American Rivers to Present at the Southeastern Water Trails Forum in Chattanooga

Presentation on October 29 will cover blue trails and land protection

October 28, 2009

Washington- Two American Rivers’ staff members will present on the connection between blue trails, the water equivalent of hiking trails, and land protection during the Southeastern Water Trails Forum.  Matt Rice, Associate Director of Southeast Conservation, and Staci Williams, Waccamaw River Blue Trail Organizer, will present on October 29th from 3:15-4:45 at the Chattanooga Marriot.

This session will teach water trail developers how to improve recreational opportunities on their water trail by protecting their river through land conservation. The interactive presentation will cover several topics including:

• Developing strategic partnerships.
• Building community support.
• Developing messages.
• Building on existing efforts involving land conservation and watershed protection in the water trail focus area.

The presentation will also include case studies of model water trail projects that are improving recreation through land protection.  The model water trail projects are:

Waccamaw River Blue Trail

• working with land trusts and federal and state agencies to protect critical land
• using the recreational value of the trail to influence local decision makers
• capitalizing on existing land and river protection efforts

Congaree River Blue Trail

• recreational and protective designations
• working with land trusts and landowners and federal and state agencies

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.