Up the River: Paddle focuses on clean waters | News

VALDOSTA – Mayor Scott James Matheson and Lowndes County Fee Chairman Invoice Slaughter led the Fourth Annual Withlacoochee River paddle final weekend.

The paddle has turn into a practice for the reason that mayor’s first yr in workplace. The paddle is a two-mile or an 11-mile river paddle, passing the long run web site of Troupville River Camp and Nature Park, alongside the Suwannee River Basin, previous Valdosta’s outfall of its Withlacoochee Wastewater Remedy Plant and right down to Spook Bridge.

The paddle is an outing which additionally serves as a clean-up for any trash discovered within the pathways.

Gretchen Quarterman, government director of the WWALS Watershed Coalition, mentioned the partnership began in 2020 as a method for the group to understand its environment.

“We’re actually showcasing that the Withlacoochee in Valdosta is a good looking and primitive characteristic that residents can use any day,” she mentioned.

Quarterman mentioned the WWALS Watershed Coalition advocates for the rivers within the Suwannee River Basin to keep up the water high quality and maintain polluters accountable.

Slaughter mentioned, “The paddle helps the preservation of our rivers with clear up however actually it’s the camaraderie and appreciation of everybody coming collectively to guard our blue waves in Lowndes County.

“Now with the acquisition of the land close to Troupville Boat Ramp, we will put in a park that may have trails, potential campsites and an academic element to make sure that the historical past of Troupville is highlighted. This might be nice for our younger people.”

Matheson mentioned the paddle thought developed from a gathering with 13 counties in Florida in regards to the sewage construct up in native rivers. He mentioned the problem prompted him to take motion and be part of forces with Slaughter to handle air pollution points.

“We remained dedicated to protecting our waterways clear from the primary yr I met with different officers. Now that we’ve the rivers clear, we would like everybody to get pleasure from by making this an exercise for households.

“The character park is a dream come true for town and county. Anybody that has a love for this water, the extra eyes the higher and possibly that may encourage the group to take higher care of our waterways.”

Matheson mentioned the custom will without end be the Mayor and Chairman’s Paddle as they each assist and have love for the native rivers.