Chattooga Quarterly
Winter, 2006
Winter Grist
Director's Page
This historic grist mill on Fowler Creek in the headwaters of the Chattooga River has been restored and is fully operational. photograph by Peter McIntosh
By now, most people are aware of the reanalysis of recreational use on the upper section of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, that currently is being conducted by the Forest Service. This reanalysis concerns an earlier decision by the Forest Service to continue the existing ban on whitewater boating above the Highway 28 bridge in the latest Sumter National Forest Land Management Plan (revision dated January 2004), and was the result of an appeal by American Whitewater Association (AWA). Read more.
Stargazing in the Watershed
Winter is one of the best seasons to observe stars, constellations and planets in the evening sky because the humidity is low, making the air clearer. Stargazing is even better in an area like the Chattooga River watershed, where the interference from city lights is, in most cases, not an issue. There is a fair amount of interesting activity happening both this month and throughout March, so we put together this little guide to help you identify prominent wintertime constellations and stars. Also, we threw in some background information to aid aspiring astronomers of all experience and interest levels. Read more.
The Cashiers Quadrangle
It has often been said by the folks who really know Chattooga country that one could spend a lifetime exploring the places in the watershed that have cultural, geological, aesthetic, or environmental significance. We thought it might be more practical for our quarterly publication to take it a little bit at a time. This installation marks the first in an ongoing series that will examine an area in the watershed as defined by the standard U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) “quad” maps. The 200,000 acre Chattooga River watershed is covered by 10 USGS quads. We hope you enjoy this first installment in the Chattooga River Quad Discovery Series, featuring the Cashiers Quadrangle. Read more.
River Cane
Bloodroot and black walnut hulls were used to dye splits of the river cane basket that is displayed at the Chattooga Conservancy office. The basket was made by Emma Garrett, a well known Cherokee basket maker. It represents an ancient art that seems to be disappearing. And for those who still practice the art, material for splits is getting harder and harder to come by. River cane is also disappearing. Read more.
- Chattooga Watershed Cultural Heritage Series
- Highlands Timber Sale Appeal Resolved
- Chattooga Land Swap Abandoned
- Roadless Area Conservation Rule Rehash & Revival