Conasauga River-forever"
descends rapidly north into Tennessee. The river then flows west for several miles before
returning to Georgia for the remainder of its 90-mile length. The Conasauga River
watershed ? all the land that drains into the river ? includes almost 500,000 acres of land
and nearly 125,000 people.
The waters of the Conasauga River are also home to over 90 different species of fish,
including the amber darter, the blue shiner, and the frecklebelly madtom. One species of
fish, the Conasauga logperch, is found in a 15-mile section of the river and nowhere else
in the world! However, some of the rarest river inhabitants are the two dozen species of
freshwater mussels that live quietly at the bottom of the river. These animals, including
the southern pigtoe and triangular kidneyshell, filter the river?s waters for nourishment.
Of all of the fish, mussels, and other aquatic species of the Conasauga River, 25 species are considered rare.
In the upper parts of the watershed, federally designated wilderness and national forest
lands contribute to the river?s outstanding water quality. No dams block fish movement or
disturb the river?s natural travels.
In the lower sections of the watershed, many farmers and other landowners have
managed their lands well, and this good stewardship has benefited both the river and the
surrounding community. A clean river provides outstanding canoeing and fishing
opportunities, as well as water for agricultural, residential, and industrial use, particularly
by the carpet industry.
