The Coosawattee Watershed encompasses approximately 1,320 square miles in northern Georgia and Tennessee, including parts of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The headwaters of the Coosawattee River originate in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flow westward through the valley between the Cohutta and Big Frog Mountain ranges. The watershed is home to a diverse range of aquatic species, including several threatened and endangered species. The region receives an average of 60 inches of precipitation annually, with snowfall occurring in the higher elevations. The watershed also includes several large reservoirs, including Carters Lake and Blue Ridge Lake, which provide drinking water, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding communities. Over the past few decades, the region has experienced increasing temperatures and variable precipitation patterns, leading to concerns about water availability and quality.