GA-FIT Advisory Board Learns about Partnership with Georgia Aquarium

On October 9, members of the GA-FIT Advisory Board welcomed Katelyn Herman, Manager of Conservation Programs, at Georgia Aquarium to share the history of the Lower Flint Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and reflect on the many years of planning, research, data collection, policy implementation, and partnership building that have led to where we are today. The GA-FIT team, along with the state, local farmers, and many other stakeholders and partners in the region, has created a plan that will balance the needs of endangered freshwater mussels with economic vitality for the region.
 
During the meeting, we heard inspiring stories from Board members, including Richard Royal, Murray Campbell, Tommy Dollar, and Marty Mclendon, who have helped guide this project through every phase. Their reflections remind us that lasting conservation takes time, partnership, and trust.
 
We also had the opportunity to tour Flint RiverQuarium in downtown Albany which celebrates the Flint River ecosystem and its connection to the waters of the world by promoting learning, conservation, and action.
 
We are grateful to Katelyn for taking the time to visit with the GA-FIT team and Advisory Board to hear first-hand accounts of why the freshwater ecosystem in our corner of the world is so important globally.