Published: May 29, 2009 11:30 am      

Walking tour, paddle trip planned by CRBI

The Coosa River Basin Initiative will host a walking tour of the Burwell Creek area on Thursday, June 4, and a 10-mile paddle on Euharlee Creek and the Etowah River on Saturday, June 13.

The walking tour begins at 5:15 p.m. June 4. Participants will see the area across from Ridge Ferry Park that is proposed to become an upscale development that would include retail, restaurants, offices and pedestrian trails.

CRBI has opposed the plan.

“This is an opportunity for residents to experience this unique area,” said Joe Cook, CRBI executive director. “A lot has been said about this property, but few people in the community have actually walked it and seen what is at stake. I hope we’ll have a group of citizens and elected officials.”

The walk will begin from the parking area on the south end of Ridge Ferry Park near Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and expect to get their shoes dirty. The tour will last one to one and a half hours.

To reserve a space on the tour, contact Cook at (706) 232-2724 or jcook@coosa.org.

The paddle trip, which should take about four hours, begins on the creek in Euharlee and continues down the Etowah.

“This is a great trip for families,” said Cook. “It’s a relatively short trip and there are many islands and shoals for families to stop at and enjoy the river.”

The trip is free to CRBI members. Non-members are charged $35 (per family) and receive a year’s membership in CRBI. Canoe and kayak rentals are available through CRBI and Adventure Rome N’ Around. A shuttle fee is also charged for each vehicle. Space is limited.

To register to participate, contact CRBI volunteer paddle trip coordinator Alan Crawford at (706) 291-7449 or fatboyal@bellsouth.net.