When water levels in the Flint drop, a number of rock formations created by early indigenous peoples are exposed. These formations are known as fish weirs and are designed to funnel fish downstream into a waiting basket. Though difficult to date, it is believed the oldest fish weir in the U.S. to be about 6,000 years old and is located in Maine. Across the globe, weirs have been constructed as a method of capturing fish and many of the ones built of stone still remain as intriguing artifacts of history.

For the location of all known fish weirs on the Flint River refer to Joe Cook's "Flint River Users Guide" available for purchase from Flint Riverkeeper by sending an email to jessica@flintriverkeeper.org
Founded in 2002, the Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) is a collection of over 200 groups working together to protect Georgia's water resources. Each year GWC selects candidates for two related, but very different lists. The state's worst offenders find themselves on the annual "Dirty Dozen" roster and Georgia's water heroes are honored by being listed as a member of the "Clean 13."

Like everything this year, the annual award ceremony was first postponed and then cancelled due to the ongoing risks of gathering a crowd in an inclosed space. Undeterred, GWC members and staff have traveled to each Clean 13 awardee individually for a socially-distant ceremony to present these heroes with their awards.

Such an event occurred this past Tuesday in Albany, GA along the banks of the Flint River. Rena Peck, Executive Director of Georgia River Network and Gina Rogers, Director of Operations for Georgia Water Coalition presented the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District with their 2019 Clean 13 Award. In operation since 1939, Flint River SWCD serves farmers, landowners, partners, and citizens by facilitating the widespread implementation of conservation-driven technology, advocating with a strong voice, and offering outreach and education opportunities. You can view the Flint River SWCD Clean 13 video here.

To view the entire Clean 13 and Dirty Dozen lists, click here.
For more information on Flint River SWCD, click here.