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Vanessa Bernstein, Sara Hoffman, Emily Patterson, Jeff Turk, Amanda Worthington

Conserving Natural Resources and Expanding Recreational Opportunities in the Upper Etowah Watershed. Vanessa Bernstein, Sara Hoffman, Emily Patterson, Jeff Turk, Amanda Worthington.

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Vanessa Bernstein, Sara Hoffman, Emily Patterson, Jeff Turk, Amanda Worthington

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  1. Conserving Natural Resources and Expanding Recreational Opportunities in the Upper Etowah Watershed Vanessa Bernstein, Sara Hoffman, Emily Patterson, Jeff Turk, Amanda Worthington

  2. Lack of conservation, unsustainable practices, and limited public access along the ecologically sensitive upper Etowah River corridor and its tributaries The Problem

  3. History of the Problem • Regional Greenspace Plan developed by practicum students two years ago • Dr. Bud Freeman’s research in the Etowah • Georgia’s Greenspace Program

  4. The major groups which have interests in this project include: General Public Department of Natural Resources State Government Officials Local Governments The Fish and Wildlife Service Local Landowners Recreational Users Local Land Trusts Stakeholders

  5. Anticipated Change • Conservation of natural areas along the Etowah River • Blueprint for river corridor conservation and sustainable use

  6. Goal • Identify sites along the Etowah River corridor most suitable for conservation and develop a plan for expanding recreational use while protecting natural resources

  7. Objectives • Identify properties • Develop a conceptual plan to link properties for conservation and recreational use • Pursue funding for implementation of conceptual plan

  8. The identification of areas most suitable for the development of a conservation plan will be based on the following criteria: Darter habitat protection Ecological importance Availability of lands Education Public Access Connectivity to other greenspace Recreation Local resources Historical/Cultural significance Geological significance Support from local conservation organizations Fiscal constraints Scenic value Decision-Making Criteria

  9. Activities • Construct a decision matrix based on the criteria identified • Identify and map sites • Produce funding proposals • Design site-specific plans including educational opportunities

  10. Uncertainties • What properties will be selected? • Will the landowners cooperate? • What is the most suitable use? • Will stakeholders have similar visions?

  11. Barriers • Difficulty obtaining information • Conflict of interest among stakeholders

  12. Decision Makers and Interests • Governor Perdue and selection committee • Fish and Wildlife Service • Landowners • Etowah Practicum

  13. Leverage • Governor's vision of merit-based Greenspace Program • Endangered Species Act and darter protection • Incentives for landowners

  14. Decisive Events • Property selection • Submission of funding proposals

  15. Marks of Success • Implementation of design proposal • Access to and use of selected properties • Protection of darter habitat

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