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USGS RIVER GAGES THREATENED BY CUTS

Under the current administration the U.S. Geological Survey is facing funding cuts and office closures and the House has proposed a 10% cut in funding across the organization. Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the USGS is the science arm of the Department of the Interior and brings an array of data collection and mapping tools in support of decision making in environmental, resource, and public safety issues.

 

The USGS operates a number of steamflow gages in the Flint River Watershed collecting and publishing irreplaceable data used by government agencies, nonprofits, and citizens to make informed decisions. Flint Riverkeeper, our partners, local businesses, and government agencies at all levels rely heavily on these data for policy decisions, planning, flood forecasting, business decisions, and maintaining a safe experience on recreational outings.

 

Flint Riverkeeper is alarmed by these threats to reduce budget, staffing, offices, and other resources at USGS and urges you to contact your representatives. This is a government organization desperately in need of MORE funding and resources, not less.

 

EPD’s Agricultural Water Withdrawal Program is officially accepting applications for the modification to the 2012 suspension announced by Governor Kemp in December of 2024. This is the first issuance of new agricultural water withdrawal permits in this area in over a decade, and the office is ready to start helping farmers and permittees get into compliance and apply for new permits. Director’s Cown’s previous full evaluation can be found: 2024 Evaluation of the 2012 Suspension on Consideration of Agricultural Withdrawal Permits in portions of the Lower Flint and Chattahoochee River Basins (Nov. 2024).

 

Agricultural Withdrawal Application for Flint River Suspension Area : this application is only to be used for eligible withdrawals affected by the 2012 Suspension Area.

Application to Transfer or Modify Agricultural Withdrawal Permit in Flint River Suspension Area: this application is only to be used for modifications to eligible withdrawals affected by the 2012 Suspension Area.

 

Flint Riverkeeper fully supports these modifications and worked with a very diverse team of farmers, other agri-business stakeholders, EPD, the Georgia Water Policy Center at Albany State University, the Jones Center at Ichauway, University of Georgia, and others to develop not only this approach to permitting but also introduce methods and technologies in restoring lost drought flows. You can read more at the website for the Georgia Flow Incentive Trust.

 

Our annual Shoal Lily Paddle Trips are back in 2025 on May 17th and 18th and we would love for YOU to join us! All trips are free for current FRk members, the price for non-members is just $45 (and includes a membership), and canoes and kayaks are available for rent.

 

Saturday May 17 - All Skill Levels Welcome

Saturday's trip is shorter (about 4 miles) and on calmer waters. This trip is perfect for families, new paddlers, or anyone still getting comfortable in the rapids and shoals. We'll spend time in and around the lilies at Hightower Shoals before floating downriver to our takeout.

 

Sunday May 18 - Experienced Paddlers Only

Sunday's trip is a bit longer (about 6 miles) and more challenging as we'll navigate Yellow Jacket Shoals. Paddlers comfortable in moving water will do fine and everyone will have to option to paddle through or walk around the larger rapids. There are significantly more lilies on this trip as we'll travel through Yellow Jacket, Upper Hightower, and Lower Hightower shoals.

 

Flint Riverkeeper, the City of Albany, and Visit Albany GA are proud to offer two opportunites (5/30 and 5/31) to go tubing on the Albany riverfront! This relaxing float is the perfect way to see this part of the Flint and is a family friendly experience. Your tube, lifevest, guide, and shuttle are all included! Please pre-purchase tickets, it is unlikely we will have leftover tickets for walk-ups.

 

Friday May 30 - Meet at the Flint Riverkeeper office at 102 Pine Ave. Albany, GA at 2pm to check in and load on the shuttle van. Expect to return by 6pm.

 

Saturday May 31 - Meet at the Flint Riverkeeper office at 102 Pine Ave. Albany, GA at 1pm to check in and load on the shuttle van. Expect to return by 5pm.

 

**No participants under 5 years old. Any participant under 14 years old must be accompanied by adult 21 years or older. As for any activity including float trips, for the safety of both participants and staff, Flint Riverkeeper reserves the right to limit participation to those we deem physically capable of the activity.

 

*All dates subject to change due to hurricanes, droughts, college football schedules, and hunting seasons.

 

5/17-5/18/25 - Shoal Lily Paddle Trips - Thomaston, GA

The perfect paddle trips to enjoy the annual bloom of the shoal spider lily! Bring mom as a Mother's Day present or come solo to hang out with paddling friends. Registration and more information HERE.

 

5/30-5/31/25 - River Tubing Trips - Albany, GA

The Flint through Albany is perfect for a relaxing float on the river. Join us, and partners, for a tubing adventure! More details and registration HERE.

 

6/7/25 - Knobby Knees Music Festival - Albany, GA

Our annual summer music festival returns to the Flint RiverQuarium for an evening of great music on the banks of the Flint. Tickets and more information coming soon!

 

7/19/25 - Lower Flint Paddle Trip - Albany, GA

This paddle trip is the perfect introduction to the lower Flint River and is ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who enjoys an easy day on the river. We'll search for fossils and artifacts on gravel bars, visit a wrecked steamboat, and swim in ice cold spring waters. Tickets open soon.

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