Community Solutions in the Upper Tennessee River Watershed

The Upper Tennessee River Roundtable is one of the greatest community accomplishments in the Upper Tennessee Watershed. It formed in 1999 with a determination to make a difference in the water quality in the region. Its Executive Board is a snapshot of the community, including representation from agriculture, local government, soil and water districts, business, coal and planning districts and the tourism industry.

Having developed a strategic plan with input from the public, the roundtable is now working hard to make sure its community-driven goals become a reality. For example, localities are now making good progress in the development of urban stormwater management plans throughout the Southwest Virginia region. Bringing the problem of urban nonpoint source pollution to the attention of localities was a critical first step toward improving water quality in the area, and with the assistance of a newly-hired Watershed Coordinator, cities, towns, counties and Planning District Commissions are not only confronting the problem of stormwater pollution, but are striving for solutions to it.

For more information about stormwater management or the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable, e-mail Brian Schmidt at bschmidt@smyth.net.

When it comes to community solutions for NPS pollution in the Upper Tennessee watershed, a dedication last March on the South Fork Holston River was a “sign” of things to come. Neal Kilgore, DCR Watershed Manager for the Upper Tennessee & Big Sandy River Basins helped dedicate a public sign on the South Fork Holston River entitled, “Improving the River Neighborhood” to bring attention to a 17-acre riparian buffer (CREP Practice) which is helping to protect water quality, enhances recreation and wildlife, while satisfying the needs of the farmer.

This model of watershed stewardship was the result of a cooperative partnership between Green Valley Poultry Farm and the Holston River SWCD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Located adjacent to the South Fork Holston River and the Virginia Creeper Trail in Washington County, the 7-foot by 4-foot color sign and the project itself should receive lots of public exposure. Since the Virginia Creeper Trail is a 32-mile “rails-to-trails” greenway hosting 100,000 bikers, hikers, and equestrian enthusiasts annually, the sign is an outstanding educational opportunity to showcase community solutions to water quality.

For more information about community solutions in the Upper Tennessee River Watershed, contact:

DCR’s Tennessee-Big Sandy Watersheds Office
252 W. Main St., Suite 3
Abingdon, VA 24210

Phone: (276) 676-5528
Fax: (276) 676-5527