Amenities The entire theme of this River Walk is to retain as much of the rustic and natural character of the area along this pristine river in Northeast Georgia.  Therefore, as little as possible will be done to change the look and feel of the land, just enough to make the path recognizable and safe.  At some interval along the path there may be some rustic benches, where users of the path may rest, reflect, and go to appreciate the natural sites and sounds of this unique spot.  Because the proposed river walk may be quite long (at this time five and one half miles is proposed) there may be a need for other facilities (bathrooms, trash receptacles, etc.) somewhere along the length of the path.  The number and locations of any such amenities will be determined in the development process and designed into the river walk.  Some features such as benches (in memory of individuals) have already been pledged to the River Walk.  For example, a bench has been pledged in memory of Martha Wyllie, the director of ESP (Extra Special People- a camp for physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged kids of all ages) who passed away two years ago.  Donations (of whatever is thought to be required to make the river walk a safe and enjoyable experience) will be sought as needed. Potential Walk in Camping There are four large tracks of land owned by developers, timber companies, or individuals along this five and one half miles of river.  Each of them is being contacted to discuss the donation of their entire piece of land for the development of this river walk.  If any or all of them decide to donate their entire property (again, any such donation of land to the county and a conservation easement to the Athens Land Trust will have very rewarding tax incentives to the donor) we propose the development of a walk in camping area for youth groups ( 4-H, FFA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc).  Access, again would be via Heritage Park, then along the river walk to the campgrounds.  The placement of a conservation easement on any such donated land has specific requirements and limitations.  Prohibited are activities to develop the land and build houses or other structures, or even ball fields or golf courses, on the land.  Accepted are passive type recreational, conservation, and educational uses.  Prior to the development of such an easement on donated land, the specific structures necessary for such a conservation use (rustic bathroom facilities and perhaps an open-air pavilion for educational meetings,) etc. would need to be included in the easement document.  The Athens Land Trust has expertise in the development of such easements and they have agreed to be instrumental in writing such an easement, and holding such easements on any and all land associated with the river walk.  As more land becomes available, other such educational and conservation type amenities may be developed at various points along the river.