New Flint River ramps make access easier for boaters, anglers

LEESBURG — Boaters and anglers will find better access at a pair of ramps that have been improved by the Department of Natural Resources, including the Georgia Highway 32 Flint River boat ramp in Lee County, DNR officials say.

“Thanks to efforts of such state agencies as Georgia Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Natural Resources, anglers and boaters have improved and/or new access to both the Flint River and on Big Lazer Public Fishing Area/Wildlife Management Area,” state boat ramp program coordinator Jeff Bishop said Friday.

At the Lee County ramp, an old log-style ramp was replaced with a deeper ramp that DNR officials say provides better river access at low-flow periods. That was part of a larger bridge replacement project by the Georgia DOT, and more enhancements will be coming. DNR officials say plans include widening and paving the access road and parking area near the ramp.

“Good, safe, public access on our waterways is the key to ensuring that private property rights are protected while ensuring that fisher folk and boaters/paddlers have the infrastructure they need to enjoy the public resource,” Gordon Rogers, executive director of Flint Riverkeeper, said. “Our Georgia rivers are so precious, so beautiful, so productive. Improved access to the upper Flint at Big Lazer WMA, on the creek and the river, and on the lower Flint at … Highway 32 are much-appreciated additions to the ways we are privileged to enjoy the Flint.

“They are both located amid some fine shoal bass fishing and paddling sections. Hats off to the Georgia DNR and Georgia DOT for making this happen.”

DNR officials note that the Flint River stretches 344 miles from southern Fulton County to Bainbridge, where it flows into Lake Seminole. The lower Flint is characterized by limestone bluffs, blue hole springs, cypress-lined banks, islands and rocky shoals, and abundant fish and wildlife, rangers say.

DNR officials also said boaters and fishers should keep in mind safety tips when on the water:

• Always let someone know your plan, including where you are going and when you will return;

• Stay with your group;

• Wear a personal flotation device (life jacket);

• Make a contingency plan in case something goes wrong;

• Carry a charged cellphone.

Some websites where information can be obtained include www.gawatertrails.org for paddle trails, www.georgiaoutdoormap.com for boat ramps, www.georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Rivers for fishing on the Flint and other rivers, and www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/public-fishing-areas regarding public fishing areas.