CRBI annual meeting on Tuesday

Author Woodward will deliver keynote address

Submitted by the Coosa River Basin Initiative

In 1972, two separate unrelated river events occurred that changed the course of our rivers and our culture — the passage of the Clean Water Act and the release of the movie “Deliverance.”

The Clean Water Act led to keeping sewage and other pollutants out of our rivers; “Deliverance” created a generation of canoeing/kayaking enthusiasts. Together, since 1972, these forces have made our country’s rivers cleaner and safer for paddlers, swimmers, boaters and anglers.

The Coosa River Basin Initiative will celebrate these 38 years of protecting our rivers at its annual membership meeting with a keynote address by Doug Woodward, a man considered by many to be one of the “founding fathers” of kayaking in the South. The meeting will take place on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Evans Auditorium on the Berry College campus.

Author of “Wherever Waters Flow,” Woodward served as a consultant and stuntman in the filming of the iconic movie, paddled Jimmy Carter down the Chattooga River’s raging rapids and established one of the first whitewater rafting guide services in the Southeast. He has been paddling rivers for nearly 50 years and will discuss how the growth of paddlesports has aided in the protection of rivers in Georgia and across the nation.

CRBI invited Woodward to speak to highlight the organization’s growing educational outreach programs. Beginning in March, CRBI will rent canoes and kayaks for adventures on local rivers and expand its guided paddle trip schedule with the goal of engaging more than 1,000 people through paddle excursions. In 2009, CRBI led more than 600 people on educational paddle trips on the Coosa and its tributaries.

Also at the meeting CRBI will review its 2009 Annual Report, provide a preview of 2010 goals and water issues, and recognize key volunteers and supporters during 2009.

Alan Crawford of Wax will receive the Ray Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award for his efforts in supporting CRBI events and managing the organization’s paddle trip schedule. In 2009, Crawford became the first paraplegic to complete Paddle Georgia, a week-long canoe and kayak adventure that took place on the Coosawattee and Oostanaula rivers last year.

Stephanie Guyant, a math teacher at Southeast Elementary, will be recognized with CRBI’s Environmental Educator Award. Guyant organized an afterschool program called Club Global that started a recycling program at the school and assisted CRBI with restoration and monitoring efforts on Silver Creek in South Rome.

Mark Lamade of Silver Creek will receive the Water Monitor of the Year award. Lamade served as CRBI’s patrol boat captain for two years as well as president of the Board of Directors. During 2009, he volunteered to conduct regular water monitoring on the Coosa, Oostanaula and Etowah rivers.

Eagle Rock Distributing Co. will be recognized as Corporate Citizen of the Year. Eagle Rock played a key role in sponsoring CRBI’s River Revelry — A Biodiversity Bash by providing beverages for the fundraiser attended by more than 300 supporters. Eagle Rock also promoted CRBI and River Revelry through sales kiosks at local stores.

CRBI will also recognize the Harbin Family by establishing the Margie T. Harbin Award to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that “go the extra mile” for CRBI. Harbin, a long-time supporter of CRBI, passed away on Aug. 18 at the age of 87.

The annual meeting begins with refreshments and socializing at 6:30 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m. More information can be found at www.coosa.org.

CRBI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance. Its mission is to inform and empower citizens to preserve, protect and restore North America’s most biologically diverse river basin.