TCWN Collaborates to Make History

On May 10, 2004, TCWN participated in a historic event that will protect over 10,000 acres of pristine habitat that will connect the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A signing ceremony cemented an agreement reached regarding the federal relicensing of four hydroelectric dams in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Calderwood and Chilhowee dams in Tennessee. The dams are located on the Little Tennessee River and operated by Tapoco, Inc., a subsidiary of ALCOA. The Nature Conservancy will hold the land in a conservation easement until the ultimate transfer of property to the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.

This agreement will protect habitat for 21 rare and endangered species – including four listed fish – and replenish flow in two previously dry stretches of river. The agreement will also provide more than $12 million in conservation projects and enhanced recreational facilities.

A group of several Tennessee environmental organizations formed TIGRA (Tennessee Interest Groups Association), a broad-based consensus organization designed to negotiate with Tapoco and government agencies to protect this Southern Appalachian land. TIGRA, an innovative collaboration strategy working to protect Tennessee’s valuable natural resources, was conceived by TCWN in our Little Tennessee River Watershed Protection Campaign. Other TIGRA members include:

• National Park Conservation
• AssociationAmerican Rivers
• The Nature Conservancy
• TN Department of Environment and Conservation
• US Forest Service
• National Park Service
• TN Wildlife Rsources Agency
• National Forest
• Foundation Eastern Ban of Cherokee Indians
• US Fish and Wildlife Services

Read Tennessee Clean Water Network's Little Tennessee River Watershed Protection Campaign proposal.

• Proposal Phase 1
• Proposal Phase 2