawmakers again propose to protect Okefenokee from mining – The Current on February 21

Two bills targeting mining near Okefenokee Swamp – Capitol Beat on February 21

Georgia House lawmakers float bipartisan bill to protect Okefenokee Swamp from new mining efforts – Georgia Recorder on February 20

Boaters Day at the Capitol

Speak up to protect our Freedom to Float! Join us for Boaters Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 18 from 8 a.m-12 p.m. at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.

The day will begin with a briefing by the Freedom to Float Coalition to help you understand Georgia's boating laws and then head to the House and Senate Capitol to meet with your local legislators. 

To protect Georgia's robust outdoor recreation and tourism economy and to protect the freedom we enjoy to venture down streams of all sizes, the Georgia General Assembly needs to affirm our historic right to boat down all streams capable of floating recreational watercraft. 

Please join us for Boaters Day to meet with your legislators to educate them on this issue. This event is FREE, please RSVP.

Contact your legislators before Boaters Day at the Capitol to educate them on Georgia's boating laws and the importance of recreational boating to the state's economy. Use our form and sample letter to email your legislators.

Fish Georgia Rivers Launched!

Did you know there are well over a million anglers of all ages across Georgia? And even more people are picking up both a rod and paddle - kayak fishing is the fastest growing segment of both paddlesports and fishing.

Fish Georgia Rivers offers anglers access to kayak fishing training, beginner fishing trips, and education to protect the rich abundance of fish native to Georgia rivers.

Learn more about this new program and stay tuned for upcoming classes and trips!

Welcome Program Coordinator Kendon Townsel!

Connect with us!