The development of the 300-plus mile Flint River Water Trail stretching from Clayton and Fayette counties to Decatur and Seminole counties has begun, and stakeholder meetings are planned on the process.

Georgia River Network describes a water trail as being similar to a hiking trail but on a waterway with safe public access points, information kiosks and signage and family friendly amenities such as picnic areas and facilities along the route.

The organization requires that a water trail fulfill six criteria to be considered “established” and featured on the Georgia Water Trail Clearinghouse.

“Many Georgia communities are already taking advantage of the multiple benefits provided by water trails,” said Georgia River Network Community Programs Coordinator Gwyneth Moody.

There are currently 15 established and 17 developing water trails in Georgia. Stakeholders from across the Flint River basin have expressed interest in supporting the development of the Flint River Water Trail, ranging from state, county and city officials and representatives to non-profit organizations and community businesses.

Georgia River Network said there are more than a million paddlers in Georgia, and more than $23 billion is spent in outdoor recreation in the state each year. The network also said the proposed water trail could help Georgia meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation activities and, in turn, boost tourism and economic development within communities and throughout the state as well as and introduce people to river issues and engage them in the protection of their waterways.

Moody facilitated the Flint River Water Trail stakeholder kick-off meeting at the end of February in Americus to identify the long-term vision and short-term goals for the Flint River Water Trail. It was determined that the river basin would be divided into the three sub-basin working groups that will meet independently on a monthly basis, with basin-wide quarterly meetings facilitated by Georgia River Network throughout the year.

The working group for the Upper Flint includes Clayton, Fayette, Spalding, Meriwether, Pike, Upson, Talbot, Crawford, Taylor and Peach counties. The Middle Flint group includes Macon, Dooly, Sumter, Lee and Crisp counties and the Lower Flint group includes Worth, Dougherty, Mitchell, Baker, Miller, Decatur and Seminole counties.

The Georgia River Network said it is among the organizations supporting a water trail for recreational boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

“Water trails have many benefits for relatively little investment, and they can help diversify local economies,” said Moody in a statement.

The Flint River Water Trail will affect all or portions of the 43 counties that make up the basin. There are several dozen existing public access points along the Flint, many of which could use improvements, the network said.

“We are very, very excited to see the level of enthusiasm for this project that has already been invested in the work of the steering committee,” Flint Riverkeeper Gordon Rogers said. “Volunteers from throughout the Flint basin have responded to the call to help get this project off of the ground. This work will yield tremendous benefits for the Flint’s communities and Georgia at large.”

The next Flint River Water Trail stakeholders meeting will be held on April 26 from 1- 3 p.m. at the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce at 409 Elm Ave. in Americus. Later in the year, Georgia River Network and Flint Riverkeeper will highlight and paddle a section of the Flint River Water Trail during their annual “Fall Float on the Flint” paddling and camping trip from Oct. 8-10.

“Ultimately, Georgia River Network hopes to see the Flint River become an established water trail in Georgia – bringing economic benefits to the surrounding communities, improving quality of life by providing recreation opportunities, and ensuring a healthy and clean river,” said Moody. “The Flint River Water Trail will provide recreational opportunities, connect local and neighboring communities to the Flint River and support a growing and vibrant tourism industry that provides jobs throughout the outfitting, hospitality and travel sectors.”