Atlanta — Feb 16, 2022
The Nature Conservancy of Georgia and Atlanta Regional Commission are collaborating on a community engagement process designed to develop a shared vision of the 3,500-acre South River Forest.
The effort will begin this spring and include a website, online survey, and group tours where residents and other key stakeholders can visit the forest and provide feedback about the area’s future. The Nature Conservancy of Georgia is receiving planning and technical assistance for the project through ARC’s Community Development Assistance Program.
“The South River Forest is one of the largest unspoiled forested areas left in the Atlanta metro area,” said Deron W. Davis, executive director of the Nature Conservancy of Georgia. “It’s critically important that we hear from a diverse group of residents, government officials and other stakeholders as we develop a vision for South River’s future.”
The South River Forest is an important greenspace that protects the South River watershed in southeast Atlanta and southwest DeKalb County. The area includes Intrenchment Creek Park, Gresham Park, the Atlanta Prison Farm, and Constitution Lakes Park.
“The South River Forest plays a critical role in our region’s ecology and offers enormous potential as a regional destination for hiking, walking, and much more,” said Samyukth Shenbaga, Managing Director of Community Development at ARC. “This effort is of great importance to both the City of Atlanta nd DeKalb County, which are committed to preserving the South Forest in a way that accommodates sustainable development and encourages conservation of this precious natural resource.”
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the city of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
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Contact Name: Paul Donsky
Contact Phone: 404-202-4662
Contact Email: pdonsky@atlantaregional.org
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
