Construction of the Alabama Channel was completed in February 2012, allowing the western half of the Eagle and Phenix Dam, upstream, to be removed in March 2012. This removal facilitated construction of structures in the Georgia Channel (east half of the river) and opened the rapids in the Alabama Channel for raft and kayak runs that have received high praise from both rafting outfitters and veteran kayakers.
Construction of the Georgia Channel is underway and includes the largest Waveshaper constructed to date, as well as several other wave-creating structures. Construction on the Georgia Channel and the removal of the second half of the Eagle and Phenix Dam is expected to be complete in the spring of 2013.
Construction of the Habitat Pool, which is located north of the Eagle and Phenix Dam as an offshoot from the main stem of the river, was recently completed and will provide tremendous fish and bird habitat with its series of channels and pools and vegetated islands/banks. The Habitat Pool also provides a great opportunity for beginning boaters and stand up paddleboarders to practice and play with its slow moving water and excellent access.
Removal of the City Mills Dam and the subsequent construction of the main put-in are set to begin in the early part of 2013 and the rafting will follow soon thereafter!
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