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Our Wonderful Congaree River
June 29, 2008
Without a doubt the Congaree River is one of Columbia's greatest amenities! I am excited about our city's new interest in once again "facing our river" and embracing all the possibilities that it presents in elevating the quality of life for every city resident. I recently attended the June 27th announcement of the one-year anniversary of the Congaree River Blue Trails initiative and learned that this great river has received the prestigious federal designation as a National Recreation Trail. We are now on the map of important tourist destinations!
Shandon neighborhood resident Gerrit Jobsis heads up the Southeastern Office of American Rivers (located on Devine Street), an organization dedicated to the sustainability of our nation's beautiful rivers. Gerrit explained to me at the announcement that the Congaree Blue River Trail is the river equivalent of a hiking path, and it highlights the beautiful wildlife, plant life, birds, and sites along the Congaree. This trail begins at the Gervais Meeting Street Bridge and extends over 50 miles down to Highway 601 landing, going through the lovely 
Congaree National Park. A fabulous new waterproof map has been produced, and I have included a link for you here as well. Wales Garden's residents Mike Dawson and Tracy Swartout also attended the announcement and joined me in the photo with Gerrit. While we were there, we ran into Bob Guilds riding his bike.
I read with great concern a few weeks ago about increasing contamination levels in the Congaree River. We must be vigilant in putting in place policies and procedures to safeguard the future of this great treasure.
The Southeastern Office of American Rivers is located at 2231 Devine Street. You can contact the office at 771-7114 or email Gerrit Jobsis at gjobsis@americanrivers.org.
Be sure to visit the American Rivers website at www.AmericanRivers.com