What started as a small, seven-man group trying to keep their favorite local river from being dammed and channeled has grown over the last 50 years into a statewide effort to maintain and preserve the health of Tennessee’s waterways.
The Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association has fought for ecological conservation at the local and state level, and has no intentions of stopping soon.
“We’re still growing strong,” says TSRA President James “Woody” Woodall. “A lot of people see conservationists as treehuggers in the way of progress, but we’re watching out for all of Tennessee’s water.”
In its early years, the TSRA was instrumental in passing the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act – the second state river conservation program in the nation – which protects select rivers in the state, keeping them pure and free of overdevelopment and pollution. The organization has worked to add several rivers to the list since the act’s passing in 1968, and is routinely involved in watchdog activities to keep development companies and local governments honest about their local waters.
One of the biggest projects under Woodall’s leadership has been TSRA’s Access Program, dedicated to improving public access to waterways.
“We’ve built access to over 17 sites,” he says. “There are sites all over the state where the only safe access is via private property. We’re seeing this issue popping up in other states. We we’ll continue to drive hard and expand on what we’ve done.”
For more information, check out paddletsra.org.
Tennessee Scenic Rivers
TSRA has been instrumental in protecting waterways throughout the state via the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act:Blackburn Fork River: 1968Buffalo River: 1968Collins River: 1968French Broad River: 1968Harpeth River: 1968Hiwassee River: 1968Roaring River: 1968Spring Creek: 1968Tuckahoe Creek River: 1968Conasauga River: 1969Hatchie River: 1970Obed National Wild and Scenic River: 1976Clinch River: 1996Duck River: 2001Soak Creek: 2016
By the Numbers
0: How many comprehensive river protection acts existed at the time of the passing of the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act in 1968.15: The current number of scenic rivers designated in Tennessee.55: The number of separate watersheds recognized by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Each watershed has been given a unique protection plan by TDEC.40: The percentage of streams and rivers in Tennessee not fit for human recreation according to TDEC.238: How many lifetime members of TSRA are currently active. Woodall estimates the number of currently active members at over 600.37: The number of presidents that have served the TSRA. Terms last for one year before re-election.25: How many dollars it costs for a yearly TSRA membership.
Get Out:
TSRA has a big paddling outing planned for July 9 on the Hiwassee River. While Woodall says they’re in the process of planning for more throughout the year — the Spring Creek, Blackburn Fork, Clinch, Conasauga, French Broad, Hatchie and Roaring rivers are potential destinations — the trips are determined by water levels.If you’re new to paddling, the organization’s Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School might be more your speed. The event is June 24-26 at OAR-Outdoor Adventure Rafting near the Hiwassee River. To learn more about it, visit paddletsra.org/schools/candk.