History of ACF Stakeholders

The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Stakeholders concept was initiated at a meeting in August 2008 where a small group of people who live, work and utilitze the water resources met to explore the question - Can the diverse users of the ACF Basin act cooperatively with the goal of resolving the water resources issues that have been left unsettled in the political and legal system for the past 20 years?

The group agreed that such an effort might work, and decided to convene a meeting of a broader set of stakeholders that represent all of the interests in the basin.

The US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, an independent federal agency charged with resolving disputes, was asked to provide facilitation services at subsequent meetings of stakeholders in the ACF Basin.

Stakeholder forums were held throughout the basin to determine the breadth of interest.

On March 2, 2009, 35 volunteers from throughout the ACF Basin, representing municipal, industrial, environmental, recreational and agricultural interests met as a Steering Committee to develop a mission statement, goals, an executive committee and workgroups.

Workgroups have subsequently worked on financial, charter, stakeholder outreach and work plan issues.

Mission:

To change the operation and
management of the ACF Basin to achieve:

• Equitable solutions among
  stakeholders that balance
  economic, ecological, and social values.
• Viable solutions that
  ensure that the entire ACF Basin is a sustainable resource for
  current and future generations.
  

Goals:

• To develop a consensus-based basin-wide vision and a
  unified voice for the ACF Basin.
• To enhance communication among stakeholders in the ACF Basin.
• To develop and dissiminate a common scientifically valid
  understanding of the ACF Basin,
  including the inter-related nature of water management in the basin, the needs of all of its
  stakeholders, and the limitations of the system.
• To implement solutions that are based on the best
  available technology and science
• To pursue appropriate change to institutional structure, policies, and procedures in
  implementing the solutions set forth by this entity

Importance of the ACF Basin:

• The basin encompasses over 19,000 square miles of drainage area from North
  Georgia to Gulf of Mexico.
• Waters of the ACF are managed for a wide variety of purposes for the benefit of
  diverse stakeholder interest.
• The ACF is a source of fresh water for Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
• The ACF is an economic engine, and a natural, cultural, and historical resource from North Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico.
• The ACF tributaries,
  wetlands, swamps and aquifers contribute to recreational,
  agricultural, industrial and
  municipal activities.

Current Status:

Applications for membership are now being received from stakeholders throughout the ACF basin. This site contains information on the organization's structure; how to join; how the Governing Board will work, the types of objectives the group will be considering - and more. .

The organization will develop issues and objectives through a proces as defined in the Charter. The type of Objectives that the organization will be considering are in this document.

Join the effort to be a part of the solution to 18 years of litigation and conflict.