Boating Opens up on the Chattooga

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service, Southern Region

4931 Broad River Road Columbia, S.C. 29212

Contact: Michelle Burnett

(803) 920-6167

March 14, 2012 (FMS 1207)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

US FOREST SERVICE READY FOR BOATERS TO FLOAT UPPER CHATTOOGA WHEN CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT

                                               

(Mountain Rest, S.C.) U.S. Forest Service officials announced today that beginning March 16, 2012, boaters with permits may float the upper segment of the Chattooga River when flows are high enough.

“As soon as the weather cooperates and provides suitable flows, we anticipate that boaters will be floating the upper Chattooga,” said Paul Bradley, forest supervisor for the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. “I want to emphasize, though, that this section of the river is not a place for most boaters – floating in this area at high, fast flows will be dangerous for people who don’t have specialized skills and experience.”

           

Boating is allowed:

·         On the main stem of the upper segment of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River between the confluence of Green Creek in North Carolina and one-quarter mile downstream of the Lick Log Creek confluence in South Carolina.

·         From December 1 to April 30.

·         From the time that flows reach 350 cfs or greater at the USGS Burrells Ford gauge during daylight hours. Daylight hours will be 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. Once boating is allowed, it may continue until 30 minutes after official sunset that same day.

·         With a self-registration boating permit.

·         Using tandem/single capacity hard boats or tandem/single capacity inflatable boats.

·         Starting or ending only at specific put-ins and takeouts as outlined on the self-registration permit:

o   Put-ins: downstream of the Green Creek confluence in North Carolina; Norton Mill Creek confluence in North Carolina; Bullpen Bridge in North Carolina; and Burrells Ford Bridge in Georgia.

o   Takeouts: Norton Mill Creek confluence in North Carolina; Bullpen Bridge in North Carolina; Burrells Ford Bridge in Georgia; and Lick Log Creek confluence in South Carolina.

·         With a minimum of two craft and a maximum of six people per boating group.

Boaters and other users can confirm water flows on the upper segment of the Chattooga River at the USGS gauge at Burrells Ford athttp://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?02176930.

Before visiting, boaters should check http://fs.usda.gov/goto/scnfs/upperchattooga for the most current information on where to pick up boater registration permits, parking, access and the decisions related to recreation uses on the upper segment of the Chattooga River.