Monday on the River

The Jones Bridge Park is usually brimming with activity on the weekends but weekdays often offer a quiet respite for those who have the day off.

Jones Bridge Park, the popular Peachtree Corners park is often abuzz with activity on Saturdays and Sundays. It's one of only two Gwinnett County parks with direct access to the Chattahoochee River. On the day we were there, the current was strong due to the recent release at the Buford Dam. The Corp of Engineers which monitors and releases water from the Buford Dam cautions boaters, fishermen and swimmers to be aware of the release schedule as the water can rise quickly. The Chattachoochee River Keepers, a watchdog group, offers information on the river. For local metro Atlanta dam releases, call: Buford Dam (below Lake Lanier), 855-326-3569 or 770-945-1466 For water quality information go to Surf Your Watershed and for step (1) select "…

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Peachtree Corners Anglers: Find Fishing Spots Online

The new online guide designed to help anglers find places to fish.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), based out of Social Circle, Ga., reported that beginning this past weekend, anglers can now find the new 2013 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide online. It will also be available in print. “This guide is designed to help anglers find great places to fish and to educate them on Georgia’s fishing opportunities and regulations,” explains John Biagi, fisheries management chief. “We advise new and experienced anglers alike to familiarize themselves with this publication before casting a line.” Officials said the 2013 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide is designed to provides helpful information, including color fish identification charts for both …

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Chattahoochee Third Among 'Most Endangered' Rivers in U.S.

The local river lands in third place among America's top 10 most endangered rivers for 2012.

American Rivers named the Chattahoochee River, which defines the western border of Gwinnett County's newest city, Peachree Corners, to be among America’s Most Endangered Rivers Tuesday, shining a national spotlight on two dam and reservoir proposals that some claim are far too expensive and would harm local waters. “The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are facing a critical tipping point,” said Jenny Hoffner of American Rivers. “We all need healthy rivers for our drinking water, health, economy, and quality of life. We hope citizens will join us to ensure a healthy Chattahoochee River and secure water supply for generations to come.” The Chattahoochee is threatened by the proposed Glades …

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Judy Putnam

9:15 am on Friday, May 18, 2012

Civic leaders say the cost to Georgia taxpayers to fund two dam and reservoir projects is too high, is not needed and would endanger the river. But the metro area continues to grow requiring more water so what is the answer?   more ›

Gwinnett Fire/EMS Rescues Two From Buford Dam

Incident happened late Saturday.

Gwinnett Fire-Swift Water Rescue rescued two individuals and one dog stranded on an island in the Chattahoochee River near Buford Dam late Saturday, according to a media release. Lt. Eric Eberly said Sunday that the individuals reported in a 911 call that their boat was quickly taking on water and was about to sink when they made it to the island. Within a short period of time, swift water crews found the party of three in no distress, Eberly said. No injuries were reported. Names were not released. Keep up with what's happening in Peachtree Corners. Subscribe to the Peachtree Corners Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Gwinnett Men OK After Incident on Chattahoochee River

Canoe capsizes; Gwinnett and Forsyth crews summoned to the Chattahoochee near Settles Bridge Park.

Two Gwinnett men extricated themselves from trouble late Tuesday on the Chattahoochee River near Settles Bridge Park in Suwanee after their canoe capsized. Rescue teams from Gwinnett and Forsyth counties were summoned to the scene, and no injuries were reported. Two men from the Lawrenceville area had put into the water at Buford Dam and were planning to exit the river at Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners, said Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge in a media release. One man was able to extricate himself from the river south of Settles Bridge on the Forsyth side and was safe. He was able to make contact with Forsyth County authorities. The second man clung to the borrowed canoe and was carried further downstream before he was able to …

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Chattahoochee Summer Splash on Saturday

4th annual Chattahoochee River Summer Splash is this weekend, Saturday, July 30.

Grab your swimsuit and get your float – the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is hosting the fourth annual Chattahoochee River Summer Splash this weekend, Saturday, July 30.  The 6-mile float - designed to bring families back to the Chattahoochee River to discover the fun in being surrounded by beautiful scenery - travels down the Chattahoochee beginning at Morgan Falls Dam and following the river down to Powers Island. Bring your own raft, canoe or kayak or rent them from any of the local vendors.  According to the recreation area, participants may encounter wildlife during the float downstream. And the river banks offer bright summer wildflowers with visiting butterflies, tracks of muskrat, beaver and otter. At the end of the …

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Viewfinder: Your Community in Pictures

Catching Fish at The Forum

Weekend classes to learn how to fly fish were offered over the summer at the Peachtree Corners' Orvis store.

Fishing has been known to be relaxing, peaceful and even a form of meditation for some. Casting a line into the water and getting the first bite of the day can even be exhilirating. That is why employees at Orvis, an outdoor outfitter store inside The Forum, started offering classes to learn the art form that is fly fishing. Started by Tim Matthews this past May, introductory classes have run every weekend through the summer. Matthews and his staff are all avid anglers and have great tips to pass on to the small classes of between eight and 15 people. The class usually runs for a couple of hours depending on the size. Skills such as knot tying, casting and reeling are taught to those who want to learn. Classes for both beginners and the …

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Tranquil Chattahoochee River Can Turn Perilous in Minutes

Water released upstream at Buford Dam can cause river to rise rapidly putting swimmers and fishermen in danger of drowning.

The Chattahoochee River, long a big draw for swimmers and anglers, has seen a renewed popularity this year. Hot weather combined with the end of a two-year drought has brought more people to its shores. On most days the river is a serene, tranquil spot that's an inviting place for tubing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. A fairly new tubing company, $10 River Tubing, located near the river on Abbotts Bridge Road (Hwy 120), rents tubes and kayaks and provides drop off and pick up transportation for its customers. Weekends brings lines of people waiting to grab a tube and enjoy a lazy ride down the Chattahoochee. But a recent uptick in river rescues and drownings has brought to the forefront just how dangerous the Chattahoochee River can …

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Fishing the Chattahoochee River

Fishing in North Georgia

Despite heat, fishing is good in the rivers and ponds in the area.

With the heat hitting record highs fishing has been still been very good in the Chattahoochee River and small ponds and lakes. You have to get out early and hit the rising fish to stay in the cool morning, but later in the day go deep to catch trout, bream and bass. In the North Georgia mountains with the heat several of the private waters are closed or only fishing in the morning so call ahead before you plan your next trip. Tying Your Own Flies When people think of Fly Fishing they often think of the flies we used to catch fish. Most the flies are tied to look like a bug or a minnow to attract fish. If you're interested in learning to tie your own flies, Max Birnhammer "The Stillwater Angler" is a master at the art of tying flies and …

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$10 River Tubing Implicated in Girl's Drowning

U.S. National Parks Service report claims tubing company failed to warn 9-year-old Peachtree City girl and her family about the Buford Dam's impending water release.

According to a U.S. National Parks Service report, Allsouth Tubing, the company that rented tubing equipment to a 9-year-old Peachtree City girl who drowned June 3 in the Chattahoochee River, failed to warn her and her family about the Buford Dam's impending water release, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday.  Federal law that governs the Chattahoochee River National Recreation area requires the company, which operates as $10 River Tubing, to advise tubers of river dangers, the report states.   Shortly after entering the Chattahoochee River with two adults and three siblings, Ann Van Horn was swept downstream by the river's currents and drowned. She was pulled lifeless from the water about two hours later still wearing her …

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