The Chattahoochee National Forest, a sprawling natural wonder encompassing over 750,000 acres across 18 counties in North Georgia – including 19,000 acres right here in Chattooga County – marked its 89th official anniversary last week. The celebration was a testament to a remarkable century-long journey of recovery, transforming once-abused lands into the vibrant ecological and recreational haven it is today.

Before its official designation by President Franklin Roosevelt on July 9, 1936, the landscape that now forms the Chattahoochee National Forest was in dire straits. At the turn of the 20th century, the beautiful mountains known to today’s thousands of visitors bore the scars of severe degradation. The forest had been extensively abused and overused, falling victim to destructive practices such as hydraulic mining, aggressive overcutting, and unsustainable land and wildlife management.

The tide began to turn in 1911 when the U.S. Forest Service made a pivotal move, purchasing 31,000 acres in Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, and Union counties from the Gennett family for a modest $7 an acre. This landmark acquisition was partly negotiated by Georgia’s first forest ranger, Roscoe Nicholson. Along with Ranger Arthur Woody, Nicholson spearheaded pioneering conservation efforts.

These early Forest Service managers implemented groundbreaking forestry practices aimed at restoring the land. Their efforts included intensive tree planting, aggressive wildfire suppression, robust erosion control, and the reintroduction of dwindling deer and fish populations that had been virtually eliminated from the region.

Today, the fruits of those early labors are evident. The Chattahoochee National Forest is a true national treasure, attracting over 3 million visitors annually, according to the U.S. Forest Service. These visitors engage in a diverse array of activities, from hiking and camping to fishing, hunting, and scenic driving, all while enjoying the meticulously managed resources.

Beyond its immense recreational value, the forest’s popularity contributes significantly to the local economy. Visitor spending across the 18 counties supports countless jobs and businesses, underscoring the vital role the Chattahoochee National Forest plays not only in environmental conservation but also in regional economic prosperity. The 89th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of how dedicated conservation efforts can transform and sustain a precious natural resource for generations to come.

Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia by county:
Banks County – 999 acres
Catoosa County – 14 acres
Chattooga County – 19,383 acres
Dawson County – 6,858 acres
Fannin County – 105,442 acres
Floyd County – 6,625 acres
Gilmer County – 55,712 acres
Gordon County – 8,056 acres
Habersham County – 38,953 acres
Lumpkin County – 57,491 acres
Murray County – 51,616 acres
Rabun County – 148,354 acres
Stephens County – 23,650 acres
Towns County – 57,474 acres
Union County – 97,886 acres
Walker County – 18,952 acres
White County – 41,903 acres
Whitfield County – 11,700 acres