Broad River canoe float to view rare water lily set May 17 at Broad River WMA campground

The Broad River Watershed Association will host a canoe float on Saturday, May 17, to view the rare shoal lily along the lower section of the Broad River between Highway 17 and Highway 79 at the mouth of Clark's Hill Lake.

Participants will meet at the Broad River WMA campground on Highway 79 at 9:30 a.m. May 17. Turn right after you cross the Broad River on Highway 79 South from Elbert County into Lincoln County, and meet at the parking area near the campground showers (there's a small parking fee). Plans include canoeing from Highway 17 to Highway 79 in Elbert, Wilkes, and Lincoln counties.

The rare shoal lily that grows along the Broad River should be in full bloom at this time. During the float, participants will also do a river cleanup as part of National River Cleanup Week. Bring your own canoe or contact Michael Moody at the Broad River Outpost (706-795-3242) to arrange for a canoe or kayak. Cost to non-members is $5 per person or $10 per family, plus any canoe rental. Anyone inter- ested should contact Victor Johnson at 706-795-2184, or Sam Linhart at 706-783-2308.

The Broad River Watershed Association is a regional, non-profit land trust created to preserve the Broad River as a free-flowing river system and to support land use compatible with the maintenance of water quality, scenic rural character, and the preservation of sensitive natural and historic areas and wildlife habitat. BRWA's goal is to ensure, through work with local landowners, local governments, and state agencies, that these natural resources will enhance the quality of life in our region for present and future generations to come.

The Broad River Watershed consists of the land area drained by the Broad River and its tributaries, the Hudson River and the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Broad River. The Broad River contains the largest stretch of pristine, free-flowing (undammed) river remaining in the State of Georgia. The National Park Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Georgia Natural Heritage Program have all noted the pristine character of the Broad River and its outstanding ecological and recreational importance to Northeast Georgia. The BRWA has taken great strides since its founding in 1991 to preserve and protect the Broad River watershed and its natural environment, which are an invaluable resource of this region.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Broad River Watershed Association should write BRWA, P. O. Box 661, Danielsville, Georgia 30633.