SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (July 28, 2008) – Enjoying the scenic Altamaha River, one of Georgia’s most biologically diverse rivers, has never been easier. The Altamaha River Partnership, with support from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, now has available an updated, informative guide to the 137-mile river corridor.

The new Altamaha River Canoe Trail Map & Adventure Guide highlights fishing, boating and watchable wildlife opportunities for all ages along the Altamaha, a system The Nature Conservancy describes as a global conservation priority.

This free-flowing waterway is inhabited by a broad range of animals including rare freshwater mussels, alligators, striped bass, American eel, catfish, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer and more than 300 species of birds. Considered a paradise for photographers, birders, naturalists, fisherman and hunters, the river offers almost boundless recreation for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors.

“For many of us who grew up near the Altamaha, the river provided major recreation such as fishing and boating,” said Constance Riggins, development director for the Altamaha Riverkeepers. “We enjoyed the river’s wildlife and beautiful scenery. We created the guide so that others could share that, one of our area’s greatest natural resources.”

The guide helps call attention to the travel corridor along the Altamaha. “By creating a coalition of communities along the river, they have created a whole new way to find and enjoy nature-based tourism,” Riggins said.

The Altamaha River Partnership is a coalition of state, regional and local representatives formed in 1998 to promote nature-based tourism and associated economic development opportunities in the 11 counties bordering the river. “This opportunity brings together people who might otherwise not know about the activities available,” Riggins said. “… Appreciation promotes conservation, so by bringing attention to the river, we hope to build a sense of protection.”

Program administrator Lynn Carter of Seven Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council said the regional nonprofit is pleased the DNR is a partner in the Altamaha River Partnership and the council area. The council, which serves as home base for the river group and helps with grant administration and office duties, has received “calls for the past year from folks waiting for this new river map and guide to be printed,” Carter said.

The brochure provides a detailed map of the river and boat landing amenities. Diverse recreational opportunities varying from shopping along the Golden Isles Parkway to fishing, cycling and bird watching on the Yamassee Bike and Colonial Coast Birding trails are featured.

Copies are available at local, regional and state visitor centers, plus outfitters and other key sites statewide. Check www.altamahariver.org or e-mail info [at] altamahariver [dot] org for details on supporting the Altamaha River Partnership. Maps of the canoe trails and birding resources such as The Birds of the Altamaha River Corridor can be downloaded at the Web site.

Partial funding for the Altamaha River Canoe Trail Map & Adventure Guide came from Georgia’s Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund. The fund is supported by the sale of bald eagle and hummingbird wildlife license plates, and donations to the Give Wildlife a Chance state income tax checkoff. Learn more at www.georgiawildlife.com.