In addition to HemlockFest, another much-fun and satisfying activity of Lumpkin Coalition is the annual cleanup of the two beautiful rivers with headwaters in Lumpkin County – the Chestatee River and the Etowah River.
Each year for 15 years Lumpkin Coalition has coordinated cleaning about 40 canoeable river miles (including the reservoir) with on-river teams, and 16 bridge areas and access points with land teams. The first few miles from the origin of each of these two rivers include the most beautiful sections on their journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
This involves many volunteers – 139 persons participated in the last cleanup. They were individuals from the local community, the Atlanta Outdoor Club, the Georgia Canoeing Association, Trout Unlimited, students from environmental classes and organizations at the University of North Georgia, Upper Etowah River Alliance, Lumpkin/Dawson County 4-H clubs, Atlanta Paddlers, Yahoola Trails Conservancy, Lumpkin Coalition, and other organizations. Appalachian Outfitters provides great support each year.
Trash dumps had built up over decades along the rivers. In the early cleanup years, truckloads of trash were hauled out, and the rivers were cleared of tires thrown over the bridges. Now any trash you see around a bridge or access point, or on the river, has most likely been there only since the last cleanup (usually held the first or second Saturday in October). Since the two “covid years” have been skipped, the next cleanup, expected to be held in October 2023, could well provide more than the usual 1,500 to 2,000 pounds of trash – certainly enough for participants to experience satisfaction from their work.
On cleanup day volunteers gather at the home of Nancy, Elvin, and Forest Hilyer at Chuck Shoals on the Etowah River. After breakfast bagels and coffee, they are organized into land and river teams – by choice of the participant – and dispersed to access points and sections of the rivers. They return for an afternoon, or evening, of burgers and beverage – and socializing. (Those who choose to be on river teams bring their own boats.)
The cleanup is conducted as part of the statewide Rivers Alive program of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, which is part of a nationwide effort to clean our waterways. Participation is free and open to all ages. Every participant gets a free T-shirt. If you are a river lover, enjoy satisfaction, and this activity interests you, contact Elvin Hilyer at elvin3865@gmail.comto be placed on the mail list for future cleanups.
