Consider this letter a call to arms to anyone who loves free-flowing rivers, whether a paddler, a fisherman, a hunter or simply one who appreciates free-flowing river for what they are.

Paraphrasing the patriot Patrick Henry, “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their river.”

The river is the Flint River, recently named the second most endangered river in the United States by American Rivers. The reason for the designation is because of plans to place dams along the Flint and some of its major tributaries in order to create reservoirs to quench the insatiable thrist of the 15-county Metro Atlanta area.

You can come to the aid of the river by doing two things: 1. By contacting your representatives and senators asking them to oppose any new dams on the Flint or its tributaries, and 2. By joining the Flint Riverkeeper, the non-profit organization with the sole responsiblity of protecting the Flint River. The Flint Riverkeeper address is: Flint Riverkeeper, P.O. Box 468, Albany, GA 31702.

The Web sites for the congressmen are the following: U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm; U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, isakson.senate.gov/contact.cfm; U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, http://bishop.house/gov.

This is one time when you can’t afford to wait around and “let the other guy do it.” Act today, tomorrow might be too late.

Thank for your help.

Steve RaineyAlbany, Ga.