Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- Anyone interested in improving access to local waterways is welcome to attend a workshop to learn more about how to do that Thursday at the Georgia Wildlife Federation's Alcovy Conservation Center.

The workshop, called Water Trails -- The Status in Georgia, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center, located at 11600 Hazelbrand Road. The focus will be how to take advantage of the benefits of water trails, including recreation, conservation, economic development and community improvement.

The target audience is watershed groups, local governments, interested residents, chambers of commerce, businesses and state and regional commissions.

"This is an opportunity for people to see how it's done elsewhere and see what opportunities might exist for Newton County and around the state," said Glen Dowling, executive vice president of the Georgia Wildlife Federation. "It's another way to enhance local citizens' ability to engage in the natural world that runs through their county, a way to enhance more localized recreation opportunities with the resources we have in our own county."

The day will include presentations by representatives from the Georgia River Network, National Park Service, American Rivers and the Department of Natural Resources, among others.

The cost to attend is $20 per person and includes a light breakfast and lunch. To register, call 706-549-4508 or visit www.garivers.org/

events/watertrails.htm. Registration can also be done at the door the day of the event.