For the last several years, Tennessee Wildlife Federation—in partnership with the Southern Environmental Law Center—has worked with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and the Lee administration to prioritize conservation of the Duck River. Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 108—affirming his administration’s commitment to the river and making strides toward ensuring this treasured river continues to be a bountiful resource for generations to come.
The Duck River is a treasured resource, and the Federation applauds this step to its long term conservation. Learn more about the Duck River and why conservation is needed in the video at tnwf.org/duck-river-video.
Specifically, EO 108, which you can read here, affirms Governor Lee’s commitment to the river by:
● Creating the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, which will develop comprehensive watershed management recommendations and advise the state on policies and actions to promote conservation of the river.
● Specifically directing TDEC to carry out long-needed Comprehensive Regional Drought Management Planning on the river, and directing TDEC to revise the Normandy Reservoir Management Plan.
● Continuing the implementation of TDEC’s pilot program for water withdrawal permitting, but with a renewed prioritization on regionalization and reducing water loss.
● Directing TDEC to lead Habitat Conservation Planning under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act to aid in the conservation of the Duck River’s endangered mussels.
● Directing TDEC to evaluate long-term solutions that reduce reliance on the Duck River as a drinking water source, including large-scale infrastructure projects.
● Looking at the surrounding watershed as a whole, putting an increased emphasis on natural infrastructure and innovative approaches to stormwater management as methods of ensuring the health of the river.
● Directing TDEC and TWRA to identify other watersheds where these activities can and should be replicated.
This executive order represents a major stride in the right direction—but our work isn’t complete. In order to ensure the long term health of the river, we will need to continue to show the Governor that this is a priority for conservationists throughout Tennessee.
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter!
, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and the Lee administration to prioritize conservation of the Duck River){kind=link}