UCR Executive Director Sally Bethea and other representatives of the Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) met with Gov. Sonny Perdue on Aug. 25 to discuss the ongoing water wars with Florida and Alabama. The Coalition presented a slate of water conservation measures and asked the Governor to implement these during the 2010 legislative session.

U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson issued a long-awaited ruling in the tri-state water dispute on July 17, stating that water supply is not an authorized use of Lake Lanier (pictured above during drought in 2008). UCR and the GWC are advocating for practical solutions to this decades-long conflict that do not rely on continued costly court battles. Click here to read the GWC's Opinion-Editorial published in the July 29 Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

To learn more about the recent tri-state ruling and its possible implications, click here.

Tickets Now On Sale for UCR's Patron Dinner - September 23

Wednesday, September 23, UCR will hold its Annual Patron Appreciation Dinner at Park Tavern in Atlanta's Piedmont Park, celebrating 15 years of protecting the Chattahoochee River. To purchase tickets and/or get more information, click here. The evening begins with a VIP Reception (6:30pm), followed by a seated dinner and program (7:30pm) where we will honor Mayor Shirley Franklin and The Coca-Cola Company for the leadership and commitment they have demonstrated through the Sustainable Atlanta initiative. Other honorees will be Elachee Nature Science Center and Stacy Shelton, former environmental reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. If you are interested in being a sponsor or auction donor for this event, contact Tammy Bates at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (404) 352-9828 x12.

Attention City of Atlanta Residents: ACT NOW to Support Efficiency Measures!

The Atlanta City Council will soon be voting on the proposed Sustainable Building Ordinance, and UCR needs your help--please voice your support for this important measure by September 15! These plans, some of the most progressive in the country, set standards for water-use efficiency, energy, and indoor air quality in new construction projects and will help Atlanta rise to meet many of the serious challenges it faces today.

Click here to learn what you can do to help, and click here to learn more about the Sustainable Building Ordinance.

Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great American Outdoors - Sept. 23-26

An important conference and expo, "Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great American Outdoors," will be held Sept. 23-26 in Atlanta. The purpose of the event is "to showcase the broad diversity among Americans who are committed activists, protecting our environment, conserving our natural treasures, and performing extraordinary feats of personal accomplishment in the 'great outdoors.'"

For more information and to register, click here. To read a related CNN article that highlights UCR Board Member Audrey Peterman, click here.